Author's Notes: Wow over 5,000 views I am so flattered. Well this is it, the last chapter of When it Rains. Thank you so much for reading, reviewing and such. BTW this chapter will include a bit from the Arkham Asylum game as it mentions Arkham mansion where Amadeus Arkham resided, along with Warden Sharp. Also Dr. Joan Leland from the animated series. A big shout out/thanks to fellow BatmanxJoker fanfic writer Rach Elegy for giving critique and input since the beginning, gave me a few pointers and advice which I was happy to receive. We writers gotta stick together lol. Also another person who was onboard since the beginning and her art made my day a little brighter/inspired me as I wrote is lovejoker. And of course thanks to you all who read, I keep getting thanked for writing this fic but it's you guys who deserve the recognition. I do this for fun, your views/reviews are done from kindness and you guys taking time out of your lives so thank you, the reader and enjoy XD!

There was no sign of him, he was all alone…

Bruce awoke in the dead of night, his eyes adjusted to the dark he saw that he was by himself in the bed. He groggily got up, put on his sweats and began to walk out of his bedroom. He wandered toward the bathroom, maybe Jack was there. "Jack," he whispered softly as he lightly tapped the door. There was no answer, the light wasn't even on. Perhaps he got hungry and found his way to the kitchen. Bruce quietly descended to the kitchen… again there was no sign of the missing clown.

A sinking cold feeling began to set in inside his heart. Suddenly, the lights of the kitchen flickered on. Bruce turned to see that it was a tired looking Alfred standing behind him.

"Sir, what are you doing down here?" he asked with a yawn.

"Alfred – it's Jack. I can't find him," Bruce explained as he passed the butler.

"Master Bruce where are you going?" questioned Alfred as he hurried after his master.

They descended down to the cave; Bruce became more stressed seeing that Jack wasn't down there as well. "I'm going to find him Alfred. I won't let him go back to being the Joker."

If it wasn't evident to the old servant before, it was now. His employer reciprocated the love that the jester admitted of having. "You love him don't you?" Bruce was in the middle of dressing in his tights and kevlar. He stopped and stared uncertainly at the butler. Alfred merely sighed and smiled comfortingly. He could tell when his master cared, he always cared so wholeheartedly. "Do what you must, Master Bruce."

Bruce returned the gesture as he put on his armor. He felt confidence and acceptance with those words. Quickly he hopped into the Batmobile and sped off into the night to locate Jack.

As the sun broke through the horizon of the vast city of Gotham Batman returned to the Batcave from an unsuccessful night. There was absolutely no sign of Jack or the Joker on the city's streets. Batman interrogated countless thugs who've been known for working with the Joker and grappled throughout the rooftops of the city trying to locate him. But there wasn't a single lead or trace of the pale man. As Bruce drove and pulled into a smooth stop his mind was still in a whirlwind. After everything the two had been through, after spending that passionate and blissful night with one another how could he leave him. Why did he leave? He took slow strides toward his computer; maybe there was some lead he could follow, a police report, anything that would give him a clue to the clown's whereabouts. As he frantically typed away on the huge keyboard quickly finding that there wasn't a trace or clue out there, Alfred came down the cave's steps with his master's breakfast. "Good morning."

"It's not really a 'good morning', Alfred. I couldn't find a trace of him anywhere," sighed Bruce tiredly.

"Perhaps this will interest you, I found it among today's mail," replied the butler as he set the breakfast tray and mail beside his worrying master.

Bruce saw a folded paper addressed to him; he quickly unfolded it and read the note to himself.

Dear Bruce,

I really enjoyed our time together, but I'm afraid I just had to leave. It's nothing personal; I don't want to hurt you. That's all I do, I end up harming you in some way. Please don't come looking for me, I'll make myself known in due time. I'll always remember last night. But let's face facts darling, who were we trying to fool? Gotham needs its Dark Knight, but it can always do without the Clown Prince of Crime. Until we next meet my beloved bat.

- Jack

Bruce gripped the note in his hands unable to process the torrent of emotions threatening to escape his usual serious demeanor. He steadied himself, but continued to glare sadly at the note. "I don't understand," he said to himself silently. Was Jack going back to being the Joker? After all that's happened to them why would he do this? Had Bruce not done enough to help him heal?

"Master Bruce, you did the best you could to help him," spoke Alfred as he placed an assuring hand on Bruce's shoulder.

"Then how come I feel like I didn't do enough to save him?"

"He's a very ill man, you know that. Now you tried your best to ease his madness with love, Master Bruce. But you knew from the very start that in the end it would be up to him to want to rehabilitate. I could tell he had strong feelings for you, but not enough to want to be saved and you can't blame yourself for that."

