"So... I take it Wayne is out on another date?" The District Attorney stared through the large window of the penthouse, where he spent the last twenty minutes gazing out over the lit-up city. Nothing helped clear his head like having what was important in front of his eyes, reminding him of what he was fighting for. This was one of the best places to get a wonderful view of Gotham, especially at night.

"Seems so..." Rachel sighed, looking towards the television from the soft chair close by. Every news channel was playing the same segments over and over again. It couldn't be helped, there wasn't much else for them to report on anymore.

Instead of anchors talking about neighborhood programs starting up or schools receiving funding to renovate and purchase new materials for students, or even laws that were being passed to clean up the streets, all that was ever on were increasingly depressing updates. More deaths, more people missing, more crimes being committed. Buildings taking a hit, people being shot or robbed... It was insanity.

Gotham was devolving into a city worse than it ever was and that was all thanks to the Joker... The man who added her name to the list of people he promised to kill. Harvey said that one of the clown's men who'd shot and captured during the attempted public execution of Mayor Garcia had a name tag on his honor guard uniform with her name on it...

It was terrifying... No one knew when or how the Joker would strike. He's ended the lives of people of far more importance and higher standing throughout the city using unpredictable means. If he could get to the rich and powerful, what chance did she really have? Although Mayor Garcia had made it out of the incident alive, the clown hadn't left empty-handed. No... In the attempt, Jim Gordon was shot dead protecting the politician.

That was a hard pill to swallow. Jim had become a good friend and confidant in the last year, since Bruce started wearing the mask. Their efforts to bring down Falcone brought them together and the attack on The Narrows with Crane's fear gas only made that bond stronger. They all did their best to stop the mayhem and do what they could. It was during this incident that Bruce revealed himself to her as Batman.

That gas... It was like nothing she's ever seen before. When Crane sprayed her in the face with a concentrated dose, after having issues with him intervening in her attempt to bring Falcone to justice, she was sure that life would never be the same. Left in a daze with horrifying illusions, death would've been a welcome reprieve compared to being lost in that nightmare... If Bruce hadn't given her the antidote, there was no doubt that she would have died back then.

That was a year ago... It feels like so much has happened since then. For a while, it really seemed like Bruce wearing the cape was really making a difference. The fearless mob that controlled the city became afraid of pulling their usual stunts during the nights, not knowing when or if the Batman would show up. He worked closely with Jim to trap and arrest these men, who've been polluting Gotham for so long, but it was a never-ending battle. After Falcone was admitted to Arkham Asylum, he was quickly replaced with Maroni and the Chechen, the men embroiled in a turf war with Gambol, who's recently gone missing. With the threat of Batman being on their heels and the possibility of losing everything, the mob bosses made a temporary truce and alliance, something unheard of in the criminal underground.

It was Harvey, the man she started a relationship with almost nine months ago, who was willing to take the crime organization on, not being afraid of the repercussions. Unlike Jim, who had a family and children, the District Attorney was on his own, not having to fear for the lives of loved ones. All it would take to stop most men who could stand up to crime, is having one of their children taken on the way home from school and everything would fall apart. No one was willing to sacrifice their own lives or family's to stop the mayhem that's spanned for decades.

That was one of the reasons Bruce insisted on having an alias. He didn't want to bring any harm to her, Alfred, or even Lucius. It was a smart move, that way he could do what needed to be done without bringing danger to any of them. No one had a clue about the man behind the mask, except for the three people that he protected wholeheartedly.

'Bruce...'

The two of them have friends for as long as Rachel could remember. She was there when he fell down the well on his family's estate, tried to comfort him when his parents were killed, begged him to leave when the murderer was gunned down after a court hearing fourteen years later...and when he returned, after going missing for seven long years. Their bond couldn't be explained or broken. They would always be in each other's lives no matter what, even if they couldn't be together... Not as long as he spent his nights fighting against the darkness that was plaguing the city.

"I haven't seen Alfred anywhere... Looks like we have the place to ourselves for the night." Harvey's voice drew her away from the screen she hadn't really been paying attention to. The smirk on his face as he eyed her from across the room made her flush, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

"He probably wanted to give us some privacy. Not that we really needed it."

