((( Thank you to ILoveMistahJ, IRNotAmused, Gaara-frenzy, Moonlight Calls, and Smile-Evily for your comments and reviews. Wow, that was a mouth full. Lol. Sorry its been awhile since my last post. My life has been hectic lately. Going to school to get my CDL and become a truck driver. I literally am in school from 7 am to 6 pm and Im ready to pass out when I get home. So its kinda hard to find the time to write, but Im managing as you can see. Lol. Its frustrating because I know exactly what Im going to do with the story and I have for awhile. Its just a matter of getting there. I want to draw the story out as much as possible and make it as interesting and detailed as I can without making myself go crazy over it. So Thank you to everyone that has enough patience to keep coming back and checking. I promise I wont quit on you.

AUTHORS NOTE: Ok. This ones a bit complicated. Just a bit. You kind of have to remember that Ann has never really had a 'normal' relationship. Just keep that in mind. It'll prevent me having to explain it later. Lol. Also, keep it in your mind that Joker 'is' watching her. Almost constantly. So he basically knows everything she does from this point forward.)))

Ann's POV

She woke up with the worst headache she had ever had. She groaned and sat up and looked around. She was in her new apartment in her bed. The clock read 7:15 am. She was clothed if you counted the ripped shirt she was wearing as clothes. At seeing her shirt she remembered what had happened.

But, how the hell did I get here?

She moved to get up and something fell from her lap. She bent down to pick it up. It was a Polaroid picture. The picture contained a severely mutilated dead man with three word carved into his chest. The words were 'your welcome, love'.

She screamed in rage and threw the picture across the room.

It's all his fault! If he hadn't left then I wouldn't have been too depressed to check the friggin ally. Then he has the nerve to save me and then say 'your welcome'?

Would you have rather been raped?

I can't believe him! How DARE he!

How dare he save your innocence and possibly your life?

He didn't SAVE my innocence! He'd already taken it!

Your right. He's such an ass. He must die. Really? Your bitching about him saving you?

It was his fault to begin with!

At least now you know he's still following you.

GREAT! So were back to him stalking me! That's SO much better!

She got off the bed and threw her torn shirt across the room in frustration.

So how did you get home?

He must have brought me home. Duh.

That would mean he's been watching you this entire time. Isn't that sweet?

Go to hell.

She noticed her bags sitting against the wall by the bedroom door and walked over to them. She unpacked her clothes and put them in her closet. As she did so she laid all her valuable knives and guns on the bed. When she was done unpacking her clothes and weapons she put all the miscellaneous household items in their appropriate place and took all her valuable weapons downstairs. She sat all of them on a bare table that she had reserved for her katana when she brought it. She left all of them there except one. The one Joker had given her. She took the silver knife upstairs and placed it on the coffee table. She then went to the balcony and sat down on the floor with her back against the wall and her right side up against the railing. By now it was close to 8am and the sun was beginning to come up. The view of the sunrise over the city was amazing.

There was suddenly an annoying buzz sound coming from the living room. She lazily got to her feet and made her way inside. The buzzing noise was coming from the call box next to the door. She glared at the little black box for a moment before she pushed the button and replied with a slightly angry 'what?'. "Hey. You want a ride to work?" Misa's voice sounded through the box. Ann didn't even reply. She just hit the 'unlock' button on the box to let Misa in then went to her bedroom. She was still wearing the clothes from the night before, minus the torn shirt. She went to the bathroom for a quick shower then dressed in one of her sharp looking business suits. Once in the living room she discovered that Misa had made herself at home in the kitchen. "I didn't know what you'd want, so I fixed waffles, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, and bacon." Misa informed her when she spotted Ann leaning on the counter with her eyebrows raised. Ann snatched a piece of bacon and went to stand at the edge of the large windows to look out over the city. A moment later she caught herself in a sigh and she realized she was thinking of him again. She mentally slapped herself and resolved to keep herself busy so it wouldn't happen any more. She walked back to jump up and sit on the kitchen counter and selectively nibble on the bacon.

