Hi everyone! The quarantine gives me a lot of time to get writing done, so expect a quick influx of chapters! I'm having a lot of fun writing this so far! As always leave comments down below as to what you'd like to see more or less of, and happy reading! :)
Chapter Two: An Eventful Introduction
Soon after the graduation ceremony Crane returned to Arkham to make preparations for Delilah's assistantship with him. Truthfully, he had been planning on asking her to work with him if she didn't already ask. He saw promise in her, and knew her family's connections with Carmine Falcone, as well as his apparent interest in her, would prove to be useful. Before she arrived he needed to make sure the rogues behaved around her. He could not afford for them to do anything that would make her not want to return.
He made his way down the dark halls of Arkham, the moonlight shining through the windows being his main source of light. He soon arrived at his destination; the Rogue Gallery. The Rogue Gallery housed the various rogues as they repeatedly got captured by the Bat. They each had their own personal cells, almost like a second home. Currently the Gallery housed Harley Quinn, the Joker, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, and, lastly, the Riddler. They had all worked together in some fashion, although he had more ties with the Riddler and the Mad Hatter compared to the others.
"Hello everyone, I trust your stay here is going well?" He called out, his voice dripping in sarcasm.
"Christ Jonathan, I was about to fall asleep. What do you want?" The groggy voice of the Riddler, Edward Nigma, called out. Nigma stood up and approached the bars of his cell, glaring at the doctor.
"Oh hey now Eddy, I want to hear what the good doctor has to say! Maybe he'll be giving us some extra meds!" A fit of giggles erupted from the far right corner of the room as the Joker approached the bars of his own cell. Slowly the others stood up as well to listen to Crane.
"Listen, I'm not going to say this twice. In a few weeks one of my students, Delilah Davis, is going to start working with me as my assistant here. She'll be in the room during our sessions, and, if she proves her skills, she may be able to ask you additional questions. None of you are to harass her, intimidate her, or touch her. She is very important and I'll be damned if any of you tarnish the one viable chance of having an assistant I have. Do you understand?" Crane barked out, sighing deeply when he heard Joker's infamous laugh once he finished.
"So you're telling me that we're going to have a young, naive, college-aged woman in our sessions and we're not allowed to mess with her? Where's the fun in that?" Joker questioned, giggling as he did so.
"Agreed. But also, why should we care about this woman or what you have planned for her? What makes her so special?" Nigma asked, still bitter about being woken up.
"Well gentlemen, the fun in not messing with her or my plans will be $1,000 each session, additional rec room time, and not becoming my new test subjects. Over time you will see this child's value, but none of you are to interfere."
"Are you interested in her because you can't figure her out? This is the first formula you're unable to crack? Don't worry, leave her in my care and I'll solve that riddle for you." Nigma smirked. Crane's sudden interest in this woman piqued his own interest. If Jonathan is this interested in anyone, especially a woman, there must be something about her worth being interested in.
"Is this woman my Alice? Is that her importance? I can invite her over for tea!" Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter, cried out with an overjoyed laugh.
"No. She is not your Alice, and if you lay a finger on her or scare her in any way you'll be my first new test subject, understood?" Crane glared at the tiny man as he shook. Underneath his many psychoses Jervis truly was a weak man. He only became strong when the influence of the Mad Hatter overtook him. That was the only possible issue with his plan, as Jervis had an obsession with blondes, automatically labelling them as 'Alice'. Jervis may be the one patient he'd have to restrain.
"Aye aye, captain! Your wish is my command." Joker chuckled, becoming intrigued with the good doctor's plan.
"Wha'eva Mistah J says, I'm on board! Besides, it'll be excitin' to finally have some girl talk!" Harley Quinn called out, grinning from ear to ear.
"Of course Jonathan. I'm getting out of this hell hole soon, so I'm not doing anything to destroy that opportunity." The Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot, chimed in.
"Yes Mister Hare!" Jervis squeaked, his fear of Dr. Crane palpable in the air.
"My interest is piqued, Jonathan, so you have my full cooperation. Let's just hope this young woman is as fun as you claim." Edward smirked, entertaining his own ideas of what could possibly be so important about Jonathan's new assistant. If it was anyone else but Jonathan I'd assume he just wants to get laid, but he has too much of a stick up his ass for that.
"Good. Your cooperation will be rewarded in time. Now good night, and expect to see her at your next session." Crane left the room, leaving the rogues to their imaginations. He couldn't tell them his plans just yet, but if he had everyone's full cooperation he imagined his plans would go off without issue. This girl could prove to be more useful than he ever could've envisioned.