"Alfred, how am I going to be able to face him now? I can't do it – I can't fight him as Batman," he responded, his voice just so utterly lost.

"Sir, I know you can. If Jack relapses back to a life of crime as the Joker, then it's your duty to protect Gotham from him. I know it's hard, but he chose to revert back to the vile and deranged clown, now you must separate the image of Jack from the Joker. I know you can, retain the vigilant eyes for him, chase him down with everything you have and stop him as you've always done. It's not giving up; it's accepting his decision and moving onward. It's a hard thing to do but, Gotham needs its Batman."

With a heavy heart and a deep sigh he set down the note. Taking one last look at it and then putting his entire focus on the computer screen. Alfred saw the diligence and confidence return in his master's eyes as he went to work. He silently dismissed himself but before he left the cave entirely, without looking back at him his employer spoke. "Thank you."

After two long weeks of searching there was still no sign of the Joker. No word in Gotham's underworld, no threats made to the GCPD, no convoluted plans announced to the city, absolutely nothing. No one has been in contact with him; no one had heard a word inside Arkham Asylum, not even his pawn Harley Quinn had a clue. Bruce diligently scoured the city, following any lead, searching every abandoned hideout and still no Joker. Alfred poured a cup of tea for his master one afternoon when some news finally came in.

"This is reporter Vicky Vale with some exclusive news. After much worry and fear when Gotham's infamous Clown Prince of Crime would strike, news from the GCPD confirm that the Joker has been apprehended and is in Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane. When further pressed on the report, Commissioner Jim Gordon revealed that the Joker was actually found on the asylum grounds in the property's historical mansion. The Joker has been restrained and placed back into his cell in Arkham with the rest of the rouges. There have been no current escapes from the asylum thanks to efforts from the GCPD and the Batman making sure that the citizens of Gotham can finally rest easy. In other news…"

Bruce turned off the television already hearing everything that he needed. Alfred stared incredulously almost over pouring the tea into his master's cup. He caught his mistake before making a mess and looked to his employer. He wasn't able to discern any emotion in his demeanor. "How on earth did he remain unnoticed for so long and actually break into Arkham?"

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," spoke Bruce as he rose from his armchair and headed for the cave.

Joker sat silently in his cell, in his grey issued inmate uniform and bound tightly in a straitjacket with a smile plastered on his face. He couldn't stop himself from laughing from the events that took place this morning. How he laughed when he saw the look on Gordon and Arkham security's faces when they found him lounging about in Arkham mansion's library reading Amadeus' old collection. How they stared at him in disbelief but quickly swooped in and apprehended him. They interrogated for a few hours trying to find out how he got into Arkham and the "scheme' he was planning. But their efforts were in vain he just retained that information to himself and laughed in their faces. He was in a fit of giggles when the door to his cell opened. In walked in Dr. Leland and two orderlies, he didn't recognize the two men but dismissed their presence.

"Hey doc, it's been a while," he smiled with that eerie grin.

"Hello Joker, it's nice to have you back with us," she said sardonically.

"Well what can I say I missed my little cozy bed and electroshock to keep me warm at night," he giggled.

"It seems you have been gone for quite a while, the asylum has discontinued such inhumane practices."

His laughter was cut short. He looked up at her, his glowing eyes staring skeptically at her. "What do you mean 'discontinued'? What happened to Sharpie and the boys and the doctors with their needles and prods?" he asked.

"Warden Sharp has been dismissed by the board of directors, along with the staff that were involved in the abuse and conspiracy that went on around here. I have been left in charge of Arkham until someone well suited is appointed. Now Joker we're going allow you out of your straitjacket and into the rec room. If you cause any trouble we will put you in solitary confinement," Dr. Leland as she motioned the orderlies to remove the jacket. He complied and allowed them to free him but only to shackle his hands together.

"Well here's one thing that hasn't changed eh doc?" he smiled at her. She was unimpressed; she was one of the rare few people that didn't fear him. Having to deal with Batman's entire rogue gallery constantly she's grown used to all of their extreme personalities. As they all walked down the asylum halls and corridors they walked past the cafeteria. Some of the other patients saw the Joker and cringed in fear, others began to quietly whisper among each other. He merely ignored it all. Once in the rec room the orderlies took off the handcuffs and dismissed themselves.

"Is there anything in particular you want?" she asked.

"Some dynamite, maybe a gun or two, oooh I'd love my knives…" he stopped himself when he saw her stone faced expression. "You're no fun, how about some playing cards doc?"

"Here, just don't cause any trouble," she said as she handed him a new deck of cards. He took it and made his way across the room to a small table by a huge window pane. As soon as he sat he saw the dark grey skies over the horizon.