An hour later Ann unlocked her office door and walked over to her desk to sit. Misa came in a few short minutes later carrying a stack of papers. "I need your signature on a few things. You also need to meet with a few people that you skipped out on yesterday and there's a new prototype for you to approve." Ann sighed. "Set up the appointments first. I'll do the paperwork when I get time between them. I'll just have to go down to the lab later." Ann replied. Misa nodded as she sat the stack of papers on the corner of the desk. It would be a little while before the first appointment so Ann decided to flip on the tv. A blond news reporter was rambling on about something as Ann began shuffling through the paperwork. After a few moments Joker's name was mentioned and Ann jerked her head up to listen more closely. "No new Joker sightings for several days now. Some are skeptical about this strange disappearance. Others are optimistic. Speculating that perhaps a fight with an angry mob boss may have taken care of the problem. I have with me Dr. Johan Fell, a leading psychiatric professor who also specializes in criminal activity. Dr. Fell, what would you say the Joker is planning?" The doctor was a thin woman with brunette hair. A set of small round glasses sat on the end of her pointy nose. She had a sort of snobby look about her. "Well there are several possibilities. He could be planning some sort of anarchistic stunt. We all know that nothing is beyond him or his reach. He's proven that time and again. I'm not too keen on the idea that a rival has taken him out of the picture. Most are too afraid of him and he seems to have out smarted them at every turn. I think its much more likely that something has gone wrong. Perhaps a set back has limited his activity."

Ann rolled her eyes.

Every one panics when he's even mentioned and now that he's suddenly absent there all wanting to know where he is. Ridiculous.

Speaking of your bodacious beau. Do you want to remember more?

That depends. Am I going to die?

I said it was a mistake damnit! Besides, you should be fine. It's should get better as your body gets used to it.

'Should' be fine. 'Mistake'. I don't like those words.

Just shut up and pay attention.

~Flash~

"I'm Jak" She looked up at him. He had broad shoulders and was a bit taller than her. He was wearing a black Japanese Gi and black hakama pants. On his waist was a thick black belt that supported the weight of a shiny black katana. "I'm Ann." "I know." He said with a slight smirk then turned to walk away. "Wait. Where are you going." She asked and began following him. He looked over his shoulder at her. "Well, I was going to meditate. But it looks like your going to change my plans." She frowned. "Why do you say that?" She asked him. "Cause your already following me." He said and kept walking. She debated following him. She wasn't quite sure if he was inviting her or telling her to scram. Curiosity got the better of her and she followed anyway.

He walked around to the back of the dojo and down a steep set of wood stairs that went down the side of the cliff. Once at the bottom they were on a narrow ledge that continued. He walked normally like the edge wasn't even there. Ann, being stubborn, tried to do the same. She managed to make it quite a ways but after a bit her toe caught on a rock and she nearly fell over the edge. Jak managed to grab her just in time. "You should be more careful. I won't always be here to catch you."

Ann's adult mind triggered at the recognition. He had said that to her before. He had been practically begging her to remember and she never had a clue.

Jak held her hand and she clung to his arm as he led her along the narrow cliff. She liked being close to him. His arm was strong and it made her feel secure. After a few minutes the ledge widened and around the corner was a clearing that had been hidden by the cliff face. It was surrounded by walls of mountain. A small waist deep stream curved through the middle of the clearing and there was a small pond against the back wall of the area. From farther up the wall of stone poured a waterfall that supplied the water for the river. The water was the clearest she had ever seen it. It was beautiful. She heard him laugh slightly and she looked up at him to realize she was still clinging to his arm. Her face turned bright red and she jerked away from him. He had an amused smirk on his face as he walked past her to go to the edge of the water and sit down.

