Bruce is 8.

Chapter 9: Shot in the Dark

Bruce's POV

I paused outside of Dad's study as I heard him and Alfred talking.

"Are you sure, Alfred? You've been with us for eight years now," Dad sadly replied.

"I'm certain, Master Thomas… Come Monday, I'll be leaving for England-" Alfred began before a single tear rolled down my face.

Today's Tuesday… I have less than a week to make him stay… Why would he even want to leave us? What if I did something wrong? What if he doesn't love us anymore?

I stayed hidden as the door opened. They walked past me with noticing me as I watched them go.

If Alfred wants to leave, I'll just have to convince him to stay.

********Break********

Alfred's POV

"Can I help?"

I looked down to find the young master staring up at me as I tried to prepare dinner.

"That is very kind of you offer, Master Bruce. However, I am just about finished."

"Oh," he glumly replied before fleeing the kitchen.

********Break********

"Alfred?"

I looked down from where I was dusting the shelves to find Master Bruce holding up a chess board. Poor child. Ever since his only friend was sent away he's trying to fulfill that void with me.

"Master Bruce, I'm a bit busy at the moment. Perhaps we can find another time to play, alright?"

The lad nodded before glumly dragging himself away.

********Break*******

"Alfred?"

I looked away from the pot-roast I was preparing to look down at the small boy before me. My heart went out to him as a single tear rolled down his cheek. I instantly knelt down to take him into my arms.

"There, there, my dear child. What is it, dear boy?"

Master Bruce sniffled, "Did I do something wrong?"

"Of course not. What would give you that idea?"

"You're leaving. Why don't you love us anymore?"

"That's not true, Master Bruce. I love you very much… I just miss my family."

Jerking back, he instantly screamed, "But, we're your family, Alfred! You can't go! You just can't go!"

A second later he'd run off with me feeling extremely guilty just as Master Thomas walked in.

Master Thomas asked, "What happened? What's wrong with Bruce?"

"I'm afraid he's found out about my decision to leave, sir."

"Poor Bruce. Surely, there must be something we can do to cheer him up?"

A small smile came to me as I suggested the new Zorro film that the boy had been dying to see.

*********Break*********

If only I had known. If only I could have gone back in time. If only I could change their fates. If only. But, I can't which is why I'm at the police station so early in the morning holding a child who's lost his entire world.

Clinging to me, Master Bruce pleaded, "Don't leave me, Alfred. Please don't go too."

"Never, dear boy. Never."

Super short chapter but I didn't want to drag it out since it's so overdone.

But, the real story starts now :)