#your heart's too big for your body / HARLEEN QUINZEL

[perperam]

Do you have any Harlivy fic recommendations? Preferably something that is already completed?

OH I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE

okay okay so quick little tangent fact !! I actually just finished my undergrad degree in "english literature analysis & writing" and reading fics is so fun bc I get to analyze them and break them down and if it's particularly well written the stars align and it's just UGH so good. 

ratings are: E (explicit) M (mature) T (teens and up) and G (everyone) anyways here is a HUGE list of my favorite fics to date, their stats/details/plots, reasonings as to why they're on the list to begin with, and a short analysis:

SHORT STORIES (less than 30k words)

for your convenience they’re in order of length bc I’m focusing on this super hard rn

KISS YOUR BEST FRIEND CHALLENGE (T)  STATS — 340 words, shenanigans, fluff PLOT — Harley, TikTok and general Social Media queen, decides to do the trending challenge to kiss your best friend. The best friend? Her roommate and the woman she’s been crushing on for fucking ever: Poison Ivy.

AM I TOO CLOSE? (CAUSE YOU FOLD INTO ME LIKE A HEART WITH A BEAT) (G) STATS — 839 words, fluff, shenanigans PLOT — Harley genuinely wasn’t looking for trouble, but it’s hard to just have a day out when you’re one of Gotham’s most wanted. Running into Ivy, she takes drastic measures (and her hoodie into the mix) to distract the police from looking in their direction.

I’M HOME (G) STATS — 892 words, domestic fluff PLOT — After a long and rough day at work, Ivy comes home to Harley. Relaying the details of her day, she basks in the comfort of her girlfriend, who provides gentle questions and is a phenomenal listener. General cuteness.

CONFLICT DIAMONDS (G) STATS — 990 words, wedding shenanigans, banter, humor PLOT — Batman and Renee Montoya respond to a break-in at a jewelry store, except even though the owner is duct-taped to the wall, it isn’t really a break-in; Harley’s just trying to shop for a ring for Ivy, and that’s difficult to do when the owner is screaming in the corner. Batman and Renee both pitch in to help pick something nice for Harley’s girl, resulting in hilarious banter.

OF COURSE (T) STATS — 1.1k words, hurt/comfort (kinda), harley quinn animated tv show centric PLOT — In the aftermath of Ivy’s death, rebirth, and the fall of Joker Tower, Harley collapses onto the ground. Since she never mentioned that her parents are the reason for most of her injuries, Ivy isn’t sure why she’s so out of it.

PERFECT MORNINGS (T) STATS — 1.1k words, domestic fluff/bliss PLOT — Ivy, who usually wakes up early and before Harley, takes a moment to look at the countless muscles, ridges, scars, and tattoos on Harley’s body as she sleeps. General cuteness.

I’D LOVE TO CHECK YOU OUT (T) STATS — 1.7k words, university au, fluff PLOT — Harley visits the library virtually every day, and it’s definitely not because she needs to work on her university courses and homework. She finally works up the courage to speak to the alluring redhead she sees there every day while absentmindedly looking at a book on sharks. 

I’LL LOVE YOU IN THE MORNING (NOON, NIGHT) (T) STATS — 2.1k words, angst, hurt/comfort PLOT — A snapshot look into Ivy and how she comes to know, care, and love all the sides of Harley—from psychiatrist to criminal to girlfriend. She loves her throughout it all. 

DAY-DREAMING (T) STATS — 2.2k words, shenanigans, psychiatrist Harleen PLOT — Ivy’s falling for her psychiatrist—her humorous, intelligent, caring, and downright gorgeous psychiatrist. It’s difficult, to say the least.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THEMYSCIRA (DOESN’T) STAY IN THEMYSCIRA (T) STATS — 2.3k words, humor, wedding shenanigans, angst with a happy ending PLOT — In a surprise twist of events, Harley and Ivy were drunkenly married at Themyscira. When asked at the wedding if anybody had objections to the union of Ivy and Chuck, Wonder Woman and the Queen of Themyscira herself come to object. Ivy, for lack of a better word, wants to die a little.

NOT A ROCKER CHICK (T) STATS — 3.1k words, rock band au, fluff PLOT — The last thing Ivy wants to do is go to a rock band concert with her best friend, Selina. Despite her best efforts, she can’t help but completely fall into the rhythm of the band and their music, so different than her own norm. And okay, maybe the singer (who Selina was friends with and called “Harley”) was also kinda hot...

A TENDER HEART AMONG THE GREEN (T) STATS — 3.2k words, gotham city sirens raise Lucy au, domestic bliss PLOT — Harley and Selina come back home to the apartment to find Ivy passed out asleep with Lucy cuddling into the crook of her neck and Selina’s cats cuddling her legs. Knowing that Ivy would rather be caught dead than in such a compromising situation (after all, she is the Poison Ivy, who “hates humans”) the two take a photo, since it lasts longer. Shenanigans and cuteness ensue.

BUILDING YOUR GIRL’S SECOND STORY (M) STATS — 3.3k words, university/grad school au, angst with a happy ending PLOT — Snapshots of Harley’s battle with her violent and abusive boyfriend, Jack, and the way in which Bruce, his boyfriend Clark, and her best friend (and potentially lover) Pamela all love Harley and will do anything, anything, to make sure she gets the help, care, and love she needs.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF NORMAL (T) STATS — 3.6k words, coronavirus pandemic/quarantine au, family au PLOT — Ivy is requested by the Justice League to help create and manufacture a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. As she works on the vaccine, she video calls Harley and their daughter Lucy, both of whom miss her very much. 

RABBIT IN THE GARDEN (T) STATS — 4.4k words, implied suicide attempt, hard angst PLOT — Winters are difficult to Ivy. When Harley comes home one day to see her submerged fully in water in the bathtub, the only thing Harley can do is cry and take her out. Ultimately Ivy is alright—but it doesn’t make it any easier.

WE WILL BE (EVERYTHING THAT WE’D EVER NEED) (T) STATS — 5.8k words, high school au, angst, hurt/comfort PLOT — Harley and Ivy are best friends from high school, living in the middle of Arizona. Ivy is absolutely head over heels for Harley, but the latter is in a growing and increasingly abusive relationship with the older “bad-boy” (literally) Jack. Eventually, the two grow together in more ways than one.  

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS (EXCEPT NO DOGS DIE) (M) STATS — 9.7k words, domestic bliss, no powers just botanist & psychiatrist au PLOT — After her abusive ex-boyfriend tries to maniacally tear down the front door of her apartment with an ax as her best friend, Selina, pushes the table against the splintering wood, Bruce recommends that Harley gets a dog. She gets two German Shepard brothers—Bud and Lou—who lead her one day on their walk to the most beautiful flower shop owner Harley’s ever seen. The story of Harley and Ivy, told with Bud and Lou present to witness every moment.

THE MOMENT I AWAKEN GHOSTS (T) STATS — 11.7k words, falling in love, feelings & realizations PLOT — A deep look into Ivy’s feelings and how they evolve from general hatred against Harleen the psychiatrist at Arkham to a blooming, kind and gentle love towards Harley Quinn, the crown jester of crime. 

HARLEQUIN’S ISLE (T) STATS — 17.5k words, hurt/comfort, happy ending, shenanigans, humor PLOT — Harley and Ivy decide to go on a vacation on Bruce Wayne’s new eco-friendly plane, but in a surprise twist of events, things go terribly wrong, Ivy falls out of the plane, and the two (as well as all the other rich and wealthy big-name CEOS on the plane) get stranded on an island with someone actively trying to rob the investors. Harley and Ivy will fight them, god damn it, because they deserve this vacation and they will have it.

LONGER STORIES (30k words to 100k words)

YOUR LOVE (DÉJÀ VU) (G) STATS — 33k words, slow burn, mild angst, canon divergence PLOT — A what-if-Harley-found-Ivy-first fic, YOUR LOVE wonderfully illustrates Dr. Harleen Quinzel treating Ivy in a wonderfully humane and kind way, including learning floriography, the language of flowers, in order to better relate to her. Ivy is taken aback by her doctor's genuine care and begins to develop feelings, all the while Harleen falls hard and fast which wholly confuses and frightens her. The one caveat is that while this is happening, Harleen is also treating the Joker as well, who tries (keyword: tries) to manipulate her. Ivy and Harley dance a timid tango around one another as they try to navigate this new playing field of romantic feelings for one another, and things come to a breaking point when Harleen realizes that, perhaps, all of her patients have a point and that the real villains are not the ones inside the asylum, but rather the ones running it. FAVORITE DETAILS — I just love the way this is written. It provides a wonderful and almost skinny-love like romance (except this takes place in an insane asylum) as Harleen and Ivy both try to understand their strong feelings for one another. The way in which the rogues and other inmates/patients all look out for one another was very heartwarming, and Waylon and Eddie's thinly veiled camaraderie with Ivy—and her thinly veiled appreciation for it—were both lovely and created a really warm environment. It really underlined why Harley loved them because you love them too in the process, and see how she reaches her breaking point.  CHARACTER DEPICTIONS — Harley, as she is in all of my favorite fics, is depicted as an incredibly intelligent and talented psychiatrist. Her caring nature is wonderfully outlined in this fic as she helps Waylon, Eddie, Ivy, and everybody else in the asylum be treated with genuine respect and care, going as far as to get them personalized gifts. Her psyche fracturing slowly never once makes her seem unintelligent to the reader, even as she actively places a ditz persona in order to fool the rest of the asylum staff (and the Joker). Ivy, on the other hand, is illustrated in a way that perfectly shows how all she genuinely needed was someone to listen. She's sometimes harsh and crass but you can see how she begins to soften as Harley helps her and treats her with: you guessed it, genuine respect. FINAL VERDICT — I would get this tattooed on my ass if I could

NOVEL LENGTH WORKS (100k+ words)

