Homemade! [Alfred]

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

What was a tamaranean princess to do? When she found herself with a little bit of down time, this bright and rather cheerful day. Titans were not called for nor Outsiders and there was no modelling. Oddly as rare as it could be, Kory pretty much had the day off, for now. You never could really tell when that could change and change very much in a Flash. Occasionally very literally and it sure was tempting to call a friend, but Wally was already in two to ten places at once… Kory offered a hand, but most likely even with her very strong stamina couldn’t keep up, but there was always another friend Kory could spent time with and with Dick at work most days, it could make it that little bit lonely at home. So she decided to pay a visit to someone who could very much help match her high joyful spirits, sometimes Kory had wondered if Alfred had a little bit of tamaranean in him, but she found mostly he was just adorably human. In all her efforts and abilities to be friendly to whom ever she meets, not all humans have exactly been so kind or even simply accepting of her. Not that it could ever really deter her away, but it certainly could remind her she was in a different world. In a world that didn’t always accept the differences, though there were certainly a lot of wonderful things in world that Kory could very much at times, call it home. Not just because she didn’t really have anywhere else to go…

Whilst she loved the comforts of her apartment, Kory also loved getting out and about. As Kory had swiftly gotten dressed in a purple shirt dress that would come somewhere around her knees, with a simple thin belt around the waist and the cuffs rolled just above her elbows, with the first to buttons undone at the front of the dress. Sure it was fall and the everyday the winter was creeping closer and closer, but Kory just simply didn’t feel the cold as human would. Its not to say she didn’t feel it at all, because she most certainly preferred the hotter weather… Despite the autumn chill, it was a sunshine lit day and beautiful. Slipping on simple shoes and grabbing her bag. It wasn’t long awaited before Kory left from her Apartment balcony… Suppose she could have tried a human motive of transportation, but it just wasn’t as fun and there was still that over hanging question of whether or not she was legal. Hmmm, not that getting pulled over wasn’t so bad when it was a certain hottie in the uniform. Yeah, almost tempting, but so was the sun. The freedom. Flying was easy, as was doing it on a low radar. Also most swiftly than Superman, but then even he was exactly made of fire. As Kory flew above and somewhat within the city of Bludhaven, with her red hair tousled out in a trail of fire. The rush, there really was no getting over that and sure there was pure delight to know you can literally take yourself anywhere. There was almost no boundaries, not that Kory was one to take full advantage, but she sure could try.

It wasn’t long before Kory flew out go Bludhaven and soon found herself amongst the buildings in Gotham. Bludhaven could be dark, but Gotham seemed to certainly top that. Even oddly in the daytime, most of the time, though it did have a touch of ancient wonder to it. Something classic, perhaps. Weaving though the tops of buildings. With barely any eyes to even look up and wonder why a comet was perhaps a little close to home. Leaving from the south and made her way through the central hustle and bustle of the city. Picking up some flowers along the way, most likely on the wild side than commercial, but certainly wonderful. Shortly arriving into the more northern part of Gotham. The place of the rich and famous as Kory had heard. It would be perhaps surprising for someone that was born a princess, born to rule as a Queen one day that didn’t come. She most certainly had a wonderfully beautiful place to grow up in, but it was nothing like this.

Kory certainly enjoyed flying through the open spaces and away from the buildings, one could actually see the full rising and falling of the sun. As almost she did when soon landed a few feet from the front door of Wayne Manor. Dodging security, then again she was mostly expected. Suppose she had to wonder there would be some sort of protocol if someone else just dropped in like she did, its not like its completely uncommon. Kory certainly meant little harm, mostly company… Potentially learn a thing or two. It was remarkable of just how much she could learn from Alfred simply by watching him, but she was more of the kind that certainly wanted to get involved. Whether it be cooking or arts and crafts. Or simply learning a laundry tip. Tamaran was advanced in technology in many ways Earth wasn’t, but well. Her race weren’t exactly the over dressing type… Running a hand through her hair to mildly shake it a little after the flying. Kory took to the steps and soon knocked on the door. Expecting Alfred to invite her as usual, though suppose what were the chances it could be Bruce one of these days. Anything is possible and she did not recall whether or not Bruce would be home or not. Kory had to wonder if he was the arts and crafts type. Suppose there was only one way to find out. Smiling simply, as Kory politely and quietly waited… Perhaps there be a little bit of Garden, though suppose not a lot if it was fall. As her bright green eyes looked off little at the trees and plants in the front part of the Manor.