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A few weeks had passed since Delilah's graduation ceremony and the time for her to work at Arkham had come. When she told her parents they were overjoyed, but Falcone, who was still at the ceremony, was once again visibly uncomfortable. He became particularly uncomfortable when she mentioned Dr. Crane, which was odd. She didn't know what association they must've had, or why someone like Falcone would be worried about Dr. Crane at all. Either way she took his disapproval as a sign that she was doing something right. The sun had barely begun to rise as she speedily drove through The Narrows on her way to Arkham, careful not to stop for too long and to keep her doors locked. She knew about The Narrows all too well, and viewed driving through the dangerous area as the sole negative about this internship. She wouldn't let it stop her from seizing the opportunity of a lifetime. She soon arrived, her breath stopping as she took in the towering, gothic building.
She stepped out of her car, her small kitten heels clacking against the gravel in the makeshift parking lot. She hoped she wouldn't see any inmates that looked at her too intensely in her tight business suit, suddenly becoming self conscious about her outfit choice. She wore a tight black business suit with light gray pinstripes that accentuated her curves, with a gray tank top underneath. She put her hair up on a loose bun with several strands framing her face. The clicking of her heels was the only sound she heard as she walked through the halls looking for Dr. Crane's office. She checked the time; 7:58am.
Shit! I have two minutes to find Dr. Crane's office! I can't be late on my first day!
She rushed down the hall, looking around all the doors instead of in front of her. Soon she felt an abrupt bump and almost fell over. Delilah looked up and saw a tall, bulky security guard looking down at her with slight irritation in his face.
"I'm so sorry sir! I didn't see you, I'm so so sorry!" Delilah stuttered, hugging her arms.
"It's fine, are you okay? Why are you in here in the first place, since I don't see an ID on you?" He asked, leaning in a bit closer to her.
"Oh I'm so sorry about that, I think I should be getting that today. Today's my first day here, I'm working with Dr. Crane. My name's Delilah Davis, it's nice to meet you, Mr…"
"Mr. Lyle Bolton, but you can call me Lyle. I'm the head of security here at Arkham." Lyle responded, shaking her hand. He couldn't help but smirk at the young girls' nervousness in his presence.
"I'm glad I ran into you then! I'm almost late for my meeting with Dr. Crane. Could you tell me where his office is?"
"Of course! I'd bring you there myself, but I know how Crane is and I know the idea of you getting lost wouldn't exactly put you on his good side." He chuckled, knowing how much of a hardhead Crane could be, especially with his assistants. "His office is down this hall, take your first left then it's the last door on the right."
"Thank you so much, Lyle, you're a lifesaver!" Delilah gave Lyle a soft smile before rushing down the hallway.
"Anytime Ms. Davis, if you need anything just call me!" He called after her, not being secretive about how he watched her curvy body as she walked away. I certainly hope I see that one again. No wonder Crane brought her in. He smirked, getting back to his morning duties.
Delilah practically ran down the hallway to get to Dr. Crane's office. A sigh of relief escaped her as she finally got to his office just as her watch showed the time; 8:00am. She knocked gently on the door, but heard no response. She leaned into the door to see if she could hear anything when the door suddenly opened, causing her to bump into Dr. Crane.
Crane opened the door and almost jumped back as his young assistant fell against him. He put his one hand on her shoulder and other hand on her waist to prevent her from falling over. Her hands lightly pressed against his chest as she also attempted to keep from falling over. He looked down at her and smirked, seeing intense nervousness and a slight bit of fear in her eyes.
Delicious.
"Dr. Crane, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize you'd heard my knocking!" Delilah apologized profusely, still not entirely making the connection that Dr. Crane was holding her in an almost intimate fashion.
"It's fine, child. I'm just impressed that you got here right on time. Now, come on in and take a seat." He ran his hand along the small of her back as he turned and walked towards his desk, taking in the deep blush that ran along her cheeks.
This one's so easy Jonny boy! Why not just take her now? She obviously trusts you, and seeing the fear in her eyes as you overtake her would be intoxicating!
Not yet. I have a plan and I fully intend to see it through before taking her. You'll see, the best results come with time.
Fine, but if this doesn't work don't come crying to me about it.
Crane took his seat at his desk and Delilah sat opposite of him, eagerly awaiting his directions. He greatly enjoyed having the young woman completely to himself and under his control. When they were at Gotham U he still had to play it safe to not violate any codes of conduct, and because she was younger. But now that he was in his realm and she was older, he was able to have deeper conversations and take more risks with her.
