I do not own these characters. DC Comics owns them. I am just writing this for fun. No one is paying me to write a word of it. So please don’t sue me :0) This is a Christmas fic. I asked Syl for permission (since she wrote it into Fanfic canon) to use Babs as a babysitter. I also want to give some credit to the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." I mention railroad train pj’s and a phone call to Australia (which can both be found in that book). Of course, I cannot forget Rose! Thank you very much for being a great beta! Now on with the story! I hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! *** The Perfect Gift By Brooke *** A harsh wind blew tiny white flakes through the dim streets of Gotham. Out of the shadows, a lone figure cautiously crept into a deserted road. Unknown to the dark creature below, another solitary being was watching with great interest from a perch high on the building above. Suddenly a bright light illuminated the occupant of the road. With tremendous speed and a great roar, a huge eighteen-wheeler plowed into its frightened prey. After a short anguished cry, all the pain of a hard life on the streets of Gotham was over. “NO!” screamed the small boy who had been watching from above. Jumping down the fire escape, the boy clad in the bright red, green, and yellow Robin costume rushed to the side of the fallen victim. However, Robin knew he was too late. The small black dog lay in a pool of blood that stained the fluffy white snow. Dropping to his knees beside the dead animal, Robin’s eyes filled with tears as his face scrunched into a deep sorrowful expression. A shadow covered the hunched form of the Boy Wonder, as Robin felt himself slipping into a depressed state. “Robin? Are you okay?” Batman asked in a concerned voice. Turning to face the Dark Knight, Robin broke into sobs. Even though he was Batman’s partner and a hero in his own right, the boy was not use to seeing such horrifying events first-hand. After all, Dick Grayson had only been Robin for about a year and had only witnessed the death of his parents. Those deaths still haunted him every night. Seeing the boy who had become like a son to him break down in tears, Batman engulfed Robin in his mighty arms and did his best to comfort the small sobbing youth. Then eyeing the very recent road kill, Batman said, “I’m sorry, Robin. I wish you had not seen that. I’m so sorry.” Crying softly, Robin allowed Batman to hold him gently in a protective embrace until he had exhausted all his energy and finally fallen asleep. Batman picked up the sleeping Boy Wonder and approached the Batmobile with his small bundle. As he placed the boy inside the vehicle, Batman heard a small rustling sound behind him. Turning in the direction of the disturbance, Batman reached down and scooped up a small dark brown puppy that was barely old enough to walk. The puppy’s condition showed that the young animal was in dire need of a good meal. Batman frowned as he thought back to the unfortunate dog lying dead in the street. While he had held the crying Robin, Batman had observed that the dead dog must have been nursing a family. Batman had kept this discovery to himself knowing how upset his young partner would be over the information. Quickly, Batman searched the alley for the rest of the canine family. He was about to give up when a small black form hidden under a pile of snow caught his eye. Brushing the snow off of the still form, Batman felt a sadness settle over him. The second puppy had already succumbed to the harsh environment of the freezing temperatures and lack of nutrition. After another search, Batman felt confident that these two were the only puppies to be found in the dark alley. Taking the surviving puppy out of the warm folds of his cape, Batman placed the small animal in a blanket and into the tiny backseat of the Batmobile. Robin continued to sleep in the front passenger seat. Taking a final glance at the alley, Batman climbed in and headed back to the Batcave. *** Alfred peered around the huge dinosaur that he was meticulously dusting to spy the Batmobile pulling into the cave. Walking over to the vehicle, Alfred watched as Batman emerged from the dark interior. “Did the criminal element suddenly come down with a case of the Christmas spirit and decide to take the night off?” Alfred asked, noting the early hour. “Gotham was pretty quiet for the most part,” Batman grunted as he lifted the sleeping Robin into his arms. Alfred stepped forward and took the boy from Batman as he said, “My word, Master Dick seems to have worn his self out.” “I’m afraid Dick