Scars

Scarlett walked around the room looking at things. He had left her just a few minutes ago to go downstairs in full Joker make-up. He said he needed to give his men some instructions and then he would return. She sighed as she looked out the window and down at Gotham. She couldn't help but to think if she was crazy for having feelings for this mad man. Here she was about to embark on a new time in her life with the shop getting started, was she really prepared to deal with Jack and all of the craziness that came along with him?

He walked down the stairs humming a catchy little tune. His men were each lined up in the living room. He motioned for them to have a seat with his gloved hand. He looked at each of them, for intimation purposes.

Joker: Dopey, Giggles. Go find out the location of Sal Maroni, and don't get back until you've got it.

The two goons rushed over to the corner and grabbed a few things off the counter. Probably keys, cash, and whatever else they may need as they go and try to find a man who was in hiding. The Joker watched as they walked out of the door. He let his eyes linger back over to his men, they stopped on the new henchmen also known as Happy.

Joker: Got a problem, Happy?

The goon didn't talk. He just shook his head. Although The Joker knew something was wrong with him, he could just feel it. He pulled out his gun and placed it towards his head. He was going to make him squeal like a little pig.

Happy: Boss! I didn't do anything!
Joker: You're giving me an odd look.
Happy: I swear! I'm sorry!

The henchmen pleaded pathetically as he shuddered with fear. Smiley was over in the corner with a look of guilt on his face. He was about to betray a man; but would hopefully gain respect in the process.

Smiley: He's scared your gonna kill him because of the comments he made earlier.
Joker: Comments?
Happy: SHUT UP.
Joker: No no no, I'd like for him to continue.

He said as he cocked the gun and walked over placing the barrel to Happy's temple. Smiley then knew that he was in too far to back down now. He would be responsible for the death of Happy.

Smiley: He was talking about the girl..

The Joker raised an eyebrow in amusement. He really wanted to know what the comments were now.

Joker: What was the comments, Happy? Uh.. What did you say about "The Girl"?

He ask in a very mocking tone as he clicked his tongue back and forth. Happy's teeth was clutched together and he could barely move let alone talk; fear had completely taken over his body.

Joker: TELL ME.

He bellowed. Happy closed his eyes and didn't say a word though. The Joker grew tired of his games and reached inside his pocket and pulled out one of his many knives. He ordered Smiley to hold his gun, the young henchmen obeyed. He then raised the knife to Happy's face and traced a small line over his cheeks. It was barely a scratch, but it did leave a small almost un-noticeable trail of blood behind.

Joker: Now we can make this fast, or we can make this very slow and painful. What did you say about her?

Happy knew that his life was out of his hands right now. He could either make it go faster or go slow. He let his eyes travel up to the Joker's whose was now filled with anger. They was the darkest brown he had ever seen, and was sure he saw a glimpse of the devil in them. He opened his mouth ready to say his last words, wishing that he would have kept his mouth shut earlier.

Happy: I said I wouldn't mind taking her out back and showing her exactly why women like her were put on this earth.

The Joker was steamed at his comment. Normally he would find humor in what Happy was saying; but no. Not when it was Scarlett. He leaned closer to the scared man and whispered into his ear.

Joker: And exactly why were women like her put here?

He knew his answer already, but he wanted to make him say it. It would only fuel the anger inside him even more. It'd make his death even more valuable.

Happy: So guys can fuck them.

Fueled by the words that Happy had just said he decided he deserved much more than a fast death. He deserved the slow and painful one. The Joker pressed his knife deep inside one of his cheeks, and then just as quick as he could he jerked it cutting the flesh. Smiley cringed watching and hearing the ripping of the skin. He knew that Happy's death was his fault; but he couldn't help it. If The Joker ever found out that he knew that Happy had said something like that without telling him; then he would be dead too.

The Joker continued with Happy until he was a bloody masterpiece laying on the cold floor. He then raised up and pulled his bloody gloves off. He tossed them into the corner and looked down at the creation he had made on the flour. Happy was sliced and diced with blood flowing from every inch of his body.

Joker: Take out the trash, Smiles.

He said before heading back upstairs. He knew that he had just made a statement to his men. One had witnessed it and would soon tell the others and then each and every one of them would know that she is not something they should talk about. He opened the door and walked in to see her sitting on the bed. He knew he had taken much longer than he would've planned, but he couldn't help it. When he wasn't around her; he couldn't control his murderous ways.

Scarlett: Jack, you took forever.
Joker: Sorry, Princess. I was uh.. taking care of the trash.
Scarlett: You always say you're taking out the trash, Jack. What exactly does that mean?

She ask as she got up from the bed she was sitting on and walked over to him. She looked at his sleeve and noticed it was drowned in blood. She backed away slowly, knowing what he meant by 'taking out the trash'. He looked down and noticed that his sleeve had blood on it and then entered the bathroom. He washed his face clean and then stripped out of the Joker clothing. He walked out in a fresh pair of jeans and a black white beater.

Scarlett looked over at Jack when he walked out of the shower. He was just the way she liked him. Without the caked on make-up and ridiculous suit. Although she didn't mind when he was in Joker apparel. She just thought his 'normal' skin suited him better than the caked on war paint. She smiled as he walked over and took a seat on the bed, humming a catchy tune to himself. He wasn't fully out of Joker character yet.

Scarlett: I think I should be getting home soon.
Joker: What's the hurry, Princess?
Scarlett: Lots of work to do! The opening is the day after tomorrow.

He nodded his head, not wanting her to leave but not about to protest it. He still wasn't sure if he could show her the affection he wanted to; he didn't know if he still had it in him. Sure, they kissed and even slept side by side. But he still didn't know about her. He knew he could trust her, but it was about more than trust. It was about him. Everything he was feeling towards her was new to him. It was like an adult learning to ride a bike again after 40 years of not being on one. He didn't know if he had it in him to love again. Jeannie had ruined him, and made him what he is today. He still didn't know if his feelings of love were destroyed with the rest of his feelings, or if somewhere they were buried deep down inside of him just itching to surface.