This man... He was such a good person. Determined, loyal, sweet, handsome, powerful... Everything a woman could want and more. Smart as a whip and cunning like a fox. The men who worked in his office were more dedicated to his cause than she's ever seen before. They fully believe in him and what he stands for. He was the "White Knight" of Gotham... The man who had 549 criminals arrested in a single day, using the information they obtained from Lau to clean up the streets. Every day, he showered her with affection and the love he felt to the point that it was overwhelming, treating her like she was the only woman in the world...

So... Why did she feel this way?

Why couldn't she fully give herself to this wonderful person? When he asked her to marry him at the fundraiser, she just couldn't find it in herself to give him a straight answer.

It was because of Bruce...

No matter how much time passes or what happens, Rachel just couldn't forget that first taste of love they shared together. She promised him that they would be together, once he was able to walk away from the Batman. Unfortunately, it seems like that day will never come.

Tomorrow morning, he's planning on turning himself in at the press conference that Harvey had organized. There wouldn't be a chance for them to be together after that. Who knows how long he would be put away for acting as a vigilante and taking the law into his own hands. The thought was...unbearable.

"Oh? We don't? I'd like to think otherwise..." Harvey grinned as he stepped away from the window. His long fingers twirled his father's lucky coin between them, something he always did when he was anxious or elated. It was the former... This press conference has him on edge, and he was completely reluctant to have it at all. He truly admires the Batman, probably more than anyone else, despite having no idea who was actually behind the mask. If he did... Well, let's just say, he doesn't care for Bruce. He thinks of him as a pompous, rich, womanizer with no ambition other than his own pleasures. That's exactly how Bruce wanted people to perceive him, so at least it worked.

Rachel stood when he walked closer to the chair, his clear blue eyes lighting up as they gazed down at her. Part of the brunette felt terrible about the way she secretly felt. How could someone love two people at the same time? It was mind-boggling, but there wasn't anything that could be done about it. God knows how hard she tried to quell those emotions...those urges. It wasn't fair to Harvey, who gave himself to her completely, when she couldn't do the same. That's why she couldn't agree to his proposal.

Leaning down over her, his lips were warm against the cool skin of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. If anything, this would take their minds away from the tragedy that was about to unfold in the morning... When Harvey would learn the identity of his hero and one of her greatest loves would be shackled and thrown away. Even now, Bruce was scouring the streets, desperate to find the Joker. She could only hope that a miracle would happen, before the sun rises.

"Let's go..." Taking his large hand into hers, Rachel led the way towards the guest bedroom, needing a reprieve from those thoughts plaguing her mind. His body could bring the distraction and relief she desperately needed...

To get away from what was about to happen... To stop her from thinking about those dark eyes that made her heart skip a beat...

"What is this place?" The pinkette looked around curiously. The arm slung over her shoulders gave a small squeeze, his fingers massaging into the material of the coat she was wearing.

"Just an old building I set-up shop in a while ago..." The place looks like it hasn't been used in a long time... If it wasn't for the lights shining down outside and the vehicles parked nearby, anyone could've assumed it was just another abandoned building in the bad areas of the city. She knew they had to be near The Narrows from the looks of it.

The heat radiating from his bare skin and the hand rubbing along her shoulder felt reassuring, something that she needed after his little "episode" right before this. The pounding in her chest calmed down and her muscles started to relax while they walked across the broken lot, towards the old building.

"Hahaha..." Joker's laugh was low, not hysterical the way it was earlier. His eyes narrowed with a grin spreading across his face, amusement dancing around in those dark orbs. Following his gaze, there was a large semi-truck parked along the side of the building. The cabin's color looked similar to rust and the trailer was even more curious when she squinted to get a better look.

"Wanna see?" Noticing the way she was staring at it, he gave a small nudge to her side with a chuckle. If he was excited about something, it couldn't be anything good... Pulling his arm from around her shoulders, Sakura bit her lip when she felt his warm fingers lacing themselves between hers. She couldn't help noticing how how rough they were from the thumb rubbing against the back of her hand. Even when they were younger, it's always been like that, but she didn't recall them having that harsh texture they do now.

A cough pulled Sakura out of her nostalgic thoughts, realizing she'd been looking down and staring at his hand.

