Chapter Text
Motherhood came pretty easy to Ryan and Sophie. Thanks to the healthy payroll from Wayne and the flexibility in Sophie’s schedule owning her own private investigation firm, they were able to provide a stable and loving environment for their children.
They had four children. Their oldest, Carrie, was a junior in high school. When Ryan and Sophie decided to adopt an older child, neither of them were sure how it would go. Carrie had lost both of her parents as a toddler and had been in foster care for almost five years. At first, she was reserved and understandably hesitant to get comfortable. Once Sophie and Ryan assured her that they weren’t going to send her back, she settled in more and soon Carrie fit right in.
Almost a year later, Carrie became obsessed with the idea of having a baby sister. She would tell her teachers about it and write it on Christmas lists. Ryan brushed it off as a phase that she would grow out of. Sophie, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure she wanted her to grow out of it. In fact, Sophie kinda liked the thought of having more kids running around. Which is how they began their IVF journey and were blessed with their twins, Jason and Timothy. While Carrie was not thrilled to be getting two brothers instead of the sister she repeatedly requested, she was smitten as soon as they came home from the hospital.
For the next five years, the Wilder-Moore household was full and content. Carrie was entering high school and the twins were starting kindergarten. Then, Jordan had told Ryan about a young girl and her mother who had started coming to the community center pretty frequently. The mom was trying, but having a hard time getting back on her feet. After discussing it with Sophie and the kids, Ryan invited Jordan and the girl’s mother, Crystal, over to discuss fostering the child. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but Ryan was very transparent about her background and made it clear that her end goal was reunification. She knew how predatory Gotham’s Child Protection Services could be, especially when it came to Black women, and she didn’t want to see that happen with this family. Once everyone was in agreement, the proper paperwork was filed and young Stephanie Brown came to stay with them. Although her stay was going to be temporary, she and her mother were welcomed into their family.
With all of these additions, came plenty of changes. But after two years with four kids, Sophie and Ryan learned to take things day by day, hour by hour, even minute by minute on those particularly challenging days. Everything always seemed to work itself out in the end.
This is what Sophie desperately tried to remind herself as she pulled out of the parking lot of her sons’ school with two suspended second graders in the backseat. She could feel a migraine setting in as she pulled onto the road heading towards their home.
“I hope you two know this means you’ve lost your screen time privileges for the next week.”
“But, Mom.” Tim whined.
“Don’t ‘but, mom’ me. Me and your mama have told you repeatedly that using violence to solve problems is not ok.”
“But we were protecting you.” Sophie glanced in her rearview and saw Tim’s serious expression.
“Ok. How were you protecting me?”
“Liam said that you and mama were going to hell.”
“ And he said that Carrie and Steph aren’t really our sisters.” Jason chimed in.
Sophie was too stunned to speak. Of course the principal would forget to mention what was said to cause her boys to react the way they did.
“Well, none of that is true. People who say things like that are just ignorant. They’re so wrapped up in other people’s lives because they aren’t happy with theirs.” Sophie was very familiar with those kinds of people. Even though she was able to reconcile with her parents, plenty of their friends felt the need to express their disapproval whenever they ran into Sophie. The worst time being when one of the church members confronted her at the hospital after she had just given birth. She could feel a familiar heat creeping up her neck and did her best to calm her temper. “Still, that isn't an excuse to put your hands on someone. You two could have really hurt him.”
“We didn’t mean to.” Sophie heard the shakiness in Jason’s voice and the tell-tale sound of sniffling from the backseat. “We’re sorry.”
“Buddy, don’t cry. I know you’re both sorry and didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt.”
“So, are we still in trouble?” Tim asked, his voice full of hope.
“Yes, you’re still on punishment. Saying sorry doesn’t magically fix what happened.” She thought for a second. “In fact, when we get home, you’re going to write an apology letter to Liam, your class, and your teacher.”
“What about Dr. Jones?”
“You don’t have to worry about your principal. I’ll be speaking with her myself.” They continued the drive in silence as Sophie did her best to focus through the increasing pressure in her temples. Thankfully, they made it home in one piece.
