Chapter 12:Through the Eyes of a Butler

It had been weeks since Harley Quinn had come to live with Batman, and over that course of time Alfred had noticed a huge change in Master Bruce. Alfred would notice that when Harley was near he would smile...actually smile. The Dark Knight's eyes would light up with a spark every time his gaze fell on the harliquinn. Alfred had not seen that spark of life in him since he was a little boy, when his parents were still young.

Although Alfred hated to admit it, cause he still didn't trust the Joker's number one fangirl(although he had guessed that his parental instincts were to blame for it, since he didn't wish to see Master Wayne hurt.), the woman was also having an effect on the old butler. The dark gloomy atmosphere was slowly giving way to a warm happy one. When that young lady was around him, he felt twenty years younger.

Alfred whistled a happy tune as he carried a tray down into the Batcave. Somehow, even this place had a new warm and homey feel to it. He guessed it was because this was where Quinn was forced to stay. It irked the butler a bit that Master Wayne was treating a woman this way, keeping her in a dark cave, but he knew he had his reasons. Harley was still a criminal, even if the girl was trying to turn over a new leaf.

He stopped when he noticed he heard the sounds of fighting. Cautiously Alfred looked around the corner to see Batgirl punching a practice dummy. He sighed in releif as he carried the tray into the batcave. One of his greatest fears was what if Gotham's criminals found out who Batman really was. He had no inclination to run into Two-Face,Riddler, or Joker while strolling around the mansion or into the batcave.

"Hello Barb-"Alfred said, but stopped when he saw the blond hair. Batgirl's hair was usually red,"Mrs. Quinzel?"

Harley jumped at the call of her name. Like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar, she slowly turned towards the butler. Her cheeks were bright-red and she nervously looked away from him. Guessing from her demeanor, Alfred surmised that she was using the Batgirl costume without Batman's permission. Although he had to admit, she fit the suit quite well.

"Please Afred,"Harley said,"Don't tell Bman about this."

"Why are you in the Batgirl outfit anyway dear?"Alfred asked as he sat down the tray on a nearby table, lifting the top and revealing the girl's dinner.

"I saw it in a display down here."Harley answered, pulling the cowl back off her head," I thought since Im one of the good guys now I needed a new look and wardrobe."

'Well it looks good on you." A voice said behind Alfred. The old butler didn't even so much as flinch as Master Bruce came up and stood beside him. Over the years he had gotten use to the Dark Knight's appearing out of the shadows way. He was perhaps the only person who has ever got use to it.

"You-You really think so?"Harley said, a light smile crossing her face.

"Of course. If you wish you can wear that from now on. That costume is gathering dust in that display anyways ever since..."Batman replied, then frowned.

Harley couldn't help but look away. She knew what Joker did to the previous Batgirl. Her former boyfriend had crippled her. Now the woman was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

"I'm...I'm sorry Batman."Harley said, unable to look at him.

"Don't worry about it. It wasn't you who done it anyway."The Caped Crusader said, but from what Alfred could tell Harley blamed herself.

"Harley Im going out. Penguin has broken into the Gotham muesum and I could use help from the new Batgirl."Batman said, smiling to her and motioning to the Batmobile nearby. With a squeal of joy Harley put back the cowl over the top of her head and skipped over to the vehicle. Alfred noticed Batman watching her intently, smiling before running over to the driver side of the Batmobile and hopping in.

With a loud squeal of tires the Batmoble rushed out of the cave and into the tunnel. Alfred watched it go, a huge smile crossing his features as well. It seemed like perhaps a Mrs. Wayne will soon fill the manor, even if that would be a long time from now. Trust still had to be made, and feelings would have to be shown fully. Master Bruce and Miss Quinzel had a long way to go, but they were off to a good grabbed the untouch tray of food, and walked back up to the mansion. He would have to put it in the fridge alonside Batman's many cold dinners.