Joker x The Riddler

Chapter 3

Within the darkness of his apartment, he paced endlessly in the main room. He couldn't stay still even if it meant his life. Joker had truly let him go with no threat or attack, just letting him off. But he was much more powerful than The Riddler. Why would that clown want to be with nobody when he had hundreds of villains at his side? They might have worked together in the past, but things have changed, and Joker has become a more wicked villain with more power. There was so much more he could be doing than being with a lower being, who most didn't like anyways.

But luckily, he was away from Joker now, so he wouldn't have to bother him, and he could work on his own plans. But...Something kept his mind away from evil just enough to upset him. He didn't want to believe it, he wanted it to not be true, but Joker wasn't malicious to him at all. He never had been, come to think of it. Sure, he did get upset a few times upon occasion, but he never held it against him, or made him feel less than, or humiliated him in front of others; Joker even defended him a few times! But why only now did he notice it? What did it matter at all?

This had to be some kind of plan. Joker always used his charm and status to get power, this couldn't be different. But he wouldn't allow himself to be toyed with like that. He was going to show him he could be his own person, and could be just as good as him without his help. He didn't need another person to hold onto him.

Despite the noise filling his mind, it was taken away momentarily at the sound of his phone ringing. He was not in the mood for a call right now, but he reluctantly made his way over to the ringing machine, taking the phone by the handset, and lifting it to his ear. "Nygma residence." He said it.

"Hello, hello!! How's my clever fellow doing on a day like this~?" Joker's giddy voice peaked through the other side.

He sighed, placing his hand to his forehead. "Just fine..."

"I'm just calling to check up on you! You left so suddenly, I thought I did something to upset you!"

"It's barely been a day?"

"But it feels like it's been forever! Why don't we plan something so we can meet up again? It would be perfect!"

"...No. I just need some time to think about...Things. I'm having a tough time right now."

"...Would you like to talk about it?"

"No, I'm just doing...A self reflection at the moment. I need a break from crime for a while"

"Oh? Well, if you ever need a voice to talk to, I'm all here!"

"I know you are..."

"But, while I have you here, I'd also like to talk to you about some things!"

"I'm busy, Joker. Make it quick, please."

"Okie dokie!" He laughed on the other side of the phone until eventually calming down to start talking again. "I know you said you were taking a break from crime, and I did call sorta for that reason, but how about we just meet up casually instead? No jokes or japes, just the two of us!"

"...I can't trust that you'd keep that promise, Joker."

"...You know me too well...But I promise to try my best! I really want to have you trust me. I'm willing to try and cater to your style, anything you want of me, I'll make sure to do it. If you have any rules for me, I'll be lawful lucy!"

"Joker...I don't want to talk about this right now..." The Riddler said firmly, holding his hand firmly to calm himself.

"Oh, sorry! I ramble sometimes, hehe! Well, I'll leave you if you're not interested."

"That would be nice, thank you..."

"...But really quickly, there is a bit of a villain gathering happening near the underground system. I think Catwoman is coming, maybe you can talk with her?"

"...No jokes?"

"No jokes!"

He then put the phone down in its stand without saying goodbye. Well, just great. He didn't plan on going this time, but now since he was asked, he was obligated to at least stop by.

Maybe Catwoman could help. She's been with many-a-man, she would have some kind of advice. And if she wasn't there, he could call her.
And how come Joker suggested talking to her? Where did he get that good idea? That was odd. He didn't think they were still talking, but maybe he was wrong. They hardly talked since Catwoman worked on her own, and Penguin hardly did crime anymore, only him and Joker were still with their crime ways. But it would be nice. Perhaps there is a positive reason for going there. It shouldn't be too bad, as long as he stayed out of trouble.