Grin And Bare It

by Germany11

Bruce Wayne goes undercover in the Jokers gang to learn more about him and find out his plans. Joker seems to take an interest in him immediately. Can he handle all that he learns from both being around the Clown Prince of Crime and Arkham tapes he has or will he start losing his own sanity in the process. (Set in the Joker Graphic Novel universe) Batman/Joker

4. Playing With Fire

Chapter 4

Playing With Fire

Sadistic glee radiated in those acidic green eyes. Shining brightly with malice amusement. His grin wide and that laugh. All familiar, all sickening with how entrancing it was, like watching a car wreck. Each movement, each over dramatic gesture with gun in hand all familiar. Joker was performing. Bruce was seething. Same familiar feeling. Not same way to fix it. Joker spun around and smiled at Bruce's entrance. The blazing fire alarm was making his ears ring. Glancing around the room Bruce took into account the twelve terrified children sitting in their seats. Eyes wide with fear staring at the maniac who was laughing in full blown amusement. Bruce gathered the children were about in either second or third grade. Young enough not to know what to do but old enough to know the danger they were in. Sobs finally broke through to his ears as he registered where the gun shot went off. Laying in a pool of blood was a woman. Early thirties he would take a guess. She had been shot in her hip. If Bruce had been in his Batsuit he would already have already started to beat the Joker into the ground where he stood. Wipe that smug grin off his face. If he was in his Batsuit this would be going very definitely. Taking in a breath already formulating what words may get through to the madman he opened his mouth to speak only to get cut off by the loud raspy tone of the maniac's voice, yelling to be heard over the alarms.

"So, kiddos, you may be wondering who I am. Hehe I guess your teacher didn't get the memo that there was to be a substitute teacher for class today. Hehe" Joker used the tip of his boot to kick the teacher on the ground. It looked and felt like he was kicking a wounded dog who didn't obey its master. The Clown Prince of Crime was known for mocking his victims before he killed them. On many of an occasion the maniac would leave Batman videos of him killing his victims slowly. Always mocking the dark knight. Telling him how he wasn't fast enough to save them, how he was leaving a gift for him, how this was what Batman had caused because he wouldn't take that final step and be free. Every time it had the desire effect, the vigilante would find him and break a good number of the psychopathic murderer's bones. Never killing him but making sure he'd be out of commission for a while. This time there was no filming, this time no message was trying to be made, it was purely for the clown's sick amusement. Bruce didn't know what made him angrier when the clown was doing it to piss off Batman or when the madman was doing it for sick fun. It wasn't the time to think on that though. Innocent lives were in danger and Bruce had to be sneaky to save them. Giving up his identity to the clown would just make matters worse. Bruce knew that. If he wanted to get the children out of this alive he'd have to be smart about it. He could hear outside the classroom children and staff in the halls to follow fire alarm Proto code. At least they'll be out of harm's way. Less people in danger. Less to worry about.

"Boss." He spoke up loud enough to be heard. Joker put a hand to his ear leaning his body closer. "Ah, can't hear ya! Speak up!" He yelled. "Shouldn't we be getting out of here?" Bruce yelled and in that moment the fire alarms went off. That made him nervous. He didn't want students returning back into the building. He'd have to think of something fast. That's when gunshots fired in the building somewhere close. Fuck. He wanted to say out loud. Looks like Jokers men didn't get out of the building yet. Obviously he miscalculated how loyal the goons were to the Joker or more like too afraid to fail him. Damn. How many of the bombs have they set up around the school by now? He wasn't exactly paying much attention to them when he entered. All he could hope for now was that Alfred's warning to Gordon would make the GCPD more inclined to show up. That would give the clowns men reason enough to leave. Joker gave a mock wince and jumped back over dramatically. "Jeez, Matchy, no reason to shout." He whined and then turned his attention back to the terrified students. "Now, ya see kiddos. We are going to play a little game."

"What g-game?" A little boy in the back asked.

Tapping his fingers loudly on the desk, Joker gave a look of complete annoyance, aiming his gun absentmindedly towards the student. Bruce's muscles tensed, wanting to jump into action. Don't do it Joker. His mind was screaming towards the clown. His body subconsciously took a step forward. Every internal instinct putting him in like a predatory state ready to attack his prey. It took all of his will power not to tackle the gun wielding maniac to the ground.

"Haven't you learned any manners kid? Didn't this teacher teach you the proper way to ask a question?" With the gun in hand he gestured it towards the bleeding woman on the floor. "Guess, with all the money your rich parents pay for this school it could of at least hired more competent teachers." He sneered. His gaze wandering back to the student who spoke out of turn. "Raise your hand next time got it!" He growled, before grinning again when the boy raised his hand. "Much better. You!" He pointed the gun back at the child. "Speak." The clown ordered.

"What game?" The child was shaking badly.

Joker gave a clap of his hands best he could with one of them holding the gun and snickered. "It's a fun little game. It's called who's going to be my hostage." Bruce felt grim dread seep into his body. For a good reason as the clowns next words confirmed his growing suspicions. "See, plans went a little differently, as you heard a moment ago." He was talking about the fire alarm and Bruce knew that. "No, matter. Not all fun is lost, you see. Hehe. Only one problem that needs fixin' first. There's just too many of you for me to bother with. I am not exactly fond of little brats. The special um." Joker tapped the gun on his chin. Gun safety was a concept completely lost on the purple clad man. "Speaker, loves kids. Has a soft spot for them if you will. I'll never understand why, but no matter I can be kind enough for him to add annoying brats to our game." Bruce hated how he was talking. Like he was doing a service for Batman. His knuckles gripped tightly on the gasoline can. How he hated how the maniacs mind worked. Joker continued speaking, completely not paying attention to the growing storm raging inside of Bruce at that moment. "Point is, we all need to decide who that lovely volunteer is going to be. Have to be a good one though, can't have our soon to be guest thinkin' I'm not even trying for him. Oh, no can't have that. Besides this isn't only for him." Joker now moved his head and bopped it in Bruce's direction. "Kiddos can you believe it, this lovely arsonist over there has not even burned down a school?! Seems absurd am I right! No reason to answer. Of course I'm right. Always am. Hehe. So shall we begin? Any questions? No, don't bother. Let's get the show on the road. Times a' tickin'."

Bruce gritted his teeth in annoyance. Biding his time as he glanced around the room thinking of anything he could use to get the children out of this situation. Joker loved to talk, if anything it was one of his weakness that and his need to keep games going as long as they could. Bruce was determined to use that to his advantage. First he needed a plan. The classroom was fairly small in size. Not much as far as use. There was a stapler but that would take a lot of force if he needed to knock the clown out. There was a letterhead but he wasn't going to stab the madman. Chairs were too small and wouldn't be much use. So far he didn't really spot anything other than a pole to hold the American flag, the base was metal though so maybe that could work. If he could hit the clown over the head fast enough. But that could get him caught before he made the action, the stapler was starting to seem like the best course of action. Of course he also had the gasoline can as an option but it was just plastic so not much weight there.

"P-please. They are just children..." The woman on the floor gasped out. Joker grinned down towards her and squatted down beside her, pressing the barrel of the gun on her head. "Tsk, tsk. Sorry sweetie, you're aren't part of this act. Dead weight after all heh. I know you're young and all but I think it's about time you retired. Don'tcha worry, the kiddos are in very capable hands hehe." Just as Bruce was about to launch himself at the clown the gun went off. Blood splattered on the clowns purple trench coat. The children screamed and just about as they were to run out of their seats Joker turned to look at them. "Did teacher say you could get up? Hmmm no? Then sit down!" They complied. Crying and shaking from terror. Smell of urine from one of the children became potent in the small room. As Joker stood up he gave a disgusted face at the children. "Brats not even potty trained." He groaned annoyed. Bruce was beyond livid. Barely having even an ounce of control over his body. Another life taken without even caring from the maniac.

"Now, let's get the game started. So kiddos, which one of your fellow classmates is-oops I mean was the teacher's pet? The sweetest kid of you all? Hmmm." Joker purred.

Bruce got what the game the clown had in mind instantly. He wanted the children to decide who lives and who dies before killing them. Making them somewhat responsible for who he killed next. It was sick. Bruce needed to step in quickly. His eyes glanced the stapler again. Moving a less than an inch closer to the desk. Avoiding Jokers attention at that moment. Lucky and unlucky for him the clown was preoccupied with his view of a performance. All Bruce needed was one good hit to the back of the clowns head. He'd deal with the consequences after the children were safe.

