A/N: Warning: Longest chapter so far, consist of 12 pages.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

Bird

Jonathan… Jonathan…

I feel so weak, why do I feel so weak? I could see there was light shining from the window. I blink, and sit up. I look over to the digital clock, and realize that it's six thirty in the morning. I shake my head trying to remember what happened a couple hours ago. I try to concentrate hard, but for some reason, the hours that I had spend here where nowhere in my mind. As if something or someone erased my memory from the hours before. I run my hand through my hair, and move the covers to the side. Slowly placing my feet on the floor, I notice that I slept with my suit. I stand up, and stretch my arms over my head, taking one final glance; I realize that this is not my normal room. Suddenly memories from the couple hours ago come rushing back to me.

"We may not be friends, but I don't mind considering you as a companion. I'm not here to make your life a living hell."

I close my eyes tightly, recalling the memory from last night. Last night something bad happened, something really bad. Last night, I let my guard down. I frowned at having lost control to some simple pathetic words coming out of the mouth of my enemy, of the man I most despise, of the Batman.

I move to the door, and make my way out. I make my way to the room that I was given, and step inside it. I lock the door, and grab some of my clothing I had stored in the closet. I turn on the shower head, and begin to take off my suit from last night. I step into the shower, and begin to wash my hair. All the while thinking about what happened last night.

Don't dwell on it. It's not of importance to you, Jonathan.

I rinsed the shampoo from my head, nodding at what Scarecrow was saying. He's right; I shouldn't dwell on something so insignificant. After that my thoughts go from last night to this day. The day I finally get back on track, and start researching with chemicals once again. It has been far too long not being able to touch or see a chemical lab in such a long time. Especially one that would get the Dark Knight himself, quivering at my feet, screaming in fear. Yes, today was the day I start my plans of realizing his greatest fear.

I make my way out of the shower, and start placing my clothes on. After I looked suitable to my liking, I make my way to the door, and open it. I walk to the kitchen expecting Bruce eating breakfast, but to my surprise he wasn't there. I knew that he wouldn't be in his room so the last place to check would be the living room. With that in mind, I move to the living room.

There on the black couch, I saw Bruce lying there, clutching a blanket. His butler must have placed it on him during the night. I wonder why he didn't just go to another vacant room. I stared at his sleeping form as he quietly, and peacefully breathed out. Inhale. Exhale. Those were the only movements his body was making. This is the first time I see such a man so helpless, yet he looked so relaxed. I never saw someone like this before, even when I was working in Arkham. All the crazies in Arkham were either twitching, or whispering nonsense as they rocked back, and forward. But Bruce, he had such a calm composure in his sleep. I didn't even notice the moment I moved from my original location to standing right in front of his sleeping form. I saw that a single strand of hair fell out of place onto his check. I must have lost control of my body, because not a second later my hand was reaching out, and tucking the strand of hair back to where it belonged. As fast as that happened, I quickly retreated my hand back. I took one final glance at the man, and made my way back into my room.

I make my way to the edge of the bed, and take a seat there. I close my eyes, and ran my hand through my hair in frustration. Why do I feel as if there was something important that happened not too long ago? Something that happened last night. Last night…

Bruce rubbed my back in a calming manner, I felt sick having him rub my back let alone touch me, but I didn't mind.

But I would.

My eyes widened at the feeling coming over me. Almost as if Scarecrow was pushing me-no, more like pulling me away from my own body. As is he was trying to protect me. I never once had anybody protect me before, is this how it feels to be protected?

Very well, Scarecrow, protect me.

In that one instant, my whole body shut down for a second, until my body moved without me controlling it. I knew that it was Scarecrow who was in control now.

"Let go."

Bruce looked surprised at the words coming out of Scarecrows mouth. Scarecrow gently, but still roughly, pushed away from the embrace Bruce had on me. Scarecrow had his head low trying not to make eye contact with the shocked Bruce Wayne. Having Scarecrow take over was somewhat a relief for me, but at the same time it was dangerous. Dangerous, because any moment someone would discover that not only, I reside in my body, but also Scarecrow. The one who is more forward, and dauntless on everything he does, which is almost the opposite in how I act. I'm more of cautious and a bit timid when it comes to some occasions. Mainly this type of occasion is the one that I'm talking about. I don't know how to act upon the way Bruce is treating me, that's why I need Scarecrow to take over.

"Are you alright?"

Scarecrow looked away from him. "I'm fine. I just need to rest a bit more, so I would appreciate if you would leave. I'll give you back your room in a couple of hours."

