Summary: The Joker notices something tragically beautiful within Rachel Dawes. She has the Batman's trust, Harvey Dent's hope and perhaps, more. What game does the Joker ignite now?
Author's Note:
Warning: The Dark Knight spoilers ahead
Regarding the questions on the couples- I personally have no certainty who Rachel would choose; if she even had the selection that is. Silent readers that alerted my fic but left quietly without a greeting, I invoke you to not be shy and let me know whatever you think. I sure hope you enjoy this chapter, as well.
The Bleak Escapade
Being it the late hour from the usual occupation time, Rachel arrived rather quickly at her office; where the possible candidate for the district attorney stood waiting.
"Mr. Dent-" Rachel spoke as she swiped her front bangs out of her eyes.
"Harvey," Her 'boss' rebutted calmly, cutting her alibi curtly. "and I do happen to be running a campaign. Keyword: Running, Ms. Dawes, we're infamously late."
His grip on her was firm, but not dangerous or rude- Rachel allowed herself to be pulled away in Mr. Dent- Harvey's grasp freely. This blond man knew what he was doing and following him was a route with unyielding insurance. They passed through the sea of faces in a fast pace as Rachel finally came to a realization that people were indeed waiting quite anxiously.
She felt the flashes burst as they past through the white halls, blinding her to further depend on the immovable grip on her arm. They entered the room with a little more privacy from before and that's when the grip loosened; her arm felt so light then, almost boneless and empty. Rachel watched Harvey give her a strange wink as if to unconsciously leave her with some message she was supposed to understand- but a loud voice broke her silent muse and contact with the charming man.
"Dent! We need your speech, now!"
Wordlessly Rachel watched the blond fly across a few more waves and out of a door that ripped caustic flashes as soon as he exited.
"Ms. Dawes, please enter in stage right." She opened her eyes wide and peered over to a directing lady.
"Excuse me?"
"We need you with Mr. Dent, Ms. Dawes, you are after all," The lady was beside her now, gently nudging her towards the door. "The-assistant-district-attorney."
Rachel looked at her incredulously but the lady simply smiled back at her in almost sarcasm, finishing her nudge with a strong push to lead Rachel out the door at onto the stage.
Camera lights roared and simultaneously Rachel remembered how Harvey added the "we" in his "infamously late" speech. She noticed the blond turn around slightly to see her climbing into her seat in the back hand corner and smiled at her perfectly.
When the flashing lights finally calmed down Harvey spoke once again in flawless articulation, hand movements, posture, and words. Rachel mused again, watching the backside of this Harvey Dent tentatively.
He was rather great, no doubt about it-
The red and blue banners in big, stubborn font 'I Believe in Harvey Dent' was believable at that.
But what made him worthy of this attention, let alone this corrupted district?
"It must be the comfort zone," His voice was determined. "The places we call home and the places we feel secure in. But that's just a sorry excuse and I for one recognize a remorseful alibi when I hear one," The audience chuckled and Rachel listened as she rolled her eyes. Harvey was renowned for his gags in interviews and such. "But this year is no anarchy. Nor will it ever be. Why must we hide and resort to the last things when there's still justice and righteousness living in Gotham? Sure it's hard to find, but that's what makes this city's justness so precious and worthy.
Gotham is sick of rising crime rates and endemic corruption and I will target our city's enemies in my first day of office. What I'm offering to the citizens of Gotham isn't just integrity and clean streets, its hope. Hope that no matter what we're facing, we still have the unbiased chance to fight back and in the long run, win. If you don't believe in Harvey Dent, but you still have the longing for hope and believe in that hope, let me symbolize that white knight and bring you what's fair."
Rachel watched as Harvey's fists open wide, showing off the gesture of presenting the utter truth. Some men in the back stood from their seats and applaud with whistles. She noticed only a few policemen arrived or chose to be here, since most of them were still offended with Harvey's internal affairs incident. Dent was notorious with his corrupt cops and had a strong belief that they were trash like any other mob, perhaps worse. Another cop entered the audience exceedingly late since the speech was now over, and his uniform caught Rachel's attention. He was the only policeman with his hat still on and curiously Rachel looked closer to him, slightly squinting her eyes to focus. He was tall in height, a head taller than most of the stubby businessmen that surrounded him. The stranger in the uniform was mismatched, his image poorly agreed to the tight buttons and pants; yet she had no idea where such proposal was coming from. His posture was awkward, almost lazy and yet intractable, seducing Rachel into her curiosity.
It can't be- It couldn't be that guy.
