The next few days were uneventful. I had a headache here and there but no more episodes. I could sense the unease from Dick though, Jason did his best to ignore everything that happened and brood like normal. And if he had any worries, he did a good job not expressing them. Tim tortured me with a constant barrage of questions and asked me if I was okay which, in the long run, was nice but was slowly starting to become quite irritating. Damien ignored me unless he absolutely had to interact with me. Bruce placed me under house arrest which allowed me to spend time with Alfred as I had nothing else or better to do.

Alfred was wonderful. He taught me many things and even allowed me to help with some of the cleaning chores. He wouldn't allow me in the kitchen as he had a particular way of doing things and refused to let me impede and disrupt that system. Yet, there were some days he allowed me to bake simple desserts like cookies or brownies or even sweet rolls. He made it fun and less like I was "locked in" and more like I was meant to stay and help when Bruce and the others were gone playing the heroes.

Like tonight, Alfred was teaching me how to brew a good cup of tea while our most recent batch of cookies baked in the oven. It took a while, but this time, Alfred was confident this batch was the one.

"You're going to carefully - carefully now - lift the kettle off the stove - don't burn yourself," he coaxed, guiding me.

"Okay," I breathed, slowly bringing the kettle to rest above the tiny tea cups nearby, "Now I slowly pour it, right?"

"Indeed, but be careful to make it a small stream otherwise you're going to risk pouring too much," he warned, "I'll tell you when."

I nodded, tilting the kettle just enough so a light stream poured from the spout. When the tea poured halfway in the cup, Alfred gave me a small tap on the arm to let me know to straighten the kettle and place it on the kettle stand. I looked at him with a smile to see one with equal pride resonating on his features. That smile gave me a warmth that made me swallow a thick lump that grew in my throat. It was a smile that said 'Good job. You've shown great progress.'

"One sugar cube or two, Miss Nova?" Alfred questioned, turning his attention back on the tea.

I ignored him, simply wrapping my arms around him in a hug. I felt the foreign tears as emotion raged through me. I felt him stiffen but I didn't let go. Eventually, he rested his head on mine and returned the hug, gently combing his fingers through my hair. It was similar to how my mother did and it was nice. But it made me squeeze him just a little tighter, not wanting to let go.

"Thank you," I murmured, finally willing myself to let go and give him some breathing room.

"Whatever for?" Alfred questioned, seemingly shocked by the matter despite giving in and having a gentle smile.

"I just..." I trailed off unsure, "You've done so much for me and have taught me a lot. You've been-"

"-a father?" he wondered, placing a gentle hand on my head, "You aren't the first, nor will you be the last to declare such things. However, I appreciate it and I'm glad I can provide a better example than.." Alfred trailed off, not having to fin Not even moments later, Alfred put a small spoonful of golden honey in the tea and demonstrated the right way to stir - gentle and smooth. I brought the cup to my lips, remembering how Alfred taught me; holding just the handle with pinky out. It was a bit of a strain but it was manageable and it was worth it. The tea turned out nice and was just the right amount of sweet. Definitely worth the time to learn and the trials taken. ish as I knew who he was referencing, "Let's settle on, I'm glad I'm a better example."

I nodded feeling a new, brighter smile take hold on my face. I turned back to my tea, remembering the question I was asked before my emotions took over.

"Two cubes. And can we try that thing with the honey. It was really good."

"Of course, Miss Nova," Alfred replied, his focus now on the tea as well, "Let me fetch it for you. The sugar is to your left in that jar. Simply use the tongs and grab your sugar cubes, be sure the cubes don't splash the tea."

"Understood," I answered.

I carried out his instructions, using the tongs and gently placing the sugar cubes in my tea. I watched with immense interest and satisfaction as they dissolved. For some reason, it comforted me and made me feel even better about the cup in front of me.