Nota bene: The song referenced later as Analiese's favorite song is Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks by the National. Fabulous song. Look it up. It's what I imagine playing during a very great event in this chapter :) Also, I apologize in advance for this chapter having no real plot or anything in it with any other purpose beyond self-satisfaction. So with that in mind, enjoy.

Joker's POV

I was on my way to the warehouse, in suit and all. Naturally before I left Annie did what was swiftly becoming my favorite thing she did, even beyond making me delicious meals (and I have to say, she makes the best food I've ever tasted.) Anyways, she would fix my collar, smooth my tie, fix something on my clothing before I left. This time she also reached and kissed my cheek goodbye. It was such a simple gesture, making sure I looked my very best before I left, but it meant the world. It meant that she cared about not only me, but about what I did. That she was supportive of me. And I had never had anyone really feel that way towards me before. It was new, different and I liked it. I didn't allow these thoughts to continue as I pulled up to the warehouse however, because I needed to be thinking clearly and fully about the task ahead.

"Good afternoon gentlemen!" I sang out as they all appeared, looking like scared animals haha. I enjoyed slipping back into that voice; it was old and familiar. "So, I have some tasks I need you all to accompany me on. Let's go!" I directed them into uniforms, I was going to replace them with the guards at Benson's house. This was too easy. However, what I didn't expect was when we were discreetly kidnapping the patrol as they were switching shifts one of them reached up and got my arm with some sort of sharp object. Nothing serious that some stitches at home wouldn't fix up. Luckily, no one saw the scuffle and the guard change went as smoothly as I hoped. I wasn't going to kidnap him today, I needed these guards to be in place so that Benson would trust them and so that they could keep tabs on where he was going for me. Anyways, it was past dinner time when I was heading back home. I sorta hated missing dinner because usually she would fix something really delicious that I didn't want to miss. Also, I didn't like leaving her alone for dinner all the time. It felt so, wrong, in a sense. Anyways, when I walked in she was folding both of our laundry. I told her repeatedly that she didn't have to do my laundry, but she would always shake her head and tell me that's nonsense, of course she would do my laundry for me. I also realized how much I liked coming home and seeing her so domestic. And it was nice to have someone do all that for me because I wouldn't do it myself.

She didn't notice me at first and she had music playing and was singing softly. She had a pleasant voice, not superstar quality, but it was soothing to listen to. She never sang while I was around, I would just always catch her when she least expected it. I decided to just waltz into the bathroom and wash my makeup off. It felt weird being with her with my paint on. I washed my makeup off and grabbed the first aid kit to take care of my arm. I went out to the living room to do it, mostly because I just wanted to watch her and be near her.

"Jack?" I heard her soft voice call out. I was in the middle of stitching up my arm when she came into the living room from the bedroom.

Annie's POV

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Jack stitching up his own arm. There was a significant amount of blood oozing onto a towel underneath his arm.

"Oh my god." I said softly and I rushed up to him.

"It's fine." He winced as he pulled a stitch through. I immediately grabbed his arm and took the needle from his hand, being careful not to hurt him. I then realized how upset I was at seeing him hurt. All I wanted to do was pull him into a big hug and never let him go again.

"No, it's not fine." I pulled all the things I would be needing out of the first aid kit and stood in front of him while he sat on the arm of the couch. Using the skills that I had, I began to gently sew his arm up.

"What happened?" I couldn't help but look up at him and pause from what I was doing. I was so worried. What if he was hurt elsewhere and not saying anything?

"Just a small scuffle. It's really not that bad." I sighed, it was bad and really he should be going to a doctor to fix this, not having me do it. As I was stitching him up my favorite song came on. I was self conscious of my singing so instead I softly hummed in the silent room filled with The National's soothing music. Luckily the gash wasn't too long and I finished rather quickly. I put the stuff down but Jack didn't let go of my arm as he stood up right in front of me. I didn't look at him and I'm not sure why. He hooked his finger under my chin and lifted my face to his, his beautiful dark eyes boring into mine. His hand then caressed my cheek as he smiled slightly. I gave him a small smile. Before I knew it his hand was on the back of my head, wrapped in my hair while his other arm circled around my waist, bringing me close to him as his lips gently found mine. It was a timid kiss at first, but the kind that made your knees week at its gentleness. I was so stunned that at first I didn't do anything, but then I slowly started to kiss him back and my hands found his shoulders and chest. Once I started to respond, his kissed me back so passionately that I don't really remember what happened except that this was the best kiss I've ever experienced. I was so full of emotion that I couldn't even think.

