Chapter 10

Guh D;
I'm ashamed to call myself an author. I've left you all hanging for such a looong time o wo
The last update was what, two months ago, maybe more? Jeeze…
Not to worry, it's summer now and I've got so much time to spare.
Hopefully I can get much more out to you guys. I haven't written any for the story since school finished though, so I'll have to give you what I've got for now xD
Enjoy and please please review! I get all these favourites on this story but not enough reviews xD
I love finding out what you guys think of this~
Speaking of, I've got an MSN account now, feel free to add it: harlequin _ bat hotmail . com without spaces of course~
I'd love to hear from you kiddies ;D
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Outside hailed a light drizzle in the darkening sky. Even in the gloom, Gotham City was still busy with people swarming the sidewalks or cramping the streets. Joker and Bruce had taken to the sidewalks. With an umbrella each, they walked as close together as they could without bumping umbrellas. They came up on a little suave store. Suits of high quality were displayed in the window, providing proof of the expensiveness on the shop.

"We're going here?" Joker raised a brow as Bruce led him inside.

"They've been providing my suits for quite some time now." Bruce gave a lopsided grin and set their umbrellas by the door.

A classy man came towards them; his hands neatly folded behind him and his face a bright fake smile.

"Good afternoon sirs, welcome to Le Reve. How may I help you?" he said, a very professional air about him.

Joker raised a brow, not sure what to make of the man. Bruce stepped in front of him, taking over.

"Hello. My cousin here just came into town from Chicago. As you can see, he needs a little bit of a 'city' look. Think you could help?" he smiled back.

The man beamed and headed to Joker.

"Ah! So you're a country man looking for a bit of the city. Of course I can help." He took Joker by the arm and led him to the mirrored stand.

Bruce followed, taking Joker's coat from him as he was measured.

"Well now, I could show you what we have to offer already made up, or you could go through the design book and get yours customized." The man said as he snapped the measuring tape back up.

"Lemme have a look at that book." he purred, his hand outstretched.

The salesman nodded and disappeared behind a curtain.

Joker sat down on the platform, crossing his arms and legs and looking up at Bruce. Bruce just chuckled and smiled.

"What? You don't like him?" he smirked.

Joker gave him a sideways glance, huffing and stiffening his back.

"Obviously." He mumbled.

The bright salesman returned with a thick sketchbook, pieces of fabric hanging out the edges.

"He we are~" he sang, "Go ahead and look through it. There's a page with all the fabrics we have in the back there." He sat next to Joker, his seated position the exact same as Joker's.

The two began going through the book, Joker picking out hideous combinations that made the salesman cringe visibly. Bruce sat in a chair a small ways away from the two, watching as they conversed. They looked so disturbingly normal…and a little cute sitting there together like little boys going through their favourite comic book. Bruce was beginning to think he like the messy, scarred Joker better.

"A-Are you sure, sir? I'm sure I can find a design to match those colours…" The salesman was a little put off by the mismatching colours and design.

"No, no, I want it like this," Joker murmured, pointing to the design and swatches. A decent looking suit, if not for his colour choice. Of course, a dark purple and green to match his usual suit, just not as vibrant and noticeable as usual, "This will go just fine with the colours."

The salesman force a smile and stood, saving the page with the fabric swatches, "Well the, while we're making this one, would you like one of the premade outfits we have?" he gestured to the rows suit coats and pants.

Bruce stood and helped Joker up.

"Of course, I'll need something to wear rather than these old rags~" he smiled.

Not much later their order was placed and Joker was dressed in a fitting, leisurely suit. The suit was a simple black pants and coat with a dark purple shirt. Dressed in normal people's clothing, Joker looked good…attractive even. It was hard for Bruce to avert him gaze from the blonde stranger's appearance.

Joker caught Bruce's staring, a smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth. He slunk closer the Bruce, prodding at his stomach, "What's the matter Brucie, do I look too good?" he chuckled, tugging lightly at his coat lapels.

Bruce gave a half smile, "Smart ass."

Joker winked and patted his chest.

"Thank you sir, please do enjoy the rest of your day. I can't wait to receive my outfit," he faked a sweet voice and gave a slight bow the turned to Bruce, "Come on."

Bruce was left wide-eyed at the clown's suddenly sweet persona. He was quite the actor. Joker tugged Bruce's sleeve to get him to follow behind. They gave one last wave to the salesman and exited the store. The rain had ceased for the time being. Their umbrellas were tucked neatly under their arms as they walked. They were going nowhere in particular, just walking along. Joker piped up.

"What now, Brucie?"

Bruce thought. He hadn't planned much further than achieving the clothing and going home, "Hm…I don't know. Hadn't thought about that," he smiled sheepishly.

Joker snorted, "You certainly are losing your planning ability aren't you, Bat?"

His walk was straightened now, Bruce noticed. His shoulders were put back and his head held high. Standing straight, Joker was barely an inch shorter than himself. The change in appearance was getting to him, he found himself staring again, enraptured in some disturbing sense by Joker's glowing appearance. Suddenly, Joker stopped, turning to the larger man, "You've also developed a staring problem I see." He smiled softly, hands coming to a rest on his hips, "What is it? You haven't been looking at me like this before now."

Bruce doused a blush as he was found out. But he couldn't yet provide a decent answer. He wasn't quite sure as to what it was that drew him to Joker's temporary visage, "I don't know yet," he said softly, barely audible, "I haven't quite figured that out yet." He encased Joker's hands with his own, squeezing them gently.

Joker raised a brow at the gentleness of Bruce's features and touch, "Alright then…" he shrugged and pulled Bruce along by his hand.

Bruce glanced towards their hands, he was growing accustomed to the sight, "So, figure out what you want to do yet?" he inquired.

Joker stopped again and watched Bruce a moment, his face contorted in thought, "I want to go back home," he purred.

Home…That was such an unused word in his vocabulary. It had been such a long time since he was able to say he had a home.

"Alright," Bruce said softly, "Let's go."