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The Scarred - Chapter 11 đ©žđ„đ
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Summary - Penelope Miller works at a florist shop in Gotham, barely getting by in the corrupted city. Her life is shrouded by trauma and judgement with little light to find her way with. However, when a certain painted face starts making himself known to her, things take a turn.
Warning - This chapter contains smut but can be read without it. Smut will start after the second banner. MDNI/NSFW!
The smell of iron filled her lungs, the blood stuck to her face invading her senses as the man now lay still on the floor below her. With a crazed look in her eye, she kicked away the arm that was now detached, heavy as it slid across the stained floor.Â
She began to breathe heavily, unable to decipher whether or not she had really done it. But the smell alone brought her to the reality of the situation.Â
As the men began to pick up what was left of the body, she began to smile, then it turned into a chaotic giggle. She turned to face the Joker and it immediately dropped.
He stared at her with such an intensity that turned her to stone, eyes somehow darker than they ever were. Her lips parted in a silent question, worried about whether or not she overstepped.Â
She heard the doors shut behind her and suddenly, in a few large strides, he approached her and aggressively pulled her into him. His lips crashed down onto her own blood stained ones, not possibly caring less in that moment as he practically suffocated her.Â
At first she was stiff, baffled by his sudden behavior that seemed completely out of character for him.Â
Then she finally let go and accepted it.Â
Her arm reached up around his neck, reciprocating the affection with equal intensity. Nothing was held back by either of them, his hands wandering over her figure as she kept her own planted, choosing to focus on the sensation of his scarred lips.Â
She sighed once he pulled away, eye slowly opening to gaze into the hazel gems before her.Â
âJ?â Penelope whispered, the nickname slipping out without a second thought. His expression faltered when it reached his ears, but their usual spark soon followed after.Â
He didnât correct her. He didnât snap. Instead, a low chuckle rumbled from his throat, rolling into a sharp, sinister laugh that echoed off of the concrete walls. His gloved fingers came up to her face, tracing the scarred side with surprising gentleness, his grin stretching impossibly wide.
âWell, well, well,â He rasped, voice dripping with twisted delight. âLook whoâs getting familiar now, hm?â
Penelope tensed but didnât pull away. There was something unsettling in his gaze, a wildness dancing just beneath the surface. Yet there was a strange acceptance, too. As if sheâd unlocked a piece of him. Something private. Dangerous.
âYa know, doll,â He cooed, the nickname rolling off his tongue mockingly, yet with a hint of genuine fondness. âMost people arenât brave enough to give me nicknames.â He licked at his lips. âYa might want to be careful, though,â He leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear. âCalling me that? Thatâs⊠close. And close gets people hurt.â
His fingers dropped from her face, drifting lazily down to her shoulder, lingering on the edge of her missing arm.Â
He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze again, those crazed eyes searching hers, trying to see if sheâd flinch. But Penelope held her ground, her heart racing, something in her stirring. A newfound sense of chaos, creeping up, waking.
âIâll take my chances,â She whispered, her voice steady despite the flutter of fear and excitement in her chest.
The Jokerâs smile returned, wider than ever. He threw his head back and laughed, a sound that sent chills down her spine.
-
When she entered her apartment, she ignored the presence she knew would already be there, prioritizing a shower to get the now dried and crusted blood off of her. His questions of concern were muffled as she mindlessly wandered to her bedroom to pick out her pajamas.Â
âPenelope!â Liam finally yelled, gripping firmly onto her shoulders and turning her to face him. For once, he was truly speechless. Unable to hide his worry for what inevitably came to be his best friend, brow furrowed.
âIâm fine, Liam.â She offered a genuine smile, resting her hand over one of his own. She brushed past him towards the bathroom to turn on the shower and closed the door.Â
Questions flooded in his mind as he impatiently waited on the couch, the TV now completely blocked out. His leg bounced anxiously, biting at his nails. He practically jumped out of his skin when the door opened and she walked in, acting as if nothing even happened.Â
She searched through her cupboards for something, plastic crinkling in her hands as she opened a pack of popcorn and popped it into the microwave.Â
âPenny?â Liam cautiously called to her. She simply hummed in response. He stood and gradually made his way over to her. âDid he hurt ye?âÂ
âQuite the opposite.â Penelope answered casually, unloading the dishwasher as she spoke.Â
âPenny. Ye know ye can trust me.â
âI killed a man, Liam!â She finally blurted out as she whipped to face him. âHe found the man that caused this,â She motioned to her deformed body. âAnd I killed him.âÂ
The two of them stood silently, searching the other for any sign of distrust or betrayal. While she overthought his reaction, Liam had assumed it was only a matter of time before it happened. As soon as the Joker made himself known to her, he knew it was over.