"C'mon I don't have all day." Joker aimed the gun at them and Bruce froze. One child pointed at a little boy sitting at the front of the rows of desk. It was the same child who had piss himself. Joker grinned in amusement as he pushed himself off the desk and walked towards the kid. Looming over the frightened boy. "What's your name squirt?" He cooed. Mocking a friendly demeanor. Faking that he was harmless which everyone in the room knew was not the case. Bruce got even closer to the desk while the clown was distracted. All the clown cared about right now was playing his game. As the child opened her mouth to speak an obnoxious beeping sound was hear. Joker grump led as his free hand started going through his pockets. "Where the hell did I put it?" He spoke under his breath. By the fifth ring he fished out his cellphone and tapped the screen, putting the phone to his ear. "What! I'm busy at the moment!" He snapped causing the children to jump. "Wait what?" He took a step back. His face looked confused by whatever was being said over the line. Bruce watch him cautiously. "That's odd." He shot a look in Bruce's direction, then turned and walked to the small window in the classroom, taking a peak out the blinds. Bruce took that moment to grab the stapler, moving it behind his back and hiding it on his pants belt and under his shirt, putting a finger over his lips to tell the children watching him to be quiet. "They're early... They're never this early." Joker spoke on the phone. The clown then broke into maniacal laughter. "Time to speed things up. Set a few off Harl. No! Don't argue! If they are here then Bat is to or on his way! Gotta get the ball rollin'. Just do what you're told!" He yelled as he hung up the phone and turned to face Bruce. A big grin on his face despite sounding angry a few seconds ago. "Bat will be here soon, ah be on guard Matchy. Fun is about to begin."

Just then the room started to shake violently. Bruce had to hold onto the wall for balance. The maniac was laughing loudly as all the children screamed out and quickly got out of their seats and hide under their desk. The explosions could be heard and his heart began to pace quickly. The maniac was going to get them all killed! How many bombs were in the building? The billionaire was trying to remember. Ten bombs. Most of them were small with how much damage they could inflict but the madman had planned on burning down this entire school. Ten. That was the number. By the sheer fact that they were still alive right now meant that the bombs that went off were farther away in the school. How long though? How long will it take for the madman to set them all off? Batman wouldn't show. That's what the clown wanted. Batman to play his sadistic game. If Batman didn't show how would the maniac react? He was quick to temper tantrums when things didn't go his way.

"Hehehahahahe! What a rush!" Joker spoke through a fit of giggles once the room had finally stopped shaking. "That will get Batsy here quickly!"

"Are you trying to get us killed?!" Bruce couldn't stop himself from snapping at the lunatic.

"Matchy. What's wrong? Don't enjoy a little boom! Hehe! Relax! Now." Joker turned his attention towards Bruce and gave a sweet innocent smile. "Be a dear little arsonist and start dousing the little brats." He giggled happily. Bruce stiffened. That was not something he was comfortable with at all.

"Boss." He spoke carefully. "I told ya outside, I'm not comfortable hurting children."

"Trust me Matchy, it isn't much different than killing an adult. Well, they do scream differently but that's about it hehe." Joker didn't seem to understand why anyone wouldn't want to hurt a child. His malicious for the world prevented him from understanding basic empathy. How someone could live like that Bruce couldn't comprehend. It made the clown seem inhuman at times. His appearance did that enough but his whole view of the world was twisted. Bruce always had to remind himself he was dealing with a man. If he didn't than the urge to kill the maniac where he stood grew almost unbearable at times. Batman didn't kill. That's how the world worked.

"I don't exactly see the appeal in hurting kids Joker." Bruce spoke bluntly.

"That's because you haven't tried it. I keep tellin' you to lighten up." Joker was now getting a bit agitated in his tone.

"Boss, I just can't find the humor in this."

"Your nickname is Matches and you can't find the humor in dousing some brats?" Joker titled his head. "If I had the nickname Matches, I'd be burning down everything and everyone I saw." He laughed then. "Though I guess I already do that to an extent. heheh" his eyes spoke more to Bruce that his view should be easy to accept like it was the normal solution.

"Burning down buildings is different than setting children on fire." Bruce stated as a fact, even though he wasn't an arsonist it seemed like the best choice of words.

Joker licked his lips and drummed his fingers on the desk, looking Bruce right in the eyes. For a moment he seemed to be contemplating what Bruce had just said and then shook his head annoyed. "I'll tell ya what Matchy, I like you... But ya see we will be having a special guest coming any minute now and I don't want to have to shoot ya, but I will if you mess this up. No hard feelings really. Just Bat and I go way back. Can't have the game ruined by a new guy ya know. So." He gestured his gun in Bruce's direction, finishing his sentence with that action.

The vigilante had to think of something quick, he could already smell smoke in the building. Gasoline. It would of helped cause a fire! Shit! There wasn't much time. Get him to talk.

"Shouldn't we get out of here?" He asked carefully.

A shot was fired near were Bruce stood. The bullet near inches from his head. Adrenaline was pumping through his blood. The maniac had given him a warning shot. Something the madman was not known for. He gave threats, he gave warnings with his words but when he was pushed to actually open fire he rarely missed and never on purpose. Keeping people alive wasn't in the Jokers usual game plan. Only time he really didn't go for killing blows was when the psychopathic clown was fighting Batman or fully needed to make a point clear which he usually opted out for murder instead. Needless to say the billionaire was only alive at that moment because Joker didn't want him dead. A fact that he would use to his benefit.

"Tsk, do I have to say it again Matchy." Joker asked disappointed. It was obvious that despite the fascination the clown had for 'Matches Malone' that when push came to shove he would choose playing with Batman above all other things. His obsession was now fueling his actions. Impulsive, Joker was impulsive. Games, games went along with that impulsion.

"Boss, aren't you forgetting something?" Bruce gave an amused look. Play the game differently. Don't ruin the cover, yet save their lives in the process.

"Hmmm?" The clown was hardly paying attention as he glanced at the window fondly. It was pretty clear he was waiting for Batman to come bursting through.

"Your game with the kids." Words bitter on his tongue. Not liking that he was putting the kids back in danger. But if the children had gasoline poured on them, saving their lives in a burning fire wouldn't help. Bad as it was that would just make things more complicated. Besides having his attention not on Bruce was the best way he could get a blow in while they the lunatic was distracted. The vigilante would have never done this as Batman. It made him feel uneasy and sick. Even as Bruce Wayne he would do this but he was Matches Malone right now, he had a role to play and that role would play the game the maniac set up differently.

The psychopathic murder snapped his head to look at Bruce, and a thoughtful expression appeard on his face. "You're right. I did tell the brats we'd play a game first and I am a man of word hehe. Oh Matchy! What would I do without you?" He teased fondly. His previous aggravation seemed to dissipate as he moved back to the little girl hiding under her desk. His gun tapped the top of the wood. "Tsk, ah think it would be in your best interest to get back in your seat." He tapped once more and gave an exasperated sigh. A little girl trembling started to come out from under the desk terrified. "Please. Don't hurt me..." She whispered out.

Joker gave a mocking look and pointed the gun at his face. "Silly, do I look like some monster who'd hurt a child?" It was a rhetorical question. Still the child gave a slight nod and the clown smirked slightly. "So this is how the game works, pay attention. I won't repeat myself. First tell me who the trouble maker is in the class room."

She didn't seem to want to answer but once the gun was pointed back at her she mumbled something.

"What was that?" His sing song voice spoke to her.

"Billy." She spoke up a little louder this time.

Joker grinned and tapped the desk of the little girl loudly. "Billy, come up here now." He waited but when nothing happened he turned his attention towards Bruce who was looking nervously at the door behind him. Smoke was starting to become more potent of a smell as the fire outside the room was coming closer to their location. The explosion mixed with gasoline would soon start to engulf more of the school in a blazing fire. Jokers men had done their jobs of making this plan of burning down a school more effective over a time period that they were now running less and less out of time if they wanted to get out alive and unscathed. How much of the school was on fire yet, Bruce didn't know but he really didn't want to find out. If any of the fire hit any of the other bombs then they would end up dead soon enough. Time was not on his side.

"Boss, we really should get out of here." Bruce sounded nervous as he turned his attention back to the clown.

Shaking his head the clown grinned in pure maniacal pleasure. "Bat isn't here yet." His smile seemed to fade a bit. "Not here yet..." He mumbled again. Before turning his attention back to the crying children hiding under their desks. "We need to finish the game before he comes. So Billy get the fuck up here now!" He was becoming unhinged. Bruce could see it. Joker's voice sounded harried. The vigilante was running out of options.

A little boy slowly got up, a child with auburn hair and light brown eyes. Coming closer to the clown with shaky hesitant steps. A sweet smile spread across red lips of the madman. "That's right, come a little closer. Sit right next to her Billy. So you're a troublemaker hmmm?" He spoke with a sugary sweet voice. "Kinda... I don't mean to be..." The kid responded nervously. "Hey. Kid. Don't. Ever. Apologize. Just some advice. Now here's how the game is going to go." Joker moved his gun and slowly took out all the remaining bullets except one. Placing the three bullets he had left in his jacket pocket. Spinning the chamber he grinned. Russian roulette! Really! He can't be serious! No way. Bruce thought.

Speaking of his thoughts. Why hadn't the GCPD not even attempt to enter the building? They were tipped off that Joker was planning something. They were outside the school as the call to the Joker mentioned earlier. Yet. Nothing! Bruce was starting to feel angry at that. Nothing was going as it should. Nothing at all. Were they really just outside waiting for Batman to do the work for them? Probably? But they should have noticed Batman hadn't come yet? Batman usually would have been there by now. Batman had dealt with so many hostage situations in the past, to many to even count. Always he showed up almost in a blink of an eye to the scene and handled it in the best most effective ways he could. More so when children were involved. Even Joker knew that. Was the police system depending on him too much to even bother with trying to do their jobs now? Most likely. GCPD was corrupt, always had been, very few of the officers were good men and women. Gordon was the best of them all. Was Gordon outside? Probably. Still nothing was happening? He knew by now Gordon would be getting angsty without Batman appearing and most likely was forming a plan to save the children. Bruce was on his own. He knew that and the clock was ticking away.

