Sorry for the wait! Writers block took over me again. I wrote about five different versions of this chapter so this was a rough one to write. So after having the pleasure of writers block for two weeks plus a nasty cold I'm updating!! I hope you guys like it and thanks for the amazing reviews! It's a long chapter so I'm making up for the two weeks of non-updating. Please review!!
Characters belong to DC Comics and Nolan. Except for some little stand in characters that belong to my friend and I. Peace!
Chapter 29
Acceptance
Rachel had been back to work for a week and was still feeling the pressure from the other employees. From the glares to the whispering, the walls around her seemed to be slowly falling in on her. However, she took the rumors and glares like a champ and refused to let it get to her. She knew what was true, along with Gordon and the Mayor so she could care less about what the little weasels at work thought. Rachel woke up the next morning with a chipper feeling running through her veins. She was so excited about work she woke up an hour earlier. The Mayor wanted to talk to her that morning about something serious and job-related. She was so curious she almost didn't sleep at all that night. She stood under the warm stream of the shower and felt life sink into her. The sleep feeling left her instantly as she felt the warm drops rain down on her. Steam enveloped her instantly as she washed her hair free of shampoo. She wondered what the Mayor wanted to talk about and hoped it was something positive. Being no one was too fond of her since the 'Joker Accomplice' rumor buzzed around she was ready for some good news. Rachel had always been liked and respected by her fellow workers, so she knew their sudden change would be hard on her and it was. She shut off the water and got prepared herself for the busy day ahead of her.
The walk up the steps made her heart race and pound against her chest. However she ignored the rapid beating and put on her game face as she stepped through the doors. She made her way towards the elevator and pushed the call button. She stood with a mischievous smile on her face as she felt a few glares land on her as some employees walked by. The elevator doors opened and she stepped in side with a shake of her head she pushed the button to her floor. She gripped her bag tight to her side and she bit at her lip. The elevator doors opened and allowed two more passengers on. Rachel's blood boiled at the look on the man and woman's faces when they saw her. Pure disgust and hate. Rachel ignored them as they stepped away from her and turned their backs to her. Rachel rolled her eyes and held her breath; she couldn't believe how childish everyone was acting. It almost made her laugh how everyone saw her as quote "a traitor that fondled the enemy". She heard that remark thrown in her direction once already and it made her smile out of amusement. Finally the elevator stopped on her floor and the doors banged open. Rachel brushed past the two passengers, out the door and to her right. She caught a glare from Detective Sherman, which she returned before entering her office. She put her stuff down on her desk and let out a deep sigh. This was going to be a long day.
--- 2 hours later ---
Rachel was looking over her email, most were from Gordon and Bruce. One from the Mayor and another from Detective Ramirez. Bruce and she were on the outs again, seemed like he was having an emotional breakdown. Her heart ached for him and she wished she could help him, but she figured she'd only make it worse. She was in a rut with him and decided to give him some space. She glanced over at Gotham Times that sat on her desk. She hadn't bothered to open it and look at the news, today was tough already. The last thing she wanted to do was read about the latest crime and death rate of the city. It depressed her at the thought of all the innocent lives that have been taken these past few months. Though the more she thought about it the more she came to realize she was mainly depressed over the fact she was in love with the man that took all those lives. It's been a week since Rachel's last encounter with the Joker at the police station. She went out to look for him after that ordeal but had no luck in finding him. Space was something she valued in all relationships, romantic or friendship so she wasn't too upset that she hadn't seen him for awhile. Though a part of her did miss that clown, no matter how much dined it. She was dragged out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. She looked up and saw the Mayor standing in her door way. He had a kind smile on his face which she returned as he stepped inside the office.
"Please take a seat." she offered.
"Thank you Rachel." he replied taking a seat in front of her. "Happy to be back?"
"Of course." she said. "It's been nice to have something to do other then sitting around my apartment all day."
"Well I'm happy to hear that you're back and doing a good job of course." he smiled.
"Always sir." Rachel replied with a smile.
"Well, I know you're curious to why I wanted to meet with you. I could tell by the sound of your voice on the phone yesterday." he gave a laugh.
"I'm beyond curious." replied Rachel.
"For starters let me say this... I know you've been having a rough time. Since Harvey's passing and with all the clown business going on, I know things have been hard on you. I've paid close attention to you're responses and actions over the past few months. I have to say I'm very impressed." he gave her a grin and continued. "You have been the Assistant DA for the past five years, I do believe. You know the cases like the back of your hand. You know how to handle the situations in the courtroom and out of the courtroom. You're a hard worker and I've always watched how well you worked with our past DAs. You're always on top of the game and ready for anything." He gave a chuckle.
"Well, thank you so much." Rachel replied and felt a tug in her gut.
"You're welcome…I guess what I'm getting at is... I think it's time we let you step up from the assistant." he replied. "I think you have more to offer. How would you like to be the new District Attorney?" Rachel looked at him with a surprised expression. She was speechless at his offer and the Mayor gave a laugh. "I'm hoping that's a yes?"
"Oh sorry- uh yeah that would be amazing." she said loudly. "Thank you so much. It would be an honor to take the job."
