Laugh Lines

Deep Conversation

~Piss on, self esteem,

Forward, busted knee,

Sick head, Blackened lungs,

I'm a simple, selfish son~

~Bush~

It had been a week and Bruce had found out absolutely nothing. He had exhausted every avenue he had, but Joker was too good at this. He had never felt so inadequate in his life. Not even with the botched assassination attempt on his parent's killer.

After the two victims staged as his parents, his 'dad' having his face painted like the Joker, he was sure that the first man, Bruce, was Joker's way of saying 'I know your secret.'

The thing was, Joker had no clue Bruce had sworn off being Batman ever again. That was just not a sustainable lifestyle. Bruce had been battered and broken one too many times and it had finally broken his spirit.

Maybe if he had a chance to talk with the madman, he could get this straightened out. Let the clown know he was right and he won. Bruce would happily take the loss to end the craziness. He grabbed his phone and dialed the number to his assistance.

"Good afternoon Mr. Wayne, what can I help you with?"

Bruce hated this guy. He was always so chipper. He missed Alfred, but refused to drag him back into this mess.

"I would like to set up an opportunity to do some charitable work. I want to have a three day, open meeting for the people of Gotham. Let them have a fifteen minute window to try to convince me to give them a grant."

"Mr. Wayne, that is not a smart idea. If the Joker is out to get you," the man's voice trailed off.

"It will be fine, I will make sure no one with their face painted is allowed into the building." The man didn't laugh at the lame joke. "Have it set where people can call and make an appointment. It will be fine."

"If you insist. I will have the info out by end of day, when do you want to have this happen?"

"Let's do it by the end of the week. Make sure they know it will be one on one sessions."

"I think this is a bad idea."

"Noted, make it happen."

He hung up the phone and smiled. For the first time since coming back to Gotham, Bruce Wayne felt alive.

Joker knew it would be a trap. This meant that Bruce had figured out the game. It also meant that Bruce knew that there was no way that Joker wouldn't show. He was actually flattered that Bruce would put himself through so much to get Joker to come see him. Bruce had practically invited him.

It had been announced on the GCN news channel and been all over the radio. Joker had of course called and made his appointment. He had even used his real name, out of respect. He knew both of Batman's names, it seemed only fair.

He had a date with his soulmate in two days. He had to look his best. Unfortunately he had to wear his civilian disguise, but that didn't mean he had to look boring. He still needed to make a statement, even if only Bruce would 'get it'.

He got the items he needed and started to get everything together and worked out. Inspiration had stuck him like a bolt of lightning. It hadn't taken a lot of time to get it all ready. He barely slept waiting for the damned appointment.

The morning of, he was on edge. Only Ace knew what was going on, and he was sworn to secrecy on penalty of death. Joker hurried to dress. Luckily it was cold outside and he could cover the worst of his scars with a scarf. He put on black jeans, and laced up some black sneakers.