had a rough night, Alfred,” Bruce pulled off his cowl and then reached into the backseat producing the puppy. “What on earth is that, Master Bruce?” Alfred exclaimed. “It’s a puppy, Alfred,” Bruce stated flatly. “A puppy, sir?” Alfred narrowed his eyes at the shivering creature in Bruce’s hands. “Yes, Alfred. An infant dog? You’ve heard of them, I’m sure,” Bruce said, slightly amused. “I know that! But where did it come from?” Alfred questioned as he turned to ascend the stairway leading up to Wayne Manor. Bruce followed closely behind detailing the events of the evening. After tucking Dick into bed, Alfred went to the kitchen where he found Bruce sitting on the floor next to the puppy who was busy attacking a plate of roast beef. “I suppose I shall have to purchase dog food on my next visit to the grocery store,” Alfred stated dryly. “Alfred, do you think we could keep the puppy a secret until Christmas?” Bruce asked without looking up. “A secret? From whom? I doubt the tabloids would be interested in snap shots of that pathetic creature.” “No, Alfred. From Dick.” “Master Bruce, must I remind you that Christmas is still a week away? Besides that point, I already have the most devious task of hiding Master Dick’s gifts and staying one step ahead of his excellent detective skills. Now you ask me to help conceal a puppy for a week? Sir, I am a butler, not a miracle worker.” “Alfred, please…just look at him and think how happy he’ll make Dick,” Bruce pleaded. “I shall endeavor to do my best to keep yet another secret,” Alfred sighed. *** Blinking at the bright sunshine that peeked through the window, Dick opened tired eyes. “Hey Chum, how are you feeling?” Bruce asked, gently sitting on the bed next to the boy. “Alright,” Dick yawned. Bruce reached over and felt the youngster’s damp forehead. Dick had awakened during the night crying out from a nightmare. Bruce and Alfred had rushed to the boy’s room to discover the frightened youth had a slight fever. Although they had given Dick a sedative to help him sleep, he still tossed and turned uncomfortably most of the night. Feeling relief at the coolness that met his touch, Bruce said, “You want some breakfast?” Dick nodded his head as he nestled back on the pillows closing his eyes again. Bruce smiled as he watched Dick fall back asleep. Dick continued to catnap this way for another hour. Finally, the boy woke up enough to walk downstairs to the kitchen with Bruce. As the pair entered the usually spotless cooking area, they could not help but notice the smudges of mud and dirt that splattered the kitchen floor. Alfred appeared out of the large pantry looking haggard. Shutting the pantry door quickly, Alfred addressed Dick, “Ah, young sir, would you care for breakfast?” “Pancakes, please,” Dick answered with a smile. Then glancing at the worn butler, he asked, “Alfred? Are you okay? You look tired. And what happened to the kitchen?” Alfred opened his mouth but no words seemed to form as he failed to find a suitable explanation. He sighed his relief when Dick suddenly turned to Bruce and accused, “You forgot to wipe your feet again! What are we going to do with you, Bruce?” Bruce just smiled and winked at Alfred as he said, “You caught me, Dick. I’m sorry. I’ll try to remember next time.” “Master Dick, would you care for rabbit or elephant pancakes?” Alfred asked, changing the subject quickly. “Can I have both?” “May I have both? And yes, you may,” Alfred answered. Dick sat down at the kitchen table and waited patiently while Alfred began to mix the batter. Bruce went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water and sat down next to Dick. Suddenly, the silence of the kitchen was broken by a scratching noise. “What’s that?” Dick asked curiously. “What?” Bruce looked up innocently. “That scratching sound.” Dick cocked his head to one side listening again. “I don’t hear a scratching sound,” Bruce said. “It may be that mouse I saw yesterday, Master Bruce,” Alfred offered. “What mouse?” Bruce asked in confusion. “The mouse I saw yesterday…the one I told you I would take care of,” Alfred expressed with a double meaning. “Oh! That mouse,” Bruce said with a smile. “Alfred? You aren’t going to kill it, are you?” Dick cautiously asked. “No, I don’t plan to…being as it is Christmas time. I do not want to be considered a Scrooge by any sense of the word,” Alfred muttered. “Good.” Dick smiled. “I’m glad you’re not going to kill it.” Alfred placed a plate with rabbit and elephant shaped pancakes in front of Dick. The youngster began to gobble the food down. “Well, Dick, what are you going to do today?” Bruce