Author's Note: Man I'm so pumped I caved in and preordered Injustice Gods Among Us video game but it's not due 'til April. Though a part of me is kinda bummed about Mark Hamill not being the Joker, but hey Richard Epcar (who also does the voice for Joker on MK vs. DC) is still pretty good. Hey grew on me when I played Joker's story mode in MK vs. DC plus in my opinion the design in Injustice fits his voice. But still I can't wait for that, anywho enjoy the story just getting a little of my excitement out of the way XD!

Alfred stood bewildered at his master's statement that he almost lost his concentration. He had to pull himself together for Bruce's sake; the young man seemed to be unraveling at the seams. "Master Bruce, I have things under control here. I implore you, clean yourself up and get some rest," pleaded the butler as he continued fixing up the most wanted criminal in Gotham. Bruce immediately turned; he was unable to lay eyes on what he had done. He removed his bloody leather gloves and threw them on the ground. With clean and naked hands he removed his cape and cowl. His eyes still glanced at his hands as if they were still stained by the Joker's blood. Alfred really began to worry for his young master; he seemed like a frightened child who was caught doing something terrible. "Are you all right sir?"

"I hurt him Alfred, I couldn't control my rage and now he knows I'm Bruce Wayne," he replied softly. This was really getting to him, the best thing for him now was to step away from the clown and pull himself together.

"Joker will be fine; I'll keep an eye on him. What you need now is to rest, Master Bruce," said the faithful butler in an assuring and calm matter. The offer sounded so good to Bruce's ears, but he couldn't just leave Alfred with Joker. There was a part of him that feared for his butler's safety.

"Alfred, I can't do that. Joker's dangerous…"

"I will use some sedatives to keep him asleep, you needn't worry for me, I am more than capable to handle a man in his condition," interrupted Alfred. Bruce saw how adamant the older man was about this, he really did not like the idea of leaving Alfred in the presence of a certified deranged lunatic. "Master Bruce, please this is for your own good. You need time and rest away from this man."

"All right Alfred, but here, in case he wakes up," said Bruce in defeat as he handed a small electronic device in the shape of a bat. "It's just a communicating device so I can hear what's going on while I'm not around."

"Very well, now go upstairs and rest," replied Alfred as he grabbed the device and diligently went back to fixing up their unruly house guest once again.

Bruce reluctantly went upstairs to his room and stripped away everything that signified his dark persona. He looked into his bedroom mirror and stared at the man who lay beneath all the black armor. A part of him was still shaken to its core after the events that took place only moments ago. That man, with his haunting white shin, bright red lips, forest green hair and eyes like acidic green neon lingered in his thoughts. His hands were clean but he could still imagine the sight of Joker's blood staining his skin. That clown always knew how to push him to the edge, Bruce regretted every time he beat the jester within an inch of his like, this time was no different. If Alfred wasn't here to fix the aftermath of his rage then he would've really broken his one rule tonight and with all honesty he wouldn't be able to live himself. After another shower, he tried to wash away his guilt and inner turmoil but to no avail. Once he was finished, Bruce merely changed into some sleeping attire and sunk into the mattress and sheets of his luxurious king sized bed. Some sleep should help ease his uneasy mind but his worry for his dear friend and father figure still remained in his thoughts.

As his master was getting some well-deserved rest he had finished attending to Joker's wounds. He administered some painkillers and kept vigil watch over the madman after cleaning the cave. Alfred remained quietly at the clown's side as he watched over the deranged guest. How Batman can handle this man night after night as the clown caused mayhem was beyond a mere butler's comprehension. But after seeing how badly his master had reacted to Joker revealing he knew Batman's identity and being responsible for the jester's demise caused Alfred to worry. The man before him was known to cause even the sanest and most professional psychiatrists at Arkham turn utterly insane. Why Bruce decided to let this animal of a man reside here he'll probably never know.

After an hour or so the butler grew weary at just staring at the unconscious man. Joker slept like a rock and was as active as a corpse. There was no way he was in any present danger right? Just as the thought crossed the poised man's mind, the pale clown's eyes began to pry open. With a groan he sprang to life and laid his acidic fluorescent eyes on Alfred. "You put me on something didn't you?" asked Joker groggily as he sat up and messaged his temple.

"How are you awake? I was under the impression that you'd be unconscious for the rest of the night and then some."

