Telltale Batjokes/Juce Soulmate AU Fic
A/N: The long awaited soulmate Au fic!! It is longer than I intended, welp ;_; Also go easy on me because itâs been years since I have last uploaded writing and this is my first time doing so on Tumblr. ALSO I know a lot of you guys suggested I kept my original idea and not change it after the ending of S2 BUT I actually felt that this ended up working out a lot better but yeah anyway enjoy! <3
âWho- who are you?â Bruce stammered, still visibly shaken from the beating heâd just taken. The man who had saved him knelt down in front of him, a concerned expression on his porcelain face. He wore an Arkham inmate uniform, although he had a long sleeved purple shirt underneath the standard white uniform, with only his left sleeve rolled up.
âBuddy, aww buddy...are you okay?â Bruce blinked. Did this man just...?
âYou donât look so grand...more like the opposite. What would that be?â Bruce blinked, his head still fuzzy, mind racing. Had this man really just said what he think he heard him say?
 Bruce realised the man was waiting, wide-eyed and expectantly for a response.
âI...thank you. I appreciate the help.â Bruce stammered, his blue eyes locked onto the pale manâs vibrant green ones.
âYouâre welcome,â the man said, snapping Bruce out of his thoughts.
âIf we donât look out for each other, who will, right?â Bruce furrowed his brow at the stranger, taking in his forest-green hair, unable to deter a strong urge to run his hands through it as a woman walked into the room. Her white coat showed she was a doctor, and she didnât look pleased. The man stood up quickly, like a school-boy caught causing mischief. Bruce wondered if violence was a common occurrence with this man.
âWhatâs going on in here?â she demanded in a firm, but still polite voice. Bruce barely opened his mouth before the strange man spoke up.
âItâs like I told you Doctor! These creeps were attacking the new guy!â he held a hand out to the unconscious men on the floor. Bruce resisted a smile, rubbing a thumb lightly over his right hip under the guise of rubbing a sore spot. He needed to speak to this man alone...somehow.
âWell who did THAT? Was it you?â the doctor raised an accusatory eyebrow at the green-haired stranger.
âOf course not!â He quickly lied, âit was mostly over by the time I got in. The new guy is tougher than he looks. Right buddy?â He bent over, holding a hand out to Bruce, who took it gingerly. He wasnât a fan of being held accountable for this guyâs violence. Even if this man was meant to be hisâŚ
Bruce grunted as he was pulled up by the stranger. His hands were surprisingly warm, Bruce noted. He had been expecting an ice cold touch to match the colour of his skin.
The doctor inclined her head towards Bruce, âBruce, is that really what happened?â she asked.
âYeah. Yeah thatâs what happened.â the words slipped from his lips before he had even thought it through. He glanced quickly from the man then back to the doctor.
âWe have a very strict no fighting policy here in Arkham. If you can't find obey that rule...youâre going to find yourself in hot water fast.â she stated plainly.
âThe orderly that was here before took money from these men and let them into my room! He gave them a taser!â Bruce could feel his blood rising again. He knew it was probably still the effects of the drug Vicki had injected into him, but he was still having a hard time ignoring the urge to wrap his hands around someoneâs throat.
The doctor didnât seem to notice his flaring temper, as she replied, âI knew that you coming to arkham could cause some...excitement. But I didnât expect it to happen so fast. Iâll do my best to keep you safe, but I need you to be careful.â Bruce glowered at her, his temper calming down only slightly.
âUs nice guys gotta stick together. Am I right?â The stranger smiled over at Bruce, drawing his attention back in to his handsome face. Bruce was shocked as a wave of calmness washed over him.
âThank you, I appreciate the effort.â he nodded politely to the Doctor, forcing a smile.
She smiled back at him, âIâm glad youâre so understanding after what just happened. Good thing help wasnât far away.â She and Bruce stared over at him. Bruce bit his lip. Did he know? If he did, he hadnât showed it.
âHey Iâm just looking out for the new guy.â He shrugged casually.
âIâm Doctor Joan Leland, by the way. Head of Psychiatry. Iâll be overseeing your case personally. Weâll get you transferred to a new room, Bruce,â she indicated the blood stains all over the room, âone that doesnât have your...blood all over it.â
 Bruce was hardly listening, distracted as his shoulder brushed against the green-haired man. He couldnât help but wonder if the man had done it intentionally.
