Shattered Pieces

Chapter 19

Joker got up to check on Bruce, watching as he tinkered with the water's temperature. He never got a good look at the bathroom, usually only doing his business and leaving. The bath was huge, able to fit two people side by side, head to toe, with room to spare. The counter had two sinks, above it a two-door medicine cabinet, mirrors to match. Above the toilet was a rack, towels filling the shelves while decorations sat on top. He cocked his head as he saw the candles, curious.
"Tell me if it's too hot."
Joker snapped out of his thoughts and walked over, putting his hand under the spray of water. It startled him for a second.

"It's fine."
Bruce smiled, standing up and wiping his hands on a nearby towel to dry them. He let the water run, waiting for it to be a good depth.
"Why is your bathroom so big?"
"Because it's not in a trailer."
"I have seen other bathrooms."
"Between public bathrooms and a cramped closet-sized bathroom, I don't think you have."
Bruce chuckled and leaned down to turn the water off, kissing Joker's cheek. He set down a towel for Joker to dry off in later.
"Alright. Don't be afraid to ask for anything, I'm here for you."
He turned and left, slowly shutting the door behind him.

Joker stared at the door before slowly stripping, starting with his pants. He cursed quietly and sat on the side of the bath, trying to get his brace off. He didn't want to call for Bruce, especially being half-naked. Eventually, he gave up, whining out a "Brucie?"
It Bruce knocked before entering, trying to hold back his smile at the sight. Joker was sitting in nothing but his shirt, hands pulling the front to cover himself. He looked like a sad dog, pouting with one leg out, the other tucked in close.

"I can't get it off."
He mumbled quietly. Bruce chuckled and knelt down to help. Once he took it off he picked up Joker and put him in the bath, taking his now soaked shirt. He tossed the clothes in the laundry basket next to the sink and brought everything Joker would need closer. Joker was as red as a tomato, hugging his knees close. Bruce chuckled and kissed his forehead.
"You're adorable."
"Screw you."
Bruce chuckled.
"W-Wanna join me?"
"I thought you'd never ask."

Joker sat awkwardly in front of Bruce, the bath comforting. He didn't know why he was so nervous. He had seen Bruce nude, it was only fair. It was probably all the flirting. He sighed and sunk further in the water, wincing slightly. Bruce chuckled and leaned down to kiss his forehand, watching Joker's cheeks light up.
"Do you mind if I wash your back?"
Joker shook his head and sat up.
"Do what you want."
Those words made Bruce uncomfortable, quickly shaking it off as he lathered a sponge in soap. He started from his shoulder, gently washing down to the marks on his back. Joker flinched away in pain.
"Still sensitive, huh? I'm not surprised, the wounds were quite deep. I do have to clean it though."
He wrapped an arm around Joker to keep him in place, letting him cling as he carefully cleaned his back. He hated the way he whimpered, getting angry.
How could they hurt him like this!? He may have hurt others but he is mentally ill. He was there to be treated, not beaten!
Bruce quickly snapped out of it, cleaning the soap from the sponge so he could rinse his back off. Once he was done he moved next to Joker.
"You okay?"
Joker nodded, wiping the tears from his cheeks. Instead, he made it worse with his wet hand. Bruce smiled softly and held him close, helping him bathe.

Bruce grunted as Joker kicked him in the stomach, staring at the other in shock and confusion. Joker looked scared. Bruce's eyes wandered down and he frowned, watching as the soap stopped halfway up his thigh.
"I wasn't going to touch you."
He said calmly, worried about what may have happened in Arkham.
"I'm sorry."
Joker squeaked out.
"It's okay. Do you want to take over?"
Joker nodded, shakily taking the sponge from Bruce. Bruce grabbed a spare and focused on cleaning himself, his mind wandering to the worst possible scenarios. Was this something he couldn't remember? Did anything even happen or was he just uncomfortable? So many questions and so little answers.
After they had washed their hair, Bruce got out, ordering Joker to stay as he wiped his feet on the mat. Maybe getting in the bath made things harder. He wrapped himself in a towel and walked out of the bathroom, going into the closet. He tossed some clothes on the bed then went back to retrieve Joker.

After unplugging the drain Bruce helped him out, wrapping him in a towel, a second one tossed on his head. The towel covered him from neck to the bottom of his feet, which was nice. Once placed on the bed he dried his hair, glad it had been cut before bathing. Bruce smiled as he watched him, getting dressed once sufficiently dry. He combed his hair into place with his fingers before climbing into bed, helping Joker dry himself, focusing on his upper body. He went to help him get dressed but his hand was slapped away.
"I can."
Bruce only sighed, watching as Joker got dressed. He caught him as his leg gave out, sitting him back on the bed.
"It will be a bit until your leg can get better. They really did a number on you."
He helped him get pants on, smiling as Joker felt the softness of them.
"They were supposed to be a gift but I decided to give them to you early."
He said as he watched Joker slip into the sweater. It was just as soft, if not more, the batsymbol on the front. Joker curled up in the middle of the bed, Bruce chuckling and wrapping his arms around him. Joker snuggled close to him as they both drifted asleep.