"Alfred? Where is everyone? And what happened to your hair..."
Dick's eyes nearly popped out of his head. How long had it been? A week? The gray hair that had disappeared thanks to Miaomiao's Pearl had come back several times over! Alfred looked a few years older than before!
What on earth happened this week?!
"Everyone had a great deal to attend to last night and is still resting. As for my hair, there is nothing wrong with it. Just consider it a little personal indulgence, Master Dick."
Smiling, Alfred poured Dick a cup of hot cocoa to warm him up.
"Thank you so much." As Dick drank the steaming beverage, he couldn't help glancing at Alfred, again and again.
"What is it? Is something the matter?"
"I should be asking you that." Looking at the smile Alfred couldn't hide, Dick raised an eyebrow and sidled closer. "Alfred, why do you look so happy? Any good news?"
"Good news? Yes, I suppose it does qualify." Alfred took Dick's empty cup and explained with a smile, "Master Jason returned last night-or rather, early this morning."
"What?!"
Dick could barely believe his ears.
Who did you say? Jason?!
That Jason, more stubborn than a mule and more hardheaded than a gargoyle?!
"Big Red came back?!"
Once Alfred confirmed it again, Dick was so happy he did a flip on the spot.
"I knew it! He was bound to come back sooner or later!"
Watching Master Dick's excitement, Alfred's smile deepened.
You see, Master Jason? It isn't just Master Bruce. Everyone has been looking forward to your return.
Unfortunately, Alfred's warm sense of satisfaction didn't last long.
Having only just returned from Blüdhaven, Dick was beside himself with excitement at this bombshell.
Although Dick had already struck out on his own as Nightwing