âThe scary part isnât even that I did it. Itâs that I enjoyed it. I couldnât stop. I didnât want to. Not after what he did to me, Liam.â Her voice began to break, lip beginning to tremble. âNot afterâŠâ She sniffed and wrapped her arm around his torso, relieved that his warm comfort was provided without a momentâs hesitation.Â
He gently hushed her, cradling her head while his other handâs thumb caressed her back. âItâs alright, lovinâ.â He whispered.Â
Liam pulled away, hands gently taking hold of her face to look at him.Â
âThere is nothinâ wrong with ye. Nothinâ wrong with what happened, ye understand? He got what he deserved, yeah?âÂ
Penelope nodded as he wiped away her tears, grabbing the popcorn from the microwave before leading them to the couch. She wrapped herself in a blanket, opening the bag and nibbling on a small handful.Â
âDid he scream?â He asked in a joking tone once she calmed down more. To his relief, she giggled.Â
âLike a pussy.âÂ
-
The flower shop was quiet, the soft scent of roses and lilies filling the air as Emma arranged a bouquet of daisies behind the counter. The bell over the door jingled softly as Penelope stepped inside, her movements slow and careful. Emmaâs eyes lifted to greet her, but the smile faded slightly when she saw Penelopeâs faceâpale, drawn, and distant.
âHey, hun,â Emma called gently, setting the flowers aside. âEverything okay?â
Penelope gave a half-smile, but it didnât reach her eye. âYeah, just couldnât sleep.â
Emma frowned, watching her carefully. She knew Penelope had been through a lot, but lately, something had shifted. The girl had always been quiet, but now there was a tension beneath the surface, as if she were on edge, waiting for something. Emma noticed the slight twitch in Penelopeâs remaining hand, her fingers trembling for a moment before she shoved them into her pocket.
âIâm gonna go handle the new shipment.â Penelope asked, her voice strained.
Emma nodded slowly but kept her eyes on her as she made her way to the door leading into the back room. âOf course, sweetheart. You sure youâre feeling alright, though? Youâve been⊠distant lately.â
Penelope stiffened, her back to Emma as she began unpacking a box of tulips. âIâm fine.â She said quickly. Too quickly.
Emma bit her lip, the maternal instinct in her stirring. She walked over, placing a hand on Penelopeâs shoulder. âLook, I know things have been hard for you, but if somethingâs wrong⊠you can talk to me. You know that, right?â
Penelope flinched at the touch, though she tried to hide it with a small shrug. âI know. But really, itâs nothing. Iâm just tired.â
Emmaâs brows furrowed. She didnât believe that for a second. There was a darkness in Penelopeâs expression, something haunted and restless. Emma had seen it before in people who were hiding something, something dangerous. She couldnât help but feel a knot of worry tighten in her chest.
âI just want to make sure youâre safe, Penelope,â Emma said softly. âYouâve been acting off. And it scares me.â
Penelope hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the box. âIâm fine, Emma.â
But Emma wasnât convinced. Her heart ached as she watched her, knowing that whatever it was, Penelope was shutting her out.Â
âIâm here if you need me,â Emma said quietly, retreating back to the counter. âJust⊠donât push yourself too hard, okay?â
Penelope nodded, but Emma could see the flicker of guilt in her eye before she turned away.
A little while passed and eventually it was close to closing. Penelope sat behind the counter scribbling away in her journal, however more aggressive than usual. The door chimed as it opened, a sigh of relief falling from her lips when she saw it was only Liam. And it didnât go unnoticed by Emma.Â
âEy there, Penny.â He greeted, giving a simple nod to Emma as he charismatically leaned on the counter in front of the former. âDay treatinâ ye right?â Penelope shrugged. Emma decided to disappear into the back, but took care to listen in on their conversation.