asked the boy. “Don’t you have that party tonight?” Dick looked up at Bruce. “Yes.” “So I’m going to have a certain babysitter come over…right?” Dick asked hopefully. “Yes.” “Well I’ve got some Christmas shopping to do. What do 15 year old girls like anyway?” Dick wondered aloud. “I’m sure I can’t help you there,” Bruce laughed. “I’ve got to stop by the office for a little while today, but I shouldn’t be long. Do you want to go with me? We could shop for that babysitter after I’m through with work.” “Okay,” Dick nodded happily. *** “Look Dick! How about one of these?” “Bruce! Babs does not play with Barbie dolls!” “What does she play with?” “She’s 15. She doesn’t play with toys. Don’t you know anything?” “Hmm…maybe we should call Alfred.” “No, Alfred already gave me a suggestion and it was a dud.” “What was it?” “He thought I should get her perfume, Bruce! Like that’s original…” “Hey! That’s what I buy my girlfriends!” “Yeah and have you noticed how many actually stick around? Not very many…at least not for a very long time.” “Point taken, Chum. Well, if Barbara doesn’t play with toys anymore, why are we in a toy shop?” “Cause I saw something that I wanted to get a closer look at.” “Okay, show me.” “Here it is!” “A Superman action figure?” “Yep! Bruce, do you think Santa could get this for me?” “I suppose…if that’s what you really want, Dick…” “Well, being that Batman is supposedly an urban legend and all, he doesn’t have his own action figure…so I guess I’ll have to settle for the second best. Wouldn’t you say so?” “Dick, I like the way you look at things!” Later in another department… “Excuse me, Miss? My son and I are shopping for a 15 year old girl…well, we’re just a little confused on exactly what to get her. You wouldn’t happen to have any suggestions?” “We have a great line of perfumes.” “Ughn! That’s it! I’m going to scream!” “Dick, son, you need to calm down. This is not the end of the world.” “Bruce, we have been here for 5 hours and I’m still not any closer to buying Babs a Christmas present than when I woke up this morning!” “Thank you, Ma’am, but I’m afraid that we are going to pass on the perfume for now. Come on Dick. Let’s go look at the jewelry.” “Yeah! I can buy her a ring!” “Whoa! Moving a little fast there, Chum! How about a bracelet or necklace?” “Okay…” *** Alfred met Bruce and Dick at the door wearing a worried scowl. “Master Bruce, you need to go don your evening attire at once or we shall be late,” Alfred warned. “Alfred, Bruce is always late. What’s so different about tonight?” Dick questioned. “Tonight, Bruce Wayne is giving a speech,” Bruce answered. “Please Sir, do not talk of yourself in third person,” Alfred admonished pushing Bruce towards the staircase. “Master Dick, go to your room. I will be with you directly.” Dick scurried up to his bedroom with the small bag that contained a beautifully wrapped package. Smiling to himself, the boy pulled the gift out of the bag holding it out at arms length. “Here Babs. It’s just a little something,” Dick practiced. “No…Merry Christmas Babs!” “Master Dick, what on earth are you doing?” Alfred inquired as he entered the room. “Oh, just thinking about how I should give Babs her Christmas gift,” Dick answered. “Wanna know what I got her?” “I am on the edge with suspense, Master Dick,” Alfred muttered as he hurriedly pulled out a pair of pajamas from a drawer. “Alfred! Not the railroad train pajamas! I hate the railroad train pajamas,” Dick protested. “Do not whine, Master Dick. It is quite juvenile,” Alfred reprimanded. “May I please wear another pair of pajamas, Alfred?” Alfred stopped and looked at the pitiful face before him. “Very well. Will these suffice?” The older man produced a pair of JLA pajamas. Dick gave a critical glance at the pj’s and then asked, “Where are my Superman pajamas?” “In the wash, I’m afraid. But this pair has Superman plus all of his friends,” Alfred tried to reason. “Yeah, I guess so…” Dick grumbled as he stalked toward the bathroom. “So what did you purchase the beautiful Miss Gordon for Christmas?” Alfred asked. “A locket! It’s heart shaped and can hold a tiny picture. Bruce said that I could go get my picture taken and he would order one small enough to go in the locket!” Dick stuck his head out of the bathroom door as he talked excitedly. “It sounds like a lovely present indeed,” Alfred smiled. *** “Bye Bruce! Bye Alfred!” Dick yelled as he ran up the stairs pulling Barbara with him. “Hey Chum! Hold on a second! We haven’t gone over the rules yet,” Bruce reminded. “Bruce, we go over the rules every time. They never change. I know them by heart. What’s