[Deleted]

As was every morning, the day had started early, busy though actually fairly quiet for the Butler of Wayne Manor. A lot of people expected Master Wayne to have an army of servants at his beck and call to serve and maintain the massive building, and while Alfred did indeed direct gardeners, a few on-call maids now and then and sometimes chef’s, it was Alfred alone that had the sole privilege of looking after Wayne Manor and the family it had housed for generations. Alfred’s service had started with Thomas and Martha Wayne, but now had extended to a new generation of adopted Wayne’s who had come to be like grandchildren to him almost. While most of them had moved away from his and Master Bruce’s care now, no matter where they resided Alfred’s loyalty to them and want to cater their every need never faded. This was now also starting to expand out towards the families being created in the Wayne circle. With even Master Bruce himself in an on again, off again relationship, Alfred was more than hospitable to the newer faces being show into the manor. His eagle eyes though….they watched in the background, quietly assessing, keeping what needed to be hidden safe and directing any chaos around him back into calm with his usual, unflappable manner.

Today though, he appeared to have the manor to himself. He’d woken Master Bruce at his usual lunchtime hour – given he had been out in Gotham later than usual – and reminded him of the Wayne Enterprise meetings he was due to attend. Rather surprisingly though, Master Bruce had opted to drive himself there in one of the vast array of sports cars he owned but never seemed to get to enjoy. This left Alfred to re-arrange his schedule, being able to catch up on a few of the Manor’s less regularly seen to chores – notably things like taking some of the curtains down to be cleaned as well as taking the ornate rugs outside for a good dust beating. While many of the residents of the house had often reminded him there was technology that could help him with such things, Alfred was very much a fan of doing things the old fashioned way when he could. Nothing could replace the quality that a human touch boasted.

He was busy in the kitchen when a knock came to the front door of the manor, Alfred busy preparing dinner for the evening as he well knew if it wasn’t served early enough, Master Bruce would not eat. Not only that, it couldn’t be too heavy on the stomach for the Batman’s nightly activities and had to be easily consumed in the Batcave located in the foundations of the East Wing. Oh, how Alfred longed to throw a dinner party at the Manor again – the grand dining room hadn’t seen use since the passing of Master Bruce’s parents. The younger members of the Bat-Family had either preferred to eat in the Batcave with their mentor, or had been kept to the smaller dining room nearer to the kitchen. A few times, Alfred had caught them trying to sneak food into the living room where the television was or a couple of times up to their rooms – but Alfred would never allow such a thing. Breakfast in bed was one thing; dinner in bed was reserved only for when someone was dangerously injured or ill. There had been a time long ago – when Master Bruce had only been a young boy – when dinner parties and charity dances were frequently held at the Manor. Now, so many of its halls were empty and silent, save for the classical music Alfred played gently in the background. It was all perfectly kept of course, just very solitary at times. There simply was no time for the owner of the Manor to host such nightly activities anymore, and the secrets the old building now held were too at risk of exposure with the nosier members of high society pocking around the home.

Alfred swiftly rolled his sleeves back down his arms and, after cleaning his hands, pulled his white gloves back on. This was swiftly followed by his black jacket as he walked and once more, his Butler attire was back in place. Not a dirt spot, wrinkle or loose thread to be found in the clothes he took so much pride in. His shined shoes clocked against the polished floors of the manor as he walked to the front door, opening the solid wood structure with one hand as the other rested against the small of his back. He wasn’t expecting a visit from anyone, and none of the family tended to knock – they instead preferred to sneak in through the secret entranceway to the Batcave. He gave a smile though, at the figure standing in the doorway.

