Mechanical Heart

For Better Or For Worse

Batman's p.o.v.

Another night, another crime. 

It was Batman's daily routine, after all. It was as common as brushing his teeth in the morning, as getting dressed, as the Bat-fam being awesome. One would think the cape crusader was bored already of his so predictable life, but the truth is, he wasn't. He actually enjoyed it. Why? He had no idea. Maybe because it gave him a purpose, or maybe because it made everybody in the city love him... Or, perhaps, it had something to do with the Joker, his greatest enemy. 

He had felt something incredibly... different the night  had found the clown singing in the karaoke bar. Something had changed that night. He wasn't sure what was the feeling which overwhelmed his heart when Joker sang, but he was eager to feel it again. However... Batman was slightly confused and terrified. Could it be that he had developed... feelings towards the criminal? And if he did, would telling the prince of crime be a good idea? 

He had to admit, everything had been better now that he had confessed the hate he felt. Every night, him and the naughty clown would share a perfect dance, an uncommon waltz, fighting each other with nothing but the distant city lights and te dim  moonlight shinning upon them. It was... nice. Then, the dance ended. Batman would take Joker back to Arkham, he would escape a few days later, and the cycle would repeat itself. 

That is why, he didn't feel a bit surprised when the batsignal was projected in the nighltsky, warning him there was a new crime taking place in the never-peaceful Gotham. 

He quickly placed his mask on, alongside his Batman suit, and headed towards the door. 

"Hey, padre!" Dick exclaimed from behind. "Where are you going?" He thought for a second. "Are you off to see the Joker again?" 

"Uhh... Yeah, I think so. I don't--" He was abruptly interrupted. 

"Can I come with you?" The little boy gripped onto his cape and made the "puppy eyes" move. 

"It's late. You should go to sleep." Batman tried resist his son's amazingly cute glare. 

"Pretty please?!" Damn, Robin just wouldn't give up. 

"...Augh. Fine." He finally agreed. 

Robin cheered and (somehow) took off his pijamas, leaving his pants-less suit underneath. Batman chuckled. There was just no way to tell no to his puppy eyes. 

They both hopped on the Batmobile, ready to get into action. Robin placed the new security belt over his body and nodded excitedly, making it clear he was eager to be a hero... Just like his dad. 

Even when he was nervous for his son's safety, just like every other night the kid would accompany him, he stepped on the accelerator. After all, this was just his normal routine, something that never changed? 

In the end, what could possibly go wrong? 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joker's p.o.v.

"Everything ready, puddin'?" Joker asked his loyal partner, Harley, as he mischievously rubbed his hands. 

"Yes, Mistah J!" She answered as she loaded the last canons. "The trap is set and fully functional! I'm sure Batman will have one hell of a surprise when he comes!"

Well, Joker hoped so. After the "blowing up Gotham  and then holding hands to save it incident", it seemed quite impossible to do something just as impressive. He didn't want his Batsy to get bored. After all, the bat had just finally accepted his hate towards him, so the clown would do anything on his hands to make sure he remained as Batman's greatest enemy. 

That was Joker's daily life; his routine. As normal as putting on make-up in the morning, as plotting evil schemes with Harley and his crew, as normal as blowing up something to create some chaos. And, frankly, he loved it.  Although, this time was a bit different; Today was a very, very special day. 

Everything was going according to planned, everything was ready and set, everything was perfect... Everything except for the shadow, the distant silhouette, awaiting for the right moment to strike and ruin it all.  

Neither the villain or the hero knew how badly this specific night was going to end. Neither suspected a thing of the tragedies or unfortunate, yet , somehow, lucky events that would develop from that moment on. Neither had a clue of how only a few hours could change their whole life forever... 

For better or for worse.