"Good." He said. "Of course you'll give a press statement… once you're settled into the job." He said pulling out a gold key from his pocket. "Here's the key... to your new office." Rachel smiled and took the key from him. "You'll be given Harvey's old office." Rachel's heart skipped a beat. "I just couldn't see anyone else taking over for him."
"Thank you so much." she said again. "I won't let you down, nor will I let the city down." She got to her feet following his lead and shook his hand.
------------------------------
"Boss." said a clown banging through the metal doors. "Their coming." Silence. "Boss?" The clown eyed the Joker who sat in a chair with his feet propped up on the table in front of him. He eyed the TV that sat on the wooden surface before him. He chewed on some M&Ms as he ignored the clown and paid attention to the news. "Sir."
"I heard you the first time Grumpy." growled the Joker with a mouthful of candy.
"What should we do?" asked Grumpy.
"How far away are they?" asked the Joker with no interest.
"About three blocks." said Grumpy gripping the gun he held tight in his gloved hands. The Joker just hummed a response but didn't give any orders. Grumpy felt his blood boil as he watched his boss sitting there like a little kid on a Saturday morning watching cartoons. Grumpy's name said it all, he had a major bipolar issue and the smallest thing would send him in a rage. However the Joker was the one thing that could keep him at bay. Mainly because the laughing clown held his life in his hands and Grumpy wasn't ready to leave yet. Grumpy inhaled and asked one more time. "What do you want us to do?"
"Watch them." said the Joker. "You know the drill." Grumpy growled and cursed under his breath as he left the kitchen.
The Joker got word of a mob meeting that was going to take place in the back kitchen of Kal's Bar/Casino, it was owned by Salvador Maroni. Making it one of twenty other places the top mobster owned through out the city. Considering the place didn't open till 5pm and it was only 3pm meant the Joker had no problem gaining access. The building was dark, only the glare of the TV shined on the Joker's face as he watched the news. He waited for the mobsters to show up, he had some un fished business to take care of. He watched the end of the weather report and chuckled softly to himself. He sat there and caught a few M&Ms in his mouth and listened to the reporter.
"It's been two days since the Mayor announced the new District Attorney." Said the Reporter. "Now here is the first press statement from Gotham's new DA, Rachel Dawes and her take on the position she was granted." The Joker slowly looked at the TV with a mouthful of candy. The camera showed Rachel standing in front of a crowd of reporters.
"Hold the press!" said the Joker loudly leaning on the table to get a better look.
"This is just, over whelming thank you." Rachel said to the crowd and everyone clapped again. "I'd just like to say, thank you. All of you that have been so supportive these past few months and have kept me going." She paused for a moment and exhaled deeply. "I know there have been a few mix ups with some events in my life. However I have been cleared and the GPD has apologized for their false information. Anyways I want you to know, I'm going to work as hard as I can. I promise to use all my power to get Gotham back in order again. I won't rest till this city is back in the hands of the citizens and out of the hands corruption." Everyone cheered for her and she said gave a smile. "Gotham will have order again. Justice will be done. I will try my best and work as hard as I can, I won't let you down." Everyone clapped and cheered as Rachel gave her final thank you.
The Joker sat with his eyes glued to the screen as Rachel started taking questions. He was so occupied he ignored the two clowns that came in and the lights that flickered on over head. He heard one of his thugs speak and he slowly drifted out of his trance and looked up at the mobsters that stood in front of him. The Joker smiled and turned off the TV, he leaned back in his seat. He eyed the mobsters who gave him looks of fear and hate. He couldn't help but laugh at their expressions.
"Miss me?" he asked loudly spreading his arms out. The two clowns that stood on each side of him held their guns tight in their hands. The Joker scanned around the remaining members of the mob that ruled Gotham's underworld. The Joker smiled at them and bit at his scars. "Well sit... stay awhile." He gave a smile showing off his yellow teeth as the mobsters sat down. The air was tense and the Joker cleared his throat and eyed them. "Now... we have some uh, things to discuss-uh." The Joker eyed a familiar face and bit his tongue in thought. "Don't we... Mr. Maroni?" Salvador Maroni sat there with a dark cloud over his eyes as he glared at the Joker. His expression made the Joker laugh in the back of his throat. "This is going to uh.. be inter-esting."
----
That night Rachel got home from a long day at the office. Being the District Attorney was a busy job and it was wearing her down. She was told she'd get use to it and adjust sooner or later. She got Harvey's old office, and just being in that atmosphere was awkward. Yet she felt at home there. She felt more comfortable then she thought she would. She came home late and walked through her dark apartment. She went into the kitchen and set her stuff down on the table. Turning on the light above the stove, she took off her coat and slung in on the back of the chair. She walked to the hall and went into the bathroom.
She came out of the bathroom and went into her room. She turned on the lights and sat down on her bed for a moment. She rubbed her eyes and lay back on the pillows and closed her eyes. She was so tired and wanted nothing more then to sleep. Yet her growling stomach protested against her and she slowly got to her feet. She walked back to the kitchen and looked around the cupboards for anything to satisfy her stomach. She looked in the fridge and decided on the leftovers from the other night. Not wanting to waste it she decided to finish it off. She warmed the bowl and sat at the kitchen table. She was half way through her meal when she realized she hadn't seen Max since the got home.