The psychopathic murderer pointed the gun in the little girls face and she started crying even harder, begging him not to kill her. "Shhh, here's the game. It's a little tid bit taken from Harveys I'll admit but still fun. I'm going to pull the trigger and the gun will either go bang bang or it won't. Get the picture. Here's the best part. You two get to choose who I aim at. You can choose yourself or the other. The winner is the one who doesn't get shot. So let's start with the goody toe shoes. You or him. Hurry up now." His tone that was spoken to the children was very blithe. It all came down to the clown's mad philosophy. Always the maniac preached Batman's ear off how monstrous people were. How they will throw each other under the bus when the opportunity presented itself. A philosophy that Batman fought with him on day in and day out. Joker always claimed how dark the world really was, how it was all meaningless and one big joke, Batman claiming how there is good in people, hope for a better world and that life has meaning. A battle of ideas that would never seem to end. If one lost then they would break. Ideals that made them who they were. Shaped them. That was the point of this game. A point Joker always would do his best to prove.

Before the girl could speak though the clown glanced at the window. Seeming to lose interest when he was so excited before. It was strange, in that split second his whole demeanor seemed to change. Like a melancholy draped itself around the maniac's giddy homicidal mood and strangled any happiness from his body. Joker was mumbling something that Bruce couldn't really hear from his position. Questions were forming in his throat. Wanting to break free to the surface. The children under the desks who were mumbling to each other went silent as they took in the clowns mood switch. All in the room were confused. Bruce more so than the others. That's when Joker started to pace back and forth in front of the desks mumbling to himself. "Where is he?" Bruce managed to pick up the mantra of Jokers words. A tone in his tone that sent a chill down the billionaire's spine. "Where is he?!" Joker yelled out as his hand started to wave the gun around. "He's never this late!" His words held a cold venom. Desperation in his voice. "He never lets me play this way without coming to try and stop me." Joker spat out like he was begging for the window or door to be broken down in that moment. For Batman to make his appearance. Joker stopped pacing, looking at the window his back turned to Bruce. This was the moment to act. "Does he think I'm not serious? That I won't kill these brats? Does he think I'm not holding my end of the game up? Bat. Oh naive Bat. Do I have to show you? I'll do it. You always come. Oh yes. Protective you are. Protective of them but most of all protective of me. Hehe. Fine. I'll show you, I can play it your way Bat." Bitter laughter engulfed the lithe frame of the psychopath. As the maniac used his left hand to pull out a device. Bruce's eyes widened as he pulled the stapler from his belt, setting down the canister of gasoline and silently approached from behind the clown. "I'll blow everything up for you Bat. Hehe that'll make you come out. You have to be here. You always are. Hehe. Boom Batsy, Boom-" Before the madman could push the button the billionaire used as much force as he needed to, hitting the Joker right in the temple. Joker did not even know what hit him, his gun and the device fell to the floor as his body dropped. The clown was always hard to knock out with one blow so the vigilante made sure to put enough strength in it to accomplish his goal. Bruce had learned the most effective ways to knock someone unconscious quickly through his years of training. Now at his feet laid an unconscious murderous clown and a room filled with shock children. There was a small gash wound on his temple, dripping blood. Bruce could see the shallow breathing so he knew he didn't kill the maniac with the blow. How Joker would react to this latter, well that was something he'd have to deal with at a later time. As Bruce turned to face the children to give them instructions the room began to shake violently again. Shit. Another bomb in the building went off even closer to them. Not much time to get everyone out. Bruce glanced at the Joker and knelt down next to him, his hand started searching his coat pockets. He felt an assortment of knives, bullets, and another gun. Bruce had come to learn over the years that Joker was always prepared with how many weapons he carried. Once he felt the cell phone he pulled it out. Touching the screen he was surprised that there was no passcode needed. Though how many people would ever get close to the maniac to check his phone was a very small list. Going through recent calls he hit the call button for Harley. It only took two rings for her to answer.

"Yes, Puddin?" Her voice spoke through.

"It's, Malone, get the van ready, we are coming out." Bruce went straight to the point.

"Where's Mistah J?" She sounded concerned and angry.

"Just get the van ready." He almost growled in his Batman voice but controlled himself. Not really wanting to deal with her shit at the moment.

"But-" he hung up on her and turned towards the children who were now standing up in surprise.

"Listen, we need to get out of here now. Everyone hold hands with the closest student next to you and follow me. You'll all be okay. Just follow my lead and I promise you all will be safe." Bruce spoke as he started to lift the Joker up over his shoulder.

"Why are you saving him?" A child asked.

"He was going to kill us." Another one spoke up.

"He's a monster." A child cried out.

"Because it's the right thing to do. All life is important, even his, even after everything he is still a human being." Bruce spoke up though his voice was bittersweet. Like he was debating the words that he just spoke himself.

The vigilante did debate with himself for a second of leaving the clown behind. It would have been easy not to save him. To let him die by the mess he started. Hell Gotham would be safer if he did. Batman would be safer. Everyone would be safer. Joker was like a plague in this city. Slowly eating it away like a cancer. Destroying everything he came into contact with. Laughing at everyone's misery. Bruce often thought about letting him die. Just ending all the mayhem and insanity the murderer brought to his life. Batman's life would be easier if he just let him die or killed him. He couldn't though. Despite everything this lunatic has done, he couldn't let him die. It made Bruce question his own sanity at times. How he might be self-destructive by keeping this madman alive. Joker was in a way a self-inflicted pain that the vigilante placed on himself. A darkness that haunted his own existence. Mocking him, laughing at him, wanting to see him fall, to break all because it would be funny. Because that's what Joker wanted, him on his level. One and the same. Maybe it was true that Bruce was self-destructive when it came to Joker. Maybe he was falling into madness by the need to keep him alive. Scars that lined his body as permanent reminders. Lives lost that were because he just couldn't do what everyone in Gotham wanted him to do. No one could understand what he had to carry. A burden that Batman had placed on his life. Did he want to do this forever? Of course not. Always battling an endless battle that strained him both psychically and mentally. Answering the maniac's violence with his own. Different philosophy's that oppose each other's existence. His world consumed by death by the maniac's hands. Fighting insanity with his own sanity. A knife edge that he couldn't get off. That's what the clown always kept him on. A knife edge. Wanting him to fall. Batman couldn't fall, couldn't take the easy way out of their dynamic. Joker was his responsibility. Joker was created by his failure. If Batman just was able to catch him, save him. Now he was stuck with always having to save the maniac from himself. Yes, Joker was a disease one that was eating Bruce from the inside out. One that he didn't have a cure for but was determined to find one. If he could just save him, truly save him from this life of destruction then Bruce would finally be able to have repentance for the cancer on Gotham he created. So here he was, saving him again. Risking his life to do so. That's what Batman did. Save people, despite what was best for him in the long run and Joker was the worst thing imaginable for him in the long run. All he could hope for was that the disease Joker was wouldn't consume him in the end.

Bruce went towards the door the children shuffling behind him. Following his lead like he told them. Trusting him to get them to safety. Even here he could feel the heat outside the door. Another bomb was close by and Bruce knew it was a matter of time before that one went off and they would all be dead. Joker had planned on killing them all moments ago just because Batman hadn't showed up. It was insane logic for the maniac. He had truly believed that if the last remaining bombs went off, Batman would be there in a second to stop it. In a way he was right. Because that's exactly when he had acted to stop the madman. Bruce started to regret not acting sooner. Instead of going by his instincts he let the clown continue his game and now he wasn't so sure any of them would make it out alive. It was a risk, a risk he was certain he should have made just yet. All that mattered now was getting everyone out alive. So he tested the handle which was warm but not beyond hot, he opened the door and the classroom engulfed in black smoke. Luckily for them it didn't let the fire in. "Use your shirts to breathe easier. Try to stay as low to the ground as you can to prevent breathing in much smoke." He warned the children. The vigilante knew full well in most house fires, smoke would cut off much needed oxygen and end people's lives before the fire ever touched them. Adventuring outside the room felt like he had entered a furnace. The fire had spread and was closing in on them. Black smoke filled the halls. They had to get out of there quickly before the fire either killed them or another bomb went off first. Carrying the clown over his shoulder didn't deter his progress at all. He'd often as Batman carried the unconscious maniac many times. It was becoming a very usual routine for him.

