How the Joker Fell in Love Part 11

Danger smiled as they clapped for Giselle, one of her favorite tragedies. It was the story of a peasant girl, Giselle, who fell in love with the handsome Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant boy. But another man, Hilarion, also loved Giselle, and told her the truth about Albrecht. Upon learning that her beloved was betrothed to another, she died of a broken heart.

In Act Two, Giselle was transformed into into a Wili, a spirit who haunted the woods at night, enticing men to dance until they died of exhaustion. Then, Hilarion was killed by the Wilis and Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, forced Giselle to attempt to destroy Albrecht in the same way. But Albrecht was spared, first by taking shelter under the cross on Giselle's grave, and then by dancing with Giselle until dawn, when Giselle returned to her grave.

Danger admired the ballerinas grace and strength, the way they carried out some of the most difficult moves or uncomfortable positions so flawlessly and beautifully. She wished she could be so perfect, so graceful, and sighed when she remembered that it was not to be.

For how can one be graceful and beautiful after being tortured by a monster?

"Did you like it?" Bruce asked as they walked out of the theater.

"I loved it," Danger replied, forcing a smile she hoped was convincing. From the look on Bruce's face, it appeared to be good enough to pass. "Thank you so much, Bruce."

He smiled at her. "I'm glad," he muttered, then steered her to the right, onto the sidewalk. "Let's take a walk."

"'Kay," Danger agreed.

For a while, they just walked, looking at the scenery, things inside shops, graffiti on walls, but then Danger got a chill down her spine.

She looked over her shoulder, but didn't see anything. She just shrugged it off. Probably just the wind.

But the feeling came back a few seconds later, and Danger looked around again.

"What's wrong?" Bruce asked, stopping.

Danger stopped. "Nothing," she assured him. "Let's keep going."

God, she swore it felt like someone was watching her...

She tried to ignore it, and think of tonight. She sighed inwardly as she remembered what had happened tonight.

Bruce had picked her up in a sleek black porsche at some rich guy's house. The Joker and hsi friends had tied the old man up and stuck him in a closet, so she'd be able to play the part better. When she'd been stepping into the car, she'd looked up at the window. The Joker was smiling down at her, then gave her a wink as their eyes met.

She'd glared at him in respone, and mouthed "I hate you".

He just smiled wider, and answered "I know".

Bruce had been really nice during the car ride. He was really funny, and smart, not to mention handsome in the old sense of the word. And despite herself, she even found herself forgetting her situation more than once, and letting herself be Danger, not Rae.

And even more surprising, Bruce seemed to open up even more when she forgot.

And then, Danger had started to think...

She'd almost slapped herself. There would never be anything between her and Bruce. Ever. Even if she wasn't being held captive by the Joker, she would never have a chance. Besides, why would she want a chance? He was just some rich guy that had everything she could ever want, completed with looks, charisma, and intelligence, and not to mention he wasn't insane as far as she knew, and he hadn't threatened her or beaten her yet.

Great. She couldn't get her mind off of the Joker for long enough to think about how great a guy is. He was consuming her!

Danger had clenched the fist that Bruce couldn't see. No. She wouldn't let him. She would not let that freak do this to her.

Danger sighed, returning back to the present time.

"Hey, let's check that place out," Bruce said.

Danger smiled, following him to a small cafe. She couldn't help holding back laughter at how Bruce was acting. He'd started talking more like a teenager, she guessed because she probably had been, but he didn't really seem dumb talking like that, like most adults do.

They found table quickly, and a waiter came almost just as soon as they sat down. Bruce let Danger order first.

She almost ordered a soda, then thought better of it. She was only over twenty-one for a while, so she might as well take advantage of it.

"I'll have a pomegranate martini," she said, smiling at the waiter. She glanced at Bruce, and he grinned at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you even old enough to drink, Rae?" he asked, still smiling.

Oh God, she hoped that was a joke. "Shut up!" she laughed.

He laughed with her, then ordered a scotch.

Danger had no idea how long they talked, but it sure was easy talking to him. They talked about everything, anything that popped into their heads.

But no matter what they talked about or how funny it was or sad or political, she couldn't shake that feeling that she was being watched. It was really starting to creep her out now.

"Oh yeah!' Bruce exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "I'm having a party in a few nights, my house. What do you think?"

"Hm..." Danger thought about it. "A party party or a fundraiser party?"

Bruce smiled. "Party party."

Danger smiled. "It's about time," she joked.

"So?"

Danger opened her mouth, glancing up. But her soul froze the moment she laid her eyes upon a window in a closed hotel.

The Joker smiled down at her, and nodded.

Danger stared for an extra half second, then looked back at Bruce. "You'll see me there," she answered, faking a smile.

"Great." Bruce grinned widely.

Danger laughed with him about some joke he said, but let her eyes travel back to the window, where the Joker still stared, smiling.