13484/All Manor of Reasons for the Season

All Manor of Reasons for the Season
Date of Scene:	01 December 2022
Location:	Grand Hall - Wayne Manor
Synopsis:	At Stately Wayne Manor on this dreary December day, the Bats gathered round and Christmas decorating was underway. The garland and baubles were hung with care, and cider was had by all to share... until Mariah Carey came on the radio and everyone scattered like rats.
Cast of Characters:	Tim Drake, Phoebe Beacon, Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne, Austin Reese, Jason Todd

---

Tim Drake has posed:
    The first day of December had started off picturesque, with Gotham's first real snowfall of the season. It made a perfect layer on the ground, the just right amount to scoop up a snowball or make a snow angel. Not quite enough to build a proper snowman, but the forecast suggests another flurry later in the day, so everyone is in high hopes.

    Except the temperature spikes 10 degrees over lunch, and that snow flurry turns into a slushy rain. Because of course it did. It's Gotham, after all.

    So it's miserable outside, but of course stately Wayne Manor is anything but. The heating bill must be a fortune, but there are also, like, probably a dozen fireplaces that could be contributing, right? At least that many. And Tim's glad for that as he shoulders his way in through the front door hefting a cardboard box that he's struggling to hold onto, because it's massive. Also maybe a little heavy, but he'll huff and puff and not actually ever admit that, of course.

    He's got enough manners to contain himself to the entryway and not drip gross grey water all over the hall, where he peels off his coat and stumbles his way out of his boots. If he nearly trips into a massive pile of fir garland set slightly out of the way, well, here's to hoping there's no one around to witness it.

    "Wait, are the decorations going up?" Tim turns to gauge the relative amount of festivity, but there's no velvet ribbons on the crystal chandelier, no garland on the grand staircase (likely because it's still on the floor next to where he's currently standing), and he doesn't see any of those woodland creature statues that are trending on the socials right now.

    Maybe that's never been part of the manor's decor, though. Rustic chic is maybe not the right kind of vibe.

    The box finally hits the ground with a soft thump, and Tim bends over to start pushing it further into the hall, to find somewhere out of the way for it. It has 'clothes for donations!' scribbled on it on multiple sides, because Tim's definitely the kind of person who has had PRICELESS COLLECTIBLES accidentally donated in the past.

    Okay maybe his old MTG cards and Power Rangers action figures were never priceless collectibles. Also Tim would definitely point out that they weren't Power Rangers, they were the original Super Sentai figures from Japan.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Do you wanna build a snowman? (It doesn't have to be a snowman!)

    THe first real snowfall of the season gave Phoebe a homey feeling deep in her heart, looking out over the pristine mud-green lawn of slushy gray grossness and cold. It's a perfect day to stay inside and not go out anywhere, which is fine by her companion, the red-and-white hound Idu, who as Phoeb had gathered up items from her wardrobe (many that still had pricetags but never suited her personal sense of style) along with a number of video games that seemed popular, she moves her way downstairs.

    Idu bounds in front of her, wearing a knit single antler a'la Max from The Grinch, and from the single sawed-off crochet antler dangles a sprig of holly and mistletoe rendered in equally safe-for-dogs yarn.

    He gives a happy sounding yodel, and bounds over to Tim to show off his holiday swag.

    "I think the boxes only made it down first thing in the morning." Phoebe gives a grin, carrying her own box down. She didn't have much in the way of personal things to donate.

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Tim had mentioned that there was a collection going for old clothes, and thanks to Damian's last growth spurt, there were plenty in the young man's wardrobe that now did not fit him. So, everything from Gotham Knights shirts and barely worn jeans, and some very lightly used sneakers (to which no one really remembers him actually wearing) and a spiffy number of cared for designer blazers and dress shirts and slacks carried down the stairs in reusable bags by Damian and Ace.

  The two set down the four bags full next to the box, after then giving greetings. "Drake, Beacon. I have the requested clothes to donate. Washed and sorted by style." He took the bags off of Ace's vest giving the Malinois a pet on the head and a treat. "Good boy, Ace." Ace of course was happy to see everyone and now that work was done, he was wagging his tail and going up to everyone for sniffing and pets.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred plans to go through Bruce's wardrobe later and thin things out on his charitable behalf, because he's learned it's just easier not to expect him to do anything for himself, and just be pleasantly surprised on the occassions that he does.

