The resonating sounds of chirps from bats overhead in the Bat-cave indicated Bruce's arrival. Exhaustion was slowly making its presence known in his bones. Honestly, he just wanted to head upstairs into the Manor, go to his room and crawl into bed. Despite this, he knew even if he tried that he wouldn't get a wink of sleep today. Or for the next several. His mind was too focused on the task at hand. Bruce needed to find the Joker. Which he had only one possible lead and it was going to be the most grating experience; he was positive. Going over to the Bat-computer he took a seat and let out a heavy sigh.
There was no guarantee this plan was going to work and the outcome of it actually succeeding was slim to none. Regardless, he knew he had to at least attempt it. If he didn't at least try then he would never be able to distance himself from the guilt; if everything fell apart. Before, Batman ended his night on the streets he had been fortunate enough to get a secret meeting with Jim Gordon. The stealth and daggers aspect of any interaction the two men had these days always left Bruce in a desolate state of mind. Detesting, how much of a risk it was to not only Gordon's job as Commissioner, but his life as well, made Batman keep as much of a distance as he could from his old friend.
Sometimes meeting with the other man couldn't be avoided, regardless of the risks. Gordon was one of the few allies Batman even had left in a city so hell bent to end his life. As abysmal as the real reason he even took on that gamble tonight was; Bruce wouldn't have hesitated to do it all over again. No matter what directions his actions seemed to differ all roads always lead back to the Clown Prince of Crime. Others in his life had made fact-based assertions that when it came down to anything regarding the Joker that's when Batman was at his most efficient. An obsession that was so deeply rooted within him that he would never concede to being accurate. Dwelling on any sort of bond or connection that might be present in his consciousness with the Joker would be a futile endeavor.
The only admittance on that regard as of now was that he did not want the Joker to die in a war that was never the Clown Prince's to fight. When it came to taking down the militia group the farther away from the conflict the maniac was the better for all involved. Convincing the Joker that notion in itself would be a very tedious endeavor. Most likely an impossibility. Nonetheless all he really truly needed to do was apprehend the maniac and make sure that he couldn't escape. How he was going to accomplish just that would be a burden that he'd focus on once he found the Joker's whereabouts.
Many years ago, Bruce had a containment cell built in the Bat-cave; with the Joker specifically in mind. It was a decision acted out in desperation. A need for reassurance of options he allowed himself to indulge in. When it was all said and done; he never used it. A part of his mind resented the idea of taking prisoners under his supervision. No matter how dangerous to his city they were. It felt to inhumane and didn't follow how Batman chose to handle things. At the end of the day; Joker was sick. He couldn't put full blame on the maniac for his actions. Even if he wanted to. No, the blame always fell on himself. If Batman had managed to prevent the unknown man's fall into a vat of chemicals then the Joker would have never surfaced in Gotham. As well, Batman would be dead today if that significant event in their history never happened. Not something he freely wanted to admit, but couldn't deny.
Now, Bruce may have to act on that very regret of building the containment cell to keep the Joker alive if all else failed. He didn't want to, but he would if the need arose.
Bruce typed away at the Bat-computer. Setting up the tracker to hopefully get a GPS read on the phone Joker was using. If the clown didn't dispose of it; already. Which would most likely be the case. The self-doubt crept into his mind. This was his only lead and he needed it to work. If it didn't then he'd be back at square one and no closer to keeping the one man in Gotham alive that he never thought he'd put this much effort to do so. Best not to dwell on that. He couldn't let the guilt of his actions now eat away at him. Couldn't afford to doubt himself. Protecting the Joker felt wrong. It felt like a condemnable sin that would taint him forever. It's not like he hasn't saved Joker's life in the past, but those times were in the midst of their fights or other situation Joker found himself in that Batman stumbled upon. This time was different. This time he was going out of his way to protect the madman who plagued his city for years and brought countless deaths in the process.
Joker's one offer to back out was becoming even more tempting, but Bruce could never follow through on it.
Honestly, Bruce had been astounded that the Joker didn't have the number blocked when he called Gordon. It felt too much like a careless mistake that the clown wouldn't easily make. Perhaps, he wanted Batman to track him down. It wouldn't be the first time and no doubt the last. Joker many times in the past had given Batman just enough hints or flat out information to find him. A routine that was always constant.
Until now.
The warning Joker gave told him that much.
So, that slip up may have not been meant for him at all. Most likely wasn't in fact. Batman wasn't the only person in Gotham City that the Joker liked to mess and play with. Gordon was a close second on that list. Joker had often times went out of his way to hurt Gordon in any way he could. It was entirely possible that's what the Joker was aiming for now. Again, he wouldn't put it past him.
Bruce made sure that the call he was making would be linked to Gordon's own cellphone number. Not to give the Joker any indication that it was anyone else. If Joker wanted to get under Gordon's skin like he though then Batman was going to use that as an advantage. He also, made sure the call to be heard through his ear comm alone; just in case Alfred came down into the cave for he wouldn't hear the conversation. After a slight moment of hesitation to gain his bearings and willpower to follow through with this insane plan; he activated the computer to call the Joker and waited.
Ring.
And waited.
Ring.
Bruce kept waiting.
Ring.
Anxiety gripping around his heart with each second that passed.
Ring.
Bruce could still back out. He didn't need to do this. He shouldn't be doing this. This was the worst possible idea he has ever come up with.
Ring.
What the fuck was he doing with his life?
There's no possible way imaginable that this could end well.
Ring.
Maybe, the Joker won't answer. Wouldn't that be the better outcome? No. He needed to find the Joker. Needed to talk to him. To keep him from doing something that neither of them could come back from. This was the best chance he had at accomplishing that. He needed to take it.
Ring.
Joker wasn't going to answer. It was naive of him to ever think that he would. Of course, the phone would have been discarded the second the clown didn't need it anymore. All of this was just futile. Bruce wasn't sure if he should find that as good news or bad.
