[Somewhere, deep in Alfred's heart, he knows that if this is a trick, if this is some terrible new thing that has come, he's not going to be able to stop himself. He's going to tear the place down with his bare hands if he has to. But it looks real.
Christ. It feels real. There are arms around him and for a moment, he thinks it really is fake. He can count the number of times his boy has hugged him on two hands. He knows Bruce isn't demonstrative. But here he is and he's sure. He's so sure. He'll never forget this feeling.
Alfred is still slow to wrap his arms around the teen. To hold him back. He can feel his hands shaking as he gathers Bruce closer. Holds him tighter, like he's terrified he's all a dream.
His voice holds even more gravel, like he's barely keeping himself together. He can't lose it. Bruce needs him. Like always. Bruce needs him to be strong and steady.]
It's all right, lad. Nothing for you to be sorry for. [Because Alfred would wait for Bruce for as long as he needed to.] It's good to see you, Sir. So good. Wish it wasn't here, but beggars can't be choosy, now can they?
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Christ. It feels real. There are arms around him and for a moment, he thinks it really is fake. He can count the number of times his boy has hugged him on two hands. He knows Bruce isn't demonstrative. But here he is and he's sure. He's so sure. He'll never forget this feeling.
Alfred is still slow to wrap his arms around the teen. To hold him back. He can feel his hands shaking as he gathers Bruce closer. Holds him tighter, like he's terrified he's all a dream.
His voice holds even more gravel, like he's barely keeping himself together. He can't lose it. Bruce needs him. Like always. Bruce needs him to be strong and steady.]
It's all right, lad. Nothing for you to be sorry for. [Because Alfred would wait for Bruce for as long as he needed to.] It's good to see you, Sir. So good. Wish it wasn't here, but beggars can't be choosy, now can they?