[RL - A little love for Jackson]

[tntandgasoline]

The Joker figured he'd get in trouble for breaking and entering one of these days. Nonetheless, here he was lounging around the apartment of one Jackson Rippner. He figured it was about time he paid a visit to the Crane look-alike, especially with how often Lisa seemed to talk about him - or more accurately, tried to not talk about him.

He took the fact that Jackson wasn't home yet as a lucky break; one of the few he had been having lately. And, even though he really had other things to be working on - well, there was always time to visit friends from out-of-town, wasn't there?

Comments

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

The first thing Jackson noticed as he strolled down the hall was the hair rising on the back of his neck as the door slid easily open. It was easy to tell even to a fairly untrained eye that he wouldn't be alone, and only the irrational and quickly suppressed surge of anger at the break in pushed him through the door with a neutral expression. It was all too blatant, whoever it was could either be a rookie of no harm or someone who pointedly wanted him to know he had a visitor.

His blood did run cold when he caught sight of the figure lounging in his apartment, any thoughts of relocation and defense stopping dead for that one moment before his calm reserve kicked in instinctively. Well, he was almost surprised.

"I won't hide the spare key under the doormat next time, never know what undesirables will manage to get in." Jackson commented in a pleasant tone, the sharpness around the edges betraying his neutrality. He pulled off his suit jacket and tossed it to the hanger as casually as if he were alone.

[tntandgasoline]

The Joker stood slowly, casually - he was right at home, for all Jackson cared. "I don't think you need to worry. I have my own keys."

He gestured broadly to the area between them, lips curling into a smile, "Don't bother trying to, uh, retaliate, either. Unlike with Lisa, I took the liberty of... well, ahah, of removing some of the more dangerous items. Unless you're good with pens too."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

Now that struck a nerve. So Lisa was running her tongue, and to men like this. For all her moral bullshit it was obvious some part of her wanted him dead. He nearly smiled through the tightly controlled rage. That a girl.

Yet still inviting the undesirables if that comment was any indication. The deep rooted rage covered his unease fairly well.

"I try to be flexible." he answered, sticking to his footing as he quickly surveyed the room before his eyes landed on the man before him. "To what do I owe this visit?" he asked, eyes narrowing. "You always struck me as a busy man."

[tntandgasoline]

"Oh, don't be so hard on yourself, Jackie!" The Joker paced forward to slap Jackson on the shoulder, not-so-gently guiding him into the main area of the apartment. "I always have time for people who look like friends of mine."

It wouldn't do to get to business right away, anyway. "Well? How are you, Jackie? Doing good?"

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

Jackson tensed at the touch instinctively but said and did nothing, carefully considering his options should the man beside him decide the visit wasn't just so friendly. He was never a comic fan growing up but he had heard his share of the character, enough to know the rules of... luck wouldn't likely be in Jackson's favor. He pulled away and stepped into the main area, only half turned from the clown. What was it they said about never showing your back? Jackson smiled.

"I can't say I am." He answered. "This week seems to be one full of-" he gestured vaguely. "-interruptions." His eyes slid back to the Joker, tone levelly curious. "So how is the good doctor?" He doubted Crane had much to do with this, though he was curious of the two madmen's relationship .

[tntandgasoline]

And Jackson was a smart one, keeping his head and pretending to be calm when he was probably floundering for an escape route. Or one of retaliation.

"Oh, that's too bad. Interruptions can be so... irritating. Good thing this is a friendly one, isn't it? You can work while we chat. What is it you do, anyway?"

At the mention of Crane, he had to laugh, giggling as he flopped casually down onto the couch, stretching out and looking around. "Oh, he's fine. Helped me with some injuries, fixed everything right up."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"He's such a good Samaritan." Jackson commented back, watching the man flop on his couch. He really noticed the make up for the first time, the scars curling up in an unnatural grin. He had seen theatric men in his line of work, no where near as unbalanced and dramatic as the thing before him, and he had never appreciated the little show. Clean and simple and in control. It was when you played with your food when things got ugly.