On the last possible ring, Joker answered and his voice made Bruce lose his breath. It's been six months since he last heard the Joker speak. Six months where so much has changed. It was too overwhelming. He wasn't prepared for this at all. All Bruce wanted to do was hang up. To avoid this conversation all together. This wasn't going to work. He needed it to work.
"Jimbo! What a surprise! Did ya miss me already? How adorable. No. wait! Don't tell me! I know why you called back! You finally figured out which flowers I should get your little tyke Barbara right? Oh! I'm sorry to tell ya, but I decided on the sunflowers." Joker giggled, loudly on the other line.
It took less than twenty seconds for the Joker to unknowingly get under Batman's skin. A new record for the psychopath and the worse part was that the clown wasn't even really trying. Didn't even know as of yet that he was speaking to Batman at all. Sure, his taunts were meant to hurt Gordon, however, it had the same effect on Bruce as well. Bruce absolutely despised it whenever Joker brought Barbara Gordon up in conversation. What he did to her was horrendous. It was a night that Bruce would never forget. It was also the only time the Joker had ever heard Batman laugh. A time so long ago that Batman had offered to help rehabilitate the maniac; just to be turned down. Bruce couldn't prevent the growl that left him at hearing the Joker's taunts and memories that washed over him.
All that growl had accomplished was letting the Joker know exactly who was on the phone without needing to say it out loud.
A sharp inhale of breath was heard on the other line. As if time had stopped for the Joker. Which perhaps it had for the murderer. This was the first time that Batman had ever called the clown. The first and most notably the last; he hoped would be the case.
"Batsy?" It wasn't stated like a question, but the disbelief was evident in his tone.
Bruce closed his eyes and took a deep breath; preparing himself for what was to come. For how this conversation might go. Because, it really could go any way and he couldn't predict the outcome even if his life depended on it. This time it wasn't his life on the line. Now he was trying to prevent a foreseeable future without the Clown Prince of Crime in it. One he never thought he'd try to prevent. Regardless, Joker's life laid in the balance. That thought alone gave him the resolve to push through any self-doubts. Opening his eyes he glanced at the computer; before responding.
"It's me, Joker." said Bruce.
Silence greeted him as a response for what felt like an eternity. It was comforting in a small way. Allowing him to have a chance to fight back the growing anxiety. Blue eyes stared at the screen, narrowing when it was becoming painfully obvious how difficult it was looking for his tech to get a single read on the madman's location. The signal bouncing from one place to another rapidly. There was no shock that came forth that the Joker would have been prepared to prevent any traces of his whereabouts being found. Only a surge of frustration consuming him. Of course, this wouldn't have been an uncomplicated task. Nothing with the Joker was ever so straightforward. His irritation at this realization nearly made him miss the Joker's response, but he had heard it and when he did it knocked the breath right out of his lungs.
"Am I dead, Bats?" said Joker; way to seriously for comfort.
It should have been a joke. Bruce wanted that to be the case. It would have been so much easier to handle if it was. Regardless, Joker's tone proved otherwise. The sincerity of the question sent a stabbing sensation straight into his heart. His hands clenched the armrests of the chair he sat on. A frown ever present on his face; even if Joker wasn't around to see. A lump formed in his throat that he had to swallow down. A simple reminder of why he was even bothering in the first place. He gritted his teeth; trying to keep his temper under lock and key. Bruce knew he shouldn't be letting such an absurd question haunt his thoughts as much as he was letting it. Though, that didn't change the fact that it did.
Batman did not want the Joker to die and there was no possible way he could ever disclose that type of condemning information to the psychopath on the other line.
Doing so would just open to many doors and have consequences that were terrifying to ponder.
Joker could never know.
Would never find out; if Batman could prevent it.
"What would give you that impression?" Bruce kept his voice as steady as he could. Devoid of any emotion. A skill he had implemented countless times, no matter how much turmoil he was experiencing.
Fortunately, for him the Joker didn't pick up on his darker thoughts going around in Bruce's head.
At least if he did; Joker didn't mention them.
"Oh! I don't know! Maybe, just, maybe, Bat, it's because after all these years of me telling you how you never call and never write. I was starting to think you didn't actually care for me as much as I thought you did," Joker's tone became as sharp as a knife the longer he talked. Dripping in venom for a few fleeting seconds before turning fonder when he continued, "But, that's just ludicrous; isn't it?" Joker chuckled. "I mean. Here you are. Ringing up. Your bestie. I knew you missed me."
That comment only made Bruce roll his eyes. The sheer absurdity of it all was just aggravating.
"We need to talk." Bruce replied; sternly.
Batman couldn't see the Joker, but he could easily picture those toxic green eyes rolling just by the dripping sarcasm with Joker's response.
"We are talking, or haven't you noticed? Even if you have the worse conversational skills in the world. Really, darling. You need to work on that."
"I meant talk in person." However, his declaration went unheard by the shout that came from the Clown Prince.
Bruce wasn't able to prevent the involuntary wince when his ears hurt from the volume alone. He didn't voice his discomfort or tell the Joker to keep his voice down as he got distracted listening in on the madman's other conversation that followed.
"What?! Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Joker had snapped and it didn't take Bruce long at all to find out who the clown was talking to.
"Who are you talking to Mistah J?" Harley's shrill voice could be heard in the background.
There was an audible groan from the Joker that Bruce was positive that Harley had missed completely. Which never ended well for the woman when she didn't pick up on the Joker's souring mood before it was too late to turn back. Someday, he hoped that she would finally break free of the Joker's control of her. He did not want to find her body one day, because the murderer finally got bored of keeping her around. Bruce knew why the Joker kept her by his side. It was a testament of how much he could twist a person into his own liking. A tale of warning for all that the Joker was not a mind to be underestimated with.
