Shattered Pieces

Chapter Six

Bruce sat in his office, thinking more about modifying a room to act as a cell than his actual work. He'd have to add a camera and remove the bathroom and closet doors. A lock would be added to the door and it would be reinforced so it can't be kicked down. The window would have to be changed as well. He may not be as tech-savvy as other people he knows but it could be done. Bruce smiled to himself, proud his plan was coming together. He couldn't tell Joker though, not wanting him to try and run off. He couldn't let Joker get hurt again...

Joker had been moved to a cell so he could have access to a bed and a bathroom if needed. It had been a few hours since dinner, Bruce checking on Joker before leaving for patrol.

"Joker?"
Batman called quietly, entering the cell. Joker was curled up on the cot, out like a light. Bruce smiled slightly at the sight, Joker snuggled into the gifted sweater, knees to his stomach.
"Joker, wake up."
He said a bit louder, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. He almost forgot how thin the other was. He had always been quite lean but this wasn't healthy. Bruce jumped out of his thoughts as a hand tightly grabbed his wrist. They stared at each other for a moment before Joker finally let his hand go, sitting up to hug his knees.
"Careful with your leg."
Batman warned, getting a tongue stuck out at him in response. He sighed and sat next to Joker.
"Do you want to talk about Arkham?"
Batman asked softly, sitting a little closer.
"No."
"It was more of a rhetoric-"
"No."
"Jo-"
"No."
"Can I spea-?"
"No."
"Stop that!"
Batman snapped, getting annoyed. He felt bad when Joker flinched away, wrapping a gentle arm over his shoulder.
"Please tell me what happened Joker."
"I-I can't remember."
Joker admitted quietly, focusing on his leg instead of Batman.
"You can't remember?"
"It's a blur... A blur of pain."
Batman frowned as he felt Joker tense, watching as the smaller wiped tears from his eyes before they could fall.
"You know I can't keep you here, right?"
He whispered, watching Joked nod.
"I have a plan, but you'll have to cooperate."
Joker's attention was fully on him once more.
"Bruce Wayne is a friend of mine and has agreed to lend a room to you. He can only take you there from Arkham tho-"
"No!"
Joker practically screamed, standing up from the cot. He didn't care about how his leg hurt, limping out of the cell. Batman quickly followed, grabbing Joker's arm.
"Please relax."
"Let me go!"
Joker yelled, a fist flying. Caught off-guard, Batman stumbled back, grabbing both arms next. Screaming and crying filled the cave as Joker squirmed in Batman's grasp, soon going quiet. Batman only sighed, discarding the sedative before picking up the unconscious clown.
"I'm sorry."
He whispered as he walked to the Batmobile.