âFor now, follow me.â Doctor Leland ordered, leading them out of the room.
Bruce took his chance as they began to walk together, âIâm sorry, I donât think I ever got your name-?â
The man paused, a discernible expression on his face, then glanced over to Bruce, an eyebrow raised and a devilish smirk on his face.
âHeâs never given his name out to anybody.â Doctor Leland chimed in, when the man had begun to laugh maniacally to himself.
âWe just call him âJohn Doeâ.â she added, as they continued on.
âBingo!â The man-or now, John, Bruce supposed- began laughing to himself once more, as though it were the funniest thing that only he knew his real name.
 âJohn is one of our most improved patients.â Doctor Leland began as the trio headed down the vast halls of Arkham. âHeâs been with us for quite some time. Iâm sure heâd be willing to show you around. Right John?â Bruce wasnât listening, however, but rather staring at John. His hand brushed over his hip again, his thumb grazing that same spot once more. He knew what words had been imprinted there, what words had always been there. Words he had waited his entire life to hear. Words he had long since forgotten about, too busy, too hurt to bother considering that he would ever actually hear them. The very first words his soulmate would say to him.
But John...he was a patient. How could Bruce deal with whatever baggage this man carried, when he already carried the weight of the worldâs on his back?
 âOh yeah, Iâll show him the whole nine yards.â John smirked, striding casually down the halls with his hands placed behind his back.
âI think it would be best if you stay by his side for now.â Doctor Leland suggested. Bruce couldnât believe it. This was just too ridiculously perfect for this not to be real. Ever since childhood heâd been told how soulmates not only find each other, but are always somehow...drawn to be with one another. That it was impossible to avoid your fate. Maybe his parents were right.
Bruce, lost in thought, lingered slowly behind John and Doctor Leland, only vaguely listening to their conversation on Johnâs improvement, when an arm suddenly reached out and gripped Bruceâs own. âI CANâT TASTE ANYTHING!!! I WANT TO TASTE!!!â A patient screamed at Bruce as he pulled out of his grip. A couple of orderlies rushed in to handle things, and John raised an eyebrow over at Bruce, âYou gotta be more careful Bruce...some of these guys bite.â
Bruce said nothing, but moved to stay on the opposite side of the hall, away from the cells.
 âDo you remember the first time you let me into the rec room, Doctor Leland?â John started up again. Bruce decided paying attention would be the better choice. After all, he had no idea how long he would have to be in Arkham for...and getting to know John could only be good, right?
âHow could I forget?â Doctor Leland replied fondly.
âYou had to teach me how to play checkers.â John reminisced. Bruce wondered how long exactly John had been in Arkham, if heâd never known how to play checkers.
Doctor Leland didnât get to respond, as an inmate suddenly ran towards an old phone, âNo no⌠you need to let me go! I have to warn the president! Theyâre trying to kill me!!!â He wailed, being dragged away by two orderlies quickly.
âThey donât like it when you try to use the phone.â John whispered warningly, but not quiet enough that Doctor Leland didnât hear.
âThatâs because phones are for staff use only. No exceptions.â She glanced quickly at Bruce, who couldnât help feel slightly defensive at her accusatory stare.
âDidnât stop that guy from trying...such persistence.â John quickly moved over the the door of the patients cell, banging on it aggressively, âWrong number, dumbass!â
âJohn!â snapped Doctor Leland. John immediately stopped, a doe-eyed expression on his face.
 They finally stopped at two double doors. âIâll come by to check on you two later.â  Doctor Leland said.
âDonât worry about us, Doctor Leland! Iâm gonna take good care of him.â John replied as he lead Bruce through the doors to the rec room. He opened his arms widely, âWelcome... to Arkham Asylum. Believe it or not, some of these people are crazy!â Bruce took in the entire room, mentally mapping out everything he could. How many guards there were, the exits, the patients, and the quality of everything within. âBut everyoneâs friendly. Mostly.â John added with a smile. âIâd watch yourself around those two.â He inclined his head over towards an old man with a sock puppet, and a shirtless bald man covered in scars that looked eerily like tally marks.