Bruce stood up, narrowing his eyes on Scarecrow. "Fine, but try to get some rest. I don't want you fainting when we go out."

Scarecrow smirked knowing that Bruce was going to take us to his chemical lab. Bruce made his way to the door, and reached out for the door knob. Before he completely left, he took one last glance at me, or the person who's supposed to be me. He moved to shut the door, but before he could, Scarecrow had one more thing to say.

"Don't call me Jonathan, Wayne."

Bruce stiffened about five seconds before closing the door completely.

Scarecrow raised his head back up, and stared at the closed door. "Jonathan, I don't trust that man one bit. So I would appreciate if you try to make the less physical contact with him as possible, okay?"

I nodded to what he was saying. "Sorry, I just felt myself go weak for a moment; I'll try not to let it happen again."

"Good."

And with that, I returned back to my body. I felt exhausted for showing my weakness to that damn billionaire. In the end, I decided to take another nap; I needed my head cleared for what I was going to be working on. My research is all that keeps me going, that, and my chemicals. With that in mind, I fell asleep.

"Now I remember, I won't let myself get to close to Wayne." I know that today is not only the day where I get to see a chemical lab, but it's also the day I have to venture into Wayne Enterprise. I'm not looking forward to that, but as long as I get to have my research back, and running, I think I would be able to endure it.

I lie back on the bed, and decide to wait for Bruce to wake up. Better not to think about my confused emotions at the moment. I don't know what made me do what I did, but it would be pointless for me to think further on the subject. I close my eyes, and feel myself relax.

Knock Knock

I open my eyes, and look over to the door. "Come in."

Not a second later, Bruce Wayne is standing next to the door. "I just wondered if you were ready to go. Seeing as you are, you're going to have to wait a couple of minutes for me to get ready. Why don't you go eat breakfast, Alfred already set up the table."

With that he was gone. He looked a bit tired, must have been from sleeping on the couch. I stood up, and made my way to the kitchen. Not once thinking about what happened early in the morning.

After I finished my breakfast, Bruce came into the kitchen. He looked more like Bruce Wayne The Billionaire now that he took a bath. If I'm lucky, he won't bring up what happened during the time I was in his room.

He took a seat in front of me. "Good morning, Crane."

I took a small sip from my coffee, and acknowledge him after. "Good morning Mr. Wayne. I do hope you slept well."

He picked up his fork, and started cutting up his pancakes. "Not as well as others, but it would do. Just don't make a habit of sleeping in my room."

I smiled. "Forgive me, I'll make sure not to bother you like that anymore."

Bruce looked directly into my eyes, I really hated when he did that. "It's not a bother Crane, but I did mean what I said. I think of you as a companion."

I adjusted my glasses, and gave a small sigh. "I don't believe you Mr. Wayne," before he could talk back, I kept going, not giving him a chance to speak, "now, now, let me finish first. Now we both now that 'companion' as you put it means someone you would consider as a comrade. Sadly for you, I don't consider you as a companion. I just consider you 'the man who ruined my life' or if you rather 'the Batman' either way, that's all I consider you to be. Also I don't think that you can simply over look everything I've done to you."

Bruce frowned, if he wasn't mad before, he is now. "You're right, I can't simply over look what you have done, nor can I justify it." I knew it- "But I won't simply toss you back to Arkham. I've come to a conclusion that every time I tend to do that, you wind up back to your old ways. Also, seeing as how Arkham is being run at the moment, I don't think you would want that either."

He does have a good point. I do tend to lose more of my mind when I'm stuck in Arkham, more so if it's being run by an idealist. But still…

"People would judge you if they see you hanging around an Arkham resident. You heard Quincy Sharp; he won't stop at nothing to bring me back to Arkham."

Bruce calmly chewed a piece of his pancake, swallowed it, and calmly looked back at me. "I don't think Quincy Sharp would be looking for you in my home or Wayne Enterprise, so there's nothing to worry about. And I really don't concern myself with how other high society members think of me, not that we would go to something like that, knowing you, you would avoid it all together."

I smirk. "I never did like all those fancy parties or outings. I would rather indulge myself in my work rather than enjoy a good time with some high society members of Gotham."

Bruce finished his breakfast, and moved to place the plate in the sink. He then moved to the living room, I placed the mug in the sink also, and followed him. He then went to grab his laptop.

"Come on, it's time we go to Wayne Enterprise. Also take your disguise, just in case."

