Chapter 14.

A deathly silence fell over the apartment as Crane left me alone in the lounge. Still semi-reeling from the comedown my body felt warm. My breathing had slowed and reality of my actions was setting in. My brain had finally caught up with my body and was now swarming me with information. Screwing my eyes shut I tried to focus on finding my clothes before he came back. Or worse, the Joker did. Letting the blanket pool around my feet I began picking up the rest of my clothes. They were so carelessly strewn across the lounge. It really surprised me how far they had gotten. I heard Crane fumbling around in the bathroom, I had to hurry up. I felt somehow being naked upon his return wouldn't end well on my part. No matter how good it had felt. Slipping on my bra and panties I felt shivers tingling over my skin.

"Not now. Please" I whispered. Praying she listened. I waited a second, waiting for a change. Nothing happened, I could breathe a sigh of relief. I heard him behind me. My whole body froze. If it was awkward at all before, it was now so much worse. Licking my lips I ignored his presence, reaching for my jeans I stepped back in them zipping them closed. I stood with my back to him, my eyes scanning frantically for my blouse. I heard Crane clear his throat. Taking a deep breath, trying to rid any excess emotion from my face I turned to face him. He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of beige chinos. His hair was a controlled mess. His torso was red, I recognised my handiwork. There were sufficient nail marks across his chest and on both shoulders. I felt my cheeks blush at the memory. I had done that to him, in a moment of extreme pleasure. I had sunk my nails deep into his skin, I had enjoyed the feel of his skin caving to me. I had enjoyed it.

Clearing the thoughts from my head I flicked my gaze to the material in his hands. My blouse.

"Give me that"

A lazy smirk appeared on his lips, just like before. His eyes wandered down my face to my chest and then back to my eyes. Before he threw it on the sofa beside me. Rolling my eyes I moved to pick it up, breathing a sigh of relief once it was covering my skin once more. At least one of us was fully clothes if someone should come in.

Crane stood there a minute, saying nothing. Like he was assessing the situation in his head. We had never really addressed the event back in my room at Arkham. God knows how this would pan out.

"Where's the Joker?" I blurted out, desperate to change the subject. Crane looked questioningly at me.

Placing his glasses back on, his face changes. He's back to his usual self.

"He should be arriving soon. His last message said he was nearly done with business". His short clipped words made it easy for me to think again. This side of him was less distracting. I nodded, taking a seat on the sofa's armrest. I was never really one for pillow talk; after I slept with a guy there was nothing more to say. Even with serious boyfriends I could never find the right words. The sex spoke for itself surely? Sex was simple and effective. I smiled. Not with Crane it isn't, now it left with an unsettling feeling. Thankfully he got bored of watching me and moved into another room. Hopefully to get dressed.

Walking around the apartment I kept an eye fixed on the door. Waiting for him to walk through. Sighing to myself I took a seat, pacing around the apartment wasn't helping. I sat in silence for a moment, playing with my hair. Picking up the TV remote I flicked it on, channels flickered as I searched for the news. I finally found a station with decent reception; it was a local news station. It would do.

-.-.-.-

…Police were called to a disturbance in downtown Manhattan last night after numerous 911 calls from the area sighting what appeared to be riots and all out chaos.

Local residents in the area called police after describing what one witness called, mass panic and destruction outside their apartment building.

Police have confirmed three fatalities from last night's disturbance. Four suspects are currently in custody. However police have issued a warning to the public concerning another male who escaped capture. Reports are likening this event to those in Gotham a few years ago.

Unconfirmed reports also speak of a breakout in the Notorious Arkham Asylum, which many are blaming last nights events on. A source for Arkham Asylum refused to comment on this story…

-.-.-.-

"Fuck"

I tried to listen to as much as I could without my brain going into overdrive. I watched the anchorwoman's lips move as she spoke with complete sincerity. Tinges of panic crossed her face as she spoke.

"Fuck" I said again.

"Fuck what?" his voice spoke behind me.

Snapping my head around to his, I watched open mouthed as his eyes scanned the TV screen.

"What the fuck is he doing?" I uttered

"He's painting a fucking bulls eye on his forehead." Crane stepped out from behind me and sat watching the screen. His face was hard to read.

"Jonathan?"

He finally looked at me; I raised my eyebrow waiting for a response.

"It's not my concern what he does." He said coolly.

"Three people are dead" I said outraged at his composure. A quick smirk flashed over his lips.

"That's a lot less than you killed".

Anger bubbled within me. Staring him down I got up from the sofa and walked over to the door. My fingers rattled the lock, trying to undo it quickly.

"You need a key for that" his voice sounded so relaxed, so smug. So Jonathan Crane. Turning around I let out a groan of frustration.

