"Master Damian?" Alfred's knuckles rapped on the bedroom door of the boy's bedroom.

"It is unlocked." Damian didn't look up from his current sketch as the butler entered his room. "Before you hark about who could have left a mess in the kitchen, it was Grayson."

"That's not what I'm here about, but I'll make sure to catch Master Richard before he leaves for Blüdhaven about it." Alfred came to stand before the shorter male, causing him to glance up from his pencil work.

"Then what are you here for? If I might inquire." The boy's green eyes glistened with curiosity, something Alfred had been lucky enough to see in 5 young boys.

"Two nights ago you took a piece of kryptonite from the cave. I only wish to know what you intended to use it for." Alfred spoke knowingly.

Damian hesitated before answering. He knew he couldn't get away with lying to Pennyworth. "Jon wanted to experiment with some... for a gift for his father. Something that would protect him from kryptonite."

"I see. And I understand Bruce is not aware?"

"Or Jon's parents. And we'd like to keep it that way. To keep it a surprise." Damian answered. He already had ideas with how to help with the project.

"Your father wouldn't be pleased to know you stole without him knowing." Alfred said.

"That is the purpose of stealing." Damian added a few small details to his sketch.

A long soft sigh left the butler's lips. "I will keep this a secret. But I cannot lie to Master Bruce directly. And if I hear that either of you get hurt I will confront him about it immediately if he is still not aware."

"I would expect nothing less from you. Jon and I have an agreement. He will only work with the kryptonite while I'm there to supervise."

"Such a relief Master Damian."

"I've said it before Pennyworth, I'm not to young to understand sarcasm." A slight smirk came as the boy mouthed Alfred's response:

"And I am much to old to care, Master Damian."