"You were sleeping too long..." Hands grasped the bottom of the t-shirt covering her body, sliding it up towards her hips. A smirk crossed his face seeing she wasn't wearing anything beneath it. She knows he can't help himself when she leaves herself exposed like that.

"It's only been a few hours..." The pinkette sat up, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. "You don't get enough sleep. That's why you always have those dark circles around your eyes..."

"Perhaps." He purred, moving down lower along her body. Pushing her legs apart, he used his broad shoulders to keep them open. He couldn't help grinning at the way she was letting him move her around, knowing she wants it just as bad. Pliant and ready, that's how he likes her in the morning. Kissing the soft skin along her pelvis, he felt her body jerk against his touch.

"S-Stop. What are you doing?" She giggled, trying to squirm up the mattress. As if she already doesn't know.. Always acting embarrassed when he does this. He finds it endearing when she looks shy, blushing under his gaze when he's between her thighs. The soft pink tinge in her cheeks was a sight he'd like to see every morning.

'Without any panties on either... Little minx...'

"If you don't wanna get up and make me breakfast, then whatcha ya expect me to do? Hmm? A man's gotta eat somethin', dollface." Dark eyes watched the woman under him turn red, trying to cover her face with a small hand. He could see her green eyes peeking between her fingers, knowing she doesn't really want him to stop.

"Trying to act innocent, sweetheart? Could've fooled me if I didn't know any better..." Grasping her thighs, he pushed them further apart to settled into a comfortable position. This way he could see everything he wanted even if she didn't like it. Always squirming or trying to move from the way he would stare or mess around, feeling self-conscious... She'll just have to get over it. This is going to be happening a lot more often if everything goes smoothly.

Leaning down and letting her legs rest on his shoulders, he felt along the cracked skin of his scar with his tongue, narrowing his eyes on her. Even when she just wakes up, she's still as beautiful as ever. It's almost sinful. Aren't women supposed to be a hot mess at this time? It doesn't matter, this one's his.

Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Joker ran his fingers along the pinkette's slit, his lips curling up in smug appreciation. She's already so wet for him, without doing anything. Does the prospect of him going down on her do this? It's still baffling how turned on Sakura can get from him. When his mouth was slit open and he thought she wouldn't be able to look at his face ever again, she was soaked when he put his bloody lips against her. There was definitely something wrong with this chick...and it only made him want her more.

"Good morning to you too, doll." Glancing back up to Sakura's face as he slowly slid an index finger into her entrance, he bit his lower lip watching her green eyes flutter. Her tongue ran out over her pink lips, letting out a shuddered breath. Twisting his finger, he moved inside her carefully, groaning at the way her walls squeezed around his digit. It became something of a fascination feeling every part of this woman, memorizing each curve of her body, the soft texture of her mouth, every groove and nerve ending in her core. The human body always intrigued him, but this one he doesn't want to tear apart. At least, not in the usual sense... There's only one place where he hasn't ventured yet, but he's saving that for a very special occasion. He wants to be inside of her again. It just wasn't enough...

It could never be enough.

Jack thought he was bad when they were younger, blaming it on his hormones and her appearance. Now that he's older and she's back in his clutches, it's only gotten worse... Far worse. Everything about him is an extreme, from one end of the spectrum to the other. It was either all or nothing.

Biting down on the soft skin of her hip, she bucked forward with a gasp and he couldn't help relishing in the noises filtering to his ears. Dark, angry marks marred the soft flesh he nipped and dug his teeth into, moving along her pelvis and thighs. They'll be long gone soon and part of him wished they wouldn't. Seeing the art he leaves behind fills him with a twisted sense of satisfaction. It was proof of what he's done, leaving a part of himself on her.

The Joker enjoys seeing his handprints on her hips, the scratches along her back and even his own. The discolored splotches on the column of his woman's neck and shoulders from him biting and sucking everywhere his mouth could reach. He loves every bit of it, knowing she feels the same way. Sakura would've made it clear if she didn't like it... He's a rough man by nature, but the intention isn't to make her suffer. Pain's the name of the game he enjoys, but she doesn't really understand that.

When they were younger, he didn't either-not entirely. That joy is something that has a required taste, needs to be eased into if done properly. There are quite a few things he'd like to do to her, but causing agony isn't one of them. Nothing is better than having her begging and pleading for more, not screaming and clawing at him to get away. If he thinks she doesn't like something, he stops. It's isn't fun if they're not both enjoying it. There's a very thin line between pleasure and pain, a boundary he treads on consistently. Whether Sakura wants to join him on that path is a different story, but it's journey he needs to be patient and careful with. Last thing he wants is her giving him those disgusted, hateful looks or trying to scramble away every time he tries to touch her.

That just won't do.

"Jack..." The pinkette's breathy moan made his ears perk up, relishing how it spills from her lips. It's only in the privacy of this place he can hear that name, far away from his enemies and those trying so desperately to find it. The thought is amusing... The mafia's sent men out to collect anything they can about who the Joker actually is, the D.A.'s office spends countless hours doing research, the MCU has been doing everything in their power to track his name down. Little do they know, it's screamed throughout this room. Every. Single. Day.