The facing man turned as if to look directly at her and Rachel watched indifferently, gulping a whole lot of saliva while doing so. From the shadow of his cap she couldn't call the face he was expressing-
"Harvey Dent is Gotham's white knight!" A voice came from the audience and the crowed cheered heavily.
Harvey gave a firm nod and walked off stage, cueing Rachel to do the same and she thankfully smiled back and followed after the blond.
The room backstage clapped as Harvey came in and a man threw him a badge with his slogan along with a familiar face.
"Who picked the picture? I look quite nice!" The room laughed and Rachel chuckled alongside with them. The man was witty, amusing, and most of all- genuine.
"Where are you going?"
Rachel turned around, her hair was covering her eyes and she made a mental note to tie her hair later.
"I-I," She thought, and she had no idea where. "I need to do some work-"
"If it's Maroni, I know where I can find a sworn statement,"
"Who?" Rachel soon covered her mouth with her hand, realizing how rude she was. "Sorry."
Harvey chuckled in response. "It's alright. It's good to meet someone with some parallel passion. Well, as the head of this campaign, I say you get some rest."
"Excuse me?" The crowd was getting to her head because she can swear she heard Harvey just say "rest."
"Unless you're up for something else." He gave her a sheepish smile.
"Mr. Harvey Dent," Her eyes were looking directly at him.
"Harvey." He corrected again.
"I know- I just, the first name basis in this whole job relationship never worked out for me."
"What was that?" The blond looked at her incredulously and Rachel sighed at her constant rudeness. What was wrong with her today?
"Nothing, sorry. Harvey- I came in late this morning, and you can't expect me to go …resting again."
"Why not?"
"Because," She grunted. "Because there's so much to do! We're at the pinnacle of your campaign and Maroni still happens to be out there planning his next alibi, planting bullshit evidence, and you telling me to rest! Rest is just time we can't afford-"
"You said 'we'," Harvey chuckled when Rachel finished. "I like that."
"Harvey!"
"What?"
Rachel groaned and turned back around to walk out of this frustration. Suddenly, the same hand that protectively gripped her returned on the same arm. She pivoted her posture and faced Harvey dubiously.
"I forgot to tell you, your conference is in a week."
"My conference? For what?"
"For my campaign."
"Are you sure you want me to do it, because I honestly have nothing to say, let alone anything good."
"How about lunch right now and I'll give you some pointers."
Rachel sighed, but gave in.
The hand that held her loosened and slid down her coat sleeve softly, returning to its owner's pocket.
"Harvey, we need your signature!"
"Lunch break!"
The blond shouted in response and the crowd in the room laughed amusingly. Rachel whispered an approval for him to be excused and sign the damn thing but he simply ignored her and skidded down the room for the exit.
Thankfully out on the streets most reporters were gone so both Harvey and Rachel decided to walk. The cold wasn't too bad, compared to yesterday, and both agreed that their coats weren't heavy for a reason. After a block and half, they entered a small diner with decent amount of people and no line. Realizing that Harvey was a starving man Rachel hurriedly entered the restaurant without a doubt.
The waitress took them to a more private seat in the diner, which happened to be closest to the noisy kitchen. Harvey started off with a coffee and Rachel did the same. She watched as the blond pulled off his scarf, resting it on the left side of his seat and revealing his deep apple in his throat.
He wore a black coat over a clean shirt buttoned all the way up over his collared bones. His burgundy tie looked good with his blond hair, his fair complexion, and the blue eyes that were watching her, watching him.
"Find something nice?"
"No, no," She chuckled and thankfully the coffee arrived with packs of sugar and crème.
"I hear Worthington is on the verge of persuasion."
"She's a nice woman, and she's turning to me because she believes the same things I believe in."
"What do you believe in?"
"I believe that I am perfectly ready to order. I'm famished- you?"
"Let's just say I was late because of an unexpected breakfast."
"Oh? Did someone cook while you slept in?"
"Yes and no. Waitress, we're ready for you!"
The same woman rushed in and pulled out her notepad and a pen from her hair. Rachel watched as Harvey looked at the waitress getting ready to write from the same pen.
"Harvey," Rachel called. "Aren't you going to order?"
"Yes, yes," He replied, looking back at the menu now. "I'll get the grilled chicken sandwich, easy on the mayo- they're not good for you, and the French fries." The waitress nodded as she smiled, looking towards Rachel now.
"Oh, I'm quite alright-"
"Let's see, do you guys have anything light? Oh, here we go, a fruit salad would do."
