Chapter Eight - Discretion

It had become a game of silent treatment now, the way they behaved towards one another. For the past four whole days their working together had consisted of polite nods and brief hushed words that were always said at a respectable distance. These new little boundary lines may have had Jessica feeling at ease in their work environment, but Jonathan however was left feeling extremely on edge by it all.

You have to admit, it has left us with plenty of free time to work in the basement, Jonny boy.

Yes… the work has been getting done at a very steady pace… The doctor silently replied with distraction, his visual focus transfixed on the rear end of his assistant.

Jessica bent over the small table adjacent to the doctor's desk, her attention steadily on her stack of paperwork she was attempting to organize as quickly as possible.

Are you even listening to me, Jonathan?

Does she really have to wear that to the office, I mean how inappropriate is that skirt!? The doctor retorted suddenly, the Scarecrow let out a heavy annoyed sigh to this.

She modestly straightened her short pleated wool skirt before returning to her full upright position, papers now in hand, fully in order and ready to present to her employer. He eyed her small form intently as she slowly traipsed over to where he sat at his desk, her eyes cast downward at the carpet as usual.

Jessica opened her mouth to speak to him but instead hesitated, the doctor looked up at her pale face in curiosity.

Why in the hell will she not speak to me?

"I've sorted the paperwork you asked me to, Dr. Crane." She finally muttered after a long pause.

Jonathan cleared his throat before responding.

"Yes, thank you Ms. Matthews." He then reached out to take the papers from her tiny grasp.

In that moment their fingers brushed ever so lightly, the sensation sending a shiver up his spine. His eyes shot up to meet her hazel stare; it was the first time she had made eye contact with him in days, and he was shocked by how much he had actually missed it.

Those eyes…

He suddenly realized that they were both still steadily grasping the paperwork, he then began to gently rub his index finger against hers. The realization of their contact caused her to break their stare, her eyes falling back to the carpet as she instantly relinquished the paperwork to his grip.

Aww, she's no fun. The Scarecrow was giggling foolishly now.

Shut up! Jonathan spat internally, knowing good and well that the joke was all on him.

"Is there anything else you need me to do before I clock out today, Dr. Crane?" she asked him while straightening up the remainders of her work.

Tonight, Jonathan! Don't forget to remind her about tonight! His alter demanded with persistence.

Can't we just forget about this whole thing?

No!

Jonathan let out a tired sigh to this.

"Ms. Matthews…" he halfheartedly called to his assistant, she quickly turned on her heels towards where he sat. "Don't forget about the party at the Plaza tonight, you are still accompanying me I hope?"

"Oh, yes… I um, I had forgotten about that." She sputtered, her cheeks flushing crimson, he had to smile at this… the girl was a terrible liar.

Jonathan stood from his desk and slowly made his way over to where she stood, her head now downcast to avoid his intent glare.

"Is everything alright, Ms. Matthews?" he asked with false concern, now standing a mere two inches from her hesitant form.

"Yes, I… I…" he reached down and gently hooked a finger beneath her chin, raising her head upward until she was forced to make eye contact with him. "Yes, Dr. Crane, I will be there tonight." She answered finally, a slave to his icy gaze.

Her words made a smile pierce his lips.

"I am very glad to hear it, Ms. Matthews." His tone was now hushed, she remained silent however, transfixed in his eyes. After what felt like an eternity passed he released his hold on her chin. "You should go home and get ready, would you like me to pick you up or…"

"Oh, no, I can take a cab there." She insisted, walking to the coat rack by the door to retrieve her purse.

"Are you sure, it would be no trouble, honestly." He offered once again.

Ever the good gentlemen, Jonathan… just like Granny raised.

Jonathan bitterly ignored the Scarecrow's taunt.

"It's fine, Dr. Crane, I will be there at eight thirty." She reassured before opening the office door.

"Very well, I will let them know at the door so that your name will be on the invite list." He gave a slight nod of approval as she smiled back at him gratefully.

He stood alone with boredom as he swirled the single malt scotch in his glass, it was his second of the evening and it wasn't even nine o'clock. Jonathan glanced from his glass to his wristwatch impatiently, it was eight forty nine and she was late.