Hilarious.

To him, being alone in this little apartment with this woman, is like living in an entirely different world from the one outside of these walls. There's no appearances to keep up, no one around to interfere, he can be whoever he feels like. Almost a dream he can float through, were it's only the two of them on this bed and nothing else matters. This beauty clings to him so tightly, lavishing him with all her attention. He thought an identity was the only thing missing from being complete, but even he can be wrong occasionally.

Having someone's life in his hands and knowing it was his own will to decide to snuff it out or allow them to keep on living was indescribable. That kind of power and control is something money can't buy. But this... This is something entirely different. Sakura places her body and soul in his soiled palms, laying herself across his lap, not caring how far his shadows looms over her. She fills that empty space that no amount of bloodshed or violence can ever hope to reach.

All he has to do is clasp his gloved hands together to shatter that fragile glass figurine. It would be so easy... The Joker likes to break things, especially ones that seem too perfect. He can't... He won't. Who would have imagined the missing part of his soul was so delicate? Perhaps that's the irony of it all. He always did like a good joke. Looking at her, he can't find anything to laugh about. Those hand will hide his little doll, try to keep others from destroying his most precious possession.

Biting down on the inside of her thigh, he ran his tongue over the dark impressions his teeth left behind. The only thing that was more exciting than her reactions and the marks along her body, was seeing his greasepaint smeared across her pale skin. No matter how good she could heal herself, there was no getting rid of that with ability alone. It's not until he lets her get off the bed and into the shower that his little woman can rid herself of the messy display of colors. It painted an obscene picture along her thighs and chest, trailing up towards face.

During the nights while she slept, he'd run his fingers along her lips with his own paint, drawing a crude smile that reached up to her cheekbones. Other times, she'd wake up with a face matching his own, depending on how out of it she was after keeping her up most of the night. Heh... The way she angrily lunges at him in the morning is always the best part... He knows Sakura isn't genuinely angry, more amused to be honest, but doesn't want to let him get away with doing everything he wants.

Licking the corner of his scar, Joker pulled his fingers out to spread her open. A hand grabbed at his hair in warning, making him chuckle. Doesn't she realize it only drives him crazier when those slim fingers yank and tug on his curls? Grazing his teeth over his bottom lip, he hopes she'll tighten her grip, maybe even rip a few strands out. He couldn't reiterate enough about the delicate balance between pleasure and pain. It's makes his blood rush when she tears at his messy waves, he likes it when her nails dig into his flesh, breaking the layers. The thought of her dragging a blade across his skin and drawing blood makes him hard, but they aren't there yet. She still gets nervous around his toys, doesn't quite understand the beauty and grace of good steel.

A throaty groan resonated through his chest when he leans down to bury his face into pussy, carefully listening to gasps and cries coming from the pinkette. Her hips pushed forward out of need, roughly pulling at his hair-just like he wanted. She was rewarded with his tongue pushing into her core, his fingers keeping her lips spread open so he can go deeper. It was heavenly how wet and sweet she is against his hot mouth, a taste he gets drunk on that always leaves him thirsting for more.

The moans spilling out into the dim room were like music to his ears, enthralling him even more. Sakura really has no clue what she does to him. He moved his hands to push her thighs further apart, giving himself more room to work. The legs dangling over his shoulders trembled, clamping down tighter when his ruined lips wrapped around her clit. Nails raked against his scalp as he suckled the little bundle of nerves, lightly grazing his teeth over it. That was a guaranteed way to make her lose it. His hands grasped her hips hard when the pinkette tried to pull away, shrieking and grabbing onto the headboard. There's no escaping this, hasn't she learned that by now? It's too much stimulation for her and the instincts to get away kick in, but he knows what's best.

Feeling her toes curling to his warm back was making the pressure between his legs painful against the bed. He wants more, but the wait makes it all the more sweeter when it finally comes. When Sakura turns into a soaked, needy mess that's begging for his cock is almost his favorite. The best is the moment she's in the throws of a climax and has no control over her body, screaming and clinging to him like she might die if he lets go. Yep. He wants to see that again.

"J-Jack... Come here." Dark eyes looked up with a raised brow, wondering what this little woman was up to. Studying the pinkette's expression as she tugged on his hair to get her point across, Joker reluctantly sat up. His eyes narrowed on Sakura, his brain running on overdrive like it always does. Does she have something else in mind? A new position for them to try? Curling his lip up in a sneer, he crawled over her lithe form on the bed. Curiosity was getting the best of him, it's not often she want him to stop or gives a command.

'It sure as hell wasn't a request.'

"Yes, do-" Joker didn't get to finish his question when she pulled him down, hungrily taking his lips. His eyes widened at her aggression, feeling her nails dragging along the back of his neck. The last time Sakura seemed so...demanding, was in the shower when she pushed him up against the wall. Slender legs wrapped around his waist, pulling his body closer. As much as he enjoyed her being pliant, this fiery side was equally attractive. Groaning in her mouth, he rocked his hips against her, maneuvering so his cock could slide against her heat, reveling in the warm slick coating him.

Breaking off, both panted hard while they staring at each other down. Is this what she wanted? To kiss and have him close?

