It was raining hard on the deserted rooftop. The Dark Knight stood rigid under a black umbrella shaped like a bat’s wings, each scalloped edge dripping with rain. Joker leaned against The Dark Knight’s armored back, nearly snuggling the Dark Knight’s shoulder. He was grinning ear to ear, flushed and laughing softly. The city lights blurred in the downpour, but under this single umbrella they felt strangely alone together Joker’s laughter warm against The Dark Knight’s stoic side.

Joker (whispering, playful): “Heh heh… Batsy, you know standing in the rain is much more fun with company.” He nudged a little closer, and raindrops rolled off the umbrella’s rim. The Dark Knight (gruffly): “It’s not exactly comfortable,” he replied, though he tightened his grip on the umbrella handle, covering Joker’s head more fully. His voice was low, almost a rumble. Joker (soft laughter in voice): “Really? I thought you’d enjoy sharing a little mischief with me.” He tilted his head back, looking at The Dark Knight’s profile. “Besides, I don’t mind getting wet… as long as I’m with you.”

The Dark Knight’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t step away. The silence hung between them for a moment, broken only by the steady patter of rain. The Dark Knight cleared his throat. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he muttered, but his tone was softer than before. Joker (gently, teasing): “Oh, I see that tiny corner of your mouth twitch. Admit it, my company isn’t all that bothersome.” He laughed quietly and brushed a hand against The Dark Knight’s arm, as if to point out how the Dark Knight hadn’t moved an inch.

The Dark Knight sighed and pulled the umbrella a fraction lower, ensuring Joker stayed dry. “Just don’t expect me to hold your hand or anything,” he grumbled, but inside, he felt oddly content. Joker was warm at his back and strangely comforting, and for once The Dark Knight wasn’t looking over his shoulder expecting a trap.

Joker leaned closer, so that The Dark Knight could smell the faint jasmine of his cologne through the rain-slick air. “You know,” Joker whispered, the smile still in his voice, “a lot of guys fight to stand beside me… but you actually stuck around. How sweet.” He grazed The Dark Knight shoulder with the back of his hand. The gesture was almost tender.

The Dark Knight gave a rare half-smile nearly a smirk, though he’d never admit it. “Don’t get used to it, clown,” he said, eyes forward. Yet when Joker laughed again, light and carefree, The Dark Knight’s heart skipped. Even he could hear the affection behind those teasing words.

The rain began to ease. Joker tilted his head under the umbrella and winked. ”See? The storm’s just as fickle as my affections. But lucky for you, neither of us seemed to mind sheltering together.” He paused, softening. ”I like this,” he confessed quietly, almost to himself, “standing here with you.”

The Dark Knight took a slow breath and glanced down at Joker’s bright eyes and up-curving grin. He didn’t answer. Instead, he lifted the umbrella a bit higher and turned toward the city streets. “Let’s go,” he said quietly. “Before I change my mind.”

Joker’s laugh was warm this time, gentle. “Lead the way, Bat. I’ll be right behind you… under your umbrella.”

For a moment, they stood side by side, Joker leaning on The Dark Knight’s shoulder. The flirtatious tension lingered in the air like electricity. Under Gotham’s dark skies, even The Dark Knight couldn’t deny the strange comfort in the rain… with his greatest enemy by his side.