ACROSS THE WAY (M) STATS — 128.7k words, slow-burn, tattoo artist & flower shop owner au  PLOT — Botanist and flower shop owner Pamela Isley moves to Gotham from Seattle in search of a new life. Her shop is located directly next to a tattoo shop—one that is incredibly loud and bothersome. Upon walking in to give the shop a piece of her mind, she meets one of the resident artsits, Harley Quinzel, and cannot get her out of her mind. The two become best friends, and feelings slowly start to develop. On a night when Harley is most vulnerable and in need of a place to escape, Pam offers her apartment as a refuge, and from that point on things are never the same again (in the best way possible).  FAVORITE DETAILS — The SIT sessions were a wonderful touch and I loved seeing the recovery of both Ivy and Harley, because it was so real. I also loved how once Harley got out, she did everything in her power to protect both herself and Ivy from Jack, and we got to see her and Ivy grow into their wonderful, healthy romance. CHARACTER DEPICTIONS — I love how all of the characters are illustrated; Selina, who is the caring best friend and genuinely does her best to help others around her all the while being her cocky, usual self. Pam, who escaped Seattle and started anew in Gotham and is the crass botanist and also the insanely kind and caring lover. Barbara is the adorable coffee shop owner, Floyd is the caring figure for Harley that she never had, and everyone is just wonderful.  FINAL VERDICT — literally go read this rn, what are you even doing

MAD LOVE: THE BEGINNING & MAD LOVE: THE FINAL CHAPTER (M) STATS — nearly 400k words total, angst, canon divergence, domestic fluff, slice of life PLOT — imagine YOUR LOVE except this is much longer, much more heart-wrenching, a whole lot more angsty, and Harleen's break with Harley is a lot more prevalent. Another what-if scenario of Dr. Harleen Quinzel meeting and treating the illusive Poison Ivy instead of the Joker, MAD LOVE shows an interesting depiction of the way they manipulate, hurt, care, and love one another. The entire story is riddled with well placed metaphors, recurring themes, and both Ivy and Harley's characters are illustrated in the most complex and interesting way. All throughout both the initial and the sequel, Ivy and Harleen play a metaphorical chess game in manipulation as a means to gain the upper-hand on the other, which creates a dangerous foundation for their following love story. In the sequel, "The Final Chapter," the story starts with Harley and Ivy—already married near the end of "A New Beginning"—having two kids and the entire piece spans over Harley's lifetime until she's on her deathbed, with Ivy still stuck at 33 years old beside her. I personally stopped reading the story after Harley died (I was too emotionally vulnerable to continue on) but if you continue reading on, you get to see Ivy move on and appreciate Harley's impact on her life as she finds love and happiness again after the loss of her wife. FAVORITE DETAILS — We get insight into both Ivy and Harleen's trauma, and how not everything can be fixed with love. Neither Harleen nor Ivy (or their actions for that matter) are characterized as perfect in any way, and the story never excuses any of their more-than-questionable actions; in fact they make MANY mistakes and manipulate one another throughout the story, and both have power over the other (Harleen is her psychiatrist, but Ivy could easily kill her, so emotional power over someone with immense physical power). CHARACTER DEPICTIONS — Harleen is depicted as an incredibly intelligent and capable psychiatrist, and the story somehow wonderfully mixes Harley's desire for violent chaos with Harleen's desire to help others. v Ivy is illustrated as the epitome of "I hate you and will not be nice unless you're literally either my wife or kids." She is seldom kind to others, is often crass, but an entire softy when it comes to Harleen and their children. She's a hard worker and is heavily involved in her research. Harleen, on the other hand, is equally cunning but more lighthearted, extremely athletic and active, the "fun" mom, and less into power trips (unless it's about Ivy). FINAL VERDICT — definitely the most interesting fics I've ever read in my entire fucking life, it's so complex and wonderful and a literal minefield of analysis worthy literature, I'd also get this tattooed on my ass if I could

[firefree]

💎💎💎(crimescupid)

Send “💎💎💎” and My Muse will say three things that comes to their mind when Your Muse’s name is mentioned

@crimescupid

1. she’s kinda cute, isn’t she?

2. she’s kinda crazy

3. i hope she’s okay

[kittyanonymity]

Marinette

hi, yes I love you guys, so here is the final part of the WonderSuper Timinette prologue for the angst train. The next part of this will not be out for a long time, since I try to give most of my attention to a single project at a time (otherwise I would finish nothing lol) This is mostly just about Marinette immediately following the final battle. 

ALSO BIG WARNING!! CHARACTER DEATH! ;-;

Finally, Tim makes a small appearance... my boi..... 

Ao3

Prologue:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 :HERE:

Actual Story: 

P1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marinette’s knees hit the grass as soon as she’s through the portal, and her transformation falls finally. She doesn’t see where Tikki goes, just continues clutching her bag to her chest; it has everything she needs. The Miracle Box, her new phone, and the credit card Master Fu had secured for her, along with her new identity. 

But Marinette’s eyes were unseeing as she crouched in the dirt. 

All she could do was remember. 

Mayura had a sentimonster on her, pressed into the ground, she couldn’t move; her powers were useless if she couldn’t get the leverage she needed! The rest of the team had been batted aside like they were bugs, and Chat was barely holding his own against Hawkmoth. 

And then- 

Marinette choked, and then she was wailing, fat tears rolling down her face as she finally mourned her partner; her friend. She screamed to the sky, cursing everything she could think of.

The blade of Hawkmoth’s cane pierced him through the heart, and to make it stick, Hawkmoth withdrew and delivered another blow to Chat’s lung; the sick slide of the blade made her heart stop. 

And then she was screaming, Chat’s body falling to the ground limply. He stared at her, one arm reaching for her, and Ladybug didn’t know what to do, she couldn’t help-! 

And then his eyes dulled, and his transformation finally fell with his last breath.

Marinette’s anguish compounded on itself as she stared at Adrien, and she broke. 

There were hands on her shoulders, and someone was talking to her, but all Marinette could do was shake her head, unable to see through her tears. 

She had failed. 

Mayura’s sentimonster fell away in shock, a pained sound leaving the woman; Hawkmoth stared at the boy, appalled, and Marinette growled when the man took a hesitant step forward. 

“A-Adrien…?” 

She moved, putting herself between Hawkmoth, and the boy she had loved; she bared her teeth in a snarl. 

“Stay away from him!” She screamed, “This is all your fault!” 

But it wasn’t, it was hers too. 

She’d gotten captured, hadn’t been able to back up the team; been too afraid to reveal her meta powers even then. 

It was her fault Adrien had died. 

A sharp pain across her cheek pulled her out, and Marinette stared in shock up at the woman in front of her. 

“Oh, thank god, you had me scared there for a second, kitten.” 

Marinette’s eyes welled with fresh tears at the sight of the leather clad, cat themed heroine currently pulling her in for a hug. The woman sighed. 

“Sweet girl, what’s happened?” 

Marinette shakes her head, but another voice chimes in. 

“Marinette, we need to go.” 

The girl looks over in shock, surprised to see Tikki hovering there in plain sight of a stranger. The woman pauses, staring at the creature. 

“T-Tikki?” Tikki turns her big blue eyes to the grown woman. 

“You are a hero, yes?” The woman slowly nods. 

“Kind of. I’m Catwoman.” Tikki nods. 

“Yes, I know of your activity in Gotham. Marinette needs a safe place to stay while she processes what she’s just gone through. It’s been…” Tikki pauses, her face contorting in sorrow, “A traumatic last 24 hours.” 

Selina’s eyes grow wide as the girl in her arms sobs harder. 

And, well, she can’t just leave the girl. Not only would she regret it, Harley and Ivy would kick her ass on principal alone. So Selina sighed, and hooked her arms under the girl’s legs, and picked her up. It was a testament to how worn out the girl was that she didn’t even flinch. 

And she was off, heading back to the penthouse she shared with the other Sirens. 

~

Tim paused on his patrol as he noticed Catwoman down on the street, cradling a girl to her chest. Batman had taken Hood and Nightwing with him to the Watchtower to find out about that mysterious broadcast, leaving him and Damian patrolling with Cass for the night. He tapped his comm. 

“Note, Selina’s picked up some girl; she seems upset.” Alfred chimed back a moment later. 

“Noted, Red Robin, thank you.” 

Tim followed at a distance, watching Selina enter the building containing the Siren’s home and base of operations. Given that they were less inclined to criminal activities while operating as the Sirens, Bats had allowed the women to keep the penthouse; it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he and Selina were consistently seeing each other still. Nope, not at all. 

Tim rolled his eyes as he scaled the skyscraper next to the apartment building, reaching the point where he could peer into the Siren’s apartment; Ivy and Harley were home, lounging in the living room. Harley was clipping the nails on her hyenas, while Ivy read. At least until Selina burst through the door. 

Tim watched the women freak out for a bit, until Selina handed the girl over to Harley who escorted her out of his sight; likely to the spare room they kept. He could see Selina and Ivy talking, and Selina shrugged, throwing her hands up; and Tim decided that was all he needed to know. Just the Sirens helping another lost girl; nothing new. 

He left before he could see Ivy show Selina the livestream from earlier. 

Or he might’ve seen how the women looked towards the young girl with recognition. 

As it was, Tim was only worried about the possibility of another Siren in the future. 

~

Harley guided Marinette gently into the spare room, letting the girl sit on the bed; Harley sat on the floor in front of her, and crossed her legs. 

“Cats out there thinks you’re broken, little missy.” Marinette hiccupped, and nodded. Harley clicked her tongue. 

“Broken doesn’t mean useless girlie. Do you know who I am?” Marinette took a deep breath, and nodded again. 

“Y-you’re Dr. Harleen Quinzel.” Harley arches a brow, a bit impressed. 

“Bingo, little flower. And if you know that, then you know what I’m trained in.” Harley’s smile softened, and she reached up, taking one of Marinette’s hands in hers. “I can help, kiddo; you are looking at a certified therapist. And it’s free of charge since you’re so cute, princess.” 

Marinette is giggling, and then she is sobbing, her whole body shaking with the force of her grief. 

And Harley swears she’s going to help this girl get better. 

No matter how long it takes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prologue:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 :HERE:

Actual Story: 

P1

y’all are free to ask me questions btw! I love talking head canons and stuff! <3

@northernbluetongue  @saphiraazure2708  @crazylittlemunchkin  @vixen-uchiha  @zalladane @hypnosharkrebeldreamer  @thequestionablyhuman  @emotionalsupportginger  @dur55  @sonif50 ��@romanoff-queen  @chocolatecatstheron  @jessigurl-design  @kuroko26  @novicevoice  @fandomkitty8 (Sorry kitty this is officially the prologue to the Timinette version; sorry it’s so sad! ;-;) 

[clean-bands-dirty-stories]

The Best Things ~ J.V. (part 8)

A/n: This part is super upsetting. Character death, graphic violence, I dare even say gore. Homophia, which I should have been warning a while back I am so sorry for that. Things are gonna get HEAVY- I am so sorry lol.

Word Count: 3800+

Playlist

Masterlist

"Nah, you're not crazy," Harleen giggled.

