The Joker led the couple into the main parlor of the Stebbs former home- much to the surprise of Harley Quinn. The couple gave her outfit a glance and noted what a fine costume it was.

"Very realistic" George commented "But I think that Harley woman is a lot older than you are, and nowhere near as fit. Wouldn't you say so, Doris?"

"Harley, be a dear and put the kettle on, would you? I'll be there in a minute" The Joker said, in a surprisingly gentle voice. Harley hadn't heard him speak to her like that in years- not since their time together in Arkham, actually. "George, Doris, have a seat while we make some coffee. Make yourselves at home"

Once they were in the kitchen, with the door closed behind them the Joker pulled her close- not very gently, and his face was angry, but still she relished the feel of his breath on her skin. "Listen to me very carefully, Harley. These people- the Mayfelds- believe that we are Alice and Paul Stebbs, on our way out to a costume party. You will NOT disabuse them of this notion, clear?"

"S-sure thing, Puddin'. But why?"

"Because it's what I want and I will have what I want and that should be reason enough" The Joker moved to the pantry and started to search the contents "What do lemmings normally serve with coffee? Cookies, right? I thought I heard Oswald say that once…or was that tea?"

Harley couldn't believe it. She was getting a chance to live out her dreams! A normal life with the most wonderful man on Earth! Okay, yes, for now it seemed to be a purely temporary thing and probably just the build-up to some big joke, but she could work with that. She could show her Mista J the joys of the settled life, the bliss of marriage, and the simple happiness of family. It wouldn't be easy but she KNEW she could do it! Suddenly, the Joker was right in her face, and angry.

"What is taking so long?" he hissed "They expect coffee! Move it!" The Joker strode out of the kitchen, bearing a plate with cookies. She could just hear him offering them to his 'guests' before the door swung shut.

When she emerged with the coffee, she saw the Joker seated in an armchair across from the neighbors. Everyone seemed very relaxed, and were chuckling over something. The woman, Doris, waved Harley over in a friendly manner.

"Alice! Your husband's the most charming man I've ever met! So witty and polite! And a research chemist, to boot! You're so lucky to have caught him." There was nothing but sincerity in the woman's voice, and Harley found herself liking the old girl. So many people didn't see Mista J's good qualities, which seemed so blindingly obvious to her- instead getting hung up on the whole 'murder and mayhem' aspect.

"Yeah, I know. My baby turned my whole life around and I thank God every day for blessing me with him." Harley said, setting the drinks down on a small wooden coffee table. "Help yourselves"

"Now, George" the Joker said "You were telling me about this neighborhood barbecue you'll be hosting tonight?"

"Yes" George said as he sipped his coffee "Its not really a neighborhood thing, just us and the Mills from across the way- we came over to see if you wanted to come"

"AND to bring some of my cooking!" Doris sad, with a smile to her host

"Yeah, but we can see you're heading out to a party, so maybe another time."

"Now hold on a moment, Gorgeous George" the Joker said "The costume party is being thrown by one of Harley's friends- one I've never particularly liked. Harl, do you think Pam would mind if we didn't go?" There was nothing in his voice but honey, but Harley could see from the way he gripped his armrest that she had better answer quickly and correctly.

"No, in fact I doubt she'll even notice. Red's not much of a people person." Harley was relieved to see her man's grip on the leather chair relax. She'd guessed right.

"Well then, I think we'll give it a miss. She and I never have fn together."

"Are you sure?" George said "We'd hate for you to miss out on your friend's party"

The Joker extended his left hand, palm up. "Party with some one I hate". He extended his other hand, also palm up "Barbecue with new neighbors". He raised and lowered each hand, as though weighing two objects, while he put on an expression of deep thought. "Party with someone I hate or barbecue with new neighbors? Hmmmmm…. As much as it pains me to miss the Red Airhead's party, I think we'll be joining you kids for dinner tonight. Give us an hour to get ourselves into some real clothes and we'll be right there."

"Great!" George exclaimed as he and his wife rose to leave "You're going to love Ted Mills- he's a real clown! I promise you, you'll never meet a funnier man."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that" the Joker said as he led his guests to the door. "I've been known to make the occasional joke myself."

As soon as the Mayfelds left, the Joker turned to Harley "Go to the car and get the emergency makeup kit. The skin color as well as the hair dye. Then go take off your makeup and see what ol' Alice left that you can wear. And be quick about it! We have a barbecue to attend!"

As they prepared, the Joker briefed his girl on the story he'd told the Mayfelds. They were a newly wed couple who'd moved from Central City to start a life in the safety of the suburbs. He was a research chemist, seeking employment in Gotham, while she was a secretary turned homemaker. They were both to act a little nervous about Gotham- the big dangerous city.

Within an hour, the Joker had transformed himself. Gone was his trademark pallor and green hair, and he wore a simple black tee shirt over a pair of slightly faded blue jeans and a Gotham Knights baseball cap. Harley had originally chosen a set of Daisy Dukes and an orange shirt, but the Joker had simply slapped her and told her to get something less conspicuous. She reappeared later wearing a simple white shirt and black pants, with her hair down around her shoulders. Apparently satisfied 'Paul' took her hand and led her next door.