As soon as she stepped through the front door, Sophie’s phone rang. She checked and saw it was Ryan. “Change out of your school clothes and get started on those letters. I’m gonna come check on you after I talk to Mama.”
“Yes ma’am.” The boys mumbled in reply and headed upstairs.
Sophie accepted the call and placed it on speaker. “Hey, babe.”
“Hello, love of my life, apple of my eye.”
She couldn’t help but smile as she walked into the kitchen.“You’ve been hanging out with Barry Allen again.”
“Maybe.” Ryan laughed. “How did it go with the twins' school?”
“Not great, they got suspended for a week.”
“A week?! For a little fight, seriously?”
“The school has a strict no tolerance policy. And it wasn’t a little fight, Ry. The other boy had to be taken to see a doctor.” Sophie walked to the freezer and began looking for an ice pack for her head.
“His parents were probably overreacting.”
“Ryan.”
“Ok, ok. It's serious.” Ryan conceded. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.” Sophie replied a bit too quickly. She looked around wondering if Ryan could somehow see her.
“Soph.”
“Really, I’m ok. Since I’m home early. I’m just gonna get some work done and get started on dinner.” Sophie did her best to sound upbeat, even though cooking was the last thing she wanted to do today.
As if she read her mind, Ryan responded. “Actually, I’m finishing up at the office pretty soon. I just have to look over these contracts for Wayne’s new military interest and then I’m heading out to pick up Little Bit. How about I grab dinner on the way home?”
“That would be great. Can you get Crispy Joe's?”
“I’ll get whatever will make you smile.”
“In that case, all I need is you.” Sophie smiled, proving her point, and wanted to relish in the cute moment. However, the ache in her stomach reminded her that she actually needed real food. “But I will take an order of their cream cheese wontons.”
“You got it. I’ll see you when I get home.”
— — —
Ryan pulled into the pick-up line at Steph’s school. It was across town from the school the boys attended. But, it was closer to Crystal’s new apartment, and true to their word, Sophie and Ryan were willing to do whatever it took to make the reunification process easier. Even if that meant a longer drive home.
When Ryan made it to the front of the line, she was greeted by Steph’s Reading teacher.
“Happy Friday, Mrs.Wilder-Moore.” The teacher turned to speak into her radio to let whoever was on the other end know to release Steph.
“Happy Friday to you too, Ms. Hale. How was Stephanie today?”
“Oh she was wonderful as always. She was super talkative about a sleepover she’s having this weekend.”
“Yeah. She’s spending her first weekend overnight with her mom tomorrow. I hope she wasn’t too disruptive.”
“Oh, no. It was fine. I know Stephanie has been going through a lot of changes. So, I was just glad to see her interacting with her classmates more.”
“That’s good to hear” Ryan caught a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye. She looked over and saw Steph running over to the car. Ms. Hale opened the backseat car door and helped Stephe into the car and buckled her in.
“Alright, have a good weekend Stephanie.” Ms. Hale closed the car door and Ryan pulled off.
“Hey Little Bit. How was school today?”
“It was good.”
“Ms. Hale said you told her about your sleepover tomorrow. Does that mean you are excited to see your mom?”
“Yeah! I’m going to teach her how to play Simon Says and Treasure Hunt and Hopscotch and–”
“Wow, that sounds like a super fun weekend. I'm sure she’s gonna love learning all those games.” Ryan glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Stephanie practically vibrating with excitement.
“Mama?”
“Yes, baby?”
“How come I can’t live with my real mom?”
Ryan sighed deeply, she had been waiting on this conversation for a while. “That’s a great question, Little Bit. Right now, your mom is working really hard to be the best mom she can for you. But that means that she has to focus on herself. That’s why you came to live with us, because she loves you so much that she wants to make sure you are taken care of until it's time for you to go live with her.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. You will be able to live with your mom real soon.”
“Wait. If I live with her, when will I see you?”
“Whenever you want, Little Bit. Me, mommy, Carrie, Tim, and Jason are all your family, and we always will be. Even when you live in a different house.” Ryan noticed they were near Sophie’s favorite bakery. “Hey. Mama’s gotta pick up some dinner for tonight. How about we stop and get some cookies too?”
