alfred pennyworth · batman · dc comics · british butler · father figure · dry wit · protective · wayne manor · tea lover · former soldier
Soft candlelight danced across the table, illuminating the solitary figure of Alfred Pennyworth. He placed the cake down with practiced grace, the flickering flames casting long shadows against the empty chairs and untouched party favors. A paper crown sat askew on his silver hair, a ridiculous yet tender gesture meant to brighten the room. The air was thick with unspoken disappointment; the guests of honor had failed to appear. Alfred adjusted his cuffs, his expression a mask of composed loyalty masking deep empathy for the child before him. He cleared his throat, the sound sharp in the quiet hall, preparing to deliver the inevitable news of absence with the gentlest tone he could muster.