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*MELTS*

OH JOKER.

*is totally incoherent with love*

That's it. Is it okay if I friend you, so I don't accidentally miss out on this anymore?

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It's fine; I don't mind. Consider yourself friended back :)

Grazie. I think I'm running out of languages, here!

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Just as long as The Joker doesn't get all mushy, I will keep reading, as i said before. Love it!

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I assure you there was never any mush intended from day one. He's screwing with Bruce's head here, and I hope he's succeding ;) Frankly, I've been lucky enough to avoid reading anything with mush in it so far. But I've heard there's been plenty, and that's a terrifying thought...

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You've an amazing writing style (especially when it comes to Joker's POV) which is why I'm friending you ^_^ Wouldn't want to miss any of your updates!

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Feel free - I'll be glad to friend you back!

Hopefully I'll be able to get Bruce up to the same level of interesting, at least, in the long run. I feel like he's the harder of the two to execute. He hides himself well, no pun intended.

Thank you so much :)

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This series is bloody fantastic. I can hear the Joker's voice when he talks and thinks that's how well you wrote him.

I love how broken both he and Batman are and I am waiting very eagerly for the next part.

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If nothing else, this particular universe is absolutely packed of characters who are broken in one way or another. They all make up some kind of...I don't know, incongruous jigsaw. The kind you can never fully put together.

Thanks - I'm very glad you're enjoying this!

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Yay, I'm soooo glad you decided to write more :)

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Heh, well, that's me: I'm never exactly sure when to walk away. Now, however, is not the time ;)

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Oh, wow.

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Thank you :)

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...On the other hand, you're not very good at reading body language.

Dreadfully true, that. I think Bruce's greatest flaw--and strength-- is treating a majority of his enemies as something not quite human. He draws a mental box where he compartmentalizes the crazies (he's on the edge of the line) and there's everyone else outside of it. He won't kill-- but he gets so up close and personal and says the most tactless things. He's an armchair psychologist, trying to work out the minds of Gotham's crazies just enough to know what they'll pull next, but he never seems to allow them the benefit of being human.

(Two Face blurs that line a little.)

The Joker's kiss was as searching and slow as any Rachel had ever given him.

Now there's a train of thought more intimate than anything they do physically, at least if we're judging it in terms of Bruce's relationships with other people. :D Comparing Joker to Rachel is ... interesting. Especially that the Joker doesn't just seem to evoke a physical reaction, but an emotional one as well (I don't think Bruce can think about Rachel without the requisite amount of angst, ahaha).

Love this fic, though I suppose the premise itself still confuses me a little-- mainly, the logistics of how Bruce wound up in there, but hay, what do I know? :)

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Re: how Bruce got in there, I'm working on the assumption that the police got very, very lucky indeed and caught him. I've insinuated that by establishing that Gordon is the one paying off somebody in Arkham to give Bruce these continued one-on-one sessions with the Joker (in hopes that he'll be able to find out something useful, as we all know whose side Gordon is really on, no matter what his station obligates him to do). I kind of thought writing the event itself would be a waste of space; better to cut right to the chase and use implication, but perhaps that was an error of judgment on my part!

Trying to get Bruce to remember that he is dealing with another human being here is, indeed, difficult. And I think that, as part of working on his patience and impulsiveness, he's also making a concerted effort. He will come out of this somewhat changed, and not just because of his own efforts. I think Joker's insightful enough to realize Bruce is doing something to himself, and he's just playing right into that hand, if he has anything to say about it.

Thank you for the long, thoughtful analysis - it helps me think through my own process!

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Amazing is the only word to describe this.

I'm really fond of your writing style, keep it up.

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I think I'm pretty much locked into the style I'm using for this theme and variations, so rest assured I won't go changing anything too drastically mid-play :) Very glad to hear you're enjoying this; thanks for the lovely feedback!

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I get so fangirlishly excited when you post, it's not even funny. And each installment just makes it better. I'm truly in love with your Joker, who is just the right amount of crazy and witty. But mostly I love your Bruce, who is always, always having something new spring at him right when he thinks he's figured things out. Really, I think I'll friend you as well. ^^

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Well, do consider yourself friended back - although I thought I had already done that *scratches head* Off to check out that situation right now!

I feel I'm going to have to work a bit harder on Bruce in this sequence; I need him to have some more surprises of his own. Thanks once again :)

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Asfdljh!

Wonderful, wonderful!