Why am I even waiting, she's probably decided not to come! He spat with petulance into the recesses of his own mind.

Don't be so pessimistic, Jonny boy, she'll be here…

How do you know?

Because you asked her to, that's how I know.

And what is that supposed to mean?

You know very well that that little girl does everything you tell her to do, she's like your faithful dog!

Jonathan didn't know whether to smile or sneer at the Scarecrow's comment, he instead took a long sip of his scotch.

Traffic had been worse than she had anticipated and the knowledge of how late she was going to be left an unsettling knot in the pit of her stomach, well, that and the fact that she was nervous as all hell. Something about being in a room full of the richest and most important people in Gotham had Jessica feeling queasy, not to mention that her employer would be there amongst them.

And what of the infamous Dr. Jonathan Crane? She couldn't help but ask herself a million questions pertaining to this man and his furthering mental state; she had even started to keep a journal of every little psychotic mannerism he displayed in her presence, not to mention his changes in personality, mood and demeanor.

She let out a deep sigh, best to not think of such things tonight, not when she would be in his company the entire evening… besides, she was already feeling enough on edge.

As the taxi pulled up to the front of the Gotham Plaza Hotel she took a deep calming breath, it was time put on a brave face.

Jonathan surveyed the hotel's entrance one last time, he was about to give up hope when he decided to do a double take of the last figure he had seen, a tall brunette in a curve hugging dark burgundy cocktail dress.

It's not her… I knew she wouldn't-

Before the doctor could even finish his thought the brunette that had caught his eye turned in his direction, her long dark curls falling gracefully to one side and cascading down her right shoulder.

"Ms. Matthews?" he found himself asking aloud, the brunette smiled kindly at the mention of her name.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her as she carefully made her way across the foyer towards him, her smoky lined eyes looking him over quickly before falling to the marble floor. Jonathan nervously downed what was left of his drink in one large gulp, handing the now empty glass off to a passing server with a subtle cough from the warm liquid.

"Good evening, Dr. Crane." Came her small greeting to him, he couldn't seem to speak however, only look her figure up and down almost rudely.

"You… you're late." Was all he did say in reply when his words finally returned to him.

Real smooth, Jonny boy.

"I'm sorry, traffic was horrible, I told the driver that I had to be here by-" she started her usual montage of excuses, he only shook his head as the spell of the shocking sight of her instantly faded, this was definitely his assistant standing before him.

"It's alright, Ms. Matthews." He interrupted her suddenly, she looked back at him with worry etched on her perfectly made-up face. "I'm just glad that you made it is all." He finished softly, she tried failing to hide the small smile that was now on her glossed lips.

Dear god, Jonathan… The Scarecrow growled as he looked the female figure in front of them over. You definitely have to fuck her tonight, I mean it truly is amazing what a pair of stilettos and a push-up bra can do!

The doctor cleared his throat loudly, breaking through the moment of silence between them. He opened his mouth to speak to his assistant when his attention was suddenly drawn to the slender blonde who was now sauntering over to him.

"Hello, Jonathan." The blonde woman's seductive voice caressed his name as she slithered past him, making sure to rub the front of her body against his backside as she did.

"Hello, Annabelle." He responded stiffly, not taking his eyes of his assistant's slightly shocked face.

"Long time no see." The blonde known as Annabelle whispered in his ear before disappearing into the crowd with a swish of red satin.

There was now an awkward silence between them, Jessica only stared at him innocently.

"That was our pharmaceutical rep." Jonathan said finally, as if this explained the display from moments before.

"I see." She muttered quietly to him, her view now on her own high-heeled feet.

Oh, Jonathan… you should have never screwed that one…

Not now!

"Would you care for a drink, Ms. Matthews?" he said in an attempt to break the tension in the room, gesturing towards the bar at the back of the large hotel lobby.

"I would love one." Was all she said, briskly walking past him towards the illuminated bar.

I can already tell that this is going to be a fun night. He told himself with disdain.

Her hazel eyes danced from one expensive liquor bottle to another, all the while her white teeth biting down on her pale bottom lip. Jonathan couldn't seem to take his own eyes off of her.

"What can I get you?" the handsome bartender asked, his voice ripping through her reverie.