âAs much as it can, I suppose.âÂ
âYe still up fer the range?â He asked, concerned about whether she was too tired or overwhelmed.Â
âYeah, Iâll be okay. Donât think Iâll be up for being there as long, though.âÂ
âNo worries about that, I figured as much.â He glanced over at the clock and Penelope did the same, packing up her things to leave. She walked over to the back room and leaned in the doorway.Â
âIâm heading out, Emma. Text me if you need anything, okay?â The brunette gave an appreciative smile.Â
âI will. You take care now, okay? Be safe.âÂ
âYou too.â Penelope offered a smile of her own before meeting Liam at the door to leave.Â
The range was rather large, hidden away in the outskirts which she appreciated. With how big it was, she was surprised that they were the only ones there besides the owner at the front.Â
They stood in a separate room where the actual range was, handguns aimed down range and firing. After finishing an iteration they took their ear covers off, the pressure of them irritating her head.Â
âShe doesnât know about what yeâve been up to, does she?â Liam suddenly asked, catching her off guard. Penelope hesitated before answering.Â
âNo.â Liam leaned against the nearby wall, eyeing her.Â
âIâd be careful about her if I were ye.âÂ
âWhyâs that? She doesnât know, and itâs going to stay that way so long as I can help it.â Penelope readied her gun for the next iteration, then set it back down carefully.
âYe see, thatâs the thing. Ye donât trust her enough to tell her. And that says a lot. Ye told me and yet yeâve barely known me for half as long.âÂ
Liam pushed himself off of the wall and began making his way towards her.Â
âYe donât trust her as much as he think ye do, Penny. She may be a friend, but sheâs not loyal. The second she gets even a hint of what yer up to, sheâs gonna get curious and try to find out more, and when she does, sheâs goinâ straight to the cops.âÂ
âShe wouldnât do that to me -â
âBut she would.â Liam spoke sternly, urging her to believe him. âIâve dealt with plenty of her kind and it never ended well. Even just today, I saw the way she was eyeinâ us. Sheâs already suspicious.âÂ
Liam raised his hands to rest on her shoulders.
âYe need to be careful around her. I know itâs hard, sheâs yer friend, I get it. I do. But Iâm speakinâ from experience. As much as it hurts to hear, ye canât trust her.âÂ
Penelope cast her gaze downwards, struggling to take in all that she was being told.Â
âCome on. Letâs keep goinâ.â He nodded towards the targets in front of them, taking notice of the turmoil going on in her head.Â
As always, he walked her to her apartment when finished. Both because he was right down the hall and it was just the right thing to do. But just before she opened her door, he stopped her.Â
âJust think about what I said, yeah? Iâm tryinâ to keep ye safe.â Penelope paused, thinking. Then she finally nodded and Liam smiled at her, patting her shoulder before walking to his apartment.Â
Penelope turned back to her door and opened it, a familiar smell reaching her nose making her sigh as the door softly clicked shut behind her. She looked over at her couch where the notorious clown-like man sat comfortably. He lounged back like he belonged there, flipping through channels with an air of indifference, his lips twisted into that familiar, unsettling grin.
Her heart raced. She didnât know what to feel. Fear, confusion, curiosity? The same mixture of emotions had been bubbling inside her since that night. The night sheâd felt his lips on hers, tasted the madness, and the thrill of what sheâd done. The blood on her hands still felt so fresh.
âYouâre here.â Penelope finally said, breaking the silence, her voice hoarse but steady.
Joker didnât look away from the screen, but his grin widened. âWhere else would I be?â
She swallowed hard, moving slowly towards the couch, her eyes never leaving him. âI donât know⊠plotting, terrorizing people. Laughing at something burning, maybe?â
He chuckled, the sound low and dark, and patted the seat next to him. âSheesh, canât a guy just catch a break sometimes? Hm?â He jested, eyes still fixated on the TV. âSit down, toots, weâre watching a comedy.â
She hesitated, glancing at the TV. Some mindless sitcom played, laugh tracks echoing. She took a seat, keeping her distance but not too far. The cushion sagged slightly under her, and she found herself staring at him, trying to read something - anything - in his chaotic, unpredictable eyes.
âWhatâs so funny about this?â She asked, her voice soft, unsure whether she meant the show or their entire situation.
Jokerâs eyes slid over to her, sharp and amused. âOh, nothing about the show. Itâs the idea of it. People trapped in their boring little lives, pretending everythingâs fine.â He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. âItâs hilarious, donât ya think?â
Penelopeâs gaze shifted from the TV to him, searching his face. She couldnât understand how he saw the world. He terrified her, fascinated her, made her want to crawl away and stay close all at once. Her fingers traced the edge of the cushion nervously. âHow do you live like this?â
âLike what?â He asked flatly, his eyes glinting as if her question was a challenge.
