Feb 19, 2009 13:10
Things went back to normal; well, relatively normal. Crane was contacted by Ras Al’ Gul and presented with an interesting opportunity. Ras also provided a new substance for his toxin and Scarecrow was quite happy with it. Instead of merely triggering a rapid releasing of the hormone responsible for fear like Crane’s toxin, Ras’s flower caused powerful hallucinations. Together the agents resulted in a new avenue of studies for Jonathan and more entertainment for Scarecrow.
Joker, on the other hand, began building his name. Winding up in Arkham was entirely an accident. He had no idea the young man he had been pursuing was a doctor in Arkham that had a hobby of dressing up to go spying in the slums on the outskirts of Gotham. His buddies had walked in on such a display of torture and sexual madness that they decided to bring him to Arkham instead of turning him in to the police. This actually worked to the Joker’s favor, as now he could gather a gang with a fresh face.
Sometimes Jonathan would think of the Joker when he was in the background letting Scarecrow bob and yell at the newest subject. As interesting as it was to watch people react to the hallucinogen, he knew they always would, and that bored him. He really wanted to know if, now, the toxin would effect the Joker. The Joker was afraid of affection, so what would his hallucinations be? The face of a motherly woman? Hands all over him, delicately stroking? It almost depressed him not knowing.
One night, when Jonathan was making the cues for Scarecrow to take off the mask, Scarecrow decided to break the silence and confront him.
Jonathan.
What is it?
You can’t stop thinking about him, Jonathan.
I told you not to speak to me.
Yes, you did, but I thought I had something to say that might warrant your attention.
Go ahead.
He thinks about you Jonathan. He wants to see you again.
How would you know that? You’re in my head, not his.
Yes, but I see things that you don’t. When you’re staring out at the city, pondering your calculations, I look through your eyes and see things you don’t pay attention to. Like the man who hides in the shadows to watch you.
How do you even know if it’s him?
He has green hair and a face too white to be normal.
Why would he watch me? If he really wants to see me, then why doesn’t he just break in and talk to me himself?
He’s afraid Jonathan.
…Explain.
He’s afraid of me Jonathan.
Why are you telling me this?
I’m bored Jonathan.
Stop using my name! And don’t talk to me anymore!
It bothered him the rest of the night until he got home. He stared at the glass doors of his balcony for a long time. Why was Scarecrow doing this? Was he making it up? Was the Joker really out there?
Crane opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony as he did every night. He pretended to survey the city while casting a quick glance down.
There was a man in the shadows. He was wearing purple.
You see Jonathan?
Shut up. I’m not letting you out. You can watch. That’s it. You do any more and I let him go. End your fun.
He was really there. But why? Did he have a death wish? Did he want to see Jonathan, or Scarecrow? Well Crane knew who he was going to see, no matter who the Joker wanted.
“I know you’re there, Joker.”
Crane turned around and went back inside, leaving the sliding glass door open. He went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of Bourbon. He finished the first glass and by the time he was done pouring the second one, Joker was standing in his living room staring at him.
“And what does the good doctor want?”
“Why have you been stalking me?”
The Joker laughed. “Stalking you? Do I follow you to work and write love letters that appear mysteriously on your pillow when you wake up? No.”
That laugh stirred something in Crane, and he had to consciously keep his breathing even.
“You’re out there every night. Why?”
“I’m doing the same thing you do, enjoying the scenery.”
Crane’s eyes dilated much like they did back in those sessions that seemed so long ago.
“Back to that I see. You want me to pet you again, Joker? Want me to soothe away the internal scars that you expressed by carving them into your face?”
It was Joker’s turn to snarl. Crane’s sardonic tone thrilled him, but the blatant truth of his last statement reminded him that within Crane lay the one thing he feared. He moved closer to Crane and licked his lips obscenely.
Crane had to resists the urge to back away. They were back to their games of power. A fine line of control. Crane wouldn’t back off this time. He couldn’t let the Joker scare him. Since the Scarecrow had been released he had learned quite a few things about himself. He could be strong in the face of his fears, stronger than he used to pretend to be, and this time it was real. He planted his feat and lifted his chin up.
Then the Joker surprised him.
“I want to talk to Scarecrow.”
This made Crane pause. He wanted to talk to Scarecrow? He was afraid of Scarecrow. Why on earth would he want to talk to him?
“Too bad. He doesn’t come out anymore. He’s gone.”
“Oh, I don’t believe you. He can’t be gone, not completely. What about when you’re wearing your mask, hmm? He takes control then, doesn’t he? And you can’t help to resist.”