Sakura roughly pushed against his chest, taking the clown by surprise and getting him on his back. Joker's brows shot up, shocked at how strong she was for such a small woman. If he was anyone else, it might've been frightening how much strength she was able to give off these days. He couldn't help laughing at the irony of how deceiving her looks are compared to what she can actually do.

'It must be from her ability...'

Sakura swung her leg over and climbed on top, straddling his waist. Biting her bottom lip, she raked her nails down his scarred chest. "Something funny? Hmm?" That smug smile on her face while tracing the jagged marks along his skin made the beating is his chest reach a deafening rhythm. He likes this playful, little mischievous side of her. It's enthralling to witness the changes in her personality, how she's opening up and coming out of that shell she's been confined to all these years. "I know how exactly how to wipe that smile off your face."

Sitting up and shifting back, the pinkette firmly grasped his cock in her hand, positioning herself above it. At a torturous pace, she lowered herself down onto him. Just as she said, the Joker's grin fell, twisting into a grimace, growling out through his clenched teeth. He swallowed hard, watching the tip prod her entrance, slowly pushing through the tight muscles. She took her time, gasping as she took him in one inch at a time.

Joker almost couldn't believe the sight in front of him, leaning up against the pillows and fighting to keep his heavy-lidded eyes open. Licking the corner of his bottom lip, his brows furrowed in concentration, trying to stop himself from reacting the way his instincts were urging him to.

"Shit…" The wet heat enveloping him was heavenly, but the way she looked while doing it… Fucking glorious. Sakura's pinks lips were parted, sucking in deeps breaths with her twisted in disbelief. She leaned forward, planting her small hands against his abdomen to steady herself, scratching the surface unconsciously. This was the first time since their 'reunion' that she's attempted to get on top of him, knowing he prefers to be the one.

The pinkette let out a whine that sent goosebumps across his skin. It was exciting to see the way her body trembled from trying to take all of him in. Her shaky knees moved off the mattress and pressed against each other on his chest. He reached out to grab Sakura's hips, his dirty nails biting into her soft flesh as he held her still. She was struggling, not used to the position or expecting how deep he can reach into her from this angle. It was gravity doing its job, instead of the clown having complete control.

Sakura's breathing was ragged, forcing her knees back onto the bed to and further apart to take the rest of him in. Her head fell back, caught between moaning and biting into her lower lip.

Joker grunted, feeling the hot walls surrounding his cock already spasming and clamping down, making him want to flip her over and thrust wildly. Having someone on top and leaving himself open like this was against every instinct he has after living the 'lifestyle' for so long. It took every ounce of patience and self-control not to throw the pinkette off and punish her for putting him in this position in the first place.

"Just… Hah… Just relax..." His lips parted, freezing at her words. She's telling him to relax, while shaking like a damn leaf on his cock? Was it obvious that he's uncomfortable being on the bottom? No. No one is better at concealing and controlling facial expression like he is. So…how? Glancing down at what she's doing, her hands ran across his chest, massaging the tense muscles beneath his marred skin. Warmth spread from her fingertips drawing out a groan from him as he let his head lulled back against the pillows. It's like she already knew how he's feeling and was trying to comfort him in some strange way...and it's fucking working.

'Damn vixen...'

"See? Doesn't that feel better?" Looking back up towards her smirking face, he shifted his jaw with no intention of answering her. He wasn't going to tell her how it felt so damn good...or how great the view is from down there.

Pushing against his chest for leverage, Sakura shifted her hips, rotating them around experimentally. It took a few moments to adjust when she raised herself up to the tip of his throbbing member, then slid back down. A hiss pushed through his clenched teeth at how hot her pussy felt around him, dripping wet and tight. Slowly, she started up a torturous rhythm and it took everything to keep himself in check.

She lets him do just about everything he wants to her body, even if she acts shy about it. Despite not initially liking it, he'll let her have this moment. It's not often she tries to aggressively get her way or asks for much. However, it'll come at a price and he always comes to collect.

Dark eyes burned a hole into the woman riding him, watching her breasts bounce and face contort in pleasure. The small woman's body moved fluidly, her taut abdomen working in sync with her hips as they rolled and twisted, thrusting herself down on him. In another life, she would have made a great dancer... That wasn't going to happen in this lifetime, unless it's for him. He'll be damned if anyone else would enjoy this show.

'No... She's all mine...'

Hands left his chest to cover her face in an attempt to muffle her moans as they grew louder while she picked up the pace, riding him faster. Joker's scarred cheeks puffed out, sucking in deep breaths and trying to control himself. If felt so good... Having her on top was far better than he imagined, but the rough side of him felt the urge to toss her around, to show her who's really in control.

"Fuck!" He growled out through teeth, not knowing where to keep his eyes focused. From watching his cock being impaled by her delicious body, to the breasts bouncing with every thrust... The choice was quickly made.

Lashing out, he reached forward to snatch her wrists, yanking them away from her flushed face. That was the part he always relished the most, seeing her reactions to what they were doing. It brought him more pleasure than anything else. Pulling her forward, he placed her hands back against his chest, letting her feel the deep vibrations running through him from the noises he was making.