"Oh, um…" she trailed off, looking down at her black satin clutch purse nervously. "Maybe I shouldn't…" she began before the doctor interjected.

"It's an open bar, Jessica." He whispered to her modestly, her already blushed cheeks now began to burn with embarrassment. "I'll have a Glenlivet, straight." He then announced to the bartender.

"And you, miss?" the man behind the bar asked.

"I'll have a Woodford Reserve on the rocks please." She answered him sweetly as he nodded before fixing their drinks; Jonathan however was taken aback by her choice. "What?" she couldn't help but ask the doctor as he shook his head in amazement.

"Nothing, I just never would have guessed that drink for you." He tried to withhold a smirk as the bartender slid their drinks to them from across the fine mahogany bar.

"I happen to like bourbon, is that wrong?" she teased before taking a sip of her beverage.

"No, it's just that most pretty little girls like to drink vodka mixed with some sweet concoction, not whiskey on ice." He let his smile show now, taking a gulp from his own glass as he did.

"I didn't know I was a pretty little girl." She shyly replied, looking down into the crystal glass she held.

Jonathan didn't know exactly how to respond to her statement, so he did the only thing he could think of at that moment.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked her out of nowhere.

Her face shot up as she sent him a look of confusion.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane?" she said as if she had not heard him correctly.

"I asked you if you would like to dance with me, Ms. Matthews." He repeated matter-of-factly, it was then that she noticed that there was classical music playing somewhere off in the distance, by live orchestra no doubt.

She quickly took a large swig of her drink before nodding to him; they then sat their glasses on the bar and headed out into the middle of the room where a handful of couples were dancing slowly.

It was clumsy at first, not knowing where to place their hands, or how to position their feet, but somehow they managed to overcome their awkwardness and dance. Jonathan gently pressed his hand against the swell of her back, taking a moment to graze his thumb against the soft velvet of her dress; she rested her hand on his shoulder as their feet seemed to move as one across the Italian marble.

"I like you in these shoes." He said finally, she looked over at him, puzzled by his words. "You're actually at eye level with me for a change." He then concluded.

"Oh, yes…" she said, now realizing what he meant. "I'm short." She then dropped her gaze down at her six inch heels.

"You're not that short." He mused with a small smile; she returned her eyes to his.

"I'm 5'3, that's short." She smiled back. "I mean, it's short compared to you that is."

Once again there was the inevitable silence between them; it seemed to be the theme of the evening.

"You know, I am surprised that you can even walk in those shoes let alone dance in them." He jibed, maybe it was all of the alcohol he had consumed or maybe it was just that he actually was enjoying himself for a change.

"I'm rather well versed when it comes to dancing in uncomfortable shoes if you can believe it." She replied with another shy smile.

"Oh really, why is that?" his interest was now peeked.

"I…" she trailed off as a blush filled her cheeks. "I used to dance ballet." She confessed to him finally, so embarrassed that she could no longer hold his gaze.

"I'm sorry, did you just say that you used to be a ballerina?" he couldn't help but laugh a little, it was just impossible to picture his mousy little assistant in pink tights and a tutu prancing around a stage.

"Hard to believe, huh?" she said softly.

"Frankly, yes." He scoffed slightly; she only kept her head down in shame. "So, let me guess, you were the pretty little ballerina type as a child, hmm?" he really thought he had her figured out.

"Actually I was classically trained in the Russian style for ten years." Jonathan was completely dumbfounded now. "I even dreamed of trying out for the Bolshoi Ballet when the time came but…" she trailed off again, this time her tone was not that of embarrassment but of something else.

"But you decided to study psychology instead?" he questioned blankly, still in shock from her previous statement.

"Something like that." Was all she said in return.

He could sense her uneasiness; this was obviously not a topic she wanted to discuss with him further so he decided it best to drop it all together.

"Would you like to stop, we could go out to the patio and talk there if you like?" he offered kindly, causing her to meet his gaze once more.

"That would be nice."

She stood alone in the crisp night air, the ornate lighting of the hotel's patio casting a warm and romantic glow all around her. Her hazel eyes darted from one partygoer to another, some she recognized from television and print, others she did not but one thing was certain, they were either rich or important by the city's standards.