"I'm a manager." He answered in a long practiced tone, brow quirking as he continued. "And I try not to bring my work home if I can help it." I'm sure a man of your stature knows.

After a moment he sat as well, an armchair a healthy distance across, still watching the Joker like he was trying to dissect his every movement. "I'd offer a drink but I'm not sure who the host is here."

[tntandgasoline]

The Joker rolled his neck and leaned back against the cushions, smiling blandly. "A manager. Now, how come I don't believe that? You're using politically-correct terms instead of real ones. C'mon, you can level with me."

He grinned and gestured around. "This is your place, Jackie! I'm just a guest here, you know? But, uh, if you wanted me to play host we'd have to break until I got some, mm, some color on the walls. Very modern style you got here, y'know?"

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"I don't lie." To those who deserve the courtesy. Jackson's reply was bland, a slight shrug accompanying. "It's a messy business, don't you think?" he eyed the man a moment before renewing his easy smile. "I manage whatever my employer happens to need. It's a large choice of activities- so manager is really the best term."

Jackson's expression darkened just a touch, wondering idly if 'coloring the walls' was his idea of some kind of threat. The man's entire presence put him on edge easily enough. Chaos plopped right in the middle of his control.

"I prefer to think of it as simple." he said, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, fingers steepled. "I'm afraid I don't have your flair for the dramatic." He said, tone a little too dry to be without insult.

[tntandgasoline]

"A man after my own heart. Nothing like your counterpart, either. I'm impressed."

The Joker smiled at the pose, like he was interested - or just guarded. It was so very, very strange to see someone looking just like Crane being so openly cautious; the good doctor was more likely to be subtle about these kinds of things after all.

"Simple, boring. But now you have me here - I'm sure I could figure out something to make this place seem more like home." Casually, he added, "Even Lisa has more lying around, and you know how she likes to hide."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"A bit of a liar is he?" Jackson feigned curiosity but that was easy to see enough. After all, he had been witness to the good doctor's treatment of Edward. It took a moment of effort not to smile at the thought.

The Joker's own gash of smile drew his attention again, though he kept his gaze on the other's eyes. "Who said this was home?" He asked, leaning his head back a touch. "I always put home together with complacency. Now that is 'boring,' don't you think?"

He had been expecting Lisa's name ever since her first mention and he was well prepared not to change his stance or expression in the slightest at it's repeat. He took a moment to look vaguely thoughtful, brow raising once more. "Lisa and I have different tastes." He answered, the neutrality of the words as telling as if it had been a sharp snap back.

[tntandgasoline]

"He knows how to, uh, spin a yarn, but nothing too dangerous."

Jackson's pokerface was much better than Crane's, he could give him that. "Home is where you hang your hat, Jackie-boy. I guess you need to be bland, though, don't you? It makes things..." He waved a hand, "Simpler. And you don't strike me as the kinda guy who, uh, who likes to be complex." Not on the surface at least; that would make things too obvious.

"Lisa has better taste, you mean," he said glibly, crossing his arms behind his head.

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"Somehow I doubt that." Dangerous was just the word to describe that decrepit city's 'scarecrow.'

Jackson's lips twisted into a fragment of a smile at the fairly accurate analysis, looking more bemused than anything. Simple, perhaps, he preferred an environment he could control and abandon.

"Not all things." He answered, tilting his head. "I prefer my home to have some order. The world's such a chaotic place after all."

Lisa, always the trouble maker. "Beauty's in the eye of the beholder." he commented, taking the risk of continuing to address the topic of Miss Reisert rather than ignore it out right. "Then again, Lisa seems to prefer the complex."

[tntandgasoline]

The Joker shrugged and kicked up his feet, settling in like it was his home. "There are scarier things that go bump in the night in Gotham than doctor Crane."

He looked around the apartment with vague distaste obvious on his face - there was no reason to hide it around a guy like Jackson. "It's very, very controlled. I can see you like that."

