Shadow; Sorry for the delay, my computer is acting up and my word processer crashed. Also finals are next week and I am in mild panic mode. Just a warning, I won't be able to update in december. The next one will be after. And to all those few who read my other story, its not abandoned, i just like this one more. It will be updated soon-ish. To those who don't read it, don't, it's horrible. WARNING: implied sexual activity at the end of chapter. No details or acual lemon though. There might also be a curse word to two. i don't remember. Might also be out of character, sorry. I own nothing.

Chapter four

Once more Dr. Janice Dials walked down the dull asylum halls, her personal guard with her like usual slowing to match her bouncing stride. Today was going to be a good day, she could tell. In her hands she held a steaming box, freshly delivered, and with it the hope that her patient would be willing to cooperate with her. It was also positive reinforcement for not mutilating the doctors at his appointment. Yesterday was the first day Mr. Jones had not needed to be sedated for his checkup. Her boss was pleased with this and had even given her a raise even though she had no idea what to make of his behavior change. She hoped the pizza would help him continue his good behavior and her bosses generous mood.

Janice had gotten some weird and slightly greedy looks when she had retrieved her pizza. The look on the delivery guys face had sent her into laughter the moment he left though, making it worth the attention. That poor boy had looked so scandalized, like some loon was going to pop out of no where and steal his shirt or something. Or maybe she was just too desensitized. But the whole experience had brightened her day and for the first time in months she walked into the therapy room with a smile on her face. Then she noticed Mr. Jones, his laid back posture putting stress on the bent chair. How long has it been bent like that?

Gold eyes turned to look at her, his green head tilting to sniff the air before he zeroed in of the steaming box. His eyes narrowed at it before eyeing her with suspicion. She faltered under his hard gaze, her smile melting off her face. With hesitant steps she reached her seat, avoiding looking at him completely. He growled and she flinched back, her hold on the food turning her knuckles white. Gray eyes looked up into gold and she squeaked. His eyes looked angry, more so than usual. This is bad. I'm not equipped to deal with an angry Croc! And why was he mad anyway? She wasn't late today, and she even brought pizza! She glanced at the guards, looking for any indicators or culprits. The guards are usually the problem in Crocs case. Only which one and why?

Dr. Dials pushed the box slowly towards the maddened crocodile man, her wide eyes watching his every move. At his first sign of violence she was going to make a run for it. And pray that the guards managed to do their jobs. His lips pulled back in a snarl showing more of his lethal teeth and he reached forward to snatch the box to him. His black claws ripped into the box at his quick movement, but he didn't seem to care as he opened the lid to stare inside. She had originally hoped he would like the gift, and had gotten a meat lovers large pizza. Now she just hoped he didn't think she was mocking him.

"The bet was if I win, doc. So whats this?" His eyes narrowed, and all she could do was squeak. Be professional! He just asked a question! Stop panicking! She flushed, clearing her throat to speak.

"Um... I thought that since you... er, gave me a good game you deserved it anyway?" He rose a brow and she twitched, "AND, you acted... good? At the doctors yesterday?" That wasn't very professional, stop panicking, please stop panicking. She looked down, her face reddening further at his snort. Gray eyes glanced up when his chair groaned and she squeaked. He towered over her from his seat, gold eyes flashing with anger she didn't understand.

"So what your saying is that if I behave you're going to feed me?" sarcasm laced his rasping growl and he brought his hands to rest on the metal table, boxing in her failed peace offering. The table groaned under the weight, and she knew it was going to be dented again. Janice felt her breathing speed up and confusion set in. Why is he angry? What happened to make him angry? She didn't really think she had done anything, unless he didn't like the pizza? Which didn't make sense since he asked for it. Was he allergic to something on it? Find out why he's angry and calm him down. Sounds simple enough. The only problem with that was she didn't know how.

"Uh... Sometimes? That is if you want me to?" She cleared her throat, forcing herself to sit up straighter in her seat and look him in the eye. " I intended for this to be a reward for positive behavior," Janice felt like shaking, here she was staring down a giant armored male, an angry male. One who could snap her neck with two fingers. No no no no! Bad thoughts! Be strong! Despite herself she found herself looking away and to the guards, all of which looked uneasy but didn't make a move. That's not a bad thing though, if they move it might set him off. The man in front of her snorted and moved back, angry gold shifting to the torn box.

"Whatever you say doc," he opened the box, picking up one of the slices with his claws. He lifted the steaming piece, apparently to examine it in the light before placing it in his mouth. Janice was mesmerized, having never seen the man eat before. The slices looked more like chips in his hands, and even the way he opened his mouth seemed wrong. Like his whole jaw was dislocating before he ripped the food to shreds. Fascinating.The pizza was gone almost as soon as he started and with a belch he finished, tossing the box away at one of the guards. She flinched at the noise, drawing his attention. His white mouth twisted in a sneer and she looked at her lap nervously.

"We done now?" his voice growled at her, making her shoulder jerk. Her nervous hands moved to the forgotten box by her feet.

"Er.. no Mr. Jones, I was hoping to..er..play another game before you go," Janice tried to distract herself from his angry grumble by setting the board, once more holding out the queens for him to pick from. His sneer never left his face as he snatched the black piece from her, startling her with the fast movement. She glanced at her hand. Those claws could slice through metal and stone, flesh was nothing to him. If he wanted to he could have ripped the appendage off. Bad thoughts bad thought. Focus on game!

