A/N: Sorry, this chapter is quite a bit shorter than usual, but eh. Shorter chapters means quicker updates. We'll get back to Dick's POV next chapter.
Bruce didn't get back to Wayne Manor till a little after 5 o'clock, just as Alfred predicted. As soon as he arrived, he was greeted by the familiar face of said butler, who immediately took his coat.
"Ah, Master Bruce, you're home just in time for supper," Alfred said as Bruce stepped inside, the air around him suddenly much warmer. It was nearly winter now, and was already getting quite chilly -not that it bothered Bruce, of course.
"Great, thanks Alfred." Letting out a sigh of relief, he walked to the dining room where he could smell dinner. He stopped though, upon hearing Alfred clear his threat.
"Sir, if I may, Master Dick has been wishing to speak with you. Perhaps you could lend an ear after supper?"
Bruce turned around, facing the Englishman, and raised an eyebrow. "Why doesn't Dick just tell me that himself then?"
Alfred gave Bruce a look that almost made him since. Though Alfred wasn't Batman, it seemed he had perfected the batglare.
"Because, Master Bruce. Whenever the lad tries, you never happen to be available. Now tell me, is that purely by coincidence?"
Bruce internally froze. Leave it to Alfred to figure everything out. He scoffed though.
"Are you suggesting that I'm purposely avoiding him? Because that's crazy. Why would I do that?"
This time, Alfred raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. He could always tell when Bruce was lying.
Bruce sighed in defeat. "Fine. There...There's just more going on with our current case than I want him to know... I don't WANT to keep avoiding him but..."
"-But you feel like you must in order to protect him?"
Bruce nodded. "Exactly." He paused for a moment, thinking.
"Sir?" Alfred asked.
Bruce ran a hand through his hair. "Okay...I'll talk to him."
A faint smile came across the butler's lips. "Great. Now, as I said a minute ago, supper is waiting."
