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64: Words Unspoken

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Disclaimer: Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing! I am so sorry it has taken me forever to post—it is getting down to the wire here at school and I'm graduating come May (WOO!) so bear with me until summer because the posts will hopefully be more frequent! I love you all!!! So, the song used in this chapter is called "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and it's by the Shirelles—I obviously do not own these lyrics or the song…considering I was not alive in the 1960s. Enjoy!

I sat across from Dr. Crane that next day, barely listening to his ranting. My head was pounding from the night before and there was no way I was going to be able to take notes. Thank God for recording sessions!

"So basically, the drug I concocted can…" Dr. Crane droned on. I wished I had the Joker's knife so that I could end this miserable session.

"Well, Dr. Crane, that's…that's…great. You should mix me up a batch some time," I joked, trying to keep myself awake. Dr. Crane cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head. Curiously, his lips broke into a smirk.

"Well, sugar, you know how to get me to do that for you," he winked at me. Dr. Crane had been developing a minor crush on me during the past few months. I spent most sessions deciding whether it was endearing or just creepy.

"Excuse me?! None of that, please, Dr. Crane. Please continue—sorry for the interruption," I spoke, and then removed the cap from my pen.

Dr. Crane just sat there, smiling back at me while I waited for him to continue with his boring analysis of chemical compounds. I enjoyed chemistry in nursing school, but I couldn't sit through another session with Dr. Crane explaining his molecular compounds. For a psychiatrist, he was brilliant, no doubt, but I just couldn't keep up with him sometimes. Part of me figured that he wasn't all too complicated a person, but for some reason, his good looks always got me screwed up in thought processes.

"So, tell me, Dr. DiMarco—how is the Joker?" Dr. Crane asked, still smirking.

"How would I know something like that? He escaped and I haven't heard anything about him since he was here in Arkham," I lied, hopefully convincingly.

"Ah, yes, but there are rumors that you helped get him out of here," Dr. Crane retorted, grinning widely.

"Dr. Crane, I don't know how many times I have to tell you, but that rumor is untrue. The Joker escaped on his own—you know how he does those things. I'm actually surprised you've never tried escaping," I responded, with a slight coax.

Dr. Crane continued grinning back at me, but said nothing. His gaze was intense and made me uncomfortable. I shifted uneasily in my seat and averted my gaze.

"Dr. Crane, don't get any ideas. You're on a strict treatment regimen and I…I think we're making good progress," I stammered slightly. Thankfully, I glanced down at my watch, "Well, unfortunately, our time is out for today. I'll see you tomorrow,"

I rose from my chair and left the room. Outside, I called for an escort for Dr. Crane, and then made my way back to my office. Today was going to be a long day.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

By the time my shift ended, I was practically dancing in my chair ready to leave. I jumped up from my desk, gathered my things and left my office so quickly that I barely noticed the note taped to my door. My eyes did a double-take and finally grabbed the note and opened it.

Giada,

Formal banquet this evening at 9 at Il Soleil. Will be a live band. There may be some karaoke too! Hope to see you there.

Your friend,

Bruce

A formal banquet—I wondered what for? I couldn't be something Bruce was hosting, or else it would have been at the penthouse. I stuffed the note into my bag and made my way out of the asylum.

As I sat on the train, I pondered why Bruce couldn't have just called me to invite me. Perhaps he came by when I was with a patient—but still, a message would have been more informative! Who would be there? What would I wear? Did I have anything formal enough to wear to a formal banquet? I had never really been to a formal banquet that involved billionaires. They would all be wearing Dolce and Gabana and Gucci and Armani and I would walk in with my sale rack gown. It would be awful! I knew Bruce would never judge me, but I didn't know who else would be present at this ball thing.

When the train stopped at my station, I briskly walked off the train and immediately dialed Bruce. As I waited for him to pick up, I started my walk home.

"Giada?"

"Hey Bruce—what is this banquet thing tonight? How formal are we talking? I don't own anything Gucci," I chuckled, trying to make light of my dire situation.