Ann was fascinated by the waterfall. She had never seen a natural one before. She walked closer to it. By now it was completely dark, but the full moon illuminated the area in a pale blue light. She felt his eyes on her and she looked back at him to smile. She walked back over to sit next to him. It was silent for several minutes. "It's getting late. Shouldn't you go to sleep? I don't want to get you in trouble." She said. He stretched and laid back on the grass. "This 'is' where I sleep." He told her. She was suddenly concerned. "So…. Your not going back?" She asked. "Nope." She leapt to her feet. "Why didn't you tell me that?" She yelled. He smirked. "You didn't ask." She growled. "Fine. I'll just go back on my own." She said and turned away from him. He laughed. "Go ahead. You know the way." He told her. She crossed her arms stubbornly. After a few moments she sat back down next to him. "Change your mind?" he asked. She scoffed. "No! I just don't want to go back yet. I like it here." She said. He smirked. "Ok." After another few minutes went by she laid back on the grass next to him. "So why are you in Japan? You're an American right?" she asked. "I'm here to learn." He told her. She waited a few seconds. "What are you learning?" She asked. He turned his head to look at her. "To kill."

~Fades to white~

C'mon. Snap outta it.

No! I need to see more!

You can't handle any more right now. Wake up.

Ann opened her eyes. Her head was laying on the desk. To anyone else it would have looked like she was sleeping.

Well, at least I'm still breathing.

Just then there was a knock at the door.

She spent the next several hours going over the new policies with her appointments and reassuring them. By the time the last one finally walked out she was nearly done with her paper work. Out of boredom she went to the research lab and previewed the new prototype hand gun. After making a few suggestions she headed back to her office. By now it was close to noon. Ann walked over to look longingly out the window.

I can't keep doing this. I have to get over him.

You really miss him.

Ann ignored her. After a minute the call box came on. "Hey. Someone here to see you. I told him you were busy but-" There was a knock at the door. Ann called for the person to enter. The doors opened and in strolled Bruce Wayne. "Hello beautiful." Ann turned to look back out the window acting like she was ignoring him. But she couldn't hide the small smile that crept onto her face. "Bad day?" He asked. "You could say that." She told him. "Well, I think I might have just the thing. What would you say to lunch topped with two tickets to the best opera in town?" Ann laughed. "There's only one opera in town." She said. He walked up to stand beside her. "That makes it the best." She smiled. "Well, I am hungry." She said. "Perfect. He extended his arm in an invitation." She looked down at his arm hesitantly then took it and let him walk her out. She told Misa where she would be then they left by way of elevator.

It felt like he had some strange possessiveness for her. He tried to stay as close to her as possible the whole way down to his limo. Ann just tried to ignore it.

Once they were outside she began getting a strange and uncomfortable feeling. It was like someone was watching her. She tried to ignore it as he opened the door for her and she got into the limo. Once the limo was down the road she began to feel a bit better. Bruce took her to another fancy restaurant. She prayed they were seated somewhere away from windows. It didn't happen. Through the entire meal she had the same uncomfortable feeling. She kept brushing it off. But she knew it was 'him'.

If he's goinna watch me I may as well make him jealous.

She began to actually enjoy herself with Bruce even though she knew he was watching. She began to smile and laugh when he would crack a joke or tell a funny story. She even started flirting a little. Not a lot. Just a little. She agreed to go to the opera with him later that night. It took forever for them to finish lunch because they were talking so much. She shared a few things with him. She told him about her father and how he had taught her to be a tactician. He told her about what a great person his father had been and how much he missed his parents. When they were finally finished with lunch he drove her back to her company and walked her up to her office in the same way he had escorted her before. Once he was gone Ann felt a bit lonely.