She called for him, but he never came. She got up and put the dish in the sink and looked under the table and in the back for him. She called him again and she heard him meow from the living room. She looked out into the dark living room and called for him again. He just growled and she got a chill as she slowly walked over and turned on the living room light. She jumped a little as her eyes landed on the figure that was making the cat uneasy.
The Joker sat on the couch, his feet crossed up on the coffee table. He had a knife in his hand and he ran the blade along his gloved fingers. He didn't look cold or wet from the snow that was falling, so she guessed he's been there for awhile. He looked comfortable in his spot and she raised a brow at him. Not bothering to lift his head he spoke in a deep voice.
"Uh, your cats over there." he said gesturing to his left with the knife.
Rachel was kind of nervous and slowly made her way towards the direction he was pointing. Max was under the book case all hunched, and Rachel could tell he was just scared and not hurt. Which she was thankful for and she stood up turning towards the Joker who hadn't moved from his spot.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, causing him to slowly turn to her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked smartly.
"I live here." she said sternly.
"How do you know I don't?" he raised a brow.
"I think I'd know if I was sharing my apartment with a clown." she said crossing her arms.
"You're not in every room at once." he said strongly. "I could be hiding anywhere. I'm like the wind Rachel." He whistled and gestured his hands in a wind like movement.
"More like a hurricane that destroys everything in its path." said Rachel.
"Or that." he agreed.
"Really what are you doing here?" she asked again.
"I just uh... wanted to stop by." he said sitting up, placing his hands on his knees. "It's not every day that one of my friends gets the D.A position. Bravo!" He clapped his hands and Rachel couldn't help but smile.
"Thanks." she said with a grin. "You came all this way just to congratulate me?"
"Are ya feeling the love Miss. Dawes?" he asked smartly.
"So much." she gave a chuckle and sat down.
"And the press statement… wow!" he said loudly and growled in the back of his throat. "Very uh… motivating and might I add you looked as pretty as ever."
"Thanks." she responded with a smile as she felt blush wash over her face. She looked at the clown with a grin which faded in seconds.
"Hmmm... I'm sensing some sorrow." said the Joker with a smack of his lips and a raised brow.
"I'm just tired." said Rachel. "The D.A position is a lot of work."
"It's no walk in the park beautiful." said the Joker.
"I knew it was going to be a lot of work." said Rachel. "It's just got me warn out."
"Ah." said the Joker. "Well… taking all the scum off the streets is going to take a lot of work precious."
"I know." said Rachel with a flattered smile by his little pet names.
"Sooo, who's your first target?" asked the Joker. "The rest of the mob? The strange murders that have been taking place on every Sunday? The guy that tends to run over old people at the cross walk?"
"Actually… I was thinking more of the Clown Prince of Crime." she said with a sly smile.
"Such an amazing title don't you think?" he asked with a proud smile. "Kind of makes me want to give a speech and thank the little people… like you did today."
"Don't let your ego fog over your senses Joker." she said to him. "You do realize things are going to be different."
"Finally." he said under his breath as he sat back. "I have one little tiny question."
"Okay." she shrugged.
"I realize that uh, you are now my biggest enemy." he said and Rachel got a chill. "And I have shared a few uh, details of my life with you. I was curious... You're going to use that to your advantage right?"
"I wasn't D.A when you shared those details." said Rachel.
"But now you are." he said with a smile. "You have to be rid of all the scum right? Well beautiful, I'm at the top of the pile."
"I don't have much information on you actually." said Rachel. "I know your first name, age and that your mother was killed. It's not like I can put the pieces together over night and find out who you use to be. It would take days."
"So." he said unfazed.
"Sooo, why would I do that?" asked Rachel. "I don't need to know your past and your real identity to get you behind bars. I just have to catch you."
"Well, here I am." he said. "Call your little, puppets and uh... take me in." Rachel looked at him in silence for a few seconds. "Any day now."
"Why do you do this?" she asked.
"What?"
"This!"
"This what?"
"Tease me. Push me."
"It's fun." he smiled at her.
"Well not for me." she crossed her arms and sat back. "You know, I'm not going to call the cops. Sure it would be easy and simple, but I don't want it to be simple and easy. I want to catch you in the act. I just can't see the Clown Prince, be taken down while sitting in my apartment. I want to see him get taken down, while committing one last act."
"Why would you want that?" asked the Joker.
"It just seems more... real." she said. "And right."
"Well that's good to know." said the Joker. They sat in silence for a moment and he finally spoke. "Well, it must be easier huh?"
"What?" asked Rachel.
"Life. All you have to worry about now is putting little ol' me behind Arkham's closed doors hmmm." he chuckled.
"Not really." she replied. "Things are more mixed up now then they were a week ago."
"Explain." he said linking his hands together on his belly.
"Well, now that my job is ten times harder. My personal life is getting slaughtered." she said coldly.
"Harsh words." he responded with a smirk. "I like that."
"I bet." she said then continued. "I don't know. I'm more mixed up then I ever thought possible."