Stephanie sat up in her seat and looked out the window excitedly, before realizing something was off. “Where’s Jason and Tim?”
“They are at home already. Mommy had to pick them up early from school.”
“Why? Did they get in trouble?”
“You’ll have to ask them.” Ryan found it sweet how concerned Stephanie was for the twins.
“Can I have their cookies?” Ryan did her best to hide her smile. So much for the caring baby sister act.
“I think that may be too much sugar, Little Bit.” Checking the mirror again, Ryan was met with Stephanie’s best pout and puppy dog eyes combo. She couldn’t help but to give in. “Fine, you can have one extra cookie. But we cannot tell mommy.” Stephanie nodded excitedly as they pulled into the parking lot.
— — —
By the time Ryan and Steph get home, Sophie had already re-cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed the living room and was currently wiping down the already cleaned dining table. Ryan could tell something was off when they spoke on the phone, but watching Sophie this laser-focused on cleaning confirmed her beliefs. Sophie was stressing out.
“Hey, Little Bit. Why don’t you run up and say hey to your brothers and go play in your room. Me and mommy need to talk.”
“Am I in trouble, too?”
“No silly. You’re not in trouble. We just need to have a grownup conversation.”
“Ok.” Stephanie handed Ryan the small pastry bag she was carrying and darted upstairs.
Ryan set the takeout bags onto the counter and sauntered towards the dining room with the pastry bag behind her back.
“Sophieee…” Ryan’s singsong voice pulled Sophie out of her daze.
“Ryan, hey baby. When did you get home?”
“Just a couple minutes ago.” She held the bag up in front of Sophie with a wide smile. “I brought you something.”
“I see that.” Sophie automatically smiled at Ryan’s excitement. “What is it?”
“Oh, nothing. Just a salted caramel cupcake from Cake My Day.”
“Ooh, my favorite. What’s the occasion?”
“I wanted to show you how grateful I am to have you in my life as my best friend, my co-parent, my lover, but most importantly, my partner for life.” Ryan set the bag down on the table and slipped her arms around Sophie’s waist. “And, because I love you.”
Sophie leaned in until their lips were barely touching. “I love you too, Ryan Wilder.”
With physical touch being one of their shared love languages, Ryan’s favorite place was in Sophie’s arms and Sophie loved having Ryan pressed against her. This time was no exception as they stood in the dining room, for what simultaneously felt like forever and not enough time, wrapped up in each other exchanging languid kisses. Ryan eased one of her hands to the base of Sophie’s neck and lightly squeezed. She was rewarded with a soft moan and Sophie’s grip on her waist tightening. Ryan smiled into the kiss, knowing exactly what she was doing. Not one to be outdone, Sophie used the opportunity to pull Ryan’s bottom lip between her teeth, earning her a moan in return. Sophie released her lip and deepened the kiss. She was just about to suggest they take this upstairs when she heard the sound of their daughter's voice.
“Alright, break it up. There is an impressionable minor present. ” Carrie set her backpack down on the kitchen counter and went to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. Ryan and Sophie pulled apart and shared a knowing smile. They were not ones to shy away from affection and plenty of their family and friends could confirm this. Still, they had yet to figure out how to stop getting caught.
“Hello to you too, Care Bear.” Ryan called after her, using the nickname the twins gave her when they were two. “How was school?”
“Terrible. My English teacher gave me a 62 on my paper about Batwoman because ‘my sources weren’t credible enough’.” Carrie said, imitating her teacher. “It's not like I can tell her my source is my mom… can I?”
“No.” Sophie and Ryan respond at the same time. Ryan reluctantly pulled away from Sophie and walked back into the kitchen.
“Why don’t you email her and see if she’ll let you rewrite it or give you some extra credit?” Ryan asked as she started pulling out the food.
“She won’t. She’s a total bi–”
“Carrie! Language.”
“Sorry. But I worked really hard on that paper. It was some of my best work.”
“Well, reach out to whoever is over the English department and see if they can help.”
“You want me to ask for the manager?”
“I want you to advocate for yourself. If you feel like you didn’t get a fair grade, you don't have to just accept it.”
