Chapter 3: Face the Music
Disclaimer: read chapter 1
A/N 2020: First of all, let me just say, thank you all for taking the time to read and support this story. You have no idea how much this means to me. For those who don't know, yes, (sadly) I am remaking this story. My reason why is that I didn't like some of the details I put in. For example, two characters which I believe didn't have enough depth (not talking about Kathryn), and some unrealistic details were included in the book. As many of you know, my main character is based on my sister who has a degree in psychology. I asked her questions about the profession and wwyd scenarios if she was in Kathryn's situation, and she was very helpful. Fear not, her answers weren't Mary Sue. Some of her answers will keep this story alive. With that being said, I am making some minor changes, including major ones for chapters 15 and 16. Some of you are probably annoyed by this, I understand. Hope you keep an open mind and understand why I did what I did. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy this remake.
PS, if you are a fan of Birds of Prey and Roman Sionis, go check out my new fic 'Beyond Masks and Fish Nets'. Must warn you though it is a dark story, probably darker than this, so viewer discretion is advised.
Kathryn returned to Arkham the next day. Taking Elise's advice, Kathryn made it to the top floor to speak with Dr. Arkham about Jonathan. She needed to tell him that this wasn't going to work out between her and Jonathan, and why Jonathan should be in question.
Kathryn faced Dr. Arkham's office and hesitantly knocked on the door.
"Come in," Jeremiah authorized. The woman opened the door and saw Doctor Arkham sitting behind his desk; his eyes on his papers.
"Dr. Arkham?" she called. The butterflies resumed the flutter in her stomach.
Jeremiah looked up at Kathryn with a small smile, "Ah. Dr. Knightly. Good morning. I hope you are doing well."
She forced a nod, "Yes, sir. I'm good, thanks."
"So," Doctor Arkham put his papers down, giving the psychologist his full attention, "how can I help you?"
"Um... I was wondering if you heard anything from Dr. Whistler."
Jeremiah sighed, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I received a call from her this morning. It turns she got the case of the stomach flu."
Kathryn cringed in disgust, "Really?"
"Yes... The conversation was very short, but I can tell that she isn't coming back to the hospital anytime soon."
"I hope she feels better soon."
"Me too," Jeremiah stared at Kathryn for a long minute, before shaking his head. "Sorry, Dr. Knightly. It's not going to happen."
Kathryn furrowed her brows in confusion, "What did you think I was going to say?"
"You want me to get you a new supervisor."
His guessing skills left the woman widening her eyes with amazement. He was good; Kathryn gave him points for that.
"Listen, Dr. Arkham, I know you're a busy man, and I know you're concern about my safety. Dr. Crane..." She couldn't help but say the name with a bitter taste, "he..."
"He what, Doctor?" he challenged.
"He's not a nice person," she declared helplessly.
Jeremiah Arkham snorted, almost amused by her reasoning.
"He's arrogant, bossy, and he threatened to fire me like he did to that last guy. The one who lasted two days."
"First of all, doctor, I have the final word whether to fire you or not. Second, I paid Dr. Crane to set the working example and keep you doctors in line. If he's giving you the firm hand of things, then I'm relieved to know he's living up to my standards. And as for the new guy, who lasted two days, he was fired for committing a zero-tolerance offense."
"What kind of offense? What did he..." Kathryn stopped the questions when Doctor Arkham offered a stern look. They both knew that he couldn't disclose anything else on that subject.
"Doctor, you're new to this facility."
Kathryn nodded in agreement, "Yes, Sir."
"Well, everyone could tell you that they, too, had a shaky start, but these things take some time to get used to," Doctor Arkham removed his specs, rubbing the bridge of his nose before putting them back on. "Listen, Dr. Knightly, I'm sorry that you two are not getting along. We both know that Crane can be..."
"Controlling. Repulsive. A creep!" Kathryn offered.
Doctor Arkham's face fell with disapproval. He continued as if he didn't hear anything, "Strict. I understand your concerns for this asylum and how you two are not on the best of terms, but Crane is a brilliant psychiatrist. He wants to cure the insane, you want to cure the insane. You'll learn your place here in the future, and I'm sure you two will get along in no time. I don't know how, but hopefully, you both will figure it out soon." The last bit wasn't optimism talking but an instruction.
"But what if-"
"And!" Jeremiah's voice raised in a harsh tone, "if you or Dr. Crane dare come into my office and complain about each other again... let's just say we all aren't going to be happy. All right?"
