#batfamiy

“Want a big girl bed!”

Everybody freezes hearing the announcement, not ready for her to grow up, even in this smalles way. The boys exchange nervous glances while Selina smirks, amused, into her coffee. “Baby steps, Alessia. You’re still our little girl.” Bruce says, though there’s a hint of reluctance in his voice. “But big girl bed…” Alessia says growing frustrated.

Jason speaks up first, trying to sound casual, “Maybe we can compromise with a bigger toddler bed? You can decorate it however you want.” he says capturing her attention. “Want a castle! With pink!” she says, once again energetically happy. Tim pulls out his phone, quickly searching for pirncess beds, “We can find one that looks like a castle. but it has to be safe, okay?” Bruce says, defeated. Alessia nods quickly overflowing with excitement.

The rest of that week, the boys work in Alessia’s room building the new bed, trying to drag out the process as long as possible, not ready to see her grow up. Selina watches as Alessia peeks out from her spot on the couch, “Not yet princess.” she says. Alessia huffs and melts onto the couch, “Wanna see.” Selina laughs and kisses her head. “Soon baby, just wait a little longer until it’s all finished.”

When Selina gets up to answer a call Alessia takes it as her opportunity and runs up the stairs then tip toes her way to her room. As she’s about to open the door to see the progress happening inside she’s swept up into arms and carried away. She groans and flops her head on the person’s shoulder. “Grandpa, I wan see.” She says. Alfred holds her with a knowing smile, “Patience, my dear. Let’s let your brothers and father finish the room.” he says, and carries her to the kitchen. “Okayyyyy.”

Alfred chuckels at her stuborness. “How about some pancakes while you wait?” he asks, begining to prepare her favoite breakfast. “With nanas?” she asks tilter her head up, to which Alfred chuckles, “Yes with bananas, and strawberries. Just like you like them.” After she begins to eat, Bruce enters the kitchen setting down his phone, “Good morning, little one. Did Alfred tell you to wait?” he asks smiling.

Alessia huffs and nods. “Well your room is ready if you want to-” before he could finish she stands in her seat holding her arms out to Bruce. He chuckles and lifts her out placing her on the floor to which she races for the door. Bruce picks her up when they get up to her room trying to contain her energy. “Be gentle with your brothers, they’re still tired.” he says and she nods. Stepping inside the room, Alessia gasps as she looks around. The room is now fully furnished with a custom built princess bed, toy chest, small play tent area, coloring and play area, and her favorite stuffed toys across the bed. Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian sprawled across the floor asleep.

Alessia screams happily seeing the room clapping. Dick and Jason jolt awake, nearly hitting their heads on the bed frame, while Damian slaps Tim. Alessia wiggles out of Bruce’s arms after giving him a kiss on the cheek then runs over hugging each of her brothers, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Tim being the last on her route catches her and tickles her sides, “No problem, Alessia. But next time, let us sleep in peace, okay?”

Alessia giggles not hearing him through all her energy, “Princess bed!” Damian sits up, trying to hide his smile, “Yes, we made it just for you. Now try to be careful, it isn’t ot a trampoline.” he tries to sound stern but fails. Alessia runs over seeing the castle shaped bed with fluffy pink blankets and crown shaped pillows. Above the bed, a little staircast so she can play and read books at the top.

She climbs up and looks around the room then sees an area filled with toys and puzzles and runs over looking around at all of them. The area included some educational toys, like a small fake chemistry set, and a small kid’s music keyboard, and Tim notices her examining them. “These are special toys for smart princesses like you. Want to try them out?” He asks.

“Yeah!” She says bouncing on her toes. Jason brings over a puzzle with colorful shapes and sits down placing her on his lap. “Here’s one to start with. Think you can solve it?” he challenges playfully. “Uh-huh.” Alessia nods with confidence. She works through the puzzle huffing when she gets stuck in some places, but finishes none the less. “Look Jayjay, it’s a doggy!”

Jason watches as she fits each piece together and smies, “Wow you’re a puzzle master, princess. You even let me help!” he says with genuine surprise. Although he tells himself he shouldn’t be shocked, she is Batman’s daughter after all. She looks at the finishes puzzle and a thought sparks in her brain, “Dami, where’s Titus?”

Damian walks out to his room and opens the door, the great dane sprinting out down the hall slowing when he gets to Alessia’s room and goes to her licking her. Alessia giggles and starts playing with Titus walking him around her room as she examines everything. The other boys watch as Titus rolls over, asking for belly rubs and Damian smiles, “Looks like Titus has a new favorite already.” he comments while taking photos.

