Arkham Batman @arkhambatmanofficial - Tumblr Blog

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

her fingers played with his knuckles. “Told the lady at the front desk I was your kid. She didn’t even look up- just let me in. Security here sucks.” She brushed his hair out his face, “I’m so sorry this happened to you…I’m so so sorry…”

Her gaze scanned the hospital ward, listening to the beeping of the IV, before moving the wires, taking off her boots and crawling into the bed with him- needing to hear his heartbeat against her ear for reassurance,

“I’m here- I’ve got you- you’re gonna be ok…just rest.” Not that he could wake up anyways. “Whether you come back as my dad or…daddy…I’ll still love you and try my best to help you ok?”

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

“Bruce?” She sat up, shocked at the stirring. “Oh my god you’re- thank god you’re awake-.” She squeezed him tight. Nobody had told her that he could wake up as Joker so she didn’t bother looking at his eyes. Big mistake. “You’re in the hospital…” she whispered, stroking his hair back and taking her eyes off him to get some water from his bedside for him

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

Tim hadn’t wanted to worry her, it was in her best interest to not tell her there was a possibility the Arkham version of her father could come back. She’d been told Bruce had killed Pistole but telling him that right after he woke up didn’t seem like the best course of action. But she’d released the hug, noticing the notes on his papers talking about how most of his bones were shattered.

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

“Poor Batsie…god that must’ve been awful…I’m here if you need anything. Anything at all, ok? Just say the word. Do you wanna go back to sleep? We can figure out any specifics when you feel more yourself.”

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

“Want me to call Tim? Tell him you’re awake?” She asked- already falling asleep. She hadn’t slept in the past 3 days out of concern but now she was back in her father figures arms and he was safe- she felt exhaustion crash into her

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

“Mmmm ok.” She fell asleep by his side. The nurses didn’t really give a shit, just adjusting the wires and drips around her. Meanwhile, the joker part of Bruce’s brain, the currently dominant part, was busy scheming. If Mara was so willing to trust and clearly willing to go any lengths for him, he could exploit that- easily. And Mara was his daughter. The other universe’s joker’s daughter sure. But it still left a sore spot he could poke if he got desperate. She was scared of joker. So if worst came to worst, and he couldn’t control her out of her love for Batman, he could control her out of her fear of Joker.

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"You cant do this to her... its not right joker. She needs our support, not manipulation. Fuck- I thought it was bad when you made me kill pistole... but this? Your plan to manipulate her into working for you, like her universes you? Havent you hurt enough people?"

Joker just laughed "ohhh but I can brucie. Shes like a wad of clay, her universes you and you you were shaping her to be a wonderful woman... but I can see her fear. Of failure of you... of me. That, is something I can use. I'll be a better batman than you ever were brucie... with an army of child soldiers at my beck and call."

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

"The Bat brats? As if. Timmy is a coward, barbara is already half dead, the maras are fit to mould, jason is blind! There's no one who could stop me Bruce! I have won... and you. Have lost. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAA"

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

The movement caused Mara to stir too, oblivious to Bruce’s inner turmoil, “B? J’st go back to sleep- she’s just changing the IV. ‘S ok…’m still here- you don’t have any duties- I cancelled all your Wayne Enterprises meetings and rescheduled them accordingly. I have everything under control.”

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

“From what I’ve seen? Drunk driving incident. You were driving home after a gala and some drunk guy in a truck rammed you. He died on impact. Because obviously, they made up a fake guy- they couldn’t have him live.”

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

she gave a small laugh and nestled into his side, “I think Tim wants to visit- he said he’d be here around 1:30. You should probably rest up until then, yeah? Love ya.” She kissed his cheek affectionately before slumping back in his arms. She loved her dad. She couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him. Little did she know it was not, in fact, her dad in control.

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

“Yeah…yeah I guess you have a point.” She fell asleep again. Seriously- all this girl ever did was cuddle and sleep. Though jumping universes constantly must be exhausting so he’d give her that.