"Not like I really care, but what's all mixed up?" he asked.
"If you don't care then why do you want to know?" she glared.
"I like to pretend." he smiled. "Come on Miss. Dawes, talking about something usually makes it better."
"Maybe you should think about that statement." She stated and he gave a small glare making her quickly add. "Just personal issues."
"Ooo my favorite issues!" said the Joker with joy. "Come on beautiful... spill it."
"I'm just having problems with a friend." she replied shaking her head. "I can't seem to keep him as a friend for more then a week at a time."
"Ah." said the Joker then thought for a moment. "Not true, we uh... have a great relationship... To me anyways."
"Not you." Rachel laughed. "Believe me; I can't get rid of you. Partly because you won't leave."
"True." replied the Joker with a grin.
"Anyways, I was talk about Bruce." said Rachel forgetting for a moment who she was talking to.
"Ah Mr. Wayne the Prince of Gotham." replied the Joker scratching his chin in a thoughtful manor. He glanced at Rachel who had sadness written all over her face. "Uh oh... What did you do?"
"What I'm good at." Rachel snapped. "Ripped his heart out and stomped on it." The Joker went to say something but Rachel continued. "Then picked it up and tossed it in the blender and hit shred." The Joker went to speak again but she cut him off. "Then dumped it down the garbage disposal, then-"
"Okay I get it." he said loudly. "Though I'd like you to continue. I'm curious how far you could go with that, but breath."
"Sorry. I let my emotions run wild." said Rachel and they sat in silence for a moment then she changed the subject. "Why did you turn yourself in?" asked Rachel with her famous sly smile.
"I didn't" replied the Joker with a grin.
"Right... Why did you go through all the trouble to help me?" she asked.
"Help you?" he asked. "Is that what you uh… think I did?"
"Yes, because that's what you did." She said smartly and he gave a grin.
"Why do you think I did it?" he asked.
"I don't know." She replied shaking her head. "I'm hoping it's something positive."
"Hmmm..." the Joker thought. "Not everything... I do is positive. Actually... nothing I do is positive." He glanced over at her and his gut turned. "I guess... we all try something new every once in awhile huh?" He gave a small chuckle and she smiled.
"Thanks." Said Rachel with a smile and her heart rate rose when the Joker flashed a charming grin.
"Yeeaaah." Said the Joker slowly and changed the subject. "So DA… seems like the prefect job for you. I mean… you seem to worry a lot."
"I worry about the people of Gotham." She stated.
"Hints why you're perfect for the job." Said the Joker.
"What's wrong with a little worry and concern?" Rachel asked with interest.
"If everyone worried about everyone… life as we know it would end." Said the Joker.
"Maybe." Said Rachel unsure of how to respond to his comment then added. "Actually Joker, I'm happy you did drop by."
"Why?" he asked with a raise of his brow.
"I need your help." she said walking into the kitchen.
"Why do all the stressed women come to me?" he mumbled to himself.
"I'm in the dark on this and I know you'd be a good one to ask." she came back with a file in her hand and made her way over to him. "Being how you're familiar with Gotham's dark underworld." She sat down next to him and set the file on the coffee table and opened it. "Chance Graven, name ring a bell?"
"More like uh, sirens." said the Joker.
"Good." she stated then looked over the file. "What can you tell me about him?"
"What do you know?" asked the Joker.
"I know he's one of the biggest mob bosses in the city, next to Salvador Maroni." said Rachel. "Making him one of Gotham's most wanted and at the top of our list."
"And mine." said the Joker. "Can't you start on something small and slow at first? Like uh, the guy that's been beating up the Pizza Delivery guys."
"That's not a big case." said Rachel.
"Hey, stealing pizza should be a felony." The Joker stated.
"I want Chance Graven." said Rachel.
"I want Chance Graven… in a non-homosexual kind of way." said the Joker looking into her eyes. He raised a brow and Rachel couldn't help but chuckle at his statement and shook her head. "I've been after this guy for months now... you just started this job."
"Well, I don't know what to say." she said.
"Fine... I'll race ya." said the Joker.
"I'm not racing you." said Rachel.
"I'm not cutting back on my job because of yours." said the Joker.
"Well I'm not cutting back on my job because of yours." said Rachel. "I need the money."
"And I don't?" asked the Joker. Rachel eyed him and raised a brow. "What? I'm in the need of a new suit."
"No." said Rachel.
"Are you kidding?" asked the Joker and he pulled his coat collar. "Look at this." Rachel eyed the green dye and grease paint that stained his collar. "I was thinking of maybe purple and orange… what do you think? Think thee uh… orange would bring out my eyes better then the green?" He asked looking down at his vest.
"That's not what I'm talking about." said Rachel. "No to the whole race thing."
"Compromise?" asked the Joker with a wink. "Remember we've had this conver-sation before sweets."
"Fine." said Rachel. "Who ever gets there first."
"That's my girl." said the Joker patting her on the shoulder.
"Do you think I can do this?" asked Rachel still looking at the file. "I mean, this is a tough and scary job. What if I don't do it right?"
"Well, when you start dodging bullets and having your own secret service, you'll know you're doing a good job." He replied gnawing on his scars.
