Authors note: Sorry this one is short, I promise, next one will be really long! Review

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the DC Universe.

Chapter 26

Ava's point of view:

"Matt?" I gasped

He smiled and asked shyly "can I come in?"

I didn't replied, simply standing aside for him. Matt stepped into the penthouse and waved slightly at Ace.

Her mouthed dropped, the fry she was holding fell to the floor.

"I'm glad you're ok Ava" Matt said quietly

"How did you not bleed to death? You were stabbed in the stomach" I asked incredulous.

"A police officer came by and took me to the hospital" he replied

Nodding, I hugged him tightly, "you don't hate me then?" I inquired.

"I have nothing to hate you for. It was all the Joker's doing and now you're free. Everything will be ok" Matt spoke

"So how have you been?" I asked

"Good. I've been promoted to Lieutenant and you?" he said

"I've been....coping" I stated.

After a few hours of talking and catching up, Matt stood up to leave "I need to know Ava. Did you feel anything for the Joker at all?"

I paused and remained silent.

" I see" Matt muttered.

" Stockholm Syndrome, mate" Ace winked.

He left the penthouse, closing the door loudly. Sighing I sat down beside Ace, who wrapped her arm around me as I burst into tears and cried onto her shoulder. She comforted me as I cried tears of sorrow. I had hurt everyone around me and even when I was finally freed from my past and able to forget, it still came back and haunted me.

Matt was hurting, it shone in his eyes before he left. Wishing wouldn't turn back the clock.

But who knows how life and time would play out for me.

"I guess I really am just as bad as The Joker. Why am I such a freak and a monster? Why can't I do anything right Ace?" I cried

She gently stroked my hair and whispered "You did. You taunt him how to love"

"Who?"

She simply smiled and hugged me tighter, comforting me as I sobbed. Gently stroking my hair she rocked me back and forth like a child. I clung to her as tears flowed from my sparkling eyes.

Life really was a joke and I had never been more grateful Matt had escaped the Joker's punch line.

Sighing I began to wonder, what was hidden in the cards for me?

That night I fell asleep dreaming of it raining.

But it wasn't pouring water down on me.

No.

It was raining Joker cards and I was drowning in them!