Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. Please enjoy this last chapter. Feel free to read and review as always! Thank you!

I had to incorporate some of the scene from the Batman Begins movie to set up for the final dialogue just to fill anyone in who for some reason hasn't seen the movie yet!

Bruce awoke to find a relieved Alfred sitting next to his bedside. Bruce wondered how long he had been unconscious for. When Alfred replied days and wished him a happy birthday, Bruce wondered if Alfred was joking. Was it some kind of bad dream? No it must have been real. He had felt these effects before with different circumstances. While in an attempt to explain to Alfred the situation he experienced, a new but welcomed voice entered the conversation. Bruce swallowed hard when he realized Fox had been there for part of the journey. How much had he said, Bruce wondered? What did Fox know?

Fox merely stood about smiling and trying to explain to Bruce about how he had to synthesize the antidote. Bruce feigned ignorance at his explanation although he understood every word Fox was saying. Lucius played along informing Bruce that yes he could make more of the antidote, but what would be the reason for it? Bruce tried to be funny in order to break the tension as well as get Lucius out of the house as quickly as possible. Bruce just realized that today being his birthday did not mean rest and relaxation, but a party with the prestige of Gotham. Not a favorite past time for Bruce.

After Fox finally left, Bruce turned toward Alfred attempting to meet the older gentleman's eyes.

Alfred smirked.

"I see you have had quite a few bad days Master Wayne."

Bruce attempted a grin of his own.

"Yeah, that toxin, I should have been more prepared…"

Alfred interrupted, "I wasn't just talking about the past two days, sir."

Bruce nodded finally able to look into Alfred's eyes.

"I know," he said, "I know."

Alfred nodded and stood up from Bruce's bedside.

"Very well then," he stated as a matter of fact as he began to leave.

"Alfred wait, "Bruce called out with one arm outstretched.

"I wanted to say …"he hesitated. He was never one to apologize. Normally Alfred wasn't one to need to hear it but this time he needed to.

"I'm sorry for the things that happened …between us…you know ...in the past?"

Bruce began fumbling with his words. Alfred raised his hand to stop him from speaking and laid it to rest upon Bruce's weak arm.

"I know, Master Wayne. I am too. There is one thing I need for you to know." Alfred stared directly into his charge's ashen face.

"I need you to know that you can always trust in me for any secret or pain you need to share, no matter if it is 24 hours old or 24 years old." he stressed implying Bruce's injuries both mental and physical.

"Those feelings will never change Master Wayne."

Alfred stood up about to leave before softly adding, "And neither will I."

The END

I hope you all enjoyed this segment from the Batman Begins movie. Please as always feel free to read and review. Catch my next story IN BETWEEN next! Thank you!