With that said, I quickly made my way back to my room, and retrieved my scarf, sunglasses, and that hat Bruce got for me. Not a moment later I was outside with all my essentials in hand, waiting for Bruce to pick a car from his long line of luxurious cars. After he finally picked a car, I got in my side of the seat, and began placing the scarf around my neck, following up with taking my glasses off, and replacing them with my dark sunglasses. I decided to keep the hat in my lap, until we made it to Wayne Enterprise. The whole ride was completely silent.

As I saw Wayne Enterprise from where we were, Bruce began giving me instructions when we got there. "Now, listen, we're going through the front door, and if anybody asks any questions to you, just ignore them, and let me handle it. Also there's one more thing I forgot to tell you," this got my attention, which in turn made me look at his direction, "there's an employee that I have working in the chemistry lab."

I frowned. "So, fire him."

Bruce sighed. "I can't, but I do have to meet with him later on the day. For the mean time, you're going to have to stay in my office with me until I go meet with the doctor."

My frowned deepened when he mentioned 'doctor'. "And who is this doctor, if I may ask?"

Bruce looked at his watch, and opened his door. I was getting angry that he just ignored my question, but I too opened my door, and closed it. Bruce straightened his suit, and began walking to the entrance of Wayne Enterprise. I placed the hat on my head, and quickly followed. Before we got three feet in distance to the entrance, Bruce suddenly stopped, and looked towards me. "To answer your question Crane, you'll just have to meet him. And remember; don't talk what so ever to anyone. Once we get into my office you can take off your disguise."

That being said he began to walk once again; I quickly placed the front of my scarf to cover half of my face. Last thing I need is for someone to recognize me from my lips. As we made it inside of the building, I could feel a cool breeze come over me, I was glad that I was covered up, or else I would have been freezing.

"Good morning, Mr. Wayne."

I looked over, and could see that a blond woman had just addressed Bruce.

Bruce merely smiled. "Good morning." And with that we made our way to the elevator, but not before seeing that blond woman looking at me for quite a while. She must have thought that it was strange that Bruce was bringing someone like me into Wayne Enterprise. I merely looked away from her curious eyes, and crossed my arms as the elevator door closed. Once we made it to the floor in where I think Bruce's office was, the elevator stopped, and we exited.

We were making our way to an office before someone called out to Bruce.

"Mr. Wayne?"

We both stood frozen as a man was getting nearer, Bruce slowly turned around while I kept my gaze on the door. Maybe I can quickly get in. Too late, the man that was calling out to Bruce came to a halt in front of him. I didn't dare turn around, the last thing we both need is an interrogation from an employee.

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Fox."

"Yes, good morning, I didn't think you would be coming today, Mr. Wayne. Who's your friend?"

He better come up with a good lie.

"Oh, well this is my new personal assistant."

Not a complete lie, but it'll do, I hope.

Bruce moved over to me, and placed his hand on my back, guiding me to the door.

"Personal assistant?"

Does that man ever go away?

"We'll talk later. Right now I have business to attend to." That being said, Bruce quickly moved me into the office, and shut the door, making sure to lock it.

Bruce moved to sit in his chair, placing his laptop down on the table. I went to sit in front of him, and began lowering my scarf down. "Who was that?"

Bruce looked over to me once he started his computer. "That was Lucius Fox. Wayne Enterprises CEO and he also helps handling Wayne Enterprises day to day businesses, no one to concern yourself with."

I merely gave a nod, and looked around his office, I could barely see so I took off my sunglasses, and placed my normal glasses that I had stored in my breast pocket. I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose, and could see what Bruce's office looks. It was plain; it had a book case, a small couch in the corner, and a large window overlooking the city, which was being blocked by the windows blinds at the moment. Not to fancy, but not too over the top.

"What do you think?"

I moved my gaze back to him. "Not bad, but I really don't care how your office looks like; it doesn't really interest me."

Bruce began typing, then came to a halt, and looked over to me curiously. "Seeing as were in the subject, what does interest you, Crane?"

I gave an innocent smile, and answered as honestly as I could. "Well, since you asked nicely I guess I could tell you that much. My interest is… fear."

This got Bruce from typing, and placed his complete attention towards me, not that I minded, especially seeing that bewildered look on his face.

"And why would that be?"

I gave a dry chuckle. "Pardon me for saying this Mr. Wayne, but I don't think we should be discussing such matters like this. You are talking to a psychiatrist by the way. I really don't think you're in any position to question me."

He gave a small smirk. "Ex-psychiatrist, Crane, and besides, what's wrong with being a little curious, we have all day."

