Chapter Text
If you are interested in stories with a happy ending, you’d better stay until the end.
You see, ever since the terrible fire that destroyed the lives of the young Baudelaires, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny have faced, side by side, a succession of tragedies that seemed endless. Suddenly orphaned, they were sent to the home of the sinister Count Olaf, where they suffered abuse, neglect, and cruel manipulation under the guise of guardianship.
And so their lives went on, marked not only by misfortune, but by a quiet persistence in the face of a fate that seemed determined to test them at every new stage of their lives. And now, they were about to face yet another bad beginning.
Violet felt a faint tingling beneath her skin, as if ants were gnawing at her nerves. The poor orphan girl stared out the car window, attentively watching the scenery shift before her eyes. The sunny afternoon of Metropolis gradually changed as they left the city highway, heading toward a neighboring one.
She had never been to any of those places.
Heavens, she had never even been to New Jersey. Oregon was all she knew, despite constantly traveling to different places with new guardians and to boarding school, but they had never gone this far before.
Her eyelids felt heavy, yet her body was far too tense to fall asleep, unlike her baby sister, Sunny, who slept soundly on the other side of the car in a proper child seat. Her chest rose and fell slowly, her golden strands contrasting with the three o’clock sunlight.
Klaus, her other brother, the middle child, had his head resting on her shoulder, but from how straight he sat, Violet knew he was awake as well.
The long journey from the state of Oregon to the East Coast had been, at the very least, exhausting and intense. Two entire days accompanied by an adult the eldest did not wish to be around.
Mr. Poe was not a bad man, at first glance. Compared to the dreadful Count Olaf, he was respectful and far more talkative. However, that did not change the fact that no matter how much the orphans insisted on Olaf’s wickedness, no adult believed them, Mr. Poe included. Moreover, Mr. Poe had been one of the main causes of the chaos that had unfolded in the Baudelaire children’s lives.
Small drops of rain pulled her from her thoughts. Only then did she realize they had finally entered the city with the highest crime rate in the world.
Gotham City.
Their new home.
She breathed heavily, filling her lungs with air before exhaling slowly. She had no idea what she would find in that city. Oh God, she didn’t even know who they would be placed under. They never knew who their guardians would be until the moment they met them.
Violet remembered Count Olaf and how she and her siblings had once been hopeful about making a home in such a dreadful place. Or when they had finally found a decent adult, only for them to be killed in the blink of an eye.
She ignored the slight sting in her nose and how her vision blurred for a moment. Violet was afraid, and she would not deny it. But she needed to be strong for her siblings. She had promised her parents she would always protect Klaus and Sunny, and as the eldest, that responsibility was hers.
She shivered slightly from head to toe, afraid of who might become the next victim of the misfortune the Baudelaires seemed to carry with them. It wasn’t just their guardians—apparently, anyone could fall victim to the tide of bad luck that followed them.
Mr. Poe’s incessant coughing was enough to wake Sunny, who grumbled and whimpered a bit before remembering where she was.
Klaus, sitting in the middle seat and therefore next to the baby, took responsibility for calming her down.
“Gáh!” Sunny grunted. What she meant was something like, “Where are we?”
Klaus, seeing his little sister’s eyes open, turned forward to ask Mr. Poe, “Where are we?”
“Ah, you see, we are already in Gotham City,” the banker replied, coughing right after.
The cloudy sky, pollution, and tense atmosphere vaguely reminded Violet of her hometown. However, the tall buildings, dense population, constant noise, and gargoyles that seemed ready to attack were entirely new to her. Gathering all the courage she could muster, she finally asked:
“Who are we staying with this time?” She swallowed hard, dreading what might come. Beside her, Klaus muttered a few indecipherable things. His temperament had not been good—over time, he had grown sadder and more irritable.
Violet Baudelaire pondered for a moment, trying to imagine what their new guardian would be like.
Would it be a dreadful couple who collected organs? Or a lonely man or woman who took pity on the Baudelaire children and decided to take them under their wing? Or perhaps a mad scientist who enjoyed experimenting on orphaned children? She knew she should think positively, but after everything their lives had become, that felt like a fantasy.
Before Mr. Poe could answer, the car stopped.
“Why don’t we step out and see for yourselves, hmm?” The corners of his mouth curled into a smile.
Klaus grumbled beside Violet, and soon enough, they stepped out of the car, carrying only a small shared bag between the three of them.
They were met with a massive gate. Birds flew by, chirping happily, and small rays of sunlight pierced through the dense, bitter clouds, making the mansion ahead appear far more inviting.
