This ones short, sorry guys

promise I'll get back to updating soon

Also go Zales, you're fantastic ;)

"You know, I forgot you could get injuries from things as mundane as falling out of a tree," I say as Alfred stitches my forehead gently. We both smile at the déjà vu of simpler days when all I was in danger of was a scraped knee or a broken arm from climbing trees and running on the grass.

"Those were simpler times weren't they Master Bruce?"

"I don't even know how it happened! I have perfect balance yet one minute I'm in the tree trying to get the final parts of the tree house done for Dick and the next I'm crashing to the ground, somehow twist my ankle in a branch and land nearly head first! You're smiling Alfred, stop smiling."

"Master Dick will appreciate the effort you have gone to, to build him a tree house," Alfred smiles at me warmly as his fingers brush through my hair briefly then return to his side.

"Finished?"

"Yes Master Bruce and let me tell you it's refreshing to only have to tend to very small non-life threatening injuries."

Honestly this is a nice feeling- the pain is bearable, the sun is still up and I'm doing non-work related things for once.

I put a hand on Alfred's shoulder and he looks at me questioningly.

"Alfred, you've been with me for my whole life and not once did I question your loyalty or your love for me. You weren't always the hugging type but your words gave me confidence and the pats on the back or the hand on my shoulder always let me know that you were still with me, still on my side and ready to defend me even with your life if necessary.

You don't agree with my night work but only because you constantly worry if I'm going to make it home and you always have my best interest in mind. You raised me and reassured me, took care of me when I was sick and saved me a few times from injuries that could have killed me, each time staying by my side to make sure I wasn't up and about and over doing it.

You've drugged me the few times I took obsession too far and made sure I slept or ate, Alfred I don't say it enough but thank you. I've been thinking a lot about Dick and how he's become Robin despite how grim the consequences could be and that reminded me that you do the very same thing.

Except now you have two people to worry about and not just one so I just wanted to tell you that I do know how much you do for me, how much you've already done and how much you will do, thank you Alfred I couldn't... I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you," apparently this does warrant a hug because he pulls me into his arms.

"You are my son Master Bruce, not by blood but by every way that counts."

I close my eyes and enjoy the moment, it's been a while since we have both allowed this kind of physical contact.

"What's going on is something wrong?" A concerned voice asks from behind.

We pull out of the hug; he squeezes my shoulder before releasing me completely.

"Everything is fine Dick, just a minor injury. The tree house is nearly built; want to build the rest of it tomorrow with me? Right now I want ice and a movie, sound good?" Dick's eyes light up.

"Great! Let's go."

I follow him into the main lounge room and we take the rest of the day off, he needs it and so do I. The night is a different story...