Alfred Pennyworth has served the Wayne family dutifully for decades. He's saw Bruce Wayne through the best childhood, until that fateful night when their lives were altered. Alfred had tried his best to console the young master, always indulging him in his less than healthy ways of overcoming his grief. It came as no surprise to him when one night Bruce came home with a female friend, the surprise was that she stayed for years rather than hours. Bruce had introduced her first as Cat, until he earned her trust. Miss Selina Kyle became the daughter Alfred always yearned for Bruce to find.
The relationship was far from perfect and at times the mansion was filled with animosity and tension, but there was an endless amount of unconditional love. Finally the two made it official, though not in the way Alfred wanted. Miss Kyle became Mistress Wayne, and in the steadfast butler's mind always would. Of course with two equally stubborn individuals with their own share of childhood trauma, they had different opinions on how the marriage would go. Bruce loved his wife, but once his parents' killer was released on a technicality he lost his way. Both Selina and Alfred tried their best to keep Bruce from spiraling with no fault of their own; they failed.
Bruce left one night with no explanation, he didn't come home for three days. Alfred found him on the wrong side of town with one Vicki Vale. That seemed to be the last straw for Mistress Wayne, so with tears in her green eyes she hugged Alfred goodbye. The master of the manor was heartbroken, but relieved feeling that this was better for her. After setting her up in France, Bruce told his only remaining family to head home without him. "I need to find myself a purpose, find a way to live in this world with all this pain. Maybe I'll find a way home, maybe we'll find our way back to each other" Bruce shrugged and walked away.
Mistress Wayne sent Alfred Pennyworth monthly updates of her life. She never asked about Bruce, not since his disappearance. He looked forward to her phone calls on his birthday, and at Christmas. The faithful butler never asked her to come home, or if she knew anything about his ward. They had an unspoken agreement between them. After six years Bruce returned home with a renewed focus, and a penchant for bats.
Through all his travels Alfred had never stopped worrying about the young man, his worries only grew to fear when Bruce took on the crime of Gotham each night. Never fully explaining where he learned to fight, or what he was doing abroad Bruce became the Dark Knight, the Batman. He also picked up a daylight persona, which was not approved by the butler.
"Master Wayne, you need time to prepare for the gala." Alfred spoke calmly through the communication link.
"I'll have plenty of time for a quick patrol, Gordon mentioned a few petty thefts" Batman rumbled back.
He'd been out for a few hours and was ready to head back to the manor, when he heard it. A crack of a whip, then he saw her. A woman swinging through the fog, heading towards the museum.
"Alfred, I found the culprit, this won't take long" Batman cut the comms.
Watching the woman slink into the museum, and take out the guards Bruce feels a draw to her. He watches her steal the emerald necklace with ease. Knowing full well he should stop her, but he's entranced by her agility. Deciding to gather any evidence or clue to who this cat burglar is, but finds nothing left behind.
"Master Wayne, the guests are waiting upstairs." Alfred sighed.
"Well let's not keep the vultures waiting." Bruce chuckled to himself.
Changing out the cape and cowl for a custom tailored suit, Bruce walked into the crowded party. After the initial greetings and personal hellos to the board members Bruce wanted to call it a night.
"Mister Wayne, it's so wonderful to have you home. Could I get a statement or maybe an interview about your time away?" Vicki Vale asked placing her hand on his arm
"Vicki, how have you been? I'm not sure anyone would want to hear about my time away, I will say on the record I'm beyond happy to be home" Bruce smiled, patting her hand.
"Come on, the prodigal son returns home after years of silence? Everyone wants to hear that story!" Vicki grabs his hand pulling herself closer to him.
From the corner of his eye he sees deep green, both frozen in place but also wanting to run across the room. Without another glance, or excuse he drops the flirtatious reporter's hands, moving towards his wife.
She's as beautiful as always, with smile on her face that doesn't quite reach her eyes. She's laughing with Lucius Fox, who notices Bruce before she does.
"Miss Kyle, I think our host would like a word." Lucius Fox smirks nodding at Bruce before walking away.
"Selina, I -" his words catch in his throat as she turns to him, yes she's the same confident woman he's always loved but she's wearing the stolen emerald necklace from earlier that night.