"That's what I'm afraid of." she said facing him. "If I do a bad job I'm going to be dodging insults and I'll let this city down. If I do a good job I'll be dodging hitmen and bullets. I mean… if you're Gotham's DA and you're not dodging bullets you're not doing your job right."
"Sounds more like a thrill to me." he smiled.
"It would." she smiled back and was faced with a tougher issue.
Rachel locked eyes with him for a moment. She was so mixed up in her feelings. First she was falling in love with the Joker. Then she was flooded with memories of Bruce and she'd forget about the clown. Now she was slowly falling for the Joker and forgetting Bruce. It was in a twisted love triangle. She felt the Joker's eyes on her and she tried to ignore his stare. She glanced down at the file of Chance Graven. He was a scary man, crooked teeth, black eyes and hair, 5'11, 240lbs and a scar that ran from his right eye down to his chin. He was head of the Russian Mafia. To her he was more deadly then Maroni and Gambol put together, and he was. He had killed far too many people, and had access to the top hitmen in the city. Rachel would be an easy target if she even attempted to take him down. A part of her wanted to let the Joker handle him, but she feared his life.
"Have you ever met him?" she asked.
"Nope." said the Joker. "I'll give him your address when I do though." He laughed when Rachel gave him a terrified look. "I'm joking. How about a name and number?"
"Don't even joke about that." said Rachel. "It's nerve racking."
"Beautiful, everything in this city is nerve racking." said the Joker. "Even going to Starbucks is nerve racking these days if you're not a criminal."
In a sense the Joker was right. It seemed like the criminals were running this city and had the police force out numbered. Seemed like the innocent was getting the worst of this new life style that had taken over the city. Everyone was way over their head, the police, the National Guard, Rachel and even Batman. Rachel knew that a good hand full of people doubted her. She had to hear about it on the news for the past few days. Not too many people thought she could pull off this job. She felt like the whole world was waiting for her to slip up. Either to give her the boot or watch her get put in the crosshairs walking to her car. She thought for a moment and looked at the file and she took a deep breath and spoke in a strong voice.
"Where can I find Chance Graven?" asked Rachel.
The Joker didn't respond, but bit at his lip. Rachel repeated her question and he still didn't respond. He was debating whether or not to tell her the truth or lie. Out of the worry for her safety or greed? He didn't really know. He had been getting so close to this guy and it was killing him that someone else was trying to get to him first. The Joker had been planning on taking Graven down for months now. He worked hard to get as close to this guy and still keep his head on his shoulders. Then a thought popped into his head and he gave a smile.
"Joker, please." said Rachel.
"There's a yacht, down at the docks." said the Joker leaning forward and writing the serial number down. "That's where you can find him."
"All times?" asked Rachel.
"No." said the Joker. "He's a smart one. He uh, lives out on the water. He only comes to the docks when he's doing business and even then he tends to make the dealers come to him." The Joker licked his lips and continued. "See, uh... He tends to have these look a likes. They go where he's going to go an hour before hand. Just to see if anyone is, uh going to bust him. If the decoy gets busted then he disappears for days even weeks at a time. Then does it all over again." The Joker took a breath. "He has these little spies all over the place. Other mob gangs, prisons, Arkham, banks, county... your office." Rachel looked up at him quickly. "Yeah, your station is just crawling with little worms that are looking for any leaked information. Just a heads up."
"How do you know all this?" asked Rachel.
"I'm the Joker, I know everything." He smiled and added. "Didn't I mention I've been working on this for months?"
Rachel was a bit uneasy. No wonder why the Joker hasn't been able to get this guy, he bobs around like a damn rubber duck 24/7. This was going to be tough but now that she had the information she needed, she could pass it on to Gordon. She closed the file not wanting to look at it anymore. She sat back on the couch and put a hand on her forehead. She gave a yawn and looked over to the clown at her right. He had a look of thought on his face as he ran his tongue along his bottom lip. She smiled at him as he slowly turned to face her. He raised a brow and Rachel gave a laugh.
"I got something for you." said Rachel patting his hand and getting to her feet.
"Do you?" asked the Joker with a smirk.
"Yeah, don't move." said Rachel walking through the kitchen towards her room.
"I'm planted." He said remaining in his place. He raised a brow when Rachel walked in with a small box in her hand. He watched her flop down next to him. She sat on one knee and faced him holding the box out to him. "What is it?"
"Take it." she said, and added when he took the box. "I know Christmas was-." The Joker cut her off.
"It's February." He said loudly with a chuckle.
"Fine consider it a Valentines Day gift." She smirked at him as he remained speechless. "I was going to give it to you last time you were here…" She trailed off remembering the last time he was in her apartment. The hurt and pain that led to the violent break down which led to his actions of helping her with her job.
"Yeah." Said the Joker in understanding.
"Open it." she said with a smile.
"Hmmm." The Joker eyed her and gnawed on his tongue. "It's not going to uh, blow up is it?" He asked taking off his gloves and putting them in his coat pocket.
"Like I'm that clever." said Rachel with a chuckle.
"Riiiight." replied the Joker. "I think you just play stupid."
"I said I wasn't that clever not stupid." said Rachel pretending to be hurt.