âThanks for the warning.â Bruce said softly.
âNo problem, buddy.â John replied casually, his demeanour like one who was showing a new employee around the workplace. âLetâs see...on the couch, thatâs Sane Lewis. His favourite showâs on. Never misses it.â The television was playing static. John stood in front of the man, cupping his hands together, a sweet smile on his face. âAlright friendo- commercial break. Get up!â he snapped, but neednât go any further as the man rushed away hastily. As Bruce neared, John had begun looking around the area, his hands placed thoughtfully on his hips. Bruce wondered if his words were in the same spot on John as they were on himself. âWhere is...the remote? One of the orderlies must have taken it. Never fear though! Iâll go ask Leland. She likes me.â He boasted proudly, going to head past Bruce before pausing with a blink. âI almost forgot. Here.â Before Bruce realised what he was doing, Johnâs hand was in his, as he felt the weight of something chunky and metallic hit his palm. He glanced down. It was an old fashioned key.
âWhat is this?â He asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. John simply smiled, and walked away. Bruce decided it would be best to figure out what the key was for later, pocketing it quickly.
 Bruce spent some time listening in to other inmates conversations, and even attempting to use the key a couple of times to no avail. He refused to admit the slight relief he felt when John entered the room once more.
âHey there, buddy boy!â John waved, âYa missed me? I missed you.â John made himself comfortable in the old worn out armchair he had forced Sane Lewis out of, placing his feet up as he turned the tv on to the news.
Bruce watched as Harvey Dent- his old friend spoke of the Children of Arkham, how he was going to clean up Gothamâs streets. John scowled, âNever anything good on, is there?â
Bruce contemplated his next move. He by no means planned on staying in Arkham for long, but he did need to speak to John...no matter how suspicious he seemed. Sighing to himself, he walked over to John, âYour key. It didnât work.â
John giggled inwardly, âOf course not, thatâs not how you get out of here.â He grinned up at Bruce, his laughter apparently hard to control as he spoke, âYou tried it though, didnât you! Thatâs hilarious!â Bruce frowned, unamused, and the two men both turned their attention back towards the tv. âPoliticians usually bore me to tears, but this one? This one has become a lot more interesting lately...â he turned to Bruce with a smirk, then back to the tv once more.
âIn my Gotham no oneâs above the law. Including Bruce Wayne.â Bruce felt Johnâs eyes boring into him, but was determined to keep a straight face, keeping his eyes forward. âAfter his vicious attack on Oswald Cobblepot I had Mr. Wayne committed to Arkham Asylum where I hope heâll receive the treatment he so desperately needs.â Bruce gritted his teeth as his mind began reeling again. That same urge to strangle someone had returned, only this time it was directed towards Harvey.
âThat double crossing, two-faced-â
âI thought you and the mayor were friends?â John smirked. He was trying to rile Bruce up, and if he had been in the right state of mind he would be able to shrug it off. But this was different. âHarvey was my friend. I canât believe heâs the one who put me in here.â
âSounds like you need better friends.â John muttered, a slight inflection in his voice. Was he implying himself? âSlim picking around here though. Iâve looked.â He added sadly, before turning back to the tv, catching the ending of Harveyâs speech. âNow THIS is good television!â He laughed. ââMayor on a rampageâ versus âFreaky Drug Terroristâ!â He chuckled to himself.
âLady Arkhamâs dangerous, way more dangerous than you think.â Bruce warned him, feeling the effects of the drugs calming down again, hopefully for the last time.
âOhhhh I know about Lady Arkham, let me tell you...â
â-Tragically, thereâs still no sign of Gotham Gazette reporter, Vicki Vale, after her mysterious disappearance earlier this week.â The news reporter read as a photo of Vicki-Lady Arkham- flashed on the screen.
âVery tricky, Vicki.â John commented, leaning over to Bruce, resting his chin in the palm of his hand knowingly, âI think we both know sheâs quite the âLadyâ. Right Bruce?â
Bruce felt his eyes widen, unable to hide his surprise. Who was this man? How did he knowâŚ
âWait, you know that Vicki is...Tell me what you know-â Bruce began, only to be interrupted b John, who was clearly enjoying this.
