DMC: Wow… I feel bad… so many faithful readers and I practically dropped off the face of the planet. I'm so sorry folks! So anyway, heya guys! Welcome back to WOTE for the fourth installment! I am so glad to have you all here! I am so happy to have come back to see so many faithful readers telling me they want an update. Sure it's been a very long time, but I'm back! I am sorry for the wait. I have one word as to why I've been gone:

College.

I got in the college I currently three days before the start of the semester. Thus I had to get classes, pack and move all in that time period. It's been hella busy but I am finally settled enough I think I can update. It will take some time to catch up after so long, but I will! So please bear with me!

I love you all 3

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Batman or The Dark Knight or any of the characters involved in that. If I did I would have a happy wallet and a happy life.

WARNINGS: Language. This is a slash pairing. You know lemon, yaoi, gay, Shounen ai, fluff, and all that Jazz or so which you call it, so don't get all mad at me when you come to find it is and you don't like it, I warned you ahead of time and if you don't like it you can leave. Also, I try desperately to keep the Joker and the Batman in character, but if they are not YOUR interpretation, don't get mad and flame me. I gave you warning. So you don't like it to bad. Flames will go ignored and be deleted. They are a waste of my, and your, time. They are not helpful, and I do not care. Like I said, DON'T LIKE, DON'T READ!

But comments of help, and just plain happiness I will be more than happy to accept them, you may even see your acknowledgement on the next installment! Because people like you make my day.

Thank you.

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Pairings: J/B

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Chapter 4

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It was warm as it slid, slowly and beautifully through his hands. The crimson liquid leaked through the wounds in the guard's face slowly and steadily, sticking to everything it touched, staining it. Holding the male's face with almost a sexual degree of care, the insane clown relished in the sight before him. The color was the most appealing thing he had ever seen, becoming a wonderful relief to him after so long trapped among these white walls. The metallic smell filled his nostrils, driving him slightly more over the edge, if that was even possible.

Upon his face was a large grin, growing steadily bigger with each passing second. Snickering, he let the male's face slide from his grasp to crumple into a heap into the floor, the body devoid of blood. The snicker slipped to a louder laugh until he was bellowing the demonic sound loud enough it carried down the halls, filling every crack and corner with the cackle.

One could call it joy, pure joy, but that would be belittling the feeling the coursed through the Joker's veins as he slinked down the hallways toward the entrance, and into the belly of the beast. He knew going towards the front he would reach more guards than many people could ever possibly take, even in large groups, and they had guns, so they did appear to have the upper hand. However, he knew the key to his freedom stood out there, in a grey suit, oblivious to the dangerous plot brewing in the criminal's mind.

There. He could see it now.

Adrenaline was bubbling higher in his body, his blood pumping faster and faster with each step upon the cold tiles. He was going to pass right by the first people in the lobby, knowing full well that if he stopped there to relish in the wonder that filled him when he killed another, he would never get out, at least never alive. He knew the only way he would get out would be if he continued with the plan.

Before him he could see the figure of the millionaire playboy being tucked away behind some various guards as they tried to get him out in time, so the crazy clown could not get a hold of the man. Of course, that would not stop him, by any means. When the Joker decided he wanted something, he would stop at nothing to get it. The idea was impractical to say the least. Barrel on into the group of guards that were getting bigger as more of them appeared to help with the break out. However, when was the man ever practical? For heaven sakes he blew up a hospital just because he thought it would be fun, and during this process had walked through the very one he was going to blow.

As he remembered this incident, he knew that he would need something to gain him the upper hand, and get him through the guards, like the detonator gave him when he walked through the sanitary building. A small flicker beside him caught his eye and he knew, everything would pan out the way he wanted. On top of all that, he would get the chance to kill that god forsaken woman who calls herself his therapist.

His hands, his pale hands that were devoid of dirt, of residue, of make-up which would be constantly upon his slender hands from his face, shot out and slunk their long fingers around the neck of the pretty little therapist, who was trying desperately to get away from the shenanigans he was blowing down the hallway for all to see. Letting out a shrill scream he clasped a hand over her painted red lips and cooed at her with a smile. He just knew, by the look on the faces of the guards whose eyes never left him, that he was one step ahead of them, and for all he knew, out the door already and happily back where he belonged.

"Now I know this woman is of very little importance to you," the prince began as he ran his hand down her cheek, his other on her throat, holding her close to his body as she looked around with wild eyes, pleading that someone would help her out of his deadly grasp. "She is simply an underpaid worker who thrives off the idea that she is actually doing something to benefit people."

He could see the gears turning in the heads of the guards. He was completely right, she was not as important to the people of the city like the owner of Wayne Enterprises was. So if he was to be killed with the less of the bad news in the press and more of joyful news, killing him now, while she was in his grasp, would probably be best. This was exactly what he wanted them to think.

As they contemplated the idea, a few of them glancing back and forth between one another over their drawn weapons, he slunk himself forward. His legs moved along with hers carefully placed next to his, both of them moving as if they were dancing the tango. Slow steps, long steps, quick steps stop. Say another coy line and repeat the actions once more. As he drew close enough, he could begin to see them realize what he was doing and they raised their guns higher, more careful to keeping an eye on him.