"He was never supposed to meet us was he?"

His smile widened. He shook his head.

Leaning back against the door I swallowed hard.

"You told the truth to those men before. You split when we arrived."

Crane clasped his hands together,

"Smart girl" he said cynically.

I wanted to ask him why, but I already knew. A part of me was glad. Glad to be away from that psychopathic freak. Yet another part of me was terrified and excited all at the same time. I was truly alone with him.

"Was this part of the plan all along? You kidnap me?"

Crane licked his lips had half scoffed.

"I prefer the word supervise. And yes." His tone repulsed me. He was so arrogant.

"Supervise? You're supervising me? Well I prefer the truth, which is Kidnap." I stated bluntly.

He moved to stand, making me flinch slightly.

"I've told you before. You are an interest of mine. An experiment, if you like. Nothing more". He clarified coldly.

Rolling my eyes I stood still against the door. Watching him.

"Do you usually fuck your experiments John?"

I swear he almost laughed.

"There's a first time for everything Eve" he paused. He stalked closer, closing the gap between us.

"Plus, it got you to shut up". His arm pressed slightly above me on the door, surrounding me. I pushed against his chest, making some distance between us.

"So what happens now?"

Crane stood back, folding his arms together.

"We wait it out. Whatever the Joker is doing, he's doing it alone. I'm not part of it. To be honest we hated each other, but we made the best of a bad situation to get the fuck out of Arkham."

I nodded once. A huge weight felt as if it was lifted. I was so glad to not have to be involved with the Joker.

"After that? What's next?" I probed.

"You mean after he does, whatever he does?"

"Yes, that's what I mean. Can I go home?" it was a long shot. I wasn't even sure I could just return home. Going back to Gotham was probably out of the question. I'd get shipped right back to Arkham in an even worse situation than before. Doped to the eyeballs in a padded cell. That thought made me feel sick.

"Would you want to go back there?" he said it as if he had read my mind. Exhaling a long breath, I shook my head.

"It can never be my home again"

"No, it can't." he put it so bluntly. So matter of fact.

I let myself slump back against the door, not wanting to move. I felt so weird. My life had royally fucked up over a matter of days. You know you're fucked when the only consistent in your life is a manipulative sociopath.

"Are you finished with your temper tantrum?"

I glared at him.

"You have the key. Not much else I can do short of killing you I suppose". I spat bitterly.

"I can think of a few things you could do. But now isn't the time". If I had something to throw at him I would have. Turning sharply on his heel he headed away into the kitchen area. Taking a final look at the door I shrugged and followed him.

.

Crane fucking loved this. He held such a control over her, he had fucked her senseless no less than ten minutes ago. He was still reeling from the feeling. She was so tight yet so willing for him. He had fit perfectly. The feel of her nails as they dug into his skin on fuelled him. He felt her need, her wanting of him. Crane was happy to oblige. She wasn't like the usual whores he played with, sloppy and fake. Her excitement was real. The flash of panic in her eyes was real. Her cries of satisfaction were real. Her name even crossed his lips. He had to reign himself in at the moment of release. She was a great fuck. But he had to hold the control. Just like always.

.

"Do you miss your life?"

Pouring a glass of whisky, Crane looked up at me.

"Before Arkham, you were a respected Doctor right?" I clarified.

Taking a sip, he smiled.

"What is this?"

Squinting, I folded my arms.

"What?"

Crane took a sip.

"Do you really care, or is Stockholm syndrome setting in?"

I smiled sweetly.

"Making the best of a bad situation". He nodded, finishing his drink in one.

"No I don't miss Arkham. I'll admit, it was the basis for my work, but it was just holding me back". He looked up at me, eyes full of something.

"Holding you back from what" I probed further.

"My true work". Crane stepped towards me, closing the distance. My hands fell at my side, anticipating anything.

"What would that be?" I kept my eyes fixed on him, watching him.

"Fear".

My stomach fluttered uncomfortably. I didn't like his tone. I didn't like that look in his eyes. His hand reached out to me, I ducked away sidestepping his grasp.

His eyes traced over me.

"Maybe I do miss playing Doctor." He sighed.

"Seeing the mix of fear and excitement in your eyes before made me think about how much I have missed it."

Moving backwards out of the kitchen, I kept my focus on him.

"I'm not a fucking experiment John."

Crane's lips formed that notorious smirk.

"My dear Eve, that's exactly what you are".

A/N: Thank-you to all who have enjoyed and read through my first venture in fanfiction.

This is the concluding chapter of this story, ambiguity is a fondness of mine.

It very much leaves the door ajar for a continuation... muhahaha...

Once again, thank-you too all the readers, y'all are lovely.

Peace xo.