"Here, you are." The doctor's eloquent voice broke through her daydreaming as he made his way up to where she was standing, two crystal highball glasses in his hands.

"Thank you." She offered quietly, taking the glass from his right hand that was filled with ice and whiskey.

Jonathan looked her over as she took a sip from her glass; the warm lighting from the patio seemed to cast an angelic glow off of her porcelain skin.

Was she always this beautiful or is it just something about tonight?

Could be the three, no four drinks that you've had tonight… maybe you should slow down, doctor.

He ignored the Scarecrow's comment, taking a large drink from his own glass, it was then that he caught a whiff of her sent in the cool night air.

Is she wearing perfume?

The sent was sweet and subtle yet entirely different from her usual of roses and raspberries.

I really think you should stop drinking now, Jonathan, we all know how you get when you've had one too many… remember Annabelle?

Jonathan quickly shook his alter's words away, his last one night stand was definitely not what he wanted to be thinking about at this moment in time.

She's much prettier than Annabelle…

The Scarecrow was rolling his eyes now.

"I haven't seen Bruce Wayne here tonight, have you?" she suddenly asked him, her oddly timed question shattering his boyish thoughts.

"Oh, no, I have not." He stated simply, taking another sip of his scotch as he collected his thoughts. "In fact, I'm pretty sure he's not even here, nor will he be."

"What do you mean, this party is for him, isn't it?" she was confused by his words.

"The rich don't need a reason to gather and flaunt themselves to one another, Jessica." He said with an underlining disgust to his tone. "Just the change of the weather is enough of an excuse, let alone when a billionaire playboy comes back from the dead." He scoffed before finishing his drink in one last gulp.

Congratulations, Mr. Lightweight, you are officially drunk.

"Speaking of changes in weather, it is starting to get cold out." She said more to herself than to him as she rubbed her exposed upper arms in hopes of warming them.

"Where are my manners, Ms. Matthews?" he instantly replied, sitting his empty glass down on a nearby table before removing his black suit-jacket.

"Oh, you really don't have to…" she began as he gently draped the dark fabric over her shoulders like a cape.

"Nonsense, it looks better on you anyway." He flashed a brief grin in her direction before straightening his black silk tie.

"I think you are the only man here who isn't in a tuxedo." She told him, her eyes fixed on her trembling hands and the drink she held.

"I was never fond of tuxes." He muttered casually, glancing around at the other people at the party with detachment.

"It's getting late, I should probably get home." She alerted him, her voice small and hesitant.

Jonathan was suddenly pulled from his people watching.

"Oh, are you sure, I mean it is still early." He tried to reason with her.

"I'm sorry, it's just…" she paused to think up a suitable excuse as their eyes met. "I'm really just tired is all." It wasn't entirely a lie.

"Very well, let me drive you." He now gestured for her to lead the way towards the hotel's entrance.

"I can take a taxi-" she began to say before he interrupted her.

"I insist that you let me take you home, Ms. Matthews, besides, I was the one who drug you here in the first place." He feigned remorse, putting on the best sympathetic face that he could muster.

"Alright, I mean if it's not too much trouble." She said finally, giving in to his advances, a huge grin now covered his face as he ushered her out of the patio area. "Dr. Crane?" She then questioned as they made their way to the hotel's fancy front doors.

"Hmm?" was the only sound he made in response.

"Are you sure you are okay to drive?" there was worry in her voice now; he only nodded politely with another coy smile in her direction.

The silver Lexus pulled up to the front of the dingy apartment building with a screech of its tires.

"Thank you for the ride home." Jessica said with a long breath as she quickly went to work unfastening her seatbelt.

"You're welcome." Jonathan huffed as he shut off the car's ignition; he was so upset with himself, driving under the influence was something he never did.

As he unfastened his own seatbelt he then looked over to see his assistant struggling to open the passenger side door. She tugged on the chrome handle as hard as she could to no avail until she was rewarded with a dull clicking sound from beneath the door's window. She ceased her assault on the handle before glancing over to where the doctor sat in the driver's seat, his finger raised above the automatic locking mechanism on his door.

