fFor the Sake of Your Happiness

I do not own Batman. If I did, there would be more Alfred and Bruce interaction!

"Alfred, I think you really deserve today off. What do you think?"

"I think, Master Wayne, that you should finish your breakfast so I may take the tray away."

"Aha, only if you take the day off!"

"Sir, I haven't taken a day off in over a year. As I see it, why start now?"

Bruce locked gazes with his old friend, a shimmer of amusement in both pairs of eyes. It was true; Alfred didn't care for taking days off. Perhaps he had concluded (some years ago) that Bruce Wayne simply could not survive alone in his manor for over a few hours. Maybe this was true…but Bruce could never tell because it rarely happened.

"Alfred, you've been working overtime to take care of me for the past week. I think I can handle myself now. Hell, if I blow up the stove and burn the manor down again, you won't have to take any more days off ever again. Would that make you happy?" he teased.

"Oh, yes sir! Working for you is what makes my life is worth living. But that's all right, sir. Please don't set the stove alight just for my sake."

Bruce laughed, and for the first time in weeks, it wasn't forced. "Really, Alfred! Why don't you go out and enjoy a day at that pub you used to go to?"

It was Alfred's turn to shake his head disapprovingly. "That nice place shut down years ago, sir."

Bruce shifted in his chair, grimacing slightly. "Really? I knew that." he added.

"And it's eleven in the morning, anyway."

"Then go outside or something."

"I've never been too fond of the cold, but I can try to enjoy it, if that will please you." said Alfred in a bland tone. Bruce looked once at his friend's face and chuckled softly, reminding Alfred of the happy young boy his ward had once been.

"It wouldn't be worth living here if you weren't around, Alfred. You're my only source of entertainment!"

"It's a pleasure to be, Master Wayne. I am grateful that I'm here for you." It took Bruce a second to realize that the old butler was serious.

"Alfred, go on. Please, I feel like I'm trapping you in here."

"Oh, Master Wayne, I've never felt trapped in this house."

"Please?"

Bruce flashed Alfred one of his dashing smiles usually reserved for very beautiful (and available) women. On the female types, they usually worked something like a narcotic. Alfred merely studied his ward's face carefully. "Do you want me to leave you alone, sir?"

"No, it's nothing like that!" The smile faltered. "I just want you to be happy, or something along those lines..."

"Master Bruce." The rare use of Bruce's first name made the younger man go silent, like a child being acknowledged in a roomful of self-important adults. Alfred continued, "I'm happy where I am. Years ago, when I first came to work for your father, I might have said otherwise. But I've known you now for over thirty years, and if you are safe, happy, and eat at least some of what I prepare for you, then I am happy. Sir."

Bruce smiled again, an unashamed look of gratefulness on his features. He handed the breakfast tray to Alfred, who looked at it and frowned slightly. "Skipping the protein again, sir?"

"I wasn't that hungry. So I guess that means you're not taking the day off?"

Alfred paused, and seemed to be considering the prospect. "I will, as long as you promise not to use the stove without giving me a call, sir."

Bruce nodded. "I think that's a reasonable request."

"Then I shall be happy to go, Master Wayne, for your sake." Alfred smiled at his ward and left.

I really love the father-son relationship that Alfred and Bruce have, and I never get tired of reading it. So one day, I decided to write about it. Please leave a review, even if you hated it. They inspire me. :)