the point?” Dick rolled his eyes. “The last time we didn’t go over the rules you conveniently forgot one. Remember?” Bruce’s voice deepened slightly. “But Bruce I didn’t mean to call Australia. I swear! I won’t ever play with the phone again,” Dick said with upheld palms. “And then when we were playing hide and seek and I hide in the silver closet…well, how was I suppose to know those shelves wouldn’t hold my weight?” “Yes, how indeed,” Alfred frowned at the memory of several dented silver trays and bowls. Dick gave both men a nervous smile. However, Bruce and Alfred stood side by side and waited for Dick to recite the rules. “Okay! Rule number one: Stay inside at all times. Rule number two: Do not talk on the phone until the answering machine picks up and it is either Bruce, Alfred or Commissioner Gordon. Rule number three: Do not open locked doors…but in my own defense, the silver closet was not locked!” Dick pointed out. “Dick, stick to the original rules!” Bruce’s voice held an impatient tone. Dick took a deep sigh and continued, “Rule number four: Keep all doors and windows locked. Rule number five: No cooking, swimming, and definitely no circus stunts like sliding down banisters or swinging from chandeliers.” Dick then added, “Basically no fun.” Bruce gave a warning glare at his young ward and then slowly allowed a half grin to replace it. “Alright Chum. Remember to mind Barbara at all times, too. Barbara, make sure he follows the rules. Don’t give him any slack.” “Bruce! Would you and Alfred just go? Gosh! Come on Babs!” Dick turned and yanked a giggling Barbara along. “Bye Mr. Wayne! And don’t worry, I’ll make sure Dick stays out of trouble this time,” Barbara called over her shoulder. Bruce faced Alfred chuckling a little to his self. Alfred’s expression stopped Bruce in his tracks. “What?” Bruce asked, giving the scowling man a confused look. “Have you forgotten the biggest rule of all, Master Bruce?” Alfred asked hotly. “There’s another rule?” Bruce questioned. “Rule number six: Clean all messes up immediately. Next time, I’m in charge of making him repeat the rules. Really, sir!” Alfred huffed as he turned and walked out the door. Bruce sighed and shrugged his shoulders. Then following Alfred out the door, he climbed in the limousine, which would take him to the annual Christmas Charity Ball. Meanwhile, Dick and Barbara had made the short trip upstairs to Dick’s bedroom. Dick dragged Barbara over to his desk where he had left the beautifully wrapped gift. “I’ve got something for you!” Dick said excitedly. “Here Babs! Merry Christmas!” “Oh Dick! You didn’t have to get me anything for Christmas.” Barbara’s green eyes sparkled as she smiled in delight. “But I wanted to! You’re the best girl ever. I can’t hardly stand any other girl. But you’re different Barbara. You’re special…my special girl…” Dick finished with a blushing face. Barbara gave a little giggle and hugged Dick tight. “Thanks, Squirt. You’re my special boy!” “Well? Aren’t you going to open it?” Dick jumped up and down with excitement. “Okay, okay!” Barbara shook her head and laughed. She opened the present by carefully removing the bow and paper. A deep red velvet necklace case was revealed underneath. Opening the case, Barbara gasped in wonderment at the beautiful locket inside. The gold heart shaped locket was inscribed on the inside. Barbara read the inscription aloud. “To Babs, the most beautiful girl in the world. Love, Dick.” Barbara’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh Dick! It’s perfect! I love it so much. Thank you!” Barbara hugged Dick again. Dick began to talk excitedly, “Bruce said I could get my picture taken and order one small enough to fit inside for you…that’s if you want one…” “I would love one, Dick. Absolutely love it!” “Here, I’ll help you put it on!” Dick reached around as Barbara pulled her hair out of the way. Soon both young people were in the bathroom staring at Barbara’s reflection in the mirror and admiring the locket. “It’s just like in Annie…well, except you already have a family…” Dick muttered. “Yeah, I guess so. Red hair and a locket. Guess I’ll be an Annie look alike, huh?” Barbara joked. “Hey, speaking of presents…” Dick started with a gleam in his eye. “Oh no! I’m not going to be responsible for you finding out where Alfred has hidden your gifts,” Barbara said in a stern voice. “Come on, Babs. I’m like this close to finding them. I know it!” Dick whined. “Nope, not going to do it, Short stuff,” Barbara quipped as she left the bathroom and headed out of the bedroom toward the staircase. “Let’s go watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s