The fire and smoke was making his vision blurry and his eyes sting but still he continued to lead the children through the burning hallways through the school. They needed to get to the first floor soon. Smoke was suffocating his lungs and it made him worry even more for the children. Each several steps he took, Bruce would look back and call to the children to make sure they were still following. His eyes were also searching for a fire extinguisher which surprise there wasn't any. For a private school it seemed that any money this school got went more into the pockets of administrators than actually helping the school. The greed of Gotham never seemed to end no matter where he went. The billionaire pressed on, avoiding the flames. Crackling of the fire muffled the sounds of the terrified sobs of the children behind him. Looking ahead Bruce saw the stairs which meant an escape path to the downstairs level of the school. "Come on." He called to the kids as he hurried his pace. His ears barely heard the sounds of little feet running on behind him. Bruce reached the top of the stairs and stopped, glancing over the shoulder that didn't have the limp body of the madman he could barely see through the dark fog of smoke. With each student he finally could see he counted in his head by two. Sighing out a breath when he counted all twelve and he started to usher them down the stairs carefully. That when the heat intensified. One of the bombs had obviously gone off on the first level. Everyone was coughing the smoke was becoming too much for the children. All Bruce could do was continue to press them forward. His head was feeling dizzy from all the smoke and his vision was watering. The vigilante was getting nervous and to make matters worse he could feel the maniac over his shoulder starting to shift a little. Damn it. Don't wake up now! Can't deal with that now! Forward keep going forward. As he turned the corner he saw a firefighters. They were finally getting in the building to help fight the fires. Bruce turned pale though, he couldn't go with them. After all he had a convicted mass murderer over his shoulder and being in disguised wasn't going to go well for him either.

Bruce looked at the coughing children then back at the firefighter. "Over here! Get them out! There's more bombs!" He shouted and got the firefighters attention. The vigilant didn't feel right about leaving the children but he had to put his faith in the fire department and get out another way. Best to avoid police officers that were surely outside. "Trust the firefighter." He said to the children. With that he took off running as fast as he could while carrying the Joker. The children yelled for him to come back but he kept running. Breaking into a sweat, pushing his body to the limit in this heat. Everything was so hot. His lungs felt like they were on fire with each breath he took in more hot air with smoke. As he slid with his footing he spotted the next corridor and turned to the left. That's when he spotted a fire exist. A clear path for the most part. At last. With as much forth as he could muster he started to run. Unaware of a waking clown on his shoulder until he felt a slice of pain in the back of his thigh. That's when he fell forward and hit the ground hard. The clown falling and rolling with him. Damn the maniac's collection of easily accessible knives. Now was not the fucking time. Bruce grumbled as he slowly pushed himself up, lifting his head his gaze went straight to the disoriented clown trying to move any part of his body. "Bats..." The clown mumbled with a broken raspy voice that turned into a coughing fit. "Damn it Joker." Bruce growled out as his bleeding thigh was killing him as he tried to stand. The bastard was going to get them killed! They were so close. Each movement shot more pain in his thigh. His eyes went to look at the back of his thigh. It was a sloppy stab wound. Joker was usually more precise, like a sadistic artist. His head wound combined with the smoke was making the lunatic sloppy. Crawling to his hands and knees he forced his body to stand causing spasms of pain in his leg. He'd live. No permanent damage that much he could decipher after years of experience getting stabbed. Limping he moved to the clown who was still trying to sit up and groaning. "Joker listen to me. I'm going to help you up. Don't you dare try and stab me again." He warned. His tone not hiding his venom at being stabbed while trying to save the others life. "Sure Bats." He responded not above a whisper, not even opening his eyes to see who he was talking to. It didn't matter. If it helped Bruce out at that moment then he'd use it. After all even if the maniac didn't know it latter when he fully came to, he was still right. It wasn't an easy task with a leg wound, if it wasn't for the fact he had spent years perfecting his skills and body he wouldn't have been able to lift the clown up to a more standing position. Bruce still had to exert more energy to keep him and the maniac moving forward. Pain through his leg was demanding him to stop, lack of oxygen from the fire was demanding him to stop, blurry vision was demanding him to stop but Bruce wasn't going to listen. If they didn't get out now they would die. As they finally made it to the door, Bruce touched the handle to be sure, it was cool. Good. He pushed open the door and saw the bright light of the sun. He kept moving. The next bombs would be going off any second. Luckily they were in the back of the school not the front. His sense of direction wasn't completely off then. As clean air as Gotham city had filled his much needed lungs. Cold fall air felt great against his heated skin. All he wanted to do was take it all in. Not yet. His leg was bleeding and they were still too close to the building. So he pushed forward, passing the playground and stopping by the fence that excited the school. Lucky for them both the GCPD was being slow today. Waiting for Batman to show up would give them a clear getaway. The sounds of Explosions caught his attention as he glanced back at the school, engulfed in flames and starting to crumble to the ground. There was nothing he could do but hope the firefighters got the children out and no one was left inside. He'd find out by the paper tomorrow most likely. For now all he could do is hope and that's exactly what he was going to do. As Bruce slipped the Jokers cellphone out of his pocket the clown mumbled something that gave him pause. "I knew you'd protect me Batsy... I love that about you... You just can't let me die can you?..." His voice was soft like he was speaking to a lover. Joker wasn't even bothering to lift his head, like he truly knew it was Batman who was keeping him up and saving him.

Everything felt cold at that moment despite how hot he felt around the fire moments ago. Eyes darting to look at the limp body barely coherent next to him. A cold darkness overcame him. Realizing how the maniac could only believe that Batman would save his life made him feel cold inside. Sure he had save his life countless times but the sheer fact that Joker trusted in him to always be there to save him perplexed him. It unnerved him. Troubled everything in his core. That got beneath his skin more than the insane man's sexual innuendos he always insisted on. He didn't want this realization, this look inside the maniacs head. It tore at him. He never saw it before, he thought he knew what the clown wanted but now he realized what Joker also wanted was to always be protected by Batman. Joker wanted both worlds, protected and killed by Batman. It troubled him. How he would process that information he wasn't sure right now. Bruce couldn't be everywhere at once even if he wished he could. Joker's life was dangerous, enemies of the clown around every corner, people who would do anything to end the maniacs life. How he managed to live so many years being as reckless as he proved to be surprised the vigilante. It's like fate wouldn't let him die. Wouldn't give the antidote that he was to this city. Either Joker would always survive the impossible or Batman would save him. Bruce knew that he'd always save the clown when he was around to but how Joker believed in him to do so at any moment made him uneasy. If he hadn't been in disguise, there in the classroom and Batman never showed Joker would be dead right now. Killing himself and the children in just a belief that would bring the dark knight. It wasn't for a psychopathic murderer that had stepped in to stop him. It was for the lives of the children. Yet, only when Bruce realized that he was going to kill everyone did he step in. Just like Joker wanted. Batman to save him, yet even when Bruce did just that the madman stabbed him in the thigh. Risking both their lives to die in a fire. Death and Joker went hand in hand. A master of death, he killed as simply as breathing but also expected Batman to be there to try and stop him. Not just stop him but to protect him always. Criminals didn't live long in their line of work. A thought that often kept the vigilante thinking of when the kiss of death would come for the clown. If Joker had his way the Dark Knight would be that kiss. To end his life. It was a living contradiction in belief the mass murderer had. Wanting to be saved and wanting to be killed by only one man. It seemed Joker wanted both but which one would win out when all is said and done in the end. When the timer goes out for them both. Bruce couldn't win, saving Joker meant more death would come and killing him would mean Batman would fall. As the clown was always prepared for Batman to play, Bruce would be prepared for the day when a decision would really need to be made. That's what this was about. Finding the best way to end things. Yet, the realization of how much this madman counted on Batman to always save him filled him with dread of the unknown. Something he'd have to complicate latter as they really needed to get out of there. He hit the call button and waited. His wound needed to be stitched and bandaged or he would pass out soon. The present was what needed his attention right now. Just the present.

"It's Malone. Get the van to the back of the school." Bruce spoke the minute he heard that the call was picked up. Even in disguise he held his straight to the point attitude he used on everyone. The second he said Malone, Jokers head snapped up and green eyes looked directly at him. An indescribable look was present on his face. "Got it but we are having a talk Matches!" Harley sounded very angry. He hung up the phone and his attention turned to the clown looking at him.

"You hit me." Joker spoke after a moment. It wasn't a question it was a statement.

"You were going to kill us all." Bruce retorted.

"You hit me." Joker responded.

"You stabbed me. Consider us even." Bruce gave as much of a shrug as he could. Honestly he was feeling dizzy from his wound, all he wanted was patch up his wound and go to sleep.

"You. Hit. Me." His voice held a dark tone.

"I saved you." Bruce spoke which made Joker just stare at him and go silent.

The van pulled up, and Harley jumped out barely waiting for the van to stop. Chuck was the one driving. It didn't surprise Bruce that the other men would have already left. Hell he figured Chuck would have been gone but it seemed Harley wouldn't let him leave. The woman was obsessed with her delusions of love when it came to Joker. The clown only showed her any interest to keep her wrapped around his finger. Most of the other goons Bruce had learned made her out to be a joke. She was dangerous though and completely devoted to the madman no matter how many times he had abused her. Harley ran up to them and pushed at Bruce. He winced slightly even if no one would notice at the pain in his leg. Stab wounds were never a fun experience. "What the hell happened?" She yelled at him before turning her full attention to Joker. "Puddin are you okay? Want me to kill him? Puddin? Mistah J?" Harley cried out panicked. Joker wasn't paying any attention to her, his gaze was dead set on Bruce. It was disturbing as he couldn't place what he was thinking. Was he going to order for Bruce's death? Was he going to let what would be considered a betrayal go? Or was he so focused on the fact the 'Matches Malone' saved his life? All options weren't favorable. Bruce already had his full attention no matter what form he seemed to take. It suddenly made him very nervous with those green eyes staring at him. Flaying him apart, layer by layer. Was he figuring out that Batman was in disguise? Would the connection of 'Malone' saving his life make him connect the dots? He hoped not, it would bode to well for him whatever the maniac was thinking. Harley turned to face Bruce again and pulled out her gun. That was not favoring well for him either. Bruce really didn't feel like dying just afterescaping a burning building intact.

