Chapter Text
Barbara couldn’t feel her legs.
She looked down at them under the hospital sheets.
She’d been in surgery to get the bullet out of her spine.
She still couldn’t feel her legs.
The doctors didn’t think she’d regain any feeling or use. Getting shot in the spine at point blank range did significant damage. All because the Joker hated her dad. It wasn’t even because she was Batgirl. It was some psycho wanting to send a message to her dad.
Barbara didn’t matter in that scenario. She was just a pawn there. At least Jason had been a means to get to Batman because he was Robin. Barbara was just…someone’s daughter.
She lied back down.
She looked toward the door. Her dad was coming in with a doctor. Her dad had cried somewhere. His eyes were red and he looked old. Bruce had looked like that since Jason’s death.
“Hey, Babs.” Her dad greeted.
“Are you here to check on me again? I still can’t feel anything.” She said bitterly.
“Yes, Ms. Gordon, we need to inform you of something we found while you were being prepared for surgery.” The doctor said.
“Do I have a third kidney?” She’d read about that.
“No, Ms. Gordon, you’re pregnant.”
“What?” Barbara hadn’t slept with anyone since—Dick. It’d been a bad breakup. He’d come to her after he returned to Earth and found out about Jason. It hadn’t been something out of love. They’d come together in their shared grief and anger. He used protection. He always used protection.
“I—Are you sure?”
“Yes, Ms. Gordon. It’s still early enough to terminate if you want to pursue that option.” She saw her dad grimace but nodded. He would support her if she did that. Her dad was great but he had wanted to learn he was going to be a grandfather one day in happier circumstances. Barbara had imagined it when she was little and more naive.
Now she couldn’t feel her legs because someone hated him. Hell of a way to get a pregnancy announcement. Barbara wondered if the universe hated her.
“I need to think about it.” She said honestly. “I—Can I—without my legs—?” The doctor gave her a sympathetic look.
“There will be difficulties. We will need to monitor additional problems, especially with your own recovery at the moment, but you could carry the pregnancy to term and future ones. I would recommend a cesarean section at the moment. We can reassess as you recover.”
It might change if she could feel labor pains and push, Barbara guessed. She had a catheter in now. Maybe it would for the rest of her life.
Future ones. There was a chance for other pregnancies. It wouldn’t be her only chance at being a mom if she didn’t continue this pregnancy.
“I’ll let you think it over.” He ran through the rest of his checks. Barbara was pretty much the same as the check this morning.
“Barbara, I’ll support you with whatever you want.”
“I know, Dad. Thanks. I need to think.”
“Can I ask who the father is?”
“Dick.” She said because her dad probably knew. He sighed.
“He and Bruce haven’t been well since Jason was taken from them.”
“You can say murdered, Dad. I won’t get any more hurt than I am.” Barbara said. Her heart ached. He nodded and grabbed her hand. “It’s going to be hard if I keep the pregnancy. I can’t feel anything, Dad. What will I do when he gets older? Dick’s in Bludhaven. I’m not giving him my baby where I can rarely see it.”
“You’ll find a way, Barbara, you’re not alone. And Bruce raised Dick right, he’ll come to you. And if we have to fight for custody, well, I have a lot of favors to cash in.” She sniffled then nodded.
“Let me think about it. I need a day or two.” Her dad nodded and kissed her forehead.
“I love you, and whatever you choose, I’ll be here for you. I’m just glad you’re alive, Barbara. I won’t try to change your mind about whatever you choose.” Barbara nodded.
It was good to know her dad would be here for her despite it all.
The baby could be named after him. Maybe.