A/N: Thank you for the follows, favorites, and reviews. They give me life, seriously.

~But everything that I can say to you

Won't help you

Everything you need is right in front of you

Just take it~

~Staind~

I found myself laying in bed hours later, staring out of the window, eyes locked on the spotlight putting the shadow of a bat on the always present clouds. I kind of enjoyed the strange yellow glow that it gave the sky. It would pour through my windows most nights. I finally pulled my curtain closed and laid back down against the pillows on my bed.

I laid there, my mind still racing. Who would have thought that I would be working for The Joker? That he would show up in my apartment and eat pizza left overs. It was so surreal, I felt so far out of my element. I fell asleep with thoughts of Joker fresh on my mind.

The sun woke me, cutting a line through my room. I stretched my arms overhead, enjoying the popping along my spine. I reluctantly pulled myself out of bed and went to brush my teeth. Once I felt fully awake, it seemed that I had adjusted to this newer sleep schedule, though I doubted it would stay that way for long.

I moved to make a cup of coffee and set down on the couch to watch TV. The boring news played while I thought about what to do today. I really didn't want to sit around and be bored. Especially if I would be cooped up with a bunch of handsy guys soon. I decided to go have fun today.

I got up and hurried to get ready. After putting on a bit of light make up, I pulled a bit of cash from my large envelope and headed out of the building. I hailed a cab, deciding I didn't want to try to walk the entire way to the mall. I was surprised by how busy it was for a Wednesday morning. I paid the cabbie and stepped out.

The large three story mall was intimidating. I pushed through the large doors and into the busy building. I strolled through, looking for something to buy. I felt better after a few stops, carrying a few bags with me. This was good for me, a sense of normalcy. I felt my stomach growl and headed to the food court. I frowned looking around, the choices were slim, but I found a place that had salad and sandwiches.

I sat at a small table and ate my salad, sipping a soda. I watched the people walking around, enjoying whatever company they had with them. My phone chimed, I glanced at the screen. It was J.

'How's your day princess?'

'Good, eating lunch right now. You?'

'In between meetings'

'Oh busy, busy'

'Absolutely'

'So, can I ask you something?'

'Sure.'

'What's step 3?'

'Step 3? You think you're ready?'

'Depends on what step 3 is'

'Smart girl'

I waited, my nerves turning the salad into cement in my stomach. Maybe I was taking the situation too seriously. I knew I was ready to do the things I wanted to do. The more time that went by, my nerves got worse. Was he typing a fucking novel?

'Step 3 is more complicated. You have to stop. You have to not care. About any of it. Rules were made to be broken. Morals are manmade. You have to stop participating in the monotony of boring human life. '

I reread the message feeling slightly confused. A normal life? My life was far from normal.

'You can't be held back. The next step is a big one, you have to do something BIG. Something that makes you uncomfortable. For some people, it's killing a person, for some it's seducing a stranger. It depends where your moral boundaries are set. You'll know when the time comes.'

I sat there, I read the message again. I closed my eyes, thinking about what he said. Push the moral boundaries. Where were my boundaries? Could I do any of that?

'Lots to think about'

'Don't think too hard.'

'I won't'

'Good. When you take that step, let me know. I want to hear all about it.'

I didn't reply. I stared at the half eaten salad in front of me, knowing I was finished. I cleaned up the small table I was sitting at and left the mall. I stepped out of the large building and smiled. The sun was shining and the sky was clear. That was not a common thing in Gotham.

Deciding to take advantage of the nice weather, I walked to a nearby park. I sat on the bench and closed my eyes. The sun warmed my skin relaxing me almost instantly.I thought about what Jack had told me. I knew that I wasn't ready to think about the possibility of killing someone.

I shuddered. He mentioned seducing a stranger. That was not as bad but still pretty uncomfortable. I don't see myself as a sexual person. Sure, I had lost my virginity at the young age of 15. It was a painful experience, and very awkward. I hadn't enjoyed it and didn't have the urge to do it again.