As such, it is not a box of donations he comes in with, but a slow cooker wafting the scent of mulled cider, which he sets down on a convenient table where he's already laid out the mugs, and stoops to plug it in to keep the contents warm.

"Seasonal refreshment," he announces briskly. "And may I say, it's gratifying to see the household coming together for the cause." He rubs his hands together. "Now then, who's going to assist me with the stepladder? The chandelier won't garnish itself."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
The light footsteps of Italian leather loafters announce Bruce's arrival. A large white mug of spiced cider is held in hand as he trails along just behind Alfred. He's bedecked in crisp tan trousers which may be expected. The knit sweater worn stretched over his wide shouldered chest is quite different. Bright red with green trim at collar and cuff, it states in chunky block letters across the chest 'DADDY ELF'.

"It's December first. We're setting up decorations and gathering donations. I thought it would be good to get an early start this year." He intones in his deep voice, not bothering to use the 'office' voice given they were at home.

"Tis the season." Is added with a lift of his cider mug. Finally a sip is taken of the sugary indulgence. "Thank you, Alfred. Get yourself warmed up, Tim, and join in."

A half smile of approval is cast toward both Phoebe and Damian who were already well into joining in things after all.

Austin Reese has posed:
Austin had been wandering around upstairs looking for something, from the sounds of the rummaging that's been going on. It's been going on for a while, and he has appeared and disappeared across the balcony a couple of times over the last few minutes.

Phoebe and Tim would hear a soft 'prrrrr' from next to the box of clothes, and investigation would reveal that Dorito, Austin's little orange tabby, pawing at the box, trying to open it up to get a good look at what's inside. That's probably what, or rather who, Austin has been looking for.

Jason Todd has posed:
Donations and Decorations. It could be a whole movement. Then it'd probably be commercialized and that would ruin its originality. And that would make Jason glower. Then again, he has been in less of a glower-y mood lately. Not perfectly, of course. That wouldn't be Jason. But.. better? Effort has been made.

The quiet rumble of a dark red Mustang's engine shuts off as he parks near the front door. Stepping out, Jason is wearing a red turtle neck, black jeans and black, well polished work boots. A Santa hat rests atop his head at a rakish angle.

He steps around to the trunk which pops silently. He leans in and pulls out a box before stepping back to let the trunk close. Adjusting the box in his hands, he heads for the entry and eases inside.

Looking to those gathered. For a moment it seems like he may glower and say something biting.

"...Merry Christmas.."

Setting the box down, it is full of his own curated clothing donations. To include a brand new tuxedo, never worn.

He walks over, offering a faint smile. He's trying. "Bruce. Alfred. Pheeb." The guys get nods. He didn't want to make it an assembly line greeting.

Tim Drake has posed:
    Having found a suitable place for the box, Tim immediately sprawls himself across it. It speaks to how many clothes he Tetris'd into a single box that, upon doing so, it manages to maintain its structural integrity almost completely. He'd started up scrolling through his notifications, but of course once Idu's claws click-clacking against the floor reach him, Tim instead opens up his camera app.

    And then there's just a parade of animals to take pictures of. "Yap's going to be disappointed when he finds out he missed the party," he says as he scritches Ace behind the ears.

    He rolls over onto his side when Alfred brings the cider out, clearly intending to get up and go get some, but then Bruce makes his appearance and--

    "Oh my god," Tim groans, rolling back over onto his stomach so that he can droop his upper body over the end of the box and, consequently, hide his face. Which, of course, means that Bruce has won. Sometimes Tim can resist the urge to react, but he's been taken by surprise today, clearly.

    That there is a cat looking at him once he's done so is maybe a little surprising, but all Tim does is tentatively offer a closed fist for the orange tabby to sniff. "Hi." That's to the cat, not Jason, who just gets a distracted wave-like sort of gesture over Tim's shoulder, as if he was able to sense the up-nod of greeting.

    Finally, though, Tim faces the music. AKA he stands up, straightening his hoodie before breezing past the assorted and sundry family members to get some of that cider. "I'll help, Alfred. And I promise not to swing from the chandelier at any point, either."

    If he's thinking of a certain acrobatic older brother when making that promise, well, it probably wouldn't be the craziest thing Dick has flipped off of, right?