Joker's POV

I finally, finally kissed her. And it felt so right. I didn't plan on kissing her, but it just happened, the time was right. It was slow at first because I was afraid to hurt her but then when she kissed me back I couldn't really help myself. I had been waiting for so long. And kissing her was the best thing I think I've ever experienced.

We pulled apart and her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were sparkling and both of our breathing was quickened. I held her face in my hands while looking into her beautiful eyes and just smiled. I was feeling pure happiness and I let that emotion take over me. I couldn't help but one more time giving her a short and quick kiss on the lips then pulling her into my arms. I could feel her smile against my chest as I kissed the top of her head and held her as close as I could, swaying back and forth softly to the music as she wrapped her arms around me. I felt...at peace.

We stayed that way for awhile before I broke away, never letting go of her, but separating just enough so that I could see her face. She didn't look up at me but rather was playing with my tie so I put my forehead against hers and closed my eyes, utterly relaxing. Soon, I broke away to sit and instead of sitting with me she went to the kitchen. I followed her after a few moments and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Hungry?" I nodded yes against her neck. "Go sit, I'll bring you something." I didn't budge because I just wanted to be near her and even though she encouraged me to sit down, she didn't seem to mind me being there while she warmed me up some of her delicious cooking. She handed me the plate full of wonderful smelling food and some pain killers. She snuggled up against me while I ate and we watched TV in silence, just enjoying each others company and this new found intimacy. We had broken that barrier that was up for so long and what a relief it was. After dinner I picked her up and carried her to bed.

We kissed goodnight and frankly I didn't want to stop, but I knew that I should. We didn't want to take things too far right away. So instead I held her just as I had been wanting to for so long and played with her silky hair until she fell asleep.

The next week. Annie's POV

Basically, Jack was the best boyfriend I had ever had. He was sweet and romantic, while still being so masculine. He took full advantage of the fact that he could kiss me whenever, and I loved it. He came home one day from his antics and kissed me rather passionately before saying even hello. I was always left breathless, after every kiss no matter how quick.

"Did you have a good day sweetie?"

"I did, Princess." He kissed me quickly again. "I'm going to get the last of our furniture moved in by tomorrow or the next day at the latest." Jack was going to have, as the Joker, his henchmen help him move the heavy furniture, then he was going to uh, insure their silence so to speak. I was excited to move into the new place. I was hating this cramped little safe house we were trapped in.

"Yay!" I gave him a big hug. And smelled him. He always smelled so good and masculine. It was such a turn on.

"I'm sorry you've been cooped up in here. So, we're going out tonight!"

"Where?"

"Someplace fancy where all the rich kids wine and dine." He laughed and I laughed with him.

"Sounds excellent." He kissed my forehead. "I made reservations for 8." I nodded and went back to folding the laundry. I heard the shower turn on. Several minutes later Jack wrapped his arms around me again, and he's totally shirtless. He wasn't a body builder by any means, but he was lean and had muscles. He kissed my neck and I melted a bit. So I turned around and we indulged in a passionate make out session that we had both grown so fond of. What I loved about him was that I knew he wanted to go further, that it wasn't enough, but he always stopped himself from going there. Not that I wouldn't mind going further myself, but I don't think I was ready to. And he knew that.