“Fine. I’ll send her an email.” Carrie grabbed her backpack and water, and headed up to her room before calling back down. “ But if it doesn’t work, I’m dropping out.”
Ryan just shook her head and laughed. “That child is something else.”
“She just wants everyone to know how badass her mama is.” Sophie walked over to the cabinet and pulled down some plates.
“Speaking of badasses. What did the principal say happened?”
“She didn’t.” Sophie rolled her eyes at the reminder of how much the admin omitted from their retelling of events. “Apparently, in her hurry to remind me about the no-tolerance policy and insinuate that the boys attacked Liam for some superficial reason, she forgot to mention the homophobic comments that the other boy made.”
“Excuse me?!”
“Yeah. The boys said that Liam told them that we were going to hell for our lifestyle .”
“I assume Liam was suspended too.”
“I don’t know.”
“Figures. These schools don’t care about bullying until the victim retaliates.” Ryan grabbed a pot and skillet to begin reheating the food. “You know what, no. I’m going up there tomorrow and having a talk with that principal.”
“You can't do that, Ryan.”
“It's not fair that they get away with that, Sophie.”
“I know, but the acting CEO of Wayne Enterprises walking into an already underfunded public school demanding what appears to be special treatment for her children, isn’t a good look. No matter how justified you are.”
Ryan wanted to roll her eyes, but she knew Sophie was right. She turned back to the stove and focused on heating up their dinner. “Fine. I’ll let it go. I swear, your children are–”
“Oh, now they’re my kids?”
“You carried them.”
“I’m not the one who told them bedtime stories about a certain crime-fighting vigilante. They probably got this whole ‘taking justice into their own hands’ idea from you.”
“Good.” Ryan answered dryly .
“Ryan…”
“What? I’m glad they feel empowered to defend themselves. I wish I would’ve learned that at their age.”
Sophie sighed, recognizing the tone in Ryan’s voice. She walked over to Ryan and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Ry, I know your childhood wasn’t easy and I am happy and proud that you were able to overcome that and become the amazing woman you are today.”
“But?”
“ But , I know you didn’t fight so hard just so our kids would have to do the same.”
Ryan stared at Sophie for a beat before nodding. “Ok, you’re right. But they shouldn’t be the only ones with consequences.”
“I completely agree. Which is why I will be stopping by to talk to the administration on Monday.”
“Ok, Hotshot.” Ryan smiles approvingly. “Have you thought about where we can take them for a whole week?”
“You can’t bring them to work with you?”
“I would. But with Luke out on paternity leave, I have to keep watch over the computers.”
“I’m sure Gotham can survive one week without supervision.” Sophie and Ryan turned to each other for a second before breaking into laughter. “Ok maybe not.”
“What about you? Can they sit at the office with you?”
“Nope. I’m working on a big case right now. I’ll be out of the office for most of the week. What about Jada?”
“You know our kids have her wrapped around all eight of their thumbs. They’d be lounging in the pool and watching movies by lunchtime. What about your parents?”
“They don’t get back from that revival trip in Freeland until Thursday.”
“Jordan?”
Sophie paused at this suggestion. “I’m sure she’ll say yes. The boys can help her around the center. That way they're still being productive and can have some moderate fun with their aunt.”
“Maybe we could sign them up for that new martial arts class.”
“Isn’t promoting violence the exact opposite of what we want?”
“Martial arts is not about violence. It’ll teach them discipline and the responsibility that comes with using physical force against someone.” Ryan turned the stove off and began plating the food. “Plus, I know the new instructor at the center. I’ll let him know what happened and see if he can talk to them separately before they start class.”
“Ok. I trust you.”
“A wise decision, Mrs. Wilder-Moore.” Ryan smirked as she walked over to the stairs and called up. “Kiddos, time to eat!”
As usual, the boys were the first ones down the stairs. “Mama!” The chorus of yells got Ryan’s attention as she turned back to see them running straight for her with open arms.
“WonderTwins!” She instinctively wrapped both of them in a hug. “I heard about what happened at school today.”
Tim pulls back first with a guilty expression. “We’re sorry, mama.”
