Selina Kyle had called and explained what happened at the circus event. Alfred still wasn't sure exactly how she knew what happened at the circus, but he was glad she called because when Bruce had called an hour later his frantic explanation of why he would be home so late had made very little sense.
It's not that Alfred didn't notice anything strange about Bruce the day after. He was constantly looking up information on the computer and doing a lot of thinking hard on something.
The next day Bruce began making several of phone calls calls and filling out a lot of paperwork. But Alfred assumed it was something Batman related. He was sure in time Bruce would explain whatever was going on.
However Alfred was not prepared for the explanation he got a few days later. Bruce walked out of the Batcave and called "Alfred, can I talk to you?"
Alfred walked over. "What is it, Master Bruce?" he asked.
Bruce took a deep breath. "Remember how I told you about the Flying Graysons being murdered at the circus a few days ago?"
Well, really it was Selina who'd explained it. Bruce had shouted a few incoherent sentences through a cell phone. Technically Bruce had said something about it. "Yes, I believe I do" said Alfred.
"Well, their son, Richard Grayson, he has no other family" said Bruce. He took another deep breath. "I've decided to take in Dick as a foster son"
What! thought Alfred. He remained calm, though.
"When my parents were killed, I had people like you to guide me through those hard times. Dick Grayson deserves the same" Alfred thought of those days back when he'd been Bruce's legal guardian. Oh, Bruce had no idea what he was getting himself into.
"I'll take care of everything, I'll make sure everything is fine" said Bruce. Alfred realized Bruce felt guilty about making Alfred work for another 12 year old boy who'd lost his parents. It was sure true that Bruce had not been easy. Especially in those last few weeks right before Bruce got emancipation. He sure was a hassle.
Now Bruce was a fully grown adult. Even though Alfred was no longer Bruce's legal guardian he still seemed to do just as much chasing him around and dealing with really really weird crime cases. That probably made sense given Bruce was a vigilante who fought crime dressed like a bat.
"Do not treat a child like an inconvenience for me!" said Alfred quickly. Bruce relaxed a little. Alfred didn't care what problems the boy would cause him. But was Bruce sure he was ready for this?
"Master Bruce, you are aware that this is perhaps the largest commitment you could make?" he asked.
"I am" said Bruce.
"Well, when will he arrive here?" asked Alfred.
"At the earliest tomorrow, but I'm not sure exactly" said Bruce.
"Well, we wouldn't want him spending anymore time in that boys home than need be, would we?" asked Alfred. Bruce looked a little relieved at that.
Alfred turned and walked away. He smirked at the thought that hit him next. If Bruce felt guilty about some of the things he did when he was younger right now, just wait until he had to take care of Dick.