It's chapter nine! I wrote it in one day. I was in a good mood for writing today so I thought I'd use that to my advantage. There's some more Joker/Rachel in this chapter! I enjoyed writing this chapter a lot more too. Thank you Kendra Luehr for the review and the tip! Anonymous readers can now review my story. I didn't know it was disabled! And thank you Gothic-Romantic99 for your review as well! I tried to make that part powerful when he threw the knife so I'm glad you noticed!

P.S. I hope Heath wins golden globe!

Chapter Nine

Curiosity

Rachel watched the waving knife in front of her. In some possible temperament the Joker had thrown his knife to the floor, but why? That's all he came to Rachel's apartment for, yet he left it to her care once again. Bruce stared at Rachel, waiting for a reply. She glanced into his eyes and realized it had been about half a minute of silence.

"That's weird…" Rachel's voice dragged off, "Here, I'll take it." Her hand reached out for the knife, and Bruce transferred it to her.

"What will you do with it?" He asked following Rachel as she placed it on the coffee table.

She looked up at Bruce's questionable face, "Maybe the owner will turn up."

"That makes sense," Bruce nodded, "Just be careful, the owner might be crazy. I mean, the way he just left it there. It's a little odd."

"Tell me about it," Rachel sighed thinking about the Joker, and then smiled, "So, ready to eat?"

"Certainly, it smells great," Bruce grinned as they both walked to the table and sat down. "Have you watched the news this morning?" He asked as they began to eat.

Rachel looked up at Bruce's face and cleared her throat, "No, what's new?"

"The Joker, in most cases. He tried to steal the money from my bank, can you believe that? He's trying to stop me from rebuilding Wayne Enterprises. Then later at around 10:15 he started to destroy some ally way, then harass these homeless people." Bruce scoffed.

Rachel stopped eating as she listened, "Last night?"

Bruce took a sip of some orange juice, "Yes. He wouldn't have got away with the bank scenario if it wasn't for his break away in a car. That Joker is some piece of work; he's got a plan up every sleeve."

Suddenly Rachel froze in place. She was the one driving the car, the one who stopped Batman from being able the catch the Joker. Could he have planned it all along? Could he have somehow known what time she would get off of work and knew her exact route? Rachel was just a part of the Joker's stupid game and he was trying to get her against Batman and society without even her knowing it. Words could not describe how angry she was with the Joker at that moment.

"Yeah…" Rachel looked down to her food, almost mumbling her words, "He is tricky."

Bruce watched Rachel with concern, "Are you alright?"

From his words she quickly shot her head back up from her state of bemusement and gave him a fake smile, "I am, the Joker just makes me irritated and angry, that's all."

Bruce accepted her statement, "I know. Everyone is getting tired of that clown. Let's just talk about something else."

Rachel agreed and she continued eating. She was proud about how well she made the pie. Everything turned out great, and Bruce sincerely enjoyed it. Once they were finished, the sat in the living room to relax with a glass of wine. It was around 3:30pm by that time. Since the day Rachel was taken hostage, she had always wondered how Bruce had found her in that large building. She had assumed it was just because he was Batman, no questions asked, but suddenly she wanted to know seeing that they were already in the conversation.

"Bruce," Rachel spoke, "How did you know where to find me in Wayne Enterprises?"

Bruce was taken aback by her question, but he answered her nevertheless. "It took me a while, but I had unexpectedly bumped into some man who claimed himself to be Drew Thompson."

As Bruce told her about what happened, Rachel couldn't help but be interested in Drew. She found it strange that that man took so long in getting out of the building, or the fact that the Joker didn't even notice that Drew wasn't one of his gang being how smart he was. Sure he wore a mask, but the voice and clothing would be easily to distinct. The fact that Drew didn't try to save everyone on the twelfth floor and his attitude almost seemed a little inhuman. Maybe he was just one of those pricks but still, the whole situation didn't seem normal. Rachel was surprised that Bruce didn't look more into it but she kept her information to herself anyway.

By the time Bruce had left, it had been around 5:00pm. Rachel had suggested for him to stay for dinner but he had a lot of business to take care of. He said goodbye with a kiss on her forehead and told her to keep in touch. Once Rachel shut the door she exhaled heavily. She liked the company, and did not want to be alone. Tomorrow she had to go to work, and thinking about it just depressed her more. Rachel walked unsteadily towards her fruit bowl and grabbed an orange. She started to peel away at it and its aroma began to stimulate her smell. Rachel took a bite of the orange and the juice ran through past her tongue and down her throat.

By the time Rachel had ate dinner it was late at night. She had watched a few romantic comedies and fell asleep on the couch by 11:00pm. When Rachel woke up the next morning she heard her alarm clock ringing in her room. She checked the time and realized that she was late for work, and knew that the alarm must have been going off for quite some time now. Rachel quickly got dressed for work and left her apartment without eating breakfast.