âYou want to find Vicki and her drugs huh? Get your revenge just like you got your revenge on Cobblepot? Publicly and dramatically! Something entertaining for these newscasters to talk about.â He smirked at Bruce.
âThat all depends on you. If your information is good, weâll see.â Bruce answered sternly. Soulmate or not, he didnât trust this guy as far as he could throw him. He was starting to be relieved that this man didnât seem to know at least that fact about him.
âI knew I liked you.â John smiled, rising to his feet. âIâve been watching you for a while now, Bruce.â He spoke in a husky voice, one that sent chills down Bruceâs spine, and he wasnât certain whether it was from fear, or something else. âAnd I can tell thereâs something...darker in you.â John was staring at Bruce almost predatorily now. Bruce fought the urge to match his stare, knowing it was probably better not to compete with John. But those eyes...they were impossible to look away from. Despite all of this, Bruce still wanted to know...who exactly was John Doe?
 Bruce didnât know what to say, as he sat across from John...or was it still Joker? Bruce realised he didnât even know what to call his best friend anymore. He almost let out a laugh at that thought. Best friend. He knew that their relationship had long since passed that territory, yet also neither of them had ever had the guts to say so. That was until a month ago, when everything had just gone straight downhillâŚ
 âI was such an idiot.â Johnâs voice rang clear as day through Bruceâs memory. âI was so busy looking at you. Admiring you. Wanting to be like you.â He had paused, hesitated. âBe loved by you.â Bruce still remembered the lump in his throat in that moment. Maybe because it was the same one he had in this very instant.
âH-hi John.â He finally stammered, forcing himself to look John right in those big green eyes of his. He hoped heâd picked the right name.
âOh Bruce, I-Iâm so happy to see you!â Johnâs arms reached out, and Bruce prepared himself for those infamous hugs John seemed to love giving him. But it never came, as John hesitantly pulled his arms back into his lap. âSorry...probably not a good idea...given the circumstances.â
Bruce sighed softly, out of relief that he was in fact going by John once more. He licked his lips, feeling his mouth was completely dry, his palms sweaty...why did he have to be so nervous around John? So uncertain? He had lived most of his life faking emotion for others, being able to pretend he was cool, calm, confident. But never with John. Nothing could ever be fake with John.
âItâs good to see you too, John.â Bruce stared down at his lap. He needed to get so much off his chest. Things he had wished he had been brave to speak about long before all of this happened. But talking about his feelings did not come as a second nature to Bruce, and usually when he tried, heâd screw things up.
 âWhy?â John suddenly uttered, turning Bruceâs attention back to him. âAfter everything I did...why wouldnât you just leave me here to rot? Everyone else has.â John sounded so vulnerable, like he might even cry. Bruce had never wanted to hold him more. John hissed abruptly, cradling his right hand in his left. He rubbed a thumb lightly over his palm, where a dark bruised scar with stitches ran along it. Bruce winced alongside John, not even realising he had extended a hand to lightly touch it.
John fell silent as Bruce traced his finger along the ridges of the stitches, finally staring back up at Bruce.
âYouâre my f-...you...mean a lot to me, John. And for what itâs worth, Iâm so sorry about this.â Bruce gave him a small smile, scooting closer to examine the stitches further. âHeh...two threads in the same stitch, right?â Bruceâs smile dropped as quickly as it had appeared. âSorry, thatâs not fu-â
He paused as John slowly began chuckling, watching as it grew into full on laughter.
âThat is funny Bruce...I think I may be starting to rub off on you...â He smiled over at Bruce, and for a moment it seemed like it used to be. Maybe even better.
 Bruce cleared his throat nervously, realising he was still holding Johnâs hand, and released it, standing as if he were merely stretching. He needed to change the subject, before he could back out. âJohn,â He was finding it really hard to look him in the eyes now, and knew undoubtedly that John would notice his strange behaviour.
âThatâs my name.â John said lightly. Bruce spun on his heel to face the green haired man once more. âBut it isnât really, is it?â John blinked innocently. âNo, I uh...guess I forgot.â
Bruce sighed again, running a hand through his hair anxiously.
âLook I- we need to talk about that night.â To his surprise, John nodded in agreement.
