AN: Thanks, you two! I'm glad you're okay with the fluff, heh. This next one is moving forward with the Joker's genius plan, listening in on Bruce and Co. at the party while they're plotting their next move. Another short one – and again, I'm not sure why the chapter lengths keep winding up so weird. Oh well. Enjoy!
4: Now.
I joined him at our hiding place an hour after I left the mansion. I was not followed or tracked. He didn't speak to me, but motioned me to his side, gesturing to the digital radio he had set up. He pushed a button and the sound grew louder. Beyond the crackle of static and the monotone hum of chattering party guests, two voices came through crisper, clearer:
"I don't know," said the first. "She might just be trying to scare you."
"Is there a reason you're not tracking her down right this second?" asked the second – clearly Bruce, but my paramour did not know that yet.
"Is there a reason you're not? Anyway, don't worry – I started running a trace on her as soon as she walked in the door."
"He's bluffing," said my companion.
"No," I said.
He raised his eyebrows inquisitively.
"He started a trace," I explained, "but he doesn't believe it's going to work."
He nodded. "Close enough."
"You know what this means," said the first voice. "He broke into Arkham and got away scott-free. Do you know how many other cells were empty by the time he got through with that place? He's planning something big, and we need to be ready. She's just the beginning."
The Joker chuckled. "What exactly did you tell him?" he asked me.
"Only that I didn't like his mask."
"Ah—he doesn't like it when you talk about his mask."
"And I called him a liar."
"Really?" He grinned, evidently impressed. "Well, that doesn't set him apart from either of us, little lady."
"He lies to himself. It's different."
"Hm. What does he think we're planning here?"
"He thinks we're setting a trap for him. He's determined to outwit you; he believes I'm just a pawn."
He laughed again, louder this time, and pulled me over onto his lap. "He doesn't know you very well, does he?"
No, not well at all.