Maybe I should try that one. I felt my face burn in embarrassment for just thinking about it. Fuck. Maybe I wasn't ready yet. He did say that I'd know when it was time. I grabbed my bags and left the park. I stood at the curb and hailed a cab.

Within minutes, I was in the back of the taxi and letting my thoughts run wild. I focused on the man driving. I shuddered at the thought of trying to seduce him. Yea I definitely wasn't ready. Once the cab stopped, I paid the man and hurried back to my apartment.

I put the things I'd bought away and settled into my couch. Kicking my shoes off, I was bored already. Who knew that suddenly having no job would be this boring? How did people live like this? I felt useless.

I got up and decided to pack a bag, there would probably be no telling when Joker would come collect me for this damned job. I wanted to make sure I had the essentials packed and ready. I grabbed a duffel bag and had it filled within minutes.

Sleep clothes? Check. Socks? Check. Bra and panties? Check. I felt as prepared as I could be. Hopefully he would give me a few minutes to gather the things that couldn't pack away, yet. I tucked the duffel bag at the end of my bed.

The next three days lasted forever. I was starting to think that maybe I shouldn't have quit my job. Boredom was not good for me. It was driving me a bit crazy. I had texted Jack a few times but had gotten no response. I felt stupid that I was a bit hurt by it, but I knew he had a weird schedule.

Finally, on day four I was awoken by cold water hitting my face, causing me to almost drown in my own bed. I sputtered and jumped from the bed.

"Morning."

I could feel my anger flash through me as I looked at the Joker standing on the side of my bed holding an empty cup. I went to the restroom, grabbing a towel to dry my face. After I calmed myself down, I walked back into my room.

"What time is it? It's still dark."

"Very early morning... Or very late at night, depending how you look at it."

I wanted to hit him, but decided to throw my towel at him instead. He caught it, chucking at the gesture.

"What's the deal? Why are you here this time?" I asked as I moved to grab my phone.

I frowned when I looked at the time, then back to the painted man in my room. It was 4:00 AM.

"I think we are ready for you." He paused.

I waited for him to continue, but he didn't. I sucked in a deep breathe, releasing it in a sigh. "Okay, let me grab my stuff."

He didn't speak, he just watched me finish gathering my things. It was slightly unnerving. I finished the bag and moved to get dressed. I noticed that he grabbed my bag and moved into the living room. I smiled and quickly changed into a pair of skinny jeans and tank top.

I moved into the living room and turned off lights in the place as I went.

"I'm ready."

He smiled. "After you." He motioned to the door.

We moved quietly through the building and out to an illegally parked SUV. He opened the door and tossed in my bag. He stood back and motioned for me to get in.

"Ladies first."

I couldn't hold back the snort that escaped as I tried to keep the laughter inside my chest and climbed into the vehicle. Joker had climbed in after me and the man driving took off as the door closed. I was starting to get nervous. I was in a car with a known terrorist. I wrung my hands in my lap. I was unsure if I should stay quiet or try to talk with the painted man.

He spoke making the choice for me.

"Have you been keeping busy since my last visit?"

"Nope, bored out of my mind. I'm not used to doing nothing." I answered honestly.

"It's good to keep busy. Idle hands are the devil's tools." He wiggled his eyebrows at me. I couldn't hold back laughter this time.

"If you, uh, get too bored, just let me know. I'm sure we could find you something to do to get you into some trouble."

I smiled. "What should I call you?"

He was staring at me, I couldn't read his face. The paint made it difficult, keeping it void of any clues to his thought process. I fought the urge to squirm.

"The guys call me 'Boss'. Most others call me 'Joker'." He frowned.

I laughed at his look of confusion. "Boss or Joker, not a lot of creativity there."

He smiled, his slightly yellowed teeth showing. "We will figure it out." He said.

I realized the drive hadn't taken as long as before when the car stopped. Looking out of the darkly tinted windows in confusion.

"This is where we stay when we have a job happening." He explained opening the door.

