While Bruce slept, Alfred took to his desk and began to rifle through some of the papers that were strewn about. He had barely made it through half of his tea, when Bruce began to move restlessly. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Alfred set down the cup and made his way over to Bruce's bedside.

The boy's brow was furrowed deeply, as he began to breathe loudly. Totally unaware of the butler's presence, Bruce suddenly moved and smacked his head against the backboard.

"Master Br-"

Bruce gulped in air as he awoke with a start. He felt the bed shift, and stole a glance over his shoulder. He barely registered Alfred leaning forward, and riffling his hands through his hair.

"You all right?" Alfred asked, his voice laced with worry.

The butler gasped when the young boy sat up and looked him straight in the eye. A single sob fell from his lips as Bruce shook his head. Alfred quickly moved over to Bruce's side and pulled him close. It wasn't until he had his arms around the boy's trembling shoulder's that he realized the severity of Bruce's nightmare. Alfred's breath caught at the lack of fight the boy put forth. Glancing down he saw that Bruce had buried his head in his hands.

It was obvious as the languid form of the young boy began to tremble more ardently, that he was being overwhelmed by another onslaught of grief. Tightening his embrace, Alfred slowly began to rock back and forth.

Bruce began to wail as he felt Alfred's arms hold him tighter. With all his might he tried to stifle his cries as images form the nightmare began to flash before his eyes. It was all for naught as the grief seemed to engulf his entire being. His ribs began to hurt as it seemed that with every cry, Alfred would hold him tighter.

"I've gotcha..." Alfred soothed.

"Alfred?" Bruce mewled.

Alfred held tighter as he heard the sorrow in Bruce's voice.

"You're safe..." Alfred stated.

"Can't...breathe.." Bruce rasped.

Alfred pulled away, and Bruce gulped in loudly.

"Sorry...Master Br-"

Alfred barely had time to finish his sentence before Bruce wrapped both arms around him and clung to him. He saw the young boy shake his head.

"Not what...I meant...Alfred.." Bruce slurred.

Alfred began to smooth the boys hair as he gingerly wrapped his arms around the boy. The sound of Bruce's jagged breathing soon filled the room, as he continued to tremble. It wasn't until a hiss broke the silence, that Alfred realized he had fallen into a trance of his own. Glancing down he saw Bruce rubbing his head tenderly.

"Lemme see." Alfred demanded.

"It's all right Alfred." Bruce answered, dropping his hand.

"Please...Bruce..." Alfred stammered.

Upon hearing the butler's voice falter, Bruce looked up. Fresh tears had donned the eyes that now stared back at him. Alfred's lips were drawn in a line, as he smiled sadly. Sighing, he placed his hand atop Bruce's head. The moment he did so, Bruce hissed.

"Easy...easy..." Alfred spoke.

Reaching up, the butler placed his hand over the tender spot. A lump was already forming as Alfred inspected the injury. It was not huge, but it was big enough to cause some worry.

"Really knockin' lumps around-" Alfred quipped, stopping short.

The words had barely left the butler's lips when he noticed Bruce had averted his gaze. The boy's face was crumbling, as his sorrow began to break through. Alfred knew Bruce was trying to keep the tears at bay. Sighing heavily, Alfred placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Bruce opened his mouth, but closed it as the tender gesture seemed to enable his sorrow. The more Bruce tried to fight it, the more his resolve began to fade.

"You're shaking..." Alfred stated.

Bruce nodded.

"Say...something..." Alfred pleaded.

The moment Alfred heard Bruce's cold voice reply, he felt a chill works it's way up his spine.

"It should have been me."