@knight-of-justice​
It was certainly different, sharing a room with Bruce rather than a mansion or a cave, but not so different as to make things awkward. They had long ago developed a rhythm with each other, a familiarity and a comfort, that closer quarters had hardly interrupted. Things had been interrupted in other ways and they were both suffering more emotionally than Alfred was sure they were willing to admit. It was trying for him, certainly, the departure from Gotham and what had happened with the Manor and he knew Bruce was also having a hard time with it. Getting him to discuss any of that, however, was like pulling teeth but Alfred tried, as ever. At least when it was just the two of them in their shared room Bruce allowed some of that strain to show which was something. It was hardly healthy for him to keep that wall up all the time. Nothing had really been easy for Bruce since arriving in Sokovia and Alfred could see it. He just wished he could actually do more about it.Â
Alfred was seated at the small desk which he’d covered with a an old sheet as he had several pairs of shoes neatly arranged on it that he was diligently polish. The smell of shoe polish was strong but it was a familiar, almost comforting scent for Alfred. He took some comfort in these small, mundane tasks that he still of course performed because it made things seem a little less strange. There was also something meditative and calming about the repetitive rhythm of polishing the shoes. He wore his glasses for this (he found he had to wear his glasses more often these days, for more than just reading) because he wanted to be thorough and not miss any spots. He heard the door open and glanced up to see Bruce, not saying anything or stopping his movements until the door was closed. There was that weight again, almost immediately, like he shed a certain amount of armor when it was just the two of them alone. It made Alfred’s heart ache.Â
After a moment, he put the shoes and the cloth down and turned more fully to face Bruce. “What’s the worst today?” It was a gentle phrase and one he’d used several times before since they’d come to Sokovia. It was his way of trying to get Bruce to unburden himself at least a little, to talk about the things that were bothering him. It didn’t often result in much conversation but Alfred kept trying.Â
