Shattered Pieces

Chapter 21

Joker stared in terror as Bruce stepped closer, scrambling back until his back slammed against the cold wall behind him.
"Bruce..."
He whimpered, flinching as he was grabbed by the collar. He started into the cold blue eyes glaring back at him. He didn't speak but Joker understood.
"I'm sorry."
"Stop your whining!"
Bruce's voice boomed around them. Tears raced down Joker's face.
"You know what you did."
"I didn't mean to! I didn't-"
He was cut off by Bruce tossing him to the floor. He curled in on himself as the darkness sunk in, consuming him.

Joker jolted awake, taking a moment to realize where he was. He hid under the blanket as the bedroom door opened. Dream and reality blurred as pain throbbed throughout his body. Bruce stared at the empty bed in confusion, looking at the shut window before stepping forward. His heart melted as he saw the bundle of blankets in the closet, walking over to bring Joked back to bed. He paused as he saw the book, putting it up on a shelf before picking up Joker and the blanket. He chuckled at the whine.
"Wakey wakey."
Joker stared at him from the blanket, only his eyes and above visible. Bruce kissed his forehead. Joker calmed down once he figured out it had only been a dream. He was still somewhat spooked.
"

Care to explain what's going on? How'd you get in there and why is my book out?"

He picked it up as if it were evidence, placing it back in its drawer.
"I was bored."
Was all Joker answered, getting comfy in bed once again. Bruce raised an eyebrow at him, thumb lightly tracing the gauze on his cheek. He saw Joker's eyes fall and frowned.
"I didn't want to see them."
Joker mumbled before Bruce could ask.
"It's okay."
Bruce comforted with a kiss to his forehead. Joker smiled softly.
"What's wrong? You seem distracted."
"Nothing. It was just a nightmare."
Bruce nodded.
"If you ever need to talk I'm here to listen."
Joker watched as he took out the pager and keycard. He handed the brace to Joker before leaving across the hall. He was confused but tried to put the brace on nonetheless. When Bruce returned he helped him get it on, grabbing one of the blankets from the bed.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"The psychiatrist is coming, remember? You're technically not allowed out of this room until he says so."
"O-Oh."
Joker followed him, the stuffed bear in his arms. He watched Bruce make the bed.
"Dinner will be ready in a minute."
Joker nodded, walking inside. With a smirk, he ruined the just-made bed by curling himself up in the blanket. Bruce only sighed.

Bruce watched as Joker ate. He rarely ate with them but tonight he wanted to check on him. Joker was awkward, feeling the eyes on him. Jokingly he stole some of Bruce's food.
"If you're just gonna stare at me I won't let this food go to waste."
"Go ahead, eat as much as you want, I'm not stopping you. Hell, if you want more I'll get you more."
"What's your deal?"
"My “deal” is that you're underweight. The problem is you only eat what is offered, you never ask for more."
"Maybe I don't want more."
Joker grumbled, shoving a spoonful of food in his mouth. Bruce sighed and began to eat as well. He couldn't lie, he was a bit worried. He asked Joker if he wanted more once they were done, frowning as he was snapped at. He headed upstairs to get him settled in the room.
"Why do I have to see this stupid doctor?"
"First, he's a psychiatrist. Second, Arkham ordered it."

He watched Joker go quiet, frowning.
"I know it's hard-"
"No. You don't."
Joker buried his face in his knees. Bruce sighed.
"Please, at least just cooperate."
Joker pouted, jumping at the knock on the door. Sudden noises scared him most. Bruce left the room to greet their visitor.

"Good afternoon!"
Bruce welcomed from the top of the steps as the psychiatrist came up.
"Can I talk to you before I talk to him?"
"Of course, though I don't see why you can't talk to us together?"
"I want to talk to him alone if you don't mind."
"Alright. Here, we can talk in my room for now."
Bruce lead the man into his room, lending him a wooden chair. They sat down, Bruce on the bed.
"How has he been?"
"He's been good. A few episodes once in a while, but I quickly calm him down."
"So he trusts you?"
"I guess so."
"What causes the episodes?"
"Arkham mostly. He has so many nightmares. I feel so bad for him."
Bruce watched the pen scribble across the clipboard.
"Has he told you anything that's happened in Arkham?"
"No, he says he can't remember."
"He most likely suppressed the memories."
The doctor thought out loud.
"How about his medication?"
"He's been good with that. The sleeping medication is really helping." 
"Does Batman interact with you two?"
"Rarely."
"You didn't hear this from me, but maybe he can scrounge up some footage."
The doctor stood, Bruce, following to unlock the door.

Bruce paced outside for the full half an hour, crouched against the wall by the time the door was opened.
"He could use some comforting right now. I'll be back next week. I think he's ready to be let out of the room now."
Bruce nodded, shaking his hand.
"Thank you."
He entered the room, running to Joker's side. He was crying into his knees, clinging to Bruce the second he sat down.
"It's okay, I'm here."
He comforted, picking him up to carry him back to their room.