Shattered Pieces

Chapter Nine

Bruce knocked on the door as a warning before entering, keeping his eyes on the floor just in case.
"Are you dressed?"
He asked, not wanting to invade Joker's privacy.
"Yes."
Bruce uncovered his eyes and walked over to the bed. Joker was dressed in a grey long sleeve, obviously too big for him. He seemed embarrassed about it.
"Hey, do you mind if I check your wounds?"
Joker stayed quiet. His hair was a bright green once again, no longer sad and dull.
"D-Do I have to take my pants off?"
"Depends on where the injuries are."
"Fine..."
Joker grumbled, slowly slipping the shirt off. Bruce grimaced. His stomach was littered in bruises, large ones at that. His wrists had worsened. His back was scarred, the lashes looking like they were caused by a whip. Bruce took out the wraps and began to bandage him.
"Does anything hurt?"
"Other than everything? No."
Bruce sighed, checking his leg next. He knew the splint was gone, he had seen it discarded in the cell at Arkham along with the other bandages. Bruce put a new splint on, standing up once done. Joker focused on anything other than Bruce.
"You can put your shirt back on."
Joker did just that, sliding under the covers once done.
"How do you normally take your meds?"
"What meds."
Joker snorted coldly, glancing over at Bruce's confused expression.
"They used to sneak it in my food, but... Y'know... They stopped feeding me."
Joker shrugged, going quiet.
"They stopped giving you your pills?"
"They were never really on top of it before. Which is good."
Joker giggled, eyes focused on Bruce's expression. He didn't like the concern on his face.
"No, that isn't good. You say it was in your food? So they forgot to feed you before too?"
Joker nodded. Bruce frowned.
"Do you know if any other inmates have been neglected?"
"Dunno. Isolation kinda puts you outta the loop. Not to mention the others don't really like me..."
"The other-"
"Stop asking me so many questions!"
Joker snapped, startling Bruce.
"Alright. Food should be ready soon, I'll give you your medication then."
"What about Bats'?"
"What about him?"
"Won't he come?"
Joker looked down at his lap, going quiet again.
"I'll see what I can do."
Bruce smiled softly. Joker didn't bother to look at him.
"Who knows, maybe he'll be the one up here instead."

"I feel like a mascot bringing a birthday cake."
Batman chuckled, taking the tray of food from Alfred.
"Are you sure you should be giving him what he wants?"
"He'll only listen to Batman, trust me."
He stepped inside after unlocking it, noticing the curtain was open. Joker was sitting on the floor under the window, head in his knees. He only noticed Batman when he saw the shadow in front of him.
"Not trying to escape are you?"
"Look, Batsy has a sense of humor!"
Joker grinned sarcastically, watching Batman put the tray of food next to him. His eyes immediately went to the pills before hiding behind his knees.
"Joker, please don't make this difficult."
No reply. Joker only curled up tighter. Batman sighed, handing the glass of water to him.
"Please?"
Joker stared at Batman before sighing, taking a small sip before hesitantly taking the pills. He whined, disgusted, before quickly drinking more of the water. Batman was just happy he took the pills, watching him begin to eat. It was light food, not wanting to give him anything that would make him sick.
"Oh, I almost forgot."
Batman took a small device from his pocket, handing it to Joker.
"It's a pager. If you need anything you can just call."
"What if I press it now?"
"Well, the other one is with Alfred. I'm already here so-"
Joker giggled, having pressed the modified pager. Batman sighed, standing up.
"I'll go get the other one."

"Are you sure that giving him a button to press for room service is a good idea?"
Alfred sighed, handing the box to Batman.
"Don't worry, you'll only have it when I'm at work, otherwise it's me."
"Whatever you say, Batman."
Alfred smirked, going back to washing the dishes. Batman sighed as the pager started to beep again, heading back upstairs.