"Whattcha thinkin' about? Hmm?" When he leaned down and pumped his bows, she quickly averted her gaze seeing the lecherous grin tugging at his scars.

'Seriously? He's incorrigible...'

The pinkette could feel her face heating up, finding it annoying how he always seemed to know what everyone was thinking or doing, even when he shouldn't. Sometimes it was like he really could read minds, but she knew it had to be keen observational skills. Always watching and reading people's body language and facial expressions.

"Are you, ah...heh...thinking about my hand between your thighs again? Oh, sweetheart... You always were such a little minx. Can't get enough of me, huh?" She wanted to smack that devious look right off his face as he giggled, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. To be honest, that wasn't what she'd been thinking about, but now it was. He said it just to leave the thought and image there, always trying to manipulate things to his liking. There's nothing he'd probably enjoy more than her constantly thinking about him, wanting more and never being fulfilled. Someone that he could keep tucked away, living and breathing for him and nothing else. Everything he says and does always has a purpose, one way or another.

"I'd say you were always a dog, but that isn't true. Is it?" Pursing her lips tightly as he chuckled, she pulled her away, before he could tighten it, smacking his chest. It felt strange to see him so playful and energetic, considering he'd been practically frothing at the mouth and smashing someone's head in just before this. If what teenage girls have is called mood-swings, then what was this?

"Oh, but it is!" His smile widened, running his tongue over the forked scar on his bottom lip. Before she could say a word, his hand snaked out and grasped hers, tugging the pinkette close enough that her face almost smacked against the blood still wet against his chest. A grimace twisted her features, craning her head back to get away from it.

"Ya just never saw it through those rose-colored glasses you're always looking at me through. Hmm? I've always been this way, even if I didn't act on it. You just couldn't see it, could you?... My sweet-sweet, innocent little blossom... Well, maybe not so innocent as you look. Not if you're with me..."

Sakura stared up at him with a deadpan expression. What the hell's he rambling about now? Why does this man say that he wants her to stay, but then goes on about how she can't see the real him and that he's always this way? That wasn't true. Did he forget how he was as a child? Growing up? Perhaps she hadn't been the only one who forgot parts of the past...or he's just rejecting them all together.

Noticing the dazed look on the pinkette from becoming lost in her own thoughts, he motioned with his chin in the direction of the truck, yanking her along. Dark eyes watched her carefully with a side glance as she looked forward, running the words through a filter she subconsciously had to use more often than not.

"Why?" Joker snapped his head in her direction when she finally spoke, stopping on the spot.

"Why wha-t?" Shifting his head to the side, he stared down with a curious expression, wondering what was going on in her head. His brows pinched together, leaning in close towards her face as he watched her, impatiently waiting for a reply.

"Why do you always do that? Try to get me to think badly of you? Acting like you're trying to reveal some world shattering truth that I'm just far too stupid to see for myself. Well, guess what? I'm not a fool and I don't wear glasses either, rose-colored or not." Anger bubbled inside, threatening to spill out. "Hate to break it to you, but you're not the only one who sees more than they should... Are you trying to chase me off?"

Joker glared down at her, eyes wide and wild like they were before. The smile playing on his lips faded as the muscles beneath his skin shifted in agitation. Was he angry? Did she say too much? The tension was suddenly thick in the air, making her uncomfortable. It didn't take much to send him spiraling on some tangent or fit of rage, especially these days. He was probably still in the throws of his blood-lust after killing one of his own men, so she needed to be careful and tread lightly.

'Shit...'

"Ha. Ha. Ha. You're, ah-You're funny." The stoic mask he plastered on himself cracked with the right side of his mouth quirking up, making the long scar move with it. "AHAHAHAHA!" Letting go of her hand, he smacked his own against his chest, almost like he was trying to keep the laughter contained somehow, doubling over.

The vein in her forehead throbbed watching the little spectacle he was putting on, trying to stop the contagious noise from affecting her. What was so damn funny? He rubbed under his eye, wiping away the tears that would never come.