Despite the tempting sight, Violet felt her chest tighten. She held Sunny firmly in one arm and, with the other, grasped Klaus’s hand, who gently accepted the gesture.
Adjusting his glasses, Klaus muttered under his breath,
“I’ve seen this mansion somewhere before…”
The architecture was beautiful. Violet wouldn’t have been surprised if it appeared in some architecture book Klaus had read. Sunny nestled against her, and Violet felt the baby’s soft breathing against her skin. Moving from one place to another made her nervous, and during the flight, Sunny hadn’t been able to sleep at all.
Without missing a step, Mr. Poe began walking toward the gate, which slowly opened as they approached.
Interesting technology. Violet would have loved to explore it if given the chance. She missed her invention workshop.
“Come along, children.” He helped carry their only suitcase.
The closer they got, the smaller Violet felt.
It wasn’t like her home, though it reminded her of it. The mansion before her had undergone recent renovations; the eldest Baudelaire noticed old paintings being gradually replaced with new ones, as well as parts of the structure being modernized to sustain the house for many more years, all without altering its refined features. There were many floors—perhaps three or four, if it had an attic. Arches, carved details, and exquisite exterior decorations adorned it. Violet couldn’t see how far the property extended, and that made her feel very small compared to the structure before her.
Were there many exits? If something happened to her and her siblings, how long would it take her to devise an escape plan? She did not want to endure another terrible place.
Before she could observe further, Klaus gently tugged her hand to get her attention.
“I know where we are,” he whispered.
Violet blinked a few times, waiting for him to continue. Oh. If Klaus knew the place, then it must be famous, right?
“In Father’s photo album. He’s been here before.”
“Then it’s a friend of our father?”
“Most likely.”
They fell silent again, as they had just reached the large wooden doors leading into the mansion. If it was a friend of their parents, once again, the Baudelaire children had no idea who it was. Violet and Klaus disliked how often they were left in the dark.
Mr. Poe coughed a few times before turning to the Baudelaire siblings.
“Are you excited, children? I know you’ve been through a great deal, but I also know that you’ve learned a lot from it. And I am happy to wish you good luck and happiness,” he said, laughing before coughing again. “You must be excited. After all, it’s not every day you return to a fortunate home.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Poe, but who are we staying with? You haven’t told us anything so far.”
Mr. Poe widened his eyes.
“Oh, I didn’t tell you? Very well… young Baudelaires, welcome to Wayne Manor. The head of the family is the billionaire and philanthropist Bruce Wayne. I’m certain you’ll adapt well. It’s not the first time he has taken in orphans. In fact, it seems he tends to adopt children without parents quite frequently…”
In Violet’s mind, her theory of a mad scientist experimenting on children began to resemble a billionaire who adopted children in order to experiment on them.
She swallowed hard, then took a deep breath and turned to Mr. Poe:
“Ah, I didn’t recall that. Would you happen to know how many there are?”
Mr. Poe seemed to think for a moment, his coughing returning immediately as he fell silent.
“Well… you see, Mr. Wayne is very careful about that. Due to his popularity, his family is highly protected from the media—no one really knows how many people are part of it.”
Violet nodded, appearing satisfied. Klaus, however, standing beside her, narrowed his eyes toward the door.
As soon as they knocked, they were greeted by a remarkably elegant man, in Violet’s opinion. His attire reminded her of a butler’s, could he be one?
“Good afternoon. How may I assist you?” the man said, his voice carrying a British accent. His upright yet cautious posture made the three Baudelaire children curious.
Mr. Poe wiped his hands before extending them to the butler, who accepted them firmly. “Good afternoon! You must be Alfred Pennyworth, the Wayne family’s butler. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Poe, executor of the Baudelaire parents’ estate and also responsible for the adoption process transferring them to Mr. Wayne. Tell me, is he home at the moment?”
Klaus was surprised at how Mr. Poe managed to say all that without breaking into a severe coughing fit.
Something flickered in Alfred’s gaze, and if Violet dared to assume, she would say something like excitement passed deep within his eyes. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, and his gaze shifted toward the three orphans, who stood partially hidden behind Mr. Poe. The eldest Baudelaire felt like an insect.
“How do you do, sir?” Violet said, nervously.
“How do you do, sir?” Klaus echoed.
“Omoá!” said Sunny.