"It should be unlocked now." Was all he could think to say to the situation.

"Thank you." Came her small reply, she pulled once more on the handle and the door swung open.

She felt so embarrassed by her behavior as she stepped out of the car, the doctor followed suit as he exited the automobile, pressing the small button on his keychain to relock the car before walking her to the apartment building's front doors.

"This certainly looks like a nice neighborhood." He mumbled beneath his breath as they made their way up the concrete steps.

"Well, it isn't the Narrows, but I guess it isn't Uptown either." She said with distraction as she fished out her keys from her clutch.

"I want to thank you for coming tonight, I really hate attending those kinds of parties." He divulged out of nowhere, her eyes shot up to meet his instantly. "They don't want me there, but someone has to represent the only place standing between them and the criminally insane of Gotham." There was sadness lacing his words now, she found herself with the incredible urge to reach up and stroke his face in comfort.

Jessica dropped her gaze towards the ground as she struggled with her own feelings, now was not the time to be inappropriate.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, no one has ever invited me anywhere before, let alone a lavish party with the rich and famous." She smiled sweetly up at him, her way of offering her thanks.

He was suddenly struck silent as he gazed across at her smiling face in the dim light of the street lamps.

Uh, Scarecrow to Jonathan! Do you read me?

Huh?

Upstairs… you want to go upstairs with her, remember? Our little plan!

"I had a lovely time too, Ms. Matthews." He said, rubbing his eyes with exhaustion, he was starting to sober up. "Goodnight." He then whispered before turning and heading down the stairs towards his car.

What? That's it!?

Yep, that's it.

You've got to be fucking kidding me!

"Dr. Crane!" her urgent cry shocked him from his inner dispute, he turned around just in time to see his assistant rushing up to him in a click-clack of her high-heels against the pavement.

"Yes, Ms. Matthews?" he asked in a daze, his voice low and confused as their eyes met.

"You forgot your jacket." She then slid his suit-jacket off of her shoulders in one fluid motion, the entire display coming off far more seductive to him than he knew it actually was.

"Thank you." He took the garment from her with regret, maybe the Scarecrow was right, maybe he should find some reason to go upstairs.

I'm thinking… yes!

"Well…" she finally spoke, breaking their uncomfortable silence. "Goodnight." She then headed back up the stairs towards her front door.

"Goodnight." he released the word from his lungs, it was barely audible to even his own ears.

What the hell is wrong with you, Jonathan! That was not how this night was supposed to end! You were supposed to kiss her, go upstairs, slip her out of that dress and slip your cock into her!

Shut up! Things aren't that simple, okay?

Of course they are that simple!

The internal exchange between him and his darker half had taken a violent turn once he had pulled the car onto the expressway ramp.

It's not like that, alright? We have to approach things slowly…

Listen to you, one smile from a pretty girl and it's back to tenth grade!

Stop.

Don't act like you hadn't thought about this too! I know you had the whole thing planned out in your head just like I did, what you'd say at the door, when to make your move, when to suggest you go upstairs…

I'm not like you.

Really? You're telling me you didn't fantasize about how good she'd taste, or how warm and tight she would feel around you, how sweetly she'd moan when you would thrust into her?

Jonathan feverishly began to loosen his tie, his breathing now labored and heavy.

You need to stop this now! I have already had too many drinks to be driving as it is, the last thing I need is all of the blood rushing from my brain while we are on the expressway at night.

Spare me your little speech.

Do you really want us to get into a head on collision?

Yes, in fact that is what I had planned for us tonight, one hell of a head on collision with that little-

I get it! I'm sorry… he was now trying to reason with his darker half.

Are you now?

Yes, and I promise I will jerk off as many times as I need to when we arrive safely at home, okay?

There was silence in the car.

Fine. But this isn't over!

It never is.

A/n:

So… it took me thirteen months to submit a chapter but it only took me eight hours to write a new one… inspiration is an odd mistress!

Well, I do promise to write the next chapter as soon as I can, I cannot say it will be before the year 2012 is out, but I want you all to know that I am trying my best. I also want everyone reading out there to know that your reviews are greatly appreciated, if fact they are the fuel that gave me the speed to write this chapter with such haste.

Thank you all!