"Okay Mister! You better tell me what you did or I gonna put a hole through your head!" Harley aimed the gun at Bruce. But before he could act and disarm her, the madman spoke up. "Harley! Put the gun away now!"

Blue eyes of the blonde looked at him in concern but she wasn't stupid enough to argue with him on the matter. She glared at Bruce one more time before putting her gun away. Joker glanced down at Bruce's leg as Harley started to wrap her arms around the clown. Nuzzling her cheek into his shoulder. Desperate for any affection he would give her. Like a dog begging for love from an abusive owner. It was sad. It was pathetic. It was a sickness that Joker took full advantage of. One time Joker joked shortly after he manipulated her that if he could do the same to Batman that he'd be in heaven. 'To have a tamed bat on leash' would be the best thing in the world. Bruce broke three of his ribs for that comment. It just was too much of a disturbing thought for Bruce to react in any other way than sheer violence to get him to shut up. Of course nothing ever shut the madman up. If he got under Batman's skin he'd continue to do the same thing over and over again. Always getting what he considered to be a positive reaction. "Harl, be a dear and help Matchy to the van. Do you still have the medical supplies we keep just in case of Bat?" He spoke but didn't really seem to be interested in what he was saying to her as his toxic eyes stayed on Bruce.

"Yes, Puddin, but you need help!" She whinnied.

"Harley. You are going to help Matchy and stitch and bandage his wound." There was a promise of violence in his voice. No room for argument. Though his words surprised both Harley and Bruce. Joker never really showed care for the ones that worked for him ever. So him being so dead set on helping Bruce was the strangest thing either of them ever heard. Even more so for the vigilante in disguise. After all, he had just ruined the clown's fun, knocked him out and that was less than enough for the maniac to kill someone. Hell breathing wrong was enough for him to kill someone. Just existing was enough. Him wanting to have anyone bandaged up and taken care off was beyond unheard of. It was downright unprecedented. That thought alone along with his earlier realization about Joker wanting Batman to protect him could keep Bruce up for weeks just trying to reason everything out. Normal reason and logic though never worked with dealing with the likes of the Joker. Best to expect the unexpected with him. If you wanted to live that is.

Sighing, she reluctantly pulled away from the maniac she was in love with. "Whatever you say Mistah J." Even Bruce was reluctant to have her help but the pain and sheer exhaustion was weighing him down. Without protesting he let her help him walk to the van as the murderer walked behind him. He was half expecting to be stabbed in the back but it never came. That honestly surprised him but then again Joker was always predictable. Once they got to the van, Harley opened up the back doors and allowed Joker in first. His footing was still sloppy, Bruce would be a bit surprised if he didn't have a small concussion. The billionaire had the rougher time getting in as Harley basically pushed him in hard. Obviously angry at him. Making him stumble as his leg wasn't much use right now.

"Harley." Joker growled out. Not liking her actions was as clear as day with his tone going deeper. Why he even cared still made no sense in Bruce's mind. It's not like he knew it was Batman that she was being rough with. If he did, well this situation would be going completely differently. It was aggravating regardless though. He was getting pushed to his tolerance level today and if Harley kept it up he wasn't sure if he could prevent himself from breaking her arm.

"Won't happen again boss." Harley grumbled out her dismay of the situation. She climbed into the van and closed the vans doors. Joker hit the side of the van. "Back to the hide out Chuckles." He grumbled out as he rested his back against the wall and stretched his legs out. Green eyes locked on to Bruce but he didn't say anything. The movement of the van moving was the only sound that could be heard over all three of their breathing.

Harley grumbled as she grabbed a bag and started to look through it. Pulling out medical supplies. Made sense, after all the times Joker had escaped he must have been hurt badly after battles with Batman. If he didn't have medical supplies ready then he may have bleed out a long time ago. Bruce turned his attention on her. His body was exhausted and he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. It dawned on him though that stitching up his wound would resort of him having to pull down his pants. A thought that nauseated him. Especially around two homicidal maniacs.

"I can take care of it back at the hideout." He spoke up. There was no way in hell he'd let her or any of them stitch him up.

"You can bleed out." Harley didn't really seem against that idea.

"I've had worse." He said simply.

"Tell me how do you expect to stitch a wound that you won't be able to reach smart guy." Her tone showed her sarcastic bitterness. Harley really didn't seem to care of helping anyone's wounds. Well anyone besides Joker.

"I'll manage. I've taken care of enough injuries over the years." More like Alfred did, but there were times he had to deal with wounds on his own.

"Fine, bleed out for all I care." She shrugged.

"Don't count on it. It's not even life threatening." Bruce said a bit smugly.

"Not yet." Harley threatened.

"Kiddos enough!" Joker snapped at both of them and both their heads turned to the clown. "Matchy just suck it up and let Harley work! Harley threaten him again and you can just go back to plant bitch." Despite his tone he was acting very withdrawn from the situation. More like he was scolding spoiled children.

"But-" both Harley and Bruce said in unison. Neither one of them wanted to go along with this.

"One more word." Joker warned and closed his eyes, leaning his head back. His words leaving no room for argument.

Harley growled in revulsion at what she was about to do. The feeling was mutual. Being vulnerable to a crazed love struck killer and a psychopathic mass murderer were not an ideal situation. Sighing a much needed breath, Bruce closed his eyes trying to calm down. Breath in, breath out. Could be worse. He could have blown up with that school. Or the wound could have been worse. Everything so far could have been worse and his only solace was the fact he managed to save the children's lives without having his cover blown. That's what truly mattered. Once he got back to the hideout he could rest and try and put this whole day behind him. Rest he needed rest. A hard poke on his head made him open his eyes and glare daggers at the woman he was starting to despise despite the usual pity he normally felt for her. There was only so much he could take of her annoying attics, he already had one annoying clown he didn't need another.

"You'll have to pull down your pants and lay on your stomach, there's no other way I can stitch the wound." Her face distorted in disgust.

No. He didn't care what the madman said earlier to stop their argument there was no way in hell he was going to go through with this. Bruce shook his head no. He had his dignity to maintain. If Joker got angry right now he didn't honestly care. Harley went silent for a moment as she looked back at the madman who had his eyes closed then back at Bruce. Biting her bottom lip obviously nervous. Repercussions of denying Jokers biding did not fare well for anyone. It gave her just cause to feel overwhelmed. Joker was not a forgiving person at all. Only Batman ever earned that considered honor in the psychopaths mind. Like Batman ever needed a reason to be forgiven. He wasn't the one killing innocent people. Though that image would make Joker a very happy clown. What wouldn't make him happy is Harley not listening to him. Didn't matter if Bruce was being difficult, the fact of the matter when Joker wanted something done, he expected it to be done no matter how impossible it might be. God help the person who failed the murderous clown. Yet, right now he just couldn't care anymore. Bruce had dealt with too much for his liking today and he had no intention with dealing with more. He'd take care of his own wound when they got back. After all it's not like he truly needed their help anyways. His temper and pride was getting the best of him and as he now stared in blue pleading eyes he couldn't find enough pity in him to comply. 'Please' she mouthed silently, not wanting to get the attention of the psychopath she loved back on them. Another shake of his head was making Harley fidget. Joker had warned them not to say one more word on the matter so a silent battle of looks was forming between the two. Bruce had no intent on backing down. Harley mouthed 'Just do it.' Bruce gave a defiant smirk and mouthed back 'No' this was only making her face go red from frustration. Blue eyes glared into his hazel contacts. 'Now' she mouthed but would have yelled at him if she wasn't in the proximity of the homicidal clown. Shaking his head again he met her glare with his own. Stubbornness was a trait he had become a master at. Try as she will she wasn't going to get him to listen to her. She looked like she was ready to hit him but restrained herself. It was in that moment they both agreed that each other was the most annoying person they could deal with right now. Bruce was winning the battle, there was absolutely nothing she could do to him that Joker wouldn't notice. Giving a Bruce Wayne victorious infamous smug smile at her. Both meant to be charming and arrogant. All his attention was on Harley and so he blamed his exhausted state on not seeing the quick movement of the maniac until a needle went into his neck. Fast, he was always so fast. Can't keep forgetting how fast he was. Underestimating him was always a bad idea. His heart sunk as regret consumed him. Giving in to Harley's demand would have been the more intelligent choice. Being unconscious was an even worse outcome than dealing with humiliation of the situation. All he heard was a yelp of pain from Harley as his vision went black and his body went limp.