Each of them offered their greetings. Klaus looked down at his feet and did not let go of Violet’s hand for a moment. Violet, in turn, kept her eyes fixed on the butler, attentive. Once again, she noticed a subtle shift at the corners of the older man’s eyes, something akin to… satisfaction. He nodded before continuing:
“Very well. Please, come in,” he said at last. He stepped aside to allow them into the mansion’s entrance hall. Before wiping their feet on the carpet by the door, none of them moved. And once again, Alfred seemed pleased. “Master Bruce is in his study. Follow me, please.”
It was a drastic change of environment. Unlike the places they had stayed before, Wayne Manor was… alive. Much like Uncle Monty’s house had been. (Rest in peace, Uncle. We are deeply sorry.)
As they walked through long corridors, artworks and sculptures adorned the space. And most notably, there were many paintings of people. Entering what seemed to be a grand hall, Violet noticed a painting featuring several individuals; she did not recognize any of them. Could they be members of the family?
Many had black hair; in fact, only one blonde head stood out among the others. It belonged to a girl, perhaps a few years older than Violet, smiling widely beside a blue-eyed boy with black hair and an Asian girl with short black hair. Ah! There was also a red-haired woman in a wheelchair.
There was no time to count how many people were in the painting, but perhaps thirteen or fourteen figures filled the enormous canvas, which nearly occupied an entire wall. Violet was certain it was the largest family she had ever seen. Some members, despite sharing certain traits such as dark hair or light eyes, differed greatly in height, facial features, and ethnicity.
The sound of footsteps stopped, and they found themselves in front of a massive wooden door. Alfred then spoke:
“Master Bruce is expecting you, Mr. Poe,” he said, before turning to the (not) orphans. “Madam Violet, Master Klaus, and Madam Sunny must accompany me while your discussion takes place.” His tone left no room for argument. Violet would not deny it, she wished to know what would be discussed regarding her and her siblings’ guardianship. But Alfred’s calm and firm demeanor grounded her. For a moment, she felt flattered by the way he addressed them and could not hide the small smile that escaped her lips. Alfred smiled back.
Violet nodded.
“Goodbye, Mr. Poe,” she said. She did not expect to see him again that day anyway. The banker nodded and coughed, a more restrained cough this time, not erupting into a full fit, which was already an improvement. Violet did not miss the head-to-toe glance Klaus cast at Mr. Poe, completely indifferent.
The siblings cautiously followed Alfred along a new path, climbing stairs toward the second floor. This part of the house had fewer paintings and sculptures, but it clearly showed signs of frequent use. Klaus offered to carry their small suitcase, but one gentle look from Alfred was enough for him to understand that the butler did not mind carrying it.
The long corridor stretched further until they finally stopped in front of an elegant door. The butler unlocked it, and what Violet saw lifted a weight from her soul she had not even known existed.
It was a bedroom. And not just any bedroom: it was a spacious room, with two beds and what appeared to be a crib.
“Young Madams and Masters… this is your main room. With your comfort and adaptability in mind, we have allowed for you to remain together during your adjustment to the new home. In fact, you are the first to be adopted together, so we understand how complicated such a transition can be. Should you prefer separate rooms, simply let me know and I will open the adjacent ones,” he said, his voice soft and calm, his accent making him sound even more refined. Violet had feared their stay there, but Alfred Pennyworth seemed to shatter her worst expectations about the place.
They did all this… for them?
Klaus held Violet’s hand tightly. “It’s perfect. Thank you very much, Mr. Alfred,” he said, though he did not smile. Only then did Violet realize her brother was tense about something.
Alfred placed their suitcase on one of the double beds (yes, the room was large enough to hold two double beds, a crib, two study desks, and a wardrobe), then turned back to the Baudelaire children.
“Are you hungry? Afternoon tea has just been served, feel free to join if you wish.”
From the corner of her eye, Violet noticed Klaus shifting his weight, and before he could politely decline, Sunny answered first:
“Guaqk!” In other words, she was hungry.
“If it’s not a bother…,” Klaus said, surprising Violet. This time, it was not difficult to interpret the look in Alfred’s eyes: tenderness. He led the way, guiding the Baudelaire children toward the kitchen while offering a tour of the corridors and rooms along the way.
Holding the baby in her arms, Violet guided her brother to walk just behind the butler.
During this walk, Violet learned several things.
The ground floor of the mansion was reserved for social purposes, befitting Mr. Wayne’s status. It existed to impress and receive guests. It included a grand entrance hall, a ballroom, a formal living room, a main dining room, an accessible library, a formal office, a winter garden, a music room, and guest restrooms. The main kitchen was more hidden, alongside a support pantry for events.
