Bruce enjoyed one of his first mornings in a very long time off by sleeping in when he heard the near silent opening of the door and the whispers of his children as they got closer. Before feeling the giggling weight on his chest.

Opening his eyes, he was met with the bright eye blonde.

"Good morning!" she greeted a little too loud.

"We are going to grab some food downstairs. You coming?" Tim explained their early wake-up call. Looking over the clock flashed 8:30 a.m., he nodded.

Steph cheered before jumping off to join the boys who said they would meet him downstairs.

Upon arriving, he smiled at the scene before him. Steph was adamantly talking to Dick about something while Tim unsurprisingly inhaled his coffee. Damian was once again ignoring his family and Jason was trying to fully wake up. For a moment they looked like a normal family.

Steph looked over as he came closer.

"Can we finally get food?" Bruce chuckled and nodded before she took off.

As she went through the buffet line and loaded up her plate. She saw the last box of fruity pebbles. Reaching out for it, another head landed on top of hers. Looking over she saw a brown-eyed, blonde haired little boy in expensive clothes glare at her.

"That is mine." He remarked like it was obvious and pulled it closer. Not that she was going to let a stuck-up rich kid push her around.

"Doesn't have your name on it."

"Well, I saw it first."

"How could you know that." She yanked it out of his hand. Grinning triumphantly.

Growing frustrated, he came over to her side. Frown ever present on his face as he reached to grab it. But Steph was to fast with a step back.

"Nice try." She smirked and turned to leave when a hand pulled her shirt back.

"Give it back!" Steph yanked her shirt out of his hand. Squaring him up.

"Steph?" Tim walked over upon seeing her tense posture and the upset boy. Noticing the box of sugary cereal, he could only imagine what this was about. Still, he wanted to give them a chance to explain.

"What is wrong?"

"This jerk put his hands on me." She defended

"Only because you stole my food." he rebutted.

"Just because you have money doesn't mean everything is yours asshole."

"Stephanie." she was shocked by the anger in Tim's voice.

"Apologize. That was very rude." Stern face in place. She was shocked that he was against her.

"But it is true!"

"I don't care. You are in control of your actions. Not the other way around." She crossed her arms and glared up at him.

"No." not being the response he wanted and knowing how stubborn she could be. Tim took the carton from her and handed it to the boy before grabbing her hand. Dragging her back to the table where the cheerful chatter ceased upon their arrival.

"What happened?" Dick asked seeing his usually very calm little brother pissed off.

"Tim is being a jerk." Steph vaguely explained while trying to pull her hand away. But to no avail with his firm grip.

"Just because you didn't get what you wanted doesn't mean you can act like a brat and talk to people like that." The brat comment feeling like a slap to the face.

"Talking to people how." Bruce asked. If Tim was upset the girl must have said something disrespectful. as it was a pet peeve of Tim's to always be in control of your emotions.

"I only called him an asshole because he fucking is." she defended.

"Stephanie!" Dick copied Tim's tone as Bruce darkly glared at her. So much for a happy morning.

Glancing around she could see Dick and Tim were disappointed while Jay (surprisingly) and Bruce were angry, and Damian was just annoyed.

"Why are you all ganging up on me." Angry at having no one on her side.

"We aren't ganging up on you. But Tim is right. You can't go around speaking to people like that just because you are upset." Dick explained

"Everyone in Gotham does it. You guys do it too."

"Blondie don't go comparing Gotham to anything. It is a category all its own. Second, we are adults and know when and where to start throwing those words around." Jason scolded

"That is bullshit." Truly surprised that Jason of all people would lecture her on this. Anger and frustration growing.

"Stephanie one more word." Bruce had switched to a bat glare and he met her stubbornness head on.

"Or you'll what?" she snapped.

Of course, this was the worst thing to say as the boys cautiously looked between the two.

After about a minute Bruce silently stood before grabbing her wrist. Pulling her towards the elevators.

"You boys enjoy breakfast. We will be right back." Bruce threw over his shoulder. Confused Steph debated struggling or just going along with it. From the tension, she had a feeling the latter would be better for her.

Looking back, she caught glimpses of sympathy from the boys. That alone began to worry her more.