Regardless, there were glimmer of hope for Harley's future away from the Joker. A chance of a better life if only she grabbed on to it. Fleeting moments where she stayed with Poison Ivy instead when Joker's abuse of her got too bad for her to handle. Bruce may have not much enjoyed when the two women teamed up together as they were a dangerous pair, but even he wouldn't deny the affect Ivy had on Harley Quinn. Where Harley seemed to have more confidence in herself and didn't let the Joker get to her as badly as before. Joker hated Poison Ivy with a passion because he thought, she always ruined what he found to be one of his favorite toys. Not that any of them truly took his feelings into account when Harley was involved. So, yes there was a shred of hope. How if anyone could one day break the cycle of abuse that Harley suffered Pamela would be the one to do just that. It was one of the reasons Batman left the two women alone unless he was prompted to intervene in their crimes.
"None of your business. Go away, I'm busy." said Joker; leaving no room for argument, but went unnoticed yet again.
"Wait. Are you talking to B-man?" Harley's voice resonated clearer for Bruce to hear, which meant she must have moved closer to the Joker during their conversation.
Joker hesitated with answering. Seemingly to contemplate being truthful or flat out lying; which Joker being the pathological liar that he was known for went with the latter of the two options.
"No..." The lie was so utterly obvious that even Bruce was disappointed in the Joker's for his lack of deceit.
An annoying reasoning in the back of his mind told him that it was his own fault that the Joker wasn't on the same caliber of his usual self with deception. That Batman calling the Joker in the first place had thrown the madman for a loop and in doing so made it more difficult for the clown the keep his focus.
Which was only proven accurate by the astounded gasp that left Harley. She may have always hung on every word the Joker said and usually believed him wholeheartedly to maddening degrees, but in this particular instance even she could interpret the obvious fallacy being presented to her by the madman.
"Oh my God! You are; aren't you? I was just guessing." Her laughter at this realization grated on both the Joker's and Batman's nerves.
"Harley..." Joker was without a doubt; losing his patience. The warning was as clear as day, but went completely ignored by the woman it was directed at.
"I wanna say hi!" Her tone was beaming on giddy and Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose; shaking his head in exasperation. Knowing full well what was going to follow suit between the two lunatics and he was powerless to be nothing, but a voyeur to what was about to take place.
Bruce could attempt to interrupt on his side of the phone call, regardless, it would not accomplish a single thing.
Sometimes, he just had to let things run its course.
No matter how frustrating it was for him to bear.
"Not right now! The grownups are talking!" Joker growled out; causing Bruce another wince from how loud the madman snapped out his words.
Would it kill the other man to keep his voice down just for once?
Probably.
Joker wasn't known for his inside voice most of the time. The madman always wanted to be the center of attention.
An all too familiar need powerfully flared up inside him to punch that chalk white face of the grinning jester if he could just to get him to shut up. Not that it ever worked. Joker was known for his high pain tolerance and welcomed pain like drinking a fine wine. He embraced any brutality that Batman could offer up with a smile on his countenance and that never ending infamous laughter that would haunt people's nightmares for years to come if they ever heard it.
Bruce was positive that many times he had hit the Joker hard enough to kill any other man and still the clown always laughed it off like it was nothing. Always encouraging Batman to act out even more violence with his temper. Beating the clown to unconsciousness was the only effective way at getting the Joker to stop his insistent laughter. It wasn't a pleasant thought how satisfying those moments were where Batman could let go of some of his restraint with subduing the maniac without the nagging fear that he was going too far. Joker deserved the worse treatment he always received. Even it always made Bruce sick to his stomach how much the Joker enjoyed the pain that was inflicted on him. Only when Batman was dishing it out, though. If it was anyone else the madman didn't tolerate it as well. True, he would laugh and grin, but the murderous intent would radiate off of him when anyone pushed the Joker too far.
Not that Bruce fared much better in the few instances that he saw the Joker mishandled. Where guards in Arkham Asylum thought they could get their kicks off by unwarranted beatings against the clown. As a member of the Arkham board Bruce had made it one of his personal goals to make sure the accounts of abuse were diminished significantly. He had been witness to some of them and each time he felt a burning rage that he didn't want to give a description to its reasoning. It was easier for his sanity to tell himself that those guards shouldn't be abusing their power and ignore what really pissed him off so much was that it was the Joker who was being mistreated. It worked most of the time, but not always.
The reason he knew about that internal struggle within him is because of all the times he had saved the Joker's life. The Clown Prince didn't care much for his own well-being and the result of his lifestyle choices often put him in dangerous situations. There were times where the Joker had the misfortune of not being able to protect himself accurately enough to avoid major harm. Those instances always left Bruce in a state of mind that following his one rule became increasingly difficult. He told himself that the reason was because he thought of the Joker as everlasting. That nothing could kill the madman in the end, because Joker always survived situations most normal men wouldn't. That only Batman could be the one to put the Joker out of commission, permanently, even if he never would. So, when that viewpoint was broken it shook him to his core. Brought out darker urges that he didn't want to contemplate were even inside him. He'd avoid that train of thought as much as he could.
"But, you always get to talk to him. I want a turn!" Harley whined.
"Batsy, doesn't want to talk to you." Joker asserted; dryly. Even if the maniac was correct in his statement it still irritated Bruce that the clown was speaking on his own behalf.
"You don't know that!" Harley rose her voice. Her own rising temper becoming more evident by the second. This wasn't going to go well. It was also increasingly difficult for Bruce to care one bit.
"Yes I do." Joker said in a deadpan manner.
Batman wanted to disagree with that assertion of his person, just for the sake of spite towards the manic; alone. It was a considerably petty need for indulgence, so he held back. Despite, the small satisfaction he could receive by incensing the Joker with that disagreement.
"Come on, Puddin! Please! I'll make it real quick!" Harley begged.
"No. Now get out! Harley! Put down the mallet. I'm not in the mood for this shit." Joker's tone went from slight irritation to downright deadly.