"Hoo boy! And they say I'm a joker! You're too much, ya know that?" Slapping his knee, he stood back up, swaying back and forth on his feet, still racked with laughter that made his whole body shake. The look in his eyes didn't match his actions at all. Standing up with his shoulders hunched, he stepped closer. If the pinkette was anyone else, she would have taken a few steps back, not sure of what was to come next.

Hands reached out taking the sides of her face, running his thumbs along the soft skin of her cheeks. It was gentle...tender.

"You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart... I never thought you were stupid. Foolish at times, with the choices you make...but never stupid." Leaning forward, he pressed his ruined lips to her forehead. Sakura closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his touch, trying not to be annoyed with him. It just couldn't be helped. At times, it felt like things really didn't change, not matter how much they seemed to.

Leaning in close, he buried is nose into her hair, his body swaying as he loomed like a dark shadow above her tiny form. His breath was hot against her ear, whispering in a low voice that left the pinkette breathless. "And, ah... You're not going anywhere."

"I don't-I don't want to go anywhere, but... Why do you say things to try to get me not to like you? You do one thing, then say another... It annoys the hell out of me." She knew what he was doing. It wasn't a big secret.

Smacking his lips, he moved her head from one side to the other as he rolled his head along his shoulders. "Just, ah, making sure of somethin'. Aww... C'mon! Don't give me that look, I still have so much to show you. Let's not spoil the good mood. Hmm?" Stepping back, he grinned as his fingers trailed down her arm, taking her hand again. This man was too much sometimes... When he started to walk away, he froze like something just came to mind.

"Besides..." Whipping his head around and tightening the hold on her hand, his eyes lit-up mischievously. Bringing himself down to her height, a finger tapped against the rhombus-shaped birthmark against her forehead. "There isn't anywhere you could go, even if you wanted to leave. No matter where you run to, I'll always find you. Mhmm... No getting away from me now. Just remember that..."

The way his eyes darkened sent a shiver down Sakura's spine. He meant it... There was no chuckle at the end or even a hint of humor in his tone, leaving her ice-cold when he smirked and turned away. If she did try to leave... If this became too much for her, it wouldn't matter. He would just track her down and make it so she couldn't get away from him again. For some reason, the thought was comforting in some twisted way. They would always be together, she wouldn't have to be alone anymore. Although this was an unorthodox relationship, there was more history and feelings between them than a lot of other couples she's met.

'It's official... I've lost it. That's if I ever had it in the first place. Crazy people don't usually know they're actually insane, right?'

Letting go of her hand and sprinting forward, the clown spun on his heel to face her. Long arms spread out wide at his sides when they reached the truck, like he was preparing for some kind of special unveiling behind a curtain. Always such a showman...

"Ta-da! What do ya think?" Green eyes flickered back and forth, looking at the trailer of the semi-truck. 'HYAMS Amusement Parks' was in bold lettering in the far corner and a picture of a carnival in the center. Roller coaster, Ferris wheel, tent and all. He just had to, didn't he? Going all the way with the damn clown motif... What really caught her attention was next to the image. "Laughter is the best medicine", but there was a large "S" spray-painted in red in front of the words.

SLAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

"Ha...Haha... Hahaha..." The chuckle left her lips before even thinking of holding it back. Why was she finding this so funny? It really wasn't, knowing this was going to be used for something terrible. When did she get such a twisted sense of humor? Was that something else contagious about him, besides the raucous noises he makes?

'Maybe... I always had one...'

Joker's eyes lit up when he saw the pinkette covering her mouth with the back of her hand, trying to keep in the laughter. He couldn't help finding himself completely enthralled with the sight.

"Ya like it? It was just too good not to." Reaching out and grabbing her hand, twirling her around with a grin. Sakura couldn't resist feeling lighthearted at his playfulness, watching him thoroughly enjoying her reaction and his own clever ideas. "You always did like puns." An arm wrapped around the purple coat she wore, her long hair tickling his fingers when he dipped her backwards. Yep, he was definitely in a good mood.

"Ya see, I like to do my best to put my own personal touch on things, but...there seems to be a few, ah, dents I haven't been able to get out yet." The man hovering above her stared down at her face, searching for something and holding on tight, so she wouldn't fall. Her brows furrowed with the confusion painting across her features, silently mulling over his words.