Alessia keeps playing until it’s time for her nap, in which Jason lifts her up gently. “Naptime for our little princess. Come on, let’s get you tucked in.” he carries her to her new bed. “Princess bed.” She yawns happily. Titus jumps up carefully, curling protectively around her. Alessia gives the boys a small wave and quickly falls asleep holding Titus.

Bruce watches her drift off with a soft smiles, motioning for the boys to leave quietly.

####

Selina enters after her nap with her hands filled of shopping bags and heads to her already full closet. She start’s arranging the clothes when Alessia walks in, “Hi Lina.” She smiles and picks the little princess up resting her on her hip. “Hi sweetheart, wanna try on a new outfit?” she asks and Alessia nods. A few minutes later Alessia stands in the middle of the closet in a pink shirt and overall style skirt, with banana shoes.

Selina twirls her around in front of the mirror admiring her work. “You look absolutely precious!” she snaps pictures while Bruce leans against the wall, his usual stoic expression softened. She looks up at Selina then smiles running into Bruce’s arms and being picked up, “Daddy, wan get ear jewelry.” she says happily. Bruce hesitates for a moment, then looks at Selina, “Are you sure you want that, Alessia? It’s a big decision.” He says examining her expression.

“Wan earring like Lina.” She says, her smile unfased. Selina grins and stands next to them then Bruce sighs, “Alright princess, but only one pair for now. And we’ll go to a professional to do it safely.” he says, giving in. “Yay!” Bruce sighs again but can’t help smiling at her excitement.

“I’ll make some calls. Let’s get this done properly.” he pulls out his phone while handing Alessia to Selina to talk about what she’ll get.

The next day Alessia is sitting in the chair at the jewelers excitedly. The store is closed just for her, with Bruce standing protectively nearby, not wanting his daughter exposed by the press. “You’re going to be brave for us, right princess?” he holds her hand while the piercer prepares. “Yeah daddy, just like you.” 

The piercer gently marks her ears, “Alright, here we go. Count to three for me kiddo.” Bruce squeezes her hand reassuringly. “One two-ow!” she squeezes her eyes tight. The needle pierces through her earlobe and she tenses but holds back tears. “You did great princess. Almost done.” Bruce keeps his eyes on her, concerned but proud.

She holds Bruce’s hand with a slight pout. Bruce strokes her hair with his free hand, looking torn by her pain. “I know it hurts, but you’re being so brave.” he pulls out a small gift box from his pocket as the jeweler moves to the other ear.

Bruce hands her the box to distract her while the pierces works on the other side. “Look what I got you. Open it while they finish.” he watches anxiously as she reaches into the bag. “Okay-ow!” the piercer quickly finishes the other side before she gets a chance to move. She opens the box while blinking her tears away and gasps happily.

She sees a small heart pendant with her initials in cursive and her smile lightens. She hugs Bruce and Selina takes a quick picture of the moment. He gently puts the necklace on and she smiles. “Look Lina! Earrings.” Selina crouches down to admire her new piercings. “They look perfect on you darling. Just like I knew they would.” she hugs her carefuly.

“Thank you.” Alessia says to the worker who smiles warmly at her politness. “You’re welcome sweetie. They suit you. Would you like to see them in the mirror?” she gestures to the display. “Please!” Bruce lifts her up so she can see her reflection. “What do you think princess? Ready to show everyone?” he asks.

When they arrive at the manor she’s in Bruce’s arms smiling big. “Show the boys!” she says excitedly. Bruce carries her other to the living room where her brothers are gathered. “Alright, everyone, Alessia has something to show you.” he says while Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian approach curiously. Bruce set’s her down and she runs over to Jason, the brother she may be the closest with—both sharing a love of food and cartoons, Jason catches her and picks her up, “Hey there, babybat. whatcha got?”

She pulls her hair back and his jaw drops, his head snapping over to Bruce. Jason looks between her and Bruce, then bursts out laughing. “Dam B, you let her get her ears pierced?” he ruffles her hair affectionately. “Is pretty!” she says, feeling them gently, still a little sore. Dick and Tim approach to examine her pericings more closely.

“They’re more than pretty.” Dick teases while Tim studies them with genuine interest. “Look Dami.” Damian approaches with his usual stoic expression, but his eyes soften when he sees her. “Tt. They’re adequate.” he mutters, but his protective hand finds hers. “Pink!” she says turning her head to both sides.

Bruce smirks at her excitement while her brother chuckle, “Yes, princess. Pink and shiny, just like you wanted.” He crosses his arms proudly.

Next chapter…babysitter Jayjay…