The first floor served as the internal living area. It housed everyday spaces, more comfortable and less formal. It included a family living room, a smaller dining area, another of Mr. Bruce’s offices, a private library, a TV or entertainment room, important guest bedrooms, a secondary kitchen, and relaxation areas.
The second floor was entirely private, more intimate, accommodating the entire family. It contained the bedrooms, including Bruce’s master suite (Violet assumed). The remaining rooms were distributed among guests and residents.
And finally, there was another level that Violet could only speculate about, based on Alfred’s vague hints.
The attic was an isolated and functional space. It housed a gym and hobby areas such as a workshop or laboratory. It could also include storage and archives. It was a more reserved environment, ideal for activities that did not fit with the rest of the house…
Violet’s heart raced for a moment. Everything felt too good to be true. It was like being submerged in memories of the past: her whole family together, dining or reading in the library. Walking through those corridors reminded her of something she would never recover: her parents.
She felt a gentle squeeze on her hand; Klaus was walking faithfully beside her. Sunny occasionally babbled, somewhat cheerfully.
They arrived at the family kitchen. It was spacious, warm, and carried a pleasant aroma of tea. The afternoon light barely pierced through the cloudy sky, and the table was set for three people, with a baby chair included. Bread, coffee, small pies, jams, and other treats filled the room with their scent. Klaus’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment when his stomach growled.
“Well then, make yourselves comfortable,” Alfred said with a polite smile. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you,” said Violet.
“No, thank you,” said Klaus.
The siblings exchanged glances before sitting at the table. Sunny was placed in the baby chair between them.
“Aren’t you going to eat as well, sir?” Klaus asked.
Alfred smiled softly at the boy.
“I have already eaten, Master Klaus. My concern now is with you.”
Klaus fidgeted with his fingers for a moment before giving in and starting to eat bread with jam. Soon, all three were eating peacefully, enjoying the calm. The food was delicious, and the jam especially so.
“I see you enjoyed the jam, yes?” Alfred remarked. “The fruits are grown in the mansion’s garden. I would be more than delighted to show you the outdoor area. I must say, it is one of the most pleasant places to watch the sunrise or sunset, when the clouds allow it.”
Everything was going remarkably well, which was unusual given everything they had endured. Violet did not want to wake from that dream. They had almost been taken away after boarding school, but the notification of their new adoption had made locating the Baudelaire children a priority.
At some point during the meal, the butler excused himself, mentioning he had an errand outside the mansion, though he did not specify what it was, leaving the newly added family members time to eat, breathe, and talk.
They did not know exactly how much time passed, but when Violet felt satisfied, she wiped her mouth with a napkin, folded it, and stood to clear the table.
Taking advantage of Alfred’s absence, she washed the dishes for herself and her siblings, who had also finished eating. The eldest helped them clean up and maintain proper manners after the meal.
Glancing at the wall clock, Violet realized it was five-thirty in the afternoon. Klaus approached her and hugged her. She did not expect the sudden gesture, but she returned it immediately.
“This is too good to be true,” he said, his head lowered.
Violet pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes and noticed he was nearly her height now. Her little brother was growing up too fast.
“It’s okay, Klaus. We’re together, and that’s what matters,” she replied firmly.
“But what if the Count finds us here? I don’t want other people to be harmed because of us.”
Ah. So that was what had been bothering him.
“Klaus, nothing is going to happen to the Waynes. There are many of them, and whether we like it or not, they have enough influence to stop the Count once and for all. Soon, he’ll be behind bars,” she said resolutely, as if trying to convince herself as well.
“And what if they don’t believe us? Just like no one ever believes us when we talk about Count Olaf’s disguises,” he retorted, a hint of anger in his voice. “Every adult we’ve met so far has been useless, and the ones who were actually good to us died!”
That struck Violet like a knife. She had no answer. Klaus was right: if no one had believed them so far, and those who did ended up dead, who was to say it would be any different now?
“We’re safe here,” she assured, more to herself than anyone else. “Mr. Wayne is responsible, he runs Wayne Industries. If he weren’t intelligent, he wouldn’t have everything he has today, I imagine.”
The tension in Klaus’s shoulders seemed to ease as she spoke. A sigh escaped her lips, just as Sunny’s small grunt reminded her the baby was still in the chair. She picked her up in time to notice a figure approaching.
“Violet, Klaus, Sunny,” the man greeted. “It’s good to see you, despite the unfortunate circumstances. I am Bruce Wayne, your new guardian,” he introduced himself with a gentle, sorrowful smile.
Ah, right. Bruce and their father had been friends since they were young.