Bruce chuckled back, "No worries—it's formal, but I'm sure you have something nice. You don't have to wear Gucci. I'm not hosting it—but I've been invited. I think the Joker's been invited as well,"

"Who's hosting it? The Joker? Really?" things were starting to look up for this evening.

"The Penguin," Bruce whispered.

"Why is the Penguin hosting a banquet?" I asked, laughing slightly.

"It's a networking banquet—supposedly. I can't know for sure. Of course I have to go. I need to know what's going on in this city as best I can,"

"How did I get an invite? And the Joker?" I asked.

"Well, the Joker is the top criminal in this city, so of course the Penguin is going to want him in on any business and networking that will go on this evening. I invited you as my guest…unless the Joker decides to take you as his," Bruce responded.

"I see. We he didn't say anything to me about this banquet last night…so I guess I'm going as your guest," I responded, a bit let down by the Joker's lack of an invite.

"Well, don't feel too bad—we just found out about this banquet this afternoon. The Penguin wanted to keep it as quiet as possible for as long as he could, but I guess he'd been planning it for quite some time. I think I got invited because I'm the philanthropist of the city—if any business deals are made or any networking made, then I'm key—but as Bruce Wayne, I won't be making any deals with criminals," he laughed.

"I hear ya—you'll just be the face and name at the big billionaire party. I'll be your no-so-hot date," I chuckled with him.

"Oh Giada, please—you know you're a beautiful woman. Any man would be lucky to have you—and if the Joker can't realize that, then he doesn't deserve you," Bruce retorted firmly.

"Aw Bruce. Well, I actually just got home—that gives me an hour and a half to get ready and get to Il Soleil,"

"Perfect! I can pick you up if you'd like,"

"Oh that's alright—part of me is hoping the Joker will take me…but I'll let you know if I need a ride," I responded.

"I'll send the limo for you both," Bruce stated. I loved him. He was such a great friend even though he hated the Joker. Though, part of me wondered if he still really hated the Joker or not.

"Thank you Bruce. I'll see you tonight,"

"See you," he hung up the phone and I slid mine shut. I rushed into my building and made my way up to my apartment as quickly as possible. Once inside, I threw my things onto the kitchen counter and ran into my room to find a dress. I shuffled through the clothes in my closet until I came across a formal dress I had bought back in college. I couldn't believe I had forgotten abou this dress! It was strapless, satin and tight fitting with some puckering and gathering of the material. It went down to just below my knees and was a bright, dark pink. It was absolutely perfect. I carefully placed it onto my bed and picked out a pair of silver dangly earrings. This was going to look incredibly elegant.

I jumped in and out of the shower, dried my curly hair and styled it as formally as possible. I wore it high up on my head with a few strands of curls hanging loosely about my face. I then applied makeup as tastefully as possible. After my dress, earrings and shoes were all on, I took a final look in the mirror. I cleaned up pretty well! My silver shoes were just perfect with the dress and the earrings. I was so excited to finally get the chance to dress up nice for an occasion, even if it was a bit of a shady occasion.

I glanced at the clock and saw that Bruce's limo would be picking me up soon. I gathered my things and placed them into my small silver clutch and made my way down to the street. Just as I emerged from the building, Bruce's limo pulled up. I couldn't expect anything better from Bruce. I expected Bruce to get out of the limo, but instead, Alfred emerged.

"Good evening, Ms. DiMarco," Alfred greeted me in his friendly British accent. I smiled at him.

"Good evening, Alfred—it's so good to see you!" I responded with a bright smile.

"Mr. Wayne had to arrive earlier to the banquet, but he wanted you to know that he is there and waiting for you. You do look wonderful, Giada," Alfred spoke serenely.

"Thank you, Alfred," I responded with an even brighter smile. I was eager to arrive and see Bruce—and the Joker.