"Don't hide… Let me see everything..." Panting hard, he looked up into the green eyes staring at him. Something about them sucked the air right from his lungs, leaving him breathless. What is this sensation? His chest felt heavy, like it was filled with hot lead. He wanted to glance away, stare at the wall or anything else. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, right? When he told her to let him see everything, he didn't anticipate this. It wasn't the unadulterated pleasure he was expecting. The hips rolling against him slowed down, taking him into her at a different pace. That expression on her face... It took him off guard, leaving him with a sensation of pain blossoming in the center of his being. He knows that look, remembering it very clearly from the past.

'Stop... Don't give me that look...'

Sakura pulled her hands out of his grip to leaned forward, only a few inches away from him. Hovering above him, she placed her hands on the sides of his face, holding it still when he tried to move back. Thumbs touched the middle of his lips, gently caressing along the rough skin up the jagged scars around his mouth, staring down into his dark eyes.

'Don't... Please, Sakura...'

A shiver ran down his spine at the way her bright green eyes darkened, turning into a deep emerald. Joker tried to swallow the lump forming in his throat, feeling the emotions practically radiating off her body and into his own. When her fingertips reached the ends of the discolored markings, the pinkette leaned down, pressing her lips against his. It was gentle and sweet, yet full of passion as she claimed his mouth, making her intentions abundantly clear. Even if he wanted to, Joker felt like he couldn't stop her, despite wanting to shove down that strange feeling gnawing on his insides.

This was ridiculously foolish of him. He shouldn't be wanting something like this. Not now... Not when everything is set up so perfectly outside. For a long time, all the pieces of his plans have gone exactly the way they were meant to... It wasn't until that day he robbed that bank on 5th Ave that everything changed... When he saw Sakura walking away from the scene and he was driving a bus with duffel bags full of mobs money in the back.

Despite all the time and careful planning that he's dedicated every part of himself into, he couldn't help finding himself being pulled away from it. This woman's become such a distraction... Jack never quelled the fire burning bright for her and now it was scorching him alive. Instead of spending his nights carrying out necessary part of his plans, he always found himself walking back to her building, sometimes without even realizing it.

Drawn like a moth to the flame and it fucking burns...

After all these years, a part of himself the Joker believed was successfully killed off, was still there. The one that yearned for interaction with someone who can climb over that wall he carefully constructed. The small sliver that wanted to be able to relax, even allow himself to be comfortable. This is the only time he can lay next to another person and feel like he might be able to sleep, knowing he wouldn't be stabbed or hauled off back to Arkham. The one place he can take off his mask and hear the name that was lost to time and his own handiwork.

This is the closest thing he'd ever consider to what most people would call 'home'. It wasn't the apartment that makes him feel this way, but the woman that lives here. It doesn't matter where they stay, as long as she's with him...

Joker didn't expect it to go this fast or become so deep in such a short amount of time, especially since her memories still aren't all there. His Sakura clawed out so quickly and now she was giving him that look. The one that expressed a million words, without saying a damn thing. How many years after she 'died' did he fantasize about her staring at him like this? He never thought it could possibly happen again, yet he's seeing it with his own eyes right now.

It was just... He hoped to draw it out of her when she was safe and away from this city, out of harm's path and tucked away, where no one's hands could reach them. If she kept looking at him like this, it was going to ruin everything. He can't let that happen, not now. There's a job to finish and he has to stop her from dragging him away.

"Jack..." Leaning back, Sakura ghosted her lips over his, her hot breaths washing over his skin. Her hips trembled against his pelvis as she slowly moved along his cock, feeling every inch of him. Fingers grazed against his scars lovingly, making his chest hurt from emotions he couldn't place. It's been so long, he doesn't know what to do, a rarity that only serves to conflict him even further. "Jack..I-" He can't let her finish whatever she's about to say.

Bolting up, he smashed his mouth against hers, pulling her shaking body tight against his own. Gripping her hips, he started pounding into her roughly, desperately trying to make her forget about that last nail she's trying to hammer into his coffin.

Breaking away from his lips, she threw her head back, crying out and digging her nails into his shoulders. Hands reached around, grabbing her ass and lifted her up to wrap her legs around his waist. Planting his knees into the mattress, he slammed his cock into her furiously, pulling her closer with every thrust. She was light enough that it barely fazed him, holding her up was nothing.

Licking his lips and muttering to himself, Joker's face twisted in agony, impaling her roughly onto him. The screams and fluids running down his shaft from her trembling core made his eyes roll up, feeling the tightening in his gut from the ecstasy her body brought him.

"C'mon! C'mon!" The pinkette's walls clamped down hard hearing him yelling, making it painful to keep thrusting into her, but he couldn't stop. That moment when she climaxes… It's a sinful sight. Slim hands tore at his hair when he attacked her mouth, swallowing her cries as he viciously powered through the muscles trying to force him out. He won't let anything stop him from getting what he wants.

Sakura's back arched against him, tumbling over the edge. She pushed off his chest with her hands, desperately needing air as she screamed out into the dim room. Joker yanked her back to him, holding her through the orgasm, knowing she can't control her body in these moments.

