Nota bene: Thank you to my reviewers. You guys are fantastic! (I can't stress that enough). I want to say this chapter did not turn out how I envisioned it at all. It ended up being a filler leading up to later developments instead of being the development itself, so for its filler-ness quality, I deeply apologize.

Joker's POV

Well to my utter surprise Benson wasn't dead yet, though he was close. At one level I was aggravated that he hadn't given up on his miserable life, on the other hand, I could toy with him more. And toy I would do. He smelled rancid. He sobbed, shivered and shook. I grinned.

"He-llo, doc-tor. How are we feeling?" He didn't respond, but that's ok. "Now, I know what you're think-ing. That I'll jus-t kill you. No no no no no," I said as I shook my head. I smiled at him and he was clearly unnerved. I basked in it. I set about beating him soundly. When he passed out, I dropped him off at his house. I wanted the big man to come down a few notches, so I left all the gross evidence of his shady experiments, his personal files of his misdeeds, on his body in his house. I then called the cops; they would know it was me because I left my calling card. Oh what a ruckus that would create! Once I knew the cops found him, I headed home, where my beautiful girl was waiting. I was also excited to see how the world would react to the benevolent doctor's darker deeds, but that wouldn't come until morning. I didn't want to leave Annie defenseless by herself for too long. Plus I wanted to make sure she took her meds. I had an inkling she would sleep through it all.

When I walked in the door I of course was right; she was sound asleep and I knew she missed her last dose because it was due not half an hour ago. I gently shook her awake.

"Hey babe," she smiled when she saw me, "you need more food and meds." She grumbled but sat up as I got some food. Once all that was taken care of we relaxed on the couch.

"How did your," she paused, "thing go this evening?" I grinned at her.

"Splendidly. I uh, dropped him off at his abode. He was a bit out of it," I chuckled. "I left all those exposing files I told you about on his body then called the cops, so they'll find him and all the damning evidence."

"That's not your usual style," so observant, she was. "But for whatever it's worth, I like it." She smiled and kissed my shoulder.

"Well, I just want to cause a bit of trouble putting the charitable doctor's misdemeanors out for the world to see. How are you feeling, by the way?"

"Mmm ok," she said and I could tell her hand was hurting her quite a bit. I rubbed her wrist affectionately. "Hey babe?" she asked me quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Um, what are you, I mean are you, going to do anything about," she paused again, "this." She gestured to her wrist but I knew she meant Pines.

I took a deep breath and signed, pulling her close to me. "Of course I'm going to do something sweetie, never question that. I don't know exactly yet, but I promise he will not only be dead, but in pain too when I'm through with him."

"I wasn't doubting you, you know," she said afterwards and I didn't respond. I guess because there was nothing to say. But I wanted her to know that nobody gets away with hurting my girl without paying for it dearly.

Annie's POV

He was lost in thought clearly, so I focused on the tv for awhile. After my show had ended however he was still thinking.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"Hmm?" He came out of it suddenly, "Oh just staging my plans. I need to send Pines a message, so to speak, so I'm just planning is all,"

"Oh ok," was I all could think of to say. However Jack surprised me by not going back into thought as he usually did. Rather he moved so we were facing each other and looked at me, concerned.

"You're looking pale," he said softly and the truth was I wasn't feeling all that great. I nodded.

"I think I'm just going to go to bed," I said softly. I was feeling all sorts of weird things. I was missing Jack, even though he was right there with me, and I was feeling awfully vulnerable. And not to mention in some pain. Before Jack could respond I got up and walked to the bedroom where I buried myself underneath the covers after putting on my pajamas. I felt a tear trickle down my face and I quickly wiped it away. I was feeling just run down, emotionally mostly, and I felt like I needed a break. But I knew I couldn't take one so I would just have to deal. I heard the shower turn on and I was glad. I needed some time. Eventually he came in quietly and slipped on his undershirt. It was quite the attractive sight, seeing him in the dark. He slid in behind me and it was like he could read my mind. It was comforting.

"You ok?" he whispered into the dark as he hesitantly caressed my arm. I nodded.

"Don't lie to me." He wasn't malicious or angry when he said it; rather I could tell he was frustrated and sad. Worried. I nodded no this time. He was silent to give me time to explain.

