Predator. Prey.

Admittance

The walk home from work felt longer than ever as I replayed every session I've had with Joker over and over in my head. The way his eyes moved in sync with his hands, the way he snarled, growled, and even purred, the way every word and every sentence contained an erotic, breathy undertone: was this truly an act? What was his ultimate goal in creating this other worldly facade? Was it to take down the batman? Or was it something bigger entirely?

My mind was racing as I walked up the steps to my apartment and fumbled with my keys. As I set my purse down on my bed, my phone rang vigorously in my pocket, demanding my attention. I quickly pressed answer, not bothering to look at caller ID.

"HARLEEN QUINZEL! Where the hell have you been?"

I sat down on my couch, half annoyed at Alex's obnoxiously loud voice, half grateful to have someone to take my mind off things. Since I've already told her about Joker, I might as well continue to confide in her. I've trusted her with every secret I've ever had, not that there were many. But still, what's the harm in ranting about work?

"I'm sorry, Al. I've been so caught up in things. Can we have a sushi date tonight?"

"Uh, yes! Can I meet you soon? I have a ridiculous amount of papers to grade."

"Of course, I can meet you at Raw Bar in 20?"

"Perfect!"

I hung up the phone and shimmied out of my work clothes to slip into jeans and a more laid-back shirt. I took my hair out of my bun and let it loose, running my fingers through it so it didn't look too curly. I had no time for makeup and hastily made my way to our favorite sushi restaurant. I got there early so we'd have a table, and soon enough I saw Alex's wavy brown hair bouncing up and down her shoulders as she strode nto the restaurant to give me a quick side hug.

"I. Hate. 6th graders." she whined as she sat down, but she immediately stopped her rant when she saw my face,

"Woah, what is up with you?"

"Why? Do I look weird?"

She bit the side of her lip as she studied my face.

"You look...overwhelmed. Are you sleeping enough, Harls?"

"I mean...I don't have any makeup on. But it's also work. I dropped one of my patients so I could work with...him...full time."

Alex sat back in her chair and let out a breath.

"Well damn. How is he?

Before I could answer, the waitress approached our table and took our order. She left quickly, allowing me time to explain.

"Well, I stopped dehumanizing him. I address him by his name now. It's a new technique Arkham is letting me try. I got it approved and everything."

She stared at me quizzically,

"So, is it, like, working?"

I gave her a small smile.

"I think so."

She laughed and brushed her hair out of her face while I took tiny sips of water through my straw,

"Harleen, he's a psychopath. If you think you're helping him, you probably aren't."

I rolled my eyes and gave her an annoyed look,

"I'm aware of his diagnosis. But I'm doing more than just calling him Joker. I think I can cure him if I make him believe I've become his friend too."

I saw that look in Alex's eyes that she gets whenever she's going to try to prove someone wrong, but I silenced her,

"I know you think I can't do it. And yeah, it's really hard to ignore the urges I have to treat him the conventional way. But Alex, he's had dozens of doctors spit in his face and tell him he's a monster. He doesn't see anyone as a respectable equal. If I'm his equal, if I'm his friend, then I can reach him. I think I can save him."

The waitress arrived a few moments later with our dinner, and I said 'thank you' as Alex processed my ideas. I could tell she wasn't really happy, but she seemed more at peace then she did a few minutes ago. We ate in silence for a few minutes, letting the indie music and background conversations in the busy restaurant occupy our ears. After eating half her meal, Alex set down her chopsticks and looked me dead in the eyes.

"Can you promise me something?"

"Of course."

"He is your work, not your life. Don't stress about him while you're home, or with me. You have a life to live. Do not let him consume you."

I looked down and nodded at my plate. Could she honestly not see that he already has? He is my project now. And I will stop at nothing to fix him.