Soft, it was so soft. Warm, everything was so warm. Comforting. Not wanting to move at all the billionaire pushed into the soft surface and curled up more into the warmth. His worries seemingly forgotten. Like nothing in the world mattered with how comfy and warm he felt. Instincts were buzzing in the back of his mind to get up. Warning him that something wasn't right. That he was forgetting something he shouldn't. What could that be? Groaning his head pushed into the softness. Wait? Is that a pillow? Did he fall asleep in bed? Like a bullet being discharged from a gun he shot up so quickly it made him disoriented. His body crashed back down into the bed. Head smacking the soft pillow. Groaning as he tried to get his barring's back from the dizzy spell. Hidden blue eyes opened through heavy eyelids. Memories washing over him. Bastard used a sedative on him. Fuck! Eyes went wide as he glanced around the room quickly. Doing the best he could to take everything in. Dark, the room was dark. His hand reached for the lamp that he could make out on the desk. Pulling the cord, bright light shocked his vision forcing him to shut his eyes. Bruce felt like shit. It would be so easy to go back to sleep but panic was destroying that thought. Quickly his hand went to touch his chin, a bit of relief washed over him as he felt the fake facial hair still in place. He opened his eyes again and looked down at his clothes. Same clothes as earlier. Good. If Joker ever saw the scars on his chest then the connection would be made immediately. He turned his head back to the night stand. Blinking when he saw folded up paper with 'Matchy' written on the front. Joker seriously left him a note after sedating him. Groaning he reached for it and unfolded the paper to read. He noticed a sandwich underneath the paper. Seriously? It was written in what Bruce hoped was red ink.

Dear, Matchy mic Matchikins.

We're even now for you hitting me on the head and knocking me out. I wouldn't recommend doing that again though. It's not always fun. Unless a flying rodent is doing it Hehe. Anyways your wound is stitched and bandaged up so you might want to take it easy for now. Have to admit it wasn't my best work but that's not my fault after all I didn't ask to be hit over the head! Who would have guessed that Matches were afraid of fire, though I guess it makes sense they are, don't want to burn out of existence after all. Hehe Anyways to the point try and relax though not to easy don't want you to get lazy on me after all. Don't worry, no one but me and Harl saw you with your pants off. Black boxers really? I need to take you shopping, add some more color to your dark wardrobe. Don't want people confusing you with Mr. Glum dark and brooding. I gotcha covered pal, no need to thank me latter. Did you realize how heavy you are? Chuckles could barely even move you to the bed. It was pretty funny. I have to say. That boy has a temper on him. Complaining about this and that. He sounded like Harley for a while there. Oh I left you some dinner since you'll most likely still be sleeping beauty by dinner time. So here's the thing fire pants we need to talk tonight. I'll be on the roof around two am. Don't be late or I'll have to come visit you. Feel better soon! We have some work to do in a couple of days. Won't spoil the fun. You may be all serious like but trust me the more time you spend with me the more of a sense of humor you'll get.

~J

Xoxox

Crumbling the paper in his hand and tossing it in the drawer of the night stand he looked at the sandwich. There was no way he'd eat anything Joker made. Besides he had food in the mini fridge in the room anyways. The billionaire wasn't exactly happy that the maniac was in his room but there was nothing he could do about it now. The note still made him sick. Made him feel violated in a way. Not wanting to dwell on it too much though. Bruce had come to the conclusion before going undercover that things Joker did would make him uncomfortable anyways. That seemed to be a gift of the madman. Sighing at a meeting he'd have to go to he glanced at the clock. It was already midnight. Two hours and then he was expected to show. Whatever sedative the clown used knocked him out for a good while. Grunting while sitting up he sat on the edge of the bed. Bruce honestly didn't even want to get up but he needed a change of clothes at least, he'd have to wait a bit on the shower until he could change the bandages. Still he reeled of smoke. Lazily he pulled off his black tee shirt and dropped it to the floor. He'd pick it up latter. If Alfred was there he'd be disappointed by that action. It made Bruce give a small smile he missed Alfred. With all the insanity he was becoming accustomed to Alfred had always been his rock. His anchor when his own darkness threatened to swallow him whole. He wanted to talk to him. Slowly he lifted his body off the bed, gritting his teeth at the pain and dizziness from the sedative still coursing in his blood stream, he limped to the small dresser. Moving it caused him to wince and breathe out heavily. The day's events had taken its toll on him. Squatting down he pulled out the loose floorboard and grabbed his duffle bag. Already still exhausted he decided to sit on the carpet instead of moving to the bed. Leaning his back against the wall he zipped open the bag and grabbed the cellphone. Turning it on he waited as he leaned his head back. Closing his eyes. Overwhelmed was how he felt. The events at the school were to close. If he hadn't acted everyone there would have died. He could say it was a job well done that he saved the children, but it really wasn't. No. Instead of feeling good, he felt drained. Making realizations of Joker made him drained. Drowning, he felt like he was drowning. Grasping just the small information he had gather today wouldn't leave his mind. Could he use the maniac's obsession with Batman to fix him? Or was Batman the problem? Sure his alter ego saved lives nightly yet there was one person who wanted more than anything to be protected and destroyed by the dark knight. How would he handle this? What could he do to make Gotham safe? Calling it quits was not an option with his mission right now as Matches Malone. It was becoming an addiction. An obsession of his own. Figuring out Jokers mindset was the addiction. As dangerous as heroine. The phone vibrating made him open his eyes and look at the screen. He had seven texts. As well as five missed calls from Alfred. Opening his inbox he scrolled through the texts.

'Master Bruce, a fire at a school was on the news are you alright?' Was from Alfred.

'Mister Wayne, the new upgrades for your car are almost completed, I'm sure they will meet to your expectations.' Was from Fox.

'Hey Bruce, its Vicki. I hope Europe is treating you well. We should get dinner when you get back. I'd love to have the first scoop on what Gotham's infamous Play Boy was up to while on vacation. Call me sometime.' Was from Viki Vale. Bruce's on and off again fling.

'Hey Bruce. It's me Silver. I'll be back in Gotham next month. We should catch up and talk. I hope mister tall dark and mysterious has time for seeing an old friend.' Was from Silver St. Cloud. Another one of Bruce's off and on again flings. One of the small list of people who knew that Bruce was Batman. It complicated their relationship.

'Greetings Mister Wayne. You don't know much of me but I know a great deal of you. We will meet sometime soon.' The last text was odd it came from an unknown number. He'd have to have Fox do a search on his phone when he could to find out who it was from. It unnerved him what it could mean. It's not like many people knew he was Batman. Bruce went to a great deal of trouble of keeping his two lives exclusive from each other. The cryptic text was to say the least disturbing. With dealing with the Joker already he didn't want any more unpredictability in his life.

Going through his contacts he clicked on Alfred's name and put the phone to his ear and waited. Five rings in he started to think that the old man must be asleep. But a groggy British voice answered in a tired hello and Bruce couldn't help but smile.

"Did I wake you?" He asked

"Well it's not like that has happened before Master Bruce. Here I thought with the manor to myself that my night routine would actually include sleep. I must have been mistaken." His tone as usual was sarcastic. Bruce truly missed it.

"I missed you too, Alfred." Bruce replied.

"Given how you are calling me at this hour I take it everything went alright at the school?"

"As well as could be expected when dealing with the likes of the Joker." Bruce spoke cryptically. Not wanting to indulge in to much information he wasn't even sure he under stood yet.

"So broken bones? Good job then Master Bruce." Alfred joked and Bruce couldn't help but chuckle.

"Not quite. Close enough." Bruce joked back.

"I do hope though that this endeavor of yours doesn't lead to circumstances that you can't come back from sir." Alfred spoke seriously.

Bruce hesitated with speaking. Honestly he was worrying about that, even more so now. He couldn't stop so soon though. Not when he was getting closer to finding answers.

"I have it under control Alfred." He reassured.

"I'm sure you do Master Bruce. I just hope I don't have to pick up the pieces when all is said and done. I don't get paid enough for what I have to do for you as it is." He spoke in a halfheartedly tone.

"It will be fine Alfred. Have a good night. I still have to take care of some things."

"Good Night, Master Bruce. Please do be careful though. Joker is a manipulative psychopath as we both know. I don't want something to happen to you that can't be savaged if things go wrong." Alfred was worried. Bruce could hear that. He hated worrying the old man who was like a father to him but this is how things were.

Bruce hung up the phone. Talking with Alfred was risky as it was here. Never fully knowing who could be listening. If the wrong information got back to Joker then it wasn't just Bruce's life on the line but Alfred's as well. Glancing at his tablet he exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding in. He still had time and he might as well watch and listen to another tape to be more prepared for his meeting with the clown. Turning on the tablet, once it was one he scrolled through the several videos all categorized from month to days, different doctors, etc. He mostly focused on ones from his last stay at Arkham though he had many over the years. So he settled on one randomly. It was taken during Jokers last stay during his six month mark of his stay. Hitting play Joker propped the tablet on his knees to watch and listen.

The patient's cell is in current state of being cleaned after a mental breakdown. What caused this mental breakdown is the goal of this session. Patient who identifies as Joker was found with several deep self-inflicted wounds into his body from a knife that was hidden on his person. After first thought the orderlies assumed suicide attempt but on further examination it seems it was caused in a form of masochistic sexual pleasure. Seems patient is either a class three or class four on the chart for masochism. Not fully sure yet. An unhealthy attempt to get gratification may be linked to his unstable mental state? If a form of treatment to change the form to a healthier way to achieve sexual gratification may lower another outburst then despite Doctor Strange's orders progress may be made for rehabilitation.