âI know...I was kinda just hoping you wouldnât mention it, though.â He sheepishly added, placing a hand behind his back. âA lot of things were said and done, but we can just start over and pretend none of it ever ha-â He stared up at Bruce, who stood in front of him with folded arms and an eyebrow raised. âCanât hurt a guy for trying, Brucie!â
Bruce smiled briefly, before drawing in a nervous breath. âI think this will work best if I just talk for a moment with no interruptions, okay?â John nodded, sitting up attentively, hugging something close to his chest. Bruce had to do a double take to realise it was a small handmade doll of...himself?
 Bruce shook his head. That wasnât important right now. âOkay...that night you...you said you wanted to be...uhh...â neither of the men were quite looking each other in the eye now. They knew where this was going. â...you wanted to be loved by me...â he forced the words out, feeling as if he was back in school having to give a formal speech to his teacher again. He hastened a look at John, who stared back at him wordlessly. He was biting his bottom lip, as if he was trying to not burst out in denial. Bruce sort of wished he would. Denial was a lot easier than this. âBut the thing is...I, err...â Johnâs eyes widened now, his head tilting in morbid curiosity. âYouâŚ?â He uttered so softly Bruce wasnât even sure he heard it. Bruce closed his eyes, unable to say exactly what was on his mind, when suddenly⌠I donât have to say it! He thought, and began hastily unbuckling his belt.
If Johnâs eyes could have widened further, they would have. âUhh, BruceâŚ?â He stared on simultaneously confused yet excited, he had to admit.
âItâs not what it looks like.â Bruce mumbled bashfully, finally loosening his belt enough that he could feel his pants giving enough slack for what he needed. He placed his thumb at his belt loop near his right hip, and his left hand at the bottom of his shirt, pulling both just enough apart that his hip showed. John squinted, leaning forward off the edge of his bed, before he finally saw it. Only slightly darker than his actual skin tone, read the first words John had ever spoken to Bruce. John blinked, before lunging off his bed at right at Bruceâs hip for a closer inspection. Bruce swallowed nervously at the placement they were in. It would not look good to any orderlies checking in on them to find them like this.
âBuddy, aww buddy...are you okay?â John read softly aloud...and then again, only a little louder. Before he finally leapt up with a loud, joyous laugh. One that sounded so differently from all the others. It wasnât manic, or eerie. It was purely...bliss. He gripped Bruceâs shoulders, shaking him fervently. âThat-thatâs ME! Do you know what this means, Bruce?!â Bruce didnât get to respond as John jumped excitedly, âIt means I was RIGHT! Everyone in Arkham thought I was crazy! And Harley, she had me convinced that it couldnât possibly be you, that it had to be a mistake! She said there was no WAY someone like youâŚ.OH!â He bit his lip between giggles, clenching his fists with excitement. âHey Brucie, you ever wondered why I always keep this sleeve down?â He pointed to his right arm. âBetcha thought I just had weird fashion sense. HA!â Without warning, John yanked his sleeve up, and there, from the length of his wrist to the end of his forearm, clear as day against his milky white skin said, âWho are you?â Bruce read aloud. He now understood Johnâs compelling need to reread it over and over, as he began to do the same. âWho are you...thatâs really it. I-I canât believe it...â Bruce moved over to the bed, sitting down, awestruck. It had been an entire year since he had first met his soulmate, and yet it was only now he had really confirmed it was so. And boy, did it feelâŚ
 âThis is amazing!â John exclaimed, finally pulling Bruce into the biggest hug he had ever done to him.
âIt really is, isnât it?â Bruce let out a small laugh, before pulling John back in a tight embrace. His nerves about all his feelings...they all seemed so stupid now. And there was no more need to try hide them, either.
The two men held each other for what felt like hours, before Bruce finally released John, only to do up his belt out of pure worry of someone walking in on them like that.
âHoly smokes.â John laughed, falling against the metal headrest of his bed. âI canât believe it. I had thought maybe mine was a glitch, ya know? Or maybe it was only on my side...but...no...youâre my...weâre...â he lowered his voice to a whisper, âSoulmates!â He giggled like a schoolgirl, covering his mouth to muffle his laughter. Bruce had never wanted to kiss him more, and it felt great being able to admit that to himself.
