Grin And Bare It

Philophobia

Matchy, my flammable buddy, be sure to bring a mop! There's going to be a spill that needs cleaning up on aisle eight. ;) xoxo -J.'

The text from the madman would have been enough to make Bruce hurry inside the hideout of one of his notorious enemies. But, the sound of a gunshot coming from inside resonated so much more within his core than any indication the Joker made through one message. Despite, the urgency he feels to enter and see for himself what he already knows has happened; he just can't. His legs feel like lead. A weight settles upon him that he seems unable to shake off. The earlier encounter with Joe Chill moments previously slamming into his consciousness. That sound. An unforgettable sound, no matter how many times he's heard it, hits him harder in this instant than all his previous nights as Batman. All it does is bring him back. Where his mind was already susceptible to the flashes of memory he tries so hard to burry.

The letter's contents quickly dissipate the feeling. As another type of emotion overcomes him. One that once started is even harder to ignore. Perhaps, it wasn't Jonathan Crane who was the victim of a gunshot. Maybe. Against odds. It was the Joker instead. Bringing forth another battle within his mind. One where apathy fights against something he doesn't even want to name that is to closely related to concern for the Joker's well-being. Should he even care if the murderous madman has met his end? All logic dictates he shouldn't.

He takes a few moments to steady himself as best as he can. An idea comes to his mind. Looking at the phone in his hand he contemplates the risks. His plan earlier today was to find out where Scarecrow was hiding to prevent any further threats the man might be up to. He's accomplished the first part of that goal. If that gunshot wasn't for Crane, the darker thought hits him hard. Another part of his mind trying to reason that it couldn't be the Joker that might be injured or worse instead. It's enough of a motivator to take the risk. He still has a duty towards this city. Taking the plunge was an attitude he was well accustomed with. If there are consequences with this decision, he'll handle them when they come. Without anymore doubt, he makes the call on a phone given to him by the Joker. This was an awful idea, one that he doesn't have long to think about for an adequate amount of time before the other line is picked up.

"Hello, James Gordon, speaking." Jim's voice on the other line is as welcoming as an embrace from an old friend to Bruce.

"Jim," Bruce speaks in the voice criminal's have come to fear and allies like Jim have come to appreciate hearing.

"Batman, is that you?" Jim sounds relieved, and Bruce can't blame him. "God, where have you been? I thought you were-"

"I've been busy," Bruce interrupts. Not rudely, but more of he doesn't want the words to be said. Not after what he experience earlier. Not after seeing his parents murderer again. Not after the gunshot he's heard that is making him so conflicted with himself that he feels sick. His voice shakes a little and if Jim notices he doesn't comment; thankfully. "I can't talk long, but I have information you'd like to hear." Business as usual is a stable for Bruce. Even if it will only be short lived, he'll take the seconds that will be afforded to him to appreciate it.

"Yeah? What is it?" Jim responds. Professional as always, with also a hint of eagerness and Bruce appreciates it.

"I know where the Scarecrow is hiding out." A response that would relieve any stress Gordon may have on that situation in Gotham.

"That was fast. He hasn't even been out of Arkham for long," Gordon comments; impressed. "Tell me where's the bastard at and I'll get my men and round him up faster than he can say fear toxin." His voice has some humor. And, although it bothers Bruce in that moment, he refuses to ruin Jim's enthusiasm. All he does is respond with the information that Jim would need to get there. As well as a request that Jim wait at least thirty minutes before heading out, that the older man begrudgingly agrees to.