"-there seems to be a few, ah, dents I haven't been able to get out yet."

Looking back towards the truck, it seemed perfectly fine. There weren't any indents in the trailer or any damage that she could see.

'No. This has to be some kind of joke, or he wouldn't be looking at me like that...'

Joker's expression almost turned sour as he smacked his lips together, looking off to the side quietly. He probably hoped she would've understood what he meant right away.

'Ah! Dents... Harvey...'

"So, that's what you're up to..." His head snapped back to study the pinkette for a moment, waiting for her to continue. "Harvey..." It seemed like that was the right answer from manic laughter that filtered through the air, making her body jolt in his hold. The clown's face brightened up as he pulled her back up to her feet.

"That's my girl!" A hand ruffled the pink locks on her head, making her swat at him. Rolling his shoulders back, a satisfied look spread over his handsome features, smiling like a Cheshire Cat. "I knew you would get it. No one else appreciates for my jokes." He sounded almost bitter about it. Could he really not understand why people wouldn't like them, especially when they probably came at their expense? Or that his jokes were usually followed up with him doing something nasty?

'Such a dark sense of humor...'

"Yeah... Jokes..." Only someone like him would get a kick out of the future prospect of murdering a District Attorney... Despite how elated he seemed gazing back at the semi-truck, the pinkette couldn't share the same sentiment. Something in the pit of her stomach was twisting, giving off a bad vibe. It wasn't just the fact that he was going to kill someone, that was an act he seemed to enjoy on a regular basis.

No, something just felt...wrong.

Sensing the change in her mood, he turned back, watching her curiously while she fiddled with the sleeve of his coat. "What's the matter, doll? Is this about my joke?"

"Not really..." There didn't feel like any point in voicing her concerns right now. He'll do whatever he wants anyway. If she did, would he even listen? Or just try to distract her with affection and intimacy like he always does? When any complaints or worries came from the pinkette, Joker would try to kiss her or slip his hand between her legs, knowing it would catch her off guard. Always attempting to get her to dismiss or forget anything troubling her at the moment.

"We're going to have to talk about this later. I don't like it... What is it that he expects me to do, especially with how things are now? Just keep my mouth shut and let him handle everything? Sit around, waiting for him to give me attention or have sex? Does he think I shouldn't be concerned about anything at all? I don't understand what's going on in his head... He never wants to talk about any of it. Do my feelings even matter to him or is he honestly just trying to protect me?'

"Hahh... C'mon. Let's get you inside. Your feet are gonna get all dirty walking around like that." Grabbing her by the hand, Sakura looked down as he led her towards the building. She almost forgot she was barefoot and that her heels were still stuck in the crack of someone's sidewalk... They hurt to walk in anyway, so it wasn't much of a loss.

The closer they got to the building, Sakura realized just how worn down it really looked.. When they reached a metal door, he twisted the handle and yanked it open, motioning for her to go in with his hand. Hesitantly, the pinkette stepped in, unsure of what might be waiting for her on the other side. Part of her expected to see people strung up from the ceiling with blood decorating the walls... Henchmen using bodies as furniture... Something grisly that couldn't be forgotten, even with all the counseling in the world.

Stepping inside, she pursed her lips together at the sight in front of them.

It wasn't like that. Not at all...

There were crates against the walls and men standing around or walking back and forth, talking and laughing. Some were lounging with a beer or bottle in their hands, while others were messing with small metal boxes. The large area was relatively empty aside from that. No bodies dangling overhead or blood splatters... A few tables were randomly placed, littered with guns and bullets, making her chest tighten. Despite who she was with, the sight of them still made her nervous, even if they weren't going to be used on her.

'They'll be used on someone.'

Green eyes widened when she noticed women mixed in the group. Unlike the men, they weren't fiddling with boxes or weapons, nor did they have on the same kind of clothing that seemed to be a common sight around here. The Joker's underlings' typically wore jumpsuits or battered street clothes from what she's seen at the fundraiser and park.

'These chicks are...'

It was clear what they were here for... Short skirts, dresses, tube tops, fishnet stockings, legs for days, cleavage hanging out... Their heavy makeup wasn't too far off from the clown faces that a lot of the group wore, but that didn't seem intentional.