Once Rachel arrived for work she had apologized for her lateness and that she hadn't been feeling the greatest lately. Her apology was accepted as long as it didn't become a habit. Rachel did her normal paper work, until she was interrupted by Gordon.

"Good morning Rachel," He smiled.

"Oh good morning Gordon." Rachel put down her papers and looked up.

"Have you heard about what happened two nights ago?"

"Yes I have," Rachel spoke quickly; she didn't want the topic about the Joker escaping in a vehicle come up.

"It's terrible. However, we managed to catch one of the clowns."

"Oh?" Rachel was happy that there was at least some good news.

"He says his name is Drew Thompson." Gordon responded while cleaning his glasses.

'Drew Thompson?' Rachel suddenly grew into a confused state. If he worked with the Joker, then why would he help Batman?

"Well I'll leave you to your work," Gordon said while walking away.

All day Rachel wanted to go to the police station to question Mr. Thompson, but seeing that it was not her client, she didn't feel like she should. Could the Joker have planned Drew to find Batman and tell him where everyone was kept hostage? Or maybe he just joined his crew to go against him in some way? Rachel felt that this man wasn't all guilty for his crimes. Maybe he was just trying to help? So many questions ran through her mind and she needed a break.

Rachel left to go home at around 9:30pm. She felt pessimistic about driving home because she was afraid that the Joker would ask for another ride once again. Thankfully she arrived at the apartment building with no unwanted visits in her car. Once Rachel reached her door, she could hear mumbling voices inside. She realized it had been her TV. Rachel had remembered never leaving it on, or even watching before she left for work in that matter.

Rachel unlocked her door slowly and held her breath. The lights were off, and sure enough she saw the flashes of color in the living room from the TV. As soon as she shut the door behind her, Rachel flicked the light on. She didn't see anyone, but suddenly a figure stood up from her couch, showing that it was the Joker. Rachel stared at him with shock.

"Hello beautiful," The Joker hollered from across the room.

Without giving a hello back Rachel folded her arms, "Your knife is sitting on the coffee table."

The Joker pulled out the switch blade from his pocket, "Already one step ahead of you, Miss. Dawes," He smirked and put it away, which gave Rachel relief.

She watched him walk up to her as she began to talk, "Well you got what you wanted; now you can leave." Rachel had little patience for him at the moment.

"You seem…upset Miss. Dawes. Has someone waked up on the wrong side of the bed today?" The Joker frowned mockingly.

Rachel rolled her eyes with displeasure, "Why do you keep bothering me? Can't you just leave me alone?"

"Hmm, that could be a poss-i-bil-ity," The Joker licked his lips, "But what would be the fun in that?"

Rachel wanted to say so many things to him but she didn't know where to start. She wanted to mention Drew Thompson, but she thought it maybe wouldn't be the best idea to bring that subject up.

"I know your plan," Rachel suddenly blurted out.

The Joker cocked his head, "Plan? I have no "plans" or so you call it," He smacked his lips.

Rachel ignored his comment knowing that it was a lie and continued her theory, "You're trying to get me against Batman without me knowing it. I'm not stupid."

Rachel could tell that she was starting to get on the Joker's nerves, but she didn't care. She was glad. Suddenly the Joker laughed and then pushed his hair back. He seemed almost impressed about how intelligent she was.

"We are very much alike, you and I." The Joker began.

Rachel looked straight into his eyes with disgust, "Except for a sense of respect, morality and good manners," Rachel suddenly could smell his scent and it was very displeasing, "And hygiene."

The Joker laughed and licked his lips to continue, walking a few more steps towards her, "One word, Miss. Dawes...curiosity. You desire the fact of being free, like me! You long to do what you want to do because. You. Want. It. To act on selfish impulse. You want to see what it's like, and uh, one day, you won't be able to resist."

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Please, I'd never step down to your level."

The Joker leaned his left arm on top of the kitchen counter right beside Rachel, "Have you ever wondered what it's like? To go by your own rules?"

Rachel for the first time analyzed the Joker's facial expressions. She could see him to be strikingly good-looking, if only he would take off the paint so she could see him properly. Considering that the Joker liked to play games, Rachel thought she'd play along, hoping he might back away.

"Your right, you and I are alike, but I think it's the other way around. There will come a moment when you have the chance to show it. To do the right thing." She spoke in almost a seductive voice as if to reel him in.

The Joker was surprised that she didn't back away which was what he wanted, so he continues in the game after he did a short cackle. "I love those moments. I like to wave goodbye to them as they come." He enacted a wave to the living room.

Rachel payed no attention to his remark and continued to speak in her seductive voice while sliding across the counter towards him, "You'll have the chance to do something...courageous. And when you do, you'll realize something. You'll realize that you could be a good man."

The Joker showed no expression, but he accepted her to move in closer, "On the contrary, Miss. Dawes-"

Rachel interrupted him, she was surprisingly enjoying herself having the ball in her court, "No, I have confidence in you. Do you want to know why?"