"Says you," Y/n teased, rolling his eyes. "You may have a doctorate, but you're also bias."

Her smile widened. "Okay that's fair." Y/n sighed, sitting back in his chair. He looked down at his hands, smile small as he got lost in thought. "What's on your mind?"

"Harleen is kind of a mouthful," Y/n told her. "Do you like the name?"

She tilted her head, as if considering. "I never did. When I was younger I had a friend who called me Lee, but with things happening-" Y/n's face scrunched up and Harleen snorted. "Exactly. Name's already taken- and it would be even weirder if I went by Dr. Lee, so I scratched it."

Y/n nodded. Then he sat forward, his elbows resting on the table. "So you've never had any other nicknames?" She shook her head and then shrugged when Y/n donned a surprise expression. "Well I have to give you one then. That's what friends do, right?" She grinned at Y/n's words and he watched the room get a little brighter. She was magic like that- as if she was made of sunshine. Her happiness was contagious, and she made the world a little better. She was accepting and also calm, making him feel safe as well as loved. She was his best friend and he was hers and they gave each other something they couldn't get with anyone else: unhindered fun with absolutely no expectations. It was an odd place to find real friendship in, but here they were anyway. "What about... Leena?" She immediately shook her head and he chuckled. "Uh... I mean, there's always Harley."

She considered that. "You know what, I like it." She crossed her arms. "Harley Quinzel." She nodded. "I'll allow it."

Y/n rolled his eyes. She was only like four years older than him, but had far too quickly fallen into a rhythm of acting like an adult talking to a child every once in a while, as a joke. Whether she was flaunting the years she had over him, or the schooling, Y/n wasn’t sure, but he refused to acknowledge it and it had become an unspoken inside joke between them. "What about you? I have to give you one now."

Y/n shrugged. "I don't like nicknames."

Harley tilted her head, the bottom of her blonde ponytail brushing her shoulder. "Why not? You like giving them."

"Well, yeah..." He bit his lip. "It's just, every bad guy has a code name, you know? Oswald Cobblepot goes by Penguin. Edward Nygma is going around as Riddler. Then there's Mr. Freeze. I just feel like if I take an alias, it'll be official you know? I'll be as crazy as the people I associate with and as evil as everyone says I am."

Harley hummed. "Okay, that's fair." She sighed, raising her hands to rest her chin in her palm. "Speaking of people you associate with. You and Jerome..."

Y/n's mood darkened. It had been a while now and Oswald was gone and Jerome still hadn't made an appearance. "I think he's mad at me." Harley tilted her head in confusion and Y/n shrugged. "I left with Alfred because Bruce needed me. Didn't give him a heads up, and then went missing for, like, months..." He shook his head. "Maybe he thinks I've gone back to my old life, or that I've left him behind. I just feel like he's avoiding me and one doesn't usually do that for no reason, so I figure-"

"What if he's just busy?" Harley proposed.

Y/n snorted. "With what? Reading a really good book series?"

Harley pursed her lips. "I guess you have a point."

"Why do you even care?" Y/n asked, raising his hands to knit his fingers behind his head.

Harley stared at him silently for a long time. She had the look on her face she always does when she'd trying to read Y/n's mind. When she's analyzing everything she learned in school and looking at the actions and words that he was currently giving as context, as well as past ones, and then somehow putting it all together to figure out the secrets sometimes even he didn't know. The same magic that made Arkham home also gave her the ability to read minds- Y/n had determined she was a proper superhero.

After she reached some kind of conclusion - she always nodded after she'd done the reading and then switched which leg was crossed over the other - a little smile teased her lips. She was trying to hide it. And failing. Y/n tried not to be curious. Usually when Harley didn't tell him something it was because he wasn't ready to hear it... but that smile. It was too late. He had to know. "What?"

Once he asked, the gate broke and she grinned. "You're in love with him."

Y/n snorted. "No. I'm not." The coy curl of Harley's lips added to her raised eyebrows to make Y/n doubt himself, even though he could feel his feelings and knew that it wasn't... he didn't... no way. "He's important to me," Y/n gave. "I care for him. But... love..." Y/n shook his head. "I don't know about that. There's been too much going on- I haven't had enough time with him."

She nodded, expression serious, as if this was a very important discovery. "I call Maid of Honor at the wedding though." They locked eyes as Y/n went to tell her off, but then a slow smile rose to her face as he realized she was joking. They both busted up into laughter.

"Whoever I marry, the position is yours." He winked at her and she flipped her hair, both of them giggling.

A timer went off. Harley stood, gathering her stuff and sighing. "That's my cue. Same time tomorrow?"Y/n nodded then stood.

He draped his arm around her shoulders. "You know, you make this place bearable. You're a real friend to me." He kissed her forehead. "What would I do without you, hm?"

She rested her head on his shoulder for a second before they began walking and it got too awkward to coordinate. "Probably the same thing I'd do without you. Be alone and miserable." She popped up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. He pretended to gag and she fell into a short fit of soft giggles. "You're an idiot."

"Ah and yet what I lack for a brain, I make up with a big-" He cut off and she groaned. "Heart," he enunciated. He smirked and she rolled her eyes. "I have quite a large heart, full of love for my favorite gal." He shook her slightly, making a point that said gal was her.

"Every lesbian deserves a best friend with as little brains and as big a heart as you," Harley joked.

"And every gay deserves a best friend with as much brain and just as much heart as you." He finally let her go as she moved to the door that would lead outside. This is where they parted- her, to home, as he was her last patient as per usual. Him, further into the Asylum where he would have dinner then return to his room to be alone and sleep. Goodbyes were the pair's least favorite part of the day. "Until we next meet, Madame," Y/n initiated, pulling away to bow deeply.

Harley grabbed her doctor's coat lightly, pulling it out as if it was a dress as she bowed back. "I shall count the seconds." They laughed one last time, waving before she turned and left. He watched her go until she disappeared. She turned back several times to wave yet again, until she couldn't see him either just by turning around.

The second she was out of sight, the world lost a little color. It was a little darker. His smile got smaller and Y/n's shoulders sagged. He shoved his hands in his pockets before turning back to the hallway that lead to his room, beginning the trek.

A hand on his shoulder stopped him. People rarely touched him. The only person that touched him like this was one that Y/n hated so much that his hands curled into fists in his pocket, his face suddenly cold and empty as he stared straight ahead, halfway through a step- his foot on the ground and extended, but not carrying him forward as it had been intended to. He took a deep breath through his nose. Unfortunately, in all the chaos and people getting booted from Arkham after beating on Y/n, the one person that meant the most hadn't been caught because everyone refused to rat him out.

The man who'd started it all.

"You and her..." The older guard mused, a nasty smirk on his ugly face. "I thought you were gay." He said it mockingly, like he'd caught a child who hadn't said they weren’t hungry sneaking food when everyone seemed to be asleep.

Y/n rolled his eyes, forcing his body to relax as he faced the man. The monster. "Not every girl in the world was born solely for men to shove a dick into them, Jameson." The older man glared and Y/n smiled, getting satisfaction. "As a matter of a fact, Harley and I are just friends."

"You're pretty affectionate for just friends," Jameson argued. Y/n still didn't know the man's first name. He didn't care enough too. He didn't want another name that tasted bitter in his mouth. He already had his fingers crossed he'd never meet a cute boy with the last name Jameson, because the name alone would ruin Y/n's chances before he'd even taken a shot. No reason to make it even harder for himself.

"We're comfortable around each other." He rolled his shoulder back once, slightly stiff from sitting so long. Jameson wouldn't attack, knowing that Y/n would report him instantly- especially in such an open space, with cameras and the chance of someone rounding the corner any second - but one could never be too safe, just in case. "She gets me like no one else does. But, as you so wonderfully pointed out, I'm GAY." Y/n enunciated the word, going the extra mile by taking a step closer to stress it even more. "Girls aren't my thing."

Jameson looked like he wanted to deck Y/n. The younger boy's lips curved into a mocking smile in response. Now the guard was the one who had to control himself. "You guys have a lot in common?"

Y/n shrugged, too caught up in his casual gloating that Jameson couldn't act out like he wanted to- like he used to be able to. "Enough. We talk a lot. She's cool." He relaxed thinking about Harley. "She doesn't think I'm crazy. It's nice." He cleared his throat, focusing back on the enemy in front of him... only to immediately be confused by the very odd expression on Jameson's face. "What?"

"Nothing," the man dismissed, moving to leave. "I've heard enough. You're both a waste." He shook his head as he left and Y/n glared at his back until he was gone. Then the boy turned back toward the cell and finally made his way.

Man, why did he have to be surrounded by such assholes? Why couldn't Harley be around all the time? Why couldn't he be free? They could get an apartment and talk all the time. Help each other get through life and protect each other from unwanted attention. Be themselves all the time. Make jokes and exchange irritated expressions when idiots like Jameson said stupid shit like he always tended to.

Tomorrow. He'd see her tomorrow. That wasn't too far away.

He could wait until then.

-

Y/n's knees gave out from under him and he fell, cracking them on the cement. He didn't even feel it. His attention was being completely held by the TV, which was turned onto the news. It was a small screen that had been installed in one of the Day Rooms recently. They were rarely ever allowed to watch the news, though. In places like Gotham, far too often the news held very upsetting content that set inmates off- either into panics, or into violent rages. Y/n had stood to turn it off when he'd realized what news was being shared. Someone had been murdered. Old news. This was Gotham. Then he'd heard the name.

"23-year-old Harleen Quinzel was found dead earlier today. Her body was badly beaten, with words carved into her stomach. It was the cuts on her wrist that were the cause of death, though it's been determined that none of this was self inflicted. We received a photo of the body recently. Beware: what you're about to see is not for the faint of heart."

Suddenly the screen was showing the broken body of Y/n's best friend. The sunshine girl with the bright smile and the contagious laugh. The girl who was going to be Y/n's Maid of Honor. Y/n's better half. She was limp and unmoving, her eyes wide and empty. Her skin was pale, nearly white, except for where dark, huge bruises and blood discolored it. Her hair had been cut off, the blonde locks left next to her head but clearly detached. Her shirt had been rolled up to letters on her stomach- carved as promised.

There was an L next to a G, in a circle and crossed through once. Underneath the symbol read: Sinner.

Someone was talking, but Y/n couldn't make out what they were saying. A hand in his shoulder and he looked over to see a concerned guard. A woman. She knelt next to Y/n, but she wasn't the one touching him. No, that hand belonged to Jameson, who had a sick expression on his face- a cross between smugness and victory, muted as if he was trying to hide it, badly masked by some version of concern that was so unconvincing that Y/n ripped his shoulder out of the older man's hand.