"She's not hard to miss or mix up with any of your little hookers, so I don't wanna hear some bullshit excuse!"

That was definitely true. There wasn't a single one who looked anything like her. That wasn't surprising, most women didn't. Sakura was the oddball, not them. If she were to walk through the throng of people, she would stick out like a sore thumb, even among this...assortment.

A few of them weren't completely dressed. Some of the women were missing their tops or bottoms, not bothered in the least by their nakedness. The pinkette could feel the heat in her cheeks rising at the sight of them. It was hard enough being nude around the clown in the privacy of their room, without anyone else around. She couldn't imagine the confidence it took to have her breasts exposed in front of all these men and enjoying it. These women were all beautiful, making her feel self-conscious about her own unusual appearance. They were curvy and tall, wearing heels that would have made the pinkette break an ankle if she attempted the same thing.

'I was right... There were plenty of women around... Good-looking and wild, just like the Joker.'

A brunette was sitting on a crate with her shoulders back, proudly showing off her large assets. She was running her foot over a man's lap sitting in a chair below her, clown mask covering his face while he sharpened a knife. It was an odd scene to watch, one she wasn't sure she could ever get used to. Green eyes drifted around, taking in the different people and what they were doing.

A large, shirtless man was pointing a gun at a redhead. Instead of being afraid, like any normal person would have been, the woman was running her tongue around the tip of the weapon with a smile, taking the barrel into her mouth suggestively.

'Prostitutes? Gang-bangers? Henchwomen?'

"What the hell...?" It didn't seem like anyone realized they walked in yet from the carefree way the henchmen were acting, while Joker was standing right there. Unless, this is how things are around here when they're in one of their bases? Sakura's chest felt like it was full of lead, heavy and making it hard to breathe as she imagined Jack joining in, enjoying the same thing as everyone else. Finding pleasure in the prostitutes with their legs spread, not giving a damn about what the concept of panties are. Then again, that was probably an unnecessary burden that would only get in the way. Is that what he liked?

A noise drew Sakura's attention towards one of the walls, but a large hand covered her eyes, not allowing her to see what it was coming from.

"Upstairs... Now." His words were low and angry, barely above a growl as she breathed out hard. The other hand went to her lower back to give her a nudge, pushing her in the direction away from the large space occupied by his men. Did he think she was an innocent child? That she didn't know what was going on? Either way, he was making it very clear that he didn't want her seeing this.

Joker seemed agitated, a stark difference from just moments ago when they were outside. His long fingers were still covering her eyes while he guided her across the smooth floor. Sakura padded along, the cold floor uncomfortable beneath her bare feet. A shiver ran through her body, despite the heavy coat and warm chest pressed up against her back emitting warmth.

The pinkette's ears perked up, hearing the muttering coming from behind her. Unable to make out what he was saying, she knew he really was pissed. She noticed there are a different times when he does that. It usually happened when he was angry or mulling over something...and when they were going at it. Curses, broken thoughts, deep sounds resonating through his chest... It used to worry her at first, thinking that he was going mad at the time. Occasionally, she could hear what he was saying, other times it was inaudible and couldn't make anything out. The unusual act seemed to be another one of his quirks, aside from biting his lip, running his tongue over the marred skin around his mouth, or loudly cracking his neck. Whether it was a side-effect of some form of insanity was another question entirely.

"We're going up a bunch of stairs, doll... Watch your step." As soon as the words left his mouth, her toes ran into something hard. A grunt left her lips, cursing under her breath at her own luck. Couldn't he warn her a second earlier? She lifted her foot up, carefully taking the steps one at a time, since he didn't want to take his hand away from her face. The noises from the open space were fading as they ascended the flight, the hand on her lower back guiding her around a corner as they took another one.

"No one tries anything funny or goes into our room..."

So this is where they were heading to? A room that was in the building? This didn't look like a place people would live in, but that was probably the point. No one would bother them here and it look inconspicuous to people going by. God forbid anyone who tried sneaking in, they wouldn't leave in one piece.

'I wonder if this is where he was staying, before coming to my apartment...'

