Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing related to Batman. Any and all one-shots in this collection of one-shots were inspired by Charlotte A. Cavatica's lovely ideas from her Waiting on the Shingle, chapter seven, unless otherwise stated. Anyway, thanks to Ms. Cavatica for making it possible for plot bunnies to attack me. Please enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed. –Ches.

#10

Heaven & Hell

He found paradise was being in her presence…

Joy ran undiluted through his veins as he prepared for the day.

Arianna had sent word via Zeek the day before that the battle had finally been won for Alice to come visit and that the lovely blond would be coming with Arianna since the two of them couldn't be left alone just yet.

Jervis happily hummed the joyful songs that were floating around his mind as he finished dressing in the clothes he'd been given for this visit.

Dr. Leland had told him to not get his hopes up or to think that her coming to visit meant anything more than Alice wanted to renew the friendship they had had before the 'Incident'.

Jervis had to constantly remind himself to remain calm and not think that there was anything more to this visit than Alice wanting to be friends again. He was tapping on the tabletop rapidly before the door opened to reveal Arianna and the very person Jervis was most anxious to see.

Alice smiled as she saw Jervis.

He had stood up the moment she entered the room and only took a seat once Alice was seated.

"Hello Jervis. I brought you some casserole. Ari said you don't get very good food here." Alice stated, placing a Tupper ware bowl before him.

"I get better than most, but it doesn't compare to anything you or Arianna cook. How have you been my d…Alice?"

Alice looked at her folded hands that rested on the table. "You can call me 'my dear' if you want to Jervis; I'd like it if you would. I missed you."

Jervis swallowed. "I…I missed you as well."

Ari grinned. "I brought you some raspberry tarts."

"Thank you. I enjoy them." Jervis sighed softly, not knowing what to speak about.

Ari started a conversation that was easily carried by the other two between Jervis eating and the coming and going of guards and inmates.

An hour later, Alice and Ari rose since the visiting hours were over.

"Will you come back in two weeks, my dear?" Jervis questioned.

Alice smiled brightly at him. "Of course. I'll be back every time you can have a visitor."

Jervis smiled.

Alice walked towards the door.

Ari looked at Jervis. "Keep this in mind Jervis, love is a many splendored thing that sometimes gets thrown off track, but if true, shall always prevail." She followed Alice out.

Jervis went back to his cell, mind turning over what Ari said.

…and she found damnation was in not being in Arkham Asylum with him.

Alice stood by the window of her and Ari's apartment, holding a steaming cup of her favorite tea. She stared out at the cloudy night sky and the signal that could be seen in them.

Ari looked up from her knitting. "It won't be too long, Alice. Soon enough he'll be out of that horrid place and the two of you can walk among all the lands of Wonderland for the rest of time."

Alice sighed gustily and turned away from the window. "I know, but I want him to be out of there now, Ari. I need him. I need to be near him. You should know how I feel. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't see Zeek, or at least talk to him. I can only see Jervis every two weeks, and then only if there's someone there with us."

Ari put her knitting to the side and crossed over to put her hands on Alice's shoulders. "Time is fickle, Alice. One day you will have complete command of Time, but you must be patient until then. And besides, 'good things come to those who wait.' You and I both know that the joy and bliss you're going to experience with Jervis is well worth any wait."

Alice smiled. "You're right."

Ari grinned in return. "Aren't I always?"

"Well there was that one time with those dogs of Dr. Cates."

Ari laughed. "That was one time. And how was I supposed to know that they could tell I'm more of a cat person? I've been right about everything else, especially if it involves you and Jervis. Now just relax. Time moves mysteriously sometimes. Just remember to think about the future."

Alice nodded and looked back out the window just as the signal was shut off. "I will, Ari. But I still miss him."

Ari patted her shoulder. "I know, darling, I know."