I climbed out behind him looking at a rundown motel. It looked like every other pay by the hour motel in the city. Especially the narrows. I pulled my bag from the car and turned towards The Joker.

He was talking with one of his men, then turned back to me. He grabbed my bag from my shoulder and started walking. I followed him to the left side of the lobby and moved to the upper level of the rooms.

He stopped in front of room 215, unlocking the door then handing me the key. He pushed the door open and motioned for me to enter. I was surprised when I stepped inside, for as bad as the outside looked, the room was nice. I moved further in and he followed. He set my bag on the table and watched me as I checked everything out.

The bathroom was clean and had towels. The bed was made and looked clean enough. I turned back and saw Joker still standing in the doorway.

"The lobby has a kitchen behind it in the back, stays fully stocked."

I nodded, "Do you stay here too?" she asked.

He smiled, "I own the place. My room is right next door. The guys are in the other building. Makes it easier to keep an eye on the help."

"Smart I guess. Why am I on this side?"

"I already had to hurt one of my guys for, uh, being handsy. It's safer over here for you and them." He turned to leave. "Let me know if you need anything," and he walked off.

My face was burning in embarrassment. I hurried to the door and watched him move into his room. I moved back into the room and closed the door. This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Though to be fair I had been here all of five minutes. I grabbed my bag and began to get unpacked. I tried to take note of things I would need if the stay was too long.

I put away the duffel bag and sat on the bed. I groaned out loud as I realized there was no TV. That would not work. I liked being up to date with the news. That was number one on my need list. With no television to distract me, I laid there, staring at the ceiling, unsure what to do now. I sent a text to Jack.

'Might not be able to chat for a while. Started my new job today. Don't miss me too much'

I put my phone away and dozed off. A loud knock stirred me from sleep. I stretched my tired body, groaning as the knock sounded again. I pushed myself up and moved to the door. I opened the door a few inches and saw a large man I didn't recognize.

"Boss said be in the lobby in ten minutes." He didn't look at me, his eyes stayed locked on the door.

"Okay." I watched him walk away and go down the steps and head towards the lobby. My eyes moved onto his hands, his fingers were taped. My mind flashed to Joker's conversation with me. Was that the fucker who felt me up? The clown masked perv? I felt the smile spread across my face. Good. I hoped his hands hurt.

I turned and grabbed my make up bag to get ready and presentable. I made it to the lobby in 9 minutes. I pushed through the small group of guys, ignoring their strange looks. Finally, I was able to elbow my way towards the front of the group.

Within a few seconds Joker emerged from the back. The men quieted and the silence was deafening. I watched as he looked around the room. I couldn't help but wonder if he was mentally taking attendance. When his gaze landed on me, he snapped back to center and started the 'meeting'.

"We have a new job boys. We have been recruited to, uh, remove a few people from the power they think they have." He paused.

The men mumbled, then fell silent again.

"Now, I know, you lot aren't the most subtle crowd. So you will be on standby, until needed. I have talked to the ones needed immediately."

I could have sworn I heard a few groans and sighs.

"If you are the standby crew, you are dismissed, enjoy the day."

The crowd thinned drastically, I watched as all but three guys left. I turned to follow.

"Uh, sweet cheeks, you stay." Joker said, causing a blush to attack my face.

I froze and turned back to see the three men holding back the chuckles. What kind of nickname is sweet cheeks? I walked over and stood with the small group. Joker continued talking to the three, ignoring me all together. I frowned, he was talking about video and audio surveillance. I was trying not to eavesdrop. My phone chimed in my back pocket.

I stepped away and grabbed the phone. It was a text from Terra, one of my oldest friends.

'Staci said you quit. Wth?'

I frowned. Had it really taken this long for one of my friends to figure that out? This was not the drama I needed right now.

'Long story. Ttyl.'

I sent the short message and moved to put the phone in my pocket. I looked up and noticed the three men were looking at me. Their eyes large and full of fear.

"What?"

Joker turned and moved to me. I watched him reach around me, grabbing the phone from back pocket.