He was on his feet again and running. Out of the room and to his cell- despite all the people who kept asking him what was going on, and someone in the very back changing the channel as the news reporter announced, "If you have any information, please contact-" Y/n ignored the rules. He ignored the people yelling at him. He ignored the people trying to stop him. He just started running and he didn't stop until he was in his room, where he opened the door and closed it behind him. His heart was ramming against his chest and all he could hear was the rushing of his blood in his ears. He saw black spots and felt an emotion bubble up that he couldn't even begin to put name to. All he knew was that it was dark and twisting and it was very quickly consuming everything good.

Something in him broke. It snapped off. Something vital. Y/n was aching, but he didn't know what it was or where it had fallen to as he lost it. He just knew there was suddenly a gaping hole where something very important used to be, and he felt absolutely terrible with it gone.

On the upside, he could finally breathe. His chest loosened and his body relaxed and as the door opened behind him, he turned to see the person with complete calm.

"Jameson." The word was not a greeting, but more of an observation. No. It was an accusation. The older man smiled and Y/n's insides began to twist and boil- less like a tightening of anxiety and more like a snake, seconds from attacking. "Why?" He stepped forward. "She was innocent."

Jameson scoffed. "You think you two are subtle? You two act like you're together and then talk about how you're not- you just 'get' each other." Jameson shook his head, cracking his knuckles. "You're spreading your sickness, Y/n." The snake coiled tighter, hissing and spitting. Y/n felt his calmness very quickly drop, perfectly placed with rage. His body didn't move, he just suddenly had a bunch of energy and he was waiting for the perfect moment to use it. "You two aren't quiet either. Strutting around here acting so out of line, in front of me. Acting like you're not being evil." Jameson scoffed. "You're evil, Y/n. And if they wouldn't let me punish you here, I'd have to get more creative. Even if you don't see it, you're in love with her. What you think you are is unnatural, and I knew if you could see how you really feel-"

Y/n's hand was around the man's throat. Jameson tried to push the younger boy away or claw his hand off, but Y/n just rammed him into the wall behind him. Jameson's head cracked against the grey wall, his efforts suddenly becoming useless. "You think I'm dangerous as a disease? You're so desperate to cure me. You're about to find just how very dangerous I am, Jameson. All on my own, with just my two hands." And then he began to squeeze. Jameson writhed and fought and clawed but when he started to get strong, Y/n would smash his head again or ram his knee into the man's junk and the efforts died down once again.

It took longer than Y/n thought. Jameson started to change color, his eyes bulging and his lips moving desperately but nothing coming in or out. Just when the man seemed about ready to pass out, Y/n let him drop to the floor. He gasped, clawing to try and get away. Y/n smiled, toeing the door gently closed. Jameson squirmed away, features taken over completely with terror. Y/n felt amazing.

"You will never hurt another person, ever again." Y/n squatted down, taking the man's thin hair in his hands. "Me however?" Y/n giggled. "You've helped create a monster. Know that every person I kill in the future is on your hands. Every injury is your fault. I'm not a violent person, Jameson." He snorted. "Well, I wasn't. But it seems you fuckwads only answer to violence, so..." Y/n shrugged casually. Jameson shook his head, choking out pleads for his life. Y/n snapped the man's neck and he stopped begging. It was so easy... The silence was wonderful. Y/n felt a weight lift off of his shoulders. "I'm done sitting idly while assholes run Gotham." Y/n stood, not even bothering to do anything but leave the door wide open as he walked calmly away, grinning like an idiot.

Something had been broken and lost indeed. It was Y/n's self control. His moral compass that kept him grounded and toeing the line between good and bad. It was the thing that kept reminding him he was a Wayne. That he was a good person. That he had a family that depended on him, in some way or another. That he had Alfred and Bruce, who he did want to visit even if he also wanted a life outside of them. That he had Oswald, who most often found solace in Y/n's sanity and depended on his restraint to reel him in when people were trying to set him off; Oswald needed Y/n's sense to balance his emotions. And, overall, Y/n was driven by pure spite not to let those damn reporters be right. He would be good and successful and he would show all of them that he could be more than the black sheep of the Wayne family. The disappointment of Gotham. The failure, always in the shadow of the Golden Boy younger brother Bruce Wayne.

But those people who Y/n cared about so much had let people like Jameson walk around, unhindered and unchecked. They had let him get beat up for a very long time before he was nearly killed and their hand was forced. They had let evil people run around and control things while they locked up Y/n for being gay. For being attracted to a man even though he wasn't a woman. There were murderers running wild, with super powers and incredible genius, but the problem people were deciding to focus on was that Y/n was gay.

Well, he was done with the lot of them. He was going to get out and prove to all of them that he was more than a Wayne. More than a mistake. More than a shadow. More than evil or good. More than Bruce's older brother. More than the one dude who had feelings for Jerome Valeska. More than one more gay plague on the face of the planet.

They wanted a monster? They would get one. And Y/n wasn't going to stop until he was satisfied, even if it meant all of Gotham had to die.

-

"Knock knock."

The door opened and Y/n looked over, his face finally showing emotion as his surprise rose. "Jerome?"

The redhead smiled, striding toward Y/n as if he has a tasty treat to share. "My little lover boy." Jerome hooked his finger under Y/n's chin. Y/n yanked his face away. Jerome frowned. "Are you mad at me, pretty boy?" Y/n glared at him. "I'll take that as a yes." He leaned backward. "What have I done, My Darling?"

"You've been avoiding me. We haven't talked in, like, months Jerome. What the fuck?"

"A tad dramatic," Jerome hushed. "And not totally fault." Y/n opened his mouth to argue but Jerome gently grabbed Y/n's throat, pressing his fingers gently into the skin. Their faces were suddenly very close and despite himself, Y/n suddenly felt a thrill to finally feel their skin touch as cheek brushed cheek. "I've been busy planning our escape, if you hadn't noticed." Y/n's eyes drifted to see a nervous Jonathan Crane and Jervis Tetch. "Come with me, won't you? I think we've been apart long enough."

Y/n suddenly began to relax. He didn't manage to smile, but he did get excited. "Well... lead the way."

Jerome left an excited kiss on Y/n's cheek, letting his hand fall away from Y/n's throat in favor of shooting into the air in victory as he giggled, turning to his two partners. "And so we all escape! Come now, we don't have much time." Y/n stood as Jerome lead the way, all four of the men finding their way out of Arkham Asylum finally.

The fun was about to begin.

[ficklefics]

Who Needs Enemies - Chapter One: Trouble Never Stops

SEQUEL TO FRIENDS LIKE THESE

It’s only been a few months since Harleen’s birthday and her new normal is undoubtedly strange; her and Jerome’s lives are completely intertwined. It’s not quite a relationship, but they undoubtedly have a growing and twisted connection. For once in her life she is happy - until Jerome’s past begins to unravel and she discovers that he has been less than honest with her.

Jerome Valeska x Harleen Quinzel, Jeremiah Valeska x Harleen Quinzel

SERIES MASTERLIST ~ MASTERLIST

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I groan and roll over, slamming my hand onto the clock to silence the shrill alarm. I’ve barely slept, but if I was dreaming I don’t remember what.

Even after three months, it still feels strange to wake up in my empty childhood home.

My parents didn’t come back after they went to Norway. Instead, they moved to New York again – the only logical option from their perspective. They didn’t try to get me to join them; I guess they finally realised that there are far more reasons for me to stay than there are to go.

It’s a typical morning. I get dressed and go downstairs. First thing is to turn on the coffee machine. While it’s doing its thing I fill up Puddin’s food and water. She’s six months old now and reaches up to my knee; almost completely unrecognisable from the puppy I got last Christmas. I scratch behind her ears and stand back up, grabbing two mugs and filling them up with fresh coffee. The scent fills the room, making me sigh audibly.

Then comes the perfectly timed chapping at the back door. I turn around as Jerome comes in. “It really shocks me how punctual you are.” There’s no need for ‘hello’s’. “I’m a criminal, not disrespectful.” He scoffs. I grin, sliding his coffee over to him. He picks it up and takes a slow sip. “You seriously make the best coffee.” “Only because I have an expensive coffee machine.” I walk around the island between us to stand beside him. “Rich girl perks.” I shrug. He wraps an arm around me and squeezes my shoulders, making me giggle. “Guess that’s a good enough reason to keep you around.” “Very funny. You know you’re stuck with me.” I elbow him in the stomach, slightly harden than could be considered teasing. Jerome seems to consider the words for a moment before his grip tightens and I’m being spun around so the counter is pressed against my back and Jerome is leaning over me. “Maybe you’re the one who’s stuck with me.”

A few months ago this would have scared me – not anymore.

I give a smirk and, with a grab of his collar, spin us both around so that we’ve swapped and it’s my arms around him. “Are you sure about that?” “Someone’s confident.” “You know it.” I wink. He shakes his head with a smile before leaning down and kissing me.

His touch still sends electricity through every nerve in my body. My skin tingles. My heart races.

My arm slides away from me on the counter and knocks into one of the mugs. The sound of it smashing on the ground pulls us apart. Jerome laughs at the mess and I slap his shoulder before grabbing a dustpan and a paper towel to clean up the mess. “Thanks for the help,” I grumble as I drop the shards in the trash. “You looked like you had it handled.” “Sure.” I roll my eyes. “Oh, remember, no surprise visits tonight or tomorrow. Wren’s visiting, and she can’t find out about this.” “Not sure how I feel about being your dirty little secret, Harls.” “Deal with it.”

*

As soon as Wren and I are through the door I take off my heels and drop them haphazardly on the floor. She laughs at me and I make a face at her before leading the way into the front room. We collapse onto opposite couches, her facing the bay window and me facing the open doors to the dining room. Who would have thought dinner could be so exhausting?