suppose to be on TV tonight.” “Can we watch it in Bruce’s room?” Dick asked with a smile. “Is that where you think your presents are?” Barbara imitated the young boy’s grin. “Maybe…” “Then the answer is no,” Barbara said turning to descend the stairs. She heard the scurrying of little feet heading down the hallway in the opposite direction and then the rattle of a doorknob. “That’s okay!” Dick yelled back. “The door’s locked anyway. But that only confirms my conspicions.” “I think you mean suspicions,” Barbara laughed. “My luck to end up surrounded by geniuses,” Dick muttered. “Who are you considering the geniuses to be?” Barbara asked, as she walked in the living room. “Well, there’s you and Alfred and Bruce,” Dick said in a matter of fact way. “Mr. Wayne?” Barbara scoffed. “Now Dick, don’t get me wrong here. Mr. Wayne is a very intelligent man, but I doubt he’s a genius. As for me, well I just happen to have a photographic memory…lucky me. I’ll agree with you on Alfred, though.” Both young people settled down on the couch and watched the Grinch steal Christmas from the citizens of Whoville, only to find out that Christmas could not be stolen. After the Christmas special went off, Dick hopped up and headed for the kitchen. “I’m hungry. I think Alfred left some cookies on the counter. Do you want some, Babs?” “Sure.” “Okay, I’ll be right back with a plate and some milk,” Dick called back. Walking into the kitchen, Dick set about collecting the plate of cookies and pouring two glasses of milk. He climbed up on the counter to reach a tray in an upper cabinet when he heard that same scratching noise from early that day. Dick narrowed his eyes as he looked at the pantry door. “Must be that mouse…” Dick muttered, but not really convinced. He grabbed the tray quickly and jumped down. The scratching sound was accompanied by a high-pitched whine. Cautiously, Dick walked over to the pantry door and turned the knob. “Locked? Since when did you start locking the pantry, Alfred?” Dick asked aloud in a huff. Then the boy jerked away from the door at a sudden bark that answered back. Dropping to his knees, Dick leaned down and peeked under the pantry door. The pantry was dark and the young detective could not see anything; so tentatively, he reached his fingers through the tiny crack under the door. His fingertips were greeted with something very warm and slobbery. “What in the world?” Dick questioned. “Alfred, I hate to tell you this but mice don’t bark and they certainly don’t lick fingers.” Dick frowned as he thought of what he suspected was behind the door. “But why would Alfred be keeping a dog locked in the pantry?” Dick’s head jerked up as he heard Barbara’s voice calling, “Hey, Short stuff? What’s taking you so long? Rudolf is coming on.” “I’ll be right there,” Dick answered reluctantly standing and fixing the tray. Before he walked out of the kitchen, Dick gave one final glance at the pantry door and decided to look into this new mystery. *** Dick lay in his bed wide-awake. Alfred and Bruce had returned over 2 hours ago and Dick had been in bed for at least 1 hour. But sleep would not come to him. Instead, Dick’s curiosity continued to mount over the trapped dog in the pantry. Stealthily, Dick slipped out of bed and opened his bedroom door. Listening and then looking down the hall for any signs of life, Dick crept down the deserted hallway. As he reached the staircase, Dick looked over the balcony to see Alfred disappear into the study. Knowing that Alfred was probably going to the Cave, Dick decided to make a break for it. Running on quiet feet, Dick made his way to the kitchen. But as he approached the pantry, he noticed the door was cracked open. Pulling the door completely opened, Dick saw with disappointment that the pantry was abandoned of anything living. “Where did you go?” Dick whispered in confusion. The boy turned and left the kitchen with a frown set firmly in deep thought. The frown became a brilliant smile as Dick was hit by a sudden thought. Going quickly and quietly to the study, Dick slipped in through the secret passage behind the clock. Descending the stairs, Dick heard voices below that belonged to Bruce and Alfred. “Sir, I do not wish to complain, but he is becoming quite a hassle to take care of. I am constantly cleaning up …messes that he creates through the manor. Besides, I try to keep him out of the way as you request, but he is quite persistent in making his presence here known,” Alfred stated in a voice that spoke of irritation. “Alfred, I know that you have to sacrifice a lot of your time and devotion to him right now, but I don’t have the time to deal with that little animal,” Bruce shot back. “It’s just until we can get someone else to take on that responsibility.” Dick’s eyes widened as he listened to the conversation. Desperately he thought, #Are they talking about me? I clean up my messes and I’m not an animal! Get someone else to take care of me!?! Well, good grief! When were they going to tell me?