A/N: Alfred is one of my favourite Batman characters. He's that perfect balance, the person able to step back and see the whole picture, point out the things Bruce doesn't want to hear.

This fic isn't set during any media, but I keep hearing Michael Caine speaking Alfred's words.


"Alfred?" The cracking voice of a boy, as fractured as his spirit and viewpoint of the world, filters into the room via the doorway. The butler turns away from the window and faces his ward – Prince of Gotham, heir to billions…and frightened soul. People often overlook that part. Money cannot heal this.

"Yes, Master Bruce?" The title remains. Because I am not your father, but I will always be your guide.

Said child takes a few steps forwards, then pauses. His mouth opens and closes several times, before words emerge. "I'm not…sure." A deep breath. "I'm not sure what to be. What I am." There is a hard blink of the eyes, a tug of war with his emotions. He takes hold of rage. Strength bleeds into his tenor. "It's like whatever I was supposed to be was changed when my parents…died." A mere mention still hurts. "I feel lost."

How does one respond? Alfred thinks himself fortunate to be capable of empathy; he has seen too much of the world in his many years. It has afforded him great insight, yet at the cost of innocence. Wayne has none of that now, stripped of it at a younger age than the butler. This soon-to-be man thinks he's already broken. I know that's not true. Breaking, yes, but not beyond saving. "If I'm allowed to speak for everyone, I think we're all lost."

Bruce appears dejected, no opinion to offer, dissention or agreement. He doesn't know.

"However, I wouldn't accept that as a finality. It doesn't mean we can't find ourselves. I think you, or anybody, will find a path to walk if you look hard enough."

"Any idea when or where?"

"Sorry, Master Bruce. No clue for you there."

A corner of the boy's lip lifts ever so slightly. Even if he did know, he wouldn't tell me. Still, it's a good enough answer to his dilemma. A purpose to keep him motivated and occupied.

And, if unable to be his old self, he will become something new.