I frowned the moment he reminded me that I was indeed an ex-psychiatrist, but years of study could not be simply taken away, but I guess I won't mind having a little fun playing with his mind for a bit. I changed my frown, and tried to give a kind (fake) smile. "Well, you know what they say about curiosity Mr. Wayne, but I guess that doesn't apply to you, now does it. And in any case, I may be an ex-psychiatrist, but I can assure you, my skills do not lack in any way. Well, that could be a good thing for you, wouldn't it?"

I smiled as I saw his face turn to one of anger in a second. "What does that mean?"

I adjusted my glasses once more. "Oh, nothing, just that now you won't have to pay one of does inexperienced psychiatrist, because knowing you," I smirked, "you're going to need one."

As he was about to retort a response; a knock on the door brought us back from our little conversation.

I looked over my shoulder, and Bruce stood up. He moved over to the door, before he opened it, he pointed to me. Signaling that I needed my disguise back, I almost rolled my eyes if it hadn't been for me taking off my glasses, and once again replacing them with the sunglasses. I calmly placed my scarf up, covering my face. Once he saw I was completely covered up once again, he unlocked the door, and opened it slightly.

"Yes, Mr. Fox?"

"Mr. Wayne, can I talk to you in the conference room?"

Bryce nodded. "Of course, just give me a second." He slowly closed the door, and turned around to look at me.

"What?"

Bruce gave me a look, probably trying to intimidate me. "Do me a favor, and don't leave this room, got it?"

I simply nodded, and he left afterwards. I was glad that I wasn't in his presence anymore, but I did wonder what that man wanted to talk to Bruce about.

What else, he's probably going to talk about you, Jonathan.

I quietly whispered. "Scarecrow."

Yes, and in any case, why are you sitting in this damn office? Let's go somewhere else.

Somewhere else?

Scarecrow nodded, and pointed to the door. I hate being in this damn office, as much as I hate that man. Besides, what's the harm in a change of scenery?

You do have a point; I guess there's no harm if I leave this office.

Scarecrow nodded, and took me by the shoulders, leading me to the door. I reached out to the door knob, and turned it. I already had a location in mind; besides, it would be extremely entertaining to see Bruce all flustered trying to find me. I plan to make his life a living hell after all.

"What did you want to talk to me about, Lucious." I took a seat on one of the empty chairs as Lucious stood standing. He looked as if he was upset.

Lucious crossed his arms over his chest. "That's what I want to know, Bruce. I thought you trusted me enough to be able to tell me anything, guess I was wrong."

I sighed, and crossed my legs. "Look Lucious, I do trust you, but I have no idea where this is coming from."

"That man. Who is he? Because last time I checked, Bruce Wayne doesn't need a 'personal assistant'." Putting emphasis; on personal assistant.

I knew that this was coming; I just thought it would be in another time. "He is what I said he was, my personal assistant, nothing more, nothing less."

Lucious rubbed his temple. "No, there's more, I know you Bruce. Also if he was just your 'assistant' answer me this, why is he dressed like he just came from the Arctic?"

He does make a good point. "Look, that man is a… long time friend of mine. He came to Gotham a couple days ago; he has no one else to turn to. I just can't abandon him, in his time of need. That's why I offered him a job as my assistant, and as for the outfit he wears, he wears it because he's a bit timid, and he's used to wearing all that clothing. Now that I answered all your questions, excuse me, I have work to do." I leave from the room before he could ask any more questions. Also I can't leave Jonathan for too long. I make it back to my office, and open it, only to see that Jonathan Crane was missing.

I hit the door. "Damn." I close the door, and go on my search of finding Crane.

"From this perspective, Gotham does look incredibly huge."

Does it really matter what Gotham looks like, it's all the same to me.

I shook my head. "Maybe for you, but for me, it's different from what I'm used to seeing. All these buildings and vehicles have never been something I'm used to seeing back then."

Scarecrow looked over to me. Back then?

I lowered my head a bit. "Yeah, back then there was only a scorching sun, and endless land filled with nothing to capture attention. Always having to work in the crops, and listening to that woman." Yes, listening to her. Listening to grandmother…

"We don't pray for money in this house! We wait for a sign from the Lord."

A sign from the Lord? Did the Lord plan for me to end up this way, or is this a sick joke on his part. In any case, it doesn't matter, in the end grandmother was what I always thought she was. Insane.