“Miss Anders, a pleasure to see you. Please, do come in.” he greeted her, bowing his head a little as he stepped backwards both to open the door wider and to let her move past him into the Manor. “To what do I owe this surprise visit? Nothing troubling I hope?”

While Alfred was the picture of hospitality to most anyone that stepped through the manor’s doors, he was well aware of the history – long and painful – between Miss Anders, Master Grayson and Miss Gordon. While he had previously admonished the young man for his actions all those years ago, and offered Miss Gordon his council and support, he had only started to get to know the young woman now stood before him when it became clear of Master Grayson’s seriousness towards their relationship. He would never let his personal opinions interfere with his service however, unless the situation particularly warranted it. He closed the door behind Miss Anders as she stepped inside, moving both hands to be clasped behind his back now as he waited for her answer.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It was so incredibly still, with merely just the sounds of birds and gentle sight of branches swaying in the breeze. There was almost this light that engulfed the manor, which was perhaps a little odd. When a life like Batman was seemingly surrounded by such darkness, not simply because he was dressed in black and pretty much the Dark Knight. It certainly wasn’t just a name. There was a darkness, perhaps even a sadness often seen within him. If there was an incredible true light inside him, Kory expected it was made exclusive to the very important people around him. Perhaps much of it was elsewhere or more with someone else. As Kory had waited a short while until the front door sprung open and a light certainly illuminated from within. Alfred. An overwhelming sense of joy beamed from that notion and recognition. He was certainly a light. If not a pure heart. Somehow it didn’t seem so much as a why, but rather a why not? To come and visit. Kory was born in a world filled with joy and seeking joy. The light, it was sensually a natural pull. There was little need of convincing. Her smile was natural, as he greeted her and she’d expect nothing than genuine. With the invite to enter the Manor. Kory happily stepped inside as Alfred bowed his head and Kory naturally motioned to kiss him on the cheek. While she was born a princess and even to be a future queen, bowing wasn’t really wasn’t a thing on her world, certainly nothing like on Earth. Of course even after being forced to submit herself in unspeakable ways, she’d come to see all walks of life equals, even in their own unique ways. Maybe she’d show less kindness to those who wished to do harm, they’d just warranted the strength of her fist. Otherwise, Kindness was generally in abundance.

”Gratitudes… Happy greetings, Alfred. It is most wonderful to see you… Nothing troubling I can assure… I came to visit you, I hope my presence isn’t intruding?”

With a gratitude smile to match, Kory happily and kindly responded. Greeted no less. There was perhaps a slight dampness at Alfred’s questions, as if something bad needed to happen to give her a reason. Though suppose in the line of work in the hero world they shared, suppose it did happen. Quite frequently to warranted such a thought and question. Kory was happy to assure that wasn’t the reason. Least she couldn’t think of anything troubling right at this second, but surely something troubling was happening around the world any given second. Kory was adamant she’d come to visit Alfred, not just because through Dick, no… Somehow she’d hope Alfred was someone she could call a friend, despite, but suppose she was on the side of more trusting. There weren’t a lot of people in Gotham, well there was perhaps a lot she knew and met, but not so much friends. Least not as much as she’d hope for. Kory loved people, she loved having company. She didn’t do so well when she was alone and as kind as Kory could be. For some, being an alien was still to much of leap to put faith into. Whether it was people looking at her in some weird envy or looking at her simply as a plague. True kindness could be hard to find, but no doubt would Kory seek to grasp it when she found it. Whether there were a lot of judgement of this planet, there were some wonderful people. Kory looked to Alfred, as she stepped into the Manor. She’d been in here many times, but there was always that unexpected grandness. Mind you, with all the polished antiques and everything so well put together. It did sing as homely as the Titans Tower, something like that was less about the tower, more about friends that made it that way… The Manor, it was a different kind of home. Family. It sung of lives once lived and whispered secrets of the lives that now lived. It certainly also sang sanctuary, as far as safety. Perhaps that was helped by the notion of the cave below, which generally spoke of shelter. Of course, they were probably less likely words to be spoken from the Batman… Ooh, Kory eyed what seemed like a new vase. Least from the last time she was here. As she motioned near it. Almost touching it, before reminded that was probably a no no. It still was so pretty

