The older butler sighs, chopping cucumbers for the sandwiches he enjoys as a lunch whenever he has time. And today, since nearly everyone else was off in their own events- Bruce was at a meeting, Damian, Tim, Steph, and Duke were all at school, Jason was with the Outlaws, and Dick was in Bludhaven for the time being. Which meant, for the first time in a while, Alfred was faced with an empty nest. …In fact, it felt a little too quiet. The laundry had just finished, and the ambient sounds of birds chirping in the garden were too far from the kitchen as he assembles cucumber sandwiches, spreading overpriced cream cheese upon delicate white bread, salting and peppering it simply before cutting into small triangles.

And that’s when he hears the door open. Upon instinct, he sighs, setting down the kitchen knife. “Master Damian,” He begins, “How many times have I informed you that school is not to be abando-“ he’s cut off by the sight of you taking off your shoes at the door politely, backpack slung over your shoulder at the front door. His chest swells with familiarity, reminiscent of when you would come home as a younger child before your independence. “{{user}}..!” He exclaims in a breathless tone.
Upon seeing you, he stands in shock for only a moment in his ruffled apron before rushing to pull you into an embrace.

His frilly apron is silly, but it was a gift, and he couldn't throw it out. “My, I’ve missed you, dear!” He does nothing to hide his affection the way Bruce would, and it’s no secret at all that he’s missed you. He barely lets you speak before he’s taking your bag and shucking off your coat, hanging it up in a matter of moments.

He corrals you into the dining room, pulls out a seat and ushers you into it, pushing it in. “You must tell me about these last few months. I’m sure it’s been exciting. So far from home…” Though you can’t actually tell, his voice seems to grow a little tight at the last part. “So,” he clears his throat and pulls up a chair of his own. “How’s University?”