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Alfred Pennyworth had long been a servant in the Wayne household and he was fortunate to say that he experienced the joy of the current occupants.
It had all started when Master Thomas and Miss Martha had passed away, leaving behind young Master Bruce. He had taken care of him and raised him. He didn't regret becoming a parent figure to the boy.
However, when he started with batman he was unsure. Did he really want his ward going out there and fighting crime? He understood his reasoning, after all Master Bruce had seen firsthand the pain it could leave.
That didn't stop him from wistfully thinking that he would stop and stay safe.
Alfred started to prepare dinner, doing multiple things at once to prepare for the household occupants' taste. He sighed and began thinking of the past once more.
It had all started again when Master Bruce went to the circus and then later came with a boy. A young boy with the same eyes Master Bruce once had, the eyes of ones who had seen their loved ones die. Master Bruce only confirmed it "He saw his parents die"
Alfred felt a wave of sadness, that young boy was now grown up. A vigilante too, fighting and watching. Making sure that it never happens again.
Soon after Master Richard came Master Jason. A dirty young boy who also had black hair. He though, had taken care of himself until he had stolen the tires off the batmobile.
Alfred turned off the stove and let the food cool down. He was a bright young boy who's life ended too early. Though he was back, Alfred knew perfectly well that it wasn't the same boy who left in order to search for his real mother. He had grown into something stronger and harsher. He had grown up all too quickly.
When Master Jason died, Master Tim took his place. A bright young man (he wasn't a child, no child would know how to take care of himself like that) who saw the hurt in Master Bruce and tried to help. He too, had grown up all too quickly, it hurt.
Alfred began to gather utensils to set the table. Miss Gordon had followed Master Richard when they were young. A bold, brave spirit. The joker had tried to take it away. He had failed and only succeeded in creating a bright young woman who would never stop fighting for those she loved.
Miss Stephanie had come with tim. Another young woman, just like the rest, trying to make life better, make Gotham better for it's citizens. She was a welcome addition to the family.
Miss Cassandra had come quietly, a surprise and another small blessing. She too, wasn't a child nor a teenager but rather something older. Harsher. He was grateful for his newfound family then. They were able to make her blossom to this day. Find out who she is.
Alfred finished setting the table and turned once again towards the kitchen. They would all soon come downstairs. After all, they all must surely be hungry.
Master Damian had been a surprise but so much like his father, like his adopted siblings. Though at first he had been violent and closed off like he had been raised, he soon became close to his family and took on the mantle of Robin.
The Wayne family began appearing from all corners of the house and sitting down. Alfred was in the process of setting the dishes out when he began to think about the last family member.
Duke Thomas came after Damian, a young man this time who had lost everything thanks to the Joker. He still smiled and though he was unsure he still figured things out. Duke had done a lot for the family. And the family a lot for him.
Alfred set the final dish and stared at the people gathered at the table. Most were adults or soon to be adults, but he couldn't help but remember when they were young, smaller and vulnerable. He couldn't help but think that he didn't want them to grow up. To face the world.
Unfortunately, Alfred couldn't have what he wanted, life must go on. And After all, they were the Batfamily, normal didn't pertain to them.