Bruce heard the scuffle that was happening in the background. Something sounding like glass related breaking; not that he was positive. The phone clattering to the floor. A few curses and a pained cry. The infamous sound of laughter that could mean a good number of different scenarios. None of them pleasant. It went on for close to two minutes. Sighing; he turned his attention back to the screen. Trying -failing- to ignore the insanity unfolding on the other side of the phone call. The Bat-computer was narrowing down on the Joker's location to be somewhere in the Narrows. However, the signal still kept bouncing around even if at a slower rate. It wasn't much to go off on, but it was something nonetheless. Still, Bruce knew he needed a more accurate location to even be close to succeeding at finding the Joker's hide-out.
So, he stayed silent thinking on all the possible places the Joker could be from the small information he was gathering. Joker usually had a specific preference where he would choose his abodes. Not that it was always a guarantee with the Joker. He could change his mind easily and take up residence anywhere if the maniac wanted. It wasn't a comforting thought; but he wouldn't allow himself to be discouraged. Bruce had been so distracted from his musing; he almost completely missed Harley's voice addressing him on the phone.
Looks like she had won that specific fight with the Joker; no matter how short lived it would undoubtedly be.
"Hiya B-man! It's been awhile! How you feeling? I'm sorry about what happened to your kitty cat. Did you ever find her killer? When you do just let me know and I'll-oof!" What was definitely the resonating sound of glass breaking this time was heard; followed by a high pitched yelp. Silence and then Bruce could hear the Joker's heavy breathing in his ear.
In the short silence that it was taking place for the Joker to catch his breath; Bruce was feeling an overwhelming sadness coursing through his veins. He didn't want to be reminded of Selina's death. Didn't want to contemplate his failures. For months he tried to keep the thoughts at bay and only focus on what needed to be done as Batman. It still felt so unfathomable that she was really gone. That he would never encounter her on the rooftops of Gotham City again. Never be entwined in her embrace on long nights where they could just simply exist together. He missed her terribly and all the blame of losing her in the first place was purely on him. While she was murdered; Bruce had been in the company of his greatest foe. Recuperating from injuries he sustained because he hadn't been prepared for with the Militias ambush.
"Fucking minx needs to learn her place and watch her mouth." Joker muttered to himself; anger ever present.
The maniac always lost his temper whenever Batman's past love interest was mentioned in his presence. Often times sending the murderous psychopath off the handles into an uncontrollable destructive rage. Bruce didn't want to dwell on the accuracy of how the ire the clown felt could easily be placed on the Joker's own jealousy regarding the attention Batman gave towards Catwoman. Though, to this very day, he still could see the gleaming triumphant in Joker's acidic green gaze as they boded into Bruce's blue as he told the Dark Knight of her fate. How the Joker observed with growing satisfaction each flash of heartache that showed through in his blue orbs. Soaking it all in like a euphoric inducing drug. Bruce could honestly say with a hundred percent certainty that was the happiest he'd ever seen the Joker in his life and he hated the other man for that.
"Sorry about that, dear. Now where were we?" Joker purred; happily.
"I was under the impression she left Gotham." Bruce observed with his statement. Last he had heard about Harley Quinn's whereabouts was from the Joker telling him that she left Gotham when the militia made their appearance. He didn't believe the madman at the time and obviously was proven that instinct was correct that the Joker had been lying.
"Who?" Joker asked in absolute confusion. Like he just didn't have a violent fight over the phone. The second he had started talking to Batman again it was like he'd completely forgotten about Harley's entire existence.
A sudden glimpse of information on the Joker's thought process that did not settle very well within Bruce's psyche. It felt safer for his own sanity to discard that knowledge, but knew he wouldn't be able to.
"Quinn." Bruce clarified.
"Oh, Harls. Well, she's back now. Temporarily. But, that's not important. Not when I would much rather be talking with you. Speaking of. So, whatcha want to talk about, Bats? What could your good pal, Uncle J do for you? Do you need some fashion advice, darling? Your wardrobe really does need some color. That's for sure."
Joker took a considerably long pause before blurting out, "Wait. Isn't it past your bedtime? Is that why you called? Are you having trouble sleeping, sweetheart? Wanna hear a bedtime story? I mean, I'm more than willing tell you one. So, just tucker down and listen to my sultry voice and relax little, Bat,"
Bruce would never do that in his life. That he was certain. If he ever did he was positive it would be the most restless sleep he would ever get which was saying a lot.
"Once upon a time there was this dashing young gent wearing a red hood-" Joker was cut off from his ramblings when the cord to Bruce's dwindling patience's snapped in half.
"Shut up, Joker." Bruce growled out his usual retort to the murderer when he was done dealing with the clown's shit. It never had the desired result, but old habits die hard.
"Jeez, no need to be rude and do that wonderful enticingly erotic growl of yours. I was only trying to help. Hmpf. Some flying rodents have no manners." Joker said. His own escalating irritation palpable through the phone.
Regardless, that wasn't what caught Batman's attention. Not that he ever really cared if Joker was pissed off at him or not. He'd dealt with that flaring temper countless times before. Even had plenty of scars coating his body to prove it. No. What his mind decided to purely focus on was the bitterness and longing in Joker's tone regarding helping Batman. A small weakness that the Joker allowed to slip. One that Bruce needed to tread very carefully with utilizing for his own benefit.
"Do you really want to help me?" Bruce questioned; slight hesitation -desperation- leaking into his tone against his will.
Joker seemed to catch Bruce's own slip up as well. His voice going softer when he next spoke to the Dark Knight.
"Of course I do. Don't be silly. I always want to help you. Everything I do is to bring out the best in you," there was so much adoration in Joker's voice that it made Bruce have the instinct to recoil from the conversation. When Joker continued the previous edging sharpness came creeping back in the under-layers, "If only you just accepted it; already. We'd be in a much better place in our relationship."
