TC Stark: Hey, cool cats! So, this is a little fun chapter before the next one. I am so excited to write the next one, it's when Roxanne breaks! Oh my God, I'm really excited to write it. But, for the mean time I hope you like this one. Not sure if you guys are Marvel fans, but are you ready to Assemble May 4th? And The Dark Knight Rises is this July! Oh man, alright guys, love ya!
Disclaimer: I only own my OC's.
Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women.
Chapter Twelve
Look towards the end of the bar.
Jonathan looked over towards the direction Scarecrow had pointed him in. A few nights afterward meeting with the Maroni representative the doctor found himself in a small dingy bar in the Narrows drinking a Manhattan. Roxanne had been so concerned with him not being able to be out in public, but Crane didn't fear anyone or anything. No one was going to stop him.
What are you talking about?
The little blonde one. Let's take her home and watch her scream.
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head and went back to his cocktail. He was in no mood to entertain some absent-minded floozy who he was positive would give him poor results. Jonathan could instantly tell the kind of patient she would be and he wasn't going to waste his toxin on trash. Just because he was on the run from the police didn't mean he needed to lower his standards.
What's the problem? Do you have some false sense of loyalty to Red?
What does Roxanne have anything to do with not wanting to drug that blonde bimbo?
Ever since she came running to you that one night you haven't taken any of my suggestions. I want that blonde over there to beg us to make it stop. What's the big deal? You haven't seen Red in a month.
I don't see the problem in trying to keep it classy. I already have my toxin circulating around due to selling it to all the head mobsters. And I have taken patients to experiment on.
Yea, but none of them have looked like that blonde over there. Admit it, Johnny-Boy, you've got it bad for Miss Sexually Repressed.
"Staring off into space, doc?"
Hearing the familiar high pitched voice of his former colleague, Jonathan turned to his left with a sneer. Sitting next to him was none other than Harley Quinn. Even without her imitation Joker make up, people recognized who she was. The doctor rolled his eyes at the bartender nervously attending to the Jack and Coke she had ordered. In what world did some floozy who practically fucked her way to the top become so feared?
Jonathan looked her up and down to see she had her blonde hair pulled up into two pigtails and was wearing tight leather pants along with a red and black corset that showed off her breasts. The Scarecrow was drooling, though he commented dryly, "You're looking nice this evening, Quinn."
"Sorry, Johnny-Boy, I'm not into pretty boys."
"Clearly not," He scoffed while talking a sip of his Manhattan, "Perhaps if I would have had scars protruding from the sides of my lips you would have taken me up on that date I asked you out on. Though to be honest it's a good thing you didn't."
Remembering this incident, which was when she first started working at the asylum; she grinned, "Oh, and why not?"
Yes, why not?
Leaning forward, his lips curved upwards in an almost sick fashion as he cooed, "Because I couldn't stand you and I was planning on gassing you with my toxin."
Rather than become insulted or even scared, Harley held her chest in a dramatically flattered way. She then scooted her stool forward while resting her elbows against the bar counter and reached up to touch the doctor's cheek, "Oh, Jonathan, what a romantic you are. Do you show your little girlfriend this much affection?"
There was no sense beating around the bush as he sat up and asked, "What does Ms. Downey have to do with your presence ruining my evening alone?"
"Are you ever alone in that brain of yours?"
Having become bored with their interaction, he asked in a droll fashion, "What are you doing here?"
Harley scoffed as she took a sip of her drink, "A girl can't have a drink with her old colleague?"
"Where's your boyfriend?"
At this question she became made and clenched her fist, "Mr. J left for some fun and left me home! Can you believe that? I'm telling you, ever since the banquet he hasn't been including me in on his fun. The nerve!"
Jonathan rolled his eyes while finishing his Manhattan, "I wonder why."
I'm bored. She's just like every other whiny little bitch.
Did she think her and that maniac were going to live in a house with a white picket fence?
"So," The blonde started while hanging her arm over her chair and grinning, "What are you planning on doing with that cute little redhead?"
Growling, he stated, "That's none of your concern."
Harley began laughing, "Mr. J said you would react that way."
Getting mad, Johnny-Boy?
Shut up.
Clenching his fists, Jonathan stood up and adjusted his jacket. He then turned to a grinning harlequinn and pointed out, "I'm glad The Joker was successful in manipulating you to help him escape. You really didn't have a future before meeting him. Send my regards, won't you?"
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."- Buddha.
Was she absolutely mad? Roxanne sighed as she clicked out the window on her laptop computer. She remembered the time when she needed to view these self-help websites. Going into the psychology field, she tried to convince herself that she was well enough emotionally to help others. The truth at the time was she was just caging in her demons and not putting any thought at all into them.
