Friendly Chit Chat

[Tally Man]

"No, Miss Hale," he agreed quietly. "You didn't. But I did. And everyone has to pay the tally man. Even me."

Tally Man moved inexorably forwards, and reached out to take a handful of her hair, dragging her back to her feet. He placed the point of one knife under the curve of her jaw, in the tender spot just below her ear, forcing her to look up at him.

He remembered what the Joker had said to him. Take it slowly. Let them wonder. Let them wait. Instill fear.

"Mr Joker gave you an instruction, not long ago. You failed to follow it. Why? He warned you of the consequences should you disobey."

[Olivia Hale]

Olivia cried out as she was hauled to her feet. She fought her instincts which were screaming to knock his hand away, choosing instead to place her hands on his thin chest. Fighting him would only make it worse, and maybe she could appeal to him.

Doubtful, but worth a shot.

"I'm so sorry you got hauled into this madness, Tally Man. You owe him nothing. I'm sure he just figured out some way he could manipulate you to suit his needs. He's like that. And I didn't follow his instruction because it was stupid. He's just throwing a fit."

She glanced at Joker over Tally Man's shoulder. "Can't we just talk about this before you make him slice me up like a fish? I'm sure we can work something out, and do you really want Harvey's full wrath for having me murdered in his fucking apartment?"

[The Joker]

Joker had been watching the exchange gleefully. Tally Man certainly seemed to have promise. Joker liked the addition of the knives...very good progress.

He furrowed his brows when Olivia addressed him. "That's...actually a somewhat decent point, stupid intern." He stalked forward and shoved Tally Man out of the way. "I'm feeling charitable. You give me a good reason not to have my good friend here rip you to pieces and I might spare you, mmkay? But it better be a damn good one. I'm already giving you too many chances."

[Olivia Hale]

Olivia rubbed her jaw after Joker shoved Tally Man out of the way. "You could have just asked him to move." She grumbled.

She took a step back from the clown to get a better look up at his face. "You want me away from Harvey? Fine. I'll compromise with you. I've been thinking about this decision for a while, so don't think it's all thanks to you. I'll quit Arkham. I've had enough of the craziness."

She poked him in the chest. "But, you have to let me see him. You'll get him almost all of the time, so I deserve a bit of attention too. I mean, you've already got me beat in the sex department. You've been with them way more than me, which is disturbing and irritating."

She crossed her arms over her chest and locked eyes with him. "Does that suit you, Mr. Joker?"

[The Joker]

Joker stared down at the young woman, head tilted slightly to the side. "I don't usually make deals with people, Olive, especially not people already on my shit list. But...you've got some balls."

He glanced over at Tally Man. "I changed my mind, Hat Guy. You're off the hook. You should stay for a bit though. Little Olive and I were gonna open a bottle and watch some more Star Wars, weren't we, sugar?"

[Tally Man]

Tally Man gazed back at Joker. He appeared to be thinking deeply.

"But I owe you something. We agreed a price. You can't change your mind. My debt remains."

He moved back towards Olivia, knife held out in front of him.

[Olivia Hale]

Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. You just made my entire evening. I really appreciate you hopping on the 'let's not kill Olivia Hale' bandwagon. There aren't many people on it, but its still an enjoyable place to be, I think."

A fresh wave of panic hit her as Tally Man moved forward. She backed up (avoiding the table) until she was on the other side of the couch. "T-Man, why don't you just...you know, listen to him. He changes his mind a lot so you should get used to it if you want to work for him. After all, you don't want to kill me, right? I felt like we bonded over all the Chechen stuff. So just...please put the knife down."

[The Joker]

Joker rolled his eyes and stepped to block Tally Man. "Easy, champ. Stupid Bitchy Ex-Intern is right again. I'm a mind changer, so I'd appreciate it if you listened." He shifted so that the knives in his shoe and sleeve would be easier to get to. "No debt or any of that bullshit. Just sit your ass down and watch some Star Wars or something."

[Tally Man]

The Tally Man looked from Olivia to Joker and back again. If Mr Joker had changed his mind, he may change it back later.

Tally Man could wait. He was good at waiting.

Tally Man looked over at the television, on which a film played with the sound muted. He didn't watch many films, especially ones that looked like this.

"Is that a gorilla? And why is he flying a spaceship?"

[Olivia Hale]

Olivia sank onto the couch and rubbed her face. "I'm going to die of a heart attack before I'm 25. You people are too good at scaring me."

She shot Tally Man a horrified look. "Are you being serious right now, T-Man? You've never seen Star Wars? Like...for real? He's not a gorilla, he's a Wookiee. His name is Chewbacca...have you seriously never seen this?"

[Tally Man]

Tally Man remained standing.

"No," He said simply. "I've never seen it. Who is the star at war with? The gorillas?"

[Olivia Hale]

"They're not...oh, never mind." Olivia stood back and looked between Tally Man and Joker. "Well, you two have a nice night. I'm going to go to sleep and pretend that my life was normal for a little while."

She shook her head and began walking towards the bedroom.

[The Joker]

Joker scooped Olivia up, one arm under her knees and the other supporting her shoulders. "No way, José. I get the bed tonight. So unless you want to share, which I won't say no to, you get to sleep out here!" He dumped her unceremoniously on the couch before turning back to Tally Man.

"T, it's been fun, but I think its time to call it a night. I've got big plans tomorrow and need my beauty sleep." He patted Tally Man's cheek in what was a sort of affectionate gesture, if a little too forceful. "Been fun, buddy!"

[Tally Man]

Tally Man stayed looking at the television as Olivia walked away.

He flinched slightly as Joker slapped his cheek. He really didn't like this man touching him. It reminded him of the borstal, back when he was a boy. There were people there who said they were your friends, who said they wanted to make you happy, and then they hurt you. They hurt you at night, when the doors were locked, and the room was dark.

He didn't want to leave Miss Hale alone with Joker... but he had been dismissed. There was nothing more to do. He slowly raised a finger to the brim of his hat.

"Good night, Miss Hale."

[Olivia Hale]

Olivia sat up and looked up at Joker with a resigned expression. "Thanks for not dropping me on the floor, I suppose. The bed's all yours."

She stood up and walked over to Tally Man. "Thanks once again for not killing me. Sorry you had to deal with the clown." She hugged him. "Night, T-Man."