Love is Merely A Madness

Written by Starswim

Disclaimer: To be clear, I don't own anything that belongs to Batman comics or movies except for my OCs.

Rating: T or PG-13 (Because the movie is PG-13)

Summary: The petite Kathryn Knightly is the new girl in Gotham. Her simple goal is to survive life in the chaotic city - make friends, become a successful doctor, and mostly stay alive. What she doesn't count on is gaining attraction with her handsome, but troubled superior. Little does she know that he's wearing a dark mask that terrifies people. Can she discover his dark side and escape, before the fear consumes her? Following Batman Begins movie

A/N - 5/2017: Yes, I am doing a remake of Love is Merely Madness. I felt like this story was rushed, lacked romance, and a love story entirely, only following the movie. Also, I had written this a long time ago, and I was a beginner writer back them. I decided to extend the Crane/Kathy romance. I hope you enjoy it. I must delete the old chapters to avoid confusion. So far, I have written ten chapters in this story. I will notify when I update the next few chapters of this story. If you are wondering if I am remaking Madness is Like Gravity, maybe - maybe not. I kind of like how the sequel is, right now, but if I change my mind, I will let you know. Though, I doubt it. Anyway, enjoy the remake.

Chapter 1 - New Girl

First time in what felt like an eternity, Kathryn Knightly managed to move her legs after a sixteen-hour flight from Pensacola, Florida to Gotham City, New Jersey. It was supposed to take five hours, but there was an eight-hour delay due to thunderstorms. The airport rerouted her twice from Florida to Chicago to Boston then finally to her destination.

The first thing she noticed when departing the airport was the weather. So much different than the orange state. Florida had sunshine, palm trees, sandcastles, and the strong salty smell from the ocean. Not that Kathy expected it in Gotham, she knew what she's up against.

She knew that the scent of sea salt would leave her nose, replaced with a smell of cigarettes and alcohol. The man sitting behind her was to blame.

The skies were cloudy and grey, no sunshine nor rainy either. There was water under the Gotham bridge and by the docks, but you can't jump in because of the fifty-degree temperature.

There were no palm trees or even plain trees, nor sandcastles to build. If Kathy was going to have a tan, she must buy a membership to a tanning salon. She had a dark complexion, but it would fade. She hadn't been here that long, and she already felt the need to have the sun on her face.

The first she did after setting foot in the city was to grab a bite to eat. The driver recommended Gotham's Café. What an original name. He claimed they have the best burgers, though she wasn't a burger person.

Waiting at her table, outside the café, she was reading the Arkham handbook, memorizing the rules and regulations of the place. She was shocked to receive the job offer from Arkham himself thanks to her professor from Florida Tech.
She was the youngest in the school, surrounded by older and geeky students. Most of them contained the experience, while Kathy spent time volunteering, going to day camps with Autism kids, and gaining an internship at a psychiatric clinic without pay. Somewhere, somehow, his professor chose her.

She was a little nervous - a lot worried about the video-chat interview with Arkham. Thanks to her parents' encouragement and her little sister's massage, it went better than expected. She was hired on the spot, mainly because of her passion for patients and her 4.0 GPA.

Her parents were happy that she got a job at the high-rank facility in Arkham, but not okay with their baby moving a thousand miles away to live a life on her own. She was only twenty-three years old, and could hardly save money no more than a week. It was a big step for an independent woman, especially to a 5'1' girl like Kathy, but she must do this. There were rare excellent opportunities in life that could disappear fast if she doesn't take a chance.

Though, she couldn't ignore the butterflies in her stomach from both anxiety and eagerness. Arkham Asylum held the most dangerous criminals in the country. It was a bit overwhelming.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," The preppy, young waitress arrived. She had curly, shoulder-lengthened, blonde hair; blue eyes; and fair skin tone. She looked like the typical it-girl from high school, the top on a cheerleader's pyramid, the Barbie doll.

"My name is Lacey. I'll be taking care of you." Her pen was hovering over the paper, ready to write.

"What can I get you?" she asked.

"Um..." Kathy didn't get a chance to look at the menu because her main focus was on the Arkham handbook. "I'm not sure."

The waitress looked up at her with a straight face. "Do you like hamburgers?"

Kathy raised her head to look at Lacey. "I'm sorry?"

"I said 'Do you like hamburgers?'"

Kathy shrugged. "I do, but I definitely love chicken sandwiches."