Bruce took a short moment to allow himself a pause before responding. He knew exactly what type of help the Joker was referring to. Had always been offering when Batman was concerned. Bruce knew he could never accept it. Doing so would destroy everything he stood for. Taint everything that he tried to accomplish. It would put him on the same level of insanity that the Joker relished in. A constant never ending battle between ideologies between them. Neither side budging an inch of ground. He did always wonder which one of them would end up breaking first in the end. All he could do was count on his own iron clad willpower that it wouldn't be him giving way first. Joker was just as determined for the opposite to happen.
"If you want to help, then tell me where you are." Bruce went back to the point of why he called in the first place. Taking quick glances at the computer screen every now and again. Still it would seem he wasn't making much success in tracking the Joker down. At this point it was starting to bother him even more the precautions Joker put into place to avoid detection.
Joker's mirthful laughter seemed to echo around Bruce through the cowl and he gritted his teeth in irritation. There were few things he loathed in life more so than that insane filled laugh. It taunted him for so many years now. Made him feel murderous whenever he heard it. That laugh was echoed with countless deaths and destruction. Just like the man it came forth from. It took Joker longer than usual to be calm enough to even continuing speaking and when he did; Bruce only wanted to break the Joker's bones.
"Sounding a tiny bit clingy there I gotta be honest with ya. Not that I'm complaining. Nope! Won't hear one from me! Hehe Haha!" Joker paused for more fits of laughter to break free; before his tone went overboard on the flirtatious aspect, "It's really flattering and endearing in an almost sickening sort of way. It makes me wonder if you'll be on the next Hallmark card. Hehe. I bet you're just dying to get your hands on me. Wanna play rough don'tcha, Bat-Babe? You really did miss me. How sweet. What can I say, other than you have to buy a girl dinner first."
"Joker, I'm being serious." Bruce responded.
"Arentcha always?" Joker sounded an unsettling mix between bored and annoyed. "Really, you think after three weeks in my company you'd learn how to lighten up a bit." Joker nonchalantly brought up there time together as if it was just a vacation between two old friends and not Batman fighting for his life.
"Would it kill you to laugh or at least smile? Gotta stop being so stubborn, batty boy. It's not healthy. I don't need you to up and die on me because of all that stress you refuse to let go of. Can't have the big bad Bat losing his focus." Joker growled out; suddenly. Pure unadulterated venom lacing that animalistic growl. Obviously being reminded of Batman's close call with death six months ago. A topic of conversation that would never be easy on the either of them. One they both tried to avoid for months now. Not that they were around each other to even have it; which was no doubt the point of that absence.
A few heartbeats passed between them, before Joker continued speaking up again; already back to his usual mirthful self. His rapid mood swings would have given Bruce whip-lash if he hadn't been accustomed to dealing with that very mannerism of the maniacs for years previously.
"Think of the people! Imagine what would happen to Gotham if you weren't around?" Joker feigned empathy that they both knew he did not possess in a single bone in his body.
A beat.
"Scratch that! Better, yet. Imagine what would happen to me if I didn't have my favorite playmate to keep the boredom at bay? I don't think anyone would want that. I certainly wouldn't." Joker added.
"Stop." Bruce was close to his breaking point. He honestly didn't know how much more he could deal with when it came to the other man's ramblings.
"Stop what? Ya gotta be more specific in your request, lover boy. Otherwise, how's a dashing psychopath like myself to know what you really want?" Joker chided; pure mockery shining through, "See. This is what I'm talking about regarding your lack of conversational skills." said Joker with amusement dripping from every word. Undoubtedly taking as much delight as he could muster from getting under Batman's skin. From pushing his buttons. Attempting to crack away at any restraint or resolve the Dark Knight had.
"Can you just stop playing games for once? This is important." Bruce attempted to reason, but there was no reason to be found in insanity to the degrees of the Clown Prince of Crime possessed.
"I like games and so do you. We will always be playing with each other." Joker held so much certainty in his tone that even if Bruce attempted to disagree the maniac wouldn't even acknowledge it at all.
"I kill people, you come out of your cave and our dance continues. You know you love it or you would have ended it ages ago. But, you don't. You haven't. You. Never. Will. No matter how much I push that little cape of yours in a mess." His playful side slipped back to the surface, "That reminds me. How'd you like your gift?"
There it was. The open door to the topic of conversation that honestly shouldn't have taken this long to get to. Curtesy of the Joker giving it freely which Bruce latched onto without a second thought on the matter. Now they both could finally be getting somewhere productive. Instead of waltzing around the topic like they've been doing. In a small way it was a type of game -power play- of their own making with each other. One they have done a thousand times over and will probably do a thousand times more.
"That's why we need to talk." Bruce used as much seriousness as he could muster in his tone for that single response. Hoping that the Joker could see the gravity of the situation. In Joker-like fashion; he only found it another joke that wasn't actually worth much of his attention.
"Well that's obvious. I'm sure the whole room guessed that already." Joker's sarcasm was very much not needed right now.
"Joker, just listen to me. Whatever it is you're planning. Don't. Do. It. Just tell me where you are." Bruce couldn't hold it back anymore. All the desperation he had been feeling since earlier that night leaked into his voice. It was without a shred of doubt the closest to begging the Joker would ever get out of Gotham City's protector.
Joker did what he had always done when he had the upper hand of the situation; he callously threw it in Batman's face without restraint or regard to how it would affect Batman in the least. Taking every ounce of sadistic glee that he could find for the simple fact that it gave him amusement and pleasure. A sick trait that the clown was most adept at more than anyone.
"Heheh. Careful. Your concern for my well-being is starting to show. Might want to get your head re-evaluated. I'm not sure you can handle all those pesky emotions floating around in that pointy eared noggin of yours; just yet. As stubborn with your self-denials as you are, all those thoughts coming to the surface, must feel so awful right now; don't they?" Joker didn't need an answer and wouldn't get one even if he did. He was confident enough that he was correct. Joker didn't even bat an eye as he continued his taunts on his evaluations of the Dark Knight's mindset.