"But Dr. Arkham-"
"Dr. Knightly," he pressed. "My decision is final. If you don't have any news for me, it's best you leave my office."
Kathryn closed her eyes for a moment and sighed sadly, knowing that she wasn't getting anywhere with this man. "I'm sorry, Dr. Arkham. I'll stop bothering you now."
"Thank you," Jeremiah's eyes lowered back on his desk, focusing on the paperwork.
Kathryn slid her fingertips from Jeremiah's desk and left the office. She headed back to the elevator but stopped and gasped fearfully at the person, she wasn't happy to see, standing in front of her.
"Good morning, Dr. Knightly," Jonathan greeted her with a smug look on his face, stepping out the elevator doors. "Feeling well?"
The psychologist stared at him eye-wide, thinking of how to respond. Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
"Doctor Knightly?" Jonathan's look showed concern as if he actually cared about her well-being. Judging by his bored tone, he was anything but empathetic. "Are you alright? You seem pale."
"Um..." Kathryn mentally shook her head, masking her nerves with a brave face but her voice was evident. "I-I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You can always go to the nurse."
Kathryn was confused about Jonathan's attitude today. Yesterday, he was upset with her for pouring the appetizer on him; but now, he acted as if nothing happened.
"I'm fine," she replied quietly. "Thanks."
Jonathan stared at Kathryn, analyzing her to see if she was lying or telling the truth. He straightened his head back to a neutral position once he was satisfied with his conclusion. "Well then. Before we get started, I want to have a word with Dr. Arkham. Is he in his office?"
She nodded.
"Good," Jonathan walked past her, heading to Jeremiah's office.
"Don't bother," she declared.
Jonathan halted, turning to Kathryn with drawn brows. "Pardon?"
"I already asked him. He isn't going to make the change. I'm still here."
Jonathan stepped closer to her, who tried to fight the urge to step back.
"Change for what?" he asked.
Kathryn rolled her eyes, removed her glasses to pinch the bridge of her nose. "You know what I'm talking about, Dr. Crane."
Jonathan shook his head, "No, I don't."
She groaned, "You don't have to pretend nothing is wrong. We both know that's a lie."
"Oh," his eyes brightened as if he had a revelation, asking the obvious, "you mean what happened last night?"
The woman sighed and rolled her eyes again. "Yeah, you could've fired me if you wanted to."
"You're right..." he admitted. "I could've."
"But you won't," she declared, causing the man to raise his brows almost surprised by her statement. "In truth, you don't have the full authority to fire me, unless Dr. Arkham says otherwise."
"Who said I was going to fire you, Doctor?" Jonathan challenged. He was satisfied to see the power balance tipping in his favor. It was her turn to be surprised.
"You did."
"No," he disagreed. "I warned you to be careful. I predicted you won't last a month here. I've never once said that I'll fire you today. We may have had a tiff last night, but unlike you, Dr. Knightly, I refuse to allow my personal issues tarnish the best of my ability to do my job."
Kathryn was about to say something insulting, but she knew that he was somewhat right. "Okay... Point taken..."
"Maybe if you're a tad bit graceful, you might have some success around here. Maybe then we would've started off on the right foot." Kathryn's mouth dropped in shock at his insult. Was he serious?
"Are you kidding me?" she cried out.
"Shh!" Jonathan shushed her. "Keep your voice down. Dr. Arkham's door isn't exactly thick." His calm tone boiled the girl's bloodstream. She was tempted to wrap her hands around his throat and strangle him, but she knew it wouldn't be wise.
"Are you serious, Crane? Arkham is wrong. You're no teacher! You're a bully!" Kathryn hissed at him. "You insulted me. Called me incompetent. That is far from the truth. Maybe if you take some Lamictal, you won't be such a grump." Jonathan's face slackened, his frown deepened at that insult. "People might respect you more if you start treating people a bit nicer."
'Are you going to let her talk to you like that?!' his dark side demanded in a raging tone. 'You should use that toxin on her now! Now!'
Jonathan cleared his throat, ignoring his half. "You have a lot to learn, Doctor. I suggest you brush up your knowledge of medications for I don't have a bipolar disorder." He thought he ended the battle by walking back to the elevator.
"Denial doesn't suit you, Crane," Kathryn quietly retorted, earning a glare from Crane. "Then again, it's the first step towards acceptance."