"Then I recommend World Class Chicken. It's a marinated, grilled chicken breast topped with peppered brown sugar bacon, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and honey lime dressing on a bun."

Kathy's eyes scanned through the menu until she spotted the chicken sandwich, Lacey recommended. If she could judge a book by its cover, she would say that the sandwich looked delicious.

"Okay..." she nodded. "I'll take your suggestion, but hold the lettuce and tomatoes."

Lacey wrote down Kathy's order on the notebook. "Okay. Anything else?"

"Oh, and I also like a coke to drink."

Lacey stopped writing and tucked her pen behind her ear. She smiled, taking the menu from me, "Okay. I'll be back for your drink, and your food will be here shortly."

Kathy silently thanked the waitress by nodding her head, returned her attention to the handbook.

Ten minutes after Lacey returned with food and drink at hand, just as she promised. The sandwich, she recommended, tasted pretty good. If Kathy added ketchup and mayo, it would've been an excellent sandwich.

After she finished her meal, Lacey came back with the bill, "Here ya go."

Kathy took it from her and opened her green, flora bag for her wallet. She looked at the receipt to see how much the meal cost, but something grabbed her undivided attention. There were seven random numbers at the top of the revenue. Kathy turned to the waitress with furrowed brows in confusion.

Lacey took notice and had to ask. "Is everything okay?"

"Um... I got a question," Kathy began.

"Okay..."

"What is this?" Kathy handed the receipt to her and pointed at the seven bold numbers at the top.

Lacey giggled. "Oh that. It's my phone number."

Kathy raised her brow, felt a bit weird out. "Okay... Could you explain to me why you're giving me your number?" This waitress was getting slightly awkward, becoming uncomfortable to be around. Was she hitting on Kathy? Did Kathy do something to make her think that way?

Lacey smiled and started laughing. "Okay, I know that look, so let me clear it up for you. No, I'm not hitting on you. I'm boy crazy - believe me! I don't normally give my number to anybody unless the person is a hot guy or someone is new in town."

"W-What makes you think I'm new in town?"She rolled her eyes, but her smile was still there.

"Please, I've been a waitress here for a long time, and I have so many regulars here."

"So?"

"So you're new to this café, plus I noticed you have a Gotham tourist map and suitcase out," Lacey pointed her pen at the Gotham pamphlet that was lying on the table and the suitcase under the table.

Kathy paused for a moment, slowly placing the pamphlet back in her bag. "Right... But isn't that risky giving your number to someone, you don't know? A complete stranger?"

"You're not strange, despite the fact you're starting to work at a nuthouse."

Kathy widened her eyes in shock. "How did you know that?"

The waitress smirked. "I'm psychic." Kathy cast a non-convincing look. Lacey rolled her eyes, pointing at the table with her pen, "and you got a handbook."

Kathy glared at the book and smiled sheepishly, "Right."

"Look, you're new in Gotham, someone has to show you the ropes."

"The ropes?"

Lacey nodded. "Of course. There are a lot of dos and don'ts in this place. In case you don't know, this city has lots of criminals running in the streets."

"If the place is that dangerous, why are you still here?"

"Why are you here?" Lacey retorted.

Kathy scoffed. "Arkham is a big opportunity for a small town psychiatrist like me. Now you?"

Lacey shrugged. "I would, but I just don't have the dough to go anywhere." She paused for a moment before she smiled. "Hey, that rhymes. Dough and go. Ha!" Lacey shook her head, realizing that she's way off subject. "Well, look, I don't have anything else to do with my life, except work, but that will change. You need someone to help you survive Gotham, and I have the mindset for it. Just give me a call, and I'll show you the cheapest coffee shops."

Kathy couldn't help but smile at her. Despite Lacey's risque acts, she seemed harmless. She looked to be Kathy's age.

"Thanks. I might take you up on that offer."

Lacey returned the gesture. "Alright. If you ever need any help, give me a call anytime... except at nighttime and when I'm working."

"When do you stop working?"

"When the café is closed."

Kathy smiled, lifting a thumb. "Gotcha."

"Great. So, in case you forgot, my name is Lacey."

"Kathy," The woman held her hand out for Lacey's, who gladly grasped her hand to shake it.

"Nice to meet you, Kathy. Welcome to Gotham. I hope you come back soon."