âI know...itâs...a lot, to take in,â Bruce smiled, âI wish I had told you sooner. Maybe then all of this could have been avoided...if you had known-â
âBruce.â John interrupted. âItâs about time I...take responsibility for my own actions. What I did wasnât your fault. Itâs on me...â He stared around his cell, âI have been in here almost my entire life...thatâs obviously for a reason...maybe this is just where I am meant to be.â He sighed defeatedly.
âThatâs bull, John.â Bruce raised an eyebrow, gaining the courage to place his hands on Johnâs, âBecause we both know now that there is only one place you belong.â John smiled sweetly back at Bruce, closing his hands in Bruceâs.
âThatâs with you, right?â He smiled a nervous, crooked grin at Bruce, who smirked back.
 Bruce couldnât tell who went in first. And to be honest, he didnât care. All he knew, was that in a flash, his lips had met Johnâs, and his heart was racing faster than it ever had before. His chest was tight and he was kissing John with everything he had. Neither of them were trying to take it slow, it was long past that. John kissed Bruce as though he was trying to savour every last bit of the kiss, in case it never happened again. As though they were fighting for each otherâs souls. Because in a way, they were. Bruceâs tongue gently tickled Johnâs lips, who let out a small laugh in response. As Johnâs lips parted, Bruce slipped his tongue into his mouth, unable to get enough of him. John moaned into the kiss, his hands moving to grip Bruceâs hair, tugging slightly harder than necessary. Now it was Bruceâs turn to moan, before hitching Johnâs hips up closer to his, then laying him down on the bed. It was small, and could hardly the two of them on it, but neither cared. John broke the kiss briefly for air, and Bruce began kissing softly down his neck, nibbling at Johnâs earlobe carefully. He could feel his pants tightening from the excitement, and was only just resisting the urge to grind his crotch into Johnâs.
 âIâve wanted this for so long.â John breathed airlessly, moving his lips up so that he could return the favour by planting kisses on Bruceâs neck. In one, swift move, John clamped his teeth down just a little too hard on Bruceâs neck, simultaneously managing to flip them both over so he was now on top. Bruce had to admit, he was a little impressed. Johnâs moved down Bruceâs neck, almost mimicking what heâd done to him, only as he reached that sweet spot between Bruceâs neck and shoulder, he clamped his teeth down hard and began sucking, his tongue moving in circles over the spot as he did. âLeaving your mark?â Bruce smirked.
John let up only for a moment to reply, âFigured I should leave one everyone can see.â
 Bruce was more than ready to continue, but was caught off-guard when John sat back up. He was positioned with his legs on either side of Bruce, sitting right on his crotch. Bruce could feel his cheeks flushing as a look of recognition spread across Johnâs face. âThat a batarang in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?â He giggled lightly, enjoying as Bruce scrunched up his face in embarrassment.
âUmm, but Brucie...is it...is it okay if that is enough for today?â
Bruce pushed himself up on his elbows, seeing John sitting there shyly twisting his finger with his other hand.
âOh-Of course, John.â John smiled weakly at him, and moved to the edge of the bed, allowing Bruce to sit up beside him.
âIâm sorry, itâs just that...well...â John looked away from him, âIâve never really...you know...and I uhâŚ.kinda want that to be special. Maybe one day when Iâm out of hereâŚ?â He turned expectantly to Bruce, who placed an arm over Johnâs shoulders.
âFor the record, you didnât have to explain your reasons to me...but of course. I think thatâs a good idea. We shouldnât rush things.â Bruce squeezed Johnâs arm comfortingly with a warm smile, which he returned.
âYeah...we have our whole lives now.â John sighed to himself contentedly.
âHuh, I hadnât even thought about that...yeah, we do.â Bruce smiled, feeling his heart leap back into his throat as John nuzzled into his side.
âJay.â John said, his eyes closed, and a serene expression on his face.
âWhat?â Bruce asked, glancing down at John.
âYou wanted to know my real name...itâs Jay.â
Bruce smiled to himself, lightly brushing some green flyaway hairs out of Johnâs-no, Jayâs face. He planted a small kiss on his forehead. âJay and Bruce...I like the sound of that.â