Bruce had met with this doctor before as Bruce Wayne prior to before she took on the Jokers case. Doctor Helena Tolley had a very extrovert personality type. A happy family woman. Lots of friends. Normal middle class childhood. By all accounts she was a very lively person. She had only had five therapy sessions with Joker before she took her own life by a knife the madman had given her, In front of the maniac. That event showed Bruce how dangerously manipulative the clown could really be. It chilled him to the bone when he read about the incident. Apparently when the guards rushed into the room the only explanation the maniac had given them was that she finally understood the joke. Why she killed herself no one really seemed to know other than the clown. It was disturbing how the madman in such a short time could convince someone to take their own life. Another lesson that no one should ever underestimate the Joker.

"Hello, Joker, I would like it if we discussed today what happened in your cell a couple days ago." Doctor Tolley gave the maniac a trusting smile.

"The room needed color." He shrugged like what happened hadn't been a big deal.

"I think there's more to it than that." She spoke with a skeptical tone.

Joker just grinned at her and glanced around the small office. Turning his attention back to her after a minute of silence. "I think this room could use some decorating. Ah, wouldn't you say?" He pointed to her with his cuffed hands. "I think more red would look nice. What do you think?"

"You don't scare me, Joker. I'm simply trying to help you after your mental breakdown."

Maniacal laughter filled the room the sound like nails on a chalkboard on the tape. "Making assumptions Doctor you do know how the saying goes right? Anyways all I'm doing is just giving great decor advice. I have a real sense for fashion after all." He gave his best interpretation of a charming smile that only looked deranged with the scars.

"What were you thinking about when you hurt yourself? How'd that self-inflicted action make you feel?" She inquired.

"Simple doc, I was thinking of Gotham's dear old Batsy. How'd it make me feel? How do you think it did?" He responded calmly.

"Aroused by what the reports said." Doctor Tolley glanced at the report on her desk. "Are you attracted to the Bat of Gotham?" She asked.

"Who isn't? I mean have you seen the guy? Tall dark and handsome. Hehe gives the best love taps anyone could ever hope for. Needs a funny bone though. Way to stoic if you ask me. Hardly an appeasing trait. A sense of humor can go a long way." Joker smiled fondly.

Bruce felt himself go nauseous at the thought. Sure he had heard may sexual jokes from the maniac regarding him over the years but he had chopped that up to trying to get under his skin. It was insane to think Joker of all people could have any feelings in that regard to Batman. Hate he could believe. Rage even for Batman always foiling his plans but sexual attraction just seemed too surreal. Having heard the constant mantra of the clown saying they needed each other was ridiculously delusional as it was but sexual want from Batman was just too absurd. They were mortal enemies after all. Always violent with each other at any given opportunity. This had to be just another sick joke. That's all his denial could let him believe. Accepting any notion that Joker was attracted to him was out of the question.

"Do you think the Bat of Gotham feels the same way regarding you?" Doctor Tolley questioned.

"He'll deny it but there's no doubt in my mind he feels for me. After all the saying goes you hurt the ones you love and Bats is most brutal when it comes down to me. Hehe." Joker grinned from ear to ear.

"What about Miss Quinzel? You two have a sexual relationship by what I have read."

"Harley? She's fun and all but she's no brooding Bat." His tone was disinterested.

"Would you elaborate more on your relationship with her?" She asked.

"There's not much to say doc, she's like a puppy. Useful when I want her around, annoying when I don't." He responded.

"Do you love her? I mean she seems to be the most constant relationship you have been in that's known about." Her tone was prying.

"I only love one person Doctor." He gave a slight nod.

"Bat of Gotham?" She sounded disbelieving.

"Yup." He stated matter of fact and to the point.

"Do you find yourself as a homosexual?" She asked as she wrote things down.

"If we have to put a label on it. I'll put it this way, if I'm gay for anyone its Batman. Batsexual if you will." Joker spoke like that was all that needed to be known.

"Does it bother you that you seem to not be able to form healthy relationships?"

"Your definition of healthy and my definition of healthy are two completely different things. Also again I need to say this room needs more color." He pointed to the room again.

"Wouldn't you prefer to have a special bond with someone?" She asked.

"I already do. Bat and I have the most special bond ever. It's unbreakable, nothing can come between us. It's like everything else in this world doesn't exist. No one matters but him and I. What could be more special than that?" Joker started talking like he was speaking to a child. Before Doctor Tolley could speak again he continued. "Ya see doc. Your little happy marriage is bland and boring. No excitement. All vanilla I'd guess. I bet you go home and sit around for something more interesting in life. Why else would you chose to work at a very occupational hazard place such as Arkham? See I find that unhealthy. Batsy and I have excitement. The thrill of our games that never get bland or boring. Spontaneous! Fun! Excitement! Something to die for. We don't sit around and do the domestic stuff, we show our love through are actions. Punches, gun shots, stab wounds, broken bones, getting thrown back in Arkham. It's always one more exciting date with each encounter. That's healthy in my book. Keeps the feelings blossoming. You really should try and find some excitement in your life doc. I could help you with that. Just ask me nicely." His words had a dangerous excitement in them.

That's when the video was abruptly cut off. Whatever else was discussed would only be known by the clown. Bruce sat there feeling even dirtier than he did before. It had to be a joke. Joker couldn't have those feelings for him. They were twisted and wrong but so was the man that expressed them. No. It was just a sick joke. That's all it could be. Joker was a pathological liar. He said things to get into people's head. Nagging feeling in the back of his mind told him that wasn't the case. It wasn't Batman he was telling those things to. Maybe he actually meant what he said? No. Not opening that door ever! He needed to keep those notions under lock and key. Setting the tablet in the duffle bag. Deciding that was enough for one night. Yes, he needed a shower badly. Grimly that's how he felt. Joker's words made him feel wrong. All wrong. How the madman felt about their battles was just sickening to think about. Bruce didn't even want to try and sort through that madman's delusions on the subject. So getting up and limping he made it into the bathroom to wash away the dirty sensation that stuck to his body. The sensation of Jokers words on that damn tape.

Bruce locked the door to his room at the motel. His shower had taken longer than he usually took. It was already five minutes away from two am. The water felt too good on his skin to want to leave the comfort it gave him. Small comforts is what kept his sanity in Jokers world. Anxieties of things to come washed away from him when he was in the shower. Leaving him more refreshed and mentally prepared for whatever the madam wanted to discuss. Plus he had to change the bandages. He was only mildly surprised how well Harley actually did with stitching up his wound and bandaging him up in a moving vehicle. Chopping it up to practice. Bruce made his way to the back of the motel where there was a ladder that led to the roof. Putting his hand on the rail he cringed inwardly. Going up the ladder to face the maniac was making his feet feel like cement. Looking up he sighed. Taking a moment to go into his fake Matches Malone persona. Climbing up was difficult with his leg wound but he managed. Once he pulled himself up to a standing position on the roof he spotted the clown instantly. The smell of cigarettes filled his nostrils. Joker was sitting against the ledge with his feet over the ledge. He had a bottle that looked to be scotch opened right next to him and he was smoking. The clown didn't turn to face him as he seemed distracted in his thoughts. Bruce took that moment to just observe him. Joker seemed harmless in that moment even though past experience proved otherwise. Lost. Joker seemed to look lost. Whatever he was thinking of was making him lost to the real world. Bruce didn't even realize he had started to walk towards him until he sat right next to the psychopath. They sat there in complete silence. Both just looking at the city lights. Something both would never do if Bruce was Batman at the moment. They seemed content to stay in silence. Letting the world go on around them. Like they were apart from the busy city. All those lives buzzing around even this late at night didn't even matter. With the silence the world seemed calmed. Both of their roles in life on hold. Bruce allowed himself to relax under the silence. Not even feeling uncomfortable about it. Silence was something he could handle. Silence was peaceful. Bruce wouldn't even try to understand how he could be so calm next to a mass murderer in that moment. It's just how it was. Silence couldn't last forever though. How long they sat there could have been seconds to almost a half an hour he wasn't sure but eventually green eyes turned their attention on him.

"Want a drink, Matchy?" Joker's voice had an eerie calm about it.

Bruce just shook his head no. Joker gave a shrug and took a chug of his scotch. Flicking his cigarette off the roof. Neither talked for a few more moments after that. Both seemed to just want to let the quiet night take them. Let the dark just drape over them and keep the future away from them. To keep this moment frozen in time. No rules, no responsibilities, no capes and no explosions. No death, no fighting, no lies and deceit. Just the night. Just sitting on an abandoned roof of a dingy motel. Away from everything Gotham City had to offer. It was to pleasant a feeling to be allowed to grow in Gotham. The city demanded so much from the two of them. Hero and Villain. Even if Joker didn't know he was sitting next to his arch enemy, both were just taking in the quiet.

"Why did you save me?" Joker finally asked as he turned his attention from the city fully on Bruce.

"You pay my bills." Bruce joked. Taking on the role he needed to now. Leaving the calm for the chaotic life they both lived.

"Ha. Ha. We both know it wasn't about money. You could always get a job anywhere in this city. So I'll ask again why did you save me?" It seemed like whatever answer Bruce gave Joker it wouldn't be believed.

