just think of the fun things we could do, 'cause i like you

—-

You did a lot more jobs for the Joker after that. And after a little while, you began to realize that Dietrich Maxim had been the real test- the Arkham mission was to see if you could kill, killing Dietrich ensured that you could do it unprompted. 

And now that Joker knew you could do it, he sent you out far more often. You knew there was still more he could have you do, but if he thought you weren't ready yet, you'd just have to prove that you were. 

You found out that your little group- Frost, Sharkey, Panda, and Fox- did far more than just robberies and assassinations. Frost in particular had other jobs, including making deals with various weapons dealers and gang leaders around the city on Joker's behalf. 

And then there was the Joker himself. You didn't see him much. Sometimes he'd give you things to do in person, but mostly he'd just text you the information. And you never refused a job. You lied, cheated, killed, and stole for him, and when you came back successful, he would reward you with his red-lipped, metal smile. 

It was worth every second of horror you did for him. 

One night, on the way back from a robbery almost gone wrong, you burst into the penthouse to see Joker, Frost, Sharkey, Panda, and Fox seated around the coffee table, playing cards.

Well, everyone else was sitting. Joker was sprawled out on the sofa, because he never really sat- he lounged, sometimes lay on the floor, but never sat like a normal person. And with the way he was arranged on the couch, you couldn't help but notice the lean lines of his body beneath his open white button-down shirt.

You started, glancing away quickly before you could be caught looking. You felt a little out of place, thanks to two bleeding cuts on your face, your dirty with dust hands, and the sweat dripping down the back of your neck.

"Y/N!" Joker crowed when he saw you, stretching out your name into multiple syllables. He tossed his cards onto the table. "Count me out, Jonny. I have to talk to Y/N."

He stood gracefully and walked over to you, taking your sleeve between two fingers. He tugged you away from the rest of the group, and you followed.

"Did you get it?" He asked quietly.

"Yes sir," you said, and pulled the USB drive you'd been tasked with stealing from your pocket. You handed it to him, ignoring how your stomach erupted into butterflies when your fingers brushed his.

"Good," Joker purred. He reached out and cupped the back of your neck, his metal rings cool against your heated skin. Then, "We're going out tonight, Y/N."

"Special occasion, sir?" You asked.

"I'd say so. You've been so perfect lately, I think a celebration is in order. What do you think?"

You faltered, unsure of how to answer. "I- I'd like that." 

Joker's smile was wicked. "I knew you would." He looked over at the guys, who were still playing, cursing at each other every so often. Then his hand was gone from your neck, and he was slapping you on the shoulder and striding back towards the group. "Alright, break it up, break it up. We're goin' out on the town tonight, what do you say, Jonny Jonny?" 

Frost just nodded. "Sounds good to me, J." 

"We're taking off when I'm ready," Joker warned, then clapped his hands. "So be quick, or you're getting left behind." The room cleared out pretty quickly after that, and when it became clear that he didn't want you to stay, you left with Frost. 

"So," he said in the elevator. "Been good recently, have you?" 

You snorted. "I'd say so. He's been working me hard all month." 

"Not to rain on your parade, but don't expect this to be a break. He's got more reason to go out tonight than just this." 

"Aw, damn. Here I was, just starting to think I was special," you joked. 

"Sorry, kid," Frost said, laughing. "Anyway, you probably won't be involved- it's just a meeting with a few gang leaders. I'll have to be there, but you can enjoy yourself." 

You stretched your arms out above your head and tilted your head to one side, then the other. God, you were tense. "Oh, I'm going to."