“Are you satisfied?”
He meant the food? Better to be honest, ingratitude and lies would be a terrible start. First impressions mattered.
“The food was wonderful and delicious,” Violet said with a genuine smile.
“Kayp!” Sunny exclaimed, raising her arms happily, agreeing with her sister.
Bruce’s expression softened with tenderness. He stepped closer and gently placed his hand on Sunny’s head, offering a small affectionate gesture.
“It’s very nice to meet you, little Sunny,” his kind smile warmed both Violet’s and Klaus’s hearts.
Could it be that after everything terrible that had happened since their parents’ death, they might finally be safe with a new family?
Then again… there were so many Waynes. Three more children would hardly make a difference, right?
Bruce straightened, placing a hand on each of the older siblings’ shoulders.
“Shall we go to my study to talk?”
Violet and Klaus exchanged glances. A conversation?
Both nodded and followed him, not because they fully trusted him yet, but because they feared what might happen if they did not make it clear who Count Olaf was. Whether he would believe them… that was another matter.
“I apologize for Alfred’s sudden absence and for leaving you alone for a while. An unexpected situation involving one of my children arose, and Alfred needed to pick him up from school,” Bruce explained calmly, occasionally glancing back at them.
“It’s alright. It doesn’t bother us,” Violet replied sincerely. “How many children do you have, Mr. Wayne?” she asked, making conversation. Klaus disapproved of her initiative but said nothing, choosing instead to listen carefully.
Bruce paused for a moment.
“There are nine in total, though seven are mine. The other two are close family friends,” he replied with a smile.
Violet thought for a moment. Could they be the red-haired woman and the blonde girl from the painting? Of all the figures, they stood out the most because of their hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a shift in her brother’s demeanor.
And, as if reading her thoughts, Klaus spoke:
“The redhead and the blonde?” he ventured to ask.
A laugh escaped the patriarch’s lips.
“I see you’ve been paying attention to the paintings,” he smiled. “Yes, that’s correct. Barbara Gordon is the daughter of a longtime friend, and she is very close to my children. Stephanie Brown is a good friend of one of them, and she gradually became part of our circle as well. Currently, she has a room here in the mansion.”
“Then why wasn’t she adopted?” Violet’s curiosity skyrocketed. Before she realized it, she had asked the question without thinking.
“Stephanie still had her mother until a few months ago, and she is already of age.”
The answer satisfied Violet, who remained quiet as they entered Bruce’s office. This time, however, it was a personal office.
“Please, have a seat,” he gestured toward a set of sofas.
Promptly, Violet sat down, Sunny in her lap and Klaus beside her. Observing the room, she noticed it was well used. On the desk behind Bruce, there were papers, folders, and what she assumed were documents. A workspace, she noted. The windows were large, though partially concealed by a thin reddish-brown curtain, matching other details of the mansion. The books seemed to be in constant use, as both the shelves and side tables held several volumes. On the ceiling, Violet noticed a small chandelier, elegant and well-kept. The room reminded her of her home, especially her parents’ workspace. The memory brought a faint smile to her lips, and she glanced at her brother beside her.
Violet noticed that, especially today, Klaus was quieter and more attached to her than usual. Of course, since the fire, the three of them had been closer than ever. But today, in particular, he seemed more alert. Violet only hoped he would not say something that might unsettle their new guardian. She stopped looking at him when she noticed Bruce Wayne sitting down across from them in an armchair.
Now that they were closer, Violet could observe the man better.
Bruce was handsome, worthy of a magazine cover, without a doubt. He had broad shoulders, a firm posture, and if Violet had been less attentive, she might not have noticed how aware and cautious he seemed of his surroundings. He was different from the other adults, though she could not quite discern what set him apart.
Just as she was observing him, he was doing the same, though in a far more subtle manner. Not subtle enough to escape the instincts Violet had developed to protect herself and her siblings. She offered a small smile, pushing away darker thoughts. Everything had been calm so far. Perhaps they would have a few days of peace before the Count interfered again or they were sent away.
The girl preferred to believe Bruce would be a prudent adult, unlike the unfortunate examples they had encountered recently.
“Very well,” he began. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny immediately paid attention. “I would like to speak openly with you. Please know that you are not obligated to answer any of my questions. Is that alright with you?”
Violet looked at Klaus and smiled. Seeing her smile, he returned a small, nervous one.
“That’s alright.”
He nodded.
“Let’s start from the beginning… have you heard of me before?” he asked carefully, Violet noticed.