"Acceptance for what?" Crane demanded.
"That you need help," she spoke with a condescending tone. "Maybe I can rehabilitate-"
Crane lifted a finger, silencing her, "Don't shrink me. You are not my doctor. I am not your child."
"And I'm not yours either. Now you know how I felt when you put me down the way you did."
Jonathan huffed, pinching his nose, currently fighting a migraine.
"How can you state your opinion and judge me so harshly if you don't know me? We barely know each other."
"That's part of the job, Doctor."
"No. No, it's not. Okay? Your job is to help me, guide me, supervise me, not judge me! You don't know me, and you never will," she immediately turned away and pressed the elevator button, waiting for the doors to open.
"I'll see you downstairs, Kathryn," Jonathan hissed.
The woman flinched when he called her by her first name. A shiver ran down her spine, chilling her skin. Once the doors were opened, she hurried inside and pressed the eighth-floor button. The bell rang as the doors clattered shut. His hypnotic eyes boring into hers was the last thing she saw.
...
Meanwhile, Jonathan smirked with amusement as the elevator doors closed. The last thing he recalled was her parted lips and widened brown eyes. She was afraid. She was indeed a delicious sight. He was getting to her without having to do much.
'I have to say... I really do love her fiery personality.'
Jonathan silently stared at his reflection on the elevator doors, replying to his mental conversation. 'She's got spirit; I give her that, but that won't last for long.'
'So you're going to use the needle now?'
Jonathan let out a breathy laugh, 'No.'
'No?!'
'I won't use it on her... yet. First, I shall figure out her greatest fear.'
'Why?! Why do you want to know so badly? She's going to scream and beg for mercy either way!'
'Curiosity, my dear friend. I want to know what she screams about. Unlike you, I have patience. I will use the toxin on her.'
'When?! I want to torment her now!'
'Trust me. When I am done, the wait will be worth it. You'll see.'
'I don't know about that, Johnny. She's too stubborn for her own good. Let's not forget that she hates your guts. She won't let you come near her.'
The man's smirk deepened, 'Don't worry, my friend. I have all the patience I need.'
'I don't!'
'Shame,' Jonathan uttered his mental half without a trace of sympathy. He couldn't help but imagine all the possible scenarios once the girl gets caught in his web.
"I'll figure out your diagnosis, Dr. Knightly... Just you wait."
Jonathan pressed the elevator button and headed back downstairs to his own office, mentally preparing for the day.
~000~000~000~
After a few sessions with Jonathan's patients, Kathryn was free to go home. The day had been gone by too quietly for Jonathan's comfort. She simply followed Jonathan's instructions by taking notes and updating a patient's file in silence with an exception of a simple yes or no response followed by his title name.
Kathryn walked down a set of halls to find the entrance to Arkham, but the problem was that she had a hard time finding her way. She entered a room that was known as the break room. She looked around to see a table with chairs, a TV, and a piano by the corner. Kathy stared at the piano in awe, recalling the last time she'd played, back when she was a teenager. She used to go to her grandmother's house and play the instrument for hours. Kathy looked around to make sure no one was around.
"I guess a few minutes couldn't hurt," Kathryn walked across the room and sat down on the piano bench. She popped her knuckles and placed her fingers on the keys. Taking a deep breath, Kathryn played an easy song as a warmup "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star" until she was comfortable enough to play something intense.
She didn't count on someone passing by the break room only to stop when the muffled music had reached his ears. He opened the door to see her playing the piano.
"What is that?" he asked
Kathryn gasped, turning her head to see Jonathan standing there with folded arms. "Um... Jonathan - Dr. Crane, I-I was just... playing the piano-"
Jonathan chuckled as he approached her, kicking the door shut behind him, "I can see that. What song did you play just now?
"Um... It's, uh... Titanic."
Jonathan raised a brow, "Are you a hopeless romantic, Dr. Knightly?"
Kathryn looked at the corner of her left eye to see Jonathan standing beside her. His height towering over her, making her feel smaller than 5'1'. This man was all about domination - a lion playing with his food before eating it. That's when the psychologist started to tense up; her hands shaking on the keys. She held her breath as Jonathan sat down beside her. The mind screamed at her to run, but her body froze still. It was as if Jonathan had cast an evil spell on her, preventing her from leaving.
"So you play the piano?" he asked lightly.