She went to the couch in her office and flipped the tv on. Misa came in and sat beside her and watched with her. It was the 2:00 news. They were showing the weather. Like she didn't already know what the weather was like. She almost changed the channel when the same blond reporter from earlier came on to give a sneak peek of what was coming up next. "New celebrity Mary Giovanni, the multi billionaire is having no trouble at all fitting in. She was seen today with Bruce Wayne on a lunch date. The two looked to be romantically involved. It seems she's wasting no time acquainting herself with her peers." Ann leapt to her feet. "Sonofabitch! 'Romantically involved'? That little bitch! How dare they! That's an invasion of privacy!" She yelled at the tv. Misa laughed. "They sure are on top of it too. You only got back about ten minutes ago." She said. Ann growled. "You better get used to it. You're a 'celebrity' now." Misa said. "Their making me sound like a friggin high class slut!" "Relax. It'll die down in a few months. So long as you don't give them anything to talk about." Misa told her.

Well, if Joker wasn't watching before, he sure as hell is now. Looks like he's not the only one following me. Ugh. What a pain!

She changed the channel. She didn't want to hear all the slander they were about to spill about her. She decided to go home early after that. Upon stepping out of the building she was bombarded by a sea of reporters asking her billions of questions about her relationship with Bruce. She didn't think the trick she pulled before when she said she would sue them all would work this time. She was sorely tempted to pull out her guns and start shooting people. She yelled repeatedly that there was no 'romantic relationship' and that she had no other comments as she pushed her way through the crodn of people to finally get in her car and drive away.

Ann was absolutely furious on the drive home. She wanted her freedom back. It was like she couldn't go anywhere or do anything without someone spying on her. At least Joker didn't make up shit for popularity. He did have a tendency to take things a bit too far though. But in his profession she really couldn't blame him.

She decided to swing by her old apartment to get the last and most valuable piece of her possessions, her sword. This time, however, she parked by the apartments and called before she opened the door. It made her angry to have to call just to enter her own home. But it was either that or have to dodge a base ball bat every time thanks to Ashley's paranoia. Ann didn't stay long. She was in a foul mood and didn't want to deal with Ashley's constant questions about Joker. She felt bad, like maybe she had hurt Ashley's feelings the night before. But Ash was just as perky and full of cheer as usual. Ann collected her sword and left.

She felt like she had nowhere to go. She didn't want to go back to her new apartment and she couldn't so much as go to the grocery store without getting her face plastered all over the news. She drove around for several hours out of boredom and frustration. Finally she gave up on doing anything to cool her frustration and went home.

By the time she got home it was close to 6:00. The opera started at 8:00. Bruce was picking her up at 7:00 to go eat. She had just enough time to get ready. She went downstairs and placed her katana on its stand she had already prepared. She then went up to her room to get ready. She wore a sleek black cocktail dress that had a low cut back. The bottom of the dress was just below knee length and had a small split up the side. Around the edges at the top and bottom were red silk roses. She wore black heels and pulled her hair back with a clip to keep the majority of it out of her face. She let a few of her shorter bangs fall down loosely. She then did her makeup in a shiny jade green with gold in the inside corner and then applied blush, eye liner, and mascara. Needless to say, she felt like turning a few heads.

She finished in time to sit and relax for a while before Bruce got there. She was standing at the edge of her balcony overlooking the night when there was a knock at the door. Ann sighed. She felt a slight bit disgusted with herself for going on a date with Bruce and wearing what she was wearing. All her life she had hated those people that flaunted themselves in their money. That may not be what she was trying to do. But that's what it looked like. That's what it reminded her of. She didn't want this life. She reminded herself that it was only temporary until she found a way to make it right, then went to open the door.

Bruce was dressed in a very stylish black tux that showed off his figure. He was also wearing a red tie. He had matched her accidentally with the black and red. He gave her a long look up and down. She smiled when he held up a single red rose and offered it to her. "It's not as beautiful as you, but it will have to do." He told her. She accepted the rose and said thank you. She had to admit. His charm was getting to her a bit. Maybe he wasn't so bad.

The elevator ride was a bit uncomfortable. She didn't know what to say. It was silent the whole way down. When the elevator opened he placed his hand in the small of her back and led her to the limo. His hand on her back reminded her of Joker. She was suddenly a bit mortified when she realized she was beginning to resent Joker for skipping out on her. She knew that he was only protecting the both of them. But she couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed.