"Didn't want you to die." The fact that the words came out so easily surprised him.

"Heh." Joker took another sip of his scotch as he scooted closer to Bruce. "I find it interesting that you say you didn't want me to die. You could have just said that you didn't want to die so you panicked. That you didn't want Harley to kill you for letting me die. Or have the Bat come after you for letting me die. No, you didn't say any of that. That's interesting." Joker seemed to be studying him under his toxic gaze.

"How could I move up to the top without you?" Bruce lied but played it off smoothly.

Joker just stared at him, tilting his head slightly. It made Bruce wary that he said the wrong thing. But a small burst of bitter laughter escaped the clown. "You really do remind me of Jonny Jonny. He was just like you. A small time criminal who had big aspirations for himself. Bigger than he should of had. He wanted to be on the top like me. So I introduced him into my playground." He pointed to Gotham City and smiled. A malicious glint in green orbs. "Oh, he loved it at first! Had the most fun he had ever had in his life. We had a blast together. He really could have been someone as long as I let him grow and play. I had high hopes for him. I really did. When I met him I liked him instantly. Sure there were moment he got on my nerve but I liked keeping him around. So play and play we did. He even saved my life you see. That surprised me. Only one other before him bothered to keep me from dying and that was Bat. It's expected from Batsy. It wasn't expected from Jonny Jonny though. So he became even more of an interest for me. I welcomed him into what I could offer him. When a whole city is your playground that's a lot I can offer. There was one problem though, Matchy. See Jonny Jonny hated himself as time went on. Couldn't mentally handle all the fun I showed him. It was killing him inside. Guilt, shame, it's a slow killer let me tell you. It ate away at him like a cancer. Our fun soon became a nightmare for him. I'm sure he regretted saving my life even if he didn't voice it. I could see it in his eyes. The passion in his eyes became dead. No longer did he get a thrill from being on top. He became obvious and dull. There was no longer a point in keeping him alive when the rug was pulled away from underneath us from Bat. We couldn't get off fast enough. What Jonny Jonny wanted made him hate himself. You though, Matchy. You say you want to be on the top but unlike Jonny Jonny I can see you aren't being honest about your wants. There's something trapped inside you that wants out. So you played the hero complex earlier. Let me give you advice. Don't. Being a hero will only bring shame, Matchy. Saving me is the worst thing you could do especially. After all what kind of world has allowed me to exist and what kind of world would be kind to those who save me. It's better if you just don't. Let what's inside you out. I'll help you. I can you know. I'm great at letting people's true selves out. Don't hide it away. That's a burden that you shouldn't deal with. Life won't be any fun that way. Jonny Jonny didn't get that big you. Oh You. I can see becoming someone very interesting. So I can help. Because with you I don't see you becoming boring. I don't see my time being wasted. You're like a new toy that I want to break apart to just put back together again properly this time. I don't know why I feel that way but I do." Joker wrapped his arm around Bruce's shoulder and moved his face close to him. Bruce could smell the scotch mixed with cigarette smoke on his breath. "Let me help you, Matchy." It almost sounded pleading.

Bruce just looked into those green eyes. "I think you had too much to drink boss."

Despite Bruce's words there was a part of them that worried that this endeavor he was in to understand the Joker would take him down a dark path one that he couldn't escape. Jonny Frost joined the Joker under different circumstances but it destroyed him. What if what Bruce was trying to do to help protect Gotham was going to destroy him in the end? Being in Jokers world was dangerous. The madman's view of the world was depressing enough. Bruce couldn't believe like Joker did but sometimes the weight of the world weighed heavy on him. The burden suffocating him. Bending him to Gotham's will of needing a protector. He was never free to be anything but that. It destroyed countless relationships in his life. Destroyed a chance to ever stop and be happy. It was the life that choose him in a dark alley at the age of eight but he never would be free from it. Sometimes when he allowed himself to be envied the clown. Joker was free to be the monster that he was. He had nothing holding him back from doing what he wanted. The only thing that ever stopped him was Batman and that was always temporarily. Somedays he wondered what it would be like to just let go. If he ever did he'd never escape. His own darkness was just too dangerous to ever allow that freedom. To lose that control. That order in his life. That's what made them different. That's why he would deny everything Joker was trying to offer him.

Joker chuckled and shook his head. "Denial isn't going to help you listen up fire pants."

"Maybe you're the one in denial." Bruce retorted still not moving away from the madman.

"Maybe." Joker paused. "But I'm not. I'm really good at reading people."

"There's not much to read when it comes to me." Bruce knew he was approaching dangerous territory. If Joker looked in to deeply he'd figure out the truth. Chaos would ensue if that happened. There would be no where safe for Bruce if that happened. He needed Joker to believe there wasn't much to him then a low level criminal. His mind was aching for the silence of earlier. Calling the calm to come back. Let the darkness encase him in its embrace. A moment that should of stayed frozen in time. That was better than the bitter eyes gazing into his own. Better than the curious passion hidden away behind a sea of green. It was easier when they would just fight.

"I don't believe that. It's just locked away." His other hand slowly moved and pressed against Bruce's heart. "Deep down. I can see the fun that wants to come out."

"You'd be disappointed, Joker. What you see is what you get." He apparently said the wrong thing as Joker laughed almost uncontrollably. Licking his lips he smiled happily at Bruce.

"I'm counting on that. Because what I see is just so enticing." His voice was sugary sweet. Hiding the dark intent behind them. "Let's make a game of it Matchy."

"I'm not fond of games." This had to stop now.

Joker paused for a moment. Like something completely took his attention off the current situation between them. For a long moment Bruce thought the maniac was planning to kiss him with how close he had gotten. Their foreheads were touching and they were both staring into each other's eyes. Not moving. Not breaking away. Like they were glued to that spot on the roof top. Pulled close together and couldn't move away. It didn't seem to matter what either one of them were thinking about. Reality pausing for a moment. Bruce could feel the warmth radiating of Jokers body in the chilled Gotham night. He didn't want to admit it felt nice. Just having the warm. Joker was dangerous. Twisted and cruel more than any other person Bruce had ever met. Feeling warm even on a psychical sense coming from this murderer was not allowed. It broke every moral code in the book. He couldn't pull away. Oh, he wanted to but he couldn't. After everything today he just wanted to let go a little bit and relax. Not be so on edge like he was every day of his life. To just be.

"You saved those children. Why?" He asked. After Bruce gave him a surprised look he added. "It was on the news earlier. The brats lived and they said they were saved."

"I told you I don't like hurting kids." Bruce answered.

"You really need to stop putting limits on yourself." Joker added.

"There's just certain things that I'm not comfortable with." Bruce added.

"Boring! It really is a good thing that you met me matchstick. Once you're part of my playground those pathetic limits you put on yourself will just be a bad reminder of the past." Joker waved his hand.

"I disagree. Sometimes limits make someone a better person." Even if that was true it sounded ridiculous coming from a supposed criminal. "So I've been told." He mumbled out the last part.

"Whoever told you that has a real stick up there ass." Joker chuckled and nuzzled his forehead against Bruce.

"The whole world doesn't bend because you want it to." Bruce responded wanting to pull away but Jokers hand gripped tighter on his shirt.

"It does for people like me and Bat. Maybe you as well. I'd like to see that happen for you. All you have to do is follow my lead." His voice was soft. Like he was willing to offer Bruce anything he wanted if he just gave in to Jokers belief system. It was easy to see how the maniac could manipulate almost anyone he wanted. Like he had this power to make people think the way he wanted them to.

Sighing, Bruce shook his head, which accidentally seemed like he was nuzzling the Joker back, even if he was denying everything Joker was saying to him.

"There's some things I will not do." Bruce said.

"Matchy. Have you ever killed someone before?" Joker had a sadistic glee echoing in his voice. Like what Bruce had just said flipped on the light bulb. Putting more pieces to a puzzle in the Jokers hands. Just waiting for him to put it all together to do with as he pleased. It was a slip that he hadn't meant to give the madman.

Bruce stayed silent a little too long and Joker pulled back away from him. Staring deeply at him. His lips a thin line. Slowly a sincere smile spread across his chalk white face. "You haven't have you. I can see it! That's what's missing! Hehehe!" Silence again and Joker started to giggle.

"I'll have to fix that for you Matchy!" He clapped his hands and started bouncing in his seat. It was a promise, threat and a warning all in once.

Bruce inwardly cursed. This was a new predicament that he wasn't prepared for. Killing was against his one rule. A rule that shaped his entire being. It kept him from becoming the monsters that he fault. It's who he was. Made Batman a symbol. If he killed someone then there was no turning back. Dread overcame him. No. This wasn't how everything was supposed to go. Going undercover did not include having Bruce kill someone. He wouldn't do it. The vigilante would find a way out of it. Yet, Bruce could see in those sadistic green eyes that's exactly what Joker wanted for him. A want he could tell that the madman was beyond determined to make happen. A passionate desire that Joker was now dead set on. Silence started too crept in around them again. This time there was nothing comforting. This time it was something downright unsettling. Now he longed for the chaotic city that he fought for. Longed for the dull life of Bruce Wayne and the excitement as Batman. All he wanted at this moment was to be as far away from this roof top of this dingy motel.