The tense, silent ride up intensified her nerves. When her dad wanted to have a talk alone, he was usually yelling/cussing up a storm and it usually ended with new bruises and broken bones. But Bruce was the complete opposite.

As the door opened, his grip never leaving her wrist, they made their way to his room.

"Bruce."

"Be quiet." The harsh reply only made her want to bolt more.

As he pulled her into the room, she was directed to a corner to the left of the bed. Realizing his intentions, she looked up with wide eyes. He seriously was putting her in time out. Like a two-year-old!

"You will stay here, not moving, and think of the temper tantrum you just threw." Not appreciated being called a toddler and throwing a tantrum she opened her mouth to argue. But Bruce beat her to it.

"I would be very careful of the next words out of your mouth or we can spend the whole day in here fixing your attitude." Gluing her to the spot with a harsh look.

Steph huffed, crossed her arms, and turned to face the stupid corner. Leaning her head against the wall.

"Stand up straight." Bruce ordered from behind her. Her body tensed with resentment but complied. Which seemed to appease him as he walked away.

After about 15 minutes of staring in silence at the wall. Steph couldn't help but think of her actions from earlier. While at first, she saw nothing wrong. The longer she dwelled on it the guiltier she felt.

Not necessarily about the little jerk but how she spoke to her new family. The people who have been going out of their way to be kind and caring to her. Arms dropping to her side as the guilt took over. It was at that moment the other occupant of the room called her over.

"Stephanie. Come here." Turning around she saw Bruce sitting on the end of the bed with a disappointed look on his face.

Gulping she walked over as her hand-picked at a loose stray on her shorts. Standing before him she couldn't meet his eyes. Not that she had much of a choice as he gently pushed her chin up.

"Do we need to discuss why what you did was wrong?" she shook her head.

"What happened to make you act that way?" she embarrassedly looked back down and continued to pick at her shorts.

"Eyes up." To which she ignored.

"Stephanie." Bruce prompted with a tone that none of them could ignore. Steph nervously glanced up to meet not angry but patient eyes.

"I don't know why I got upset. I guess it was because that kid was so stuck up. I know you said I don't need to worry about food. But when that kid got all bossy, I couldn't let him get away with being an ass-. A brat." Catching herself.

"Did you gain anything from acting this way?"

"…No."

"Then you see why throwing tantrum will get you nowhere." Bruce sternly explained as red dusted her tan checks.

"Yes." Bruce stared at her for another minute before softening his features as sadness filled them.

"Alright. Let's deal with your language." He stood before placing hands on her shoulders. Directing them towards the bathroom.

Tensing, knowing why they were going there (since she was reminded almost daily that they would keep their promise to wash her mouth out) she dug her heels into the carpet. Bumping into Bruce behind her and turning to him with wide, pleading eyes.

"Bruce, please. I am sorry!" with his normally stoic face in place he gently pushed her forward.

"You knew this was coming. We have warned you from the beginning about the language." Picking her up when she once again stopped walking. He carried her to the bathroom sink before placing her on the counter.

"I won't do it again!" she defended trying to scoot off the marble counter. Though predicting this Bruce boxed her with his arms on either side.

"Stephanie that is enough. You knew the consequences of your actions yet did it anyway." Not an ounce of sympathy was present in his voice or posture as he glared the girl into submission. Which only resulted in the stubborn anger to rise again.

"You can't do this! You aren't my dad!" she yelled but Bruce was unmoved.

"that may be but as I have repeatedly told you. That while in my care you will listen to what I tell you. I will not let you turn into a rude brat." Once again, her cheeks filled with red. But a deep, hidden part of her was happy that he was acting so parental towards her.

Bruce moved to lather up a new bar of soap and dread filled her as he brought it to her lips. Which she defiantly kept closed. Bruce, of course, was not amused.

"Open." He ordered as he pushed it closer. To which the stubborn child just moved her head.

"Stephanie you will listen and do as you are told or you will go home to receive a worse punishment."

A part of her wanted to call him on his bluff but she knew it wasn't. There is no doubt that he would leave the boys here to have fun and put her back on a plane back to Gotham.

Giving one last pleading look which did nothing to waiver the stoic man. She slowly opened, and the awful taste overcame her when it was shoved in.