The large male in the front was already sweating and it wasn't even hot. Damn he must have had a good effect going for him. His hand, that was caressing her cheek, slid down to join its mate at her neck before he quickly gave a twist. He could feel the snap before he could hear it. It reverberated through his hands, through his body, and made his heart race. It felt so wonderful to kill again. The stupid asylum kept him from his deepest passion. Thrusting her limp body forward into the group of men, who were so startled they began to shoot at the oncoming body and just around the room confused. Taking this chance, the male slipped forward, behind the body that was currently shielding him, before he slipped an arm around the waist of the millionaire playboy, pulling him close as he had his hand around his neck tightly as he laughed shrilly.

The sound echoed above the sounds of the last bullets being shot by the guards who had begun to realize the trick and that they shouldn't be wasting their ammo. As they gazed at him holding onto the male, they all grew unsteady. If he were to die, it would outweigh the death of the criminal by far and they would be responsible for it all. Then who would give them money? How would they keep this place at all if no one supported them because the Joker got out and killed the figure head of the city?

Probably what filled the Joker with the most joy was the fact that he was back in action, completely and entirely. Warm, dark liquid seeped from a wound obtained in his calf from a shot that managed to get past the body to him. It tingled, it burned and it felt so incredible that the insane man couldn't have felt more alive. To him, pain was a way to tell that he was alive, and that he was still in charge.

"You'll," he began, his voice higher now that his adrenaline was rushing and he was having the time of his life, "you'll never catch me, just like I told Batsy, I am the Clown Prince of Crime, I will not be kept locked up forever."

As he stepped backwards towards the door, he glanced at Bruce, giving him the once over. "My my Mr. Wayne, aren't you the looker." He said slyly with a chuckle "Strapping, fit, and scared to death!" with this he gave a louder laugh than his normal chuckle and pulled him a bit harder with him, hand still on his throat and in control of him. "As you very well should be." He cooed.

Oh no, it was not like the dark haired male was scared or anything. He wasn't scared at ll. Just sort of creeped out… He defiantly did not like being in this situation completely unarmed, and unable to fulfill his job as the dark knight. It pained him, almost, that he was being held in a grip so tight, that it held almost a sexual degree of care as his neck was wrenched in a way it wasn't supposed to be going towards. His mind was reeling of all the things he could do about this, if he were Batman. How easily he could grab the male who was in such a close proximity to him and shove him down to the floor. How easily he could make the male laugh, his bright eyes looking at him with a sort of life that they only ever gave each other, while he punched him repeatedly, getting out his frustrations of the world out on the wacky one. He even thought about how easily he could slip out, past the guards, as they finished him off, leaving him to die because this time… this time he could not live to see another day. Not when they knew he could get out. Not when they were reminded just how dangerous he really was.

Brushing some dark hair from his face with his free hand, the Joker found himself eyeing the scarf that hung loosely around Bruce's neck. Oh what a beautiful color it was. Dark crimson, much like the blood leaking from his body at the moment, and much like the blood he desired to spill. It was beautiful, and as he reached for the material, he found it to be so soft. The fabric tickled his fingers as he ran them over it, carefully pulling it from his neck. Smiling, he knew he wanted to keep this. Not to mention, it would come in handy in keeping the other from fighting back if he ever decided to get out of the stupor he was currently in and try.

He did not want Bruce Wayne fighting him. He wanted the Batman fighting him. He wanted to feel the other's knuckles pop and crack as they pounded into his flesh. He wanted to see the sweat trickle over the other's chin as he panted and chased him, only upping the male's euphoria. So he knew he would have to keep this one tied carefully, until they had a place to go, where he could not be tracked. Then he might untie him. At least for a moment or two to change out the ties. After all, he wanted this scarf.

He would continue to hold him to wait for the Batman to come and save the 'oh so important' Bruce Wayne. He just didn't know what was in store, with the batman never coming after all. What would either of them do then?

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DMC: Wow, that took a little longer than I expected but I am so happy that you guys stuck around to wait for it! I am sorry I didn't update sooner, but my schedule seems to be a bit more lenient and I should update more often, until my juices for this one run dry and I end it. However, till then, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Sadisticb00gers-Modus Pwnage: Thanks so much for your review! I a sorry I didn't respond so much sooner! Anyway, I tried hard to show corruption in the society, because it's not just in comics, it's in real life, and sometimes, that's what drives people to do what they do. Thus, I wanted to show a drive in it by throwing it in there. I'm glad you caught onto it. If you really don't think I need a beta, I will take your word for it, thanks for the offer of help. Perhaps if you simply look over them after they are posted and if you see anything let me know? That would be wonderful 3 The song you suggested, by the way, was amazing! I loved it and how well it fit. Thanks for being one of the few that listened when I asked for people to help me out. Perhaps I will make a video with it. Perhaps not. Unsure at the moment. Again, thank you!

Snapescelticgirl; I have not abandoned it! I simply put it on hiatus! So don't worry, you will get your updates! Thanks for sticking with me 3

C.T.: Thank you for being so devoted after all that time between the posting of the last installment and your response. You are great, thanks so much!

To everyone else! A HUUUUUGE Thank you! I would name you all by names, but I am running out of room (I'm trying to stick to my normal 2000 words an installment and I'm already over) but still, you guys keep me smiling, every time.

I hope… no I WILL, see you guys again soon.

Take care!