(Y/n) smiled as she continued to listen to Alfred talk. It was the first time that she had really been able to smile since the funeral. The first time that she had wanted to smile since she had lost her brother and Martha. The butler, the only one that had ever made her smile like this. She always found his presence quite calming. The sound of his voice banishing all bad thoughts, and sad memories as he spoke. She hadn't let go of his hand since she had reached over and took it. Alfred's tight grip preventing her from moving it. But even if it hadn't, she wouldn't have wanted to release his hand anyway. In truth, it felt like home. It felt as though her hand belonged in his. As though it was the only place that it wanted to be.

(Y/n) couldn't help but blush as Alfred laughed out loud at something that she had just said. Admittedly, it may have had something to do with the two or three large glasses of Scotch that they had had, but it was nice to watch him really let down his guard fully. She could see that the tension that had been building up, had been finally lifted from his shoulders. And she had to admit that it made her happy. (Y/n) quite aware of how difficult it had been for Alfred, since the death of his employers and friends. How everything had changed. But here and now, it was like old times. It was as if they were back in the kitchen. A pot of good tea streaming away in front of her, as the smell of freshly baked scones that came from her favourite bakery in the city, drifted along in the warm kitchen air. Sweet strawberry jelly and fresh clotted cream being spooned into bowls before Alfred would join her. The two forgetting about the world. About their different lives and the expectations of others, as they just sat and talked.

(Y/n) had noticed that since Alfred had taken a seat, every time he had set his glass down on the table next to his chair, his hand would instinctively reach into his waistcoat pocket. His fingers brushing over something that was hidden inside. (Y/n) finding that her curiosity was getting the better of her as she saw what resembled a creased and torn piece of paper. She knew that she shouldn't enquire, it was after all Alfred's business, and he was a private man. Yet she had come to realise that she had seen him do the same thing whenever they were together. As if the ex-SAS man connected her with the small page of paper. And despite all her best efforts, she couldn't help but let the words spill out from her mouth.

"Alfred! Can I.......can I ask you something?" (Y/n) blurted out. An embarrassed flush heating her cheeks as Alfred looked at her.

"Of course, Miss........I mean, of course, (Y/n)." Alfred replied with a soft smile. (Y/n) sure that her heart had just melted.

"Well, I was.......I was just wondering about that piece of paper in your pocket. I've noticed that you've been playing with it since you sat down. That you seem to always reach for it when you sit with me. When we talk. I was just........"

"Its nothing, (Y/n). Really. It's silly really..........."

"I have found that nothing you do is, what I would call, silly, Alfred. You aren't that kind of man. And for someone that used to do what you did, you are a terrible liar, Alfred Pennyworth. I don't mean to pry; you know I don't. It's just.........well, I've realised that you do the same thing whenever we spend time together. Even before..........I mean, even when we would sit in the kitchen together, your hand would always reach for that same pocket. I just thought that........that it, and I, might be connected. I'm sorry Alfred. I shouldn't have asked. Please, forget I ever said anything." (Y/n) explained apologetically. Pulling her hand away from Alfred's as she turned her gaze to the large, ornate clock that sat on the mantle above the fireplace.

"My, look at the time. I should let you get to bed. I am more than sure that our dear Bruce will get you up nice and early for his breakfast." (Y/n) began, as she got to her feet. Doing her best to avoid Alfred's stare. The younger Wayne having a terrible feeling that if she stayed any longer, the effects of the alcohol may loosen her tongue just enough for her to tell her nephew's guardian, just how she felt for him. (Y/n) not sure that this was the best time to profess her love for the old soldier.

"Good night Alfred. Thank you for sitting with me. I will see you in the morning." (Y/n) added sadly. Fighting back the tears that threatened to fall, as she felt her heart drop like a boulder into the pit of her stomach.