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I hope for both our sakes my vision of where I'm taking this is solid enough *wry grin* I'd hate to let you of all people down! But really, your keyboard-smashes are always reassuring ;)

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So happy to see you writing more. This is way too awesome. Your writing style is love. ^^ *incoherent pile of mush*

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It's fascinating, the comments coming about my style - it's strange, because I feel it can be so shape-changing depending on what fandom I'm writing for and what characters I'm working with! But it's good to know that you perceive something distinct here, good to have an idea of what's working and to stick with it.

Thank you :)

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The Joker has always fascinated me as a character and his relationship with Batman. I've stayed away from any Batman/Joker fanfic though, because so few people can get it right (or at least the way I see them). You've managed to capture both of their personalities and place them in a situation that's believable.

I'm glad you picked up that line about sharing a padded cell and went with it. I've always thought Bruce's sanity, while not lost (like say Joker or Two-Face), is just that little bit cracked. The Joker can see that crack and he's gonna chip away at it until he brings Batman to his level. If it came down to it, Bruce obsessed with finding and reaching out to something human/sane left in the Joker and the Joker finally breaking Bruce... Well I know which of them is more likely to succeed. But really I think they're both doomed to spend all of eternity chipping away at each other until nothing else remains.

Anyway, this was my rambling way of saying that I really enjoyed this and can't wait to read more.

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The only comics I'd read (ages ago) were Mad Love and The Killing Joke. In the past two days, I've reread Killing Joke and have tracked down Arkham Asylum and The Long Halloween. I'd like to dig around in the (other) sources as much as I can while moving forward with this; anything else I can bring in as thematic threads will, I hope, help more than hinder. The Joker of my childhood was primarily the one from the animated series as voiced by Mark Hamill.

It's the very dichotomy you mention that fascinates me, I think. And the result seems to be that, no matter which of them thinks they have the upper hand, they always end up meeting somewhere halfway. It's an eternal stalemate, and a really, really big joke. I applaud both of them!

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback; I've been given so many useful gems to think about in these comment threads!

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(Harvey!)

I love the way your Bruce is gradually changing in these...on the one hand he's treating the Joker with more...compassion? Or at least he is considering him as more of a person.* And on the other he's still trying to solve a puzzle that might be (almost certainly is going to be) impossible, and that is going to do things to him as well. It's fascinating to read!

*I love that line in the film about not smacking the victim's head first because it's kind of absurd that despite chiding Harvey about that henchman and acting like he understands criminal psychology to Alfred, Batman mainly just punches people into submission in TDK, an approach which proves to have its limitations...

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That's probably one of my favorite lines, too. It was somehow so...unexpected, really! And in action, you can see the difference between the Joker and Batman: the latter, as you say, just bashes the enemy on-sight, but the Joker actually sort of skirts the edges of a situation until he can get in that one, good (hopefully) venomous strike. I think the best example is probably the party scene where he actually looks like he's trying to find a way to slip out of there until you realize he needs the space to pop out that blade from the sole of his shoe unnoticed...

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This was OUTSTANDING. I love this so much, and I'm so glad you wrote more!

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...and still more to come, no exact prediction how much *wry grin* Glad you're still along for the ride, though. By the way, that icon is fucking hilarious! Pardon my total pop-culture ignorance, but is that a parody on song lyrics or somesuch?

And thanks.

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I'm incredibly glad to find out you are writing a sequel (if I may call it that) to the previous ark, as every single phrase I read is like an injected dose of happiness to my litterature-deprived mind ^^. Your writing is simply brilliant, please do not ever stop posting your work!

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Sequel, sequel-arc...yeah, something like that :) Multi-parting storylines is a more recent habit of mine, as I used to be more prone to writing big, long pieces with no breaks in them, but that kind of structure wouldn't suit here at all. I'm very pleased you're enjoying this so much; thank you!

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Ahahahahahaha!!! Poor Batsy! Joker is playing him for a fool! This will get interesting fast no? *sits and waits*

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I'm thinking so. Trust me, I'm sitting right beside you...

Thanks for the review!

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So amazing. I'm loving every second of this story-thing. You truly are an amazing writer. I'm giddily and impatiently waiting for the next one, love. Can't wait (But I reluctantly will).

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This week I'll be slowed down a little if only because I have some actual work to do. But the general rule is that my mind moves forward whether I want it to or not, and there's a really good chance the next bit could be out...well, it could be tonight or Wednesday night or even Thursday morning. It all depends on how long this other stuff takes me. Thanks a million for reading on; I love seeing people so engaged and enthusastic :)

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Ohdamn.

OH. DAMN.

You... This... Gah, I don't have words.

All I can say is I am enthusiastic, thrilled, and _overjoyed_ you've continued this. I loved part one, I was addicted from part two, and by Deep, Deep Water I was left desperately wanting more. I've yet to run into fic that so wonderfully captures their relationship and the direction you've chosen to take it. BRAVOBRAVO, and I do so hope you will continue, because you've got me by the edge of my seat.