"Great more rain, just what is up with this weather?" he asked himself sarcastically as he opened the new deck. He shuffled the cards a few times, feeling the crisp cards slide in his grasp. He started setting them out to play solitaire, a lonely game for a lone man. As the rain began to hit against the glass he felt the pain begin to set in. He mindlessly began to play, not even concentrating on the cards, his mind drifted to the man he left sleeping on the bed where they had connected in an act of carnal and internal desire. He had to leave, though everything in him wanted to stay. He had to leave for Bruce's sake; he was consuming the caring knight. Deep down he knew he would always be the mischievous prince, a lost cause, there was no changing and it wasn't right to lead the bat on that he would.

The whispers around him grew louder than the rain drops, he tilted his head to the side to see why and saw Two Face being escorted into the room. His demeanor grew dark when he saw the Joker. The Joker had an image to maintain, so he plastered on a grin and continued his game. Everyone grew quiet as Two Face approached the Joker. Jonathan Crane began to open up a pool letting the other villains place their bets, almost all of them siding with the ex-district attorney.

"Why hello Twofers long time no see," he smiled as he continued setting down cards without even looking.

"I thought I killed you clown," growled Harvey twiddling the coin in his hands.

"Well you know me, as long as there frowns in this world it is my duty to turn them to smiles. So couldn't let a "two face" like you snuff me out," he giggled as he finally met with Harvey's angry glare.

"I don't know how you lived, but let's see your chances this time." He flipped the coin and clasped his hand once it landed. He stared angrily at the result. "Next time you won't be so lucky."

"You still let that silly thing dictate your actions? Well lucky me eh? Oh, by the way Harvey no hard feelings I should actually thank you," smiled the Joker.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing at all, just a little secret of mine or maybe the ramblings of a madman. Either way I'll be seeing ya," he grinned as he diverted his attention back to his cards.

"What a freak," muttered Two Face as he left the general area. A collective groan could be heard from the other villains, except one cheerful squeal coming from the group.

"Ha! Too scared to even fight my puddin'! Now all of ya losers hand over your puddin' snacks!" cheered Harley Quinn. They all acquiesced and handed their desert from their lunches. She laughed and made her way to the Joker, pudding cups in hand. "It's nice to finally see you, I was so scared puddin' that something terrible happened. I'm sorry I didn't get money from those stiffs but hey who has money in this dump anyway," she smiled as she began eating into her prize. She looked to the Joker, who was barely smiling and focused in his card game. "Gee sweetie, you're not looking too happy." She moved in closer to him and took one of the snacks in hand. "You want some puddin', puddin'?"

He merely broadened his smile and patted her gently on her head. "No thanks Harl. Could you be a doll and make sure no one bothers daddy while he plays?"

"You got it Mistah J, anything for you," she beamed as she kissed him on the cheek.

For another hour he continued to play, smiling through the pain as he placed card after card. Harley made sure that no one bothered the Joker as he played. She stopped the Riddler from nagging the Joker on which card he needed to set down. She stopped Scarecrow from trying to get information from him to aid a possible escape. She even sent Poison Ivy away, because she was going to pry into the details of his arrest. How they all annoyed the Joker, he couldn't have peace. Between them and the constant rain pitter pattering against the glass he began to find the whole setting unbearable. He only felt at ease when his numbing mind began to think about Bruce. But it was a fleeting respite, he still longed for the man who said that loved him. He placed the last card on the pile and got up for his chair.

"Honey, where are you going?" called out Harley.

"Back to my cell, I'm just tired sweetheart," he smiled faintly as he kissed her on the cheek. He allowed the orderlies at the exit handcuff him and escort him back to his cell.

The hours passed, the shadow of night cascaded through the barred window of his cell, the rain still constant and relentless. He wanted to smile but found the action impossible right now. He wanted to smile because this was his choice; he wanted to accept the madness like he did before. But that black clad man made it impossible to return to it. He was deeply in love with his bat, but he knew he couldn't change wholeheartedly.

Suddenly the lights to his cell turned off, he heard a commotion outside in the asylum halls. He wasn't bound like he was before so he stood up from his cot. The door to his cell opened and closed abruptly. The darkness protected the intruder, but such skill and precision gave away their identity. Joker waited for the dim moonlight from outside aid his vision before he spoke. "Batman, what are you doing here?"

"I came to talk," spoke the bat from the shadows without any hesitation.

"What's there to talk about I said all I needed to say in that no…"

"I know you're lying to me Jack or should I call you the Joker now," he snapped.

"Darling I meant what I said I don't want to hurt you. That's why I decided to let my little bat fly free," he said in a fit of giggles.

"I don't understand. So you are going back, going back to crime, going back to the madness and death. What am I supposed to do? Just pretend like it never happened, pretend that there was nothing between us!?"