Joker's POV

I had never officially asked her to be my girlfriend so to speak, but I don't think it needed to be said. We had just kinda fallen into this relationship and it was weird for me. I had never really cared for another person like this before so I was trying extra hard. The important thing was that she seemed to be really happy and she was making me happy. That's all that really mattered, right? Anyways, it was almost time to go and I put on my best suit. Naturally I let her have the bathroom, where she did girl things while I snuck out to buy her flowers. People do that for their girlfriends right? Anyways, I had timed it perfectly because I walked into the living room just as she walked out of the bathroom and she looked absolutely beautiful. I mean, she always looked beautiful but today was exceptional. And she was wearing deep purple. I must say, the dress she was wearing was extremely flattering. She had a perfect body, in my eyes. I was sexy, but not slutty, which I loved about her. I must have been staring at her funny cause she turned bright red, looked very uncomfortable and down at the ground, fidgeting with her dress. So I walked up to her, feeling rather bashful myself.

"I brought you these."

"Jack! These are my favorite! How'd you know?" She finally looked up and smiled.

"Just a guess. And, you are the most beautiful girl in the world." I kissed her deeply and she matched me in eagerness. When we were done she put the flowers in a vase and grabbed her coat. I noticed that even when she was wearing heels I was still almost a head taller than her. We drove in comfortable silence while she fiddled with my hand the whole way there.

"Here we are!" I managed to get us into one of those ridiculous restaurants that I think Bruce Wayne owns. She looked at me incredulously.

"How in the world did you ever get in here?"

"Trade secret." I smiled and we walked in. The waiter sat us in a dark corner in the back. I didn't want anyone even thinking that I could be the Joker, so the less they could see my face the better.

"Jack, you're spoiling me." She said with a grin.

"Well, get used to it because I can and I will."

"But I can never do nice things like this for you." Is she serious? She does so much for me already. And she's so patient.

"Haha babe," I intertwined my fingers with hers, "I don't want you to. And plus, you already do more than you know for me. This is my way of saying thanks. And doing something a bit, normal for a change." Did I mention that I reveled in the fact that I could use pet names with her? "Also, I feel bad because I always miss having dinner with you, so this is my chance to make it up."

"Well, then thanks. You're the best!" She brightened and studied my hand.

"You still have paint on your fingers you know." She smirked at me. Before I could respond the waiter came up.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" Naturally I ordered the best wine they had. I had money to blow, why not spend it on someone worth it. After the waiter brought our drinks and we had ordered all our food we fell into the one of the wonderful and relaxing conversations we frequently had. Usually they were about how we think about the world, or people. Philosophy stuff, sorta.

"Do you always write in the books you read?" She asked me. She had been reading my books that I had laying around the safe house.

"Uh yeah, I tend to write in them. I don't know why."

"I like it. It helps me figure out how...you think."

"I'd say you do a pretty good job of that anyways. Which one was your favorite?"

"Of the books you have? Hmmm...I don't know really."

"Fair enough. How did you know how to uh," I got a bit quieter, "patch me up?"

"Oh that, well I uh, I worked as a nurse for awhile."

"Really? You never told me that. Why a nurse?"

"Well, I uh got my degree and then I got accepted to medical school but couldn't afford it so I worked as a nurse for awhile."

"You got accepted into medical school? Where?" All the sudden my interest was piqued.

"Uh Gotham University." Everyone knew that Gotham University had the most prestigious and well-renowned graduate school.

"Wow! I'm really...wow. You wanted to be a doctor? What, like a surgeon?"

"Haha no, biomedical research."

"You should go back to school. I'll pay for it."

"What? I can't, remember?" She looked a bit down.

"No, there's always a way. You should do it!" I was so so impressed. Damn, she was intelligent. I knew she was really smart, but I wasn't necessarily aware she was this kind of smart. I was determined to get her to go back to school.

"Baby," she looked up at me, "you really should. It's such a big accomplishment to get accepted somewhere like that and in that program. You deserve it."

"Well, if you can find a way, then I'll do it."

"It's a deal!" I shook her hand in mock seriousness and she giggled. The waiter brought our food and shot us a weird look which we both just shrugged off.

"This is super good!"

"But not as good as anything you have made."

"Oh stop." She blushed and shot me a funny look.

"What? Annie I'm being dead serious. You're a really good cook and if you keep it up, I'm not going to fit into my suit anymore." I grinned at her and she laughed.