And he fucking loves it.

"Oh my God-Oh my God!" He pushed her head to rest against his shoulder, growling out from her breathy moans in his ear.

"...I'm starting to... Heh...get jealous of this God, sweetheart..." Slamming hard and gripping her ass tightly, he powered through the orgasm, trying to find his own release. He cursed and hissed, biting down onto the pale skin of her neck when it finally hit. His arms shook, trying to hold onto Sakura and not drop her. His own climax winded him, sucking the air from his lungs.

"S-Shit!" Joker doubled over when he came, pushing his cock further into the woman clinging to him and dropping them against the bed. His teeth dug harder, threatening to break her skin as his hips jerked, filling her up with his cum.

"It feels so hot..." Sakura's soft words made him buck against her, breaking the hold on her neck. They were both completely drenched in sweat that was mostly his, out of breath and spent. The clown rolled onto his side, trying not to crush her under his weight. Staring up at the ceiling, he panted hard, listening to the pinkette gasping for air.

'Dammit… And she's gonna want to leave for work soon. What's the point? Might as well stay with me… No. That can't happen. I'll end up trying to stay inside her all day and won't get shit done.'

With an annoyed groan, Joker forced himself to lean up against the headboard, pulling the pinkette's limp body onto his chest. He could feel her heart pounding against his skin, trying to calm his own erratic rhythm. Trailing his fingers along the curve of her spine, he closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the mattress.

If only this could last longer...

Tomorrow, everything was going to change... If he doesn't play his cards right, it might end up with him being the one to bite the bullet. He just needs to make sure Sakura is far away from Gotham before then. If something happens and she gets caught up in this mess... He'd never forgive himself.

Pushing off against his chest, Sakura sat up and looked towards the clock on the nightstand. He groaned, already knowing what she was thinking.

"Shit... I need to start getting ready for work soon. Well, at least I got up early..." A smile spread across her face as she leaned down to peck him on the lips, before trying to get up. Hands grabbed at her hips, refusing to let her move or go anywhere. If only for a while longer, he wants to enjoy this little reprieve.

"Ya mean, 'At least I got off early'…" His lips curled up into a sneer, feeling smug at how exhausted she looked. A small hand covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter when she ran the words through her hazy mind. At least someone appreciates his crappy jokes.

"I guess you can say that." Trying to move again, he pulled her back down, letting out a warning growl. "Jack... You know I want to go to work today. It's the last time I'll probably get to see Bruce and there's an important meeting. I won't be gone that long. Besides, didn't you say you're going to be busy today?"

Joker clicked his tongue, smacking his lips in agitation. So… Sakura wants to go to work to see the playboy one last time? Ignoring the rest of what she said after that, he looked away towards the wall, glaring at it while chewing on the corded scar tissue on the inside of his cheek.

'I knew I should have destroyed that goddamn place.'

Grabbing the sides of his face, she pulled him back, kissing him tenderly. "Come on... Don't sulk."

"Tch." The indignant sound left his throat before he even thought about stopping it. What is this feeling? Why is he angry about her wanting to go to work? It's not like he'll be here anyway. Contempt filled him and he wasn't sure who or what it was directed towards. He was pissed at the entire situation and the fact that he didn't control his reaction.

"Jack... How about I make you something to eat? I'm sure you're hungry." Sakura sat back on her knees, raising a brow with a hopeful look on her face. He narrowed his eyes at the pinkette, feeling agitated with the way she was swaying his mood. It was difficult to stay mad with her sitting there naked, full of his cum, and asking to cook for him. That's a recipe for disaster if he's even seen one.

"Trying to win me over with food, huh? Clever woman..." A grin spread across her face, noticing his temper melting away. He can't stay angry for too long around her. She really is a distraction. Usually he can rampage and seethe for hours at a time without a problem. He clicked his tongue and let go of her hips, allowing the pinkette to get up.

Sakura quickly kissed him on the lips and turned to crawl to the edge of the bed. Shifting his jaw, the clown watched her gracefully moving along the sheets and enjoying the view she was giving him.

"Goddamn succubus..." Muttering under his breath, Joker folded his arms behind his head, relaxing into the pillows and mattress. One thing he can say is that her bed is comfortable, even if it's a bit small for his liking. It was only meant for her and she's tiny in comparison. The next will be much larger, they'll need the room for what he has planned. The corner of his mouth quirked up at the thought and from watching the pinkette padding across the carpet. "Ya got some coffee, dollface?"

Sakura whirled around as she pulled a shirt from one of the dresser drawers, giving him an incredulous look. "Did you forget already? You broke my coffeemaker two days ago... I think I might still have an old percolator, but still... Another victim to that nasty temper of yours..." She pulled the fabric over her head and tugged her pink locks out from the back, letting them hang loose down her shoulders.

Smacking his lips and sticking the tip of his finger in his ear, he feigned trying to remember the incident. It was better than showing his irritation at her hidden nakedness. He enjoys that afterglow she has when they're done going at it, but despises the clothes that cover it up.

"Me? Did I do that? Hmm... Don't recall. I can always buy you a new one though." He'll get her a nice, expensive one, knowing she loves drinking coffee. Always has. That'll have to be something else to add to the mental list of things he needs to do.

