Chapter 21: Cinnamon Pancakes

"Another round of pancakes good sir!" Harley yelled from the kitchen table as a slightly annoyed Alfred placed another stack of pancakes on her plate. It was her third round of the stuff.

"Where do you put it all?"Alfred asked, watching in both horror and awe as she began devouring the food.

"You gotta remember, I'm eating for two." Harley answered with her mouth full.

"You're only a couple of weeks pregnant at best."Alfred replied, already making more pancakes as Bruce entered the kitchen to join them, "So that excuse is not a good one I'm afraid."

"Can it Alf." Harley said in a fake mad voice, as Bruce kissed her on her forehead as he passed her, "Besides, men like women with curves right Brucie?"

Bruce looked like he was about to reply, but thought better of it. He quickly grabbed the newspaper on the table as he sat down, putting it over his face. Harley puffed her cheeks out in irritation.

"Jackass." Harley quipped, digging into the stack of pancakes with vigor. At that, Bruce busted out in a fit of laughter, placing the paper down as Alfred laid his own breakfast before him.

"I'm only messing with you Harley." Bruce said, grabbing his fork and cutting into the top pancake on the stack, "You're perfect just the way you are. Appetite, curves, and all."

Harley nodded in agreement with a huff, "You're damn right Bman. So take that Alfie! Besides, I didn't get the chance to eat some last night. Sadly, I was too pooped and fell asleep."

"Please Miss Quinn. Don't call me that."Alfred replied, with a small smile on his face.

Despite the fact that the run-in with Talia and Joker occurred last night, it didn't seem to faze them now. The trio was just happy to be back together once more, and with everyone unharmed. When Batman and Harley had arrived back at Wayne Manor Alfed had rushed out of the mansion and hugged Harley tightly, overjoyed that she was ok.

"So sir...what are we going to do about that awful clown."Alfred asked, somewhat hesitantly. He didn't want to ruin the morning, but they needed to have this conversation, "He knows your true identity. What if he tells the other ruffians at Arkham? Or...worse. God knows what madness that clown could cause with this knowledge."

The topic instantly caused Harley to stop eating, her appetite suddenly gone. She placed her fork aside, looking across the table at Bruce. Bruce sighed as both Alfred and Harley looked at him, waiting for his answer.

"I don't think we have to worry about that." Bruce answered, " Joker doesn't like spoiling surprises. For him to know a secret that no one else does, I doubt that clown would tell others. Harley can back me up on this right?"

"Yes..."Harley added, staring down at her pancakes, "Just like Bruce, I know him all to well. He won't be telling others about your secret. However, he will definitely do something terrible with the information nonetheless."

"And he will break out of Arkham Asylum. He always does."Alfred interjected.

"And when he does, we will be there to send him just back."Bruce replied, gazing at Harley, "As for whatever plan he will cook up, we will just have to be prepared. It's all we can do."

An awkward and dark silence filled the room, none of them knowing how to dispel the air. Finally, Alfred coughed uncomfortably and began cleaning up. He picked up their plates, dumping what's left of their breakfast into the trash. No one would probably feel like eating for awhile anyway.

"I think we need a much needed vacation."Bruce said, and the mention of a vacation instantly changed the atmosphere to a more happy one, "We should all go to the beach for a few days."

"The beach!? Really Bman!?"Harley asked, squealing like a little schoolgirl, "That sounds wonderful! I haven't been to the beach in ages!"

"That does indeed sound fun sir. I hope you all enjoy it." Alfred said, his tone clearly sad.

"Alfred, of course you're coming with us."Bruce said, smirking a bit at his butler, "In fact, I think we should invite Dick, Tim, and Barbara as well. We will make it a whole family outing. We should leave as soon as possible. We all need this."

"Oh that sounds simply fantastic! I'll start packing now!" Alfred said, leaving the dirty dishes in the sink and rushing out of the room."

"Guess the butler really needs this vacation."Harley said, grinning from ear to ear, "But what about Gotham? I think people will notice that we're gone. Especially the wrong kind of people."

"I've already got a plan for that."Bruce replied, standing up and moving closer to her. He pulled her up off of her chair and into his arms. He quickly kissed her on the lips, "Green Arrow owes me one. So I'll just have him hold down the fort while we're away. He can handle it."

"You just think of everything don't ya Bman?"Harley said, wrapping her arms around his neck as she stared up at him.

"Don't I always?"Bruce replied smugly.

"Don't get cocky Bruce." Harley countered jokingly, as she rested her head on his chest, "Thank you for this...I really need to just...get away for awhile."

"I know."Bruce said, placing a soft kiss on her head, "We will deal with all of this mess later. I'll make sure we all enjoy this vacation."

"Is that a promise Bats?" Harley asked, removing her head from his chest and staring back up at him, her head tilted to the side.

"It's a promise Harley."Bruce answered, as the pair kissed deeply.