"Sometimes I Wonder" (A Lego Batjokes Fanfiction)

Chapter 78: Youthfulness

Alfred left the freckled face boy alone in his room for a little while. This was requested by Dick himself. The butler knew that it was best for him to relax and calm himself down. But, just in case of an emergency, he told the young boy to let him know by ringing a cowbell he left for him. Of course, the boy declined it, but Alfred told him to take it anyway.

As Alfred walked down the stairs, he was instantly greeted to a worried clown and a young, green boy. They both asked in unisent where Dick was. But, in response, he simply told them that the boy needed some time alone for himself. As expected, Joker asked him why this was so. The butler tried to explain why, but felt as if he was holding something back as his chest pained in a familiar guilt-like sensation. He hasn't felt that way in years, and yet, it hurt like a bullet.

"Master Dick needs to be alone," Alfred said softly. "I understand that he has told you, mister Joker, that you should not worry about Bruce's state. However, he feels the same way as you do. Thus, he needs some time alone."

"What good will that do?!" Joker asked in a raised voice, glaring up at the stairs. "He doesn't deserve to be alone. It's the kid's birthday, after all."

"I understand, mister Joker. But, you must understand that this is very hard for Dick to take in all at once. I know how he feels."

"The heck do you know other than making food, washing the dishes, and doing laundry?!" Joker exclaimed as tears formed and fell down his chin. His heart skipped a beat when he said that to the poor butler. Realising what he had just said, he began to apologise, but was surpassed.

Garfield watched as Alfred walked closer to the clown and took a deep breath. Of course, he was angry and upset just like the Joker. This kind of behavior was not welcomed in Alfred's home. Not now. Not ever.

"I know far more than being a simple butler and a father figure, Jack," Alfred replied as he clinched up his fist a little. He took a deep breath and exhailed through his nostrils. "I have known master Bruce for a very, very, very, very, very long time. I know you have, too. However, you must understand that Dick is still young. Yes, he is a pre-teen. However, he has the right to do whatever he pleases as long as it is legal and watched heavily by Bruce. It is what he and I both want. I do not expect a high-class criminal to understand that, honestly.

"Then again," he looked at Garfield and paused for a moment. He then said, "at least you aren't the Scarecrow. I could go on and on about how this was your fault, but I know that will not fix anything. So please cooperate with me and Dick. I understand you are his technical second adopted father, but be patient with him. Do I make myself clear?"

Joker nodded slowly and sighed shakily. He was surprised when the butler wrapped his arms around the clown's body tightly. In response, he hugged the older man back gently. Alfred smiled softly throughout the hug.

"It's alright, by the way," Alfeed said softly. "I take no offense to what you said."

Joker nodded slowly and continued to hug the butler tightly. He felt happy and sad at the same time. Just like everyone else right now, he wanted Bruce to arise. But, there was no way that he would. Not in the state he was currently in right now.

Garfield sighed softly and looked at the kitchen door and walked over to it slowly. He saw the cake that he worked very hard on making for his beloved. It was triple chocolate cake with chocolate icing, chocolate shavings, and chocolate whipped cream. He was guided by the butler and the clown on how to make the fancy desert due to their experiences on dealing with such a treat in their pasts. It was fun making the desert.

He picked it up slowly and carefully and grabbed a fork and handkerchief slowly. The green boy made his way up the stairs and saw that Alfred and Joker were still hugging it out. Once he was on the very top, he walked over to Dick's door and noticed right away that it was slightly opened. He took a deep breath and sighed softly.
"Here goes nothing..."