Family Ties Epilogue

The main ballroom in Wayne Manor was bustling. The party had yet to split into two, and wouldn't until after the first few dances. The pipe band Stephanie had requested was playing Highland Cathedral, and about half the guests had already arrived. A few of Bruce's favourite journalists were milling around.

Behind closed doors, there was a different sort of busyness. Bruce and Helena were reading over pre-prepared statements. Tim was scrolling through the internet to track rumours. "'Wayne's Girls Dress Shop With Mystery Female,'" he read out. "'Cassandra Wayne, adopted daughter of billionaire Bruce Wayne, has been sighted dress shopping with Barbara Gordon and Stephanie Brown, long-term girlfriends of Richard Wayne and Timothy Wayne respectively, and an unknown black-haired beauty. Who is this mystery girl? Is Bruce robbing the cradle, or had she captured the heart of Jason or Damian Wayne, or even Cassandra herself?' Helena, break my sister's heart at your own peril."

"Oh honestly, is it not possible they simply made a new friend?" Selina said, exasperated, fiddling with an earring.

"Not according to the Squealer," Steph answered, looking over her boyfriend's shoulder. "Tim, can you help me with this necklace?"

"Sure," he said, putting his microcomputer in his inside pocket before doing up the clasp.

"Alright," Bruce said. "Tim, Barbara, are you sure Helena's story will hold up?"

"As sure as we can be with two days to do it," Barbara shrugged. She was wearing the same dress Dick had got her for her birthday. "It'll hold until we secure it; there's nothing that can't be explained."

"Good," Bruce nodded. "Let's go." he offered Selina his arm and led her out into the ballroom.

The band stopped playing and the voices died down at the sight of the hosts. The journalists headed straight for them, eager to be first to get an audience. Bruce held up a hand before the questioning could start. "Ladies and gentlemen, before we get the party started, I'd like to make an announcement." He caught Clark Kent's eye and saw him produce a small video camera, while Lois prepared her notebook and Jimmy Olsen checked his camera. Selina released Bruce's arm and stepped back, yielding him the floor.

"My girlfriend Selina had a second cousin," Bruce started. "This cousin died in the quake several years ago, and it was thought his whole family died with him. However, two days ago we became aware he was survived by his teenage daughter. This morning, I filed adoption paperwork. May I present my new daughter, Helena Kyle-Wayne."

He half-turned and held out his hand to Helena. She stepped up and began her own piece. "In Gotham, anyone can lose their family, from the Waynes to us street kids. But the loss of financial and material security isn't the biggest problem, it's being alone. Having no-one to turn to. And I'm sure Bruce can tell you all the money in the world can't solve that."

She took a deep breath and continued. "Of course I am grateful that Bruce can support me, but that's not nearly so important. He's given me a family again. All I can say to that is, thank you, Dad." She wrapped her arms around Bruce, as cameras flashed.

Dick came up and clapped Bruce on the shoulder. "On the behalf of the rest of us, welcome to the family, sis," he said. "Let's start the party!"

He gave Jason a very obvious look. Jason stumbled over. "May I have this dance, Helena?" he asked.

They all paired up, Cass with Damian and the others with their partners, as other couples took their places for the dance.

As the music started, Jason leant close to Helena. "We need to talk," he murmured. "You are Holly, aren't you?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "And I did enjoy our time together, if that's what you're-"

"Why?" Jason interrupted. "Just…why?"

"I was curious," Helena shrugged. "I wanted to know what you were up to. By the way, what's your relationship with Matches Malone?"

Jason snickered. "He's one of Bruce's aliases."

"Ah. Well, like I said, I did have a lot of fun, so when you called back-"

"But you knew who I was all along."

"Yes." She sighed. "How about we leave all that between Jay Peterson and Holly Walker. Start again fresh."

"Fair enough," Jason shrugged. "Hey. I'm Jason Todd-Wayne."

"Hi. I'm Helena Wayne," she replied.

"Pleased to meet you, Helena."

She giggled, and as the music changed, spun away. Partners switched, and Jason ended up with Babs, while Helena found herself in her father's arms.