After a moment I said, "I guess I'm just feeling a bit," I struggled for the word but as always Jack was there to pick me up.

"Run down?" He asked softly.

"Yeah. And I guess um, vulnerable. I'm not sure if that's the word." I sighed out of frustration and frowned. Jack suddenly hovered over me but he didn't say anything. Rather, he pushed my hair out of my face and kissed me softly. It's like he knew exactly what I needed, and that was silent comfort. He didn't kiss me after that, and a part of me was glad. I was feeling just a bit down, but not in the way that a makeout session would make it all better. Mind you, I wasn't depressed, just worn out and Jack knew that. So he pulled me into his embrace and held me, caressed me, played with my hair without saying anything. Eventually he started humming quietly an old tune and I fell asleep, feeling better already.

Jack's POV

I could tell that she had been feeling drained, emotionally and physically. These last few months had taken so much out of her and though she was adjusting better than anyone would, after this hand incident it all came crashing down a bit on her. And I was the only one who could hold it all up so it didn't crush her. Not that I minded being that support for her. I knew that this way of comforting her just now was exactly what she needed. I didn't stay asleep for long; she woke me up in the middle of the night, crying quietly.

"What's wrong?" I sat up.

"I just, think I need some more pain killers is all. I didn't feel like trying to go get them. Can you get..." but before she finished her shy little speech I was already out of bed and in the kitchen, grabbing them and some water. I sat at the edge of the bed while she took them, then tucked us both in and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry for waking you," she said almost inaudibly.

"Don't be, sweetheart. Don't ever be," and I stayed awake until she fell asleep again. Then I was out cold until the morning. I still woke up before her though, so I decided to cook us both a hearty breakfast of sausage and eggs. I didn't know she was up until she put her arms around me as I was cooking.

"Feeling better?" I asked her.

"Yeah, a bit." She kissed my shoulder then went to sit down, but frowned.

"Jack?" Her voice was sweet as honey and almost coy.

"Yes?" I answered equally as coyly.

"Would you do me a huge favor?" she smiled broadly.

"You know I would."

"Will you finish at least moving everything around in this room? This place is driving me nuts!" I chuckled at her.

"I'll move it all today." We sat at the table to eat.

"You don't have to do it all."

"It's not that much. And I have nothing else to do today." She went to turn on the tv and I looked at her curiously.

"I wanted to see if my favorite clown has made a splash on the news today," she laughed and I grinned. In fact I was making a huge splash.

"You didn't tell me you left a calling card for all to see."

Annie's POV

"Oh whoops. Well, there you have it." The press was in a huge uproar over it. Not only of the evidence of Benson's horrible crimes but as to why my handsome man would expose him so. And then they showed a picture of Benson's state. He looked ghastly. He was clearly very sick, but also beat up pretty bad. I could feel Jack's eyes studying my face for my reaction. He was worried what it would be but he needn't have been. I was glad he looked that way. I smiled at him out of reassurance and he relaxed.

"What exactly did you do to him?" I was more curious than anything. I stuffed a sausage in my mouth in anticipation.

"Well I gave him a taste of his own medicine."

"Jack, I'm a girl and thus I like to know all the gory details. So spill," he laughed at me then shook his head.

Jack's POV

"Fine, I rigged up my own little, what does he call it, aquatic shock therapy? Anyways I rigged up that, wait no first I beat him. Then I put him in that. Then you called me while he was in there, so came to get you. Then he stayed in hiding until today. And then, I beat him up again pretty good. After that I duct taped him up and sent him home." I said the whole thing rather matter of fact, and she just giggled at me. After we were done with breakfast she looked at me sweetly again.

"Do you want to do the dishes? I would but..." and she held up her bandaged hand.

"Of course. Oh also you have an appointment today at 1 for your hand." She nodded then went to get dressed while I cleaned up. When I waltzed into the bedroom she had jeans on and just her bra on. She was standing at the closet looking for a shirt to wear.

"Now there's a pretty sight for a man to walk into," I smirked and couldn't help but eye her up and down. She blushed and continued on with what she was looking for. I stood there watching her get dressed. It was the sexiest sight, watching her get ready. I really wanted to act upon my current feelings, but decided to hold off after last night. I did kiss her though.