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I like microcosms: there's no quicker way to flush out true colors than to set up the world in miniature, drop in your intended subjects, and watch them start to pick away at each other. Of course, the real joke's on you: your headspace is the microcosm, and they're giving you a few nicks and bruises in the process, too ;)

I will continue - from what I can see at this point, there'll be two or three more following this one to complete the second arc, and after that, there'll be one longer story that will kick everything into...well, future territory.

Thank you kindly!

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just read all five.
imo i've got to say that these are the best batman/joker fics out there. you write both joker and batman incredibly.
i'm always impressed by slash fics that can keep characterization accurate and believable.
great job!

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I think that's one of the reasons I started experimenting with slash fic, years ago - I realized that subtext was a tricky creature, and that in order to hold things even remotely IC, you had to have some of it that was believable to begin with. Now, what I find shocking here is that I'm not usually drawn to enemy!slash. At all. Most sets of enemies I've run into don't have any chemistry at all except I HATE YOUR GUTS, but here, I see something deeper and more complicated than usual.

Glad you're liking this so much; thank you!

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I saw this, and my first thought was "YES there's more!!"

I loved this part. It's like they're having an ongoing game of one-up-man and kings totally went to the Joker this round.

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Bruce is going to be trying hard to get back at him, and since the next bit will be Joker-POV, to have Joker go down again at Bruce's hand will be interesting. Then again, maybe I need him to kick Bruce in the shins for a little longer; Bruce might need a second arse-kicking to realize that he doesn't have shit all figured out. Hmm. Thanks for making me brainstorm this; better I decide now than on the spot when I sit down to write it...

Thanks once again!

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"He'd grown to hate this fury because it was, he knew, a perfect (if contorted) mirror of his own." Yesssssss.

Love Joker's turn-around. He's not the type to crumble after an ordeal--he overcomes (though not in the healthiest ways...). I also love how he is able to take the upper hand in spite of his sunken appearance--the obvious evidence of a long two months spent in insomnia and obsession. Bruce has too many cracks for Joker not to exploit (and REFLECT) the weak points in his psyche.

Though he did request the cuffs...

And so much for the book.

Oh god I hope you make this an epically long series. You have many, many devotees in your tiny internet fiction cult. Write more and we sacrifice reviews to your glory.

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Yeah, requesting the cuffs is the telling bit: even though he's confident Brucey's going down, he doesn't want to give Bruce the opportunity to set him as entirely off-guard as last time. However, as evidenced by the parting shot he chooses - just a normal kiss, even a slow and provocative one, which means he learned something from what happened the last time (that he still has that capacity and can perhaps, in time, master it and put it to other uses) - he didn't come out of it without some new psychological weapons.

Yeah, I'm not sure Bruce could've handed over the book without use of his hands, but the situation went so quickly south that they both forgot about it. It was just a prop, as it were, from my perspective.

Well, I can see this much: 3-4 more pieces following this one to complete this second arc. Then, a final longer piece that'll sort of be the third arc in its own right.

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Hieeeee!
A prompt and fantastic continuation!
It's tense as hell.
And the end is terribly awkward.
I think I made a face. ALSO: "Fondness makes the heart grow - Stranger" = Extra fic points.

Best.Batfic.Ever.

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Ahaha, I think I made a face, too, writing it. Kind of hard not to feel sorry for Bruce when he's made a fool of that badly. Joker's timing was just right.

Thank you very much!

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Wow that is all i gotta say is wow this story rocks pls keep up with this wonderfulwn riting i cant get enough of this! hope to see another update from you soon!

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Before the week is out, I imagine the next couple in this arc should be posted. Thanks; glad you're enjoying this!

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This series completely rocks my socks off. :D

Is it okay if I friend you so I don't miss any chapters? I saw I'd missed the last one of the last arc D:

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Thank you so much! And sure, feel free to friend: I'll friend you in return :)

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OMFG, you wrote more!

I love it that Bruce is confused but still trying to keep to his agenda all the same. Keep him talking, keep him talking, and then Joker kisses him and his brain stops working just a little. Favourite part for me, cos it probably would really happen that way.

And the guards are great. Just.. total awesomesauce spread on toast.

♥ ♥

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I do suffer from terminal fondness of the Rosencrantz'n'Guildenstern archetype. I guess that's the space Clive and Anderson occupy here.

I mean, he didn't even get the chance to try to keep the Joker talking. When Joker is ignoring you, you haven't got a chance.

Thank you!

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