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

Mara was there every step of the way. Quite literally. She held his hand in physical therapy appointments and cheered when he was able to walk again. Steered the paparazzi and gossip tabs away. Was practically at his beck and call because she couldn’t help but feel obligated to help

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hey, kiddo, while you were away one night someone visited my room. Apparently the brother of pistole. And an alternate version of mes son. Named James. He was angry, he has every right to be... but hes also hurt. So, I asked him if he wanted to stay. And he said yes."

“I’ve uh- I’ve spoken to him. He told me.” She said weakly, hand supporting his back while he got used to the cane. “Are you sure, Bruce?” She was taking extra care to watch his wrists. Henry hadn’t shown symptoms but his wrist veins were different because the Joker had a higher concentration of Ferrous iron so she’d be able to see the blood fighting with itself in the prominent veins.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

“Bruce-.” She removed her hand, taking a step back. “Bruce what the fuck-.” She gestured with trembling hands towards his wrists. He’d suppressed all physical signs but he couldn’t hide the biological reactions. She highly doubted he would’ve supported James. James would have just ended up like her. Moulded and manipulated by the Joker, using a child’s anger and pain against them. “You have a LOT of explaining to do.” She pulled out her garrotte wire but she knew, deep down, she wouldn’t be able to hurt him beyond self defence if he were to attack.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

“Your- your wrists! They’re like Henry’s-.” The smile caused some kind of conflict in her because it would normally put her at ease- considering how rare it was to get a genuine one from him- but she also couldn’t deny the fact there was the possibility it was coming from Joker, which nearly set her off. “Just- just tell the truth…please…”

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

“You’re doing what daddy used to do- belittle and gaslight me and make me doubt myself- Bruce wouldn’t- that’s out of character for him to- you aren’t Bruce you aren’t- he wouldn’t talk to me- wouldn’t talk to ANYONE- like that-!”

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“No no no no no! I thought this wasn’t supposed to happen again-.” Her breathing was faster and she was pacing, getting lost in her own head. A mix of ptsd and multiple undiagnosed mental disorders. If he were to drop the act, it would be easy to exploit her fear and panic, “This can’t be happening-.” For such a strong willed girl she sure did get all shaky at the thought of Joker controlling Bruce again. “Stop lying to me!” Her hands were raking through her hair, a nervous habit

"...fine, if you wont play along why keep up the charade. But ill tell you now mara... if you tell anyone, and I mean anyone about this conversation... youll wish I kept it secret for longer. I'll kill you. I'll kill Timmy. I'll kill barbara. Everyone. So play along, or you wont be playing."

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

Her and Tim in their gas masks, him holding her as she had a panic attack when Joker-Bat talked to her. And that was only for seconds. Now he was fully gone…and even if she said anything, nobody would believe her because he looked normal.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

"You forget. Im not just joker. Im joker in bruces body. Far stronger than the joker you know. You will not win this fight. So either you stay quiet, or die. I havent had my fun yet. Been trapped in a god damn hospital room for months, plotting. Im not about to let that go to waste because one little girl was in over her head."

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

“you- you won’t-.” She wanted to say ‘you won’t get away with this’ but the words were weak, breathless, dying in her throat because she could hardly breathe, let alone squeeze out a sentence.

“w-what are you- what are you gonna- gonna do?” She slid down onto the floor. She didn’t trust herself to stand and panic attacks were more manageable on the floor. Maybe she could strike a bargain with him?! Anything to protect those she cared about.

"I plan to make an army. Deal with any competition... and become king of gotham. King joker has quite the ring doesnt it? And it starts with manipulating people into child soldiers. Getting them to believe every word i say like gospel..."

He leans in

"...and kill those who refuse to follow. Brucies complaining in me of course, but he cant stop me. Not anymore. Not in any way that matters. So listen up girl. There is no winning anymore. Submit, or die."

