Bruce could only stare in mild concern as you stood before him, back turned and hunched over as you coughed harshly. That concern eventually gave way to shock and worry as he caught the subtle sounds of your coughs morphing into harsh, painful laughing. the sound rung through the room, through his ears with a haunting insanity.

a smile, a grin that was not yours, laid across your lips. Bruce could see how taught your face was, how much it hurt to go through this.

He stepped forward, almost hesitantly, but as you backed away he stopped. You were panicking, Bruce needed to calm you down and get close enough to administer the cure to jokers laughing gas. And preferably soon, he didn't want any detrimental affects to forsake you. The thought sent dread pillaring down his spine, Bruce wouldn't let that happen, he'd calm you down before then.

You and him had gone out on patrol together, a simple outing to check on everything and make sure there's nothing out of the ordinary. The routine ran as usual, it was supposed to be an easy night for you and him, a rare but treasured occurrence.

But as you two were making the rounds Barbara got ahold of you via the comm link to give you coordinates to the newest break out at arkham asylum, the joker had escaped and was heading towards the city square.

You and Bruce headed to Joker's location as quickly as you could. Everything had been going smoothly, you managed to get close enough to the madman to pin him down, it seemed this fight would be relatively easy.

However, as you were taking out your handcuffs, the Joker got the drop on you, kicking you in the stomach to get you off and then throwing something in your face. It smelled slightly sweet, and a tickle wormed its way into your throat, settling like a parasite as you coughed and gasped for breath.