Taking a deep breath she made her move, discreetly watching him out of the corner of her eye. His frustration seemed to melt over time as the battle progressed. What moves had once been made with anger were soon made with sly intentions and gleaming eyes. Dainty hands moved her white pieces carefully while large scaled hands moved with purpose. This time she took the first piece. She swore that he was holding back a grin every time she moved. She didn't like that, that meant he had a plan. Or he was trying to unnerve her. Either seemed possible with Killer Croc. At least he doesn't look ready to kill anyone anymore. That's a plus. He switched moods pretty fast too. I hope he's not bi-polar.

"Checkmate doc," she down from his pleased smirk and her eyes widened. Mentally rewinding she played through his moves, finally seeing his reasoning for seemingly unreasonable moves. Gray eyes narrowed at the board, glancing up to his smug face and down again. Either he came across a happy accident or he planned that from nearly the beginning of the game. Smiling gently, habit broke in.

Mr. Jones stared at her outstretched hand, not making a move. Why did I do that?! I Should not have done that! Should I lower my hand? Pretend it didn't happen? Her breath caught when a large scaled hand seemed to swallow hers in semblance of a handshake. Almost as soon as it happened it was over and he stood to leave. She watched with wide eyes as he turned to the door, waiting for it to open. His back shined under the harsh lighting. If she didn't know her patient as well as she did she would say he hesitated, but she did know him and Mr. Jones never hesitated. Croc turned his head over his shoulder to give her one last look even as the armed guards unlocked the door.

"Thanks for the food, doc," And with that he was gone. Janice felt her brow wrinkle in thought, reviewing all her memories of the man. If she was right than that was the first time he showed any form of manners in Arkham. She grinned. It was an improvement. He was improving, the lost cause was improving. Maybe she wouldn't be famous for that test, but maybe she would as the doctor that cured Croc. His hands were softer than expected, warm too. She blinked. That was an odd thought. Shaking it off she cleaned up the board and prepared to leave, but she had one last thing to do before she left. Gray eyes narrowed at her guard.

"Excuse me, could you inform me why my patient was so upset today?" His guilty brown eyes stared beseechingly at her, almost begging her to not need an answer. She tapped her foot. She knew how to play this game, she had twin nephews. Causally crossing her arms under her chest she raised her brow and glared. She had to suppress a smirk when she could practically see him crumble.

"One of the older guards got in a fight with him and shocked him," He looked down. She blinked, wondering who it was to set him off. The moron shocked him before his session?! Did he not see how dangerous that was for us?! Why did he do that? They knew that if Mr. Jones was angry to take him to his cell and not put others in danger. That was against regulation. None of the inmates were allowed in the therapy rooms when riled up. It's been like that ever since Mr. Zsasz killed his doctor after an alteration in the hall before hand. She paled at the thought of what could of happened. Croc was one of those kinds of people who would forgo pain in favor of getting whatever he was doing done. The guards wouldn't of stood a chance if he had attacked. She needed to see the warden about that guard.

"Who was it that provoked him?" He looked up at her before crossing his arms over his chest.

"I don't know ma'am," She narrowed her eyes. He was protecting someone, and there was nothing she could do to make him talk. She knew that. Loyalty was one of the most important things here and those who betrayed their coworkers didn't last long. She sighed and left him alone. Maybe she could find the recording in the guard room about what happened. It was important. If not she needed to find out who it was and request he not escort Mr. Jones again. With a groan she left. There was going to be paperwork about this. And the fact she managed to calm him down somehow was going need to be investigated. Maybe if she found out what calmed him they could employ the tactic more often. It was better than shocking the man into submission.

Lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllinebreakllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Teeth grazed over the soft skin of her shoulder as his claws worked her jeans down. His hands were oddly soft against her hips. She gave a moan as a long tongue came out to taste her neck. Hard muscles dug into her chest even as he picked her up. Impatient hands tugged at his pants and he laughed. She felt her face flush.

"Whats the rush, doc?"

…...

She jerked awake panting and stunned. What the crap was that. Sweaty hands buried themselves into her hair and she shook. What was THAT! That was unprofessional. That's what that was. Unprofessional and wrong. She was not going to pull a Harley Quinn, nope, no way no how. Need to stop think about Croc so much. That's why that dream came up. No other reason. She sat up and looked at the clock only to groan again at the time. 3: 23 am. On her off day too.

Janice turned to the side of her queen bed and rolled off. There was on way she would get back to sleep now, might as well wash the sweat off. Her eyes glanced at her table on the way, remembering her paperwork she still hadn't finished about the culprit. Bet that's the reason right there. At least she didn't have to see him till Tuesday, that was good. That would give her three days to get over the dream before coming face to face with the man. A blush rose to her cheeks at the very thought of being in the same room with him. Than she stopped. And paled.

How the HELL am I going to look him in the face now. He's not dumb, he's going to know somethings up. Only thing left to do is quit and be a hot-dog sells woman. Nothing else is available. She whimpered. She didn't even like hot-dogs.

Shadow: yea, i'm not going to lie, not my best chapter, but I think I got my point accross in it so OK. I think I wrote this about four times in compleatly different ways before this one stuck. I might use the other drafts in later chapters though. Cudos to any who guess who the guard is, and a nobell peace prize to the one who guesses what the doctors find thats important. Sorry again for the lateness and the long author notes. Thanks for all who reviewed. You honestly don't know how much writers need reviews until you become one, so please review. And the last part is suposed to be hurmorous.