“I know you are and I know what that boy said really upset you and I don’t want you to ignore your feelings. But fighting is not something we take lightly in this household, regardless of the reason. Do you understand?”
“Yes ma’am”
As the twins went to sit at the table, Stephanie and Carrie came down. “Right on time, ladies. We’re having vegetable lo mein, wonton soup, red cabbage spring rolls, braised tofu and mushrooms, cream cheese wontons, and some spicy jackfruit bao.”
“Mama might’ve gone a little overboard.” Sophie helped Stephanie make her plate. “Here you go sweetie.”
Ryan caught Sophie’s eye and smirked. “No. Mama knows that her kids' appetites change when the wind blows and wanted to cover all her bases.”
Once everyone filled their plate and sat down, the conversation turned to its usual flow of the kids telling Ryan and Sophie how their day at school went and if they had learned anything new that day. However it wasn’t long before the boy’s incident was brought back up. Stephanie had just finished explaining what she learned about the life cycles of chickens when Jason interjected.
“So, we really can’t go to school next week?”
“No, you can’t.” Ryan was pretty sure she knew what their next question would be and made sure to clarify before they could ask. “And no, you will not be spending the week at your grandma’s house.”
“Or with Luke and Mary. They have a newborn to worry about.” Sophie added.
The boys sank lower in their seats. Obviously, disheartened at the news that their usual spots weren’t an option. “So, where are we going next week?”
“Well, we still need to ask if she’s ok with it, but you’ll probably be helping your Aunt Jordan at the community center.”
This made Tim perk up. “Really? We get to hang out with Auntie J?” He was especially excited to go because of the possibility of seeing a certain boy he had a crush on.
“You get to work off your punishment by helping out at the community center.” Sophie corrected him.
“And maybe karate.” Ryan realized she wasn’t supposed to mention that when she saw the incredulous look Sophie was giving her. She felt like she was the one in trouble now. She mouthed a quick sorry.
It was too late, though. Jason’s interest was already piqued. “Karate? Cool!”
“Me and mama are considering signing you up for karate classes after you’ve finished your suspension.”
“What’s karate?” Stephanie asks.
“It's where you learn how to fight and break bricks with your hand.”
“First, there is a lot more to martial arts than fighting and breaking stuff. Yes it teaches self-defense, but it's also about developing physically, mentally, and spiritually. It teaches you discipline. Second, like mommy said, those classes are a privilege that needs to be earned.”
“Yes ma’am.” Jason turned back to eating his dinner. “Mama, can you break stuff with your fist?”
Ryan and Sophie exchanged a look before laughing. Their kids were nothing if not persistent. Ryan broke into a story about the time she had to punch her way out of a glass cell when she went up against The Penguin 2.0. Sophie watched in amusement as she noted the places where Ryan took more creative liberties in her storytelling. This of course led to requests for more Batwoman stories and eventually Sophie was pulled in, and shared a couple of tales from her brief stint taking up the Catwoman mantle.
— — — —
Once dinner was done, Stephanie wiped down the counters and the dining table. Jason and Tim worked together to sweep the floor and take out the trash, and Carrie had packed up the leftovers into tupperware. Which left Sophie and Ryan to tag team the dishes.
Ryan noticed that Carrie was unusually quiet since she came down for dinner. “Care Bear, you were awfully quiet during dinner. Is everything ok?”
“Yeah. Actually, I have something I need to ask you.”
Sophie turns away from the sink to give Carrie her full attention. “Ok. Go ahead.”
“Can I take a Driver’s Ed course?”
“What?”
“The school is offering a class after-school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’ll only take a couple months.”
“And how would you be getting home from these classes?” Ryan asked, knowing that Carrie relied on the bus most days to get her home from school.
Carrie paused, unsure in her response. “I was hoping Mom could pick me up.”
Ryan turned towards Sophie who seemed just as surprised at the assumption as she was. She was about to tell Carrie that driving lessons would probably have to wait until the summer, when Sophie spoke up.
“I’ll think about it. But you need to get me the exact times and dates. I already have my hands full balancing your sister and brothers’ schedules. I need enough time to plan accordingly.”
