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Joker worked late- too often for his tastes. But it really couldn't be helped, could it? Hiding a yawn behind his hand, he had to blink his eyes a few times to rid himself of the blurry haze that threatened his vision. What time was it? A glance at his clocked revealed it was shortly past 1 a.m. The streets were mostly empty, save for the usual entities: club-goers, drug associates, homeless.. and a few of the normal people anxious to rush home.

There were alot of strange things that happened at night, broadcasted around the news. To avoid trouble, Joker tended to pull his hood down and walk quietly until he reached his home. But when Joker caught sight of a young girl that didn't match any of the above categories, naturally, he was curious. Pulling down his hood to reveal a geerally friendly and handsome person-; he called out, "I'd hate to be a bother, but do you need anybody to walk you home? It can get pretty dangerous around these parts." Apparently, his sense of caution and danger was thrown to the wind when a fellow human was in danger. Both a good and bad quality, honestly.

He often frequented a certain bakery called the sugar cube, helping with deliveries and such. He might not recognize her, but it was easy enough for her to recognize him.

She was quite pretty, especially now that the male had a better look at her. But that merely accentuated Joker's main reason for talking to her, since attractiveness could easily lure the wrong type of attention. On closer inspection, ... huh. That style of clothing was unusual to say the least. She reminded him easily of strawberry sweets and candy cane. Perhaps it was for a certain type of party? Or event? Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried not to direct too much obvious attention towards her clothing. He wasn't the type to judge, preferring to leave everybody to their individual tastes.

Her answer had him tilting his head, his mind already made up. He would rather arrive home later than to leave a girl in dire straits. "Why don't you let me help?" His smile was almost an idiotic smile -- certainly in Dia's eyes. He didn't have a shred of suspicion or hesitance about him, despite hearing many rumors that should have warned him.

"It's nice to meet you Dia. I'm Joker." He held out a hand to her. "I'm ah-" He seemed at a loss for words, wondering how to explain himself to her, "-perfectly safe. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, feel free to let me know."

It could have occurred to him that she was one of those women. But regardless, it wouldn't have changed his actions. Regardless of anybody's profession, Joker had no intention of treating them differently. Call him old fashioned, but leaving a women, even if she could defend herself, late at night didn't leave him with a good feeling.

When she wrapped herself around his arm, she could feel him stiffen. But he didn't push her away. Rather, it was out of surprise that she easily trusted him. Joker gave her a rueful sigh, glad that he was the one that encountered her and not some strange guy.

Though when she mentioned her coldness, fabricated or not, it had the older male stopping in his tracks without warning. Without a word, he pulled his arm from beneath her grip. He easily shrugged himself out of his jacket -- a parka hoodie lined with fleece made clearly for a male that accommodated the last vestiges of Destiny City's cold weather -- and lowered himself to her height to wrap it around her. "This should keep you warm." It still retained the warmth of his body heat, making it a comfortable temperature.

Though he was left wearing a simple work dress shirt, he easily gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's all I have at the moment. If you can deal with it until we reach your house..?" Joker was pretty good with washing his clothes on a regular basis, but all the same, it was some unfamiliar guy's sweater.

"Oh- and no need to worry about me. I generate a lot of heat." As if to prove to her, he let his warm hands rest on her cool cheeks; trying not to be distracted by how pretty she was. "Let's continue walking?" He suggested, since he was the one that came to an abrupt stop.

He followed her beckoning finger, easily switching directions. He walked ahead of her, meant to brave any dangers before it encountered her form. "Hm." He appeared to contemplate her question. "You could say that. I was born and raised here until middle school, but I moved away. I'm back here for university." He was nearing the end of his university graduation, and quite busy with three jobs on the side. "What about you?"

When they arrived to an abandoned alleyway, Joker's eyes flickered to the sides. He didn't feel the presence of any other people- so it wasnt likely that this was a ruse to corner him into an ambush. Maybe he wasn't entirely an idiot after all. Or his idiocy was self-chosen as he chose not to suspect Dia. Instead, "Did you get the wrong direction?" he turned around to ask, hoping that he wouldn't have to lead a tipsy girl around to find her house. It'd be all to easy to be mistaken when rifling through a women's purse, even it was to merely look for her address.

"Otherwise, I'd hate to imagine that such a nice girl would live in this sort of area." His perpetual smile was accompanied by a wry look.

If Dia were paying close attention, there was a power signature very similar yet different from hers waiting close by. Merely waiting, idling about.

If she had tried to ask, even Joker wouldn't have been able to answer why. Truth be told,he was an existence that could etch out a living anywhere -- whether it be country or urban, within America or in international seas. He wasn't particularly attached. Perhaps it was nostalgia? To see his childhood no longer colored through the filter of youth but the reality in his older age. Who knew? In the end, he was here for the foreseeable future, but he couldn't say if he would be here for the long-term.

Surprise was an understatement though, as the girl boldly advanced upon him. Though a women's advances weren't new to him, Joker always strived for innocuous circumstances that would prevent sticky situations. But an inebriated young girl, a late night, and the isolation from other people were apparently very tempting. His bewilderment did play a role in his defenseless demeanor, letting him easily be cornered against the wall. "Hm?" He tried not to let his surprise show on his face, though he wasn't very successful.