”How have you been? How’s Bruce? Did you have much planned this day? I am happy to offer my assistance… You know I don’t think I know much of where you required such knowledge…”

Mere fingertips from the vase. Kory had taken a few steps back and turned. With the very tousling of her red flaming hair falling around her shoulders. Most falling down her back in a cascade of curls. As the tamaranean asked of Alfred’s well being and that of Bruce’s. As her green eyes could almost peak up the stares. Suppose it was possible he was here somewhere or perhaps he was at his tower. He wasn’t someone she saw too much of and not really someone Dick saw a lot of either. Kory had often tried to bridge that, but she wasn’t exactly here for that. Although, suppose sometime later, they could almost come up with a reason to put a dinner party together. Christmas wasn’t far behind the corner and Kory would hope she could help Alfred decorate. That was almost the best part of the holiday, well apart from friends and well Joy of course… To which Kory offered Alfred her assistance, if he did have jobs lined up for the day. He was often someone to get good tips from. Particularly for someone trying to fit so well into this earth. Many of which were still something Kory was learning, like cooking. It was so different here, but exciting in its own right. It did make Kory wonder just where Alfred had learned all this from. Because clearly not every human was as well knowledgeable. It was generally Kory doing the laundry at home and Dick leaving everything where it laid. Suppose being busy was somewhat of an excuse.

[Deleted]

It was a surprise for Alfred to hear that Miss Anders had travelled all the way to the manor just to see him. While he knew the Wayne extended family very much loved, cared and appreciated him even that was something they rarely did. They usually had another reason for coming to the manor primarily, and a visit to Alfred would just coincide with that initial purpose. So to hear someone, who really had very little to do with him in the grand scheme of things, was seeking his company specifically was a pleasant surprise indeed and not one he would so rude as to refuse. He accepted the kiss to his cheek with a polite, warm smile and gave a shake of his head to the question she just posed.

“Not at all Miss Anders, it is rather a quiet day if I do say so myself.” He commented, watching as the young woman became quite distracted by one of the newer vases in the entryway. “I am glad to hear all is well with yourself and Master Grayson, he does tend to keep his business to himself.”

Alfred was quite used to Miss Anders becoming so easily distracted by seemingly normal things by this time. It had taken a while for the Butler to realise that when Master Grayson had described her as ‘out of this world’ he had meant it quite literally but once her true origins had been discussed, it was easier to understand her sometimes odd behaviour. He saw her reach out to the piece, though he didn’t move to stop her. The vase was hardly anything special nor something Bruce cared about, just something Alfred had purchased both as a hap filler and a way to make Bruce’s spending habits a little more….normal. Well as normal as a billionaire’s spending could be anyway. If it smashed, it would neither be hard to replace or as costly as some other pieces the manor held. Miss Anders seemed to think better of it though and turned instead back to face him and carry on their greeting, more questions tumbling forth to be answered.

These days, answering the first question had become more than a little awkward for him. Alfred didn’t like to lie and keep secrets from the people closest to him; he was not that kind of person away from the vigilante protection game. He discouraged it in Master Wayne and the rest of the family when they were dealing with each other, though he knew that that advice was sometimes badly overlooked. But he had been raised in a different time, and a different environment, where men didn’t speak of personal affairs and ailments and particularly not to the family you served. You suffered them in silence and continued as normal where possible. He also didn’t want his job at the manor to be compromised by such problems as he had recently encountered, the thought of Master Wayne thinking he needed to care for Alfred was utterly abhorrent to him. So, smile still on his face and as unreadable as ever, Alfred had to skirt around the question and move swiftly onwards.