"Same difference." he said with a smirk.
Rachel watched him as he brought the box up to his ear and shook it. She couldn't help but smile as the look of curiosity filled his eyes. She could tell he was kind of hesitant, she guessed he didn't receive many gifts. She eyed his injured hands and got a sour taste in her mouth. She noticed that some of the cuts were stitched in a poor fashion, like he did it himself or a monkey had. She watched as he slowly, pulled the red paper away from the white box. He turned the box around in his hands and bit at his scars.
"It's a... white box." he said. "Thanks."
"Open it you goof." she said with a chuckle.
He eyed her for a moment and ran his tongue along his scars as he opened the lid. He raised a brow as he removed the thin layer of cotton. He bit his right scar as hard as he could. He sat for a moment and gave a low hum. Rachel had gotten him a silver pocket watch, he needed a new one. He could feel her eyes on him and it made him uncomfortable.
"Do you like it?" she asked.
"Hmmm." he hummed a response and swallowed a mouth full of blood. "Fancy." Rachel let out a sigh of relief as he took the watch out of the box. The Joker held the cold silver watch in his hands and examined it. It was a lot nicer then the one he had.
"I knew you weren't too crazy about gifts and all that, but I saw this when I was out shopping and thought of you." said Rachel.
"I see that." said the Joker.
On the front of the watch door was five cards. All were aces except the card in front which was a Joker. He couldn't help but chuckle at that and hit the button. The door opened and he noticed the little marks were small diamonds and the numbers were written in red and black. The hands were black and silver and ticked at ever second. The face picture was of a red and gold Joker. Which he recognized as one he had on a card in his pocket. There was a carving on the inside of the door and he turned it so he could read it.
'Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.' He read the words and tilted his head in thought. He bit at his tongue and closed the watch. He turned it over in his hands and admired the different designs that coated the back. The chain was like the one he had on his old watch, and he ran the cool links through his hand. He glanced at the quote and Rachel's voice cut through the silence.
"I thought it fit." said Rachel. "You do laugh at the worse times; maybe it will change the meaning to your laugh?" He just raised a brow and gave a slight nod. "Do you like it?"
"Miss. Dawes, what can I say?" he responded, trying to think of something to say. "You sure do… uh; know how to make a clown happy."
"I try." she said with a laugh he gave a small smirk.
"Thanks beautiful." he said with smug look on his face.
"You're welcome." she responded with a slight blush as butterflies filled her belly.
"Well beautiful, I better scurry." He said suddenly. Rachel couldn't help but feel sad that he was going to leave. She watched him get up and give a small stretch, she couldn't help but ask.
"Where are you going?" she asked with wonder.
"Bat watching." He said with a smirk.
"Oh." She said with a hint of sorrow and worry. "You are aware that the National Guard is still out and about."
"Yeah, the little worms." Said the Joker with a growl. "Think their sooo tough with their guns and their… fancy cameo." He growled and Rachel couldn't help but laugh and he looked down at her. "I have a feeling… the only time you laugh is when uh, I'm around."
"It's hard to find humor these days." Said Rachel with a small smile, she didn't want the Joker to leave. She was exhausted and ready for sleep a few moments ago but now she was filled with life. In fact if she had her way, he'd never have to leave. Her emotions were balled up in her chest and she had that love sick feeling in her stomach. She didn't want to bring anything emotional, seemed like when ever she did he'd run away. She looked up at him eyed the watch he held in his wounded fist. "Don't break that." She said pointing to the watch.
"Hmmm." He bit at his scars. "Hold this." He said tossing her the watch. He reached in his pocket and took out his old watch. He unhooked the chain from his waist and held it for a moment. He took the new watch from Rachel and replaced the old one. "Here." He held the watch out to her. "I have no use for it. Sell it on EBay or something."
"I wont sell it." Said Rachel taking the watch from him.
"Why not, you might get a pretty penny." He smirked at her.
"You know damn well I'm not going to sell it." She said with a shake of her head.
"Hmmm." He hummed and he sat down next to her. "You know beautiful… I'm glad you're uh… not going to." He reached out and grabbed the watch from her. "You see… I've had this watch for almost… fifteen years." Rachel eyed him as he spun the watch and the chain links twirled and un twirled. "Y'see this… was my father's watch." Rachel gave him an awkward look. "My father wasn't a good man… I know that. You know that. However… there was a time when he wasn't just a drunken fiend. He was act-ually a father figure at one point." The Joker ran his tongue along his lip and gave a dark chuckle. "I can remember one time when I saw him really… happy. I was about six or seven… just a little guy. The carnival was in town and I begged my father to take me. After hours of nonstop annoyance he finally… agreed and we went." He smiled for a moment. "It was fun… All the lights and rides. Thee uh other kids with their parents having a blast and wasting their money on the rip off booths… which are addicting." Rachel gave a nod in agreement.
