Work Text:
Victoria Vale may be young, she is a determined journalist who already created a high level of scandals and is at the origin of numerous juicy stories in the Gotham gossip.
As a result, it felt logical she'll unveil to the public the latest fad: Bruce Wayne adopted a baby girl.
Hence the redheaded woman summarized in her boastful tone:
"This is, as far as I'm concerned, a strange life-changing decision, for a man who is rarely to never seen in public, seems critically uneasy in a crowd and doesn't share... other forms of friendships or relationships."
Bruce kept himself from shifting on his seat. He prepared to standard questions, Harvey Dent anticipated the interview: the lawyer invited the journalist and her cameraman at his work office, in order to keep an eye on the questions asked to his client.
After Dent underlined there is absolutely nothing odd or suspicious in Bruce's line of conduct, Vicki went on via a daring inquiry:
"Does it have something to do with Riddler?"
Batman's heart skipped a beat.
"... What about him?"
Could this woman... know...?
"Well, he revealed projects abandoned by your parents. And he is an orphan," she rightfully reminded. "This baby's father is a sick Riddler follower sent to prison, she would have most likely ended in an orphanage if it wasn't for your... heroic outburst," she hinted sarcastically. "Were you somehow feeling 'responsible' for her? As a twisted manner to... make up for the sins of your father?"
The vigilante frowned.
Albeit perspicacious and visibly gifted with a sharp spirit, the more he listens to her the more it looks like this gal is in truth another insane devoted fan of Edward's. Not what he would qualify a 'good catch' for a journalist supposed to transmit news to Gothamites.
"There are no sins I want to wash my name from," Bruce assured in his low voice, forcing himself to maintain more than a few seconds-long eye contact, even if that was difficult for him. "Adopting Stephanie Brown is not a... twisted obligation I imposed upon myself out of guilt regarding the Riddler. It is purely a choice of the heart. I know what it's like to be an orphan, but I never experienced life in an orphanage. I want to believe no surrounding is better than having a loving family to raise you, support you and help you through, would those persons share blood ties with you or not. This is what I want to offer to Stephanie. To the two of us."
Technically, 'three', however he couldn't straight-up evoke his current bond with Edward Nashton.
Harvey Dent took it from there about the legal aspect; Stephanie chirped happily, nested on Bruce's lap.
Batman foresaw acerbic Gothamites giving their opinion on him becoming a parent.
He didn't mind. All that mattered is that Eddie and him will try their best to build Steph and themselves a brighter future.