Chapter Text
Alfred Pennyworth was a man of honor. He did not use foul language, no matter the situation and in every situation he’s calm and collected.
HIs dear friends, Thomas and Martha Wayne, passing away? Alfred would take in their son and raise him as his own. His son/ward wanting to dress up as a bat to solve crime? Alfred would help Master Bruce with his injuries. His son brings home a freshly orphaned boy? Alfred would make sure the boy got a proper meal and a warm bed. Master Bruce finding an abandoned baby girl at his front porch with just a note and her name written on it? Alfred would feed her properly and take care of her.
The point was, it took a lot to surprise Alfred. He’d seen his grandson come back to life, seen maddened clowns, seen mutant crocodiles.
But when he received a call from an unknown number on his personal cell, it made him pause. Not a lot of people had his number.
He picked up the call, cautious.
“This is Alfred Pennyworth. How do you have this number?” He asked, but no response came from the other side.
He repeated himself, exasperated. He truly had no time for people's tomfoolery. In about half an hour, he had to go pick up Master Damian from Gotham Academy.
Then finally a voice responded, “Hey, Alfie. I-It’s me. Annabeth.”
The name made his heart stutter. He knew nothing of the voice, no recollection of it but the name. The name reminded him of a little girl, her hair falling on her eyes as she sat on the kitchen counter, kicking her legs as she watched him make breakfast. He remembered a small girl keeping him company in the Cave because she couldn't sleep because of the spiders.
But there was no way of telling that it was their Annabeth. After all there could be multiple Annabeths in the world.
But there was only one Annabeth that knew of his number.
"Mistress Annabeth?" He asked, his heart thundering so much he was afraid it would give away. The other person didn't respond but let out a sob, confirming his suspicion.
"I-I want to come home. Please."
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A sharp intake of breath came from her grandfather.
"Of course, my child. When and where should I come to get you?" He asked and Annabeth's heart melted.
She rattled off their address and told him to come in three days and that there will be someone else with her. He kept the call after that but Annabeth didn't let go of the phone.