Hello, everyone. I'm sorry that my HG SYOT didn't work out. Life got in the way, as it always does. But this is a new story which I definitely plan on continuing. This is a one-shot, which leads into a different story in the same universe, just in the past. You'll understand once I post the other story. I can't thank my amazing beta, readpaintlaugh, enough. Without her, this story would basically suck. I hope you enjoy. Just, if you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises, a. GO SEE IT! and b. don't read this story unless you don't mind spoilers. This is more my interpretation but there are/will be spoilers.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Batman. In my dreams.

~o~

Alfred Pennyworth was brought to a table at his favorite Italian café. His drink followed a few minutes later. As he took a sip, his eyes scanned the tables, and a long-forgotten fantasy of his came to mind when he saw a couple a few tables ahead of him. The woman moved her head to the side, and Alfred saw what he had wanted to see for years.

Bruce. Bruce Wayne. The Batman. Sitting at a table with a noticeably pregnant Selina Kyle. Alfred saw rings sparkle on the fourth finger of each of their left hands. His eyes caught Bruce's, and they gave each other hints of a smile. Finishing his drink, Alfred stood up and left the café without a word, as he always said he would.

John Blake had made no such promise.

Standing up from his table, he approached the couple, and placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder.

"Bruce Wayne. You son of a bitch, I thought you were dead! Everyone thinks you're dead."

Bruce smiled sadly, "Well, here I am. How've you been, Blake?"

Shrugging, the ex-detective replied, "All right. Gotham's still recovering. Yourself?"

"Keeping myself out of trouble. Selina and I are married now, with a kid on the way. Nothing too exciting." Bruce smiled, his eyes shining as he looked at his wife.

"Well congrats. And how are you, Ms. Kyle? Or should I say, Mrs. Wayne?" Blake winked, and Selina rolled her eyes.

"Well, despite feeling like a bloated whale, very well, thank you. I trust that you're keeping Gotham safe, Detective?" she asked.

"I'm not 'Detective' anymore. I've become more of an outdoorsy type. I went hiking once and found an amazing cave under a waterfall." Bruce smiled, knowing that Gotham was in good hands.

They chatted for a few more minutes, about Gordon and Gotham and everything else, until the Wayne's had to leave. Bruce's parting words were, "And I'm still dead, remember."