It takes one to know one.

1

I tore through the city I grew up in, winding through streets and dodging civilians, desperate to get away from him.

Let's start from the beginning, shall we? I am Amber, a homeless orphan that is being chased by a billionaire.

Why?

I got caught pickpocketing him. I ran into an especially dark alleyway, jumped, and reached for the fire escape. I pulled myself up and clambered loudly up the stairs. I reached the rooftop and looked down. Bruce Wayne looked me in the eye, furious. I picked out a few dollars and threw his wallet back to him. He caught it, surprised, and before he could look up again, I was gone.

Of course, just out of sight. I didn't jump off of the roof.

Anyway.

It was getting late, which meant Joker would be out soon. I sighed and pulled my hood up. I only had twenty dollars. That wouldn't be enough for him. I jogged to where we would meet every week. And unluckily, he was there, waiting.

"Well?"

I stayed silent and gave him all I had. He took one glance at it and fell deadly silent.

"You useless scum." He growled. He picked up his crowbar and walked slowly to me in a threatening manner, and I was backed up against the brick wall. He swung the crowbar like a baseball bat at full force, and it hit right under my eye. I cried out in pain and staggered away from him.

"Next time, bring more."

I gasped for breath and nodded, stumbling in pain and holding my cheekbone. I choked trying not to cry from the pain and stress I was under.

I was fighting against high tide, and my head just went under. My hood fell down, but I didn't make any move to pull it back up.

Which was a terrible mistake. I heard a swish and a thud behind me, which can only mean one thing.

DUH NUH NUH NUH NUH NUH NUH NUH BATMAAAAN

 Of course, I acted as if I were deaf, and walked on, crying a bit to myself while holding my cheek.

"Hey," He called out. I didn't react at all, and kept walking.

"Why did you return Bruce Wayne's wallet after taking two dollars?" I froze, my eyes wide. How did he know?

"I-I didn't need that much money." I whispered. But he heard me.

"Yes you did. The Joker wanted more."

"He did."

"Why are you bringing him money?" I stiffened, hot tears starting to shed.

"He'll kill her if I don't." with my other hand in my pocket, I was able to grab a distraction. A smoke bomb. I threw in down to his feet and ran away into the unknown.