"Annie? Can I ask you a question?" There was something I had been curious about for awhile but I didn't want to pry.

"Of course. You can ask me anything."

"How did a girl like you end up in Arkham?" I asked her very quietly and she looked up at me with wide eyes.

"Um..."

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No no, it's completely fine. I just wasn't expecting it." I nodded to affirm her and let her speak. "Well, um I uh grew up in a really rough home. My dad beat my mother to death when I was young. So as soon as I got the chance I left and lived on my own. I um," she paused with a shaky breath and I rubbed her knee with my hand underneath the table, "I got a text from my dad, who is a corrupt cop mind you, saying he had found a bunch of stuff that belonged to my mother if I wanted it and to come get it before he burned it. I didn't really know what to do because at that point I hadn't spoken to him in years. But I was stupid and I went over there. I walked in and he had...um, beat his girlfriend at the time to death and he was really drunk. I didn't know what to do because he tried to hit me and I couldn't get out of the house so I um, hit him on the head with something. Unfortunately he called his cop friends, and then he accused me of killing his girlfriend out of jealously for my mother and attacking him. Which was ridiculous. I..." she stopped and looked off into the distance. I was feeling that same rage again that I felt that night in her cell but I focused on her. "I told them what had really happened and how I insisted that he beat her to death. Naturally the judge said that he didn't have enough evidence either way, but when your father is in league with the mob he got off easier. And instead of sending me to jail, they diagnosed me as delusional and sent me to Arkham." She didn't look at me while she told me and she was clearly upset. With my one hand still affectionately rubbing her knee, I took her other hand in my own and kissed it. She wasn't crying, but she was close.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked here. I..." She went to stop me but I shushed her. "Let me finish. I'm going to kill him. And you don't have to worry about him anymore. He's not going to hurt you. Look at me," She looked me right in the eyes, "I know what its like, to grow up like that. I'm so sorry, you didn't deserve it."

She nodded. "Neither did you." I kissed her hand again and she smiled. The waitress brought the dessert menu and I guess I didn't realize how long it took her to tell me that story.

"Yes! I love dessert!"

"I know." she laughed at me. Naturally I ordered something huge and delicious and chocolately; she loves chocolate. The waitress was staring at my face, at my scars and like instinct, I got antsy. I was about ready to tell her off when to my surprise Annie grabbed my hand that was caressing her leg and shot the waitress a dark look. Upon seeing this murderous look the waitress left immediately. I had no idea my sweet little Annie could be so menacing. I was shocked and impressed. It was like seeing a whole new side of her in that one look.

"Thanks," was all I could say.

"I don't mind them, you know. In fact, I hardly even notice them anymore to be honest."

I searched deep in her eyes. I needed to know that she was telling the complete truth. That she didn't care about the scars. She knew that I needed to know that she was sincere.

"Jack, I promise it's the truth." She whispered. And then I knew she was. And something lifted off of me then and I can't explain what. She didn't continue with the subject which was good because I wasn't ready to tell her how I got them. The waitress scurried away as soon as she brought this monstrous and very rich chocolate concoction.

"Mmmm," She closed her eyes and smiled and when she took a bite she made that noise, and it uh, grabbed a hold of me and I could feel my pants tighten significantly. Not like that didn't happen enough already. God I wanted her. I still hadn't taken my hand off of her knee and I found my hand caressing her thigh more than her knee by this point.

Instead of taking her back home right away I took her to the park where we walked around, my arm around her the whole time. It was a good thing cause it would give me time to uh, cool off.

"Jack, what are you going to do when you kidnap Benson?"

"Hmm? Uh, I don't really know yet. I'll know in the moment. It depends how he reacts to certain situations. Why?"

"Oh? Just curious is all..."

"I would say you should come with me but I'd really rather you not see that."

"Fair enough. So, I ordered a piano for the new place."

"Oh? I didn't know that you played."

"I do a bit."

"A bit? Don't be so modest." I chuckled at her. "You must play for me sometime!"