The limo ride felt longer than it should have. Il Soleil was just a few blocks up from Wayne Enterprises, but the drive felt like an eternity. The traffic in Gotham was just horrendous that night, and I had no idea why. But as we pulled up to the fine dining and function hall, my heart began beating faster with anticipation. The limo stopped and a doorman, standing outside the function hall, approached the limo and opened the door for me. I slowly stepped out of the limo.

"Thank you Alfred—it was lovely seeing you again," I said as I exited the limo.

"Same to you, Giada," Alfred replied. I closed the door behind me and let the doorman escort me into the function hall. Once inside, he took my coat and then led me into the main dining room.

"I believe Mr. Wayne is waiting for you," the man stated.

"Thank you," I nodded to the gentleman.

Little to my knowledge, Bruce was sitting with the Joker—both of them at the bar, anxiously looking to the door for me. The band was playing old 60s music.

Bruce took another sip of his martini and continued scanning the room for me. Meanwhile, the Joker had already downed 5 martinis, 1 cosmopolitan and a long island iced tea.

"Don't you think you've had enough to drink? If she ever finds us, she won't even be able to breathe with that smell of alcohol lingering on your breath," Bruce muttered to the Joker.

"Maybe. But you'd be…intrigued to know that I'm not even drunk," the Joker grinned widely at Bruce before plucking an olive from one of his martini glasses. He popped it into his mouth and chewed wildly as he too searched the room for me.

"Oh! Mine," the Joker stated quickly as he jumped from his seat and made his way over to me. Bruce followed the Joker's gaze and stood to his feet and walked over to me as well.

"Yours," Bruce huffed beneath his breath and shook his head.

The Joker emerged from the crowd of billionaires and criminals wearing the dark blue suit with the lighter blue shirt I had first met him in back at the Wendy's—before I knew he was the Joker. His hair was haphazardly slicked back from his face, but was already beginning to fall and frame his jaw line. My stomach churned as he approached me. Every time I saw him, I fell in love again and again. It was like some sick game.

"Giada…you are…beautiful," he stated, his voice low, as he circled around me. I turned around so that I could face him. I couldn't help but smile. He reached out and let his hand slide down my side, "That dress…it's very…becoming on you,"

"Thank you," I flashed him a smile, part of me hoping he'd tell me he loved me.

"Well, Joker, I'd have to agree with you on this—Giada, you do look fantastic. I told you that you are a beautiful woman," Bruce complimented me.

"Aw, Bruce, stop it—you're making me blush," I smirked and embraced him in a hug, "Well, you look very nice in your…" I checked his label, "Versace tuxedo,"

Bruce smirked and then shrugged, "I'd say I'm sorry, but, this is the best tux I've ever worn. You try being a billionaire and not wearing Versace! Oh, you know what? I'll take you shopping—it'll be on me. I'll pay for your first Versace item,"

I laughed, "It's okay Bruce, you can wear your Versace. I'll go with Armani, please," I winked at him playfully.

"I can't quite see you in Armani, Giada," the Joker stated finally. Bruce and I exchanged glances, both of us quite confused as to where this was going. You never really knew with the Joker.

"But I can see you in Cartier," the Joker pulled out a diamond choker from the pocket of his jacket.

"You can't be serious," I managed to say, almost completely breathless as my wide eyes stared at the diamond necklace that he held up for me.

"Of course I can! Now turn around and let me put this on you or else I will drop it down the garbage disposal," the Joker explained, motioning for me to turn.

"You'd dispose of a Cartier necklace?" Bruce asked, crossing his arms over his chest. I think he was dubious it was real.

"Remember that time I burned over a million dollars?" the Joker asked Bruce, not taking his eyes from the back of my neck as he fastened the necklace. It was heavy and very, very real. I turned back towards Bruce and the Joker.

"Bruce, this necklace is the real thing," I said finally, "It's so heavy,"

Bruce took a closer look and then glanced back at the Joker, "How did you get this necklace?"

