This is a pre joker story and might turn into a origin story. We'll see... Anyway enjoy
Chapter 1
It was already dark out and roaming the streets of Gotham after dark, no matter what part of the city you were in, was a downright stupid idea. Especially if you're a young woman. Christina knew this and cursed herself for staying at work so late. They had a new cashier at work, and though the girl was determined, she managed to screw up the inventory almost beyond repair.
As assistant manager, Christina was tasked with fixing the problem, and although her boss had recommended she come in early to fix it, she decided to do it immediately and get it over with. This caused her to loose track of time and now she was stuck in a state of regret and paranoia having to walk home in the oddly quiet dark of Gotham.
She spotted several drunks laughing and shouting at one another and briskly quickened her stride. Once all was quiet again, she released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She looked back to make sure all was well only to be met with the sight of a shadowy figure trailing far behind her. She again quickened her stride only to realize he was doing the same. She was still far from home and started panicking. His stride was faster than hers and he was growing nearer.
She turned a corner to try and loose him only to collide with a solid figure. "Oh, I'm so sorry" she looked up at the new strangers face. He was staring off behind her as if he hadn't noticed her presence. It took several seconds until his eyes finally met hers. She knew this man. She had never gotten a good look at his face before but the scars were a dead giveaway. He was her 3rd floor neighbor. 'What was his name? John? No, no... Jack? Yes, Jack 'she remembered the landlord telling her.
(7 months prior...
Christina had moved into apartment 3B in one of Gotham's older buildings. It was a fairly nice place. Most of the tenants were older people, which meant peace and quiet. The landlord, a old man who could pass as Santa Claus's twin brother, had 'warned' her of her neighbor. "He seems like a nice enough fellow, but I only feel it's right to tell you about him. He doesn't talk much, but his always on time with rent and never complains. It's just, the other tenants don't trust him on account of those scars. I think nothing of it but they seem to believe he's some kind of mob member or something, cause he doesn't seem to have a job but is never low on cash. He's harmless really, I just thought you should know" the old man smiled.
She thought it rather unfair to judge someone on their appearance, but it seemed the old ladies of the building had nothing better to do than gossip and create stories.
She had only caught a glimpse of him a few times. He seemed to always be in a hurry. He would trot down the stairs of the building, sometimes striding down two steps at once. He was always clothed in a long coat or hoody or scarf, no matter how hot it was. She knew it was because of the scars. She knew he was trying to hide them. She kinda felt sorry for him, but she left him be.
She had the feeling that if she were to talk to him, he would know it was out of pity and he would turn her away.)
"...Hey, it's Jack right?" He gave her a confused look. "Umm...we're neighbors" she explained. His brow straightened and he hummed in understanding. She studied his face. His hair was shortish and rather wild and uncombed. His eyes bore no emotion and although his scars formed a permanent smile, he was visibly frowning.
His scars were kinda odd and lopsided. The left one was curved upwards and looked to be a clean cut while the right was straighter and more jagged, like it was torn and not cut. He also had a scar running the length of his bottom lip that she never noticed before. It formed a badly shaped 'y' that looked to be drawn onto his face by a 3year old. Besides all that, he seemed quite handsome. His nose was straight and slightly rounded at the end and his jaw was prominent and square. His eyes were chocolate brown and slightly hooded by a fierce looking brow.
Even though she didn't know the man well, he seemed to be her only chance at making it home safe.
"I umm, this is going to sound stupid but... I think someone was following me. Can you please walk me home?" She felt like a weak fool for asking but she was still shaken by the thought of what might have happened if she didn't walk into Jack.
He looked at her as if he was saying 'are you serious' but briskly turned on his heel and muttered a quick " Sure, why not"
She was visibly overjoyed and joined his side. He walked calmly, but slightly hunched forward with his hands in his pockets. Even though he looked like a jaguar ready to pounce, it seemed a fitting stance for him, like if he walked like a ordinary person he would seem even more odd. She finally broke the silence.
"I'm sorry for troubling you like this. I was probably just being paranoid. It was probably nothing. But thanks for walking with me. It really means alot" she smiled up at him.
"You weren't" he said. She looked up at him again. He stopped walking and looked at her.
"Paranoid, I mean" he explained. Now she looked even more confused.
He continued walking and said "There was a man following you...but...he ran off"
He had a funny way of talking, kinda sarcastically even though he was dead serious. Christina finally understood why he stared off behind her when they first met. He must have seen her follower and Jacks angry expression must have scared him off.
They walked on in silence. Christina smiled as she felt she had a better understanding of this mysterious man beside her. She felt like she had seen something of him he rarely showed. They soon reached the apartment building but he stopped at the door.
"Aren't you coming?" she asked in a whisper.
"Nope" he turned to leave.
"Jack" he looked back hearing his name. "Thank you" she added. He said nothing, only flashing her a forced smile before walking off.
Notes:
Okay... Thats the first chapter done... Tell me what you think. I know there are tons of stories like this out there but I wanted to try it for my self.