Trying to pull her tongue back to avoid as much contact as possible. Bruce leaned against the wall across from her with arms crossed and a silent, observant look.

Not being able to keep such intense eye contact, she focused on her lap. After a few minutes, the guilt returned at how much of a disappointment she was. Not even being able to get through a simple meal.

Without realizing it a tear landed on her thigh and as they fell, she wiped at her eyes to stop the others.

Bruce moved forward to take pity on the little girl before him with a cup of water.

"Do you understand?" obviously asking if she understood the error of her ways and that while with them, she was at the bottom of the totem pole. She was the child and they the adults. She nodded.

Gaze softening, he wiped away a stray tear before pulling the bar out and offering the water. Which she gladly took.

Though the ordeal was over the tears kept coming. As she continued to wipe at them and sniffle.

Bruce sighed as he picked her up and carried them over to the bed.

"What is wrong?" Bruce gently asked, offering her a tissue.

"You hate me." She rubbed at her eyes. Brushing her hair back, Bruce pulled her closer.

"Why would you think that?" Steph held her tongue. Bruce pushed her chin up.

"Stephanie." He asked in a surprisingly loving tone. A gesture her father never ever would have shown her. A father that would rather beat her than give her a word of kindness.

These feelings only resulted in more tears as she launched herself at him. Burying her face in his huge chest.

"I wish you were my dad." She whispered, tightening her grip to strengthen her resolve.

Bruce tensed as he knew how cruel her father was and how cold he was to her when she was Robin (and even still Batgirl). Keeping her down and pushing her away. Especially when she needed someone.

Somehow this situation had been a blessing in disguise. a chance to give this child and himself another chance.

Tightening his grip, he held her close for a few minutes before pulling her back. The tears that had slowed but a few made their way down her baby like face pulled at his heartstrings.

"In an unconventional way, I already am." He cupped her face and wiped the remaining tears. While she looked at him confused.

"You are my care and as I said I care for you very much. You might not have my name, but you are one of mine none the less." He clarified

To which her eyes filled with love and she offered a truly blinding smile (that could rival even Dick's). Not being able to stop himself, he dropped a kiss to her forehead.

As they enjoyed each other's company, a loud grumble broke the silence. Steph blushed in embarrassment. While Bruce chuckled.

"Shall we join the others?" nodding she slid off. Talking a mile, a minute as they headed back downstairs.

Upon arriving in the dining area, they found the boys right where they left them. But Steph hesitated before moving closer. Embarrassed about her rude outburst.

Understanding her reluctance, Bruce placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and moved them towards the others.

The laughter dimed as the pair approached. seeing that they were all looking at her she took a deep breath.

"I am sorry about earlier."

"It is alright kid. Everyone gets angry and with these rich snobs it was inevitable." Jason reassures. Grateful for his nonchalance.

"What Jay means to say is we are not angry with you." Dick states with a playful push at his younger brother.

Glancing over at Tim she saw all traces of anger gone. Which made all the difference since she was the rudest to him.

It was then that she noticed the plate of food untouched in front of him. Realizing that they had saved her some food made her heart fill with love.

Throwing an appreciative smile, she climbed into Tim's lap before pulling the plate closer. Surprised, the older boy simply put an arm loosely around her waist.

As she enjoyed her hard-earned meal, Steph couldn't believe the family she had found.

After breakfast, they went to the festival as it was the last day and Dick would not stop talking about. Though to be honest it was huge, with dozens of rides, games, and food stands. As they bounced between activities Steph had the most fun when she could go with them. It was one of the best days ever.

Steph was now enjoying her much earned ice cream that she was promised from yesterday, waiting with Damian as the others went to the restroom or got more food.

Shooting a glance to the Wayne male that she had spent the least amount of time with. She noticed the familiar scowl in place as he ignored her for his phone. He really did look just like Bruce. Well except for the green eyes and tan skin.

Having felt her stare, he looked over.

"What."

"Nothing." She quickly replied glancing down at her melting bowl. Trying to find a way to bridge the awkwardness in their relationship. She pushed her treat towards him.

"you want some?" staring down at her offer, he scrunched up his nose.

"that is pure sugar."

"It is pure heaven." she defended as he rolled his eyes.

