Chapter 25: Left in the Right Hands
"As requested, sir." Bruce raised his head from watching the television to observe Alfred standing behind him .
At his side was a slumbering Harleen, who Alfred was staring at gently. "What'd you do, train her to death?" Bruce grinned, "No, she did that herself by packing." Alfred shook his head, but held out the yellow, plastic bag in his hands. "Her swimsuit."
Bruce glanced at Harley before slowly getting up, "I'll put it in her room."
"That won't be necessary, sir, I'll do it," Alfred walked into the entrance to climb the stairs. Bruce followed him. "So, sir, the Caribbean, this time I hear?" Bruce nodded, "Yes, I believe the climate would be nice change."
"I agree," Alfred nodded, stepping off the stairs and into the hall, "but I must decline your offer, Master Bruce." There was a silence in which the younger stared at him a moment, "You mean, you're not going?" The butler sighed, "No, you'll need someone to watch over this place in your absence."
He was met with a cocked eyebrow from Bruce as they entered Harley's room and Alfred set the bag atop her bed. "Why are you really not going?" Alfred grinned, "You learned something after all. You and Ms. Quinzel deserve some time to yourselves, just the two of you. Besides you're an adult, you don't need your butler to come along."
"I wanted to give you a vacation too, Alfred." The older man waved his hand at that. "You don't think leaving me with a mansion all to myself and all your expensive cars to do with as I please isn't a vacation?" He smirked and Bruce shook his head.
"I know you kissed her," Alfred said as they left the room. "I passed by the kitchen on the way to my room that night. You two have plenty to settle without my presence there to aggravate. This way, you don't have to worry about me making it awkward. The two of deserve your own getaway; those men that captain your yacht are company enough."
They were at the bottom of the stairs. Bruce peered into the living room, where Harley was still asleep, "You don't think it'll be too awkward for her to be out there with just me and a crew?" Alfred grinned, "No doubt it will, but I believe it is a hurtle the two of you can face. She has you to talk to; she needs to get to know you more."
"What if I don't know how to help her?"
And there it was; this was Bruce's fear. Alfred placed a comforting hand atop his shoulder. The younger was coming to realize how human he was. Bruce was learning how to balance Batman and Bruce Wayne. He was scared that he would be unable to help the woman he was now coming to adore very deeply. "I have faith in you, Master Bruce." Alfred nodded, serious.
"Bruce?" Came Harley's sleepy voice.
Bruce glanced at Alfred and retreated back into the room to Harley. Alfred smiled softly; she was in wonderful hands.
Prompt #56, Yellow.
Alfred is my favorite character! 3