“It feels weird being back.” She sighs, a melancholy smile on her face. “You’re telling me,” I laugh softly. “You’d think coming back after five years would be the big deal – not five months.” “Well, a lot more has happened in the five months I’ve been in England than the whole time we were in New York.” “That’s a good point.” She hesitates before she speaks again. “I’m glad life is back to normal.” I nod in agreement. “Things got scary for a bit.” “That feels like an understatement.” She rolls her eyes. “I didn’t think it was possible for someone to get kidnapped so much in six months.” “What can I say, I’m an overachiever.” “Hilarious.” She leans forward, an earnest look in her eyes. “It is all over though, right? He’s disappeared?” “Yup. I haven’t seen or heard of Jerome Valeska in months…” I trail off at the sight of the bastard in question frozen in the doors behind Wren. My eyes widen in sudden panic but I force myself to keep calm. “You okay?” She frowns at my sudden change in demeanour. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine, just thought I saw something.” She goes to turn and I panic again. “It’s nothing! It’s fine.” My outburst manages to keep her attention on me long enough for Jerome to disappear out of sight. I have no clue what he’s doing here. I am going to kill him.

*

It’s after midnight when Wren’s head starts to droop. We say our goodnights, and after locking the doors and checking that Jerome is actually gone, I head to my room.

As I’m getting changed I notice a scrap of paper on my desk that I know wasn’t there before. I pick it up and unfold it to find a name: ‘Zachary Trumble’ – Jerome’s uncle. My mind flickers back to Jerome and I, sat in that cell, waiting for death.

“It’s not cheery.” “Nothing is with you. Or everything is.” “Fine. So, when I was a kid, before I realised the world hated me, I had an uncle.” “Zach.” “Smart girl.” “Ha ha.” “Dear old mom’s brother. He was a cook at the circus, and he would bake too. Great at it. We used to try and steal cookies from him. One time, he caught me. Took my hand and shoved it in a pot of boiling stock. Practically cooked me down to the bone. Took months for the burns to heal. And I never forgot the smell of my own flesh boiling.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. It’s funny.”

…

“You said, “we”. Did you have friends?” “Doesn’t matter.” “But -” “I said, it doesn’t matter!”

He never mentioned the story or his uncle again – it was very clearly off-limits. The note means nothing to me, so I drop it back on the desk and let myself fall into a restless sleep.

*

It’s 3am when the ringing of my phone wakes me up. I answer quickly, if only to shut it up. “Hello?” My voice is muddy and hoarse with sleep. “Hey.” It’s Jerome. I can hear sirens. “Look, I’m in trouble.” Now wide awake, I sit up, clutching the phone to my ear. “What’s happening? Do you need help?” “Nah, I’ll be fine. Did you see my note?” “You mean the very unhelpful one?” I glance over at it. “Yeah.” “I need you to find him. Any information you can.” The sirens are getting louder. “Look, I need to go. See ya’ later.” “Wait, Jerome -” Silence. He hung up. There’s nothing I can do.

CHAPTER TWO

[the-gemini-systemii-blog]

Memories from our headcanon...

A BTAS sequel where Scarface meets Peyton Riley...  Originally typed out in a chat on Discord so it’s a little choppy but the boss did his best!

Arnold Wesker is the original ventriloquist and scarface is a "haunted" ventriloquist's dummy you will find out soon for a fact that he is haunted

 Arkham Asylum is steadily being renovated as a treatment center for the mentally ill

 and they were in OK hands but it was still called "Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane" at the time

 Big sad feels from the Boss, hearing that name

 I'm a Virgo, by the way

 my birthday is September 22nd 1993

 "I was extremely disabled, without my ventriloquist.  He brought me to life... But I had my own mind.  My own dreams.  I'm not speaking out loud anymore, by the way.  I'm communicating my moving my lips with my tongue."

(I'm gunna speak in parentheses by the way so the boss can tell a story!)  

Oh, thank you! I got real depressed thinking back on Arnold and the Asylum and to cheer me up Peyton went upstairs to work on my puppet.  He has a button eye now, and I got to meet Joanne, our staff member at the supportive housing where we live now... I slur like a drunk, haha, but Peyton’s going to be a great ventriloquist.  We're gunna make it big. 

It was still about making it big, back then, about three years ago, I was still with Arnold in Arkham Asylum.  It was about making it big in my tiniest wood grains.  But the immediate fight was much harder.  I needed to prove I had rights.  We were in therapy, and Harleen was saying "You think you'll still be Scarface without Arnold?" 

I remember banging my fiist on the table.  "I want to try!" I said. 

 "Give me the puppet, Arnold,” she said.

 Arnold splutters.  "This man... is very fragile... he does not believe..." 

"ARNOLD!"  she sais. 

He bows his head and hands me to her.  She does some dopey man voice, it's hard to resist with my iconic dummy, and says "Hur durr, I'm Scarface!"

 Arnold says "Try... opening your mind... a little..."  And as I turn my head to face her... as she turns the dummy around... she starts to get a really creepy feeling inside.  She gets a really good look into my eyes. I'm a posession spirit, and albiet weakly, I managed to posess Harleen Quinzell She takes the dummy off her hand, shaken, and her hand is stiff and white.  Arnold takes me back, and I sigh, thinking it was useless.  Thinking her mind was too strong.  Knowing what happens next. They put my puppet into miniature restraints and walk me and the ventriloquist down the hall to our room.  They lock me in.  They don't do that anymore.  But the doors were locked back then.

 I guess I should talk about me and Arnold, even though those weren't happy times. I'm staring out the door.  He's quiet.  He has asked, in the past, Do you want to talk, scarface?  And I always bark "Quiet!" I think he's a curse.  I should have treated him better.  But I needed brains. I was staring out into the hallway And the guards start teasing me...

 "Should we inject the dummy?" 

"Haha which one's the dummy?" 

I've heard it a million times.

 There's a new guy though, he's a little confused, but he's read my file. I'm a patient too he says "Hey, he's locked in, shouldn't we take him out of his restraints?" 

That depends on who's on duty. Jonathan Crane is very kind but often, we're restrained for hours. I'm just lucky they couldn't fit a straightjacket on my dummy. And they start talking 

teasing 

all kinds of ideas 

they talk about taking me away from Arnold 

about passing me around among the guards to see if I can break out

 I want them to

 I want them to so bad 

but they're too scared 

I feel my face --it's wood. The jaw moves. The eyes blink. But I feel a sneer. Usually when I become overcome with emotion, it bleeds into Arnold but this time it isn't Arnold sneering; it's Harleen. I see her in my mind's eye and then I hear her voice. My heart leaps.

 "HEY!  You dopes clear out! I got therapy with this one! " She’s running down the hallway with an empty sack over her shoulder.  I press my hands up against the glass.

 "Sorry Arnold,"  She says, "Your cellmate has a private session."

 I can't quite describe how I experience reality when I'm posessing someone 

her hands over my wooden body  I'm very aware of my form but I can feel her breasts bounce as she runs

 I knew from that moment that I wanted a woman to come into posession of me

 "Alright" she says, propping me up and looking into my eyes.  "You can stop that."

 I'm silent.  Playing dumb. "Creepy doll..."

  She closes my eyes and puts me in a bag. 

The next thing I know, I'm on my back, and there are fireflies in the air. My eyes are going crazy, my jaw is opening and shutting.  I put up a hand to steady myself and say "Arnold, are you drunk???"

 One of the dark silohuettes puts a finger to my lips and says "She's only a child."

And that's why I can't tell you what happened in the garden 

they say I'm not allowed to access the memories I made while posessing Poison Ivy's daughter

 her name was honeydew or raindrop or something like that

 and they said that I had been a dryad in a past life

my name was Woody Vines

They made my wood green again, and I got past life memories... strolling through poison ivy’s garden. I wore a brown fedora then. I  walked with a cane.

 bunch o' hoodoo ... maybe it's true 

either way they wanted to get me personhood

 but the best they could do was to drug arnold  with the same coctail they used on Harv and Batman to bring the alternate personality out and dominate the mundane controlling personality, to supress Harvey and Arnold and Batman’s civilian identity, whoever that is

 it involves fear toxin, but I don't know any more than that  I was transferred to the care of Jonathan Crane, who stopped restraining me and told me that he believed Poison Ivy to an extent and that at her request, if my dreams of finding a new ventriloquest didn't work out, my dummy would be laid to rest in the garden and Arnold and I wrote out extensive offers and contracts, but we couldn't get me independant personhood in the end... and I'm ashamed of this... I agreed to be sold as an object

 I talked to Jonathan 

I wanted a clean slate

 someone I could mould and train 

a woman, 

and I made my wishes known to some of my old mob connections, but it didn't work out at first

 Arnold wanted his money's worth

 the debate on weather or not I was an independant person had only driven up my publicity and my price tag and I got sold to someone sleasy from America's Got Talent who visited me for several sessions in the asylum, where he insisted he didn't want me restrained. I remember crossing my legs unsteadily as he tries to get his hand up my back. My stomache in knots, putting his stomache in knots. He probably didn't expect to be frightened. I was very nervous, and I could tell he was shocked. 

 His first words to me were "So the rumors are true... you do have a mind of your own." 

And I said "Could you say that again where the press can here you please?"

 He never told me his real name.  Only his stage name.  Burt Laughingstock. When I scoffed he shook his finger at me and said “names had power “Scarface...” 

“Woody...”  I said.  “We’re offstage.”  I loved having a real name.  I’m leaving out a lot of legitimate rehabilitation I went through in Arkham.  I was so tired of being tied to Arnold’s fears and repressed violence, and that name, Scarface, I don’t hate it, but he’s a character. I tried to make the best of it. But the first show he took me on turned out to be some kind of tell-all Behind-the-laughter crap, and when I found out... I bit his finger off. 

Little did I know, the sap had several documentations of his sound mental health and non-violent history, and he said if the dummy turned out to be evil, he wanted it destroyed. But Dr. Crane came through for me, saying that I hadn't committed an executionable offence.  I looked like hannibal lecter when they brought me to court with Burt as my ventriloquest... strapped to a board by my hands and legs... cage around my mouth... but I didn't struggle... I knew I had my personhood argument in the bag... and I like being feared.

 A mob lawyer came through for me and got me off on misdemeaner battery, with the heartrending defence that I had been sold to Burt as property when I had requested an open-minded female aide.  They paired me up with a female cellmate as a favor to Sean Riley, and that's how I met Peyton Riley... and that's how I ended up where I am today (That's the end of the boss's story!) Yeah, that's the end of my story. 

[czld-and-wrxthful]

Character Playlists!

10-15 songs per character, for each muse on this blog in order!