"The lack of control. I know you despise that more than anything. Are they eating you up inside? Twisting that little world you made for yourself on its axis? Tainting that absurd and quite frankly pointless, moral compass you try to uphold when all you really want to do is be free. To let go of everything holding you back from being the Bat King that you're meant to be. It's alright, darling. I won't judge you. In fact. I want to help you spread your wings and fly," his voice was poisonous with how sugary sweet it was, "I mean where would you be without me? It's just dreadful to think about; isn't it?"
"This is bigger than us and you know that." was all Bruce responded back to all of the Joker's assertions regarding him; which Joker made an audible scoff. Dismissing the concept all together with his reply.
"That's where you're wrong. Dark Knight. Nothing is more important in this deranged little world of ours than us. Absolutely. Nothing." Joker's voice went deep on the last two words. Showcasing how serious he wanted his statement to be taken by Batman.
"That's not true." responded Bruce.
"Yes it is." Joker disagreed.
"No. It's. Not." Bruce would not budge an inch with this.
"Yes. It. Is. Bats." Joker followed suit in the same fashion.
"Joker. Stop. Talking," his tone edged on warning.
"Joker. Stop. Talking." Joker mimicked -disturbingly accurate- and Batman only growled in response.
"How do you like my impression of you? I think I almost have it down perfectly." Joker chuckled all too pleased with himself.
"Stop changing the subject. I asked you a question; so answer It." he demanded. To no satisfactory effect.
"What question? Refresh my memory for me. You know how scatterbrained I can get when hearing those growls of yours. It's quite distracting." Bruce heard the shiver in Joker's voice and it just made him feel nauseous.
"Where are you?" Bruce gritted out through clenched teeth.
"Nah, I don't really feel like telling you that secret. Figure it out yourself." Joker completely dismissed him entirely.
Bruce knew he was getting nowhere with the Joker like this. So in response he pulled out what he knew was one of the clown's own weaknesses. Joker's unwavering obsession with Batman. It was the only thing that would ever be predictable with dealing with the psychopathic murderer.
"It's very unlike you, to pass up any opportunity you have to see me. Why the sudden change now?" Bruce did not waver a single reluctance at throwing Joker's own fears that he had learned through their three weeks together right at him.
Joker never hesitated to do that very thing towards Batman; so why should Bruce hold back when it came to the Joker?
It didn't sit well that he was putting himself on the same level as the murderer he always opposed on everything, but it wouldn't stop him if it got the desired result.
"Is that what you're worried about? Do you think I've lost my interest in you?" Joker sounded astonished as if that wasn't even a possibility to be uttered, "That hurts. Really. Really. Hurts, Batsy," said Joker. Tone lacking any of his usual amusement. In fact, he almost sounded depressed.
For a split second the guilt that he shouldn't be feeling almost made Bruce do the unthinkable and apologize to the likes of the Joker. He had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from doing that. The clown may have saved his life six months ago, but he couldn't delude himself into thinking for a second that he wasn't dealing with the most dangerous man, Gotham has ever faced. Joker would never show regret for the countless lives he had taken over the years. Apologizes will never be owed to the Joker no matter how hurt the clown might feel. Batman sure as hell wasn't about to start offering them now.
"Well if you need reassurance so badly. Trust me, Batsy. I always want to have the pleasure of your company. That won't ever change. I promise." said Joker with so much conviction in his voice that Bruce believed him wholeheartedly. Some things would never change between them and Joker's obsession with Batman was on the top of that list.
"If that's the case then why bother hesitating in telling me where you are hiding out?" Bruce pressured and then added, "We both know; I'll find you regardless or not you tell me."
Joker seemed to contemplate what Batman had said for close to a minute. Only to laugh it all off in the end.
"Do you really believe that? Hmm. Because where I'm sitting, I don't think you do. If you could find me, you'd already be here by now, breaking another one of my windows in those flashy entrances you always make. It must be such a hassle for you getting all that glass out of your suit. Have you ever tried the front door in your life?" said Joker in that specific condescending tone he always used to irritate the other man. It worked as well as it always did. Even if Bruce didn't give the Joker any satisfaction of acting out on his rising temper.
Instead, Bruce focused on something completely different.
"Knowing you, the front door would be rigged to an explosive." Bruce muttered to himself.
He had learned that very assessment to be way too accurate in the earlier days of Joker's criminal career in Gotham. It wasn't one of Batman's best night's on the job. That one mistake of thinking that a front door would be harmless when it came down to the Joker, nearly cost him his life. A mistake he never made again. Another part of him contemplated if Joker already knew that and didn't even bother anymore with rigging up explosives to the front doors of his hideouts. Joker would find that as a hilarious thing to do just to make Batman paranoid when there was actually no danger at all. Regardless, it was better safe than sorry when dealing with the maniac.
"HA! My, isn't that just precious? Awww, you know me so well. Such adamant attention to detail is one of your best traits; I'd be bold enough to say. Still. How long did it take you to figure that one out, detective? Either way, my point still stands." Joker responded.
"You can't stay hidden forever, Joker. You'll slip up and when you do; I'll find you." Bruce spoke confidently; even if he wasn't as certain as he usually was in this instance. Joker didn't want to be found and that was hurdle that Bruce had to jump.
"How's that attempt at tracking this call going for you, darling? Not all too well; I'd imagine." The smugness was ever potent in the Joker's tone.
Bruce glanced up at the computer screen. Joker was right even if Bruce didn't want to admit it out loud. The Bat-computer was only able to track the phone call down to about seven city blocks which was way too narrow of a space to even attempt to accurately pin-point the Joker's location before the madman left. Bruce estimated he would need at most another two minutes of Joker staying on the line to finally get the proper read. He knew he was running out of precious time of keeping the Joker's attention. He needed to postpone Joker hanging up just long enough to have the location made available to him. The clown likes to ramble. All he needed to do was to keep the Joker talking. He could do this. He needed to do this. Two minutes; that's all it would take and he'd have Joker's whereabouts.