"You're so beautiful," she blushed then kissed me back, lingering, before she slipped on her shirt and made her way to the bathroom. I got dressed myself and after cleaning up and moving some furniture we drove to the doctor's office.

"Do you not want to go in?" she asked me. Truth was I didn't want to draw attention. I shook my head no.

"Ok then," she said quietly and kissed me quickly.

"I'll be here so just come out when you're done," I added as she was getting out of the car. She just smiled as she walked in. I leaned back and dozed off until she came back out.

"How was it?" I started up the car.

"Ok I guess. They said my hand is looking good, and they gave me some exercises to do. But the exercises make my hand really sore." I grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"Oh now it's all better," she said semi-sarcastically. I pulled into a old family run Greek restaurant for a late lunch.

"Such a perfect gentleman," she said as she kissed my cheek when I opened her car door for her. I raised my eyebrow at her, then slipped my hand into hers. We had a pleasant lunch, just chatting about everything and anything. That is, until we were interrupted by the news caster talking about Benson's scandal. We both watched with rapt fascination and I was giddy with excitement. I then looked at her, for I had been watching the tv with rapt and undivided attention for awhile. She was grinning at me, amusement written all over her face.

"What?"

"You just look like a kid on Christmas is all," she smiled tenderly.

"Yes, I do possess a sort of boyish charm about me, don't I?" I winked at her, earning a quiet giggle.

"Yes, you possess quite a number of boyish qualities," She grinned at me and her intent was clear, and though her face conveyed all manner of seriousness that is required of sarcasm, her voice was playful. I pretended to act insulted, but really I reveled when she used her sarcastic wit. It was one of my favorite qualities about her.

"That was very mean and my feelings are severely hurt. How could you? To me! To innocent little me?"

"Oh yes so innocent," she playfully rolled her eyes.

"Hey!" I stabbed some of her food off of her plate and ate it in a huff. Her eyes sparkled again with amusement and playfulness.

"Jack Henry! How rude! Didn't your mother ever teach you your manners?" And she promptly took a bite of my food, only to have her eyes bug out. I expected her to spit it out on her plate, but rather she so delicately spit it into her napkin, then deposited the napkin on my food. I started cracking up. I put my head in my hands, tears streaming down my face from laughter. She glared at me.

"You...your face," I said breathlessly between laughs.

"It wasn't funny Jack. I just ate..." and she trailed off, angry that she had taken a bite of non-vegetarian food. Lamb to be exact. But to her credit she spit it right back out, so she didn't technically eat it. I looked up and she was laughing quietly too, finally coming to terms with the funny side. I loved it.

After I settled down I looked at her endearingly and cleared my throat. "You ok princess?" She nodded yes and we left. I kissed her head affectionately.

"Your hand is still hurting you a lot," I said passively.

"How do you know?"

"Because you ate with your left hand today and you never do that," she smiled.

"You never miss anything, do you? And yeah, it's still sore. But much much better." I nodded. The rest of that day I finished putting the house in the exact order she wanted everything, except my office. I got to organize that one myself haha. And by organize I mean throw everything in random places where I know they will be. It's organized, just to the rest of the miserable human population (and that does NOT include my Annie!), it will seem senseless.

Several Days Later

Jack's POV

Well her hand was all better and I was so glad. As soon as she took off the bandages she started cleaning up where I had been lacking. Not that I didn't try but let's just say I didn't have an eye for that sort of thing. Anyways, it also meant that good, real make out sessions were back. And every damn time I got so close to ripping the rest of our clothes off and going at it. But I was doing a marvelous job of keeping everything in check. I'm just not sure how long that's going to last.

"Hey babe!" I called out to her from my office of sorts.

"Yeah?" she said as she sauntered into the room.

"Hey uh, I'm going to go out tonight and I don't know when I'll be back." I motioned for her to sit on my lap. "I might be gone for a few days, depending on how everything pans out and how safe I think it is to come back here."

"Why? What are you doing?"

"Stuff. Don't worry about it." I normally did tell her everything, but I didn't want her to know everything this time. Not because I didn't trust her; it was more for her own protection than anything else. She nodded.

