PROUD

The only light coming into the family room was that coming from the TV, and it was not much seeing as the credits were rolling about.

For a moment, Alfred debated with himself if he wanted to alert the family that he was there, but then decided against it. The most probable thing was that they had all fallen asleep. After all, no child had the patience to just look at a screen with names going through…even if it was a child's movie.

He was not disappointed, though, when he moved to look at the family, and once more his heart did a small twist at the sight before him. How many times had he prayed for this? How many times had he begged a higher power for something such as this happening? He had lost count of the many tears he had shed at the thought that he had failed one Martha and Thomas Wayne when to their son it came. Yet, here was a sight his heart had begged to see.

Here he was, his employer, multibillionaire Bruce Wayne. Here he was, the protector of the city, Batman, the fearless shadows of Gotham, the Dark Knight. Here he was…his once ward, his charge, the person his heart claimed as his child, Bruce snuggled together with his family.

He could only smile at the sight. Curled atop of him was his eldest, Dick, Bruce's right hand resting atop the child's thigh. His wife, Selina, was currently using one of his shoulders as pillow while Bruce himself was using her head as pillow, their youngest curled in between them, with Selina's right hand atop Timmy's tummy. Their middle child, Jason, curled slightly atop Selina, both of his parent's hands entwined and resting on the child's back. All of them sound asleep.

Alfred could only contemplate at the family and smile. his heart seemed to go faster at the thought that in a couple of months a new addition would be welcomed, though Selina's now hidden stomach remained as flat as it had always been.

With a glint in his eye he had gained five years ago when Bruce had taken three year old Dick in, he took out his new mobile and prepared to take a picture. He had not counted on the flash going on, and after staying still for a couple of seconds, he only saw little Timmy stir and then curl up even more, taking a hold of his father's shirt with one tiny fist as his other hand went directly to his mouth, his thumb going in.

"I get a copy of that." Selina's voice murmured, as she opened her eyes and looked directly at him, her lips curling up.

He smiled back at her, lifting an eyebrow. "Why, Madam. When have I ever not shared?"

"I can tell a few stories." Bruce stated then, his eyes still closed. "But in this case, I hope you don't share…except for my wife, of course." He said, a slight smile as he felt the glare Selina directed to him.

"Of course, Master Bruce." Alfred directed with a smile. "Should I assist you with them all?" he motioned towards the boys, who were still fast asleep.

"No, that's ok, Alfred." Bruce stated, opening his eyes for the first time. "I can carry both, Dick and Jason, while Selina can take Tim to bed."

"I could carry Dick or Jason, you know." Selina said, shifting a bit to sit a bit straighter. "I'm pregnant, not invalid."

"Tim's lighter." Bruce countered, as he shifted Dick slightly, making the boy whimper slightly. "Shh, that's ok." Bruce whispered in the child's ear, waiting patiently so his cargo went back to sleep just as Selina detangled Timmy's hand from his shirt.

"Ok, get Jason." She whispered, once she snuggled Timmy to her side and patted his back to loll him back to sleep.

Alfred observed mesmerized from the side. How many times had he prayed for his charge? How many times had he wondered if he had done good for Waynes? Here was his proof as he saw as Bruce gently gathering Jason, holding Dick steadily but gently.

Jason stirred, opening his blue eyes and looking around him, sleepiness fogging him. "Daddy?" he asked, looking at Bruce.

Bruce's voice was usually crisp, cold, condescending, harsh and at times sarcastic. When many heard him speak, they heard authority, his tone made people fear him, made them do as he pleased, moved people out of his way or made them do what they wanted. But now, as he held his two eldest, his voice was soft, it soothed, it was like a soft whisper of wind on a calm summer night. "Shh, it's ok, buddy. Go back to sleep."

And that was all it took, the child slumped once more against his father and slept. It was the only time that Bruce could be called gentle, when handling his children, even when having to discipline them, he could be gentle with them. He did not believe he had ever seen a man as gentle as him. It was as if he was seeing a complete different person.

"Madam Selina, do you need help?" Alfred asked next, coming out of his thoughts as the young woman gathered the two year old in her arms and lifted him up.

"No," she said and paused to look back at him. She seemed to want to say something, but then just shook her head and moved to place her cargo in his new bed.

And there he stood, watching how his charge took his eight and seven year olds to bed, followed by his pregnant wife who took their two year old in her arms, while he stood back, just looking.

He had once begged for him to leave all behind and find his life, but it seemed, his life had found him instead. He was still many things, but Alfred couldn't help but smile. Of all the things Bruce Wayne aka Batman was, he was one thing above all. He was a man…a man who had come to surpass many of the struggles in his life and had become someone a father could be proud of.

Someone, Alfred thought with a smile, he could be proud of.

And with that thought, he turned the TV off and went into complete darkness, his heart light knowing his charge had found the end of the tunnel filled with light of love.