The girl looked at her brother, who answered:
“I remember seeing a photo of you and our father in front of this mansion. But aside from that, I don’t know much beyond the fact that you lead Wayne Enterprises and charitable organizations across Gotham. To be honest, neither Violet nor I know much more than that…” Bruce encouraged him to continue. “It’s just that… our parents preferred not to give us access to technology too early. They said we were too young to see the bad news of the world. Of course, we learned some things through books, magazines, newspapers, and the stories our parents told us. Aside from that, information from other sources never really reached us,” Klaus explained.
Bruce seemed surprised by Klaus’s clarity of speech and nodded.
“I understand. Know that I will respect your choice if you wish to continue without using phones or technology, but we do need some form of communication that is more accessible and immediate.”
Violet agreed.
“Well, our knowledge about certain things might be outdated, but we learn quickly! If it helps communication…” she glanced at Klaus for confirmation. “…we wouldn’t mind having phones.”
“Good to know. And regarding your parents… I understand that moving from place to place is difficult. I am not here to replace them in any way. While you are under my care, I will be more than happy to act as a father figure to you, just as I hope the rest of my family can offer support as well. We are many, a large family, with many different individuals, and it is not my intention for you to feel unwanted here. I will be here for anything you need,” the man said.
It was… different. This had never happened to them before. Such transparency. Could they trust him? Could someone finally help them against Count Olaf?
The older Baudelaire siblings exchanged glances and nodded. Their new guardian did not take his eyes off them, yet there was no malice in it.
“Next question: do you know how Gotham works?”
Violet looked at Klaus, who promptly answered:
“We know the crime rate is high, and that things happen here quite frequently… the last time we heard any news involving the city was before the fire,” Klaus shrugged. “And that’s because we read magazines and newspapers.”
“I see. What did you see back then?”
“If I’m not mistaken, it was something about Scarecrow, but I didn’t pay much attention,” Klaus admitted.
Bruce Wayne nodded in understanding.
“Do you know anything else about Gotham?”
This time, Violet answered:
“We know about Batman. But not much… to be honest, we were so far away in a small town that knowing details didn’t matter much to us,” she let out a long sigh. “If I had known we were coming to Gotham, I definitely would have paid more attention to the news…” Violet sounded regretful.
“Nevertheless, you are both correct. Do not worry, I am sure you will soon become aware of what happens here. I can ask Alfred to update you, and my family and I will help as well.” Bruce smiled slightly. His sharp blue eyes made his words feel even more convincing. He gave the impression of great wisdom.
There was a brief silence. Sunny stopped fidgeting and rested her head on her sister’s shoulder.
For a moment, something struck Violet’s mind. She could not waste time.
“Mr. Wayne…”
“Bruce.”
“Bruce… we… we are truly very grateful,” the eldest began, unsure of how to proceed. The patriarch waited patiently as she gathered her thoughts. “It’s just… there’s something we need to tell you before we… become part of the family.”
He gave her a small smile. His blue-gray eyes carried tenderness, but deep down, there was also sadness.
Violet took a deep breath.
“There is a man named Count Olaf,” Bruce straightened slightly. “He is a terrible man. He has been trying in every way to take our family fortune…”
“He was willing to marry Violet to do it!” Klaus burst out, suddenly furious.
Silence.
Bruce Wayne straightened in his seat, something unreadable passing through his eyes. It was the first time Violet could not even guess what he was feeling. He clasped his hands together and gently leaned forward to stroke the sleeping Sunny.
Then he looked at the eldest Baudelaire. Blue eyes meeting blue. His voice, carrying a paternal tone, struck Violet with a wave of nostalgia. She bit her lower lip, unsure of what to say after Klaus’s outburst. The man seemed to understand her difficulty and encouraged her:
“Tell me more, my child.”
Ah. It had been so long since someone called her that.
Focus, Violet Baudelaire.
“It all began when our parents sent us to the beach…”
In the moments that followed, the two older Baudelaire siblings began recounting their entire journey up to Wayne Manor, detailing the people they met and what they endured.
“…Briny Beach was empty under the gray sky when Mr. Poe emerged from the fog and delivered the most tragic news of our lives. The way we were treated at the Poe household, where, despite being a miserably decent man, he had foolish and insensitive children. With no alternatives, we were sent to our closest relative, Count Olaf, who, in addition to being a Count, was a dreadful actor. Alongside his troupe, we suffered humiliation while being treated like servants and forced into domestic labor.”
“Violet was nearly forced to marry him during a theatrical performance, and it almost became official!”
