Bruce attempted to fix his bow tie as Alfred came in with his shoes for the charity ball.

"I had to take a rag to these, on account of all the dust," he said, handing the shoes to Bruce. Alfred straightened his master's failed attempt at the tie, instantly making it perfect. Giving a slight look of defeat, Bruce sat on the bed to put on his shoes.

"Thanks," he smiled. Alfred gave a slight bow and grabbed the coat hanger from Bruce's bed before heading to the closet to hang it up.

"Well I for one, am glad that you're not going to be spending all your time doing the playboy image while Batman is unavailable," he said from inside. "It's a bloody mess cleaning up after your ladies."

"Oh Alfred, you know how I like to have a variety of regular rich guy things to keep me busy," Bruce smiled.

"Besides," he continued, "This girl being Gordon's daughter could have its advantages."

Alfred closed the door to the closet, "Yes, I'm sure it could."

Bruce turned around as Alfred brushed the remaining lint from the tux with something obviously on his mind.

"Why don't you just go to have a good time tonight, sir. Don't worry about anything," Bruce gave Alfred a look.

"Fun? This concept isn't something that I've been too familiar with me, recently."

"Perhaps, you should re acquaint yourself with it. Just for tonight anyway." Bruce smiled.

"Well, we'll see."

Alfred walked down stairs with Bruce to the main hall.

"If I'm not back by two, call me so I can get away. I need to take care of some things before tomorrow, that's not Bruce Wayne related."

Alfred nodded with an expression on his face that Bruce knew all too well. Sensing something was bothering him; Bruce grabbed the keys to his BMW slower than usual as he watched Alfred grab his coat from the closet.

"Master Wayne," Alfred started still holding the coat, "It's very noble what you're doing, Master Wayne, but this is something that not only you can do anymore. Batman's enemies are only growing and it does not help that all of Gotham now want him in prison or even dead. Maybe it's time to at least find some extra help."

Bruce sighed, "What I do isn't something for anyone else. It's Batman's burden. No one else's. Would you really want someone to experience all of what has happened? Everyone wants good in Gotham, but sometimes, even if they think they have do, they just don't have what it takes to do what is necessary to make that happen. The Dark Knight has to be solo. Even though I don't want it that way, that's how it's got to be."

Alfred nodded, as he put Bruce's coat on.

"Have a good time," he said quietly, giving a small smile. Bruce returned it and headed for the garage.

The Library glowed with lights as people went in. Camera's flickered everywhere at the