"Forgot to tell you. Uh, no outside contact once the job starts. You can have this back, after." he put the phone in his own pocket.

I rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever." I hated that I sounding like a child pouting, even to my own ears.

"You know enough about it to get started."

I was confused for a second, then realized he was talking to the boys. He still had his eyes locked on me.

"Don't pout, I wouldn't leave you without any means of communication."

He handed me a shitty little flip phone.

"It has my contact info inside. This is for me to get ahold of you and, uh, you to reach me. That's it. No outside contacts."

"Got it." I pocketed the phone.

"Did you sleep okay?" The question caught me off guard.

"Yeah. Can I get a TV for my room? I like to watch the news, it relaxes me." I figure if he asking about my comfort, it was a good time to ask.

He smiled. "Sure, anything else?"

"Nope."

"Good, let's get to business. You, my dear, are a fresh face. I had you checked out. You have no record. You don't even have a parking ticket."

I nodded, all true statements.

"One of the men we are trying to get, is mostly untouchable. You will be our ticket in. He's very private and only comes out of hiding for work. I need you to use your, uh, assets to get near him." He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"I am not sleeping with him." I blurted out.

He laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "I wouldn't dare ask you to." He was still laughing.

"I just wanted that to be clear." My face burned in embarrassment.

"You will be trying to get a temp position in his office. He is looking for a receptionist or assistant type."

"Okay."

"We will get you the right attire. You will go tomorrow afternoon and do whatever you can to get hired into that position. He's a sap for a pretty face and a sob story." He said.

"Gotcha."

He was watching me, the intensity was unnerving.

"You hungry?" he asked.

I barely had the chance to open my mouth to reply when my stomach answered for me. The loud rumble seemed to echo through the room.

"Follow me, sweet cheeks."

I'm not completely sure if I liked that name, but followed regardless. We walked down a narrow hallway, that opened into a fairly large kitchen and dining area.

I let out an appreciative whistle. "This place is larger than my apartment."

"I know." He said moving to the double door refrigerator. "What do you want?"

"Anything is fine." I sat down and watched with amusement, as he pulled out eggs and bacon. He worked quickly, his concentration solely on cooking.

He moved from the stove and to the table where I was sitting. He pushed a plate in front of me and I couldn't help but laugh, it was a smiling face. Big over easy eggs for eyes and a big bacon smile.

"Looks great." I said smiling.

He slid a fork across the table and sat down across from me.

"Eat up, you have to go shopping soon."

I dug into the food. It was good. It didn't take long for me to clean my plate. Joker had finished and was picking at his teeth with his fork. I watched him, his face was relaxed his shoulders loose not pulled up near his ears, unlike when he was working.

"What?" he asked setting the fork down on the table.

"You are different from when you are on TV."

"Gotta keep up appearances for the good city folk. They expect a certain level of crazy." He motioned with his hands. "Who am I to disappoint my loving fans?"

"Fans?"

"Oh, yeah. Guys want to be me, and when they can't, they want to at least work for me. Between you and me, the ladies love a guy confident enough to wear make-up." He chuckled.

I wasn't sure if he was being honest or what. Maybe he was delusional? Then again he had tons of guys lining up to work for him.

"What are you thinking about so hard?" he asked.

I blinked in surprise. I hadn't realized I spaced out for a minute.

"Oh, nothing," I paused. "Just weighing your answer. I never know if you are telling me the truth."

"Oh, sugar, I haven't lied to you."

I thought back, that was true. "Doesn't mean you won't."

He laughed, "True, smart girl."

The small praise felt good.

"Go get ready." He said dismissing me.

I felt slightly hurt at the dismissal, but did have things to do. I left the room, and headed back to my own. I showered, it was a small space but the water stayed hot. When I got out I grabbed a fresh outfit and got ready.

I grabbed the phone Joker had gifted me, into my back pocket. I grabbed my small bag and headed down to the lobby. There was a guy waiting by a car.

"Let's go." He said.

I saluted him. "Aye, aye captain."