"How did I get these scars?" the Joker retorted with a grin that widened his Glasgow smile. Bruce just sighed and shook his head.

"Well, it is beautiful. You certainly gave it to the right person," Bruce stated, "Giada, I have people I need to greet. Maybe you should sing a song with the band—people have been doing that,"

I smiled, "I'll think about it,"

"At least get out there and dance," Bruce hinted, hoping for my sake, the Joker would dance with me a slow dance. Bruce disappeared and I was left alone with the Joker. We both stood there silently for a moment before I finally broke the silence.

"Thank you for the necklace. It really is beautiful,"

"A dance?" he asked, almost awkwardly, as though we had never danced before this moment. I smiled and nodded. I took his hand and together we made our way out onto the dance floor just as the song "Maybe" by the Chantels began. I loved that song!

He held me close to him and held my right hand gently in his left. I rested my head down on his chest, just under his chin as we swayed and glided about the dance floor. I didn't even worry that I may have white paint in my hair after the dance.

"It needed a suitable home," he spoke finally.

"Huh?" I asked, lifting my head, searching for his eyes with him. He looked down at me.

"The necklace—it needed a suitable home. Someone as…breathtaking…as it," There was something in his eyes that was sincere as he spoke. He wasn't in love with me, but was it possible that he could have love in his eyes? I could swear that he loved me, but so many other moments would point against this fact—and yet, there we were, dancing romantically after he had just given me a Cartier diamond choker. I didn't understand him and I didn't understand us.

"Say something, Giada, please," he crooned. This was so unlike him! Was he drunk?

"Are you drunk?" I asked, unable to find any other phrase or set of words. I was taken aback by the whole moment, completely overwhelmed by him.

He laughed, "Hardly! Though your friend Bruce would believe otherwise,"

"How much did you drink?" I asked.

"Let's see…I had…5 martinis, a long island and a cosmo," he responded, looking upwards as he recalled the beverage list.

"Five martinis!? I'd be rolling on the floor with five martinis!" I exclaimed, laughing, because he really wasn't drunk.

"Let's test that tonight," he grinned.

"You don't need martinis in me to get me rolling on the floor with you," I replied seductively as I winked at him.

"That's true—but we all need a certain…amount…of a substance to get us to do things we wouldn't otherwise do," the Joker explained, staring intently into my eyes as he licked his lips.

"Well that's you. Watch—I'll get up there and sing a song and I'm completely sober!" I coaxed. The song had ended minutes ago, so now was as good a time as any. He raised his eyebrows and gestured for me to go to the stage.

"Be my guest," the Joker replied.

"I will," I then made my way up to the stage and requested to sing a song.

I chose to sing a song that explained my feelings for the Joker. I knew that he would understand it without me having to explain. We just clicked like that.

I stepped up onto the stage and held the microphone up to my mouth as the band began to play.

I sang into the mike as Bruce and the Joker both watched me from the bar:

Tonight you're mine, completely

You give your love so sweetly

Tonight the light of love is in your eyes,

But will you love me, tomorrow?

Is this lasting treasure?

Or just a moment's pleasure?

Can I believe the magic of your sigh?

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Tonight with words unspoken

You say that I'm the only one

But will my heart be broken

When the night meets the morning sun?

I'd like to know your love

Is a love I can be sure of

My heart was beating so fast by this point, I thought it was going to jump out of my chest, only because by this point, the Joker was staring to intensely at me I could almost feel the burn from his eyes.

So tell me now, and I won't ask again,

Will you still love me tomorrow?

The crowd applauded for me as I finished. I bowed and then stepped down from the stage and made my way over to the bar. Bruce and the Joker had both stood to their feet and were clapping for me.

"See Giada! You can sing well! And everyone loved you!" Bruce exclaimed as he hugged me.

"Martini?" The Joker held up a full glass to me. I forced a smile.

"Sure—but only if you have one too," I responded, taking the glass from him.

"Yes. Yes I will," he said firmly, staring hard into my eyes.