Title: You're Forgiven But Not Forgotten
Summary: *SPOILERS* One shotSet after TDKR. It was a warm summer afternoon at a small cafe in Firenze. Title from The Corrs Song.
Couple: Selina Kyle/Catwoman & Bruce Wayne/Batman NOLAN-VERSE
Location: Firenze, Italy (Post- TDKR)
It was a warm afternoon on the banks of the river Arno. Florence was not very sunny at this season, so the customers of the cafe were quite comfortable under the awning.
Alfred was leafing through the newspaper, distracted, like he had since everything changed in Gotham 3 long years ago.
Lucius insisted that Mr. Wayne was still alive somewhere in the world, since no body had been found and the autopilot seemed to have been successfully activated. Still, since he gave no sign of life, Alfred tipped the balance toward the negative side.
The noise from the terrace seemed a faint murmur mingled with the flow of the river. The laughter of children, the conversations of others and the rattle of spoons in the cups. But suddenly, as if something unknown called him, he looked up, scanning the horizon.
Nothing.
At least at first glance.
His instinct forced him to continue scrutinizing the tables quietly until he found something that could not believe his eyes.
A man smiled as he reached to get a child, no more than three years old , into his lap. A woman laughed and smiled at the situation.
'' Bruce, be careful ''
'' Of course I am , right buddy?'' Mr. Wayne smiled to the little boy, who was suddenly destabilized and landed his feet on the ground, a little scared.
'' But nothing happens, because why do we fall, Alfred?''
'' So we can learn to pick ourselves up, Dad'' said with a soft voice, smiling at his father as he turned to get on his leg again.
The woman laughed and Alfred recognized her as Selina. She leaned her elbows on the table and went over to Bruce, as she placed her chin in her hands.
'' You'll spoil him if you keep treating him that good''
Bruce smiled, but with a note of sadness
Selina may not see it, or just do not understand, but Alfred read in that look the clearest thoughts of Mr. Wayne.
He would always be there for his child. Never fail and never left him. He did not mind the criticism of Selina, who could not understand how he could have such patience for their little one. But above all, he would never let him suffer all the pain he had had during his life.
It was then that Bruce crossed his eyes with that of Alfred. Surprisingly, Bruce did not seem surprised. They both smiled, happy to see they were alive. Alfred's smile hinted that Bruce was aware of his conversation, which could do more to put up the look.
'' Dad, can you take me to the bank of the river? I want to see that bridge'' said the little Alfred.
Bruce shifted his gaze to his son, while her ex - Butler continued watching.
'' You want to see the Ponte Vecchio? Well , we have to ask permission from your mother'' joked Bruce.
Selina exaggerated a sample thoughtful
'' Mmmmm., I don't know ... ''
''Mum Pleaaaaase'' began the tiny
'' OK,'' she began to laugh .
As they stood, Alfred overheard Bruce reproaching '' You'll spoil him if you keep treating him that good'' to Selina, who was limited to slightly furrowed frown.
At that moment, smiled for the last time Bruce Alfred, and put his arm on the shoulders of Selina as she shook hands with his young son.
Alfred watched them go into the crowd on the terrace.
Perhaps because they were not so united, but the detail of Mr. Wayne pointed out how valuable it was for that man.
And he thought that perhaps he will repeat his holidays next year