"How about just not breaking my stuff... Sound good? Otherwise, I'll have to punish you." Joker grinned at the challenge, liking it when she threatens him or acts fiesty.

'Let's see you try, sweetheart...'


"That seemed to go well... I guess." Bruce held the door open for the pinkette to walk through, looking at the paperwork in her hands. "Seoul would be a great spot to open up a branch of the R&D Department."

"Oh, I'm surprised you heard anything over all that snoring." Without looking up, Sakura shot back with a small grin. "Korea is home to some of the most advanced technology in the world. It would be a smart move..."

Dark eyes watched the woman curiously. There was definitely something different about her. The way she acts, speaks, and especially...her attitude. Bruce couldn't help admitting that he's enjoying the change. She seems much happier these day, laughing and smiling more often than he can ever remember. It was contagious in its own way, a pleasant reprieve from the feeling bubbling inside of him from the last few weeks.

Tomorrow is the press conference. The one he implored Harvey Dent to set up, despite both of their reluctance. After today, his world and Gotham will be changed...forever. In less than twenty-four hours, the infamous playboy-billionaire image he carefully crafted will be shattered for the everyone to see. In front of dozens of reporters, journalists, police officers and politicians, he'll reveal his identity as Batman. There doesn't seem to be any other choice, but to give in to the Joker's demands.

With no leads or a way to track down the murderous clown, all options have vanished. There's far too much blood on his hands to keep this going. The whole reason he put the suit on in the first place, was to inspire good in a lawless land. After bringing down Falcone and Crane, things seemed to be getting better for a time. Everyday citizens hoped the city would begin to heal itself under Batman's watchful eye.

That didn't last long. After the breakout at Arkham when Crane's fear gas spread throughout the city, most of the criminals and patients fled. It took the combined efforts of the GCPD and himself to track them down, which consumed a considerable of time. It took a year just to find the Crane himself. The Bat found him in a parking garage having a dispute with the Chechen over drugs, when two copycat impostors tried their hands at the vigilante life-with guns and hockey pads...

This wasn't the kind of inspiration Bruce had in mind. Not at all. He hoped the citizens would try their best to live honest lives, not to dress up like him and take the law into their own hands. They just don't understand... He was trained under Ra's Al-Ghul in the art of the ninja, leaning the secrets of one of the largest underground organizations of the world. The League of Shadows. It was a hard pill to swallow to learn they were nothing more than well-funded terrorists that didn't share his ideals on how justice should be handled...

Unlike these average citizens taking up arms, Bruce has billions of dollars from his inheritance and an entire the R&D department of Wayne Enterprises making him new suits and weapons from only the best materials. With the Lucius Fox's assistance, some of the military and world's best technology is at his disposal. Even with all of that, there's still limitations and he's faced foes that've eluded him time and time again. Some of them were difficult to handle even with his extensive training and equipment. How can ordinary people hope to combat forces that Batman himself has a hard time with?

It's for this reason that some of the imposters have been killed. Brian Douglas became a tragic symbol of the fate awaiting those who try to donning the cape. A video the Joker took of the former police officer spread like wildfire all over the news.

….

"Be aware... The image is disturbing." The man's voice warned before the broadcast transitioned from the news anchor in a suit and tie, to a gritty tape that was filmed by the Joker.

The news station was reporting on the body found outside the window of Mayor Anthony Garcia's office building, who was meeting with the D.A., Commissioner Gillian Loeb, and Jim Gordon. It was right after the initial hearing for over five-hundred criminals that were arrested, following Lau's return to Gotham. The dirty accountant revealed the names of all his clients to protect himself from going to county jail, where he knows there won't be any protection from the mob's wrath.

Only Lau has knowledge of the location where the entire mob's savings has been stored. He worked as their accountant, being the only big-time money launderer left from Dent's relentless pursuit for justice that put all of the Chinese mob boss' competitors behind bars. After a series of robberies from the Joker on the banks where the funds were originally held, it became apparent to mob family heads' that their money was being tracked through radiated bills, strategically placed by Batman and the late Jim Gordon. Those were the only thing the clown had left behind after raiding the place.

This forced the mob heads into a secret meeting during the day to discuss what happened and what to do next. To everyone's surprise, Lau already moved the remaining money to an undisclosed location, refusing to even tell his own clients its whereabouts out of fear if any of the men were caught and talked. He spoke through a screen on his way to Hong Kong, where he would be far out of Dent's jurisdiction. Even if a warrant was issued by the D.A., the Chinese would never extradite one of their own.

According to one of the men in police custody that worked for Maroni, it was during this meeting the Joker appeared and told the heads that Lau's plan was foolish and the real problem was Batman, who has no jurisdiction. Unfortunately for the accountant, the clown was absolutely right.

After Bruce flew to Hong Kong and forcibly brought Lau back to deliver him to Gordon, it didn't take long for a deal to be struck. Rachel sat in a room with the Chinese national and his attorney, using her experience as a lawyer and D.A.'s assistant to back him into a corner, while Dent and Gordon oversaw and recorded the exchange. The accountant knew as long as he didn't give away the location of the money and took a deal, that was his only chance of making it out alive. Without Gotham PD's protection, all the mob families would be after him to keep his mouth closed and to get their money back.