Kathryn's rambling thoughts came to a halt as she tried to mask a brave face. "Um... A little. M-My grandmother taught me when I was little. You?"
"Sometimes," he glided his fingers across the keys, not pressing them. "Although, it has been a while; I may be a little rusty."
"You know, I used to take the violin, too," she added, "but I dropped out because a teacher couldn't teach."
"Or maybe it's the student who couldn't comprehend the lesson."
Kathryn breathed deeply, trying to keep herself calm. It's clear that Jonathan wanted to rile her up, give Doctor Arkham a good reason to fire her. She refused to sit here and be ridiculed. She broke Jonathan's chilling spell by scooting off the bench, picking up her purse to leave.
"I should go-"
"What's the rush?" Jonathan challenged. "It's a free country, doctor. You don't have to leave in my account; I don't bite."
"Who..." Kathryn cleared her throat to swallow down the lump in her throat, "who says I'm leaving because of you?"
"You didn't have to," Jonathan pressed his fingers together, paying no mind to her shaking state. "They all do."
This was her chance to leave. Kathy looked back at the doorway, ready to do just that.
Until she heard it.
(SONG: Sleepy Hollow Beautiful Theme Piano)
Jonathan played slow, up to the point it was depressing. Kathy pouted her lips as she leaned across the piano; her elbows resting on top. She listened to the song intently to find any familiarity; there wasn't any. Where was the happiness and uplifting spirit to the tune? Did Jonathan have to bring his automatic dull in this already depressing asylum? Why was he playing a song that's so sad? Now she felt depressed. Why did he feel the need to spread his melancholy like a virus?
Curiosity took over as her fingers reached and strummed the high keys. Her hooded eyes raised for the man's reaction. Jonathan continued playing as if he didn't hear anything. She tried again, ceasing Jonathan's music for a moment.
"Is there a problem, doctor?" Jonathan didn't sound irritated when he asked. His voice was deep but quiet, almost intrigued by her choice of behavior. Why did she interrupt him? To get even? Recreate the song to her satisfaction? What was going through his guinea pig's mind?
"Nothing," she uttered in a whisper.
He scoffed, strumming a few bars, "I find that really hard to believe."
Kathryn squinted her eyes at Jonathan, attempting to gather her own analysis on him. Who was Jonathan Crane? Where did he come from? What made him tick? Kathryn could answer the last question by dumping food on him.
She risked sitting down next to Jonathan, despite the warnings in her head, slipping her purse from her arm, "What song is this? It sounds so sad."
"Improvisation, doctor. Nothing more."
"You know... you remind me of someone from a story."
"Who? Ichabod Crane?" Jonathan spat with hate. "I know. I heard it many times before."
Kathryn tried not to let his poor attitude get the better of her again. She remained civil as she spoke, "I was going to say, Harry Potter."
Jonathan stopped playing and glared at Kathy.
"In a good way I mean," she reassured him. "You both have glasses, the same dark hair, both brave and witty, and you both have dashing blue eyes." Kathryn widened her eyes, realizing what she just said. Jonathan raised a brow at her choice of words as well.
'Oh, sugar! Why did I just say his eyes were dashing?! What's wrong with me?'
"Thank you?" he continued to play, almost reluctant to repay the same compliment. "I suppose if we are comparing each other to fictional characters then I must say that you remind me of someone from a story, too."
"Who?"
"Katrina."
"Katrina?" Kathryn drawled, not knowing which character he was referring to.
"Katrina Van Tassel of Sleeping Hallow. There is little resemblance between you two, both noble and good."
"And that's a bad thing?" she asked, hearing the bitter taste in his words.
"A beautiful woman is a beautiful woman, but a beautiful woman with a brain is an absolutely lethal combination."
Kathryn blinked at the man in disbelief, "You think I am lethal? Beautiful?"
Jonathan ceased the song, "What?"
"Well, you're comparing me to Katrina - whatever her name is," she retorted. "She's pretty. Therefore, you think I'm pretty, too. I have a doctrine, so that makes me lethal."
Jonathan was at a loss for words. They were going too far into this conversation. Coworkers shouldn't be complimenting each other, let alone flirting. He needed to pull back.
"Doctor, remember your place," he warned.
"Remember my place? You're the one who brought up the beauty and brains combo."
"And you complimented my 'dashing blue' eyes."