Two minutes, felt like an eternity.
"How'd you-" A pointless question was cut off as Joker had full intention of answering it before it was uttered.
"Don't be so surprised that I know what you're trying accomplish in this little game of yours. You're becoming increasingly predictable by the day, darling. I'm not insane enough to think for one second that you would actually call me without having a plan in motion to track me down," Joker growled out the words. His tone laced with unbridled rage. All of the ire directed at Batman. It only lasted for a few seconds before Joker let out a deep chuckle that Bruce wasn't sure was even genuine.
Silence passed between them. One Bruce allowed to hang in the air for as long as possible. Only one minute left. Just one more minute. He was so close. When the silence was shattered, so was Batman's chance of finding the Joker.
"Well, I hate to have to cut this conversation short, but I best be going now. I have an audience to entertain. Places to be. Pests to kill. Ya know, how it is. A comedian never gets a break. Same could be said for Bats." said Joker.
"Joker, wait!" Bruce called out, but knew it would prove useless.
He needed more time.
Just a little more time to track the signal.
Deep down he knew he wasn't going to get it.
Joker wouldn't allow that and had been messing with him this entire time. Giving him false hope just for he could snuff it out in a blink on an eye. Dangling everything Bruce wanted in front of him; just to rip it away when it was in reach. A sick game was all this ever seemed to amount to between the two men. One Bruce was getting so very tired of playing.
"Sorry, but I can't do that. I have some muffins in the oven that need my attending. It was great to hear from you, Batsy. Don't be a stranger! Mwah! Bye-Bye!" with that said the connection to the call was lost and Bruce knew that he wouldn't get another chance.
Bruce sat there in his chair as his blue orbs stared at the computer screen. The signal stopped with its tracing activity. Staying idle and only indicated a fraction of insight on a destination Bruce could search. It wasn't enough. Joker would be gone by the time he got there even if he did find the clown's hideout from the two block radius the Joker was admits in.
The sheer pointlessness of this entire endeavor was gnawing away at him.
The sounds of the elevator doors behind him indicating Alfred's arrival in the Bat-cave went unnoticed. All he could do was sit there. His heart pounded away in his chest. Threatening to break through his rib cage. His emotions swirling around inside him. Trying to fight for dominance over which one to feel at that time. Disappointment, foreboding, rage, despair. Rage was winning out. Disappointment a close second. Trouble was he couldn't place if he was angrier at the madman or himself. Probably himself. Footsteps resonated behind him and still he didn't take a single glance at the approaching man. He knew he needed to calm down. To not lose control of himself. Though, every part of him demanded that he leave now and search. Just to do anything than think, but his body wouldn't obey his command to move. He could feel his father figure's gaze upon his back. Felt the elderly man's presence behind him.
"Master Bruce," Alfred spoke up; a certain wariness in his tone.
Bruce didn't want to deal with this. But, he knew he couldn't send Alfred away. It wouldn't be fair to take out any of his frustrations on the elderly man he held so close to his heart. Avoiding everything would only concern Alfred more and Bruce wasn't about to inflect that discomfort on the other man. Bruce took a deep breath. In. Out. In. Out. Then, when he was positive he was ready; he removed his cowl for a bit more time, when there was no more distractions to be found, he turned his chair and faced his father figure. It took less than a millisecond for Alfred to perceive his distress. A small frown forming on that stoic face of his butler.
"Sir, is everything alright?" He asked; kindly, but worried.
No. Nothing was alright. In fact everything was downright awful. Bruce didn't say that; at least not in that way. However, the meaning would be the same, regardless.
"Joker is active again." said Bruce.
Four words that held all the meaning in the world. A storm was on the horizon and no one in Gotham City had a safe house to seek shelter in. Only a Batman to protect them and he was failing at his job. A militia was dangerous enough, but with a wild Joker card thrown in it only raised the stakes. So many lives could be lost in the crossfire of a war that was never meant to happen. Batman needed to be there to prevent it. Do everything in his power to do so. Against all odds he was determined to win. Gotham City needed that of him and he couldn't let everyone down. Couldn't let the Joker down; a small voice told him that he tried to shake off instantly.
"Oh, dear," Alfred, says, then adding, "Seems he has terrible timing as per-usual."
"Indeed," Bruce agreed. "He left a message for me." He added as an afterthought to divulge that information to his trusted advisor.
The grimace on Alfred's countenance showed he knew exactly what type of message a man like the Joker would leave. Had known for the past several years between Batman and Joker knowing each other. They always held gruesome details and this time was no different in that regard.
"What did it say?" Alfred asked even if he didn't want to know. Anything regarding the Joker always left his father figure feeling uneasy.
"He's planning on taking down the militia," the look of disbelief was potent in Alfred's stare. "Joker's already killed a good handful of their men."
"That doesn't sound like something the Joker would bother his time with." Alfred stated the obvious.
Which was the understatement of the century. Joker never went out of his way to do anything remotely beneficial for Gotham City. The Clown Prince was as destructive for the city Bruce loved as he was insane. The militia wouldn't have crossed the Joker's mind as more than an afterthought if those three weeks between them never happened. Sure, it could be as easily stated that the Joker would have killed the ones that might come -undoubtedly- after them, but that's about as far as it would have gone. That would have just been self-preservation (not that Joker had much to begin with) while these circumstances it was flat out war. Bruce, however, could easily pick up on the Joker's motives when no one else could. How everything lead back to Batman as it always had when it came down to the Joker's actions.
"I would agree with you, but, this one time it's not the case. Joker wants to keep the games going between him and me," he hated admitting out-loud. "The militia interfered with that and now Joker's taking it personally." He finished.
Alfred was silent for a moment then says, "It would appear that the time you were forced to be around him has stuck with him deeper than we thought,"
"Alfred..." warned Bruce. Though it held no real weight.