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Idu cycles through his people: Tim! HIS FAVORITE PERSON! Damian! HIS FAVORITE PERSON! Alfred! HIS FAVORITE PERSON! Bruce! SERIOUS PERSON! But also good. JASON! ONE OF HIS FAVORITE VISITORS! Dorito -- ... Dorito gets a sniff on the behind, and then ACE! HIS ANCIENT ENEMY! ... And also favorite cousin. The smaller, lighter canine gives a yodel to the bag-carrying dog in greeting, and then goes back sniffing at all the boxes.

    "You *can* call me Phoebe, you know. I'm not even legally a Beacon anymore. Dent told me one more name-change and I get a free coffee at the cafe." Phoebe gives a grin to the 'youngest' Wayne brother.

    "Oooh, is that mulled cider?" she takes in the smell, and then she gives Jason a grin, scooping up Dorito (since she's already familiar with the wee orange gremlin), and she calls out "Austin! I have your tacocat! Mwa ha ha!"

    And she shoulder-bumps JAson in passing -- and that's when she stops.

    She looks at Bruce's sweater.

    She looks at Bruce.

    "... are you feeling feverish?"

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"It is indeed," Alfred confirms with a little smile. "And if you all behave yourselves there MAY be snickerdoodles in the oven for later." He has no comment on Bruce's sweater. If he did, it was said while they were alone in the kitchen. More likely, he's just being English about it. Keep Calm and all.

"Thank you, Master Tim, let's just go and fetch it from the garage, shall we?" It takes a Very Tall stepladder to reach that chandelier.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne keeps his expression calm in spite of the reactions his choice of attire was bringing about. Standing stock still out in the open to ensure that he couldn't be accused of attempting to hide the ridiculous sweater he just watches, listens, and then finally responds once Phoebe inquires to his health. A simple glance down at himself is taken.

"Is something wrong with it? The ladies in the admin pool assured me this was very fashionable this season." It's the 'Brucey' voice. He was played and well knows it, but as it was Bruce Wayne that was given the atrocious fashion advice he had to pretend he wasn't aware. He knew. Oh, he knew.

Idu gets a gentle head pat while he passes around in his explorations of all the people ever and another sip of cider is taken. "Thanks for chipping in, Jason." The tuxedo is glanced at without a single remark. Maybe someone could use it after all since it didn't seem to be Jason who would. "Excellent work, Damian." Then Tim and Alfred are discussing the ladder.

"We should start working out when to schedule a holiday dinner later in the month. With Babs and the others."

Not that it mattered at the moment. As everyone else was busy donating clothes or beginning to put up the harder decorations he declares, "I'll get the garland for the bannister. If someone can lend me a hand."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd shoulder bumps Phoebe back with a smile. Ace and Idu and Dorito get their own greetings in passing. Dorito maybe more than the dogs, given his acceptance of Church laying claim to his garage.

Seeing the sweater after Tim and Phoebe, Jason has a fraction of warning something is up with Bruce's sweater. He looks at it for a moment and then he laughs. Quick and quiet. But it's a laugh just the same.

Making his way to get some cider, he looks to Alfred and is about to offer when Tim speaks up. He nods to Tim before sipping at his mug.

"Mm. It's good Alfred. Thank you."

Looking back to Bruce, he nods. "Glad to." The tux was bought for some event or other that he didn't end up attending. "It's all practical clothing other than the tux." It's all he says about it because it really wasn't the point of the gathering.

"I'll help, Bruce. And without sliding down it in the process.." he adds.

Austin Reese has posed:
Hearing Phoebe call out that she has his tacocat, Austin re-appears at the top of the balcony, "How did he slip past me? I'll be down in a second!" He calls out, disappearing again for a moment before re-appearing on the stairs with a black trash bag about half full of clothes, "I don't have a ton of clothes to donate, but I did manage to dig some up." He's not nearly as organized with it as Damian.

Once he has put the bag of clothes down next to Tim's, he moves over to Phoebe, and grins to take the cat back, "I'll wrangle him." Once he has the cat in hand, he moves to place him up on his shoulder as he turns back to Tim, "Say hi to Dorito. Found him trying to skydive in an elevator shaft." He does leave out how he wound up IN an elevator shaft, but shoots a quick glance at Phoebe.

He moves over to Alfred to take a mug with his left hand, "Thank you Alfred. How can I help with the decorations?"

Tim Drake has posed:
    Mug in hand, Tim looks up contemplatively at the chandelier for a moment. Except that's just a ploy because he's positioned himself at Phoebe's back, and he uses the opportunity to stage-whisper, "It's a trap. If you acknowledge it, he wins." Then he glances at her out of his peripheral, gives a quick nod, and returns to Alfred's side.