Alfred should have realised that (Y/n) would notice such a thing. She had always been observant, quick and clever. Able to pick out small detail, to notice the slightest thing. And that was one of the reasons that Alfred liked her so much. That, and she was so down to earth. No airs and graces. No expecting him to tug the forelock and treat her like she was better than others. She was just (Y/n). Nothing more and nothing less.

He knew that it probably wasn't the right time to tell her about the letter. To let her read it. Hell, she had just buried her brother and sister in law for god's sake. But when would be the right time? He had held onto the note for so long. Swapped it from one waistcoat pocket to another so that it was always with him. He had thought about giving it to her, so many times. Thought about slipping it under her door whenever she came to stay with Thomas. Yet he had always chicken out, telling himself that it was not the right time. But now, it was obvious that she believed that she had upset him. That his denial had made her feel uncomfortable. And that was the last thing that he wanted to do. To make her feel worse than she already did. In truth, he only wanted her to be happy. In truth, he only wanted her to be happy with him. So, what better time than now?

"(Y/n). I'm sorry. Please....... please stay. Please sit down." Alfred said, as he caught her wrist. Holding it tight and preventing her from making her way to the door.

"You're right, (Y/n). I am a terrible liar." Alfred sighed, pulling the ragged note from his pocket as (Y/n) retook her seat.

"To be honest, it is to do with you. I wrote it a while ago. Quite a while ago in fact. I don't know whether I actually meant for you ever to read it. I hoped that one day you might but................" The butler added. Stopping as he realised that he was beginning to ramble. His fingers nervously unfolding the tattered piece of paper, before he handed it to (Y/n). Alfred's eyes dropping to the floor as she took it and began to read.

Dear Miss Wayne ........... My dearest (Y/n). The note began. (Y/n) smiling as she saw how even in his note, Alfred had begun as his usual formal self.

I don't know how best to tell you this, or even if I should.

I know that we come from very different worlds, and as much as your brother has been good to me, I am sure that he will never approve. But I can keep it to myself no longer.

I love you, (Y/n). From the first moment I saw you as I opened the door to the manor that time, I have known that I loved you. And that love has only continued to grow.

The time we spend together in the kitchen, is the best time of my day. The way you smile. The way you laugh. Makes me feel happier than I have ever felt before.

I would give everything to be able to tell you all this in person. To hold you in my arms and kiss you even if it was just once. To ask if you would be mine. But I know that it is the one thing that I am not brave enough to do. So, instead, I will write you this and hope that you might just feel the same.

All my love and devotion,

Alfred Pennyworth.

(Y/n) looked between the note and the man sat next to her. She knew that he had never been the best at expressing his emotions. It wasn't who he was. So, to read a letter where everything was laid bare, (Y/n) knew must have taken a lot. She just wished that he hadn't wasted so much precious time. That they hadn't had to lose people that they both loved, before he had let her read it. But now that he had, she knew that there was only thing that she could say in reply.

"Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth. You silly old thing." (Y/n) chuckled. A large smile pulling at the corners of her lips as Alfred's eyes flew up to meet hers. The old soldier feeling his heart beat faster than ever before, as she lay her hand delicately on his cheek.

"I love you too. In fact, I have loved you for as long as you say that you have loved me. And Thomas wasn't blind, or stupid. He could see how we both felt, even if we weren't brave enough to tell one another. Everything has changed so much, but my feelings for you never will. I chose to stay in Gotham, not just so I could help you look after Bruce, but because I wanted to be with you. To finally say all the things that I wanted to say for so long. Alfred, I love you. I want to be here with you. To help you raise Bruce the way that Thomas and Martha would want. So, if you still feel the same for me as you did when you wrote this letter. I wouldn't mind if you took me in your arms, kissed me, and asked me to be yours." (Y/n) added. Taking Alfred's hand, as he got to his feet. The butler taking her into his arms as she stood before him. And as their lips finally met, they knew that despite how difficult things may be in their future, they would now always have one another. And Miss Wayne and her butler would be there for Bruce for as long as he needed them.