"Well please just be very careful. No coming home hurt."

I chuckled at her. "Yes but last time I did, it ended up leading to very good things." She grinned but her eyes were serious. "I promise I'll do my best to not get hurt," I said as I tucked her hair behind her ear.

"And at least try to call me once if you end up staying out for a few days, just so I know you're ok?"

"Of course princess. But only if I think it's safe to call you, ok?" Again she nodded. "And no going out. At all, for anything. There's plenty of food and stuff here so I know you'll be fine." Another nod.

And with that I got ready to go. I stood at the door, outfit on and duffel in hand. She came and did her usual thing, and I bent down to give her a good hard kiss before I left. She sighed at me, before giving me a feather soft kiss and pulling me into her embrace. I nuzzled my face into her hair, then kissed her forehead. She looked at me so lovingly it made my heart swell.

"I promise everything will be fine and I'll be back before you know it!" I reassured both her and myself. "And just in case, I put a loaded gun in the nightstand, plus there's knives everywhere around here." I grinned at her. She just shook her head, shooing me out the door with a loving goodbye. I sighed as I hurried out into the evening.

Annie's POV

Well I was quite worried, as I'm sure you can imagine. I knew Jack had a good reason for everything and I trusted him completely, but still. I put on a brave and relaxed face for him because I knew he would be worried sick about me even though he was off having fun and creating a ruckus, doing what needs to be done. I just had a bad feeling about it all, but I suppressed it with tea and a good book.

The next few days went by swimmingly, and I kept tabs on the news to see if I could keep up with my boyfriend in some abstract way. But there was nothing, and that made me feel uneasy. Of course, it could always just have been because he needed to get things in order, but what did I know? So I kept my mind busy by cleaning up things, reading, singing loudly and obnoxiously to music, baking and eating copious amounts of cookies and the like. Oh what I wouldn't give for a dog or something. A dog would be nice. A big fluffy dog - great, now I'm on the section of youtube with cute animals. I'm never going to get out of it, nor do I care. I even painted my nails, curled my hair, you know, all the stuff you never have time to do.

It was the end of the day and I decided that I should invite Mrs. Kovacevic up for some coffee and kremsnita that I had made earlier that day. She gladly accepted, and we sat for hours, sharing stories of Croatia. I welcomed the chance to speak in Croatian. I learned that she had a husband, but he died in the wars that plagued my homeland and that they had no children of their own.

"Where is that handsome man of yours, dear?" she asked me.

"A business trip for a few days," I replied casually. She smiled.

"And what is it that he does again?" Jack and I had rehearsed this a hundred times probably.

"He's a chemist," I said, and it was kinda true. He did know more about chemistry than anyone I knew, and he used it frequently, so it wasn't like I was entirely lying.

"Oh yes, that's right." She nodded approvingly, "A smart man, he seems. And what about you dear?"

"Oh I think I'm getting ready to go back to school, once we have everything in order."

"For what?"

"Medical research," I said and she smiled.

"A smart, good looking couple you are." She vigorously nodded again. "Married?"

"Um no," I got bashful at that.

"Ah," she simply said but she didn't seem judgmental so I relaxed.

"There's a church here in Gotham, it's where all us old Croats go. You should come sometime."

"I would like that. I might be able to this week?" I offered, unsure if Jack would be back in time for me to go. Ugh I hated thinking like that, it sounds like he abuses me, but God knows he doesn't!

"Yes yes let me know! I know you would love it!" And we veered off into another topic and she stayed well into the night. I escorted her down the stairs to her apartment, then headed up to my own fluffy bed, thoroughly exhausted but happy. I said a silent prayer for Jack, for I hadn't heard from him in too long and I didn't watch the news hardly all day.

Jack's POV

The explosion was off and I laughed, watching Gotham turn to shambles below me. It was then that I was truly surprised. Batman showed up, and I saw him coming. Of course, I thought he was retired or something like that but hey, what do I know? I smiled to myself, he was here, and my little plan intact.

"Joker," I heard his gravely voice say.

"Tha-t's wha-t they call me." I replied with a laugh. I finally got him out of hiding. "Couldn't s-tay away for long, could ya? Miss me?" I grinned at he lunged at me but I dodged his attack this time.