"Harvey, I'm really-"
"I'll keep the menu here just in case. Thanks." He winked at the waitress and she nodded once more, walking away casually.
"What is up with men constantly cutting me off?"
"So there's another man in your life, Ms. Dawes. I'm not convinced, I mean you are-"
"Rachel." She corrected in sweet revenge.
"I knew that. It was my hint of sarcasm."
"Well unnecessary sarcasm. I'm curious, Harvey- What do you believe in?"
"I believe in what's fair, Rachel. That we all equally have a chance in every instance, every cause."
"How does that bring you into the district?"
"The district attorney should fight for that fairness. The mistakes that some people make should balance the rewards some people deserve. The crimes that some people commit should balance the justice that some people deserve."
Rachel nodded in understanding. This lunch really was going to give her something to talk about at the conference.
"So I'm curious too. Who made you that breakfast?"
She chuckled as Harvey sipped his coffee.
"An old friend, Alfred- he's too nice for his own good."
"Well, I don't know much about this guy Alfred, but I know a man and woman can ever stay friends for too long."
Rachel rolled her eyes and laughed as she leaned her head against her shoulder. She remembered to tie her hair and with that she dug into her purse for a pen and took her long ponytail into a shell with the writing utencil. Harvey watched, fascinated.
"Is that what the waitress did?"
"What did I do?"
The woman came in with their plates and handed their food accordingly.
"I just think your …trick with the hair thing, was, cool."
"Enjoy your food, Mr. Dent." She laughed as she placed a good amount of napkins on their table.
"Well, she's not too shabby." Rachel proposed as she sipped her coffee.
Harvey took a big bite out of his sandwich and ignored Rachel's consideration.
"Will you please eat? They're fruits for crying out loud!" He mumbled as he wiped his mouth and chewed.
Rachel giggled lightly and did as she was told, taking the sliced strawberry into her mouth.
Harvey was nice.
And thinking about it, she hasn't had a good night rest for the entire week- a half day off didn't sound too bad alt all. Maybe she can return to Bruce and find some more comfort there, and maybe let Harvey prove that men and women can indeed never stay as friends. Bruce would want to find out the guy's name.
But for what?
He was a cop, and cops showing up in Dent's campaign should be trusted- right? There were only so many policemen there, even Gordon didn't show up.
"What were some cases with the corrupt cops?"
Harvey popped a fry into his mouth. "Typical ones. A mob paying them extra- for only god knows where they get that amount of money, some were even threatened, but I don't have the sympathy. I never did."
"I see."
"Why? You suspect someone?"
Rachel grinned. Refuge was the last thing she worried about- she had plenty.
"No, and I'll keep quiet now. You enjoy that sandwich."
He grumbled a grunt as he took another bite. She smiled as she took a watermelon.
Harvey paid for the meal and Rachel learned another aspect of this hopeful lawyer.
He was a stubborn ass and he just couldn't be persuaded the other way. But he made sure Rachel buys their next meal, ensuring another 'date' at that.
"Are you sure you're going to let me go? I can file some things-"
"Yes, be liberated from work, Ms. Dawes. It's not like the money would disappear."
"It's not the money, Mr. Dent, it's the effort you need."
"Heads I win this campaign and once I do, you buy me good meat."
She gaped and watched the coin rise and fall in Harvey's palm, revealing his ridiculous destiny.
"If this is your idea of chance then-"
"What do you know, I win."
Rachel scoffed and simultaneously a cab pulled over on the curb. She gently shivered and eyed Harvey a 'thank you'. Harvey then took of his scarf and placed it over Rachel's shoulders gently, giving her a warm smile in return.
"See you tomorrow, Rachel."
"Harvey-"
The blond turned and walked off the other direction quickly, now disappearing in another crowd of faces.
"Miss? Do you need a ride?"
The cabdriver called out and Rachel got in without further a due.
The cab had no heater on and Rachel smirked as she wrapped the scarf around her neck. It was warm, and thankfully it matched her coat.
"Wayne Enterprises, please."
"Yes miss."
The cabdriver replied and began driving.
Rachel looked out the window and silently mused at the many faces of Gotham. This part of town was a lot nicer, brighter, and wealthier. The closer she got to the Wayne office, the better off the people got and incredulously- the snobbier.
It was ironic. In Gotham, the town of contrast of the rich and the poor, everyone proved to be bitter.
"Excuse me," Rachel spoke when she finally couldn't take it anymore. "Could you please turn on the heater?"
The light was red and the cabdriver only looked forward.
