Shattered Pieces

Chapter 11

Bruce had taken the week off of work to take care of Joker, the bright light in his eyes marking the third day since Joker's arrival. With a groan, he sat up to go check on Joker. Yesterday was rough, seeming like every hour was an episode. He smiled as he opened the door to see Joker, sleeping soundly in the middle of the bed. The pills must have helped, even if just a little.
"Hey, it's morning."
He whispered, lightly shaking Joker's shoulder. He frowned at the mumbled
"Batsy."
He felt terrible. He had abandoned him in Arkham without a second thought.
"It's Bruce, wake up."
Joker groaned, rolling over. Bruce sighed and opened the curtain, the same way Alfred would wake him. Joker only rolled the other way. He whined when the light wouldn't go away, sitting up.
"We have a big day today."
Bruce started, leaving the room. He left the door wide open. Joker stared confused, sliding off the bed. He fell as soon as he took a step, yelping before being caught by Bruce.
"You okay!?"
"Y-Yeah."
Bruce sat him back on the bed, leaving the room once again with a
"Stay."

"A-Are you sure about this?"
Joker whimpered, clinging to Bruce.
"It's okay, I'll be here if you fall."
In Bruce's hands were crutches, adjusted to Joker's height. Slowly Joker went from Bruce's arms to the crutches. Bruce smiled, stepping back so he could walk. Slowly he stepped forward, using the crutches to support himself. Bruce slowly lead him out of the room, Joker hesitant.
"Where are we going?"
"Downstairs."
"What!? No!"
Bruce chuckled, picking up Joker and the crutches. He carried him downstairs, ignoring the struggling.
"Put me down!"
"Alright."
He put him down in a chair at the kitchen table. Joker looking around confused. He jumped as he heard an unfamiliar voice.
"Good morning sirs. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Joker looked at Bruce who was seated beside him. Bruce smiled at him.
"I thought you might appreciate getting out of that room. Besides, now you can walk without being in pain."
He jumped when two plates were put down, the clank startling him. He jumped again when Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay."
He whispered, hand moving to play with Joker's curls. It seemed to calm him so he continued.
"I've decided you would have medication with breakfast than before bed. It's easier this way. And, maybe sleepy you would be more cooperative."
Bruce smirked, watching as Joker blushed.

Bruce and Joker had finished breakfast, the two of them now sitting in the living room, the news playing on the television. Joker frowned when they started talking about Batman.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Hm?"
"Why do you suddenly hate Batman?"
Joker growled.

"He abandoned me. He left me to be pig feed!"
"I'm sure he didn't mean to leave you like that."
"Like he didn't mean to lock me up in that shithole!? He doesn't care about me! He could never see how much... How much I..."
Joker broke down crying, Bruce holding him close.
"I loved him..."
He sobbed against Bruce's chest. Alfred frowned from the kitchen doorway, feeling bad for the both of them. Joker was mentally unstable, he could only imagine the burden on Bruce.

Bruce sighed, Joker asleep in his lap, the crutches on the floor. They had been like this for the last half hour, Alfred occasionally checking on them.
"I feel so bad, Alfred. I hurt him so badly."
"It wasn't your fault sir, they are the ones who abused him."
"I put him in Arkham because I wanted him to get better. Instead, he got worse."
Bruce sighed, planting a kiss on Joker's forehead.
"Maybe he should take over again."
"Sir, I will not let you throw your life away again!"
"But... You're right... I'm sorry. I promise I won't let him back if I can help it."
Joker groaned and shifted closer to Bruce.
"Maybe you should let him rest."
Bruce nodded, slipping out from under Joker. He picked him up, Alfred grabbing the crutches, before heading upstairs.