Once outside she got that strange and uneasy feeling again. She knew someone was watching her. She knew it had to be Joker. The malice she felt gave it away.

I guess trying to make him jealous worked.

If she knew Joker, he was just itching to kill Bruce. She had to admit, it was a bit ironic. "Ann. Are you okay?" Bruce asked. He was standing at the limo door holding it open for her. She had been scanning the streets and buildings for any signs of 'him'. "Oh, yes I'm fine. Sorry." She said and got in. He followed her. Like before, she started feeling better once they were out of sight. She started talking a bit more and feeling a bit more comfortable with Bruce.

Bruce took her to a very nice and very expensive Shogun's restaurant. They had their own private table and the cook cooked everything right there in front of them and did some impressive tricks. Ann ate with chop sticks. She was very good at it. Bruce tried to follow suit but eventually gave up and ate with a fork. Bruce seemed very impressed when she started a conversation with the cook in his native Japanese language. Mushisano, the cook, seemed impressed also. She laughed when he commented on Bruce's 'illiteracy' then relayed the message. He laughed also. They had to leave a bit sooner than Ann would have liked because of the opera. She promised to come back and visit Mushisano soon.

Ann was beginning to get a bit excited. She had never been to the opera before. When they arrived a door man opened the limo door for them. It happened to be on Bruce's side. He stepped out first then held out his hand to help her out. Upon entering the large spinning doors a man looked over their tickets and began to give them directions. "No need. I know the way." Bruce told the man. The man nodded as Bruce led her further into the lobby. There were several people that she recognized to be particularly wealthy. They all recognized her. Almost every man in the area was watching her. Almost every woman was looking enviously in her direction. Several were glaring. With a burst of self confidence she met each of their eyes in turn. The majority of the women averted their eyes. The men kept looking. Bruce escorted her to a set of large stairs that she assumed led to the boxes towards the top of the building. A man at the top of the stairs handed each of them a pair of golden binoculars. Bruce kept his hand on her back. She had the feeling he liked being able to touch her skin. They finally made it to their box and he pulled the curtains aside for her. They were standing on their own private balcony. The carpet was red as well as the comfortable chairs. The balcony railing itself was rimmed in gold. He pulled her chair out for her and she sat down. He scooted his chair closer to her and sat himself.

The band down front was warming up. The classical music was soothing. She hadn't heard any in a long time. "Have you ever been to the opera before?" Bruce asked her. She was leaning as far as she could to look out over the balcony. She smiled and looked back at him. "No." He laughed. "I could tell. They say the first time you see an opera you'll either love it or hate it. But even if you hate it, you'll still appreciate it." She smiled again. "What's it about?" She asked. He looked at the ticket. "This one is Hamlet." Ann's eyes perked up. "Shakespeare? I used to read Shakespeare all the time." She told him. "Well, then I think you'll like it." The lights dimmed and the stage lit up. The band was silent. Ann leaned up to look at the stage. Bruce just sat back and watched her. It was obvious he was more interested in her than the play. "Your not going to watch?" She asked. He laughed slightly. "I've seen it a billion times." She believed him.

Hamlet was a story about a prince who's father dies. His mother re marries shortly after. Hamlet was disgusted with his mother for re marrying so soon. His father's ghost comes to him and tells him that the man his mother married was the one who killed him. Hamlet then goes on a vengeful mission to kill his father's murderer. The whole story is very malicious and dark.

Ann was completely fascinated with the play. She had read the play before, but it was completely different seeing it in real life.

Several times during the opera Bruce would point out things that he liked about the main character and they would talk about it.

Once the opera was over Bruce escorted her back to the lobby and they talked with some of the people Bruce knew. He introduced her to a few of them. She honestly doubted that she would even bother to remember their names. She let Bruce do most of the talking.