"YES! JUST FORGET IT ALL HAPPENED!" He slumped onto the ground and sat. The pale clown gripped his head and began crying, unable to hide his pain any longer. "Just forget it all Bats. Who were we trying to fool? Look at us, look at me! There is no escaping this, I cannot change. No matter what I do I can never get away from this horrid pale skin, these accursed bloody lips, this unnatural green hair, these damn haunting eyes. I can't escape any of it, I can't change I'm branded this way Bruce. Just accept it and move on."

Bruce stared at the broken man that sat before him. He wasn't as furious as he was before. He saw that Jack was desperately trying to escape his madness but found himself trapped. "Where is this coming from? Please tell me," he spoke softly as he rested a hand on the damaged clown's shoulder. The prince couldn't bear looking up to his knight's masked blue eyes. He could hear the concern in his voice. "Please Jack."

Jack began to remember his dream many nights ago. How he crossed the path of light for his Batman and only halfway across the dangerous bridge there was no sign of him. He walked on a razor thin path over the dark only for Bruce to leave him, in that instant he knew what that dream meant. "I'm afraid," he spoke softly.

"What did you say?"

"I'm afraid… that if I try to change and fail, that you won't be there for me. You'll leave me and I'll be alone again. I'll be alone just like always," whispered Jack as he finally met eyes with Bruce.

Jack was so utterly broken, Bruce knew this. He was in love with this damaged man and he still wanted to help him. "Jack, no matter what happens I won't leave you. I wasn't lying that night I said I loved you." He helped the jester up and dried his tears. Bruce held Jack in his arms, holding onto the image of the man he desperately wanted to help. "Whether you succeed or fail I will never leave you don't you see that?"

Jack held onto Bruce, he really missed this contact, this warmth they shared. "Bruce you know if I return to my ways as the Joker that we can't be together, it'll only cloud your mind. You won't be able to stop me," whispered Jack into the crook of Bruce's neck.

"Jack if you do become the Joker again I will stop you. I have a duty to uphold, but that won't change how I feel toward you, I'll still have hope that you can change and wait for that time."

A genuine smile began to spread across his red lips hearing those words. He looked deeply into the black clad bat's eyes. "We're not exactly the average couple Batsy. You know we can never truly be normal."

"True. But if there is anything I've learned from the Joker, it's that you don't have to be normal to be happy," smiled slightly Batman. He leaned in and left a sweet and loving kiss on Jack's lips. "Try to rehabilitate, with medicine and therapy, for me."

"Well since you got rid of old Sharpie and the boys that won't seem too hard now. So that's why you were busy with all those board meetings, turned off all the lights and cameras, all for me?" asked Jack with a coy smile.

"You didn't answer me."

"All right sweetheart, I'll try… for you," he smiled as he pecked the bat on the lips. "I love you."

"I love you too Jack." They shared another kiss; it cemented their bond as Bruce and Jack. Everything that has happened between them recently changed them. Bruce was finally able to live and make decisions with confidence. Jack has found a connection with his former enemy and the will to try to change for said man. Both found a love that was their hope to end their long and bitter war and conclude it as a stalemate.

They separated; there was one last thing on the Batman's mind. "So, how did you exactly get into Arkham? Did you lie to me when you said there were only five escape routes?"

"I don't lie Batsy. But if you must know there is one path I didn't tell you about. The way only opens inward, one way in and no way out, so you don't have to worry about me or anybody escaping darling," he said with a laugh. Bruce joined in; they both laughed until the commotion from outside cut their laughter short. "You should get going before they find you in here with me."

"I'll be waiting for you," said Bruce as he caressed Jack's pale cheek.

"Either as Jack or the Joker, you'll always have someone to share a dance with," smiled Jack as he held the black leather hand in his. Batman slipped out of the room and Jack turned toward the widow. It was slightly higher than he but he reached for the bars and pulled himself up. It was still raining, but he was no longer in pain. A smile spread across those blood red lips and onto his white face as he saw his bat storm off in the rain, his cape violently whipping into the night. He eased himself back onto the floor and the lights turned on.

Dr. Leland and a few of the guards rushed in and were surprised to find him there. "Joker, I thought the blackout was your doing?" she questioned in disbelief.

"No doc, decided to take it easy. It's nice of you to think of me though," he joked.

They merely disregarded him and continued to search the premises. He couldn't help but to laugh softly. He continued to genuinely smile as he lay down to rest on the cot. Whether he healed and reformed himself as Jack or relapsed and reverted back to the Joker, he would always have his beloved bat by his side. Whether they would be cherished lovers or hated adversaries, they were locked forever in a dance where the music ran endlessly. He closed his eyes, finding respite come naturally to him. The rain no longer brought hurt, it brought peace and rest. He now felt he can smile happily and sincerely when it rains.