    "The social calendar's already pretty full this season," he notes, regarding potential dinner plans. "So let me float this by you all: Holiday. Brunch." This plan has absolutely nothing to do with Tim wanting an excuse to drink coffee. He's not THAT addicted.

    Okay, yes he is.

    He takes another long drink of cider, which really is doing wonders to chase off the chill from outside, and then Tim sets his half-empty mug down, ready to follow after the Wayne family butler. "I think I might have some old stuff stored in the garage too that we can add to the pile," he says to Alfred.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe presses her lips together in a thin line as she looks at Bruce. She looks at Dorito. She holds the kitten a little away from Bruce, and she looks the Daddy Elf sweater.

    "Huh." she replies, and she sips her cider. She looks about, and gives a little grin to Austin as she turns over the little orange kitten, returning Austin's look about skydiving in elevator shafts.

    "You know, I could try to get some of the decor up." she states.

    Idu has grabbed a santa hat. He is currently running at full-tilt with the Santa hat in his mouth attempting to get the Malinois to chase.

    "I didn't hear the rumble of your normal transport, Jason, did you take a bike in this weather?"

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Damian's pale green eyes look over Bruce's attire and the young man just manages to tuck his lips in a modicum of self-control. "For the record, I have never called you: 'Daddy'." Said matter-of-factly.

  Meanwhile, Damian made his way to the mulled cider, getting a small portion for himself and giving it a try. There was a moment that Ace looked up at Damian, a non-verbal asking if he can play with the other dog, of course, Damian did not care for denying a good boy time to play, and a quick nod is given to the Malinois, without a second of hesitation after, the dog was off and giving chase.

  "The only reason I have this many donations can be credited to my shins, of which have significantly hurt for six months." A small chuff, but three years ago, Damian would have killed people to grow more.

  He decides to join in the others decorating, such as 'normal' families do.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred and Tim are thusly absent for a few minutes retrieving the ladder and evaluating what else in the garage might be donated. Alfred takes the front end of the ladder and re-enters the room first, only to have a dog slam into his legs in the course of the chasing. He lets out a surprised grunt and stumbles, very nearly but not quite losing his grip. He manages to catch his end of the ladder up again inches from the pristine floor, and pauses a moment to let out a sigh of relief. "Right, no snickerdoodles for the quadrupeds!" he pronounces judgement. "...let's just set it up over here, Tim, and I'll ask that the dogs be called to heel before anyone climbs it."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne polishes off the rest of his cider in a single swig. The mug rejoins the others though a bit to the side as it was used so none would accidentally grab it. "Thank you, Jason. Hold onto the length and unravel it while I head upstairs with the end." Though he didn't mean to even now he was giving orders as second nature.

With those easy directions worked out he grasps the unwound end to begin making his way up the grand staircase as soon as Jason was in position with the rest. Damian's response earns a sincere, open, honest response. One he may not have said in the past. All of his children currently here were well of age at this point though.

"I've not been called 'Daddy' since the last Wayne Foundation bachelor auction."

The corners of his mouth twitch repressing a grin. A quick change of topic comes. "You can help hand the decorations up the ladder, Austin. Someone needs to hold the ladder steady." Naturally that would be Alfred is his reasoning.

Austin Reese has posed:
Austin barely scoots out of the way of Idu as he tries to get Ace to join in the chase, turning around and grabbing Dorito who mrewls in surprise at the two canines.

Once he's settled back in, he moves over to the ladder to help hand up any decorations he can, "So how many big charity galas do you have to go to this year, Bruce? Want me to cover one of them for you?"

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd nods to Phoebe, "Yeah. I've got a new Daily Driver. I haven't finished with the performance upgrades. Just figure I shouldn't make a habit of driving around The Other One. Someone might actually be observant."

Turning to Bruce he nods. "Sure. Just.. one second." He pulls out his phone, tapping away. Soon enough the hidden speakers in the room begin to quietly play Christmas tunes. First up is Perry Como.

Oh there's no place like home for the holidays.

Then he's on the garland, unwinding it and guiding it up for Bruce to secure.

Tim Drake has posed:
    Tim's not a hoarder, but he did grow up with money, so he's probably just a little more prone to the collection of stuff. He has a couple of small storage bins tucked under the arm that isn't holding up one end of the ladder, and there's definitely more out in the garage for him to bring in (and sort through... and debate whether or not he should keep it).

