Prologue: A chat with Poison Ivy
Disclaimer: I own none of Batman, nor any of its characters. I only take credit for the plot of this fanfiction.
"Are you sure this will work?"
"Not in the slightest, Robin, but we have to start somewhere, and she's our best shot at finding them." The deep voice of the caped crusader echoed around them, as the two figures made their way through the brightly lit halls.
It had been two weeks since the Joker and Harley Quinn had escaped Arkham Asylum again, and Batman, with the help of Robin, had been attempting to track them down, but with very little progress. Unlike all other escapes by the Clown Couple, this one was quiet and caused no deaths or even serious injuries. The doctors and police were relieved, if not confused at the lack of dramatics during this breakout. Batman, however, was more suspicious than ever before of the mass murderer's plans, especially since Harley hadn't even stolen her costume and mallet from the asylum before leaving.
Bruce shook his head to clear it - he never could understand how the mind of the once brilliant Harleen Quinzel worked - and continued through the halls of Arkham with Tim, ignoring the yells from the inmates they passed on the way. When they arrived at the interrogation room, they were greeted by Dr Leland, Harley's psychiatrist.
"She's just inside, Batman, and I must warn you that she has been going through phases of extreme anger and sadness - apparently Harley never told her she was planning an escape - and may be reluctant to speak to you." The Dark Knight understood what she was trying to avoid saying, and voiced it himself.
"Robin, this is a very strange situation, and I think she would respond better to one person talking to her. This has never happened before, and she might be just as confused about it as we are, so maybe you should stay out here."
"But that's not - okay I'll stay here." Tim began to argue, only to be stopped by Batman giving him a look that simply said "Trust me". Leaving his sidekick to sulk quietly, Bruce opened the door without another word and stepped into the interrogation room, looking at the woman handcuffed to a chair.
To many people, Poison Ivy - previously known as Pamela Isley - was one of the most attractive women in Gotham, topped only by Catwoman (although there were rumours that underneath the white face paint and the gaudy makeup, Harley had them both beaten.) Batman, however, had never found the plant-hybrid beautiful in any way, quite possibly because he knew of the ways in which she would seduce men for money and riches, and he'd had more than enough of those types of women. Selina Kyle and Talia Al Ghul were perfect examples of that.
"Ah, Bats, what a surprise." Ivy snapped as she glared at Batman, who instantly understood what Leland meant when she spoke of Ivy's reluctance to talk. "I don't know anything about where Harley and the clown are, she didn't say a word to me about her leaving this place."
The hurt in her voice was barely audible but the Dark Knight heard it clearly.
"Ivy I need information and I need it now. The Joker and Quinn have never been this quiet before and I have to know why. If you know ANYTHING, tell me."
Ivy smirked at Batman, showing off shiny teeth. "Quiet, you say? Well, I have no idea why that might be on the Joker's part, but I know exactly why Harley won't let herself get caught."
"Why?"
"Straight to business, then? Shame. But it's simple: she doesn't want to see you." Ivy paused for dramatic effect here, but continued when she saw the Dark Knight's patience wearing thin. "She's scared of you, now that she's realised what you can do. She thinks that by not seeing you, she can prevent it, though she's wrong of course."
In one swift move, Batman had the woman pinned roughly against the wall by her throat, glaring at her underneath his cowl.
"You are going to explain what you mean by that, and I won't ask again." He released her as he spoke, and motioned for her to sit back down and begin talking. Ivy thought for a moment, then spoke. "She doesn't know I know this, so I suppose I won't be hurting her by telling you. You know how a lot of people sleep talk? Well, in a way Harley does that too, but instead of just blabbing nonsense like everyone else, it's more like another part of her comes out to talk. I think it's Harleen."
"Explain."
"She told me once when she was sleep talking that she'd diagnosed herself with multiple personality disorder, but that it wasn't like Two-Face's condition. It's more like her true self is being repressed by Harley Quinn, but when that part of her drops her guard, Harleen Quinzel can come out and be herself. It's also like a conscience apparently, and when she does something wrong, the good part of her won't let her forget about it like everyone else here can."
Batman scowled at the woman in the chair.
"That sounds too sane for Harley, and what does this have to do with her not wanting to get caught by me?"
"I told you, this is Harleen not Harley, and I'm getting to the part about you now." She rolled her eyes and smirked before continuing. "Harleen is a good woman, probably as good as you to be honest. And only very good people can make Harleen come out of hiding while Harley is conscious." Ivy raised her eyebrows at the Dark Knight, who immediately pieced together the whole story.
"I bring Harleen back?"
"Yup, when you're around, Harley disappears and Harleen has to pretend to be crazy or risk the Joker catching on to what happens."
Bruce frowned, trying to make sense of this. He'd always had a soft spot for Harley Quinn, and in all truthfulness he had been more than a little attracted to her while she was working at Arkham. But to know that he could release the woman underneath the clown makeup was...
Unbelievable.
"... So she's staying low." Apparently Ivy hadn't realised Batman had stopped listening for a moment, and he was forced to ask her to repeat herself.
"I said that I think Harley's figured out the effect you have on her, and she can't handle her conscience, so she's hoping to stay her crazy, oblivious self far away from you." Ivy smiled sadly at this, she truly did miss her only friend.
Batman sighed quietly, frustrated and confused at what Ivy told him. "So you don't know where they might be?"
"I'd try the alleyway next to Gotham Bank, Harley's favourite hideout is hidden there and if she's not with the clown she'll be there."
"Thank you Ivy." Bruce was trying not to ask the question that was on his mind, but couldn't help it.
"Why?"
"Because I want Harley away from that clown one day, and you're the best chance of doing that. And I want her happy, and I think you could do that too."
The Dark Knight turned to leave, knowing he knew enough to hopefully find Harley. He opened the door and left, firmly keeping his mind from thinking about Ivy's last sentence.
"Harley Quinn is obsessed with the Joker, but Harleen Quinzel has loved you for a long time, Batman."
And it wasn't until ten minutes later, as Bruce Wayne drove out of Arkham, with Tim at this side, that he allowed himself to finally think the words. Me too, Harleen. Me too.
A/N: There you go, then! First fanfiction that's completely mine. I'm quite proud of this, and I'm still debating whether I should make a part 2 (I probably will.) Tell me what you thought in the reviews – did you like this take on Harleen's mental state? Hope you enjoyed the romance in their too if you're a Batman/Harley shipper! ~ Dark Knight HQ x