"So I do not intend to take it easy on you while you're here. Other doctors would wait before exposing their assistants to the patients here but I do not intend on doing that with you. I know what you're capable of, and if I thought you would not be able to handle the patients here you wouldn't be here at all. I have a full rotation today with several of the rogues in the Rogue Gallery, so you will meet some pretty notable figures today. I'm sure you're ready?" Crane rested his hands on his chin, leaning into her as he spoke.
"Yes, of course I'm ready! I'm honored that you feel I'm ready for that so soon. That's the entire reason I'm here, so I have no hesitation about meeting any of them. Will they be restrained?" Delilah asked, a slight bit of nervousness running through her at the idea of being in the room with unrestrained patients.
"I've found that for the most part having my patients unrestrained allows them to feel more comfortable and reveal more in their sessions. I expect that isn't an issue?" He inquired, knowing she felt fearful of the idea.
"No, of course not! I know I'll be okay, and you're right. They're people too, and I should be meeting them in that way." She put up a brave front that Crane immediately noticed.
Hmm, so she is scared but she's trying to hide it. If only she knew how palpable her fear truly is.
"Good. Before we see our first patient I need you to organize my files for me."
"Who is our first patient, if you don't mind me asking?"
"You came on a good day. Our first patient today is the Joker. I'm sure you've heard of him?" He joked, knowing that everyone in Gotham knew of the Joker, and that most people have had some sort of unfortunate, indirect run-in with him during his many crime sprees. He enjoyed seeing her face pale slightly at the idea of meeting the Joker face-to-face.
"Yes doctor, I have. I definitely did come on a good day then!" She giggled, trying to mask her nervousness at the idea of being in the same room with him at all, let alone the fact that he would be unrestrained. She immediately got up and began to organize Dr. Crane's paperwork as he finished up some additional documents on his computer.
I hope that incessant clown doesn't do anything stupid. I warned the rogues not to mess with this one, and for their sake I hope they heed my warning.
Can you imagine the delectable fear that she would feel if he did try anything though? You should let him have free reign, really see her fear come out.
Absolutely not! None of them, least of all him, will lay a finger on her or do anything to her. This one is mine and they know not to touch what is mine.
Oh, so she's yours now? I suspect you want a bit more from her than just seeing her fear? Maybe seeing a lot mooooooore than just her fear, such as what's hiding under that tight little suit of hers?
Shut up! I'm done with you, I'm not entertaining your vulgarity right now.
Crane pressed his thumb and index finger against his nose to push away Scarecrow's crass suggestions. He needed to focus on his plan, not those sorts of thoughts. For now at least.
After about an hour of Jonathan doing his work and Delilah organizing his files, the time came for Joker's session. He hoped Delilah wouldn't give him too much ammunition to work with. Although he ordered Joker to behave, the clown was still pretty volatile, and often manipulated the apparent weaknesses of those around him.
If he doesn't behave I swear he'll never see the light of day again.
"Are you ready, child?" Jonathan asked, looking Delilah in the eye.
Delilah released a shaky breath, then met Dr. Crane's eye with a feeling of determination.
"Of course, Dr. Crane. I hope he's the one that's ready." Delilah smiled as she saw a smirk grace Dr. Crane's face, appearing to have pleased him with her answer.
"Good."
Delilah's heart raced as she heard a soft knocking at the door. Soon after the security guard from earlier, Lyle Bolton, brought in a thoroughly restrained Joker. He flashed her a wild grin as Lyle cautiously undid his restraints. "You sure about this doc?" Lyle questioned, eyeing Delilah as he did so.
"Of course. If we need anything we'll ask, but we shall be fine. My patient and I have an understanding that he is to be on his best behavior." Jonathan replied, glaring at the Joker as the last of his restraints were removed.
"Yes, yes, I'll be a good boy Lyle! I know the rules; no screaming, no stabbing, no teasing, blah blah blah. You can go now, ta-ta!" Joker growled, glaring at Lyle. It was no secret that the inmates of Arkham hated Lyle, as he often engaged in ruthless, unwarranted physical punishment of the inmates while they were sedated.
Lyle glared at the clown, then flashed a sympathetic glance at Delilah. "If you need anything I'll be around the corner, ma'am."
"I'm sure I'll be fine Lyle. I've seen worse." Delilah replied, slowly rising from her seat.
Lyle left the room, leaving Delilah and Dr. Crane with the Joker.
"I will say, doctor, you did a wonderful job choosing your assistant. This one has some spunk. I like her." Joker smirked, slowly walking towards Delilah, reaching out his hand.
"Joker, nice to meet ya."
Delilah took his outstretched hand, gripping it tightly to establish some semblance of dominance as she pushed her fears aside.
"Delilah Davis, charmed."