The Joker bit his mouth, he disliked that his conversation at the beginning was turned around to be put on him, "I can't wait to hear it," he spoke with annoyance.

To the Joker's surprise, Rachel moved right in against the Joker's body. She was right between him and the counter. "One word…curiosity. You're going to crave it. A chance to be admired and gain the repayment that follows," The Joker shifted his head towards Rachel's until their lips were close enough to touch. They could feel each other's breath upon one another, and Rachel began to get weak. She wasn't sure what she was getting herself into, but in the heat of the moment she didn't care. Rachel purposely erased everything from her mind. What started out as an innocent game, started to become an intense one. Everything else was oblivious to her as she let herself go, "You're going to want to know... what it tastes like…"

Without expecting it, their lips had touched but just barely for only what seemed like a second. Both of their mouths were slightly open to let each other in, but both would not take the invite. His lips were soft against hers despite of the paint and his scars. The Joker caressed her left cheek and brought his hand down to her neck. Rachel breathed heavily as her heart pounded hard in her chest. Both her brain and her heart were at war with each other; her mind told her to back away, and her heart told her to keep on.

Rachel could smell the stale paint upon the Joker's face, and Rachel suddenly came back to Earth and realized what she was doing. She pulled away at the exact moment that the Joker did. For some reason she had unexpectedly slapped him hard across the face, applying white paint on her hand. Rachel had realized that he didn't deserve it. It was her fault for getting them both stimulated.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Rachel mumbled, almost embarrassed for her actions, "I'm just so confused right now." Her eyes started to water.

The Joker became angry and frustrated at Rachel for getting him so confused. He suddenly grabbed her arm and Rachel yelped in pain as he yanked her towards him.

"Let me tell you, from the bottom of my heart," The Joker sneered as he liked his lips, "I couldn't care less about your feelings. I hate feelings. And you can lash out at me all you want because it simply just makes me…stronger, "The Joker growled the word 'stronger,' "Y'see Miss. Dawes, I'm not here to let out emotions, I'm here for power. I thirst for strength and determination, and when I'm filled with those…qu-a-li-ties, I destroy those who have hurt me, or get others just because I enjoy giving them what I got." The Joker sneered with a laugh and let her go.

Rachel stared at the Joker as he backed away from her. She was shocked by his sudden outburst of rage but she knew she had to keep calm.

"There are other ways, other alternatives," Rachel said softly.

The Joker scoffed, "Sorry beautiful, but that chance has passed. I'm the little dot you see miles ahead of you."

"As long as that dot is still in sight, I won't give up helping you." Rachel protested.

The Joker laughed, "You're wasting your time. Bother someone else with your, uh, therapy sessions."

"I will, as long as you leave me alone," Rachel spoke sharply; his eyes pierced into hers.

Without a word or a comment back, the Joker left her apartment. Rachel almost felt poignant that he had gone so quickly like that. She wished she could take off his make-up, stop him from being a maniac, change his clothes, and die his hair dark brown. Then she could actually sit down and have a normal conversation with him, maybe watch a movie or two. Rachel craved for affection so much right now, and at that moment she didn't care that it was from the Joker or not. She was surprised that the Joker didn't use her in her vulnerable state. However, Rachel was also thankful for it. She would never forgive herself if something ever happened, and she wouldn't be able to be around Bruce because it would feel like she betrayed him. Rachel was disgusted that she even let herself go that far.

Unexpectedly the phone began to ring which took Rachel out of her confused thoughts. She checked her clock and it was 11:00pm. 'Who could be phoning so late?' Rachel lowered her brow in thought. She ran to the phone and picked it up, hearing a very friendly and recognizable voice.

"Hi Rachel, its Bruce. Did I wake you?"

Rachel paused for a second, concerned for his reason to call, "Uh no. Is something wrong?"

Bruce sighed, "Good, I'm glad I didn't wake you. Don't worry, nothing is wrong. I've just been thinking."

"Ok, what's been on your mind?" Rachel asked.

"I've been thinking about you, and I know what I've been doing is unlike me but…I just…I just need to talk to you." Bruce's voice sounded almost distressed.

Rachel knew what the conversation was turning into, and she wasn't sure if she was glad or not, "I'm here, talk away."

Bruce continued, "I know you told me you needed time to think, but it's been so long now and I'm going crazy waiting for an answer. I try to get you out of my mind but you keep creeping back up."

Rachel suddenly became very anxious. Sure she wanted affection, but why did she keep thinking about the Joker and what would he think, or do? Rachel felt like she was tied in between the two, but why when she's got a perfectly handsome, respectful, sane man who loves her?

"I love you Rachel," Bruce continued, "And I'd like to know…have you decided?"

Rachel bit her bottom lip. Although he didn't mean it in that sense, it almost seemed like Bruce was asking if she had decided who to choose: Him or the Joker. It would have been easier if Bruce had told her when they had lunch yesterday. Something that happened tonight with the Joker changed things, and now she wanted more. Rachel hated herself for even thinking it, but that was just something she couldn't help.