Nightwing: Heartless

Part 31: Morning

Batman was sitting at the computer in the Bat Cave, furiously typing, when Alfred came down with breakfast. It wasn't unusual for Bruce to still be down here when the sun came up, in fact, it was rare for the billionaire to be in bed. It was routine for Alfred to bring coffee and fruit down here to remind Mr. Wayne the day had begun.

"Everything alright, sir?" The butler asked.

Bruce didn't look up, "I called Dick but no response. I'm hacking into his laptop to see if everything's okay."

That got Alfred's attention. Dick never ignored Batman's signal. Dick was like his grandchild and it scared him every night to think of the danger he was in. His net of worry had increased from only Bruce to now include Dick, Tim, and Barbara. It got a lot for the old man at times.

The picture on the computer screen blinked to life, giving them a view of Dick's empty kitchen. Normally Alfred would scold Bruce for invading his adopted son's privacy but this was a special occasion. And Alfred knew Bruce understood how important privacy was to people.

"Come on," Bruce muttered under his breath. The past year had been hard on him, and Alfred could tell the stress was eating him alive. Since Jason's death he was more paranoid, more cautious with his allies. Young Tim was barely allowed out on his own. A year ago a missed call would never have elicited this response but now he was always on edge when it came to his family.

Finally, Dick walked into view. He was in his boxers and a t-shirt, obviously just woken up. He didn't look harmed or in danger. He simply got a glass of water and pulled some eggs and a pan out. He looked to the side, "You good, Will?"

Bruce stood, "if Will is there something is happening." He pushed his chair back and turned around in the direction of the Batmobile.

Alfred was about to agree when, instead of Will Harper walking out, a girl did. Alfred watched her jump on Dick's back, laughing. "Sir, I don't think your presence is needed."Bruce turned back around and Alfred could tell he narrowed his eyes.

"Do you want eggs or not?" Dick asked and the girl climbed off, hopping on the counter beside the stove instead as Dick turned it on.

"How do you have so much energy in the morning?" The girl, Will, Alfred supposed asked, yawning.
"I'm used to it."

"I think we have our answer," Bruce declared, and if Alfred wasn't mistaken, he said it with a hint of amusement. Yes, Alfred remembered Batman's youthful shenanigans. There were plenty of young women coming down for breakfast. Sometimes there still were.

"Did you sleep any better last night?" The girl asked.

"A little."

"Why did you let me fall asleep? I could have stayed up with you."

Dick looked up, "you were tired."

The girl scoffed and the oldest Boy Wonder pulled a strand of her hair, laughing when she swatted his hand away. The butler watched Bruce slowly tense back up. They were thinking the same thing: this didn't seem like a one night ordeal.

"Lia's concert is next week, are you good to go?"

Dick nodded, "yes. Probably. Ask me again next week though."

The girl sighed with a smile, jumping down and hitting Dick's hip with her own, "you're kind of the worst, you know." She took the spatula out of his hand and took over the eggs. Dick wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

That dispelled any doubt what the relationship was and Alfred could practically feel the anger radiating from the Dark Knight. He had been present to the countless talks Bruce had given a young Robin about bringing people into this life, especially romantic relationships. And here he was, ignoring all those talks, and ignoring Bruce's call, which is probably what was making Mr. Wayne so upset.

"Sir, I don't think it's our place to keep watching now that Mr. Grayson is alright."

Dick started tickling the girl's sides. She squirmed and laughed, "do you want your breakfast burnt?"

Dick laughed and hugged her again, "worth it."

It better be, Alfred thought as Bruce turned the computer off.