Author's note:

Jenicide24 : I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that the Joker will be our guest star for a couple of chapters :)

Bat-teen 28 : Agree. Waylon also should have someone to share his feelings with.

nadillaandlaprasthefireandice : Nobody knows, what will happen next. Well, besides me, but anyway, thank you for staying with the story for such a long time :)

"This is my second session with patient 2609, AKA The Joker."

"Howdy doc, how are you ?", Joker asked.

"I'm fine, thank you. How do you feel today ?"

"I'm pretty bored. Mostly because I need to sit over there and flap my gum."

"As I said on our last session, I want to know more about your childhood. Tell me about yourself. Maybe we should start from your real name ?", I asked.

"Jack."

"Heard it.", I said with disapproval. He made up a lot of fake stories and fake names before.

"Joseph."

"Heard it."

"Jackie."

"I know this one."

"Vladimir."

"Could you please be more..."

"Serious ? Oh, I'm so sorry doc, but I'm afraid that's beyond my reach. I'm just too happy to be serious."

"I knew you wouldn't be eager to cooperate. That's why I prepared this little... quiz, for you to answer.", I avoided word "test" for purpose. Howard told me that the Joker hates all kind of psychology tests.

"Now, take your pencil and...", before I could finish, one of the guards grabbed the pencil from my desk and handed it to another guard. To say I was confused is understatement.

"I'm sorry, doctor Walker.", the guard who grabbed the pencil said. "But Joker isn't allowed to use any sharp objects, especially pencils."

"Why... I don't want to know.", I said.

"I'm afraid you need to read all the questions aloud if you wish to continue.", he said.

Oh, boy. I was trying to avoid this.

"Okay, then. Are you ready, Joker ?", I asked calmly and grabbed my pen.

"Sure, doc. Bring it on.", he said provocatively.

"Please, try to answer truthfully. It's easier that way."

"Of course. I have nothing to hide.", Joker said with a smile.

"Do you make friends easily ?"

"Sure ! Everybody loves me. Why wouldn't they ?"

"Yes", I selected.

I decided to ignore his joyful attitude and continue in a more professional manner.

"Does having drink help you to relax ?"

"That depends on the drink. Alcohol, juices, blood - rather not. Acids, detergents, toxins - I just love that stuff !"

I wasn't sure if I should select "yes" or "no". Actually, if he doesn't enjoy alcohol, I think that may be "no".

"Do you always listen to other people's feelings ?"

"Other people have feelings ?!", Joker said with a shock. He then chuckled a little bit.

"I take it as a 'no'.", I said.

I giggled after seeing next question. The answer was pretty obvious.

"What's so funny, doc ? I wanna know the joke !"

"Sorry, I just think I know the answer to this one.", I said with a smile.

"Try me.", he answered teasingly.

Damn, ignoring his joyfulness wasn't easy. He was a very charming person... Oh no, Alice, focus, you're not another Harley Quinn.

What about Waylon ?

I heard that sarcastic voice in my head. No. He's not like the Joker. Waylon's different. He actually cares, he actually tries, just nobody ever gave him a chance...

"Miss Walker ?", one of the guards said.

"Yeah ?", I asked after collecting my thoughts.

"You went quiet for a minute and we thought... well, nevermind."

"Thank you, I'm fine. I was just... thinking. Well, Joker, sorry for that, we might continue. Do you prefer abstract ideas ?"

"No, I prefer rational thinking.", Joker said. At first I thought he was joking and I wanted to laugh until I saw his face. I didn't see any joy in his eyes. He didn't really smile at the moment, it was just his makeup. He was completely serious. No joke.

"Well, o-kay then. Now...", I said and looked at the next question. Gee. That's why I wanted him to write his answers.

"Do you enjoy role-playing sex ?", I asked sheepishly. I was a little bit shy in that specific matter.

"Excuse me ? I didn't hear you, doc.", Joker said.

"Do you enjoy role-playing sex ?", I repeated, louder this time.

"One more time, please ?"

"Do you enjoy role-playing sex ?", I asked even louder.

"Oh, of course I do ! Especially when I put on my Batman's suit !", Joker said and burst into laughter.

Few of the guards cackled, while the others openly laughed. I wanted to laugh as well, but I decided to stay as professional as I can.

"So do you want me to select 'yes' or 'no' ? Please, be more... no, I'm not gonna walk into that one again. Could you please be more honest ?"

"Well, no one's who we think they are, so I guess the answer is 'yes'."

I looked at him. Did I just witnessed a part of his philosophy ? Is this why he became the Joker ? To became who he truly was ? Or to hide his identity even more ? So many questions. And I still had even more to ask.

"Do you think working to a plan or schedule is best ?"

"Of course. No matter how crazy the plan is, we're supposed to execute it. And few other people along with it. Actually, the crazier the plan is, the better !"

"Have you ever cheated on your partner ?"

"Me ? Cheating on Harley ? Poor, naive girl wouldn't even realize ! What fun would that be ?", Joker asked like an adult who just answered to a child's stupid question.

"I take it as a 'no'.", I said.

I looked at my watch.

"It's over for today, Joker. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, bye, doc !", Joker said cheerfully and the guards took him away.

Few hours later, Howard came to my office.

"I heard what's happened. Are you alright ?"

"Yes, Howie, I'm fine. Why do you ask ?"

"I heard you wanted to give the Joker a pencil."

"What's wrong with everybody ? What is so special about the pencils ? And why is it such a big deal ?", I asked.

"You... probably don't want to know. Anyway, I'm glad you're okay."

"You're always worried about me. That's sweet, but there's no reason to.", I said. God, I'm a terrible liar.

"Just in case you didn't notice, there is something wrong with you and supercriminals. You always seem to attract their attention."

"I guess this is my luck.", I said with a smile.