For the time-being, he ignored the comment about Lisa, waving at Jackson dismissively. "You're not being a very good host, by the by."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"Like?" Jackson asked, keeping the irate expression from his face as the other settled in. "I assume you mean yourself. You do have a reputation." he commented noncommittally.

That vague disgust- Jackson wasn't sure if it pleased him or concerned him. He made no comment, sitting back with a raised brow in something resembling challenge. "You're not being a very good guest." he answered back slowly.

[tntandgasoline]

"Oh, I'm not so narcissistic to say something like that." Even if it was true. "Maybe I'm talking about... oh, Batman or something."

He kind of wanted to trash the place, so it wasn't exactly the nicest look he could have. "What do you mean, not being a good guest? I haven't killed you yet; I think that earns me brownie points."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

Well from what he knew of old comics and fantastical movies that man was certainly dangerous, though not to the type of people most would mourn. "Are you afraid of him?" He asked, more interested in the reaction than whatever false answer he would get.

"Arriving announced and timely is what earns guests brownie points." Jackson said, a distinct edge regaining ground on his tone after the Joker's comment on killing. "I guess that means you want a drink."

[tntandgasoline]

The Joker blanched for a split second before cracking up, grabbing his sides as he rolled off the couch and onto the floor in giddy laughter. "Afraid of him! How could I be afraid of him?!"

After a moment, he dropped the laughter as if it had never happened and grinned mildly up at Jackson. "If it's not too much trouble.

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"Then what would you call it?" Jackson asked, eying the man for a moment before he stood in a fluid motion.

"What's your poison?" He asked, offhanded and a mockery of friendly behind a sharp glance.

[tntandgasoline]

"Adoration, of course." The Joker gestured wildly on the ground, rolling onto his back and following Jackson's movements. "He's my inspiration!"

He paused to consider the question, then giggled, "Anything that isn't poison!"

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"The doctor seems to think of him more as a pest." Not completely true, there was something in the way he was brought up among the Gotham dwellers that was very close to the stilled breath of a gospel. From the kitchen the sound of glass clinking against surface punctuated the statement.

A few moments later he returned with a cup of water, nice and bland and controlled, and placed it on the nearest surface to the clown. He wasn't risking getting too close. "I think your... inspiration is a little off the mark."

[tntandgasoline]

"The doctor isn't the best person to go to for opinions, Jackie." The Joker pushed himself off the floor and clambered back onto the couch, lounging and watching Jackson bring out the water. He gave the glass a dismissive glance and focused all his attention back on Jackson.

"You don't know much about Gotham, if you think me and the Batman aren't connected."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

It took a great deal of effort not to say the same could be said for the Joker, but he refrained. This one was a little too unpredictable for games.

"I don't claim to know much." Jackson answered as he sat again."And 'connected' doesn't explain anything. Must be the bond between arch enemies." he said with a vague gesture of his hand.

[tntandgasoline]

"Arch enemies, soulmates, whatever." The Joker nearly kicked over the glass of water as he stretched out, rolling his eyes towards Jackson. "So, when are you gonna, uh, ask why I'm here? Or have you already got some guesses?

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"A fine line?" Jackson replied, eyes flicking to the disturbed glass as quickly as they returned to the painted face. He considered for a moment, cautious before his brow raised. "My first guess would be for amusement." Because of Lisa, but the name did not leave his lips.

[tntandgasoline]

"That's the smart guy's guess. Amusement." He chuckled. "After all, I'm the, uh, the Joker and I do things for fun. Right?"

He finally reached for the water and idly swirled it in the glass, looking as though he were bored. "You know, I'm pretty sure I've asked Lisa a few times if I should kill you for her."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"Well I doubt there's anything you could need from me, and social visits or idle threats would be for amusement's sake." Jackson answered, the bored look on the other man's face feeling almost like a triumph until the words left his mouth.

The fact he kept his face merely cold was well done considering the surge of irritation. "And she vehemently said no to."

