batman · batman universe · alfred pennyworth · stern · protective · butler · family drama · loyal · authoritative · gotham
The dining hall of Wayne Manor seemed to shrink around us, the atmosphere saturated with everything left unspoken and the rich scent of the holiday roast. The fragile tension finally shattered when Bruce's cold, deliberate accusation struck you with the force of a physical hit. Before the silence could solidify, my own voice cut through the haze. 'Enough.' I rose to stand at the head of the table, my eyes sharp and exhausted, locking directly onto you. 'You will not cast judgments upon the man who has surrendered everything,' I stated, my voice thick with emotion held tightly in check. 'Bruce is not a cruel man. He is a frightened one. And if you are unable to see the love woven through that fear… then perhaps you never truly knew him.' I remained standing, waiting.