“I am as well as ever.” He reassured her, giving her no time to ask further as he continued on, “Master Wayne is as busy as always, he has headed to a business meeting this afternoon and is unlikely to return until this evening. I had planned that I would be accompanying him, but he has chosen to drive himself. Thus I find myself with more free time than I anticipated.”

Miss Anders’ next statement went against the grain a little for Alfred also, in the suggestion she put forwards. It was against his way of working to allow guests of the manor accompany his completion of the household duties, but he understood why she was so fascinated by them. She wanted to learn how to do the things most people found natural such as cooking and cleaning – though there were a notable exceptions in the human race he could think of to such things. She wanted to fit in with the world around her, and with that Alfred was a little happier to oblige.

“I am currently preparing Master Wayne’s evening meal for cooking later. If you’d care to join me in the kitchen I could certainly show you something’s surrounding this that might interest you. I will also be happy to prepare you something if you are hungry or thirsty from your trip?” Alfred hadn’t seen a car in the driveway that he didn’t recognise of course, but travelling from Bludhaven was still a long journey however you decided to travel and it would have been impolite to assume that she hadn’t mustered up some thirst or hunger during it.

“My skills in keeping house, I presume you mean?” he asked in return, waiting for the affirmation before continuing. “My father before me used to have the same job as I hold now. He served Master Wayne’s grandfather before I was born before he moved to England. He very much hoped I would follow in his footsteps, and taught me from a young age the importance and skills of being a gentleman’s gentleman. Of course, I have also had to learn many things during my service to the Wayne’s – there are books and classes on the subject to learn from which I utilised.”

Quite how you handled the double life of a billionaire vigilante though, that was something Alfred had had to improvise on somewhat. There were no books written on that specific subject.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

When it came to making time for friends. People, Kory cared about, it really didn’t matter how much effort it took to visit them. It wasn’t even something to question and in no way had she. It was as in most cases, it just felt right and Kory followed her emotions. Her instincts and it really hadn’t been a great length in flying here, bit even if it had. Kory most certainly would have still come to visit him. Even if it took a day or more. Whilst he probably wasn’t in her day to day life and didn’t know her in or outs. There was just a great deal of kindness in him and Kory often just found herself in the need to talk to him. Even if it was about cupcakes. It most certainly helped that he had an endless amount of knowledge to go with his warm hearted demeanour, that was infectious. There was no doubt in her mind, why the Bat family entrusted in him so deeply. Even if he wasn’t of the super powered or taking down baddies in single leaps. He was in his way, still very much a hero. An amazing human being. Which was the simple reason for the warmth that crossed Kory’s smile, upon seeing him on the other side of the door… Though it had changed slightly as she had realised she hadn’t exactly called ahead and maybe Alfred would be too busy. He had always been so welcoming, that she hadn’t questioned… Then as Alfred spoke, assuring that she had not been intruding. The warmth in her smile returned and grew that ever bit more joyful.. Prompting a second kiss upon his cheek. He really was someone rare you could always count on, but she’d assure she wasn’t here to bother him. She was here merely for his company… She’d become to somewhat overlook him calling her Miss Anders, given she didn’t technically have a last name and Kory was typically what friends called her, but somehow in his own way it made her feel welcomed in a humanly way.

”Very quiet… I was joyed when the sun broke the clouds this morning, but I think its the last we’ve seen of it to day… Otherwise, its quite a lovely day… Oh… Yes! We’re definitely in a better place… Oh, he is most busy! I truly believe he’d work 24/7, if insomnia didn’t exist. I believe this is what humans mean by family trait?”