"Damn carnies." He continued. "Anyways, I still remember most of that night. The clowns… boy did my old man love the clowns." He laughed. "Juggling and playing little jokes on everyone. Tripping their fellow clowns and throwing pies. My father was laughing so hard I thought he'd bust a gut!" Rachel couldn't help but smile at him as he shared another life long tale. "It was the first time… and only time I can ever recall us spending quality time." He had a hint of sorrow and a dark smile on his face as he looked up into Rachel's eyes. "Anyways, this watch always reminded me of that story because it's the only good memory I ever had of my father. Plus this being the only thing I have left to uh... remember him by set aside the dark memories." He bit at his lip as he eyed the watch, then pulled out the one Rachel gave him. "However this one…" He stuttered for a moment. "I like this one." He gave Rachel the other and she felt a pain in her stomach.
"But if this one is special then you should keep it." Said Rachel.
"I'm done with the past. How am I suppose to start over when I have these uh... memories?" Growled the Joker. "Besides… I like the new one better. It has more… meaning." He gave a smile which Rachel returned and held the watch tight in her hand.
"Thank you." She replied with glazed eyes.
"It's just an old watch that once belonged to a drunken' ass that his psychotic son took." Replied the Joker. "No sense in letting the plumbing break."
"No it's not just that." Replied Rachel with a laugh protesting against the tears. "You've confided in me and… it just means a lot." She looked away from him and brushed away a tear.
"Hmmm I'm curious and since I'm not a cat... it's not dangerous." Said the Joker and his words rang in Rachel's ears. "Why do you get sooo… emotional with me Miss. Dawes?" Rachel continued to look away from him, not wanting him to see the tears that lightly fell from her eyes. She could feel his eyes burn into her and her heart pounded against her chest. The Joker bit at his scars and took a deep breath; he hated it when he was ignored. However the voice in his head told him Rachel wasn't ignoring him, and he couldn't help but agree. He reached over and took Rachel's chin in his hand and forced her to look at him. His dark eyes were met with her bright ones as tears lightly slid down her face. "What's wrong beautiful?"
Rachel didn't know what to say as she looked into his face. His eyes were filled with curiosity and his lips held no smile. Unsure of what to say she let her emotions sore and she went into action. The Joker was taken by surprise when Rachel put her hands on his face and pulled him into a kiss. He wasn't complaining and shook the surprised feeling and kissed her back. After a small kiss Rachel pushed away from him. She moved quickly and the Joker was more taken back by her pushing away then the kiss. She got to her feet and was unsure of what to say or do at this point. Her inner voice told her to leave the room or ask him to leave. Her heart was telling her to stay and let nature take its course.
The Joker just eyed her and shook his head; he could almost see the smoke seep from her ears as her brain worked over time. She looked down at him and he gave a dashing smile that made Rachel weak at the knees. Again he sensed this and worked his magic and got to his feet. He stepped closer to her and he put his hands on hers and slowly ran them up her arms. He gave a grin and got eye level with her, looking deep into her eyes. He gave a chuckle and pressed his scarred lips to hers. Rachel kissed him back and before she even got started he pulled away. He smirked down at her and patted her face.
"See… it's not fun is it?" He asked with a chuckle, referring to the kiss. "I'm disappointed; you strike me as the type to finish what you started." He saw the scowl on her face and couldn't help but laugh.
Rachel didn't need anymore motivation and pulled him in for another kiss. This time she ignored her inner voice and followed her heart. She felt his arms tightly wrap around her waist pulling her closer to him. She slung her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deeper kiss. Her head started to spin when he accepted the kiss and his response was passionate. In a swift movement and change of stance he tightened his arms around her and lightly pushed her down on the couch. Rachel's breathing picked up pace when his body crashed down on top of her. She caught her breath when his mouth left hers and retreated to her neck. She felt his strong hands roam her body running from her hips over her lower abdomen and up her torso. She shivered at the feel of his warm musky breath on her skin as he bit down on the sensitive flesh of her neck. She felt a fire in the pit of her stomach and wrapped her arms tight around his neck.
The Joker ran his tongue from her collar bone up to her ear, and he felt goose bumps rise from her flesh. He smiled against her ear as he heard her whimper out of pleasure. He ran his thrashed hands from her hips, up over her stomach and breasts and wrapped them around her throat. He felt her body tense as his nails dug into her neck and his grip tightened. He growled against her ear and tangled his left hand into her hair. Rachel gave a hiss of pain but instead of pushing him away she pulled him closer. He was about to laugh but Rachel trapped his lips with hers and forced him into another passionate kiss. The kiss was so powerful that their teeth clashed together every now and again and their heart rate had tripled.
Rachel could feel the Joker's body heat rise along with hers and a small film of sweat fell over her body. She could taste blood as he bit her lip for the third. Her nails clawed his damp scalp and ran through his green curls. She received a growl from him as she grinded her hips with his. He pulled away from the violent kiss and buried his face in the crook of her neck again. Rachel slowly started to come back to her senses and she caught her breath. She cleared her throat and tried to find her voice as the clown on top of her continued to lash out at her neck.
"Joker." She choked as he slowly crawled down her body and his hands painfully gripped her waist. "Joker wait." He growled against her collar bone as his hands fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. "We really…. We really should stop." The Joker growled a response but didn't stop and Rachel's mind was hazing over by passion again. She mentally slapped herself and her hands left his hair and she pushed on his shoulders. "I'm serious." The Joker stopped his task of 'seducing the attorney' and slowly looked up at her. "I think we should stop." He pushed away from her and sat up running a hand through his hair. Rachel sat up not bothering to fix her hair or blouse but continued to eye the clown. Her heart pounded in her ears as she ran feelings and regrets through her head.