    His brief side mission with Alfred means that he misses out on Damian saying That Word, which is a blessing, really.

    Unfortunately though, they return in time for Bruce's turn.

    All Tim can do is stand there blinking rapidly as his brain tries to shut down and wipe his RAM rather than maintain this memory, so he's pretty useless while Alfred nearly drops the ladder. Thankfully he's still got those good butler reflexes. Tim powers back on a second later, and hefts the ladder a little bit higher on his end with a grimace and a quick, "Sorry!"

    The bins get sat down because Tim needs both hands as he sets up the ladder, and then he scrambles up it with, you know, the confidence of a Robin. It's sort of second-hand, at this point.

    "Does this mean we get to add Austin into the social event rotation?" he asks, peering down from the top. While also reaching down to hold an open hand out for incoming decorations. And huming along to the music, since it isn't Mariah Carey. Yet.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe gives a grin, and calls out to Idu, in a calm voice, who immediately skids to a stop before knocking Alfred over (again), and the dog wearing the single antler turns, and comes skidding to a stop, slobbery santa hat. She reaches down and touches her hand to the top of his head, and then she stops, brain processing at what Bruce said. She just stares out into open space.

    "Getting long in the teeth for those events, aren't you?" she asks, and then she rolls her shoulder a moment.

    "Well, the CHildren's Works is opening their visitation house so that kids don't have to go to Black Gate to see their parents. I wouldn't mind if a bunch of us made an appearance there." She moves, and she feels the tug on her heart as No place like Home for the HOlidays starts in.

    "Ah... well. I've... still got to learn how to drive. Y'know. NEver got around to it." she states quietly, grabbing some mantle swag and looking around the room, she slinks to the side to go address the lack of swaggin' the mantle's got.

    "... I haven't done this in a while."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Damian just stands there blinking while he processes JUST what Bruce said. It was a decent amount of time, before he heard very pointed words from Alfred.

  Placing his thumb and his index finger to his lip, he exhales and a sharp whistle rings out almost to the entire mansion. Ace knew exactly what was going on, and stopped playing immediately,and trotted over sitting next to Damian's left leg. Of course, any dog Damian would have couldn't just run around untrained, and Damian trained Ace very well.

  "Yes Father, how many balls must you attend?"

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"Oh, don't get him talking about his balls, now," Alfred mutters under his breath. He's rather relieved that Tim scampered right up the ladder because it means he doesn't have to. And he would have, if no one else had immediately volunteered. As it is, he simply holds it steady.

"I'd be delighted to teach you, Phoebe," he volunteers. "Only the street legal parts, mind; I'll have no responsibility for vehicular vigilante shenanigans, will I?"

Bruce Wayne has posed:
The music actually causes Bruce to pause while standing a few steps up. As if his height didn't already give him a vantage point, this gave him an even better view of the room. Of his adopted children moving about to help donate clothes, place decorations, and enjoy some cider. Of playful animals darting around.

Jokes aside, his expression becomes wistful. If any were to look over they might catch him actually smiling.

The garland is taken further up the steps to wind in and around the bannister working with Jason to get it all set up. Still listening and thinking. "It is a bit past due to get you into the rotation for events, Austin. We'll get you fitted with some suits if you haven't been already." Had Alfred alraedy taken care of that? Possible. "Just three this year. The Wayne Foundation Holiday Ball, the Martha Wayne Artist Gala, and the Wayne Foundation for Underprivledged Youth Fundraiser."

"Four, then." Comes his correction when Phoebe suggests another.

"Can I count on you for any of them, Jason? Damian? I'd prefer not to send Austin out there without backup for his first few." Tim gets drawn into this as well with a glance in his direction. "I assume you're already going to attend a few, Tim, as you have a presence in the Foundation?"

As for Phoebe he regards her studiously. "Alfred's a good teacher. Even in the 'vigilante shenannigans' driving. After all, he taught me." Another twitch of his lips in a half smile while he calls out the old butler just a bit. "We can cover the rest easily once you learn the basics. You're already intending to show to the Children's Works?"

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred murmurs under his breath, "And look where THAT got me..."

Austin Reese has posed:
"I think I got one." Austin replies to Bruce, as he hands another ornament up. He glances over towards Phoebe, "If you got room for one more I'd love to go."