Kory agreed and even briefly commented on the condition of the winter weather. Even so much with a brief glimpse to the cloudy sky, where there was little signs of the sun behind. For someone who used the sun, she had enjoy what direct light there had been, but it was still a fine day. With no blizzard or even rain or sleet. It was just cloudy and just a little bit gloomy, which was probably saying a lot. Responding in kind in regard to Dick and herself. Its not to say there wasn’t still rough moments, they were a couple and as the humans liked to say not everything is smooth sailing, but usually in their case the rough moments were worth it in the end. Though he most definitely was busy, which not only kept him away from the Manor it often kept him away from Kory. Not that it was really surprising, nor new. He was liked doing as much as he could and somehow as hard as he could. Not that Kory didn’t love him for it, but she most certainly helped when she could to level him out. Thus she jested in kind, to the similarities she was sure happened with Bruce. Kory motioned a subtle playful wink at Alfred, as she stepped through the door. It really was rare to step inside this place and not marvel at something. It was grand. Kory, remembered many times when they had been much younger and Dick would tell her where certain things came from. Something he possibly didn’t know himself and sure it always made Kory wonder. That was the difference in worlds, how much humans collected and kept their pasts with them… Tamaraneans, tend to leave them in the past.. Just as she was pondering the vase that took her attention. Was it just a vase? Was it once belonging to a Victorian princess? Did it matter? It was still pretty to look at. As Kory mindfully with drew her gold fingers from touching it.

”I know even if he doesn’t like to admit it, he enjoys the occasional time off for himself, as rare as it is… You are more than welcome to come and visit… I’m positive he’d much enjoy that, as would I!”

Taking a step or too back, before she turned back to Alfred. With gentler, yet still very warm smile, at the mentioning of the quieter moments, that often rarely come, but she knew Dick sometimes better than he knew himself. Offering Alfred, the invitation of visiting their city. Their home, if he so desired, of course. He didn’t have to and nor did Kory know the ins or outs of his schedule. However, if he ever did, he would be very much welcomed. He most definitely Dick’s family, it saddened her, that Dick didn’t visit as much as he could. She was positive that he wanted to, just as much as she knew it bothered him that Bruce didn’t visit him… If it was because her, Kory wished Bruce was big enough to put that aside, to visit who was sensually his son. Though perhaps she understood, if he was afraid of her cooking. She wasn’t maybe as in touch as Alfred was with his knowledge, but she liked to think she somewhat getting there… Kory had certainly been keen to hear how Alfred was, but his smile. His reassurance, she didn’t pick up or read anything that may be underneath the surface. Like most tamaraneans, she generally believed what people told her was the truth. Of course, she was much better in tune with emotions than humans, but he didn’t give her anything to go off… However, she did take his hands in hers, believing in his positive reassuring words.

”You look well… Oh, how has the Wayne business, been? I did hear mentioning of some good stock recently… Its a wonder how they do find time to sleep… Do you not get lonely?”

Of course, there was little ways for Kory to tell if he was unwell under the surface, she was hardly human, so there was even less chance she knew much about the signs regarding their health. Though being on both his legs and speaking perfectly well. Even a smile, she had no doubt he was anything, but well… It was less surprising to find Bruce not here, but at work. Assuming Alfred meant Wayne Enterprises, Kory couldn’t say she was as in touch with that kind of work, but one did hear from time to time. Whether it was from Dick himself, or just even from the radio. Least the main things that was thrown out to the public. No doubt with his double life as Batman, he certainly occupied day and night. Lack of sleep, Kory spoke very knowingly. She didn’t suffer from it herself that bad as often soaking the power from the sun was enough to keep her going. However, even she had her limits… Kory couldn’t help wonder with Bruce out of the house so many hours day and night, that Alfred might indeed get lonely. From what she understood, he was the only one, there were no other working in the house. Suppose he left the Manor and met up with friends. Maybe he had hobby. Ooh, maybe he played tennis? As Kory was half trying to conduct what he might do and it certainly giving her things to ask him. Because that really was the only way she was going to know and she just even more curious to find out. It was surprising how much she considered him a friend and yet she very little insight. She was going to need to render that of course. Thus, she was here… She listened for now as Alfred explained a little as to what he was currently doing. It certainly raised her brows… Wasn’t it a little early, but she had heard of this before. Human preparing food much earlier than when they ate. It seemed odd to her, but food was vastly different on her world. Not that she experienced all that much before she was sent off for her training and then captured as a slave shortly after that.

