Until death-Superbat3

Last hope

Bruce's pov
Gotham, Wayne manor 10 pm

It's been a month since Joker kissed me and then disappeared. I couldn't find him anywhere. I checked all his old hide-outs, but I couldn't even find a clue. I knew I should have gave him a tracker, but it was too late for that. I spent all my time when I was awake to try to find him. Sometimes even Dick helped me and of course Clark and my other sons too, but we still didn't get closer to his whereabouts. 

My last hope was that one day he'll come back to me voluntarily.

Joker's pov
Belvidere 11 pm

There was a raging storm outside. It was so loud I couldn't fall asleep, but I couldn't turn on the lamp because the electicity was also gone. I couldn't do anything, but wait.

When the morning came, the sun was shining again and started to dry up the last night rain.

I heard noises and shouts outside so I dressed up and went out from my appartment to check out what was going on.
Most of the people from the town were outside and shouting in panic. I saw a few women cry too.

I didn't understand what was happening so I tried to look for a familiar face and I found Clare talkig with an upset Gabriella.

"Morning, my ladies. It was a hell of a storm last night! I coulnd't even fall asleep and the electricity went out too. Why is everyone so upset?" I asked them and looked at Clare for answers. She was more talkative than Gabriella.
"Because of the plantations. Last night's storm destroyed almost all of our plants and crops. As you know, our town lives from farming and selling and now we're finished. We can't sell anything, nothing is left from the corps. We'll probably froze or starve to death in the winter" Clare started to cry. Gabriella offered her a tissue and gently hugged her. Clare buried her face in her shoulder and silently cried.
"My precious trees are also broken. They were planted by my great-great parents and they were the best fruit trees in the state. But we all lost our herritage from our families. That's why is it so painful for us" Gabriella sighed, trying to stay strong and started to stoke Clare's hair.
"And there is nothing we can do to save the town? Buying new trees?" I asked desperately. Maybe I had just moved there, but I already got friends among the citizens and they all accepted me in the community. I wanted to do something to return the favor for them. I didn't want to see them suffer.
"It'd be useless. We still couldn't make it through the winter. There's nothing we can do. Our only hope is a miracle" Gabriella said and she couldn't hold it any longer. She also bursted into tears and hugged Clare stronger to herself.

I just stood there dumbfounded and helpless as I watched all my new friends suffer and being more and more desparate. I couldn't take it. I ran back in my house and slammed the door behind myself. My heart was racing and I couldn't catch my breath. The disaster wasn't my fault, but I still felt like I was the cause of it. I was too affraid to face my feelings and Bruce so I ran away and I made this people suffer because of my sin. I knew it doesn't make sense, but I still felt that way.

I had to fix my mistakes.

Bruce's pov
Gotham city 10 am

I already took the kids to school and Clark to work when I decided that I'll grab a cup of coffee in one of my favourite café and a small lunch before I head to my office. I had to go in for an important meeting which I couldn't miss, but last night's storm kept me busy for the whole night. The storm caused several car accidents and a few buildings started to fall apart too. The civilians, the firemen, the police officers and the hospitals had a tough night too.

I also had to bring Jake to work, just to have one more thing to worry about. I still couldn't find a reliable baby sitter for him since Joker left.

"Good morning, Mr Wayne! I'm deeply dorry, but I can't give you the regular" the owner of the shop greeted me with a sad face. My regular choice was long espresso with a croissant and a muffin and orange juice for Jake.
"Good morning! Why is it? What happend?"
"Unfortunately, the storm destroyed too many corps from our suppliers and the prices went up drasticaly. I can't afford to spend that much money on fruits and vegetables. I even had to change the menu in two hours! I'm affraid that I'll lose all my customers!" the owner almost started to cry, he was already searching for tissues.
"You shouldn't be worried about that. I'll check around the market for new suppliers and you have the Wayne Enterprises behind your back. I won't let you down, just tell me if you need a little plus money" I smiled at him encouragingly and he smiled back at me gratefully.