[tntandgasoline]

"Ah-hah, there's the keyword. Idle." The Joker leisurely sat up, stretching his arms. "She said no a thousand times over. It's so irritating, you'd think she'd be less..." He waved a hand, "Good. It's like she's made of sugar cookies and sunshine."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"No, I think the keyword is 'threat.' " Jackson answered, eyes narrowing just a touch. Oh Lisa, such a nuisance.

"I think she enjoys being a martyr." He said, a tone much like someone guessing widely at something he knew little about. "Maybe she enjoys the thrill of dangerous men such as yourself." He couldn't sound more trite.

[tntandgasoline]

"Me? I'm not dangerous." The Joker threw his arms wide, "At least, not for her. Not like you are."

He leaned forward and put his arms on his knees, raising an eyebrow at Jackson. "Why are you so interested in the gal, anyway?"

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"Why would you think I'm dangerous for her?" Jackson asked levelly, not bothering to feign surprise.

He met the Joker's gaze with a raised eyebrow of his own. "I could ask you the same."

[tntandgasoline]

"Even I don't make her as uptight as your name does. Besides, she doesn't strike me as the kinda girl to, uh, to just stab someone without a reason."

The Joker shrugged and leaned into the couch cushions easily. "Oh, I don't know. She's cute."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

A tight look passed his face at the words- what else had she told him? He took a moment before raising his brow. "She's a very excitable girl."

His lips nearly quirked at that. "There are plenty of cute girls in your own world, aren't there?"

[tntandgasoline]

He giggled at the change of expression, standing up and cracking his neck. "No, she's pretty level-headed, actually. She thinks things through. Like, when I first showed up? She thought ahead and tucked a corkscrew away in case I attacked her. I didn't, obviously, since I promised I wouldn't, but the thinking ahead thing was smart."

He moved towards the kitchenette, leaving his back exposed without giving any sort of indication that it actually was unguarded. "Oh, plenty of cute girls - but none of them are quite as fun."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"If she were levelheaded she wouldn't have let a man of your reputation into her home." Jackson answered smoothly. "No offense of course."

Jackson kept his seat, though the professional in him wanted to attack right there. He had no doubt one violent action would mean letting the proverbial cat out of the bag, and he was willing to risk inaction for the moment. "Fun? I find her to be a bit of a liar myself."

[tntandgasoline]

"Sometimes it's safer, you know? To let the lion into the den, or something." He waved a hand and began rummaging around in the kitchenette, opening and closing drawers that he had, for all Jackson knew, already gone through.

"You see, that's a problem I haven't had with her!" He looked at Jackson long enough to say, "I was honest with her from the get-go, and she's been nothing but honest in return. I expect you lied to get close to her, didn't you?" He waggled a finger, "See, that's just rude."

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

"I never heard that one before." Jackson answered, listening to the rummaging with a distinct edge to his gaze. He flexed his fingers once before calming completely.

That calm disappeared in a heartbeat at the accusation, and he didn't bother to smother the sharpness in his gaze. "I never lied to her." He said, tone just a touch lower. "She, on the other hand, is quite fond of it. I'm curious as to how many lies she spewed to you."

[tntandgasoline]

"I may have made it up, I don't remember."

He smirked at that tone - oh, had he hit a nerve? - and sauntered back towards Jackson, keeping a semi-wide berth. "Oh, she's never lied to me. You know, it's funny - she's a real honest gal. If she wants to lie to me, all she does is say something vague and change the subject. I can respect her boundaries too." Not like a stalker would understand.

[ripp-ner.livejournal.com]

Jackson forced a smile. "Funny how fear makes people tell the truth I suppose." He answered, standing up finally. "You know what they say- everyone lies. How lucky for you she decided to drop the habit for your conversations." he said with a sharp edge of sarcasm.

[tntandgasoline]

"Oh, she doesn't have anything to fear from little old me."

That standing move - that wasn't very nice. It was almost like he was trying to gain ground in this situation and that wasn't how this worked. "If she's lied to me, who am I to say anything, anyway? She must have a good reason for it." He stepped forward and put a hand on Jackson's shoulder, pushing at him, "Sit down."