Sarah Manning - History

Buy You A Rose - AJR

Simple Song - Passenger

Girls/Girls/Boys - Panic! At The Disco

I Got You - Christopher Jackson

I Want To Write You A Song - One Direction

Dreamer - Aso

Song Of The Caged Bird - Lindsey Stirling

Nocturnal Waltz - Johannes Bornlöf

I Found Love - Owl City

Laugh Till I Cry - The Front Bottoms

James Cunnington - History

Brave Enough (Feat. Christina Perri) - Lindsey Stirling

Trust -  Ásgeir

Devil Town - Cavetown

The Distance - Relient K

Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too - Say Anything

Gimme Coffee, Or Death - Mischief Brew

Lego House - Ed Sheeran

Tangled In The Great Escape - Pierce The Veil, Jason Butler

The Plan (Fuck Jobs) - The Front Bottoms

Misery - Maroon 5

William Manning, Jr - History

No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross - Sufjan Stevens

Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low

Making All Things New - Aaron Epse

The Carousel - Allysa Nelson

A Sky Full Of Flowers - Jeff Bright Jr

Two Birds - Regina Spektor

Survival AJJ - Ghost Mice

Warm Darkness - Mia Strass

10 Feet Tall - Cavetown

Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish

Bruce Wayne - Gotham

Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish

Bloom - The Paper Kites

I’m Gay - Bowling For Soup

King - Lauren Aquilina

Little Pistol - Mother Mother

The Crow - Dessa

Annabelle - Dessa

Yellow - Coldplay

Your Soul - Gothic Tropic

Meteor Shower - Cavetown

This Is Why We Fight - The Decemberists

Everyone But You - The Decemberists

We Don’t Have To Dance - Andy Black

The Moon Song - Scarlett Johansson, Joaquin Phoenix

Never Get To Know - Paul Baribeau

Veronica Sawyer - Heathers

Never Get To Know - Paul Baribeau

Marceline - Willow

Smile - Lily Allen

Lemon Boy - Cavetown

He’s Hurting Me - Maria Mena

Secret For The Mad - Dodie

Vacation Town - The Front Bottoms

Oh Ms Believer - Twenty One Pilots

One Love - Marianas Trench

Hell No - Ingrid Michaelson

Misanthropic Drunken Loner - Days N Daze

Under The Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

This Is Home - Cavetown

Superman - Rachel Platten

Sloppy Seconds - Watsky

Jacqueline Callaghan - OC

I Don’t Know My Name - Grace VanderWaal

Sober Up - AJR

High School Never Ends - Bowling For Soup

One Foot - Walk The Moon

Skinny Love - Bon Iver

I Like Me Better - Lauv

King And Lionheart - Of Monsters And Men

Must Have Done Something Right - Relient K

3AM - AJR

Nothing Ever Happens - Rachel Platten

Congratulations - Dessa

I’m Not Dead - Boyinaband

Ring Of Fire - Home Free, Avi Kaplan

Heart Of Stone - American Authors

I Found Love - Owl City

Javier Delacroix - OC

I Found Love - Owl City

Ring Of Fire - Home Free, Avi Kaplan

People Ii: The Reckoning - AJJ

New Beginnings - Kupla

HIM - Sam Smith

I Know You Too Well To Like You Anymore - Reel Big Fish

Little Game - Benny

Boom Clap - Charli XCX

Don’t Stay In School - Boyinaband

Master Of Tides - Lindsey Stirling

Breathe - Lauv

Twin Size Mattress - The Front Bottoms

If My Heart Was A House - Owl City

How To Never Stop Being Sad - Dandelion Hands

Weak - AJR

Philip Hamilton - Hamilton The Musical, History

Rays Of Hope - Oneke

Nocturnal Waltz - Johannes  Bornlöf

Waltz For Dreamers - Matt Stewart-Evans

Mirror Lake - Angus MacRae

Delicate Transitions - Gavin Luke

Warm Darkness - Mia Strass

Remove The Complexities - Peter Sandberg

Waves From A Distance - Martin Skoog

The Carousel - Allysa Nelson

A Sky Full Of Flowers - Jeff Bright Jr

Fight Night Champion - Cyberbully Mom Club

Adam’s Song - Blink-182

Bird Song - Florence + The Machine

Heart Of Stone - American Authors

Replaced - American Authors

Saoirse Crowley - OC

Replaced - American Authors

Turning Out - AJR

Blue Lips - Regina Spektor

Critical Hit - Ghost Mice

Sugar, We’re Goin Down - Fall Out Boy

Air Balloon - Lily Allen

Beautiful Trauma - P!nk

King - Lauren Aquilina

I Don’t Know Who You Are - Garfunkel And Oates

Hate That You Know Me - Bleachers

Looking Like This - Lyre Le Temps

Bloom - The Paper Kites

Art School Wannabe - Sorority Noise

Little Pistol - Mother Mother

Hidden In The Sand - Tally Hall

Asra - The Arcana

Hidden In The Sand - Tally Hall

Kids In America - Kim Wilde

You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates

I’m So Excited - The Pointer Sisters

Super Trouper - ABBA

Don’t Stop Believing - Journey

Walk Of Life - Dire Straits

Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves

Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor

Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears

Raspberry Beret - Prince

Africa - Toto

Footloose - Kenny Loggins

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!

Funky Town - Lipps Inc

Jughead Jones - Riverdale

We Won’t - Jaymes Young, Phoebe Ryan

Castle On A Hill - Ed Sheeran

Teenagers - My Chemical Romance

American Kids - Poppy

Burn The House Down - AJR

iD - Michael Patrick Kelly, Gentleman

Call My Dad - AJR

Do Better - Say Anything

Smoothie King - Bowling For Soup

Run - Vampire Weekend

I Hate Everything - Just Nick

I’m Born To Run - American Authors

Big Idea - AJR

Pitchfork Kids - AJR

I’ve Changed Too - Justin Kalk

Angelica Hamilton - Hamilton, History

You Look Like A Girl - Boyinaband

Green - Cavetown

Deathbed - Relient K

Back Home - Andy Grammer

Daylight - Maroon 5

Fuqboi - Hey Violet

The Last Of The Real Ones - Fall Out Boy

Feel Something - Jaymes Young

Lego House - Ed Sheeran

Lowlife - Poppy

Don’t Fill Up On Chips - The Front Bottoms

Daylily - Movements

Ghosting - Mother Mother

You Used To Say (Holy Fuck) - The Front Bottoms

Runs In The Family - Amanda Palmer

Harleen Quinzel - Batman, Comics

You Used To Say (Holy Fuck) - The Front Bottoms

Fuck Away The Pain - Divide The Day

Pride - American Authors

Set It All Free - Scarlett Johansson

Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood

No Children - The Mountain Goats

Walkashame - Meghan Trainor

Bit By Bit - Mother Mother

Starring Role - Marina And The Diamonds

Ocean Eyes - Bilie Eilish

Honestly - Hot Chelle Rae

Like Lovers Do - Hey Violet

We Don’t Have To Dance - Andy Black

Champion - Fall Out Boy

Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low

Mae Borowski - Night In The Woods

Skeleton - The Front Bottoms

Ghosting - Mother Mother

Little Talks - Of Monsters And Men

Love Love Love - Of Monsters And Men

Too Much Fun - Boyinaband

Hello Monsta - Boyinaband

No Children - The Mountain Goats

Body - Mother Mother

Spooky Ghosts - SNCKPCK

Devil Town - Cavetown

Putting The Dog To Sleep - The Antlers

Machine - MisterWives

The Last Of The Real Ones - Fall Out Boy

Runs In The Family - Amanda Palmer

Lowlife - Poppy

Lance McClain - Voltron

Runs In The Family - Amanda Palmer

Starring Role - Marina And The Diamonds

Early Morning Coffee Cups - Jaimi Faulkner

Laugh Till I Cry - The Front Bottoms

The Crow - Dessa

Stone - Jaymes Young

Break The Rules - Charli XCX

Song For Isabelle - Pierce The Veil

If I Tremble - Front Porch Step

Sick Of Losing Soulmates - Dodie

Tear In My Heart - Twenty One Pilots

Lemon Boy - Cavetown

Rose-Colored Boy - Paramore

I’m Good - The Mowgli’s

Stutter - Maroon 5

Mariana García - The Walking Dead: Season Three

I’m Good - The Mowgli’s

Stutter - Maroon 5

Three Thirty - AJR

Better When I’m Dancin’ - Meghan Trainor

Speechless - Rachel Platten

Congratulations - Rachel Platten

Two Birds - Regina Spektor

Brave - Sara Bareilles

Set It All Free - Scarlett Johansson

Something Wonderful - Seaway

Wolves - Selena Gomez, Marshmello

You Are Enough - Sleeping At Last

Infinity - AJR

Imagine - Pentatonix

Perfect - Ed Sheeran

Loki - Marvel Cinematic Universe

Fuck Away The Pain - Divide The Day

The Crow - Dessa

Lowlife - Poppy

Gasoline - Divide The Day

Train Wreck - Divide The Day

Fight Night Champion - Cyberbully Mom Club

The Last Of The Real Ones - Fall Out Boy

Bird Song - Florence + The Machine

Twin Size Mattress - The Front Bottoms

You Used To Say (Holy Fuck) - The Front Bottoms

The Boredom Is The Reason I Started Swimming. It’s Also The Reason I Started Sinking - The Front Bottoms

The Plan (Fuck Jobs) - The Front Bottoms

Laugh Till I Cry - The Front Bottoms

Friday Night - Lily Allen

Maps - Maroon 5

MJ / Michelle Jones - Marvel Cinematic Universe

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5

A Children’s Crusade On Acid - Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s

The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance - Vampire Weekend

Dairy Queen - PWR BTTM

Calamity Song - The Decemberists

All Of The Drugs - The Brobecks

Dead - Madison Beer

The Crow - Dessa

Brand New City - Mitski

Coast (It’s Gonna Get Better) - Patrick Stump

St. Patrick - Pvris

Down By The Water - The Decemberists

Repetition - Purity Ring

Unbelievers - Vampire Weekend

This Is Why We Fight - The Decemberists

[madluv]

Infamous / Joker x Harley Quinn

Chapter One: Rehearsal  ◊ ♥

A small and pleasant smile upon a small and pleasant face beamed up at Joker in black and white brilliance. Bedazzling the inky front page of the Gotham Gazette were two big bright eyes, a bob of blonde, pale skin spattered with freckles – or was that his coffee?

GOTHAM’S OWN RISING STAR: HARLEEN QUINZEL

A tidy font beneath the photo, pulled so taut it was near enough to tearing. His jaw tightened and Joker swallowed hard on the jealousy that writhed deep within the pit of his stomach, and with white-knuckled force, he slammed the paper down upon the bar, rattling the glasses, and rattling his men.

“What. Is. THIS?!”

