AN: Here you go, a bonus chapter. MORE POWERSTONES. Oh, one more coming up... just about now.
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[Comic Con – Day 2]
The second day of Comic Con was chaos in the best way. Every corner of the convention center pulsed with energy. Crowds packed into halls as studios revealed their biggest projects yet. Teaser trailers, new anime announcements, exclusive game demos, and comic releases filled the screens everywhere. It was a storm of cheers, flashing lights, and camera shutters.
On the top floor, Alex stood in front of the glass wall of his private room, hands in his pockets, watching the ocean of people below. From up here, it looked almost unreal—a living mural of color and sound.
The door behind him clicked open. Soft footsteps crossed the floor.
"Good morning," Halle's voice came softly as she stopped behind him, wrapping her arms around his torso. Her golden gown shimmered under the light as she pressed against his back. She brushed her lips against his neck in a slow, teasing kiss.
Alex smiled, eyes still on the crowd. "Morning."
"You've been up here too long," she whispered, fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "You should come down, make an appearance."
He turned in her arms and took a good look at her before wrapping his hands around her waist. "You look incredible," he said, his tone dropping slightly. "That dress should come with a warning label."
She tilted her head, smirking. "You approve?"
"I more than approve." He leaned closer, taking in her scent with a slow breath near her neck. "You smell divine." He placed a small kiss on her neck.
Halle's lips curved as his nose brushed against her skin. "Perfume's yours, remember?"
"Then I outdid myself, or... it mixed with your natural scent and became more divine," he said softly, brushing his lips against hers, followed by a slight lick, just enough to taste her. "Peach. Sweet and dangerous."
'It's so hard to keep my hands to myself if you keep saying so many sweet things to me,' Her eyes flicked up to meet his. "You always say the nicest things."
His hand moved up, fingers resting just below her jaw as he held her gaze. "If today wasn't so busy," he murmured, "I'd carry you straight back to the penthouse and make sure you forgot what sleep feels like."
'Why go home when we can do it here?' Halle smiled slowly. "There's a table in this room," she said. "And a couch."
"Why choose when we can have fun on both?" Alex said while leaning in to kiss her again. Their lips parting for a heartbeat before finding each other once more. The sound of the crowd below faded for a moment, lost beneath the quiet rhythm of their breathing. Their tongues danced against each other as Alex grabbed her waist and pulled her up...
Halle wrapped her legs around his waist as their slow kissing turned slightly fast and aggressive. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
Alex was about to carry her to the couch when...
Knock! Knock!
Both froze, still close enough that their foreheads almost touched. Halle laughed under her breath. "Of course."
Alex sighed, amused. "Perfect timing."
"Story of our lives," she said, as he put her down. She stepped back slightly, smoothing her gown.
Alex straightened his collar and licked his lips. "We'll finish that conversation later."
"You'd better," she said, eyes glinting as she moved toward the door.
Halle opened the door, still fixing her hair and pretending she hadn't just been seconds away from tearing off Alex's shirt.
Standing there was Alexis—short blonde bob, headset on, clipboard in hand, and a look of absolute panic. Her Titan staff badge swung against her chest as she tried to catch her breath.
"Oh, thank God, you're here," Alexis blurted, stepping in.
Halle raised an eyebrow. "Crisis?"
"Major crisis," Alexis said quickly, then glanced at Alex. "Hi, Mr. Wilson. Sorry to interrupt whatever you were… doing."
Halle smirked. "You're not sorry."
Alexis gave a nervous laugh. "Okay, maybe a little curious, but mostly panicking."
Alex folded his arms, the faintest grin tugging at his mouth. "What happened?"
"The guy who was supposed to play Joker's cosplay for today's main event—yeah, he's out. Diarrhea. Like, nuclear-level bad. And the three backup guys? Same thing."
Alex blinked. "All of them?"
"All of them," Alexis said miserably. "Apparently, those geniuses thought it'd be fun to do one of those challenges for their YouTube channels, dressed as the Joker." She took a deep breath. "Chili dogs with black coffee as breakfast. Said it builds 'character.'"
Alex closed his eyes and groaned, then slammed his palm against his forehead. "Who the fuck in their right mind eats chili dogs with black coffee in the morning?"
Halle covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Guess they found out what kind of character it builds."
Alex let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. "Alright. So we've got no Joker, no backups, and a crowd expecting him to show up for photos, right?"
"Exactly," Alexis said, voice climbing. "We've got Harley, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and all the other characters, but no Joker. It's gonna look weird. I mean, he's one of the most popular villains. Fans are going to be disappointed and questions will be raised. You know... The usual drill."
Alex turned away for a second, pacing to the glass wall. He stared at the sea of fans below, then at the Titan banners swaying above the stage. A small smirk began to form on his face.
Alexis noticed it immediately. "Why do I get the feeling that you are going to say something that will end with me saying, 'Oh my God, are you serious? We can do that?'"
Alex turned back to her, the smirk fully formed now. "Relax, Alexis. I've got an idea."
Halle narrowed her eyes. "You're not seriously thinking what I think you're thinking."
Alex straightened his jacket, tugging at the cuffs. "Depends. What do you think I'm thinking?"
"That you're going to step in," Halle said.
Alex's smirk deepened. "Maybe I am."
Alexis blinked. "Wait… you? As Joker? You're joking, right?"
He shook his head. "Do we still have the costume?"
"In the wardrobe rack backstage," Alexis said slowly, still unsure if he was serious.
"Then get it ready," Alex said, already moving toward the mirror. "And tell makeup I'll be there in ten."
"Oh my God, are you serious? We can do that?" Alexis babbled out.
"Yeah, we can," He nodded.
Alexis ran out as if she were running a marathon.
Halle crossed her arms, half amused, half exasperated. "You realize you're about to send every camera in the building into meltdown?"
"Only if people can identify me after all that makeup and purple suit."
...
[Sometimes later...]
The dressing room lights glowed bright against the mirrors, reflecting a face that looked nothing like Alex Wilson. The transformation was startling. The Joker stared back from the glass—white-painted skin stretched into a chilling grin, blackened eyes that hinted at madness, and the crimson scar almost looked wet with blood. Plus the green hair.
The purple tailcoat fit like it was made for him. Pinstriped trousers, a green silk shirt, gloves, and the signature purple hat completed the look. In his right hand, he held a polished black cane topped with a silver Joker head. He tilted it lazily against his shoulder as he studied his reflection.
Behind him, Halle stood with her arms folded, watching the makeup artist pack up their brushes. "I have to admit," she said with a mix of awe and disbelief, "that's… disturbingly good."
The makeup artist smiled proudly. "He's got the bone structure for it. Strong jawline, sharp cheekbones—ideal canvas for villainy."
Alex arched an eyebrow, turning slightly to examine the reflection from another angle. "You saying I should consider a career change?"
"Please don't," Halle said quickly, half laughing. "The world barely survives one Joker at a time."
Alex ran his gloved fingers along his jawline, then gave a large grin that made him look like a psycho. "Do I look like a lunatic?"
Halle took a few steps closer, looking him over from head to toe. "You look like you just escaped Arkham and burned the place down on your way out."
"Perfect," Alex said, his grin widening. "Exactly the look I was going for."
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[POWERSTONES AND REVIEWS PLS]
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[6 advance chs] [All chs available for all tiers] [No double billing.]
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