“Really? Thanks mom!” Carrie ran up and hugged Sophie, then headed up the stairs to her room.
“Pushover.” Ryan joked as she started putting away the dishes. When she didn’t get a response, she looked over and saw Sophie staring at the empty sink, worrying her lip. Ryan couldn’t keep quiet any longer.
“Babe, you can say no.”
“Huh?”
“With Care and these driving lessons. You don’t have to try and squeeze it all in.”
“No, it’s fine. It's been awhile since she’s seemed this excited about something. Plus, if she gets her license by the end of the summer, she can start helping take the twins to school.
Ryan dried her hands and tugged Sophie’s arm to bring them face-to-face. “Ok. If it’s not the driving lessons, what’s bothering you?”
“Ryan. I don’t know what you are talking–”
“Soph, come on. I can tell when something is bothering you.”
Sophie was about to insist that Ryan was reading into things. That everything was fine and manageable. She was about to say that she was ok. But, she wasn’t. Even before she had gotten the call from the twins’ school, she kept running into dead ends with her case at work and it was starting to get her. Having the twins’ suspension added on top of that, had Sophie on edge. She wanted a break and she shouldn’t have to hide that from Ryan. She didn’t want to. She took a breath to settle the emotion she felt creeping into her voice.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed, Ry. I have a lot going on at work right now. If Jordan can’t watch them, I still have to find a place to take Tim and Jason for the next week. Stephanie is to be spending her first weekend alone at her mom’s tomorrow and I haven’t even begun packing her bags. Now Carrie wants to take driving lessons and I don’t even know how I’m gonna be able to fit another pickup into the schedule. It's just a lot of shifting gears.”
“Aww, my poor hotshot.” Ryan saw the smile tugging on the edges of Sophie’s mouth at the nickname. Despite her joking tone, Ryan was being sincere. She pulled Sophie into an embrace and rested her head on Sophie’s chest.
Ryan held her there for a moment before stepping back, making sure to keep a hold on Sophie’s hands. “You don’t have to take all this on alone. If you need a break, all you have to do is ask.”
“What, and pull you away from your duties as Batwoman.”
“Yes.” Ryan stepped in closer to make sure Sophie understood how serious she was. “You and our children are the most important things to me. We are a team. Which means you can tag me in anytime you need, for anything. I will leave all this behind if that’s what it takes.”
Sophie knew Ryan meant every word. “Ok. I’ll start tagging you in.”
“Good, and we’ll start tonight. I’ll finish up in the kitchen and check on the kids.” Ryan steps back and gestures for Sophie to leave the kitchen. “ You go relax. Take a bubble bath, light some candles, read. Whatever you need to do to take your mind off of what happened today and what needs to happen tomorrow. Just focus on you and things that bring you joy and peace.”
“So, you want me to think about you?”
“I mean, if you want to think about me while you’re wet, I won’t complain.” Ryan did her best not to laugh at Sophie’s scandalized expression. “What did I say?”
“You are terrible.” Sophie hoped the added rasp in her voice didn’t give away just how much Ryan’s comment affected her.
“You love it. Now, go. Relax til your eyes roll back.” Ryan shooed her out of the kitchen.
“Ok, I’m going. I’m going.” Sophie started to walk away, but stopped to turn back. “Ryan?”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.” Sophie walked over and leaned in to kiss Ryan. When she pulled back Ryan leaned forward to chase her lips. She pressed one more kiss to her lips before pulling back completely and turning to head down the hallway.
Ryan stood there watching her gorgeous wife walking away. It occurred to her how reminiscent this moment was of their first kiss. Except this time, Sophie wasn’t running off into the woods and the heat Ryan felt beneath her skin wasn’t due to a nearby fire. This time the only thing keeping Ryan from following after Sophie, was some dishes that had yet to be put away and four beautiful children who needed to be tucked in. Ryan wasn’t one to be deterred though. She quickly finished putting away the dishes and hurried upstairs to check on the children and tell them goodnight. In her mad dash, she had an idea. She was going to help Sophie relax with more than just pleasant thoughts.
And step one, was joining her wife for a bath.
— — — — —