Author's Notes: Wow! Over 3,000 views for this story! I've never had so much attention for a fanfic before. I'm le happy, ok enough of that let's get on with the show :)!

Bruce returned to the manor a bit earlier than usual; he was almost done with a side project he was working on for the last few days. In all honesty he wasn't in a rush to get home, not like other times when he was so full of worry. Jack was trustworthy to leave to his own accord, well more than the Joker anyway. The billionaire was ecstatic from all the progress he's made with Gotham's infamous clown. The Clown Prince confided him enough to talk about himself. Although they were various stories and Bruce knew there was a possibility they never happened to him, Jack still shared with him instead of avoiding the subject altogether like he did before. Upon returning he immediately went to the cave first to see how his quote on quote guest was feeling. His eyes widened as soon as he saw that the cave was empty. "No, he couldn't have…"

Bruce immediately ascended back up the steps and searched the manor. "Alfred!" he shouted as he frantically stormed throughout the manor. When there was no response his heart sank and he began to assume the worst. How could he be this stupid, how could he let the Joker fool him?! That clown baited him with false hope and betrayed his trust. "ALFRED!"

"Sheeesh, relax Brucey! I think the old man stepped out – something about errands," called out a playful falsetto voice. It was coming from his library he quickly ran to it. He barged in through closed doors and found the clown sitting in a lounge chair with a stack of books by his side. "What got in your batsuit deary? You seem tense," smiled the jester as he put down the book he was reading. Bruce was at a loss of breath and words, he tried desperately calming himself down. "Let me guess, you thought I killed your butler because I wasn't in the cave and you couldn't find Alfie anywhere. I'm hurt Brucey, I thought we were past the whole trust issue thing."

"I thought I told you to stay in the cave?"

"Well I had Alfie show me to a shower, god knows I needed one. And after I was nice and clean I was going to head back downstairs when I overheard the old guy step out, but then I got bored and wanted to catch up on some reading until you came home."

Bruce finally sighed and was calm, so it was all a misunderstanding. "Didn't you promise you'd stay put Jack?"

So, his bat was adamant on referring to him by that name. He smiled and continued with this banter about this whole small scare that the billionaire had. "Didn't you promise that you'd get me some reading material when you went off to work dear? Can you really blame me; I was bored and lonely sweetheart. I was only looking to keep myself entertained for a while."

The detective honestly felt bad for jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst out of him. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you enough and for assuming something horrible," apologized Bruce.

"No hard feelings Batsy, I don't blame you. After all we've been through it is only natural right?"

Bruce didn't want to dwell on the subject of misplaced trust and doubt any longer. He noted the rather huge stacks of books beside Jack and sat in a chair adjacent to the pale man. "That's quite a lot of books there. Did you read all those while I was gone?"

"Eh, yeah. But really Brucey you have such a boring collection. Much of this garbage almost put me to sleep," stated Jack indifferently as he faked a yawn to further illustrate his point.

"Honestly most of those are for show I keep a separate room for the literature I actually like. What do you like, I might have something in my personal collection that'll interest you," suggested Bruce.

"I like Twilight and reading about Edward, he's just so hot. God that could be my next scheme! I should blow up the idiot that wrote such horrible, preteen, pop culture nonsense!"

"Don't you have a thing for bats?" said Bruce with a playful smile.

"Ha ha, very funny. The Batman has some jokes. Well if you must know, I'm rather fond of poetry, any romantic works really."

"I might have some; I'll go look for…"

"Master Bruce, are you home sir?" they both heard all of a sudden. Bruce looked to Jack and the man dismissed him with a pale hand.

"You go on ahead and see what old Alfie boy wants. I'll keep searching here for anything bearable while you're away sweetie," Jack smiled as he got up and began scanning the books on the shelves. Bruce couldn't stop himself from enjoying Jack's company, but it was best if he went to go see what Alfred wanted. He left to not keep his butler waiting.

He found Alfred in the kitchen setting some groceries on the counter. His jacket seemed damp and Bruce noticed that the butler was carrying an umbrella. "Has it started raining? By the time I got home the skies were grey but nothing too bad."

"It was just a minor drizzle Master Bruce, but the news did say it was going to get drastically cold as the rain picks up later on," stated the butler as he shed his coat and put the umbrella down.

"Well it's a good thing I finished early with work then, I didn't bring a thing for rain. I would've been soaked," smirked Bruce lightheartedly.

"Master Bruce I think we need to talk," said Alfred almost harshly making Bruce drop any amusement and seeing his servant's serious demeanor.

"What's wrong Alfred?"

"I'm not going to beat around the bush any longer sir, what is it you wish to accomplish with the Joker?" the butler demanded.

"Alfred what's gotten into you? I've never heard you like this before."

"Because that madman told me he loves you and I need to know how exactly you view that deranged clown!"

Bruce didn't know how to respond. So much information was being thrown at him. Did Alfred say that the Clown Prince loved him? "Alfred, you don't understand Jack…"

"Jack?! Is that what you're calling that lunatic!?" questioned Alfred. Bruce scolded himself mentally for letting that information slip. "Sir I'm worried for you. In consideration of what you believe in I told you to search how you view your enemy but never did I ever intend for this to happen. Have you forgotten what this madman has done? How he continues to cause rampant chaos and destruction in Gotham, the very city you swore to protect. Have you forgotten the lives he's ruined?! Have you forgotten what the monster did to young Jason and Barbara!?"

"NO! I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN! I CAN NEVER FORGET!" Bruce finally screamed. All this seemed too much. He couldn't take anymore of Alfred reminding him of the many crimes the Joker was responsible for.

Little did the two arguing men know was that the clown they were talking about was listening in. He heard everything the two were saying, tears began streaming from his pale cheeks hearing Bruce scream that he can never forget the sins he has committed. "I knew it, he does hate me after all," whispered Jack to himself as he silently fled the area.