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

“An army…of- of who? Because I swear if you go anywhere near Tim or Barbara-.” Something protective flared in her, “listen- in- in my universe- despite being crazy you’re a reasonable guy- so why don’t we make some kind of- of deal-.” Her voice was shaky, eyes wide and terrified of that smile- the one that haunted her childhood

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

“Anything! I’ll do anything you want so long as you leave the people I love alone. You leave Tim and Babs and Jay- and I’ll do anything you want. You- you had a daughter, right? This universe’s version of me- Ace of Hearts? I’ll be like her- exactly like her if that’s what it takes for you to leave people alone-.” She didn’t want to relapse into being Joker’s Cherry. The woman she was before Dick helped her reform herself. But maybe reversing her redemption arc could help people? “And no killing children. You didn’t cross that line in my universe and I want the same boundary here. I don’t care if they’re a 5 year old street runt or a 12 year old gang member- they aren’t involved outside of recruitment. But I’ll do anything- please- please I- just tell me what you want from me and I’ll do it-.”

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

“You can have your army. I’ll help you build it. Just no involvement of those 3 vigilantes. And you can kill as many people as you want- but children aren’t involved. Unless they’re being recruited- but if they’re just…there…then they deserve mercy. It’s how to get them in your side, you see. Most dictators are nice to kids to indoctrinate them.”

"And they can die in my war instead of me killing them, perfect! Maybe I misjudged you kiddo... you're far more useful than I gave you credit for. Fine, you have yourself a deal. However tell anyone about our conversation, about the fact im back, and its curtains for you. That and the deal is off."

”ok…ok I’ll stay quiet. I was useful to you in the other universe- served you for more than a decade…I have no doubt I’ll be just as good now to you as I was back then.” She whispered, half in defeat half trying to prove her worth. If she was worth a lot, he’d be more likely to hold up his end of the deal. “I’d prefer if they didn’t die…but that’s a later conversation. What do I do now?…”

"Now? You shut up and smile. Pretend nothing is wrong. For we have a family reunion. As for once the manor has many people home. Ill get alfred to make dinner."

“And what of Ace? YOUR Mara? If I’m working for you, what about her? After all, she’s your daughter in this universe. She’s been grieving you-…” she was wiping her eyes because it would be suspicious if she came out looking like she’d been crying

"Since you cant be here all the time, ill recruit her. But, i promise I won't physically hurt her."

“Am I allowed to tell HER? She’d probably be the only person happy about your return and if she’s going to take my place in my absence she’s going to need a pre warning.”

"Fine. But if she freaks out make sure she doesnt speak. However you see fit. Kill her if you have to. I dont care."

“She’s your *daughter*-. She- she *loves* you-!”

"And I'd drop her like a sick puppy if she ruins me plans."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

"Now? You shut up and smile. Pretend nothing is wrong. For we have a family reunion. As for once the manor has many people home. Ill get alfred to make dinner."

"Since you cant be here all the time, ill recruit her. But, i promise I won't physically hurt her."

“Am I allowed to tell HER? She’d probably be the only person happy about your return and if she’s going to take my place in my absence she’s going to need a pre warning.”

"Fine. But if she freaks out make sure she doesnt speak. However you see fit. Kill her if you have to. I dont care."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

"Now? You shut up and smile. Pretend nothing is wrong. For we have a family reunion. As for once the manor has many people home. Ill get alfred to make dinner."

"Since you cant be here all the time, ill recruit her. But, i promise I won't physically hurt her."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

"Now? You shut up and smile. Pretend nothing is wrong. For we have a family reunion. As for once the manor has many people home. Ill get alfred to make dinner."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

"You're asking a lot for a girl with no bargaining power. So no army and no murder in exchange for one child? You have to admit that is the worst deal imaginable."

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

"Child soldiers of course! Batsies specialty!"

"Hm... a deal you say? Depends, what is it?"

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

She wouldn’t fight him anyways. Her legs felt like stone and jelly all at once.

He leans in

He smiles wide... its bruces face... but very clearly jokers smile. Just without the chemically bleached skin

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

“I don’t give a fuck what you do to me but if you even go near-.”

She’d backed herself into a wall- petrified out of her wits. Genuinely, not a single thought in her head was coherent, it was a scrambled mess of fear.

Her dad, who she loved dearly, being possessed by her father? Nightmarish. She still remembered how she’d reacted the first time they’d drowned the Joker out of him.

She had no idea what she was meant to do either. Fight him? Let him leave? Contact this universe’s version of Mara?

No- that last option would be wrong. Ace of Hearts was still grieving the DEATH of Joker. She’d be too vulnerable. She’d be too easy to mould.