Violet explained, while Klaus occasionally added remarks to emphasize his disgust. She continued:
“After that, we were sent to the home of Montgomery Montgomery, a kind, friendly, and adventurous man, though naïve. His home offered temporary safety, but it did not last. Count Olaf, using his terrible acting skills, deceived Montgomery and murdered him.”
Bruce’s expression remained unreadable. Violet paused briefly, trying to organize her thoughts. She glanced at Klaus, who met her gaze, and then he continued:
“Next, we met Josephine Anwhistle. Her house was on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a lake filled with leeches. She was… pessimistic, to say the least. Fearful. Full of phobias. She… the Count…,” he took a deep breath. “Count Olaf caused her death as well. Aunt Josephine died in the lake.”
Both Baudelaires fell silent for a moment. Violet swallowed hard. Something deep within her warned her not to trust the man before her too easily, yet the way he looked at them… reminded her painfully of her father. She missed him. Every single day.
Klaus spoke again:
“That’s when we were taken to a lumber mill. Everything happened so fast… we worked under terrible conditions, and no one cared that we were children. I don’t remember much from that time. The accommodations left my back aching for days,” he muttered.
Without losing the thread, Violet continued:
“And finally… before coming here, we were at Prufrock Preparatory School. Vice Principal Nero had absurd rules, and… it was not a pleasant experience.”
“We have never been so humiliated in our lives as we were there! There was a girl named Carmelita Spats, and our time there was miserable because of her,” Klaus added.
Violet glanced at him briefly, then returned her gaze to Bruce.
“We met the Quagmires… they were in situations very similar to ours,” she finished.
Klaus shifted nervously on the sofa. Despite telling everything, there was no guarantee they were safe from the Count.
Bruce paused for a few moments, then gently placed a hand on each of the Baudelaire children’s heads, stroking their dark hair.
“I know you must be tired of hearing this, but I am truly sorry. I understand your pain, just as my children understand a similar pain,” Mr. Wayne said softly. Violet felt the urge to cry but held back with all her strength, ignoring the sting in her nose. “Know that you will be safe here, and I say that as sincerely as I can.”
Mr. Wayne stood and walked to one of the bookshelves in his office. From there, he retrieved a thick brown book. On its cover, Violet and Klaus could read:
“Wayne Family Photo Album”
He opened it to the first page, revealing a man, a woman, and a child between them. It was an old photograph, slightly faded at the edges but well preserved.
“This is me, and my parents, Thomas and Martha,” he explained. “They passed away when I was young,” Bruce looked at Klaus. “I was only a few years younger than you are now.”
Both siblings leaned in to observe the album. Bruce took it as a sign to continue introducing his family.
“Since then, I have been under Alfred’s care. He raised me, and I would be nothing of who I am today without him. I will always be grateful for everything he has done and continues to bring to my family,” his voice carried warmth, a sincere smile forming. He turned the page, revealing a younger Bruce with Alfred.
Turning another page, Bruce appeared as an adult, perhaps in his twenties, now accompanied by a dark-haired boy with blue eyes.
“This is Richard Grayson, my first son.”
Bruce briefly introduced the rest of the family members, turning the pages as he spoke their names.
“This is Jason Todd.” There was only one photo of him as a child; Bruce explained that Jason did not like photos much, but he was present in the central painting of the mansion.
“Helena… is my biological daughter with my current wife, Selina Kyle. However, at the time, certain things happened, and unfortunately I was not present during her childhood as I would have liked,” he commented.
“I didn’t know you were married,” Klaus said.
Bruce let out a soft laugh.
“It’s recent. After many years, Selina and I got married last year.”
The Baudelaire siblings nodded.
“Timothy Drake.”
“And this is Stephanie…”
“The blonde from the painting,” Violet exclaimed as she recognized her.
Bruce nodded.
“Cassandra Cain,” he introduced—a beautiful girl with Asian features.
“Duke Thomas.”
“And Damian, also my biological son.”
Before he could stop himself, Klaus blurted out:
“He doesn’t look like Selina.”
Bruce closed the photo album, letting out a light laugh at the boy’s remark.
“Well, life takes us to places we do not expect,” he began. “Damian is the son of another woman,” he explained. Violet’s eyes widened as she began to understand. But before she could assume anything further, Bruce continued: “Like Helena, I was not present during his childhood.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound insensitive,” Klaus admitted.
“There is no problem at all.”
Bruce looked at them for a moment longer, as if considering what to say next, and his lips curved into a small, gentle smile.