He mentioned something before about having a few warehouses and buildings where he comes and goes as he pleases. It was curious why he chose to bring her to this particular one. Maybe its location was further away from the center of the city? Some strategic reason only he knows about? He always took each small detail into account with everything he does, though she doubted he would actually reveal that.

Joker might be gunning for Harvey Dent, but something-whether it was instinct or intuition-told her it wouldn't end with that. He wouldn't be trying to get her out of the city otherwise... Something big was going to happen, she could just feel it in her bones.

The hand around her eyes finally dropped when they reached the top of the staircase. Looking around, her brows furrowed taking in the surroundings.

The walls were littered with erratic scribbles and splotches of something she didn't care to know. A small hallway with a worn door was all that was left now, sitting at the very end of the hall. The floors were as hard and cold as the ones downstairs, but there was random doodling in spray paint that ran up towards the terrible scrawl that was all over the place. A bucket with the bottom smashed out was pushed off to the side. It must've gave way under someone's weight who used it to reach up higher with their patchwork decorating.

'Did Jack do this? Or someone else?'

Turning back towards the man behind her, his eyes were aimed at the door, staring at it intensely. It looked like he was in a daze, not realizing that she was looking at him.

"Go ahead.." His voice was low as he kept looking at the door, the only spot in the hall that hadn't been touched. A hand nudged her from behind, urging her to keep going. She slowly stepped forward, suddenly feeling nervous again.

Sakura didn't belong here, that was very clear to her when she was lifted out of the van. These people weren't right in the head. The things they do, the acts they commit, she wanted no part in. This building was run down and full of the crazy shit that made up the Joker's gang.

'It's only until the morning... I hope.'

If Sakura knew where she was going to end up two weeks ago, she never wold have believed it. Not for a second... The weight in her chest felt heavier with each step closer to the door. None of this felt right, even with the man standing right behind her with blood drying on his chest. It almost didn't feel real, like floating through a strange dream.

'Or a nightmare...'

Jack wouldn't have done any of this... He wouldn't have brought her here with these people, telling her that she was never allowed to leave and acting like she didn't have a choice in this anymore. What was she really expecting? For everything to stay the way it was when they were in her apartment together? Or like seven years ago? Maybe she really was a foolish woman, one who dreamed of a reality that would never come true.

'He's doing it to keep you safe... So far, he's kept everything away from you until now, when you're in trouble.' A small voice whispered in the back of her mind, making her brows furrow.

'I'm only in trouble because of him...'

'Shut up. You're annoying... This is Jack we're talking about.'

'Shit... Maybe I really am losing it. Having a goddamn argument with myself over something I have no control over anymore.'

'Hahaha...'

"Relax." A hand rubbed her shoulder, whispering softly in her ear. Taking a deep breath, Sakura tried to shake the thoughts off as he stepped around her to grab the door handle. "Everything's going to be okay..." Despite the dim lighting, seeing his face when he looked down at her actually did help the nerves gnawing their way through.

It was going to be okay, right? In the morning, she would be leaving the city then... Then what? What was going to happen? What was the Joker going to do? Even if he accomplishes his "mission"... What then? Were they going to live in a little home together and act like everything was normal? Or was he just going to keep living like this? Where did she fit in this equation? What if he ended up dying or getting hurt?

"I promise..." Opening the door, he grabbed her wrist to pull her in. Holding her breath, the pinkette had no idea what to expect, especially from someone like him. Stepping through the threshold, her eyes widened looking around the room. The door closing and locking behind her didn't even register as she stood rooted on the spot.

There was a mattress on the floor, sheets strewn around like someone slept in it recently, but couldn't care less about the way it looked. A small dresser sat against the wall, drawers haphazardly closed with some sticking out slightly. An old, worn out chair was carelessly tossed beside it, sitting crooked. A couple pieces of clothing were folded in a messy pile next to the bed on the wooden floor boards. Along one of the walls was an open door to a bathroom, the lights shut off.

'This...looks so familiar...'

"What do you think? Does it remind you of something?" Stepping from behind her, Joker had a smirk on his face as he watched her reactions shift from confusion to shock. He was enjoying this...

"I-Its...exactly like...your old room..."

"HAHAHAHA!" The way his smile twisted at her realization made her skin crawl...

'Jack... He's really lost it...'