If Ra’s agreeing to something wasn’t reason for alarm, the bat boys didn’t know what was. Damien was probably the only one among them who could see anything good about any of this.<br/><br/>As Alfred passed the table on the way back to the kitchen, he caught the comments about his cooking and smiled. Very few could resist what he made, especially his desserts, and he took great pride in this. He also caught what Talia was saying to Bruce.<br/><br/>“No need, miss Talia. Serving you all is well worth it. Now if you will excuse me, dessert will not finish making itself.” That said, Alfred disappeared to his kitchen, and it was<span style="font-style: italic">his</span>kitchen no matter what anyone said.<br/><br/>♦♦♦<br/><br/>After supper, all the boys, minus Damien, had wanted nothing more than to escape, but being the good host he was, Bruce had invited their guests to stick around for a while. Dick was with Damien in one of the living areas, he being one of the few people the youngest allowed to show affection towards. Damien was sitting next to Dick, listening to his mother tell the stories he already knew by heart.<br/><br/>“One day that decision will be made.” He said in response to what was being said about choosing a new leader for the League. Just then, both boys’ attention was grabbed by the sight of the Bat Signal lighting up the night sky. Both of them knew what this meant, but from the way Talia had also glanced between the signal and her father, getting away to answer the call wouldn’t be easy.<br/><br/>The remaining two bat boys made quick eye contact with each other and Dick before slipping from the room, Dick and Damien staying behind as Talia’s attention had been on them. Jason and Tim had seen the way Ra’s had pulled Bruce away which meant they were the only ones left to answer the call. Reaching the Bat Cave, Tim wired through to Alfred who was still in the kitchen, asking if he could provide some cover for them while Jason got the bikes ready.<br/><br/>♦♦♦<br/><br/>Receiving the message from Tim, Alfred set to making up a tray of tea and cookies, carrying this out to where Talia, Dick, and Damien were.