At the moment they were standing in a circle of people talking about their favorite moments during the opera. Someone suddenly placed their hand on her shoulder. She spun around rather quickly and barely managed to restrain herself from clobbering the person. She wasn't used to people invading her personal space. When she spun around she was face to face with Chamberlin. "Ah. I thought it was you." Chamberlin said and extended his hand. Ann immediately backed away from him but hesitantly let him take her hand and kiss it. Bruce was in a conversation with one of the other people in the circle but Ann could tell he was watching. "Ah Chamberlin. What a 'pleasant' surprise." Ann said as politely as she could. Chamberlin made a show of looking around. "I don't see your pet." Ann glared at him. "Careful. You wouldn't want a repeat of the 'lesson' you learned last time. I'd be happy to point him in your direction." Ann said with a bit of malice. At that Bruce turned around and showed a 'visible' interest in the conversation. Chamberlin's eyes grew in size a bit when Bruce slipped his arm around Ann's waist and looked at him expectantly.

Looks like Joker's not the only one with a jealousy problem.

Hahaha. This is great. It's like watching a soap opera!

Chamberlin quickly regained his composure. "Oh. You've made an upgrade. And the two of you were so 'cute' together. Such a shame. Poor Jak never had a chance." That did it. She couldn't restrain her temper any longer. Ann stepped forward and slugged him strait in the jaw then smoothly walked out. Chamberlin was flat on his ass and Bruce had a shocked look on his face. It quickly turned into a smirk and he followed her casually. The rest of the room was awe struck.

Ann had been fully prepared to walk home. She was half way down the block by the time Bruce caught up to her. She had that uncomfortable feeling again. She had the feeling that Joker was watching her. She sure as hell hoped it was him and not some stupid reporter. "Hey hold up. Are you okay?" Bruce asked when he managed to catch up to her. She sighed. "Yeah. I'm fine. I just really hate him." She told him as she finally stopped. She suddenly heard footsteps running towards them. She spun around and began to get in a fighting stance when she realized it was Chamberlin again. He looked absolutely furious. Bruce stepped in front of Ann and put himself protectively between her and the pissed off Chamberlin. "I think you should be on your way." Bruce told him. "Not till that bitch gets a piece of my mind." He said and tried to grab Ann's wrist. She jerked away from him. Chamberlin didn't even have time to blink before Bruce clocked him in the face. Chamberlin fell backwards, this time unconscious. "Come on. I think it's time we left." Bruce said as he took her hand and led her around the unconscious idiot and to the limo that was parked by the door.

Once inside the limo she held her head in her hands. She was visibly shaken. She was so pissed off but she was a bit afraid too. If anyone remembered Joker's name it would be really bad. Granted, no one knew Jak was the Joker. But if anyone found out she had a connection with him they could easily put two and two together.

That idiot was never supposed to come here! This could be very bad.

Relax. He doesn't know who Jak really is.

I guess your right. But it still could have been a disaster. I have to stay away from him.

Bruce's hand was suddenly on her shoulder and she jumped. "You alright?" he asked. She sighed. "Yeah. I'm fine." She told him. "Old boyfriend?" He asked. She laughed. "No way. He just wishes I gave him a shot." Bruce smiled slightly. It may have been her choice of words or just the thought of her disgust for the man that got him. Either way, he was smiling.

"What are you smirking at?" Ann asked out of curiosity. He kind of laughed a little. "I was just thinking about how you decked him back there." She smiled. "Sorry. Bad habits die hard." She told him and looked out the window and shivered more out of frustration than anything. After a second Bruce shrugged out of his coat and the next thing she knew he had draped it over her shoulders. She felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but she knew he was only being sweet.

Ten minutes later the limo pulled up to the curb outside her new apartment. Bruce opened the door for her and helped her out. Like before, the elevator ride was silent and a little uncomfortable. Once they were at the doors to the actual apartment on the top floor Ann got out her keys and unlocked the door.