In exchange for immunity, a plane ride back to Hong Kong, and keeping the mob's savings, the accountant would reveal the names of everyone in Gotham he worked for. That was more than enough to arrest well over five-hundred men on dozens of charges, including the head bosses. Word through the grapevine was that Gambol went missing not long after placing a hit out on the Joker, leaving only Maroni and the Chechen as the only big-time threats in the mafia.

Realizing the clown was right and being backed into a corner, the bosses agreed to hire him to take care of their current predicament. What they didn't expect was HOW he would take care of it... It's surprising how much mob thugs are willing to talk when they're hung upside down in their cells after a few good punches.

"Tell them your name." The voice behind the camera sounded playful while it zeroed in on the man tied to the chair, dressed in a Batman suit and wearing a bulletproof vest.

Bruce's eyes widened recognizing the man as one of the imposters he encountered when busting Crane in the middle of a heated drug deal gone wrong. Despite his clear warning to stop, the man must have continued his activities with the group that called themselves 'The Batmen'.

There were large slabs of cow carcasses, cut down the middle, hanging from hooks against the white walls in the background. A cart with trays containing God-knows-what was to the right. A meat packing plant? The back of a butcher shop? Where in Gotham was this place?

It wouldn't matter anyway now... The man's body was already recovered and the clown was smart enough to not return to a place he filmed at, just in case anyone located it.

"...Brian... Douglas..." The reluctant voice said behind the mask. The chuckle in the background made Bruce's skin crawl.

"And are you the real Batman?" The camera moved shakily with the clown's laughter, amused at the man's humiliation. They both knew he wasn't Batman, this was all a way to rub in his failure and drag out the degradation.

"... No..." Brian's voice was quiet, full of fear and shame as he revealed himself, not having a choice in the matter. Who knows what led up to his capture by the madman interrogating him...

"N-No?.." As the man repeated himself, the Joker's voice grew with feigned confusion, brimming with a chaotic energy that can be felt through the screen. He mocked Brian, jeering and imitating his frightened tone. "No?!"

"Hehehaha! Then why do ya dress up like him?!" In only seconds, the mood suddenly changed. Switching from laughter to a deep growl, a gloved hand lashed out, ripping the mask from Brian's face.

"Woohohohoooo!" Holding the tip of the bat man mask by the ear, the maniac shook it in front of camera, laughing as he tossed it away.

"H-He's a symbol...That...we don't have to be afraid of scum like you." Brian's voice trembled, trying to be brave, despite the predicament he's in. His expression gave away everything, the fear etched across his sweaty face was undeniable... He was doing his best to stay strong, the way his hero would have.

"Yeah, you do Brian..." A gloved hand grasped the man's jaw, gripping his face tightly. "YOU REALLY DO!" The Joker growled out viciously shaking his victim's face and reaching up to grab a tuff of dark hair. He yanked Brian's head back hard, enjoying the whimpers and way he trembled in the chair. "HUH?...YEAHHH..."

"Ah.. Sh. Shh. Shhh." Running a hand along the side of Brian's drenched hair and face, the clown suddenly smacked both of the man's cheek, making him jump from the unexpected strike. "So, you think Batman has made Gotham a better place? Hmm?"

The camera moved back as the Joker took a few steps away from the chair, giving the viewers a better look at the imposter tied up. It went without saying, this was a clear warning to all that will be the fate of anyone else who dares to put on the cape.

Look at me." The camera angle shuffled around with the clown's erratic movements as he stared at Brian, who was too afraid to even raise his head at the command. "LOOK AT ME!" His tone turned into an animalistic roar, promising a world of pain should he disobey. The sound made even Bruce's muscles tense just from hearing it, a fact he would never admit out loud.

The camera was flipped around, the Joker's greasepainted face as it shook, his dark eyes wide and wild looking straight into the lens. "Ya see, this is how cra-zy Batman has made Gotham!" He breathed heavy in between his words, bringing the camera closer to his mangled mouth. "You want order in Gotham? Batman must take off his mask and turn himself in..." Smacking his lips together, the camera spun around with him, not taking it off his face for even a second. "Oh! And every day he doesn't, people will die... Starting tonigh-t... I'm a man of my worddd... HEHAHAHA!"

Laughing maniacally, the twisted smile he wore pulled his scars tight against his face, showing the clown's horrid teeth as the angle spun out of control. Brian's screams were all that could be made out when everything went black.

Brian's body was found hanging from a noose in his Batman costume right outside the mayor's window, during his meeting with Dent, Loeb, and Gordon. His face was slashed open and painted identically to the Joker's…

...

This was only one instance... So many people were killed in similar fashion, not including those from all the gunfire and explosions throughout the city. Imposters, mobsters, police officers, judges, even Commissioner Loeb himself, have all become victims to the clown's rampage. Jim Gordon was shot down in broad daylight after throwing himself in front of Mayor Garcia when the Joker impersonated the honor guard with his men during Loeb's funeral.