The ride Bruce had given her the other day had given her a lot to think about. For a brief moment she had spoken about her relationship as if it were normal. As if the man she was seeing wasn't wanted by Gotham's police force and Batman. She had even told the billionaire that Jonathan was a good guy. Was he...a good guy? He did bad things...did he? But, he had treated her well. Did he?
Roxanne shook her head in confusion. The thought of Jonathan made her head spin. There was no doubt that she couldn't seem to let him go despite knowing she should. There was no way she wanted to be like Harley and abandon her life just to go along with a madman. She knew what he was doing was wrong, yet she knew she had feelings for him. What was wrong with her?
There was suddenly a knock on her door as she shut down her laptop before heading towards the door. There were two men standing in front of her in simple jeans and T-Shirts, causing Roxanne to raise her eyebrow, "Can I help you?"
"Roxanne Downey?"
"How do you know my name?" She grabbed at the doorknob warily, becoming nervous.
The two men looked at each other before nodding, "You need to come with us. Don't ask questions, just follow us."
Roxanne's eyes widened as she backed up while the men approached her. Before she was able to scream, one clamped a hand over her mouth. Her heart was pumping fast as she slammed her fist into the man's crotch, causing him to release her. The other growled as he ran towards her and began to shake her, "Shut up, bitch, we were sent by Scarecrow to bring you to him."
"Carl, why does my date look pissed off?"
One of the men looked over at the other nervously as the three stood in front of Jonathan Crane. After revealing why they were there, the henchmen had taken Roxanne to a Chinese restaurant deep in the Narrows. It seemed like a traditional establishment until they led the younger woman up a flight of stairs where the doctor was sitting at table by himself. His table was the only one there along with a fairly sized bar.
It was clear the doctor wasn't amused and was looking for answers, "Well?"
"Um...ugh..."
"Leave. You'll get your medicine later."
Roxanne noticed the frightened looks on the men as they quickly left the room, leaving the two alone. Jonathan nodded towards the chair across from his, though she stood still with her arms folded, "Wasn't that a bit too theatrical?"
The doctor snorted, "I apologize for those idiots, but Arkham doesn't really offer the brightest help. Seeing as Batman has taken a liking to you due to your association with me, I sent them. Clearly, not the best decision. Now, will you sit down and join me for dinner?"
Sighing, she decided to take a seat as a young waitress placed a dirty martini in front of her. She took a curious look at it for a moment before giving in. There was a satisfied smirk on his lips as he ordered another Scotch on the rocks. A plate of wonton chips were placed in the middle of their table along with a dish of duck sauce.
Roxanne couldn't help, but notice how calm he was while picking up a chip to dip in the sauce. She tilted her head while asking, "How is this possible?"
"I told you I don't fear anyone, Roxy," He smirked while taking a sip of his alcoholic beverage, "I know it's not as nice looking as Tao, but the food is good."
"I'm...impressed?"
Jonathan chuckled, "You doubt me, Roxy?"
"Oh, excuse me, I should have known better." She joked.
This is getting too campy.
Jonathan rolled his eyes as they ordered their meals. They dove into a steady chat as she explained, "That night has really had an impact on people. Kendall doesn't want to step foot into the asylum ever again and another of my friends is even considering changing careers."
"That girl was always weak minded," He added as appetizers were served, "Pathetic."
After the comment he noticed how she was looking at him. His eyebrow raised in curiosity as the redhead asked, "Why me?"
I don't think she really wants to know.
Deciding the proper thing would be to be honest, Jonathan replied calmly, "I wanted to get out of the asylum. You were strong minded enough to give me a challenge and I knew when the time came you would vouch for my release. You certainly didn't disappoint," The doctor took a moment to take a sip from his drink before continuing, "The discovery of who you really were came after my release. I hadn't expected you to work against me nor had I foreseen you telling me to fuck off. I became proud of you in that moment."
I wonder how long it'll take for her to stand up and throw her drink in your face.
I won't let her walk out that door.
Rather than the events Scarecrow had predicted happening, Roxanne let out a small laugh, "You might be the first man to be happy a woman told you to go fuck yourself."
"Well, it lead to me fucking you, so I am pretty happy." He condescendingly smirked.
"Jonathan, why are you paying my bills?"
I told you that was a bad idea.
Let's not forget whose the one in charge of money.
You're using it on trash.
After giving a nonchalant shrug, he explained, "You refuse to move in and I can't let you live on the streets."
Roxanne shook her head, slightly bemused, "You, Doctor Crane, are one confusing patient."
"Oh, no, my dear, you are the confusing one."