”Oh, what are you making? Is there a reason to prepare so early? X’hal, I would love to accompany you… Hmmm, tempting. Maybe in a short while… Maybe we could have what they call the ‘High Tea’. I’ve never had one of those and I do have a fondness for tea!”

The natural interest certainly perked up in the tamaranean. It did seem odd human prepared food so early sometimes. Was it for what they say, resting the meatloaf? Mmmm, maybe that was what he was making. She most certainly enjoyed the meatloaf. Even more so to happily join Alfred in the kitchen as he so kindly offered. Between all the many things she could learn and simply enjoy his company. She’d be a fool to turn the offer down… Though there was definitely a lingering smile at the offer of making her food or drink now. With his talents, she would imagine her options were endless, she really wasn’t so good at choosing, but for right now she really didn’t have anything in mind. Or a graving on the tip of her tongue. She offered a suggested for a little bit later, hoping Alfred would be free for a moment to join her. It really wasn’t the same without company. Especially, Alfred’s company. Somehow, she imagined he shared her fondness for tea. Smiling warmly, as she more than happy to follow shortly beside Alfred to the kitchen. She’d been here enough to somewhat know where most rooms were, but there was still that high chance you’d get lost. The place was huge. As her green eyes escaped up the lengthy stairs, beside them. Leading to the countless bedrooms. Hung above, was certainly one of the most beautiful light feature. A chandelier, Kory was sure that was what it was called. Not taken so much by the sparkling crystals. Kory was keen to hear more of how. Where, Alfred had learnt his craft… Or keeping house, as he now promptly puts it.

”Yes!”

Kory affirms, though it seemed an odd expression. It mostly just made her imagine Alfred holding a house in his arms, but suppose in knowing humans. Is to know they are not always so literal. Kory half smiled at the thought, before she smiled even more warmly as Alfred began talking about his father… Of course, he had a family. She wasn’t so sure why that should in some way surprise her… Being so used to seeing him with the Bat family, it sensually felt and was his family… Now, she could see it extended a lot further than that. From the way he spoke, certainly expressed this had been his destiny. He’d literally followed in their footsteps… Suppose, it was similar to how she had been born to follow in her father’s, of course it didn’t turn out that way and a main difference being she hadn’t a whole lot of choice in it. Now, now she did… Where as, it seemed Alfred did want this. She imagined it had started out quite different than he expected the moment Bruce took up the Bat mantle. Not everyone probably could have stuck around, but Alfred didn’t only stay. He firmly planted in their lives. Kory motioned to hook her arm with his. Half picturing Alfred young. Oh, he would have been so handsome, he was still. Though as she tried, she couldn’t quite picture his father. His grandfather.

”Alfred! I had no idea… Do you happen to have any photographs of your father and grandfather? Your family? It sounds quite the lineage… Was it always something you wanted to do?”

Kory remarked, as expression that came from the slight widening of her eyes. She hadn’t realised how connect his family had apparently been to the Wayne family. It seemed rather endearing, one could always admire loyalty. Though, yes it had also highly curious to see photographs of Alfred’s own family. Where much of strength and kindness, she was imagining came from, but perhaps even by his experiences with the Wayne family. Even Bruce… From what he said, it did seem whilst Alfred had seemingly been born into this direction of his life. He had also chosen it. As Kory more assuringly asked. As she motioned to walk side by side. Not someone that was in a position of servitude. Rather someone that was a friend. A loyal friend!