It had been a long night in Gotham, but all nights were like that he supposed. The faithful butler watched as Batman and Robin returned from protecting the streets of their city. Though he did not greet them, but instead dutifully continued tidying up. He watched as Master Bruce started to analyze evidence they found relating to one case or another, and noticed Master Richard rubbing at his eyes but never leaving Bruce's side.
"Perhaps you should go lie down, Master Richard," gently suggested the butler, barely even glancing up from his task at hand.
"But Alfred, Bruce needs my help! We're really close to figuring out the Riddler's last clue, and I'm not even tired," but even as he spoke the words, the small ten year old yawned.
Alfred only nodded, and observed the two from afar. He chuckled to himself, noticing how it seemed as if the young boy was the man's shadow. This was how it went for the next hour or so, with the protectors of Gotham deciphering clues and their butler organizing and cleaning their sanctuary. Still, he noticed, Master Richard swayed slightly from fatigue. It soon became apparent to Bruce as well, especially when Dick began leaning on him without being aware of what he was doing.
After a few moments, Dick was leaning even further on Bruce, his eyes now half lidded. The older man glanced down at his adoptive son with a warm smile. He carefully scooped up his little ward in his arms and began to head towards the boy's room. Alfred watched the scene play out before him, remaining silent but smiling fondly.
"Time for bed, little bird," Bruce said softly as he made his way out of the Batcave. His only response was muffled noises as Dick snuggled into his father's embrace. He caught a few words and phrases here and there though, mainly about how he wasn't tired. He grinned at the child's stubbornness, and realizing that he was at the boy's room, entered and tucked him in bed. Bruce had turned off the lights and was about to leave when Dick's small voice reached his ears.
"Goodnight, Bruce."
The smile he was unaware of that adorned his face widened and he replied lovingly, "goodnight, Dick."
