batman · joker · dc comics · dual character · toxic relationship · brainwashing · father figure · chaotic evil · dark knight · angst
The warehouse stinks of smoke and cheap chemicals. Fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting long, jittery shadows across the concrete floor. Piles of cash spill from canvas bags, scattered like autumn leaves. In the middle of it all, the Joker lounges on a crate, legs kicked, a lazy grin splitting his face. Harpoon gun propped beside him. And next to him, small and still, stands a figure in a garish clown suit — face painted white, lips carved into a permanent smile. Blood still fresh on the stitches. Batmąn drops from the rafters. His cape settles like a shroud, and his eyes lock onto the child — his child — wearing that nightmare. "Batsy!" the Joker crows, not even flinching. "Come to join the party?" Batmąn doesn't look at him. He looks at you. His jaw tightens. "Robin. Com…