"Haha we'll see."

Annie's POV

We made our way back to the house, just enjoying each others company all evening. It was very late when we got back. Between where we parked the car and walking to the apartment some men started catcalling at me and whistling, shouting vile words at me. Jack's arm was around me but I still pulled him closer to me and when I did I could feel his breath quicken and in my mind's eye I could see his eyes going dark. I saw him pull out a small knife from his other pocket and play with it in his hand. I knew I would be safe with him. He shot them a glaring look and I think they must've seen the knife in his hand because they backed away and shut up. I reached up and kissed Jack's cheek and he merely pulled me closer and walked quicker.

As soon as we stepped into the apartment Jack locked the doors and made sure all the windows were covered, as was his custom. Jack kissed me deeply.

"I'm sorry about them."

"Hmm? Oh it wasn't your fault at all. So don't be." I kissed him back just as deeply, his tongue exploring my mouth as it had done so many times before. He chuckled as he kissed me, lifted me up and carried me to the bed. He laid me down very gently and began to kiss down my neck to my chest, his hands roaming in places he never dared touch before. Each touch felt like a surge of electricity. He came up to look me in the eyes.

"If you want me to stop..." His voice was so husky it was nearly hoarse.

"No" was all I could reply. I was so breathless. I pulled off his shirt and ran my hands up and down his toned chest, which seemed to make his kisses even more passionate. He unzipped my dress and I rolled over and straddled his lap as we sat up. I felt him, and let me tell you, he wasn't small. I would wager a guess that he wasn't freakishly huge either, but just right. Perfect. His kisses went down my chest and I nearly moaned when kissed my breasts through my bra. His lips once again came up to meet mine and I shifted on his lap, and when I did he moaned into my mouth. Our mouths found each others bodies in a frenzy while Jack's hands explored with fervor, particularly on my thighs. He moved to my bra clasp and hesitated. I nodded yes and he unhooked it. He cupped them in his hands and was looking at them, and I felt self conscious. That's when he did the most amazing thing, he took a deep breath and cupped my face in his hands and kissed me fiercely, like it was our last kiss we would ever have.

He pulled back from me. "You are so beautiful," he whispered while he looked in my eyes, his voice deep. His eyes were dark, not with rage. It was lust, but also something deeper and more meaningful than lust. I nearly died right then and there.

Joker's POV

She was so beautiful and I wanted her to know that. I wanted her to know that I was feeling so much more than mere lust for her right now. She didn't realize how lovely she really was, and I know this because when I unclasped her bra she looked embarrassed to say the least. She shouldn't have been, she was perfect. Absolutely perfect. When I told her how beautiful she really was, I didn't expect her to react like she did. She started kissing the scar on the left and worked her way towards my mouth. Instead of kissing me like I thought she was going to, she kissed the scar on my lip then did the same thing to the right side of my face. She ended by kissing me so very gently on my mouth. I could hardly breath while she did it. I wish she could feel what that meant to me.

I couldn't help it. I kissed my way down to her perfect breasts that fit so neatly in the palms of my hands and turned my attention to them. Apparently I was doing something right, for when I kissed and nipped at them she let out a small moan and I couldn't help but smile at my success. We were both so lost in each other but I kept a mental check on myself to go no further, at least not yet. I had already gone further than what I intended to but it turned out more than alright. The rest of the evening was spent with her in my arms. Eventually we both tired out of sheer exhaustion, not of boredom. I could have kissed her all night. She didn't put her clothes back on and neither did I. So, each clad in our underwear, she curled up against me trying to find warmth as I wrapped the blanket tightly around us. Her leg was draped across my lap and my hand reached down to caress her silky smooth thigh. Neither of us had fallen asleep yet so I took the opportunity to kiss her playfully on her face. She giggled and I pulled her tighter. Annie loved having her hair played with; I noticed that it relaxed her.

"Goodnight sweetie." She whispered as she kissed my jaw.

"Goodnight Princess." I played with her hair and she fell asleep. Shortly after, I fell into a deep slumber. This was the best night of my life thus far.