Her face flushed, averting her eyes back on the keys. He was right as usual. How much could Crane's head take with that growing ego of his? However, Crane dismissed the flirt game far too quickly. He must've been embarrassed and uncomfortable when crossing the line. He was indeed terrible with women, just like Harry Potter. He didn't seem the type to compliment anyone, dismissing it as harassment. Though, Doctor Crane had a point. They shouldn't be talking like this to each other. They're coworkers, after all. Therefore, Kathryn dropped this awkward subject by paying attention to the piano keys. She resumed the depressing song, Jonathan had yet finished, spinning it into something meaningful.
Jonathan also returned to the piano when Kathryn started playing the first note. She stopped to look at the man, silently inviting him to continue playing. He hesitantly placed his fingers on top of the keys and hit the second note of the song. Kathy failed to wipe the subtle smile off her face as she joined him. Both played the song as a piano duet. Neither said a word or motioned a cue to have a turn. It just came out naturally like they had played together many times before. As they moved their hands across the piano keys, their hands accidentally brushed against each other, ceasing the song.
"Um..." Kathryn broke contact, giggling sheepishly. "This was fun."
Jonathan cleared his throat, keeping his eyes locked on the piano, "It has been decent."
"You said you were rusty," she teased with a smirk.
Jonathan shrugged nonchalantly, "It has been a while."
Kathryn rolled her eyes, "Yeah right..."
Jonathan looked up at her for a moment, before he raised from the bench, smoothing out this suit jacket. "I must depart. I have papers to evaluate."
Kathryn stood up as well, stepping away from him to grab her purse off the ground. "Right. I'm supposed to meet my friend tonight anyway."
"I do hope you're not meeting her at another Chinese restaurant."
She giggled, shaking her head. "No, of course not. Maybe a different Habatich place who hasn't heard of me." She offered a friendly but awkward pressed smile, clenching her fist around the strap of her bag. "Well... I should go."
"You should."
"I'll see you Monday, Jonathan..." Kathryn planned to walk away until her jaw dropped and her eyes closed when she had recognized her mistake. "I'm sorry, Doctor-"
"Drive home safely, Dr. Knightly," Jonathan dismissed the apology, speaking the sentiment with automatic boredom. "The weather claims horrid rains and storms."
"Thanks for the tip," she opened her mouth again, but closed it, debating whether to speak her next set of words or not. Jonathan took notice that she was going to say something, instead, she walked out of the room, leaving Jonathan alone to his thoughts. He smirked widely that his plan was working so far, lowering his eyes back to the reflection on the marble piano.
'I'm starting to get to her.'
'Oh yeah,' his half echoed in a sarcastic tone. 'You just found out she plays the piano. Big deal! You just missed your opportunity to test our experiment on her!'
'This is an experiment,' he insisted, "though, not the kind you have in mind. This is a simple test, regarding her human behavior. It's clear that she is a woman who denies depression. That sunshine state has deluded her mind into seeing rainbows and blue skies when Gotham is anything but that.'
'This is nauseating. You could've knocked her out and have taken her to your place!'
'Knock her out with what? We are in a break room with cameras around. Torturing her here in broad daylight is too big of a risk. As soon as I find out what she is scared of, I will end her life at night.'
'You better, or else I might have to take over and-'
'Not going to happen!' Jonathan snapped.
'Why not?! Don't tell me you're attracted to her.'
Jonathan widened his eyes in shock, pulling away from his reflection, 'Are you out of your mind?!'
'Not really. How about you tell me what was going on with you two? You cozying up next to her. Your fingers dancing with hers!'
Jonathan mentally rolled his eyes at his other half, interlacing his fingers together, 'It's not what you think. This was an experiment.'
'Really? You referred to her as Katrina. Everyone knows that Katrina is a brave, intelligent witch who Icahod wants to get in bed with!'
"I don't!" Jonathan cried out loud, before quickly looking around to make sure he was alone. Luckily, the cameras contained no sound. 'I barely know her!'
'Don't deny me, Johnny-boy! I know what you're thinking, and let's not forget about what you said to her earlier. Beauty and brains are a lethal combination. Just like her.'
'It slipped!'
'But isn't she?'
Jonathan didn't utter a word, which cued the echoing roar of his half's laughter in his mind. The man couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut and clench his head as he sat back down on the bench, hoping that the voice would soon cease. His darkness continued to mock and gloat while Jonathan laid his elbows on the piano keys, causing a loud off-key tune.