The slightest shift in weight. “Why do you want to talk to him?”
Joker got closer. Much closer. Crane could smell his rancid breath. “That’s between him and me. You can take notes. I bet you’re just itching to try out your latest flavor on me. You’ll actually get to now.”
Oh what a tempting offer! He so wanted to do it. What harm could it bring? Scarecrow was, after all, the one thing Joker feared, so really Crane was safe. And Scarecrow really wanted to do it. Crane could feel it.
“Follow me.”
Crane took off his glasses and set them on the counter before heading into his bedroom. He purposely made sure he closed the door a little after he went in so he had a few seconds ahead of the Joker. He quickly grabbed his toxin and his mask. When Joker entered the room, Crane blasted him and shoved his mask on.
Not expecting Crane to be so quick, Joker stumbled and fell back onto the bed. Seeing this as an excellent opportunity, Scarecrow leaned against him and pined his hands above his head as he thrashed about and closed his eyes.
“Open your eyes! Look at me!”
“NO! No no no!” Joker sounded like a wounded animal. Inside, Jonathan was fascinated. It was working.
Scarecrow released one hand and gently stroked Joker’s cheek.
“Shhh. Hush. Open your eyes Joker.” It was amazing how soft he sounded. The tenderness sounded so real, and it had exactly the effect that he wanted.
Joker whimpered with fear and opened his eyes for a second, and then closed them again, shaking his head.
“You wanted to talk to me Joker. Here I am!” Scarecrow let go of Joker’s hands so that he could take Joker’s head between his hands and whisper “Open your eyes little clown.”
Joker’s eyes snapped opened, wide with shock. He had been called that before. He couldn’t remember when or by whom, but the memory resonated something powerful. Echoes of emotions he had never felt before drifted within him.
It was just too good. Jonathan pushed his way through, shoving Scarecrow to the side. “What do you see Joker?”
Joker knew who he was talking to. “Go away! I want Scarecrow! Go away go away!” He closed his eyes and started thrashing again.
“I won’t go until you tell me what you see!”
“Then put your mask back on! I don’t want to see it!”
What? Crane was wearing his mask. Joker saw just Crane’s face? How could he be afraid of just his face? He had seen it before without reacting like this.
“See what Joker? What do you not want to see? Tell me!”
“STOP! Stop it!”
“Stop what Joker? What am I doing? I’ll stop if you tell me. Stop what?”
“CRYING!”
Whoa. That took Crane by surprise. He let go of Joker momentarily. Joker was afraid of seeing him cry? His guard was down just long enough for Joker to spring up and dart for the door.
Scarecrow took control. He made it to the door before Joker and wrapped his arms around him. “Shh. Shhh.” That soothing tone again.
Joker froze and took a shaky breath.
“It’s me, Joker,” said Scarecrow. “What did you want to talk about?”
Joker couldn’t move. Crane’s body was wrapped around his and he was stunned by the intimacy of it. He was used to invading other’s space, but no one had ever done that to him. He was shocked. He felt a trickle of some feeling, but he didn’t know what it was.
Scarecrow combed his fingers through Joker’s hair and shifted his weight side to side, almost rocking him.
Joker tensed even more and tried to escape but he was paralyzed by this new feeling he couldn’t explain.
“It’s just gonna get worse if you don’t tell me, little clown.”
Joker took a sharp breath and burrowed his head into Scarecrow’s neck, bracing himself. The burlap was surprising soft, worn down by frequent use.
Scarecrow grinned. Inside, Jonathan was waiting impatiently. He had so many questions, and Scarecrow wasn’t getting any answers!
I’m getting there Jonathan.
HURRY UP.
Joker didn’t know what was going on. One minute he was standing in the dark with Crane wrapped around him and the next he was lying down. He felt a coolness against his back and he realized he wasn’t wearing anything but pants. Scarecrow took off his mask.
What are you doing!? Put that back on!
Be patient Jonathan. What better way to be intimate than with your delicate little mouth? I’m getting the answers to your questions.
Jonathan scoffed but remained silent.
“Joker, Joker open your eyes.”
He shook his head and spoke in a raspy voice. “I don’t want to see him! I want you, not him.”
Scarecrow considered this. Jonathan was listening very intently.
“You want me Joker? What do you mean? You have my attention. I’m right here.”
Joker whined again and turned his head to the side, trying to hide in the sheets. Scarecrow guided his head back and bent closer, so they were cheek to cheek.
“Tell me what you want Joker. Why do you want to talk to me?”