Wordlessly she watched his hand reach over to press the button, blasting the heat into her face. At first she thought it was for the car to warm up fast and Rachel accepted the artificial air whole heartedly. But momentarily, approximately ten minutes, she managed to cough in the now violent rush of heat, still blaring from the vehicle.
"I-It's alright now." She spoke over the loud noise. She calculated how long it would take her from here to Bruce silently.
The cabdriver turned off the heat right then, returning the silence between them once again.
"I'm sorry," he suddenly spoke. His voice was high and low at the same time and Rachel had no courage to peek through to see his face. "I didn't want you to be, cold, miss.
"It's fine- I can just get off here," She replied as she took the pen of her hair, gripping it firmly as her brown locks fell beside her cheeks. "The end of this block, sir."
The car abruptly obeyed, Rachel giving off a short yelp.
"Twelve, miss," His tongue seemed to roll as he emphasized his words. "Twelve."
She didn't care how much money she pulled out from her wallet, and left it there on her seat instead of handing it to the stranger- undoing her seatbelt in hurry and unlocking the door to escape and run.
Her boots ticked on the sidewalk and she was thankful to see the tallest building in Gotham in reach. She also realized that no one was following her and with that she relaxed, taking heavy gasps and she walked over to Bruce's office- with no appointments.
A security watched her catching her breath and watched her suspiciously, but Rachel ignored him, instead walking over to the desk secretaries.
"I-Is, Bruce W-Wayne in his o-office," She managed. "please?"
"Do you have an appointment ma'am?"
"I-I don't, but I'm R-Rachel Dawes, can you tell him it's Rachel and I need to-"
"Ma'am, Mr. Wayne may be in a meeting right now,"
"Rachel?"
His voice was always a relief to hear.
"B-Bruce," she smiled as she turned, facing the brilliance she wanted to see.
"I thought dinner-"
"The new boss let me out early."
"When you came in late? From the wise mouth of Alfred, I bloody told you, you should've just stayed."
He walked over in perfect posture and Rachel stood waiting, teaching her body to calm down- that Bruce didn't have to know the petty dangers.
"Are you busy?" She smiled as she felt Bruce's hand fall onto her waist.
"No- never."
A small man beside Bruce looked at him in disbelief and opened his mouth to speak. Then a taller man appeared in the picture and the man turned to him to speak.
"Mr. Fox- we still need to-"
"The numbers, Mr. Reese, count the numbers."
With that the shorter man dismissed himself as he sighed deeply and Mr. Fox walked away with a wink at Rachel.
"The penthouse then?"
Rachel nodded and allowed herself to be pushed from Bruce Wayne, down the parking lot to his Lamborghini.
Author's Note: If you're a wild guesser, you're probably thinking that the creepy cabdriver and/or the awkward policeman was the beloved Joker. You're probably right too, but I'm just going to have you keep guessing till the story unfolds.
First things first, I should throw a disclaimer in here.
Disclaimer: SugarOnTop does not own any production of The Dark Knight nor Batman Begins.
That should do fine.
Did you know there were so many online sites for advertising Nolan's TDK? It's incredible. (but they're all violated with the joker's hahaha's and drawing of the dark eyes bloody and lips) So far I'm using "" and "." and they're so fun and informative. Maybe I'm just incredibly slow- but I was forced to watch TDK after approximately three weeks it premiered.
My Harvey speech was inspired from a bit of these and they will continue to motivate me for the following chapters. That way I can repress my stay-in-character-phobia to a minimum level.
I personally admire Harvey. I wanted to introduce him as the 'white knight' affectedly because I wanted to prove the heightened contrast between Harvey and Bruce. Harvey's idea of 'chance' is significant too in the initiative that he uses it for both just and evil. He's just a splendid character and is a fun character to write with.
Both the scenes with Rachel and the cabdriver/policeman was rushed, I presume, but I thought the more rushed- the more distortion in the scene, and believe it or not, it was important I caught a sense of that.
I have no idea why I threw Coleman Reese in there, but that kid is such an annoyance. I hate his guts.
Lastly, the previous chapter went straight from the burnt Wayne mansion to a remodeled and already-built house but in this chapter Bruce offers Rachel the invitation to his penthouse from TDK. Why? Let's just say Bruce wanted the privacy while Alfred stayed in the manor cleaning and whatnot. So keep in mind Bruce has both his penthouse and his enormous residence alive and well, refashioned.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
(My Beta didn't respond to me and being the impatient loser that I am, I updated on my own with poor editing. Excuse mistakes, beloveds.)
Leave me a nice note with questions/comments/ranting/etc.