Kathy's grin never faltered as she stuck the money in the billfold. She didn't want to leave the receipt behind, so she stuffed it in her bag. As she was leaving the cafe, she turned her head to the side and saw that Lacey had left. She assumed that Lacey went to check on her other customers. Thinking about what happened moments ago, Kathy realized that she just made a new friend in Gotham, under one hour. What a record.

~000~000~000~

"Doctor Kathryn Knightly, I presume?"

Kathy smiled as she shook the boss's hand.

A week after arriving, a week after moving in her belongings to a new apartment, a week of getting oriented with the city - the big day finally arrived — her first day in Arkham Asylum. The butterflies still didn't disappear. She tried not to show it through her black framed glasses. She didn't know what to wear for the first day but knew that she must wear according to the respectful dress code. Therefore, she dressed in a white blouse, black slacks, and open-toed, three-inch heels.

"Good to finally meet you in person, Dr. Arkham."

Arkham returned the grip with a smile. "Professional, appropriate, and a good shake. You are going to do well here, I can tell." He sat down on his chair, motioning Kathy to sit down as well.
Kathy felt her face flush, lowered herself on the leather but tattered chair.

"Thank you, Dr. Arkham."

"Oh, don't thank me, yet, Doctor Knightly. Thank Professor Rutherford for handing me your references."

Kathy nodded.

"Now, from what we spoke on the phone, I must warn you that this job is not going to be easy. We work on high security, and strict protocols must be followed. I expect 110% from each of my staff, not only for their safety but their sanity."

"I agree, Sir."

"Now I can't give you patients on the spot. That would be unethical. You must go through training, orientation so to speak."

"Yes sir, I understand," she spoke quietly, expecting Arkham to say that. She would be lying if she said that she wasn't slightly disappointed.

"But I am a busy man. Therefore I won't be the one to train you. I would have my head man train you, but he is in the middle of a session, right now," he pushed a button and spoke into the intercom.

"Doctor Whistler, please report to my office, please? Doctor Whistler, please report to my office." He released the button, returned his attention to the doctor in front of him with folded hands on the desk. "Gretchen Whistler is a long term member of this staff, most dedicated. Sweet lady, but strong-minded. Whatever she tells you to do, you better do it."

Kathy nodded, "Yes, Sir."

It didn't take long for the older woman to come inside. The wrinkles gave her a neutral, but stern face. Her bug-eyed glasses reminded Kathy of her seventh-grade Biology teacher who loved to touch dead things with her bare hands. It wasn't an excellent science year for Kathy, until eighth-grade chemistry. She was debating whether she could enjoy working with Doctor Whistler or not. The woman looked like she didn't want to be here.

"Oh, good. You're here. Gretchen, meet Kathryn Knightly." Arkham gestured Kathy, who waved at the woman politely. "Doctor Knightly, meet Doctor Gretchen Whistler."

Kathy raised herself from the seat, shook the woman's hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Whistler nodded. "Likewise."

Once the woman spoke, Kathy was in the debate again. The woman's voice was neutral, no telling what she was thinking, but it was so loud like a real commander.

~000~000~000~

Four hours since Kathy started training, the whole time Gretchen Whistler helped her get oriented, gave her a tour and the protocols as she bossed the other doctors and security guards.

Learning everything from Whistler, Kathy could've sworn she spotted a smile across the older woman's face. It was small, hiding behind the wrinkles, but it was there. Whistler truly treated this place as if it was her home. It made Kathy question the doctor's current status. Doctor Arkham mentioned a man working as the head of Arkham, why wasn't Gretchen put in charge? Kathy has yet to meet the head man. She shouldn't jump into conclusions again.

Whistler mentioned that Kathy must wait a couple of weeks before she starts a new patient, time to familiarize the facility. It may be annoying, but at least she'll get paid.

"Please, tell me I am not going too fast, or you are too slow to comprehend?" Was it an insult? Kathy wondered.

"No. I understand everything, doctor. Please continue."

Whistler's wrinkled face deepened as if her words didn't reach for her approval. "Remember, Knightly. Do not be afraid to ask questions. This is a high rank of security surrounded by lunatics. The last thing we want is for you to get eaten on your first day."

"Eaten?"

"I have a patient at 1:00 pm. He is unlike the others you'll see, and he may give you nightmares."

Kathy blinked, trying to figure out which patient Whistler was talking about.

"But if you wish to take a break and continue training-"

"No. No. No. I want to - I'll be happy to watch your session."