"Tt." Making his signature sound before going back to his phone.

"Would you like a balloon sweetie." Glancing up she saw the face a young man in festival clothes. Bright green eyes shining. While they had never met there was something about him that just made her uncomfortable.

"No thank you." Though it seemed this man was not taking no for answer.

"Come on kiddo. Don't you want a free prize." The smile unnerving her more as he moved to sit next to her. Not noticing Damian tensing up.

"She said no. so get lost." He growled and for a second Steph thought he sounded protective. Though this man was not intimidated in the least.

"Relax child. I am just being friendly." He turned back to her.

"I have been looking everywhere for you." At that moment a chill crawled up her spine. Damian made a move to get up but was forcefully pulled back onto the bench by an invisible force.

"It would seem that my little spell worked better than I could have hoped." He smirked and every instinct in her said to get away. Trying to move closer to the struggling Damian. The man reached out to grab her wrist.

"Don't be like that beautiful. I thought we bonded back in that bank." And that is when it clicked. Memories flooded her mind of that night. From leaving the cave with Cass to patrolling, to getting to the bank and fighting the man before her, to becoming small and Tim finding her.

"I see you remember." He reached out to stroke her face as she sat astonished with so many memories coming back at once.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Damian growled to which the man looked over with an annoyed look at her presence. With a flick of his hand, Damian hunched over as blood spilled from his mouth.

"Damian!" She tried to go to him. Even if they were not even close, they were still family and she cared for him. Turning back to the man she pleaded.

"please stop." Looking at her he stared for a good minute before standing.

"That is only a taste of what is to come for those who get in my way. I have many plans for us my dear. Until next time." He explained before flicking his hand and walking into the crowd before disappearing.

Turning around she moved to Damián's side as the blood seemed to stop pooling from his mouth.

"Damian! Are you okay!" Fear overfilled her as she did not know what to do. He tested his body to see that he could move before wiping the blood away. Then addressing the terrified girl next to him.

"Yes, Brown I am fine."

"But you were bleeding and it was my fault and if you got hurt-."

"Brown cease your constant babbling. I am perfectly fine."

"Are you sure?" The fear and doubt overtaking her body and voice. Unsure what to do as this was usually Dick's area of expertise but knew he had to do something to calm the little girl down as her breathing picked up. Taking her hand, he placed it on his chest right above his heart.

"Do you feel it?" he asked as she stood before him in between his legs. Eyes focused on only him. She nodded at the steady beat of his strong heart.

"Then that proves that I am fine and there is nothing to worry yourself over." Silently nodding but still sensing her doubt he pulled her into a strong hug. Why he did so was unknown to him. He could not stand the older version of the child before him. But something about the innocent blue eyes and the childlike fear pulled a protective feeling from deep within him.

Though it was not to last as the other finally made their way back.

"Dami what happened?!" Dick rushed to their side before checking them both over. Damian rolled his eyes at the mother henning of his oldest brother.

"Grayson we are fine." Not releasing his hold on the small child.

"Damian tell us what happened." This time Bruce stepped forward to do his own evaluation of his kids.

"It would seem that the magic user that turned Brown into this state has been trying to find her ever since." Damian explained in a professional voice. Not bothered by the young blonde hiding her face in his shoulder. The others tensing at having such a dangerous character interested in their youngest member.

"Steph are you okay?" Tim asked as he moved closer. However, she nodded but didn't move from her spot. Giving Damian a 'explain what happened' look.

"During the altercation the magician placed a spell on me the resulted in me coughing up blood. This in turn frightened Brown." The others responded with worried or pissed off looks. Something Damian was used to as he once was the baby of the family.

"Are you okay Dami." Dick moved closer to offer comfort.

"Yes, Grayson as I said I am fine. Just a little lightheaded."

"I think it is best that we leave." Bruce announced as he moved closer to the youngest two. Offering his strong presence. Which Damian was grateful for, not that he would ever admit it.

No one disagreed as they stood to leave. Though Steph moved to let Damian stand, she grabbed his hand like a lifeline. Shocking the others at her action and Damian's patience with her. The normally vocal family was dead silent in contemplation as they all worked out plans to figure out more about their mysterious stalker and what he wanted the girl before them for.