It wouldn't be hard to push her away, since a male's strength was easily superior to a female's. But against a corrupt senshi, who knew? Certainly not Joker, as he let out a regretful laugh. "Dia. I'm not sure this is a very good idea." He tried to reason with her, keeping his gaze averted above her head. Pretty much anywhere that didn't include her chest pressed invitingly against his, or her seductive expression that would tempt him.

"You may not want to be the nice girl, but I don't want to be the bad guy." Though he was physically attracted to her- taking advantage of her when she wasn't fully coherent went against his every moral. His fingers lightly touched her face, brushing away a pink tendril that obscured her face. "How about we discuss this another time? If you're still up for it, then I'd be glad to take it up with you. But if you have regrets, then feel free to forget all about me." This time, his purple eyes bored straight into hers. Call him whatever you'd like but Joker was nothing less than straight when it came down to answering people properly.

Indescribable anguish filled his chest, shocked purple eyes straying down towards his shirt. The lack of red told him that he wasn't impaled -- but physically, the pain resembled it. A pained cough, the pale pallor of his skin told her that he was in much more pain that he voiced aloud. He felt her kiss his cheek, but he couldn't take any pleasure in the manufactured affection. So she was one of those strange things he heard about, and oftened warned against.

It was be disappointing if his life was to end here.

But that sentiment was clearly echoed elsewhere.

Too bad that Dia wasn't paying attention to her surroundings. She was much too absorbed in her task at hand, to realize the idling negaverse presence was no longer stationary. In fact, it was moving very quickly. A shadow appeared behind her. If she wasn't careful, she would be bruised as a weapon quickly came in between her and Joker, meant to separate her dainty hand from the inside of his chest. Too bad, it was before any worthy amount of energy could be accumulated.

Between the fray was another negaverse agent -- Lt. Serpierite if you would. She however, wasn't dressed as anything resembling the corrupt senshi. She had a more militic attire, but it clearly portrayed her alliance. Her teal eyes held a cold look. Turning the wooden weapon towards Dia, specifically Dia's neck, she didn't hesitate in saying- "Retreat, princess." Coming from another female, it was clear that the term was meant in the most derogatory sense.

"He's fun to play with, isn't he? But you're past play time, aren't you?" The bantering, the flirtations were easy enough to allow. But anything that threatened his life was not acceptable. Just as Negaverse agents discouraged their family from becoming targets, Serpierite exercise the same restraint. Though he wasn't remotely her family.

Joker, having been abruptly released from the pain, staggered back against the wall. He was still semi-conscious though, holding himself up rather than collapsing. He didn't know what was happening though, between the odd silver-hair female and the irritated Dia. They appeared to be in a disgreement, instigated by him. And yet, he as the main subject wasn't entirely sure why.

He let Dia's hands roam over his chest, not having much strength to stop it. If she chose to rip into his chest again, he was pretty sure he'd fall unconscious from the pain. Though it'd be pretty uncool if that happened. His body stilled, tense to prepare for the intrusion should it happen. But mentally, his purple eyes looked at the situation waiting to see what would unfold.

--------

Speaking of the wooden sword, it might have been a mere toy. That much was true. But Serpierite hadn't been part of the negaverse for months, merely surviving by the weight of a small wooden weapon. She had cultivated her blood lust and acrobatic skills. What she didn't have in brute strength, she compensated in other ways.

But she let an obvious smirk grace her features, having intimidated the corrupt senshi -- temporarily -- at least. Her annoyance was just as amusing to watch, if Serpierite allowed herself to be so petty.

The daunting statement didn't seem to bother her. She had a claim on him far before Dia had put her hands on him, evidenced by her following statement. "Maybe you shouldn't be playing with other people's toys." Her possessive flirtatious touch made Serpierite narrow her eyes. But she easily brushed back her hair, not seeming to care. Joker had a right to play with anybody he wished. He didn't have Serpierite's name on her. That much was true. "Marking him is too brash of a behavior for me. A lady should always be elegant, shouldn't she?" A finger touched her lips, acting in an arrogant yet coy manner.

"But where are my manners? I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Lieutenant Serpierite, and he is under my protection."

The sword twisted in her hand, facing it directly at Dia. "The next time you intend to touch his star seed.. I won't end it with just a threat towards that pretty face." In a way, it was a veiled insult beneath that compliment. As far as she was concerned, this corrupt senshi's only redeeming value was her appearance.

Serpierite let out a sigh, as Dia left without a fuss. Well, it wasn't a physical fuss at least. And that was all that mattered. Not that Serpierite wasn't confident in taking her own, but it would be .. unpleasant to say the least- to explain to her superior, Zinkenite, about how the ranks within the Negaverse were fighting with each other. Granted, it was unavoidable to avoid conflict in ranks that so quickly grew. But it certainly wouldn't be overlooked, if it had escalated to an actual battle. She had no desire to draw unwanted attention, nor punishment to herself.

Her parting words towards the lieutenant couldn't be disputed, "She was right." Serpierite remarked with no little amount of condescension at the soft-hearted fool. "She's an inexperienced, and newly converted addition to the negaverse. Had she made a single mistake in gathering your energy, you might have suffered more than a little chest pain." She kneeled down to his level and carefully placed a hand over his beating heart.She could still smell the scent of that irritating senshi, a sickly sweet smell permeating his clothes from where she had touched him.

Joker intertwined his fingers with Serpierite's hair, yet unable to speak but his purple eyes conveyed a tenacious stubbornness. "It looks like I have quite a bit to explain." She pulled away with a reluctant wry smile, recognizing he deserved a bit of an explanation.