Apparently the citizens of Gotham had exceedingly short memories – since it had been just yesterday Joker had had Batman speeding down the narrow roads at the docklands, in chase of some serious cash Joker had rinsed from the bank only twenty minutes prior. He’d had seven police vehicles on the go, sirens blaring, one bulking batmobile – and one Bat. He’d lost three of his own men in arrests, shot two officers, and had escaped only narrowly himself. And yet �� he’d flipped back to front, front to back, of the newspaper more than once and not a mention in sight of his showmanship.

“What’s what, boss?”

Joker almost broke his own finger forcing it into the face of this rising star. HA! “This,” he seethed. Again, hammering his finger into the paper with some ferociousness, his eyes narrowed at the five bewildered faces blinking back at him through the dusty dark.

“Oh, there’s a new show comin’ to town, some musical they been promotin’ it all month!”

Joker had admittedly forgotten the name of the man speaking. A nameless goon, far too animated and excitable in his gestures for Joker’s liking during this moment of crisis–

“My gal’s been naggin’ me to get tickets for ages… but since we’re still waiting to be paid and all–”

There was a pause, a cough. Joker stared, expressionless as he tried to quell his internal rage.

“You wanna see it, J? Tomorrow night is opening night!”

“Of course I don’t want to fucking see it!”

They each flinched at him, and at the spittle that flew from Joker’s mouth in fury. He compulsively fisted the front cover until he tore through the face of this doe-eyed dunce, Harleen Quinzel.

“Where is my mention?!” Joker seethed.

There was a sudden murmur of understanding amongst the men before him, a few subtle glances exchanged, and a chorus of praise and encouragement promptly proceeded on cue.

“They only care ‘cause it’s new boss–” piped up one, waggling a fifth scotch and lacking conviction.

“The robbery probably features first on the website… probably, I can get it up on my phone if you wanna–” another rummaged through his loose jeans in order to find it.

“Maybe they storin’ up your stories for one big scoop–” Not how a newspaper works – where the fuck did he find these guys?

“They’ll all have forgotten about it in a week, you’ll see, boss, you’ll see–”

“They just ain’t fully comprehendin’ the poetry in the work you put out, boss.”

The ink had blackened Joker’s knuckles, and Gotham’s newest doll-faced, dull distraction grinned up at him from the bar, smug and taunting. The only remnant of the image left. Eyeless, faceless, it lacked the previous sweetness and warmth, the photo no more now than a smudgy ruined grimace. A temporary diversion, satiating a famously fickle audience. So they’d chosen this, over their clown prince? So be it. Joker’s teeth squeaked as they ground together, and he lingered in thought.

“When is opening night, did you say?” He asked quietly, amongst their continuous supportive chatter.

“Tomorrow night! It’s got some glowin’ reviews so all they’ve been sayin’–”

Joker’s steely expression cut their enthusiasm dead. “I’ll need a car, two men, nice suit– do you really need to be writin’ that down?!” His hands flitted idly to his temples in agitation, though they were twitching to be around somebody’s neck. All in due time.

“Get it done,” he snarled, tossing the paper and scattering his lackeys from their drinking booth. “And get those tickets boys – we’re seein’ that show!”

♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥ ◊ ♥

“Alright, take a break!–”

Harleen breathed a heavy sigh of relief, centre stage and skin glistening under the furious spotlights. Her arms outstretched and aching as she held the freeze-frame concluding their final dance number. The cast surrounding her began to break out from the tableau and down towards the stands, reaching out for bottles of water and a seeking a moment of rest. Panting, Harleen dropped her jazz hands, about to follow suit –

“Not you, Quinzel, you stay right there.”

Harleen’s breath hitched in her chest, and she squinted out towards the empty seats of the theatre. A curious stillness fell upon the cast and crew at the sharp tone of the director, and though she couldn’t see their expressions through the brightness, could feel all their eager eyes upon her. It wasn’t with the glowing admiration she had always imagined it would be.

“Yes?”

Harleen teetered on stumbling upright. She was drained, anxious. They had been rehearsing their numbers non-stop for weeks. She had been dancing, tapping and singing herself to exhaustion in order to beat the competition at every turn.

“Your footwork, once again, was too clumsy and too slow,” piped the choreographer from somewhere beyond the white glow of the stage lights. “Riley, get up there, and from the top, please.”

Harleen’s heart sank, and her signature jovial expression dropped along with it. She stood, highlighted in her embarrassment, as Peyton Riley made her way up the steps to join her.

Peyton Riley wasn’t all that dissimilar to Harleen, except in all the ways considered important. She was flawless, beautiful, living out of her daddy’s fat wallet, and pursuing her hobby in a casual and careless manner. It didn’t seem to matter anymore that Harleen had endured nights of repetitive, boring fucking from the director, under the assumption this had solidified her status within their artistic company. It didn’t matter that Harleen had approached her interview, broke but determined, willing to do anything to claim the illustrious main part. It didn’t matter because Riley was always just a single misstep behind her, as Harleen’s understudy, her replica with many improvements.

Harleen forced a wide smile, struggling to block out the avalanche of disappointment and humiliation. It was opening night tomorrow night, and Riley was at her heels, Harleen’s shadow after a spotlight of it’s own. Over my dead body. And she stood to watch Peyton take her stage, tap her number with an effortlessly grace.

“Beautiful, Riley, thank you.”

Her cheeks burned with anger – but Harleen’s smile remained steadfast all the while.

“We need to see a lot more of that tomorrow night Quinzel, if you really want to make it big in this city,” though she couldn’t see the director’s face, Harleen could hear the entertainment in his voice, and the wave of awkward chuckling that followed through the ensemble.

“Of course,” Harleen responded, as lightly as she could though her veins were fire and her mouth dry. “That really was somethin’ Riley,” she offered a tiny, rather manic applause. “Bravo.”

Riley gave a brief and casual “thanks–” before heading back out towards the crew in the auditorium, and Harleen watched with loathing as Riley perched herself close the director, much closer than was necessary. It wasn’t due to the lights, that Riley was glowing.

“Tomorrow night is the night ladies and gentleman, get as much rest as you can, and I’ll see you all at ten for full dress rehearsal. Thank you very much, and goodnight.”

And Harleen watched, stunned, as Peyton got ready to leave, chatting with merriment alongside with the director and senior crew.

Harleen stormed backstage and threw herself into the dressing room, shunting all of her pearls, jewellery and make-up onto the floor. Despite every attempt not to, a small and ugly cry escaped. And she screamed at her reflection beyond the orange-white bulbs.

“FUCK!”

She tore at her glittering costume and heard a seam, somewhere, tearing. But Harleen no longer cared. She scrubbed with anger at her face, until her cheeks and lips were sore from it. And cried loudly, with frustration at her other self inside the mirror. She was a sad and sorry state to behold. I’ll show them. I’ll show them all what Harleen Quinzel can do. And with that, she grabbed for her things with a new sense of purpose, left through the back entrance and out into the cold night.

If you enjoyed this first chapter, you can follow the story on from here  ♥

[mabelmadnessss-blog]

Impulse 18 - The Plan

Impulse 17 - Ready, aim

"I dunno J.." Harley stuttered, feeling uneasy about the whole situation.

"You want to be my Harley Quinn right?" J asked, jutting his head out of capture her attention.

"I think so..." She replied, ignoring his gaze.

"Yes or No Harley." Joker snapped.

There was a slight pause for a moment before she lifted up her head and rolled her eyes at him. "Yes."

"Good." He smiled back. The Joker then pulled out a black book from his desk drawer and handed it to her. "This is our plan baby, you think you can do this for me?"

Harley hesitated in taking it from his hand but eventually she  read the plan from start to finish. Slowly walking over to J's desk and not taking her eyes of the words, she sunk into his desk chair, biting her nails. "You wanna use me as bait?" Her worried eyes met his. "What if it goes wrong?...what if-"

"It won't" Joker interrupted. "It’s fool proof, you really think I'd put my girlfriend in danger?"

‘Girlfriend?’

A smile crept over Harley's face, biting her lip trying to contain it, she spoke. "I'm your girlfriend?"

"Yeah, why? Dontcha’ wanna be?" Joker asked, with a slightly annoyed undertone.

"Yeah of course...but we've never really talked about it before...y’know, titles and stuff." She stuttered, trying to treat carefully.

"What's there to talk about? You like me right?" He said, tilting his head to one side like a curious puppy.

"Mmmm...maybe..." Harley teased, biting her bottom lip softly.

"Well then, what's to discuss?" Joker snapped, realising how much of a kick she was getting out of this conversation. Harley nodded, thinking it better to not make a big deal out of it. She shrugged, returning her eyes back to the plan, still holding a smile on her face. "When are we gonna do this?" She asked.

"Tonight."

Harley's eyes grew wide and then her jaw dropped open. "Tonight? What!? I'm not ready, I can't - J why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

"For god's sake, what's problem? You want Sam outta your life right? You want to be free Harley?... Well this is your chance." He explained.

"Not tonight! I ain't prepared, what if Batman shows up? I can't protect myself or you if something goes wrong." Harley panicked, trying to steady her erratic breaths.

"Nothing will go wrong Harls, me and the boys will be there and you'll have a gun. Now stop stressing out." He argued, noticing the way she got herself worked up.

"How do you know I'm ready?"

Joker walked up behind her and started to rub her shoulders, he leaned in and whispered. "You're not Harleen Quinzel anymore Harley, you need to let her go, you need to make the final push to begin the rest of your life.. With me." Her heart swelled in her chest was it love? She'd never been in love before, she wasn't really sure what it felt like.

Joker leaned down further and started to kiss her neck and then reached her scar. "Harley?" He stopped and swung the chair round to face him.

"Yeah?" She replied, pinching her eyes closed. Oh had been dreading this moment.

"How'd you get this?" He ran his fingers over her skin and looked intensely into her eyes, he saw her face drop. This was obviously a sensitive subject.

"I don't want to talk about it J." She tried to get off the chair but he held her there by her wrists.

"Tell me."

"I can't, It hurts when I remember.." Tears sprung to her eyes as she tried to hold back a sob.

"Tell me." He repeated, his eyes softened slightly but he still held her on the chair. He then lifted his left hand to her face and stroked a tear away. "Tell me Harley."