We engaged in a verbal cat and mouse, a verbal joust if you will, where he tried to interrogate me with fist and word while I successfully kept him on edge, well verbally at least. Man I need to learn ninjitsu or something. Anyways, he wasn't getting anything out of me but a few laughs, and I giggled at his rage. Oh I enjoyed playing with bats. Unfortunately it put a bit of a dent in my plan for Pines, but nothing I couldn't handle. Until bats really started laying into me.

"Man, you've been slacking a-t the gym?" I asked him. He growled, making me laugh again. It continued, until I finally slipped from his grasp when I pressed the trigger for another explosion. That would trigger a bit of a domino effect, but...

"Ma-ke a choice, get me," I said as I backed into the dark, "or save those peo-ple." And with that I ran off, cackling, knowing exactly what he would do. He's so predictable. And plus I was dying to get back to Annie, who I knew would be worried sick, seeing as I didn't end up calling her after all. A fact that caused me to feel quite guilty. I snuck home, making sure no one was following me or even suspicious.

I stumbled through the door, knowing Annie would be asleep. It was 2 in the morning, after all. I tried to be as quiet as possible, but she still woke up and I found myself staring straight into the barrel of the gun I left her.

"Jack?" She said as she lowered the gun, and I took it from her.

"Hey sweetheart," I said as I pulled her into my embrace, kissing her hair. She hugged me tight and I grimaced.

"Are you alright? You're hurt." She said softly, but worriedly as she led me to the bed. I proceeded to strip off my now grimy clothes to reveal a plethora of painful purple bruises and small cuts. She sucked in a breath as she went to get ice packs and the first aid kit. She silently patched me up, which was odd since I was expecting some sort of reprimand. It took a good deal of time but I was patient as she carefully patched me up. Finally she was done, and I set down the ice pack I was holding to pull her into my lap.

"Didn't I say no coming home hurt?" And there it was. I chuckled.

"That you did, but the injuries were unexpected and a bit unavoidable."

"How so?"

"Batman came out of hiding," Her eyes were wide as she looked up at me. "It was a surprise to me too, believe me." She still was frowning.

"Hey now, it doesn't hurt that bad and I don't mind. Plus I got a lot accomplished. So no frowning." I pulled her lips up in the shape of a smile, which forced her to smile just a bit. And I would be content with that for now. I laid down and we cuddled up together, and I let sleep overtake me.

I woke up the next morning to a colossal breakfast with all of my favorite things. I winced as I sat down, and Annie immediately sauntered over.

"Are you ok?"

"No good morning?"

She rolled her eyes. "Good morning sweetie. I missed you." She leaned down and gave me a sultry kiss, followed by the breakfast of my dreams. She also set some pills by the table.

"What are these?"

"For pain," she responded and I snorted. "Take them," she gave me the most convincing death glare I had ever seen, so I obliged. "And afterwards, a shower," I nodded and by the afternoon had accomplished every single one of her commands. We were cuddling on the couch after I explained all my antics that I had performed over the past four days.

"You never called. Why?"

"It wasn't safe. Actually, if Batman didn't show up, I would've that night. I'm sorry."

"Now that he knows I'm out and about, he's going to have it out for me. We're going to have to be extra careful. But...did you see what I accomplished over the last four days?"

"I did, and you did a good job."

"In a couple of days, two I'm thinking, I'm going to get Pines."

"You can't!" She protested with wide eyes. I kissed her hand.

"I'll be well enough, don't worry. Now, I've missed my beautiful girlfriend, and I'd like to spend some quality time with her that doesn't involve worrying." I grinned at her, then pinned her down while capturing her in a passionate kiss.

Elsewhere in Gotham. Later that day.

Mark Pines sauntered into his apartment, only to let out a chilled scream. Blood everywhere, along with the corpses of his three most trusted friends. His only friends. He was alone. He looked around frantically, then fled into the night. He ran mindlessly, stumbling down a dark alley way, only to come face to face with Batman himself. He gulped. Then his mind went spinning.

"The Joker," he choked out just as Batman was leaving.

"What about him?" Batman suddenly towered over him. Pines grinned inwardly, he may not know where the Joker was, but he had other information to share.