This is really awkward. He's goinna expect me to kiss him.

That's what you get. Haha.

Ugh! For once say something helpful!

Okay. Your spacing out and he's starting to notice.

Shit.

Ann opened the door then turned around to face the man who was waiting patiently for her. "Thanks for dinner and the opera." She said in a sweet voice as she handed him back his jacket. "So would you like to do it again sometime?" He asked.

Fuck. Now what do I say?

Your asking me? I'm not exactly a specialist when it comes to this shit.

"Eheh. Sure." She said a bit nervously. He smiled and casually leaned on the door next to her.

Oh my God. He's not going to leave till I either kiss him or tell him to go away.

So tell him to get lost.

I can't do that! He's been nice to me.

Then kiss him for fucks sake! I don't know.

But….. Ja-

He dumped you right?

But he did it for my protection.

Uh. Did you forget about the chloroform part? He didn't exactly discuss it with you.

Christ!

"Bie." She said then jumped forward to kiss him on the cheek then prepared to hastily slam the door. But before she could his hand caught her by the wrist and pull her a bit closer. It shocked her a bit.

Damn! He's fast.

She got a second surprise when his lips were suddenly on hers. She had been so surprised by his speed that she hadn't even noticed when he moved in closer. Her eyes widened a bit from the surprise but after a moment she found herself unwillingly relaxing and letting it happen. Her eyes drifted closed and she leaned in slightly. Then she began making comparisons to how Joker had kissed her. How Joker was a bit more forceful and arrogant, Bruce was a bit arrogant and a bit on the sly side. Then she remembered the first time Joker had kissed her, how he had leaned on the door as she opened it like Bruce had.

That one last memory is what did it. She broke away and took a few quick steps backwards. "I'm sorry. I just can't do this." She apologized as she began to feel the beginning signs of a stress headache. Bruce looked slightly confused. "No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Ann shook her head and held her arms because of the discomfort she felt from the situation. "No. It's okay. It's just that, I just kind of got out of a relationship. I wasn't ready for it to end. I still miss him." For a moment Bruce looked relieved that he had done nothing wrong. Then for an instant his face took on a slightly sad look. "Jak right?" He asked. Ann was a bit annoyed that he had remembered the name. She looked out towards the window. "Yeah." Bruce gave her a reassuring smile. "I understand. It's okay." He held out his hand expecting her to take it. She looked at his hand for a moment trying to gauge exactly what he was going to do. "It's alright. I'm not going to bite you." He said a bit sarcastically. She held out her hand and placed it in his hesitantly. He suddenly pulled her closer to him and into a hug. She was a bit shocked at first and didn't really know what to do. "I'm here if you need anything." He told her. Then smoothly turned to walk out of her apartment. "See you Friday. I'll take you to dinner again." He said just before he closed the door.

After the door shut she heard his foot steps trail off. She banged her head against the door several times.

What's wrong with me?

Your psychotic and not meant for a normal relationship?

Screw you.

Ann locked the door then walked across the room and let herself fall backwards onto the couch. She laid there going over everything that had just happened. Her mind automatically kept going back to the kiss. His lips had been so soft and inviting. She had just gotten lost.

A bit later she went to her bedroom and changed into some more normal clothes. After getting dressed she sat on the bed for a moment letting herself take in all the changes that just dropped in on her out of nowhere. Something caught her attention on the table next to the bed. She looked up to see the bottle of Jack Daniels she had brought from her old apartment. She looked at it a moment then picked it up and took a small swig of the brown liquid. She had no more than begun to stand up when the buzzer by the door went off. She sighed in frustration then went to the door. Upon answering the call box she discovered it was Ashley. Ann pushed the button that would let her through the doors down stairs then went to sit on the balcony in her usual spot.