âLikeâŠâ She struggled for the right words. âWithout⊠rules. Without a plan. Just⊠chaos.â
He laughed, leaning back, stretching his arms over the back of the couch, his fingers brushing her shoulder. âWell, I wouldnât say I live in chaos.â His voice was soft now, almost soothing, but there was still a biting tone to it. âYeah, I cause chaos. But live in freedom. Freedom from their rules. Their endless nagging, the âdonât do this, do thisâ, ya see? Youâve tasted it, havenât you? The freedom. The power.â
Penelope tensed, the memory of that night creeping back in. The rush of adrenaline, the way her hands had trembled⊠then steadied. âThatâs freedomâŠ?â She whispered.Â
Jokerâs grin faltered for just a second, and he tilted his head, watching her closely. âYou did what you wanted to do. Without worrying about consequences. Their consequences. The consequences of everyone trying to control you and be someone that youâre not.â
She bit her lip, looking down at her lap. âHow can I be sure there wonât be consequences?â
âYouâre lookinâ at it, toots.â Joker said, his tone playful but condescending. âYou can choose to pretend everythingâs fine, just like everyone else. Go back to being quiet, timid little Penelope. OrâŠâ He leaned in close. âYou can be free.â
Her pulse quickened, and she turned to face him, searching his eyes.âWhy do you want me to change?â She asked finally, her voice quiet.
Jokerâs gaze softened, just for a moment, as if he was considering her question seriously. âI donât want you to change. I want you to stop pretending. I see potential. Potential that is greater than youâd ever know. And I finally got a taste of it. And so did you. The real question isâŠâ He shifted his body to face her. âCan you live with it? Because once you go down this road, doll, thereâs no turning back. Your cute little world will not be there for you anymore. Itâll show its true colors. Youâll see. And once you do?â He threw her a look with an accompanied gesture. âI can guarantee you wonât want to go back.âÂ
Penelope wasnât sure what to do, what to think. She couldnât help but believe him. Everything he said had some resemblance of truth. Was the freedom truly worth it? Was it worth throwing everything away? Emma? Liam? If the way she felt that night at the warehouse was only a taste of it, she could only imagine how she would feel if she just completely let go.Â
She was sure Liam would understand, he was supportive of her every step of the way. No matter if it was morally questionable.Â
But Emma?Â
Penelope thought about what Liam had told her. Emma was a close friend. A mother figure, even. But she couldnât shake the feeling that maybe Liam was right about her. She kept telling herself that she never told Emma any of what was happening for her protection, but could she have just been lying to herself to prevent her own guilt? Did she truly trust Emma, or did she just cling to the brunette for lack of options?Â
A tear trickled its way down her cheek, not even noticing beforehand as she was lost in thought. She looked Joker in the eye and spoke with a trembling voice.Â
âI donât want to live like this anymoreâŠâ Penelope shook her head. âIâm tired of feeling stuck.â She noticed a subtle shift in his expression, hardened. He suddenly rose to his feet with newfound determination.Â
âGet up.â He demanded, catching her by surprise. After a moment, she stood and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the bathroom and facing her towards the mirror. âYa want to stop living by their rules, hm?â Penelope nodded in desperation. âTake off the bandages.âÂ
Her eye widened in disbelief, breathing halted. He stepped closer to her, his warmth pressed against her.Â
âBreak their norm. Show them youâre not theirs to control anymore. Stop trying to be like them.â He leaned in next to her ear. âSend a message.â
Penelope took a shaky breath, meeting Jokerâs eye through the mirror. Her heart raced, blood rushing in her ears as her hand fought to leave her side. Slowly but surely, it raised. Her hands caressed the edge of her bandages, toying with the fabric until she finally began to pull them off with care.Â
She refused to look at herself, tears now streaming down her cheek as a sob left her lips. She felt cool leather grip her jaw, forcing her to look at her reflection in the mirror.Â
The sight seemed foreign to her no matter how many times she took them off. The texture was soft, yet uneven. It was finally healed with skin covering where her eye should have been.