Harley nodded "Okay." She looked into his eyes. "It happ...happened when my dad died, I was 17. Me and dad were in the garage taking a lunch break when a guy came in, He wasn't just some ordinary guy, he was an employee of Falcone, ya know the mob boss?" Joker nodded and gestured her to continue. "Well he'd been coming to the garage for weeks offering my dad private work, illegal work. Stripping cars for parts and selling them to the highest bidder, it was the third week he had been coming and every time he did the same old dance, threats and bribery, offering him a higher pay rate each time he came. Dad still said no, he didn't want to risk his family for a life of crime." Harley took a deep breath "But this time was different, this time he focused on me..."

"Where's your daddy baby?" The man asked, approaching Harley while she was sitting at the desk sipping on a can of soda.

"He ain't here and he ain't interested." She snapped, her eyes met his when she soon realised he was closer than she thought.

"If he ain't gonna accept my boss's more than generous offer then I'm just gonna have to make him... No one refuses Falcone." The thug drew closer to her, before she realised he grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against the wall, she tried to cry out for help but her mind had completely shut down. The man held her there while his free hand slid down her body. "Let's have some fun while daddy's gone.."

He drew his free hand away from her body and to his trousers, he pulled them down, then pressed his body against hers, keeping her locked against the wall. Tears flowed down her face as she was powerless to defend herself, he was 5 times bigger than her, she was a ant in comparison to his big build. But it was worth a shot.

Harley's brain suddenly kicked in, she head-butted the man, at such a force that he fell backwards, but this act of desperation backfired when she felt hot blood trickle down from her forehead and she began to feel dizzy. She needed to get out of there while he was still down. Harley stumbled through the garage, she was just about to reach the door when she felt a heavy object collide with her skull, sending her into a world of darkness.

All Harley's senses were blocked until she felt a sharp heat pierce her skin, she had no idea what kind of object could inflict this kind of pain, it was excruciating, Harley's skin felt like it was bubbling and the smell of burning flesh was reaching her nose. She screamed. Her eyes shot open to see the man leaning over her with a sickening smile on his face, he was enjoying the girl crying out in pain underneath him. He withdrew the heated object from her skin and began to pour salt over the wound. She cried out until there was no voice left, her body was pulsing in pain, blood and tears mixing in her vision. Just when she was about to surrender to the darkness once more, she heard shouting, shooting and cries of pain.

Harley struggled to knees and looked around the room, she was still in the garage, but somehow it looked different. Her eyes were brought to focus when she saw her dad standing over the thug, a smoking gun in his hand. He'd shot the thug in the chest and blood started to pour from his body.

"Harley!? Oh my god honey are you okay?" Harley's dad looked over to her, he dropped the gun and rushed towards her, cradling her tiny fragile body in his arms. He pushed hair out of her face as she began to cry, he shushed her and kissed her forehead.

"It's okay honey you're safe, you're safe." Her dad peeled back her shirt fabric to expose the burnt bloody skin, it was still bubbling.

"Dad..." She spoke breathlessly.

"Don't speak honey, just relax, everything's gonna be okay you're safe now."

Suddenly a shot rang out and she looked to her dad's face, she felt warm blood against her chest but it wasn't hers. She watched his eyes fix onto hers, they faded, the light had left them. Harley's dad fell backwards onto the cold hard floor.

The thug chuckled and coughed blood, she heard the gun hit the floor and his body shuddered in death.

"Dad? Dad!?" Harley rushed over to him, but it was too late, his eyes were grey and cloudy, his body limp and blood was pumping out of him. Harley screamed and sobbed, not moving from his side, she rested her head on his chest and lay down next to him.

It felt like days had passed until someone had found them but it had only been a matter of minutes. Her mother rushed into the garage screaming and dropping to her knees, sobbing over her husband's cold lifeless body. The police arrived shortly afterwards and tried to pull Harley away from the body to seek medical attention,  but she refused, lashing out against the officers she ran back over to her father's body. Until they took him away, for good.

Harley completely broke down in tears, burying her face in her hands. She'd never told anyone before. She tried to forget but when you're physically mark by an event it's hard to. "It...it was all my fault, if I had just gone to the cafe with my dad then none of this would of happened. I'm the reason he's-"

"Don't you ever believe that you're to blame, that scum had the intention of murder from the moment he walked in, you where just in the wrong place at the wrong time." Joker explained, trying to soothe her.

Harley placed her hand to his face, he returned by wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I can't go through that again, I can't lose someone I care about.."

"You won't" Joker kissed her tenderly "I'm not going anywhere and neither are you, we're stuck with each other now, if you like it or not."

"I do like it." She smiled through her tears and they found each other's lips again.

They broke their kiss when there was a knock on the door, Joker stood up straight, facing the door.

"Come in." Joker said in husky voice. Hutch's head popped through the door. "Sorry boss but if we're gonna make this job we gotta start getting.." He paused when he saw Harley sitting on the desk chair.

"Harley's making her first debut tonight Hutch, so why don’t you bring that box up to our room?"

"Box?" Hutch looked confused, then he suddenly remembered the huge red dress box the Joker had hidden in the spare room.

"Yes the box, you complete idiot!" Without another word Hutch scurried off out of the room to fetch the box.

"What box J?" Harley asked.

"Just you wait and see baby." He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards their bedroom. "Close your eyes." She obeyed but she kept peeking. She giggled when the Joker stood in front of her with his arms crossed. "Close your eyes Harley!" He glared at her, she bit her lip playfully.

"Okay, okay." Harley covered her eyes with her hands and started to giggle uncontrollably.

"I don't trust you." He walked behind her and placed his hands over hers, keeping her eyes shut. Joker guided her through the door and towards the bed, they stopped in front of it.

"Open." He withdrew his hands and moved hers down by her side. She opened her eyes slowly, a huge smile spread across her face.

"OH MY GOD." In front of her was a black and red striped box the lid was open and she could see red beneath a layer of tissue paper, she unwrapped the present, and pulled out a stunning red dress. It was a deep red satin, floor length with a plunge neckline which ended just below her breasts. It was simply beautiful. Her heart melted. "J this is- this is beautiful." She turned to face him. "Thank you so, so much!" She threw her arms around his neck and placed a deep kiss on his cheek.

"Put it on Harley, I want a private viewing before anyone else." Joker purred, spanking her playfully.

Harley kissed him on the lips briefly and fled to the bathroom shutting the door. To the Joker it seemed like hours had passed before she emerged from the bathroom again. He laid on the bed facing the door waiting in anticipation for his little Harley girl. His eyes grew wide when she opened the door, and shyly looked down to her feet. Her hair was loose in soft waves; she was wearing minimal makeup and a classic red lip. The dress fitted perfectly, she had just the right amount of chest on show without making it look tacky, the satin draped around her curves, hugging in all the right places.

"Wow Harley you look incredible." His face split into a grin and he got up off the bed and walked over to her, tilting her chin upwards so their eyes met. "Beautiful." Harley blushed and leaned in for a kiss but was interrupted.

"There's just one thing missing.." Joker produced a black lace gun holster which would slide onto her thigh. He dropped to his knees and pulled up the dress, he lifted up her right leg and began to kiss along her skin, sliding the holster up at the same time. He stopped when he reached her thigh and looked up into her eyes. "For your protection baby." He removed his gun from his holster and placed it in hers. He placed her foot back on the ground and ran his hands briefly up her body, feeling the material ripple like water over his fingers.

"But that's your gun J, I can't take your gun." Harley said.

"It will keep you safe baby. Just promise me you won't hesitate in using it if you need to." He pressed, with a firm tone.

"I promise." They kissed deeply, until Jokers phone alarm went off to indicate him to get ready, he dressed in a sharp tuxedo with a purple bow tie. He stood in front of the mirror adjusting his suit when he noticed Harley sitting on the bed playing with her fingers. "Stop that." He snapped angrily, turning his head to face her.

"What?" She quickly removed her hands and laid back on the bed.

"You play with your hands when your nervous Harley, there's no need to be."

"I can't help it J, what if Sam-"

"I've told you before and I'll tell you again, nothing's gonna happen. You said you trusted me, so trust me when I say it will all be fine." As soon as the Joker was ready, he and Harley walked down the stairs to meet the boys, they were all stunned by how well dressed they were.

The henchmen were dressed in well fitted suits and Will looked very handsome in his. He approached Harley and gave her a small wink, hoping that the Boss didn't notice. After their pre-mission brief they all the henchmen bundled into one car while Harley and the Joker took the Lamborghini.

The boys left before they did as they both sat in the car in silence. "I know you're nervous, but you'll be fine." Joker said, pecking her gently on the cheek, he then roared the car engine to life. He reversed out of the garage and sped down the streets of Gotham. It suddenly dawned on Harley that she never really knew the exact location of where she had been staying over the past couple of days. She stared out of the window as she tried to mentally pinpoint their location. She was in downtown Gotham, it was simple and quiet, the perfect place to hide a super criminal and his band of merry men.

Harley's mind started to mull over the mission, she hoped they would keep driving forever so she didn't have to go through with it. The Joker planned on using her as bait to lure Sam into his hands. The plan was simple, Joker had already sent Sam a message telling him to meet the Joker at the King of Diamonds club at 11pm that night. The letter stated that there would be a swap, a bargain. Harley for Crane's fear toxin. The transaction would go off without a hitch, Harley would play the damsel in distress and leave the club with Sam, she would then have persuade Sam to take her to Crane's lab. Where she would activate a tracker which was wired into her gun holster, alerting the Joker and the Henchmen of their location and then the finale would be to kill Sam and destroy all the fear toxin, blowing the lab to kingdom come.

During her thoughts she started to tap her right thigh where the gun sat. "Stop it, you look like an idiot." His tone of voice was sharp but she could tell he was just as nervous as she was.

"Sorry J." She brushed his hand which rested on the gear stick. "If anything happens J, I want you to know that these past few days have been the best of my entire life. And I want you to know that I L-L.."

Do I love him?

"-Like you."

A subtle look of relief emerged on the Joker's face, love makes things complicated, love was dangerous... But he loved a bit of danger. "I like you too Harls." He removed his hand from the gear stick and placed it on her thigh, he rested it there for the whole journey, only moving it to change gear every so often.

Finally they reached the club, it was just as how she imagined it to be, very classy. Joker pulled up the side of the club, switching off the engine. He turned to wink at her and then got out of the car, she stayed seated and he walked up to her door and opened it, extending an arm for her to take. They walked along the purple carpet to the front entrance. Harley could already hear the music form inside, her stomach started to tie itself in knots, because she knew that when she entered those doors, there would be no going back.

Joker slid his arm around her waist and squeezed reassuringly, he then chucked his keys at the valet and held her close. They both paused and took a deep breath before they entered.