A few minutes later Ashley bounced into the apartment like some kiddy cartoon on crack. When she saw Ann on the balcony she happily walked out to sit next to her. "So. How did it go?" Ashley asked. Ann gave her a confused look. "What are you mumbling about now?" Ann asked. "Your date with Bruce! Duh. Misa told me." Ashley replied. Ann rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Sounds about right." Ashley looked at her expectantly for a few seconds. "Well how did it go?" "It went alright. Had a good time, he defended my honor, laughed and talked, the good bye kiss, yadda yadda…" Ashley suddenly emitted a series of squeals. "You kissed? Was it good? French or American? I bet his lips are so soft!" Ann's eyes widened at the series of questions that she was about to have an awkward time explaining and her face flushed red. "It wasn't like that! I wasn't even expecting it!" Ashley's mouth dropped open. "Why on earth did you say 'that'?" Ann sighed in annoyance. "Because it's the truth." Ashley shook her head. "There's something wrong with you." She said as she pulled a pack of cigarettes out of her fuzzy pink jacket pocket and proceeded to light one. Ann hadn't smoked in years. She watched Ashley take a drag off the cigarette then Ann took another sip of the whiskey in her hand. Ashley seemed to notice Ann's attention on the cigarette. "Hey. You used to smoke right? When did you quit?" Ann half laughed. "A few years back." Ann mumbled. "I hate to be the one who re-introduces someone to a bad habit, but you look like you want one." Ashley said just before she held out the pack to Ann.

Ann hesitated a bit at first. She remembered what a pain in the ass it was to quit. The only reason she even bothered to go through it was to prove to herself that she could. "Sure." Ann said and took a cigarette out of the pack. Ashley handed her a lighter and Ann lit her cigarette. After Ann took that first drag she looked at the cigarette in one hand then the whiskey in the other. "Here." Ann said as she handed the bottle to Ashley. Ashley reacted in about the same way Ann had with the cigarette. Hesitantly she took the bottle and tipped it up. Before long they were starting to get tipsy. They were both laughing and having a good time. It had been awhile since Ann had actually been drunk for fun instead of drinking to get rid of a migraine or because she was pissed off. Come to think of it, it had been awhile since she had fun doing anything at all. It was great with Joker because he kept things exciting and interesting. She had had fun with him. But 'normal' fun was different. There wasn't anything to worry about like running from the cops or blowing people up. It was nice to just be a bit normal.

"So what kind of kiss was it?" Ashley asked again after they had had a bit to drink. Ann's face turned a bit red again. "I don't kiss and tell." Ann told her. Ashley pouted a bit. "C'mon. He was a good kisser, right? You gotta tell me!" Ann's face got a bit more red. "Okay! Yes. It was a good kiss. Happy?" Ashley squealed. "Well, French? American? Any tongue at all?" Ashley asked. Ann's face was now a bright red. "American." She mumbled. Ashley squealed again.

For the next ten minutes Ann was forced to go over every detail including exactly what she had told him.

For the next hour she went over every detail of the entire evening, including the incident with Chamberlin. Ashley laughed about that. The more they talked the more they drank. Ann was actually having a blast talking about everything that had happened between her and Bruce.

The more fun they had the more they drank of the whiskey. Ashley ended up passing out first. Ann, in a drunken state all her own, attempted to carry Ashley to the spare bedroom. It was quite a sight. Ann stumbling all over the place trying in vain to carry an unconscious Ashley. After a few minutes of falling on her face and/or ass Ann decided to try to drag her. This was almost worse in a way. Ann kept tripping over Ashley who she was supposed to be dragging. Finally she gave up on the spare room and tried for the significantly closer couch. Ashley ended up sleeping with her feet on the couch and her torso and head on the floor. Ann stumbled to her bedroom and collapsed on her bed.

Ann laid in bed for awhile. It seemed the longer she laid in bed the more she thought about 'him'. She couldn't help it. She tried as hard as she could not to. But her will power was slightly 'impaired'. She thought about Bruce too. Once again, she tried as hard as she could not to. It didn't do any good. After what seemed like hours of stressful mental confusion and confliction she finally fell asleep.