When Joker didn’t answer Scarecrow began drifting his fingers across Joker’s chest. Crane’s hands were soft and almost feminine; it amused Scarecrow because it made his touches softer, which frightened the Joker even more.
“Joker, this is your last warning,” this was whispered against Joker’s lips, Crane’s forehead resting on Joker’s.
When Joker made no response, Scarecrow smiled and kissed him.
What are you doing! Stop! Stop now!
Scarecrow ignored him and moved his lips tenderly against Joker’s.
Joker finally found his voice. “NO! NO! Not that! Not like that!”
Jonathan swore.
Scarecrow twitched and raised his eyes brows. “Come again?”
Joker yanked his hand free and placed it on Crane’s lower back, pulling him closer. And then he rotated his hips, grinding up into Crane roughly.
Understanding lit up Scarecrow’s eyes. Jonathan wanted to throw up.
Scarecrow grabbed Joker’s hair and yanked hard, exposing his neck. He bit down hard.
“Is this what you want Joker? You want to be fucked? You want me to fuck you?”
Joker moaned piteously and nodded.
Scarecrow made a deep, possessive sound. Jonathan wanted to cry.
“Why should I give you what you want when you won’t even look at me?”
Joker tensed and squinted his eyes open. All he saw was Scarecrow, mouth smirking and eyes flaming with lust.
Joker’s face relaxed.
“See? The effects wore off. No more crying Jonathan. What a funny thing to see,” he laughed and tightened his grip in Joker’s hair.
Joker bit his bottom lip for a second and then stared strait into Scarecrow’s eyes with resolve.
“Harder.”
Scarecrow growled again and tugged as hard as he could, pushing down on Joker’s shoulders with his other hand so he could pull roughly without shifting Joker’s position.
Joker went limp and sucked in air through his teeth, making a hissing sound. This he could understand. This he knew how to deal with. His nerves processed this much better. Pain. Delicious, wonderful, addicting pain.
“MORE.”
Scarecrow chuckled and tugged Joker’s ear roughly with his teeth. “Such a demanding little slut, aren’t you?”
Joker huffed contently. “Mmhmm.”
Scarecrow couldn’t believe how excited he was getting. “You like that Joker? You like being called a dirty little slut?”
Joker moaned and shut his eyes, rolling his head to the side in submission. He had never run across someone who sparked fear in him. Joker didn't bow to just anyone, but Scarecrow had gained his respect. It was because of this that Joker allowed himself to let go. The only time he normally let go was when he was killing. No one had ever deserved to control him in any way. Scarecrow had changed that.
Scarecrow allowed it and bit down so hard he drew blood. “Dirty fucking whore.” Scarecrow traced the bite mark with his fingers and then squeezed it, gathering the blood. “Taste this.”
Scarecrow shoved his fingers into Joker’s mouth. When Joker tasted his own blood he moaned and sucked hungrily. Scarecrow felt his fingers tickle Joker’s throat.
“You like sucking, don’t you?”
Joker grabbed Scarecrow’s hand in response and shoved it down his throat as far as it would go.
“Would you like to suck my cock bitch?”
Joker whined and nodded quickly.
Stop Scarecrow. Please stop. Stop now.
“You’ve even managed to get Jonathan begging, Joker. Maybe I should make you beg. Why should I give you what you want? I’m the one is control.”
Scarecrow let go of his grip and sat up, moving like he was going to get off of the Joker.
Joker’s impulses were working this time. He jolted up and gripped the front of Crane’s jacket.
“NO! Don’t stop! Don’t stop! I don’t want you to stop!”
Scarecrow grabbed Joker’s wrists and tried to pull them off of him. “I don’t care what you want.”
Jonathan was holding his breath.
Joker looked frantic and shook Scarecrow. Asking Scarecrow had been hard enough. Now he had to beg?
“DAMN YOU! PLEASE!”
Scarecrow shoved Joker back down onto the bed and dug his nails into Joker’s shoulders, grinding his hips down.
Joker cried out at the friction. It was too much. His pants were so tight they were hurting.
Scarecrow panted and thanked Jonathan for his long nails while digging then into Joker’s chest as he created deep scratches that left little trails of blood.
Joker arched and nearly screamed in pleasure.
Jonathan. Look at him Jonathan. I’ve done everything you wanted me to. You got your answers. He’s given up control. He’s surrendered Jonathan.
That caught Jonathan’s attention. As much as he was disgusted at Scarecrow’s behavior, he was right. This is what he wanted. Joker was helpless. Begging. Jonathan smiled.
“Time for me to go, Joker.”
And he was gone, melted back into Crane’s mind, pushing Jonathan out to the front.