Bruce Wayne's story seen through Alfred's eyes.

I do not own Gotham.

Reviews make me :)

This wasn't in the job description.

Alfred paced up and down the hall. He had made himself two kettles worth of tea and had moved onto the scotch half-an-hour ago.

How long did this kind of operation take? Was it really so complex? Alfred thought wistfully of the cigars he had thrown out, swearing he would quit. He wouldn't say no to one now.

Thomas Wayne appeared at the top of the stairs. He looked tired and slightly sick.

"Any news, sir?"

His boss shook his head wearily.

"Perhaps a small splash of whisky, sir?"

Thomas nodded thankfully and indicated for Alfred to come up the stairs. Alfred was thankful. He wasn't positive that Thomas would have made it down the stairs.

Alfred offered his glass but Thomas, his tie off, shook his head and gulped straight from the bottle.

"A long night, sir."

"You're not kidding, Alfred."

Alfred sat with his boss, both sipping at the whisky. With a sign Thomas stood up.

"I'd better get back. Martha would kill me if I missed the big moment." He chuckled lightly, gave the bottle back to Alfred and stood up.

"You should get some rest, Alfred. It could be a long night."

Alfred bowed his head. "If it's all the same to you, sir, I think I'll stay up and wait. Make sure I'm not needed."

Thomas smiled. "Thank you, old friend. I'll keep you posted."

Alfred watched the young man return to the room. He would wait. And he'd be there when it was suitable. Even if the thought terrified him.

"Alfred?"

Alfred rose his head up from his chest. He had, admittedly dozed off slightly on the couch. He shook himself and stood up, facing the smiling man.

"It's a boy"

Alfred had resisted. Mumbled that this was a time for family.

"Exactly" Thomas insisted.

Leading Alfred into the bedroom, there lay Martha Wayne, looking tired but happy. Alfred gave her a warm smile and then focused his gaze on the bundle in her arms.

"Hello Mrs Wayne. I trust…trust things went smoothly?"

Martha gave a soft laugh. "Well, I would't say smoothly… but he's here."

Alfred smiled. "Congratulations." He turned to Thomas, "To both of you."

Thomas put a hand on Alfred's shoulder. "Will you hold him, Alfred?"

The question made Alfred jerk. "Urm, not my specialty sir. Babies. I'd… I'd be scared of hurting him."

"Here." Thomas pulled up a chair. "You won't hurt him, Alfred. Go on. He won't bite."

Alfred would have preferred to take on a lion that could bite in that moment. Not much encouraged by the new parents' smiles, he slid uncomfortably into the chair next to the bed.

Martha smiled at him. "You ready?"

No Alfred gave a shaky smile. "Of course, Mrs Wayne. Ready when you are"

Martha budged towards the edge of the bed and with an encouraging wink passed the bundle into Alfred's arms.

Alfred's held his arms out, stiff and nervous. His arms en wrapped the warm, small body.

He looked down into the tiny, scrunched up face. The little hands punched the air at an invisible monster. He watched as the tiny face tried to take him in. The little man already had shots of black hair coming from his head. He made indescribable little whimpers, his eyes never leaving Alfred.

Alfred didn't know how he was going to feel… but he was alarmed to feel tears spring to his eyes.

"Alfred?"

"He's… he's beautiful. Just beautiful."

"We think so."

"He... he is."

"He's your family now, Alfred... our family- we're lucky to have you."