He was difficult to read. If only there were an invention capable of deciphering people’s emotions…
“Very well… tell me, what do you enjoy doing? Do you have any hobbies?” His gaze shifted to Sunny, who murmured softly in her sleep. “Is there anything I should know about little Sunny?”
The Baudelaire siblings exchanged glances. Klaus shrugged, which meant it was alright to share.
“Sunny has very sharp teeth, so she always needs something to chew or bite…,” Violet explained, gently stroking her sister’s hair. “I like building things, inventing… creating something new.”
Bruce nodded.
“And you, Klaus?” he asked, turning to the boy.
“I like reading,” he said, somewhat shyly.
Violet nodded and added:
“Klaus has an excellent memory. He remembers all the books he’s read and their contents.”
“Violet!”
“What? It’s true.”
“I don’t remember everything I read.”
“Ignore him, Mr. Wayne, he’s being modest.”
“Please, call me Bruce,” the man said, clearly pleased with the siblings’ interaction. “Now, just one more thing before we go to dinner…”
Dinner?! How long had they been talking?
“Would you be interested in enrolling at Gotham Academy when the school term begins? Until then, we have a few months for me to receive your final decision. I would like you to consider it carefully. If you prefer homeschooling, I will be happy to find tutors suited to your needs.”
Violet’s eyes widened.
“Oh, that is… I don’t even know how…,” she bit her lower lip, glanced at Klaus for reassurance, then looked back at Bruce. “Would it be alright if we took some time to think about it?”
“Of course…”
Bruce’s phone rang.
“Excuse me,” he said to the Baudelaires before answering. “Yes, Dick?”
— Hey, B! Are you home right now? I need a report on a case from last year’s Halloween…
“I am home, yes. But I’m busy at the moment. I need to tell you something.”
— Ah, yeah, what is it?
Bruce looked at the three Baudelaires in front of him. The older ones glanced at him occasionally, but gave him space for the call.
“Three little birds showed up at my door today. They already have a room—and soon, a painting as well…”
In other words, there were new members in the family.
— WAIT… ARE YOU SERIOUS??!! HOW COME I DIDN’T KNOW THAT?!
His excited voice echoed from the other side of the line.
“See you later, son,” Bruce said, ending the call with a soft chuckle.
The Baudelaires looked at him.
“That was Grayson. It’s official now—the family knows you’ve arrived,” he said, rising from the sofa. Violet and Klaus took it as a cue to stand as well.
“Welcome to the Wayne family, Violet, Klaus, and little Sunny.”
[...]
Group Chat: Bats, Cats and Birds.
Bruce’s phone.
Dick: guess whose family has 3 NEW ADDITIONS …
Damian: I need to discuss with my father about his apparent adoption problems.
Stephanie: OMG THERE'S MORE???
Stephanie: THEY’RE IN THE MANOR RN??
Helena: I can't believe they came home just the day everyone had business to do
Jaylad: the hell wtf there's more
Jaylad: ima coming rn
Stephanie: LAME
Duke: wait
Duke: so no one knew about this
Tim: i did
Damian: Obviously you knew. You have access to everything we do.
Tim: ops
Cass: Why didn't share it with the family?
Tim: in my defense i thought they were coming just next month
Helena: it's the first time a group gets adopted in the family
Stephanie: yeah sooo we have their names??
Dick: not yet
Dick: so everyone is coming this weekend to meet them?
Jaylad: dream about it. I'm going NOW
Stephanie: sucker. just because im off county
Cass: I wish I could see them today, too.
Damian: Too bad for you guys, but I'm on the way home right now.
Duke: yeah, probably I'll be back sooner than expected
Duke: wait for me dames!
Tim: i thought everyone had business to do today
Helena: not anymore
Helena: I'm packing rn, me and catmom may be in Gotham tomorrow morning
Cass: Did she knew about it?
Helena: yes
Helena: apparently just Alfred, batdad and catmom knew
Damian: And Drake.
Helena: and timothy
Dick: little birds
Dick: just be patient with the new members
Dick: almost everyone here knows how it's hard to adjust to a new environment
Dick: so be kind to our newest brothers ou sisters
Jaylad: amazing speech dickwing
Dick: Don't type while driving Jason!
Jaylad: ops
You: Thank you Dick. Everyone, be kind to the Baudelaires. We are not the first ones to take care of them, but we'll be the last.
Babs: how sweet!
Babs: I'll look forward to meet them too
Damian: Understood father.
Helena: got it batdad
Tim: *thumbs up emoji*
Stephanie: HI BABS!!!
*See more unread messages*