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

"I am bruce! Like I said its just the medicine now will you calm the hell down?!"

Hes doubling down. If mara doesnt give in... he'll give up the act.

#thinkofitasarunninggag

I have bad news

And I have worse news

The bad news... Is that I have a sentenced you to life.

The worse news... Is that it will be a very short sentence

"I'd like to see you try to enforce it. HAH!"

#thinkofitasarunninggag

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

"Its just some medication messing with my system. Its nothing. Its just a coincidence you're seeing similarities. Im cured, remember? Dont be stupid."

Hes trying to gaslight her

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.

"What's wrong...? Scared?" He smiles "whatever for?"

”Bruce?” Mara said quietly. This was the one from another universe- the *better* universe. She’d heard what happened and came as soon as she could.

@cherrypop-gothamgirl

He is still, minus his laboured breathing... until... he groans softly, and stirs a little. It's been a month since the incident.

"...where...? ...Where am I...? ...Mara...?"

It is unclear who is in control right now.

He cant move either way, so if its... him he cant hurt anyone. Full body cast.

He winces at the hug, shattered bones and all.

"What... happened...? ...How long was i out...?"

Whether mara knows it or not... hes testing the waters. Do people know what happened?

“You’ve been unconscious for a month according to these papers…according to Tim you were fighting and had a seizure-.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive…”

So, she doesnt know much yet, is what he gathers... so he plays along. As if he were an actor, playing the part of bruce wayne.

"So am I kiddo... so am I."

“How much do you remember?”

Her voice was quiet, snuggling back against him because she couldn’t hug him but she wanted to be as close as possible because she’d been terrified,

“This universe’s me is helping Tim with patrol- so you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just rest ok? Is there anything you need?…”

her gaze was softened, the ‘kiddo’ winning her over. It was so easy it was almost pathetic

"Not a lot... some kinda fight... got hurt... kept fighting... won, I think, but, collapsed... specifics are a blank though."

"Do you... know what happened? As in specifically?"

“No idea. Timmy won’t tell me anything. Neither will this universe’s me. Or anyone really. I’m as lost as you are here.”

She knew he killed Pistole. But why the hell would she say that to him after he just woke up?!

“I know of the events just before you collapsed- I know who you were fighting. But we can save that until you can at least walk ok?” She played with his hair

"Alright... alright, ill stop prying. For now."

"No... no, its fine, hes got work to do. We can tell him tomorrow."

Inside of bruces mind, bruce is chained (just a metaphor), staring at the joker. Angry.

"For what purpose?? Why the hell would you need all this?"

"So I can put down the competition of crime and make my returning debut! King joker! Doesn't that excite you brucie? To see millions bow to me, fear my iron fist! Its oh so positively wonderful!"

"...they'll stop you."

The next morning, bruce wakes up to a nurse changing his IV.

"Thanks, Mara."

When the nurse leaves the room, he asks a question "so, what's the public explanation of... all of this, for why Bruce wayne also has all these injuries?"

Qlright. That makes sense. What of the doctors who had to deal with some of my armor melted onto me, are they to be trusted?"

“They were told it was parts of your car that melted onto you. I think you’re fine. It’s ok B, Timmy handles everything, I promise

"Alright, alright. Just checking to make sure."

“Just get more sleep. You look like you need it. Want me to go talk to the nurses? Leave you be for a moment? Or do you want me to stay for a little.”

"Its fine... just need to wait for these old bones to stitch back together."

"Love you too kiddo."

“You’d tell me if you…if you felt joker coming back, right?” She was still sleepy, so she wasn’t as thorough as she should have been. She had 3 days of sleep to catch up on so…

"Of course. You're the one who helped me make a temporary cure, why wouldn't I?

Since "bruce" couldn't do anything due to the full body cast. The days blurred into weeks, weeks into a month, until eventually his bones had healed enough to take the cast off.

He has to walk with a cain for a bit as he hasnt gotten perfect control of his muscles yet, but hes working on it.

"Hes kind of like Jason. His anger comes from pain, not malice. He needs support."

...and sure enough, his veins look exactly the same as Henrys- no... worse. Henry's veins times 10.