Chapter 2

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Isa clung tightly to Dick and Jason, her heart overflowing with joy. The rush of adrenaline still coursed through her veins, fueling her rambling about all the incredible things she had witnessed.

Her father, now out of the batsuit, watched the scene unfold with a gentle smile playing on his lips. He approached the pair, his presence a comforting anchor amidst their exuberance. Placing a hand on each of their heads, he gave them an affectionate pat.

"Good job today," he commended them, his voice brimming with pride.

Jason grinning at Bruce, shared a glance with Dick, their elation mirrored in their eyes. The young heroes then launched themselves at her father, their excitement barely contained. He caught them with a grunt, a testament to his enduring strength.

Dick's laughter bubbled up as he teasingly remarked, "You're growing old, B."

B playfully retorted, "Both of you are growing heavy."

Their playful banter continued, a testament to the deep bond they shared as a makeshift family. Isa giggled, her heart swelling with affection for the men.

"It's the muscles!" Isa chimed in, eager to defend their weight with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"And cookies!!" she added, her voice filled with infectious enthusiasm.

However, their joyful reunion was momentarily interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Alfred, the ever-watchful butler of Wayne Manor. His disapproving gaze fell upon Isa, his voice laced with gentle reproach.

"Miss Bella, what have I told you about having too many cookies?" Alfred inquired, his tone tinged with a mix of concern and exasperation.

Isa's eyes widened in surprise, a sheepish smile crossing her face. She swiftly disengaged from her father's embrace.

"Um... nothing?" she called back, her voice tinged with innocence as she darted out of earshot.


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In their free time, the brothers would playfully engage in a game of dress-up, allowing Isabella to don their iconic cowls and capes. She would imitate their deep, gravelly voices, exclaiming, "I am Batman!" The sight of their little sister taking on their personas brought laughter and warmth to their hearts.

Marinette and Jason used to spend every free afternoon they had in the kitchen. With Alfred's supervision, of course. They took up their own corner of the large kitchen and experimented with their cooking. Sure, they were occasionally banned but unlike Bruce, who was banned for the rest of his life, it was only for a month at most.

A fact which they teased him mercilessly about. Babs joined too when Marinette told her, and once Babs knew so did Dick. Their accomplishments in the kitchen were thus immortalised, along with Bruce's failure, but that's less important.


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Isa listened as her father drifted to his memories of when he ventured the world. Of how he met her mother. (That was the first time he actually talked about her to Isa.) Of how he met Isa...as an infant.

How Bruce kept making mistake after mistake, wanting to give up various times as he found himself lost. How he thought he wasn't enough to help raise Isa, that he wasn't fit for the job.

How he found his efforts finally being rewarded in the shape of Isa growing into the girl she was now. For Dick finally being able to flourish despite his parents' death. How Jason was able to have a better life once Bruce took him in.

Isabella (Marinette) Martha WayneWhere stories live. Discover now