Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or Jonathan Crane, but you know, if you wanna change that, I'll be more than happy to help.

The walk home for Jonathan was always long and grueling. Many hills and long, twisting roads graced the landscape on his path home. But he never had any real motivation behind going home to his grandmother. The bitchy, old hag had never been exactly on his list of people he actually could deal with on any personal level whatsoever. He just had to deal with her to get through these years of high school and then he was gone, gone, gone.

H started his way away from the school at a faster pace than normal. He had always walked face, his long legs made him walk in longer strides, so it felt like he was going 100 mph. His book bag bounced at his side, the wait of the textbooks hitting against him. Jonathan ignored it ass he walked along the path.

He spotted his only friend, waiting for him at the corner of the street. Her dark locks were blowing in the cold wind and the tip of her nose was red from the chill of autumn. Jonathan smiled, he had really enjoyed her company, seeing as there really was no one else his age that would even look at him in a somewhat civil way.

"Hello, Vanessa." Jonathan greeted politely.

"Jonathan!" Vanessa exclaimed, jumping and wrapping her arms around his neck in a quick hug.

He stiffened, not used to physical contact and he didn't really enjoy it either. But Vanessa was a very affectionate person and could dish out the greatest hugs which, even Jonathan had to admit, were comforting in time of distress. Vanessa was the only person he'd allow to do this, because he learned that as much as he protested, she wouldn't stop. It was just in her nature.

"Where were you?" she asked, animatedly, her voice high as she pulled back from him.

"I got delayed. No big deal." Jonathan answered solemnly, started to walk briskly.

"Hey, wait up!" Vanessa yelled as he started to get away from her.

"You know you can tell me what happened, right?" Vanessa said, concern coating her eyes.

It was surprising that he had even made friends with this strange girl. She was animated, enthusiastic, affectionate and Jonathan was the opposite: cold, emotionless, and withdrawn. They say opposites attract, but Jonathan knew that they really bonded over their love of psychology. Just because of that, he could deal with all of her other characteristics. Though he couldn't say the same for most people he came into contact with.

"It's nothing, Vanessa. Just a run in with Bo, nothing unusual." Jonathan said, sighing.

"Okay, I got it, I got it." Vanessa said, raising her hands in defense.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, just reveling in each others company, not saying anything. Occasionally, Vanessa would do a dramatic sigh, out of habit since she wasn't used to silence in general.

"Hey, Jonathan?" Vanessa asked, looking at him with her childlike eyes, big and innocent.

"Yes?" Jonathan said, in slight annoyance from being torn so abruptly from his thoughts. His annoyance vanished when he saw her worried eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "Like really okay?"

Jonathan huffed and rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Vanessa. How many times must I tell you? I'm fine."

"Promise?" Vanessa asked, gently.

Jonathan rolled his eyes again and tried to ignore the deep blush that warmed his cheeks. He blamed it on the weather. "I don't have time for promises. They're childish, Vanessa."

"I take that as a no?"

"No." Jonathan said sternly.

Again, there was silence. And Jonathan had come to a conclusion in that silence. He was most certainly not in any way fine. He was definitely not okay. He was not in any way normal or sane. And he just had to accept that fact and fix it by himself.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Jonathan." Vanessa said as they reached her house.

"Goodbye, Vanessa." Jonathan said.

"Don't say that, Jonathan! It sounds like you're never going to see me again!" Vanessa said, trying to lighten the mood he was in.

"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow then." Jonathan said and cracked a slight smile at her.

He watched as his bubbly, yet immature friend bounced up the steps to her house and inside the door. Jonathan stood there for a moment more, staring at the door.

A twig snapping brought him out of his trance and he continued to trudge his way home along the street.

It was a long time before he actually made it up the hill and to his own house. It was never really considered a home, more like a hell. Well, it made sense since he practically lived with Satan, didn't he?

Jonathan could see the lights in the kitchen on and instantly knew that he was to late, he had walked too slow. His grandmother was home and he was most definitely late.

And he was going to have hell to pay for it, too..

A/N: Well, this was an introductory to a new character. I have big plans for these two that may or may not involve romance (but probably not). I hope she's not terrible.

Sorry for not updating. School is hectic and it sucks. Anyways, I'm going to try to write a little more on the weekends. But I'm a little booked up. Thanksgiving break is coming up so I may be able to write a little then :)

Also, I have the best dad in the world. He got me my very own TATTOO GUN! So freaking excited!

Until next time! Enjoy! :)

-Harley