Ever since Bruce had been back home from his time away with the Joker, Alfred and he rarely discussed what had happened during those three weeks. It was a heavy topic of conversation that Bruce wasn't ready to dive into. All he divulged was small details to sate Alfred's curiosity and concerns. A growing tension was allowed to linger between the two men. One that couldn't be avoided forever, but neither knew where to start with dissipating. If Bruce had it his way they never would. Life was never easy on him, however and someday soon the dam would burst. This early morning, though he wouldn't allow it to do so. Maybe, when everything was taken care of he would. Just not now. Fortunately, Alfred respected that. Which Bruce was grateful tremendously for even if he didn't state it out loud.
"Just an observation, sir, though, I must say, as regrettable as it is," he hesitated, "perhaps this one time we should let thing's unfold without interfering. It might prove beneficial for Batman and Gotham in the long run."
Bruce narrowed his eyes into a somewhat glare. He didn't need to respond. There was no point to do so. They both knew that Bruce could never do that. Wouldn't do that. There was too many variables and risks involved even if he didn't state to the other man which one bothered him the most.
How the Joker could die and Batman did not want that to happen.
Alfred wouldn't be able to understand a confession of that high regard. No one would be able to. Most of this city often wished for the day that the Joker would perish and they would never have to deal with his mayhem again. Bruce couldn't blame Gotham's citizens for thinking that way. There were too many times he felt it all the same. How much easier his life would be without the grinning jester trying his damnedest to tear him down. The lives that would be saved if Joker wasn't around to snuff them out. Everyone knew what type of plague the Clown Prince of Crime was on this city. Like most plagues people wanted them eradicated from existence. Batman, however, couldn't allow that. Not after the few glimpses he saw of something better in the making during those three weeks. It's all he had to hold on to now. It strengthened his resolve at keeping the Joker alive.
"It's just a suggestion." Alfred offered.
"Noted," said Bruce. He paused, sighed and says, "Joker would agree with you on that front." When Alfred raised a questionable brow. Asking a silent question. Bruce clarified, "He doesn't want Batman involved in this. Joker wants me to stay out of it. He wants to do this on his own." he almost said the reason for that line of thinking was because of how he almost died, but refused to bring it up again.
"Not that I want anything about myself comparable in any regard to that madman, but, I can see where he's coming from. After what happened... I just. I don't want to lose you, Master Bruce." Alfred spoke with so much sorrow in his voice and it only made Bruce's heart ache.
"I know, Alfred." Bruce offered as much reassurance as he could. "I'm not planning on going anywhere, but I can't stay idle with this."
"I can still dream that you would. Have you located him?" Alfred glanced up at the screen.
"Just the general area, nothing that's concrete enough to have much results in finding him." said Bruce. The boiling rage creeping back in under the surface because of the reminder. He needed to keep it in check. Needed a much needed distraction from all the emotions he felt. If he allowed it to take over then he wouldn't accomplish a single thing. Which would be the worst possible outcome and one he needed to avoid at all costs. Luckily, for him; Alfred was there to offer just that. A needed distraction.
"In that case, sir. If Batman isn't making much progress, perhaps, Bruce Wayne can." Alfred replied with a knowing tint in his tone that caught Bruce's immediate attention.
"I don't follow," said Bruce. Only to be handed a letter from the elderly man. He glanced down and read it. The plan already formulating in his mind. An invitation to a charity event in three days was what he'd been handed, from none other than the Mayor Quincy Sharp himself.
"You have been cordially invited to attend an event hosted by the one man who would know more about this militia group than anyone. Seems like the perfect opportunity to do some reconnaissance work. If you ask me." said Alfred.
"You read my mind." responded Bruce.
"I've known you long enough to do so, sir. Should I inform any of the number of women in your little black book that they may have a date with Bruce Wayne to prepare for?" There was a tinge of teasing there and Bruce allowed himself to smile.
"That won't be necessary, Alfred. I think I'll fly this one solo. Thank you." said Bruce; not missing a beat.
"I'm sure they will be heartbroken over the news, sir." Alfred replied; dryly.
"They'll get over it." was all Bruce said on the matter. Earning a small chuckle from the other man.
Bruce may have failed at locating the Joker like he wanted to, but at least he now had another opportunity on gaining more information on the Mayor and the Militia. Small victories were sometimes needed to be celebrated. It gave him focus no matter what small failures he experienced. He now had a goal to hold onto. A course of action to follow. If luck was on his side he'd be able to gather all the Intel he needed to take the militia down and with it the corrupt mayor as well. Bruce knew if he managed that then Joker's plans would be fore-not and preventable. Joker would no doubt make his whereabouts known one way or another. He could count on that. He just hoped it would be sooner than later.
It wasn't until the next day when he was in his office at Wayne Enterprises that Bruce could have slapped himself when the new found realization of Joker's comment regarding muffins came back to him. Joker had been taunting him with small insight into one of his plans. Something, Bruce completely missed entirely until it was staring him right in the face with today's newspaper. Five of Gotham City political officials had received Joker-toxin poisoned muffins the day before. All of the victims were closely working with the Mayor. It was even reasonable enough to assume that they would have been on the militia plans for Gotham as well. Joker must have figured that much out on his own and took what the clown would consider as appropriate action in dealing with them. Cold blooded murder. Something the Joker excelled at to frightening degrees. There was, however, one problem that unfolded in the Joker's muffin poisoning plan. A factor that was just as unpredictable as the Clown Prince of Crime himself. The worse part was that even Bruce could see the morbid humor that Quincy Sharp had only survived the assassination attempt on his life, because, he was allergic to the berries that were in those said poisoned muffins and refused to eat them. Even if Bruce wasn't around to hear it he could effortlessly imagine the Joker laughing his head off at the morbid irony. The sad part was he wanted to let out a bitter laugh as well.