"Please, you can give me ten times the dosage and I'd still be bright eyed and bushy tailed," replied the jester with a tired laugh.

"Care to test the theory," said the daring butler sardonically as he retrieved a syringe and sedatives from his person. Joker stared wide eyed at the needle and its contents, before Alfred could approach; Joker raised his hands in defeat.

"I'll be good I promise, just don't stick me with that!" shouted the clown. Alfred stopped in his tracks and stared quizzically at the White Duke of Death. "Excuse me for shouting but I just really hate what that stuff does to me," apologized Joker with a nervous smile as he eased himself back into the bed. Alfred acquiesced to the madman's plea but as he put the needle away he pressed the button on the device alerting Bruce that his psychotic guest was awake.

A beeping noise awoke Bruce from his slumber. The device sprang to life and connected to an audio feed from the cave. He was able to hear the conversation between Alfred and Joker. In the back of his mind he hoped Alfred wasn't in too much danger, but maybe this way he would be able to get answers to questions plaguing his respite. He listened attentively but ready to leap into action if the need to do so arose.

"Is there something on your mind? I get the distinct impression you're not very fond of me," smiled Joker innocently.

"Well beg pardon but it's hard to like a man who murders as a career and causes my master grief," spoke Alfred in a poised and calm manner, though letting a slight after tone of venom coat his words. The Joker could practically taste the malice in the butler's comment but decided to focus his attention elsewhere.

"So where is Brucey? Is he sulking somewhere because he almost killed me?" questioned Joker as a smile lit up his face. Alfred glared at the lunatic with such disdain, so he did know the identity of the Batman after all.

"Master Bruce is resting upstairs in the manor away from you, you've caused him enough grief as it is, and he needed a break from your madness."

"Blah blah blah, all I hear from you Jenkins is utter jealousy because he spends more time with me," grinned the pale man at his own amusement.

"The name is Alfred, and I would like to inquire how you came about figuring out my master's identity," requested Alfred as he tried his best to set aside his annoyance for the clown. Nothing could escape Joker's eyes; he knew the effect he was having on the poised and utterly British butler. Either way he let out a soft chuckle but paused to enlighten the man.

"Whatever Sebastian," smiled Joker as he got Alfred's name incorrect again. "Well, I've known for a long time now. After I killed Boy Blunder número dos, Bruce Wayne was there at the General Assembly for the U.N., where I was graciously asked to give a speech at. I saw him and that look he gave me and I just knew he was my bat."

"All that time and you hadn't said a word about it? Why haven't you used that information at all, you could've killed him or told the world his secret?" questioned Alfred with rage building in his voice. He was nearly at his breaking point when the raving lunatic had the gall to mention Jason like that, but he had to keep prodding the jester with questions so that Bruce could get answers.

"Now why would I wanna kill him or let the bat outta the bag? Where's the fun in that? Sure I'll admit I saw Bats as a nuisance before and wanted to get rid of him before, but I opened my eyes and saw what was really going on between me and Batman. I now see the fun in the game we play, how riveting our dance between life and death on the rooftops of Gotham is. I care deeply about him and this connection we share. And as to why I never said anything about knowing his identity until now, well, who wants to put a name on the Batman. Certainly not me, besides I have no need to know the man beneath the mask, I already know him better than anyone anyways," smiled wickedly the Caliph of Clowns as he moved some of his wild green curls away from his pale face. Alfred was deeply insulted hearing the Joker's explanation, especially at that last comment.

"You must be absolutely deranged if you honestly think you know anything about Master Bruce. And if you care so much as you insistently proclaim, then how come you continue to cause him pain?"

"Love hurts sometimes, dear Alfie and I love to cause pain," answered Joker with a sinister grin. Alfred had enough of this clown; he was starting to get an unpleasant feeling around Joker. He backed up a bit until the self-proclaimed Clown Prince of Crime spoke once more. "Oh, Alfred, before I forget… next time you speak with me while having a wire on you, I'll shove it down your throat so Batboy can hear your screams in stereo." He paused as the smile on his face widened. "Hello Bruce."

On Bruce's end he heard a loud fit of laughter. How did he know he was listening in?! After the laughter died down, the communication feed was cut. "Oh, no Alfred!" whispered Bruce to himself as he ran out of his room. God, how could he be so careless! He only prayed as he reached the old grandfather clock that he was not too late…