Turning himself in at the press conference seems like the only thing Bruce can do at this point to stop the massacre and make up for all the blood the clown put on his hands...

"Bruce? You okay there?" Sakura's green eyes stared at him curiously, waving a handful papers in front of his face.

"Y-Yeah... I guess I'm still a little tired." There was no way of Sakura knowing that he's barely been sleeping these days. The last few weeks were so difficult and the stress was wearing him down. Not a day goes by where he isn't scouring the streets at night and using every means available to try tracking down the clown. The little nap during the meeting was the only shut-eye he's had in the last two days alone.

It was almost comical that the meeting was happening at all... Tomorrow, he'll be in police custody and the plans from months ago to open a branch in Seoul will be useless at this point... However, he has to keep up his image as 'playboy-billionaire Bruce Wayne', until then...

The door of the meeting room opened as two men walked out. An older, dark-skinned man with gray hair looked around, glancing Bruce's way while a sandy-blond lawyer talked in a low voice. The taller of the two and CEO of Wayne Enterprises, Lucius Fox, laughed at whatever was being said.

Coleman Reese shot a pointed took in the same direction, pursing his lips when his dark eyes noticed the billionaire standing there. It wasn't a secret that this man didn't care for Bruce's seemingly carefree attitude or how he sleeps in meetings, just thinking of him as a rich snob, who relies on a trust fund. Without saying another word, Reese looked back at Fox before walking off.

Shaking his head, Lucius walked over to the pair, a small smirk on his face. There was no doubt that Reese was complaining about Bruce's behavior for the umpteenth time. His body language and expression said it all.

'Oh well...'

It didn't matter anyway. Not at this point...

"Mr. Wayne, I got a call in the meeting room that a man from the D.A.'s office is here to speak with you. They've been waiting here very patiently from what Marcy said, claiming that it's important." Bruce's brow raised in confusion at the news. Why would someone from Dent's office be here to talk to him?

"Okay, did they mention what this was about? It's unusual for anyone to just show up without making an appointment." This isn't good. Did one of those men find out something that has to do with his nighttime activities? Does this have something to do with the fundraiser from over a week ago? He could have sworn he already answered all their questions…

"I agree absolutely agree. This is irregular, but everything that's been going on is irregular as well. There he is... I told Marcy to send him up and I was going to speak with him, but he's insistent on talking to you." Lucius nodded behind them towards the hall. Glancing over, there were two men striding in their direction, dressed in dark suits. They're definitely Dent's men, that's for sure. Bruce recognized them right away from the research he was doing on the D.A. throughout the months, following his election.

Hyeon Choi and David Nosh... They worked closely under Harvey in the District Attorney's office. When trying to determine if he could be trusted or not, it was important to look towards the men who follow him as well. People are known by the company they keep, but Bruce was proof that appearances can be misleading.

'I've met Choi before... He's always too serious about his job. What does he want with me?'

As the men approached, Hyeon's dark eyes widened when Sakura stepped from behind Lucius, asking if she can leave. His brows pinched together tightly, wearing a strange expression that made Bruce feel more apprehensive than he already did.

'Does he…recognize Sakura or something? Why is he looking at her like that? It's not the usual surprised expression people wear when they first see her appearance...'

"Bruce, if that's all you need from me..." The pinkette said, looking up at him and seemingly oblivious to the man's eyes narrowing on her. Wasting no time, the billionaire shot him a pointed look, warning him not to say anything in front of her.

"Actually, Tasha-... No. It's fine, you can go." Seeing her smile before turning around, Bruce reached out to grab her shoulder, stopping her from running off. "Wait. I changed my mind... Could you wait in the office upstairs, until I'm finished speaking with these gentlemen? There's something I want to talk to you about."

Sakura pursed her lips shut, raising a thin brow. A look of disappointment crossed her features, not caring that her boss was standing right in front of her. Before, she would have hidden it under a carefully constructed mask that was lacquered with an equally sweet voice.

"Sure... That's fine I guess I'll look these over while I'm waiting." Waving the papers in hand, the pinkette looked at Hyeon with an odd expression. Shifting her jaw, she turned away, her heels clicking against the hard floor as she quickly strode away.

'Does she know him?'

Bruce chewed the inside of his cheek, watching the agitated woman walking away, gripping the papers in her fist. Usually Sakura didn't let how she was feeling play out so clearly through her expressions. It's a big change in comparison to the way she acted before. Was the change in mood because she wanted to leave? Or was it from Hyeon and how he was looking at her?

Turning towards the two men, he motioned towards the door behind them with his hand. "Mr. Fox will show you gentlemen into the meeting room for now. I'll need a few minutes, since we just finished up."

Lucius nodded at Bruce, putting a hand on Hyeon's shoulder to guide them away. He grabbed the handle to the door to let them in, starting his typical small talk to see what he can get out of them before they reveal their intention in coming here.

Right now, Bruce needed a few minutes alone to think. He quickly strolled down the hall, towards the bathroom. A splash of cold water on his tired face should help get his head straight. Things just seemed to be spiraling out of control with step he tried to take. Just like the Joker had planned, everything was turning into chaos around him.