He called after the retreating figure. "I didn't mean for it to happen like that. You know that, right?"
Bruce paused, just within sight. Joker could see his fists clench. "No."
Joker shook his head, laughter spilling out and echoing in the alley. "I mean it, Bats." He stopped laughing, growing abruptly serious as the figure grew rigid. "I'd never have done that if I'd thought Rachel would actually die. I had no idea." The clown was almost pleading now, his eyes searching for any sign that the half-hidden Batman was listening.
The figure seemed to deflate, and Bruce said something that Joker didn't quite catch.
"What was that?"
"Nothing," came the reply, although the bat's voice seemed rougher than usual.
Joker didn't believe that for one second, but decided against pushing it. After a moment of silence he said, almost hesitantly, "There's… something else."
"What?" came the reply, Bruce's voice guarded.
"I… I bought flowers. Before I ran into you." The clown gave a sad attempt at a laugh. "I thought it'd be nice. To, you know…" he carded his fingers through his hair and made a vague motion with his hand. Bruce made no response. "I mean, the cemetery is so bleak. It could use the color," Joker finished lamely, looking down at the flowers that had materialized in his hands.
There was a long pause, the sounds of the city oddly muffled around them. Joker stared at the shadows where he knew Bats would still be, hoping he'd say something. Finally he gave his head a shake and made to leave.
"You didn't steal them?"
Joker started, a small grin appearing on his features. "Are you sure you want to be asking that?"
Batman turned around, walking back towards the clown. His movements were slow, deliberate. "Not particularly, no," he admitted, allowing a small smile. After a moment he said, "To the cemetery, then?"
"To the cemetery."