âNow that⊠is a doll.âÂ
His knuckles caressed down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The tickling sensation caught her breath, head leaning back against him. This enigmatic man made her feel alive, made her want to embrace the freedom he spoke of as his hands slid down her slim figure, igniting something within her.Â
"There ya go." Joker whispered, his breath hot against her ear.Â
Penelope's gaze fell on her exposed scars, and for the first time, she felt truly wanted. She felt beautiful.Â
"Now how about that freedom?" He growled, hands slipping under her shirt and caressing her soft skin. As his skilled fingers found her hardened nipples, Penelope's breath hitched. His marred lips mixed with her own textured neck, covering it with nips and licks as he practically worshiped her scars. She wanted this man, wanted to feel his touch. She yearned to explore this new, uninhibited side of herself that he was awakening.
Jokerâs hands then lifted her shirt, pulling it off over her head and soaking in the sight of her with a heated gaze.Â
More scars littered her left side, similar to what was on her face. He felt her begin the retreat, but his hands quickly snatched her wrists to keep her where she was. âNone of that. Got it?â He threatened and she nodded in response.Â
He then unclasped her bra and tossed it away, hands moving to cup and toy at her breasts. One hand began to travel lower, unbuttoning her pants and sliding them down her slender legs. Once she stepped out of them he turned her around to face him and pushed her until she was leaning against the bathroom counter. Her legs opened, inviting him to stand in between them. One of his thighs pressed against her radiating core, flexing his muscle until her head leaned back with a sigh.Â
He released a feral growl and reached around to the back of her head, pulling her into him so their lips clashed against each other. The kiss was rough and full of need, Penelope lightly moaning into it as she ground herself against his thigh for some much needed relief.Â
âYeah? Ya like that?â Joker taunted before snatching her thighs and setting her on top of the empty space of the counter. âCâmere.â He dropped to his knees, his hands pulling down her panties and spreading her pussy lips, revealing her glistening, swollen clit. He inhaled her scent, a mix of desire and her unique musk, before plunging his tongue deep inside her, making her gasp and grip the edge of the counter.
Jokerâs tongue was a skilled weapon, licking and sucking at her clit, sending waves of pleasure through Penelope's body. He teased her entrance, dipping his tongue just inside before pulling away, only to return with renewed fervor.
"J -" Penelope moaned, her head thrown back. "Please, donât stop."
Joker hummed, the vibrations sending shivers through Penelope. âDangerous thing to beg me like that, doll.âÂ
He warned before he continued his oral assault, bringing her closer and closer to the edge of orgasm. Just as she was about to climax, he pulled away, leaving her breathless and desperate.
"Thought itâd be that easy, hm?" He said, standing.Â
Penelope, wild with desire, reached for Jokerâs trousers, undoing them with tremulous fingers. Once unbuttoned, her hand tremulously reached inside to grasp his hardened cock, pulling it free from its confines.
Jokerâs cock was thick, the head glistening with pre-cum as she stroked it, her touch tentative yet eager. "Like whatcha see?" He asked, his voice hoarse with desire.
Penelope nodded, her eye never leaving his cock as she continued to stroke it, marveling at the power she held in her hands. "Please, JâŠ" She whispered, her voice thick with need.
He didn't need to be asked twice.Â
He gripped onto her hip tightly, spreading her legs wide as he positioned himself at her entrance.Â
âNow whatâd I say about begging?â With one smooth thrust, he filled her, his cock stretching her pussy as he slid deep inside.
Penelope cried out, her body welcoming the invasion, her pussy clenching around his cock as he began to move, his hips thrusting in a steady rhythm. He leaned forward, his lips finding hers in a hungry kiss.Â
Jokerâs hands gripped her thighs, spreading her wider as he pounded into her, his cock hitting her sweet spot with each thrust. Penelope's body trembled, her orgasm building with each delicious stroke.
"Thatâs it," He growled against her lips. "There ya go, toots. Come on, show me how much you want it.âÂ
His words were like a trigger, and Penelope's body exploded in a cascade of pleasure. She cried out, her pussy clenching around Jokerâs cock as waves of ecstasy washed over her. He followed her over the edge, his cock throbbing as he emptied his load deep inside her, filling her with his hot cum.
As their heart rates slowed and their breathing returned to normal, Joker leaned back, watching as one of his hands ran over her scarred body. When their eyes met, Penelope smiled. Eye sparkling with newfound confidence.Â