I raised my head, and looked out into the city of Gotham. The wind was really strong up here on top of Wayne Enterprise. I don't really know what drove me to come up to the roof top. Guess I'm used to staying on roof tops. I don't know what made me walk nearer to the edge of the building, but for some reason I felt like I needed to be there; to see the world from a whole different perspective.

Jonathan. Scarecrow said warningly, as I moved to the edge.

I merely shook my head, signaling that I wouldn't do anything idiotic. He must have realized this because he didn't say another word afterwards. Now I stood on the edge of the building, I looked down, and could see how high up I was. I closed my eyes. I wonder if anyone would miss me if I were to jump from this building. Who I'm I kidding, no one would miss someone like me. The wind feels so light on my body, I wonder if this is the feeling a bird feels when he's about to take flight; so free, and independent.

I enjoyed feeling the wind through my body. Until suddenly, a pair of strong arms pulled me back, and held me tight. I knew who was holding me back, as my anxiety started to rise inside of me. There was only one man who was able to make me feel this way, the only thing that I actually found myself fearing was holding me in his clutches. I was happy knowing I could feel fear. Lately, I have grown immune to fear as the years went by. That is, until I met him.

"What are you doing?"

I tried to pry off his arms, but to no avail. "I needed some fresh air."

"Did it have to be so close to the edge?"

I frowned. "Why do you care? Anyway, would you mind letting me go."

His hold tightened on my waist. "You better not do anything stupid, Crane."

He pulled me back about three feet from the buildings edge, and finally decided that, that was far enough to let me go. I didn't turn around to look at him, it was better to ignore him rather than acknowledge him. Of course, Bruce Wayne wouldn't simply take to be ignored that easily.

"I told you not to leave the office. Why did you come up here?"

I kept my gaze on the city as I talked. "Like I said before, why do you care? But if you're just aching to know, I guess I could tell you," I waited to see if he was going to interrupt me, seeing as he didn't, I continued. "I wanted to see Gotham from a higher perspective."

"Why?"

I gave a dry chuckle. "My, my, aren't we filled with many questions Mr. Wayne."

Before I knew what was happening, I was being pulled back by my arm. I gave a gasp at the speed that I was being pulled. But also because Bruce's intense eyes were staring at me, the same eyes that I recognized belonging to the Bat-man. It reminded me of the time when he sprayed me with my own toxin. In fact, I believe he was this close when he was interrogating me for answers.

He frowned as he looked into my eyes. "Why do you insist on being so difficult?"

I gave one small gasp, and opened my mouth to speak, but not before licking my lips from the dryness. "Why do you insist on prying me for answers?" I knew that my eyes showed some sign of fear as I spoke back to him. Also, I couldn't stop my chest from heaving out, and in, almost begging for oxygen to come into my lungs.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "What's wrong?"

I didn't reply; I just kept staring into his eyes, completely forgetting to close my mouth. For some reason replying would ruin this single moment I had of ever feeling so weak in front of anyone. But I quickly reminded myself that this isn't just 'anyone'. No, this was Bruce Wayne, but in my darkest fears, he was the Batman. He kept staring back at me, almost trying to analyze me. It was quiet ironic, really. I mean, I was the one who was taught to analyze people, but now here I am being analyzed from someone who I would consider my greatest foe.

Bruce took a closer look into my eyes, and then he seemed to come to an epiphany. He quietly and calmly whispered. "You're afraid of me." He said it more like stating a fact, then asking a question.

I shook my head, and also whispered. "Not of you. But of what you are."

He looked bewildered from my answer, but still kept his voice low. "What am I?"

I tried to pry my eyes away from his gaze, but I simply couldn't bring myself to do it. I shakily said. "A bird cage."

A/N: Well… sorry for the LONG wait on this chapter.

Excuse: Lately I've been too busy with my life, and work just seems to get in the way, so when I return back home I'm usually too tired to even turn on the computer. Hopefully since I have some more free time the next chapter won't take as long.

A quick spoiler from the Scarecrow Year One comic when Jonathan remembers his grandmother's words. Also, I read through the Scarecrow-Batman Wiki, in where I found out that Jonathan/Scarecrow had developed some immunity to fear which in turn depresses him. Then I went to check out the movie wiki of Scarecrow in the Batman wiki, in which it said that when the Scarecrow/Jonathan where captured by the Batman, he was strangely happy when captured, due to the fact that he felt fear when the Batman arrived. So I decided to incorporate that into this chapter. Hope this chapter doesn't suck to you readers out there.

And please remember to review; it's a gift that keeps me awake enough to write a page or two when I have time. Also thanks to the readers who have my story in alert.