Batman POV

Bruce had just been cutting into the rib eye Alfred had painstakingly prepared after a long day when his cell vibrated in the pocket of his black Armani suit. He sighed and lowered his knife as he pulled out the phone and checked it. He sighed again and apologized to Alfred for missing another dinner as he walked briskly toward the closest entrance to the Bat Cave. As he descended into the dark stony stairway, he thought about Jim Gordon s clumsy texting; Bruce didn't think he was adapting to his smartphone very well. He chuckled and stepped into the well-lit atrium of the cave, stopping in front of his array of computer screens. He glanced at the security cameras for Wayne Manor briefly, like he always did, and switched his gaze to the local news.

"...the Joker was seen exiting the building with his longtime companion, Harley Quinn, at his heels. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous and Gotham residents are urged to not confront him or Quinn. This is the third..."

He walked over to the stainless steel wardrobe and loosened his silver silk tie to begin changing. His brow furrowed as he thought about tracking the Joker. It was never a simple take down with him, especially with the charismatic and unpredictable Harley Quinn at his side. Bruce pulled on his boots and resolved to neutralize Harley as soon as possible. Last time, she'd managed to pull out some hair. He fastened his utility belt, which hugged his muscled hips and stretched his 6ft4 frame before jogging toward the Batmobile. He was getting older and the last time he hurried out without stretching, he'd almost pulled a muscle. Almost.

The rush of getting behind the wheel of the sleek vehicle never wore off for Bruce and he purposely gunned it to 110mph, enjoying the smooth ride. As he neared downtown Gotham, he saw the smoke rising from the destroyed bank and he knew the Joker and Harley were long gone. He slowed just enough to lift two fingers at Gordon before passing the police cars by and pulled up to a curb two streets over to find the pair on foot. He moved silently, stealthily, for a large man and shot his grappling hook to the top of the brick building, scaling it with ease. He straightened up once on top of the roof and scanned the alleyways below. He saw no sign of Joker's signature purple but caught sight of the bright red costume of Harley Quinn resting against a wall, her costume stuck to her obscenely from the rain. His cheeks warmed against his will and he slowly walked toward the edge of the building, cape billowing in the wind. He'd have to take her off guard somehow and luckily, she seemed lost in thought, head tilted, body facing away from him.

He flattened himself against the cool concrete and peered around the corner. What was she doing? Didn't Joker feed her well enough so she didn't have to dig through garbage? He felt a sting of pity but resolved to take her into custody regardless. He snuck behind her, reaching down for her arm to twist her into submission, when she whirled and slammed into him and fell to the ground. Dazed, it took her a second before recognition crept into her icy blue eyes.

"Aw, crap. Mistah J is gonna kill me!" She yelled as she held out her wrists for Batman to cuff her.

He reached to help her up and she immediately buckled when she stood straight up. He yanked her back to her feet and she screeched in pain.

"Watch what you're doin', ya stupid bat! I hurt my ankle!"

He lifted her easily over his shoulder and carried her back toward the Batmobile. His thoughts were on his hand placement: should he hold her by the buttock, where his grip was more secure, or on the back of her thigh, a safer choice but where she'd be able to wiggle more? His thoughts drowned out her constant chatter and he kept his face stony as he set her down to examine her ankle. It seemed sprained so he wrapped it gently and helped her into the car.

He felt the chill from the rain in his very core and he shook off the excess water before settling into the car. Harley continued muttering under her breath and he caught wisps of sentences and smiled in spite of himself as he drove toward Arkham Asylum.