Work Text:
Fuzzy. So, fuzzy.
Bruce felt this often, more than he'd like to admit.
Quiet music fills his buzzing ears, another ridiculous Disney movie on the Television, he assumes it's Moana, but Bruce isn't quite sure.
Alfred is always putting on Disney movies when he feels like.. whatever this is.
Alfred's warm hand startles Bruce, though he can hardly process the soft and kind words. "Bruce? Sweet boy, come along"
This is a rare day, with a rare feeling, for Bruce. Usually, Bruce is fighting their usual 'routine' of bath, food, then bed. Bruce had taken the bath without a fuss, silent the whole time.
While this was a slight concern to Alfred, he's just happy to take care of his Bruce.
Alfred takes Bruce into the living room, but Bruce barely follows along, just allowing himself to be led by his caretaker. "Come now, darling, wouldn't you like some hot cocoa and to watch Moana while I whip up your dinner?" Alfred speaks in his usual gentle tone, often dawning it heavily when Bruce is small.
Bruce just gives a quiet shrug and shake of his head, the wet mop of hair grossly hitting his face, which he grunts to; pushing his bangs out of the way. Alfred tuts quietly, picking up the towel that Bruce had so carelessly discarded right after Alfred had him wrapped in it. "Silly me, I didn't fully dry your hair. I'm quite a silly butler, hm?"
Alfred tries his best to be gentle while ruffling up Bruce's wet strands of hair, but the man still fusses and pulls his head away. "Now, come on dear, I need to get you all dry and comfortable, hm? I'm sure that wet hair makes you feel all icky, doesn't it?" It’s difficult for Alfred not to coo at the grumpy little bat, knowing that would only result in a tantrum, Alfred has quite liked their sort-of peaceful night so far.
After just a bit more struggle, Bruce's hair is more dry, and he's now finally seated on the couch. Alfred clears his throat gently so as to not startle the little one. "I'll just be a moment, dear boy, you watch the telly, alright?" Bruce grunts in response, which, of course, is normal for him. Alfred heads off to the kitchen to fix dinner and the promised hot cocoa, leaving Bruce alone with the awfully loud Disney songs.
The Butler stirs a mug filled with warm homemade hot chocolate, he hears a creak in the floorboards, a little bat must be coming up behind him.
Alfred turns his head, peering over his shoulder to see Bruce, fidgeting with his sleeve as he shuffles up to Alfred. The baby bat looks so upset, fiddling with his pajama shirt sleeve and looking down, obviously nervous though trying to hide it. Alfred can't help but let a coo escape as he kneels to meet Bruce's eye level. "Oh, sweet boy, I was only away for a moment, did you get scared being alone?"
Bruce's bangs fall into his eyes from his reluctant nod. Just as soon as Alfred opens his arms for a hug, Bruce hurriedly goes to him, clinging to the butler tightly. Alfred chuckles softly, stroking Bruce's hair, and pushing his bangs back to the side. "Okay sweetie, let me finish making your cocoa alright? Your dinner is just cooling off, darling."
While the hot chocolate cools off a bit, Alfred gets the little one all fed, though he only eats about half, just getting Bruce to eat even a bite of his food is amazing to him. There's some fussing while Alfred wipes his mouth, but he manages to get Bruce's face all clean.
Alfred takes his ward by hand, and they make their way back into the living room, still steaming hot cocoa in Bruce's hands. Alfred bundles little Bruce into his favorite blanket, getting him all snuggled up. Bruce just about drops the mug, thankfully it has a lid so it won't spill.
"Alright, you little cuddle bat, what would you like to watch now? Tangled? Or perhaps.. Toy Story?" Alfred makes sure to keep his voice low and soothing, it is indeed bedtime, after all.
Bruce peers through his bangs to stare up at the television, pointing at Toy Story. Alfred chuckles, putting on the nostalgic movie and snuggling up next to his baby.
The movie starts up, painting the dark living room in a soft blue.
Alfred feels a gentle pull on his sleeve, he looks down at his little bat. "Hm? Is there something you need, dear?" Bruce turns his head away, chewing his lip before letting out a soft breath. "Love you, Baba."
If Alfred's heart could burst out of his chest it would. "Oh, my sweet little Bruce. I love you so much, my son." Alfred's voice is so gentle, just dripping with affection for his little boy. Bruce snuggles into Alfred's side, a yawn escaping him, but his tired eyes still focus on the movie. "Mm.. my dad"
Alfred cannot take much more of this just, cuteness from his baby.
He pulls Bruce just a tad bit closer, kissing his temple. "My sweet, sweet boy." They snuggle together, wrapped up in this ball of love and affection. All that matters is Alfred loves his son, and Bruce loves his dad.