Hands free once the ornament is taken, he goes into the box to grab a handful of them, "So we going to go out into the woods and chop down a tree after this?" Might be a bit too late to do it tonight, he thinks.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd is late to the show again, starting to speak up to offer to help Phoebe learn to drive when Alfred offers. And, really, who better to teach her anyway? It's not even close so Jason goes back to helping Bruce get the banniser garland secured when Damian asks about balls.

A snort is given in response to that and Alfred's imploring.

Taking a slow breath to move past Bruce's balls, Jason nods in agreement with Bruce on the fact that Alfred is the best teacher.

He considers Alfred's question and replies quietly. "I don't know, Alfred.. It's brought all of us to you.. and you to all of us. I think it was the best possible outcome of many terrible circumstances." Jason. Offering a sincere family positive comment.

Then the banister garland is hung and he turns to refil his cider mug, pointedly facing away from the others for a few sips.

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Damian looks up at Bruce as he is asked to attend at least one formal function for the Wayne Foundation. "Yes, Father. I can go to the artist's fund at the least. I like nothing more than making arts majors feel bad about their life choices. Or the patrons doubt their purchases. What should I paint for the occasion?"

  There was a moment where Damian looked slightly uneased, but he approached Alfred slowly. "I need to make use of the prototyping equipment...for this." He took out his phone and with a quick biometric check, he pulled up a project he's been working on for some time. It was a suit, much like the Red X project from school he worked on, but changed, making it into a quasi batsuit. He made it a point not to mention it too loudly around Bruce, but he knew without his blessing the project couldn't be done.

Tim Drake has posed:
    "I'll be at the Children's Works gala," Tim reports from his perch atop the ladder, carefully hanging extra baubles from the crystals already dangling from it. It's the ribbon that gets passed up after that he struggles with, trying to get it drape properly. He doesn't have the greatest vantage point to tell how it looks, and when he bends halfway over to try and get a better look at it, it seems... well, precarious.

    But, again. Ex-Robin. And it's not like he's on top of a gargoyle on a skyscraper, sooooo...

    He pauses to consider his work, or maybe he's just considering the conversation happening below him. "Kate might be a good choice to go with Damian," he calls out, then hops down off the ladder three or four rungs up still, landing in a crouch. He's grinning, because there's no way the suggestion of Batwoman isn't meant to be him teasing, but then Damian has to go and act suspicious. If anyone doesn't miss the covert showing of things, it's Tim.

    It's not the time to be asking any pointed questions, though. He goes for a refill of cider, and then pokes his head in to check on Phoebe's work in the attached parlor before he leans against the doorway. "I'll show you the ropes," he says to Austin. "The hardest part is not eating all the hors d'oeuvres, anyway. The rest of it's just, you know, infiltration. Easy."

    Tim's just taking another sip when the next song comes on, starting with the chiming of bells. Then:

    "Aaa~aaaa~aahhhhh... don't want a lot for Christmaaaas..."

    Aw crap, it's happened now.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred keeps one hand on the ladder for safety as he turns to see what Damian has on his phone. "I /see/," he takes in the image and its implications at once, shooting a quick glance in Bruce's direction. Then he clears his throat and replies in a confident tone, "Well, seeing as how it's for /school/, I think I can probably help you out with that, Master Damian."

Good Guy Alfred, not outing him.

He does, however, take advantage of Mariah Carey's loudness to add softly, "Mind you, you'll need to talk to him about it eventually."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Damian looks up at Alfred again and nods. "Soon, I swear." Of course, there was a reason for this not to have been revealed to Bruce yet. And while Damian would never admit it, he was nervous asking his own father's blessing.

  The phone put away, Damian made his pivot quickly. "Thank you, Alfred." He says, before he said anything more incriminating. Of course, the decorations get put up, and Stately Wayne Manor once again transforms into a celebration of the winter season.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"Excellent." Bruce regards the decorations while Damian sneaks to Alfred. Hm. Not at all suspicious. He wasn't one for secrets unless they were his, but if Alfred were involved surely it couldn't be too bad. He's pointedly fixing the end of the garland when he remarks on the art gala.

"The theme is Urban Art for Change. I'm uncertain how to translate that." Then Mariah comes on. That was enough Christmas cheer for now.

"I need to go check on some work with the office. Good job, everyone." Then he's gone off to his study. For work. Not a retreat.