emote
"At least try and act surprised, Master Bruce. Smile a little and emote, don't leave the boys hanging."
Alfred pulls Bruce to the side as the boys continue preparing the table.
"I understand that you are, pardon my French, too old for celebrations and such. But the boys and Miss Cassandra have worked hard to piece together dinner."
Bruce pinches the bridge of his nose, and spares a glance towards Tim who was telling Jason off that the cutlery were in the wrong places.
"Of course, Alfred."
"B! Alf! Table's ready! Cass and Jay and I'll be bringing the food out soon." Dick says, beckoning for them towards the table where Tim and Damian have already taken their places.
Dinner turns out to be tossed salad (that was more leafy greens than anything else), microwaved dinosaur chicken nuggets, and mashed potato (that didn't hold back on the salt and pepper), and buttered mixed vegetables.
For dessert was banana split, carefully prepared by Cass, with the help of Tim to bring them out.
Since losing his parents, Bruce had never been fond of birthdays, nor did he ever wish to celebrate his. Alfred though, never forgets to bake him cookies for his special day, and make him his favourite meal.
But now that their family had been growing favorably at an alarming rate, at least on Alfred's end. At least he was able to celebrate children's birthdays still, even if the young Master Bruce had sworn off of them.
And now, these kids are adults and teenagers now. They've come to return the favour, and celebrate the birth of their (adoptive, for some) father's.
"Happy birthday, Bruce! Blow out your candles and make a wish." Dick says, slinging an arm around the man.
"I'm not gonna ask how old you are this year, I mean, your roots are showing!" Jason teases, pointing at Bruce's head, which the man subconsciously covers with his hands.
"Knock it off, Jay. Let the man live!" Tim says, but laughs along.
"So he can dye them, I bet?" Damian adds.
"Cover grays?" Was all Cass had said all evening, but still she got more laughs than the jokes Dick told over dinner.
"Hey! Don't be mean to the birthday boy, you guys!" Dick triew to chastise the laughing Bat™ children.
Bruce sighs in exasperation, but blows the small candles out. Dick explained it stood for one person each in their family.
The kids have all forgotten about the cake and had gotten into another squabble about Bruce's graying hairs, and shaving off stubbles.
"I told you so, hadn't I?" Alfred nudges Bruce as he places the cake in front of them, and slices them evenly.
"Don't you always, Alf? Don't you always."
"Happy birthday, Master Bruce."
"Thank you, Alfred."