Whistler's face didn't change, hard to tell whether she approved or believed Kathy to be foolish. It was the petite's first day, and already she was about to face the so-called monster.

"Very well," Whistler checked her watch. "We have half an hour. Why don't you go to the office and have lunch."
Kathy's eyes widened. Her purse, her wallet in her purse, her silent cellphone - she remembered.

"Sugar - I mean, I'm sorry, but I... I didn't bring my lunch today."

Whistler sighed. "No worries. We have a cafeteria or a vending machine in the break room if you prefer to pay your lunch-"

"I do," Kathy replied, refusing to eat cafeteria food that resembled school food.

"Then go ahead and snack in the break room. There is a television for your entertainment or a radio. Meet me at my office at exactly 12:30."

Kathy nodded, "Yes, ma'am." She headed towards the break room and pulled out a couple of bucks from her back pocket for the vending machines. She bought a small bag of Lays chips, M&M candy, and a can of coke. None were healthy choices, but it was her favorite things to eat as snacks.

Once she retrieved her lunch, she headed back to Whistler's office to have lunch, assurance that she won't be tardy. She made her way down the hall and turned left while opening the can of coke.

Unfortunately, without giving much sense to her surroundings, her body collided into a guy around the corner. She gasped at the cold liquid pouring into her chest, staining her white blouse. Her grip slipped, allowing the chips and candy to fall, joining someone's folders on the floor.

Kathy's eyes raised to see who she ran into. A dark-hair, lean man dressed for success just like every other doctor. What stood him out were the high cheekbones and the sharp angle of his jaw. His face looked as if Michelangelo, himself created it. If the artist didn't create this man, he might as well be. He was handsome, even though he was wearing specs that reflected his crystal blue eyes. The most beautiful eyes she had ever seen.

He cleared his throat, gained her attention back to reality. Kathy took in her happening to see the mess on the floor. Her soaked blouse didn't help the situation since it dripped its contents on the folders.

"SUGAR!" Kathy cried out and kneeled to pick up her snacks, while the man kneeled as well to pick up his soaked folder, waved it back and forth to dry.

"I'm SO sorry about that! I can't believe that happened."

"Maybe you should watch where you are going, Doctor Knightly." Kathy perked at his grave, rich voice. A voice that any woman could fall for, even though the words were a slap to the face. He also knew her name. How? Did everyone know she started today? Was she that obvious?

"Me?" Kathy asked. "You're the one with the papers. Maybe you should watch where you're going?"

He raised a brow at her, gave her a silent warning. The same face her mother used to give her when she did something wrong. He was intimidating, and he didn't have to say anything to prove it.

The man looked down at his suit, pulling out a handkerchief from his front pocket and wiping it on his front.

"This is a brand new suit."

"It is?" Kathy clenched her teeth, and the guilt twisted her stomach in knots. "Again, I'm really sorry about this."

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm not the only one with a stain on me."

Kathy looked down at her front and groaned.

"This was a brand new shirt," she uttered.

"Maybe if you obey the rules, then you won't have that problem."

"The rules?"

"All foods and beverages must stay either the cafeteria, the break room, or your office - nowhere outside. I don't understand why Doctor Whistler failed to mention this. It is useful information that can be preventable." He heaved out a breath, wiping the folders to that contained a newfound stain.

"Then again, she is getting old and becoming incompetent. Why else did Arkham retire her former position?"

Kathy blinked, felt the need to defend the older doctor, but one gaze at his face silenced her. He was not the man to be messing with. She knew that for sure. She decided to change the subject by looking down at the split soda on the floor.

"I should go find some napkins and-"
"There's no need," the man cut her off. "We have a janitor here. I'll find him and tell him what happened before I do anything else."

"Are you in a hurry? I'll get him myself."

"I do have a patient coming up-"

"Then I'll get the janitor. I hope your papers aren't too important."

The man looked at his soaked folder and shrugged.

"They are," he declared calmly. "You're lucky that I have backups."

"I'm really-"

"Just watch where you're going next time, Doctor Knightly, and keep your snacks away from the halls from now on." He said bluntly as he walked past her. No introductions. No goodbyes. No apologies. Insulted, the elderly woman was the icing on the cake. What happened was not all of Kathy's fault or Whistler's. He should've paid attention to where he was going as well. He had a folder with papers, he probably was reading them, before he ran into her. He should watch where he was going and at least apologize.

"What a jerk," she whispered, resumed the task at hand. No doubt, her lunch break would be cut short.