# “I’m not sure if that person will want such a big hassle, Master Bruce. Have you even thought of that? This responsibility is a very big chore indeed,” Alfred continued his argument. “Big chore!” Dick yelled out suddenly. “I’m not some chore! I thought I was a part of a family! Guess again, huh?” “Dick?” Bruce said as he quickly approached the youth now standing on the bottom step of the Cave. “No, Bruce! Why don’t you call me an animal again? The least we can do is be honest,” Dick said with tears starting to fill his eyes. “Animal? I didn’t call you an animal…” Bruce started. “Master Dick, you were eavesdropping. When one eavesdrops, one often does not hear the whole story. Therefore you are gravely mistaken in your interpretation of our conversation,” Alfred said pointedly. “Huh?” Dick gave a confused look. Bruce chuckled and said, “In other words, you shouldn’t spy on people and then assume to know everything that is going on. You only picked up half the story, Chum. The other half is a surprise that will have to wait.” “Oh,” Dick said with a little shrug. “Does this surprise have anything to do with a dog being locked in the pantry?” Alfred pursed his lips and gave Bruce a hard glare. “I told you that I did not have anywhere to put that creature.” “I suppose we could let him open one present a little early,” Bruce sighed. “Present? You mean that…” Dick trailed off. “Well, Alfred?” Bruce questioned. “I’ll be right back, sir.” Alfred walked back upstairs. Dick looked up at Bruce and asked, “You really got me a dog?” “Would you like one?” Bruce questioned back. “Like one? I would love one!” Dick smiled brilliantly. When he had lived in the circus community, Dick had been surrounded by all kinds of animals. But for over a year, his life had been void of the friendly creatures. Dick missed the joy and adventure that only a pet could bring in a child’s life. “Good! I was worried I had made a bad decision.” Bruce gave a half smile. At that moment, Alfred came down the stairs holding a small brown puppy in his hands. “Here you are, Master Dick. Here is the big chore.” “Wow! Where’d you get him, Bruce?” Dick inquired as he took the wiggling puppy from Alfred. “The other night…in the alley…” Bruce stumbled over his words, not wanting to upset Dick. “You mean the dog that was killed…it was a mother?” Dick looked down sadly at the puppy in his arms. “Yes,” Bruce answered quietly. “Was he the only puppy?” Dick’s voice sounded so small. “There weren’t anymore?” Bruce did not make a habit out of lying to his ward. But this time, the exception was the rule. Nodding his head, he answered, “I found this one puppy alive in the alley.” “Just one…” Dick muttered still stroking the puppy’s brown fur. “Hmm…now what to name it…” As Dick mulled over what to name his new friend, his eyes came to rest on the large Joker card hanging in the Cave. Suddenly, a smile spread across his face. “How about Ace?” “Ace? Sounds like a good name to me. How about you, Alfred?” Bruce turned to look at the older man. “Ace is a splendid name, Master Dick,” Alfred agreed. Soon the cave was filled with the laughter of a young boy and the excited bark of a puppy. Bruce sat at the computer working on case files. Alfred pretended to dust while humming Christmas carols and watching his family. “Hey, Bruce! I just got a great idea!” Dick yelled. “What’s that, Chum?” Bruce questioned without turning around. “You know how policemen train their dogs to help track down criminals and stuff? We could teach Ace to do that! Ace the Bathound!” Dick lifted the puppy high above his head and laughed. Bruce closed his eyes and shook his head. “What have I gotten myself into?” “I ask myself that same question daily, Master Bruce,” Alfred answered dryly. “Better watch out Alfred or Santa’s going to bring you a pooper scooper this year,” Bruce smiled evilly. “Oh humbug!” Alfred smiled back. Then he said as he watched Dick and Ace run around the huge dinosaur, “It seems you have found the perfect gift for our boy, Master Bruce.” “You and Dick are my perfect gift,” Bruce whispered back. “Merry Christmas, Alfred!” “Indeed, Master Bruce,” Alfred said with a twinkle in his eye. “Merry Christmas!” *** The End :0)