"Well in that case… I better go." He said clearing his throat.
"I'm sorry." Said Rachel. "I just… I figured…"
"You figured you'd uh… fondle the clown and perhaps see one of my amazing magic tricks?" he asked with a raised brow.
"No that's not why I'm sorry." Said Rachel getting to her feet.
"Hmmm I see, you're sorry for leading me on and playing the slut card." He thought for a moment. "Sweet."
"That's absurd and insulting." She said in disgust.
"Insulting yes." Said the Joker with a smirk.
"Will you just stop?" She replied. "Please." Silence enveloped them and Rachel walked towards the door and opened it. "You wanted to leave?"
"Perhaps." He responded walking towards the door and pointed to her. "You want me to leave."
"You said you wanted to." replied Rachel.
"I did." Said the Joker. "Keyword is… did." He stepped closer to her and shut the door leaning against it. "So Miss. Dawes, tell me… Do you love me or do you hate me?" He raised a brow and looked into her sad face. "Either way… we have a problem."
"We have a problem." She stated looking into his eyes. "Words can't express how much I hate you. You've taken so much from me… yet you've given me so much." The smirk left the Joker's face as her words hit home. "Again words can't express how much I… like you."
They had a stare down for a moment and Rachel shivered under his stare. The Joker bit at his lip and ran a few things through his mind. Rachel prayed that he'd break his stare and concentration. She usually liked it when she was the center of his attention but not at this moment. She actually wished Batman would come crashing through her window, just to side track the clown.
"You have a problem." She glared.
"Which is?"
"You're addicted to conflict." she stated.
"Only when it comes to you sweets." He smiled and patted her face.
"And a defenseless city." She replied.
"You're more fun." He said with a smile. "Now, I don't like to be rude and I have a date with Rat-Boy. Can't keep him waiting." He looked down at her gave a half smirk. "Thanks for the watch beautiful." He turned and opened the door to be met with a man in his early thirties, blond hair and blue eyes. He looked at the Joker with a look of shock on his face and the Joker quickly shut the door. "Alright escape route three." He said brushing past a panicked Rachel towards her bedroom.
"Escape route three?" she asked.
"Yes, one is out the front door and two… is through the living room wall." He said opening the door and strolling through her room, he glanced at and smiled. "What these apartment walls are thin as paper." He turned and opened the window. "Do me a favor… take care of that nosey neighbor of yours." He jumped out onto the fire escape.
"Wait! What am I suppose to tell him? What am I suppose to say?" Rachel asked running to the window. "I just got cleared from being your accomplice and now you get spotted in my apartment again. I'm screwed."
"Make me look like the bad guy I am." He grinned and bit his tongue. He quickly reached for Rachel and pulled her to him. He pressed his scarred lips to hers and the kiss lingered for a few seconds and the Joker pulled away leaving her breathless. "One for the road." He smiled and disappeared.
Rachel quickly ran from her bedroom and through the kitchen. She threw a few things on the floor and ran into the living room and did the same thing. She made her apartment look like there was a scuffle. She messed up her hair and clothes and ran to the door. She took a deep breath and put on her game face. She swung open the door and pushed her acting skills to the limit.
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Please read and review! Let me know what you think, the ending wasn't my favorite I had other things in mind but this just made it's way in at the last minute. Now I'm going to Starbucks and loading up on coffee!!! Cheers.
Shout out to all my amazing reviewers! Hugs!
Laurenmlbc - I have seen that video that's where I got that idea of the Joker not understanding Batman. It's sooo funny. I like the new video he made of the 'Part Scene' that's funny to. Thanks for the reviews! I'm happy you're enjoying my story!
esmeralda01 - yeah I heard about that crazy guy that killed those kids. That's sad. i think they need to stop calling him the 'joker' though. I mean come on! If the guy was going for the joker look and wanted to be in his shoes for a moment, their granting his wish by calling him the joker. *growls* depressing. Those poor people though, my heart goes out to them. Thanks for the reviews and I'm touched that you're enjoying my story so much. I'm betting there will be around 40 chapters of this story so it's half done. Maybe more then half. I do actually write an outline for my chapters when I get writers block. A trick I learned in class, it tends to help. THANKS!
RedKiwi - I love Mark Hammil's Joker he cracks me up so I'm mixing him in with Ledger's Joker. I'm happy you noticed! Thanks for the review!
KGdiva - I love that video too. I laughed for days because of it. I did see the party crashing video too, it was funny. Loved how he beat up the clown lol. I was shocked that Nolan didn't get nominated for best director. That was a buzz kill. Thanks for the review!
kaiti-wilks - Yay you got an account! I do that a lot, when I write something I think it sucks then everyone says I'm stupid because it's amazing! I dunno, that's how I feel with chapter 29. I didn't get to see the article in Entertainment weekly. Bummer. Thanks for the review and thanks for keeping up with my story!
