Disclaimer: I do not own Batman.

How Do You Solve A Riddle Like Harleen?

Written By: Casey525

Edited by: bleachfanficfanatic


Chapter 3: Vines of Life

Two things strike Riddler as he enters Ivy's home. One, her love of plants knows no bounds and two she just may love the color green more than himself. Nygma had two of his lackeys follow them to Pamela's house. Following the plant princess they carry Harley to the largest greenhouse before settling her down upon a work bench with surprising gentleness.

The three men move back to give Ivy room to work. Soon enough the IV lines are hooked up and Pamela takes a step back. Moving next to her Edward asks, "How long will it take for them to work?"

She sighs. "I don't know, that bastard beat her to a pulp, worse than usual. We just have to-" but her words stop as a huge being enters the room. Looking up Edward sees Bane standing stock still staring at Harley. His only acknowledgment of their presence is a question.

"Hurt? She's hurt?"

Riddler moves toward the man. "Yes, Harley is hurt. She made the Joker mad and he hurt her very badly. Ms. Ivy is trying to help."

"I watch over her. She's my friend," Bane says sitting on the floor continuing to watch Harley.

Edward sees Ivy tense up and nods at her to follow him out. Once they are away from the patient and her new guardian Ivy hisses, "I can't leave that giant in my babies' home! What if he steps or sits on one of them!"

The Riddler crosses his arms glaring down at her. "Really Ms. Ivy? He's big and strong, if anyone comes after her he'll be a formidable match in a fight."

"Hmph! More likely he'll destroy my babies' home! But fine, he can watch over her until she's conscious. Then, she's on her own."

His eyes widen. "What? You're not going to let her stay with you?" She walks away without answering and he follows, his anger growing. Grabbing her arm he twists her around. "What the hell is wrong with you Ivy? You're going to heal her just to throw her out on the street?! You heard Frost, she has nowhere to go. I thought you were her friend, her best friend?"

Ivy wrenches her arms from his grasp her eyes flashing. Heatedly she says, "Yes, she is my friend. As for the best part, I don't know. But what I do know is after some belly aching she'll go right back to the pompous self declared "king" of Gotham! And I won't watch her do it, not again! Plus, the last time she ran out on him because she was "over his ass" he came here and blew up all my greenhouses! I had to watch and listen to my babies die right before my eye!"

Edward takes a step back from the raging woman. Gently he places a hand on her shoulder. "Ivy, I didn't know, I…I'm sorry." When she seems calmer he asks softly, "Then if you are not willing to let her stay here, where do you suggest she go?"

The woman shrugs. "I don't know I just…I can't go through that again. A fucking rocket launcher, Edward, I mean…who does that?"

"Apparently the Joker," Edward murmurs before saying, "Well, I best be going. Call me if you need anything. If I don't hear from you I'll check back in a week."

Ivy nods and he walks out, his two men following. Once they are out of sight Ivy returns to Harley. Bane hasn't moved an inch and she lets out a sigh of relief.

"Has she woken up at all?"

He looks at her. "Once, but then she got sleepy again. No pain, so that is good."

Ivy sighs. "I don't know what to do, this is just so difficult."

"What's difficult?" Harley's voice startles her out of her thoughts.

Ivy smiles. "Nothing doll, just getting my babies to grow again is getting harder sometimes."

Harley gives a sad smile. "Sorry Red, I know it was Mr. J's fault you lost your greenhouses that time."

The mistress of moss chokes out, "It..it's ok Harls, but what isn't ok is what he did to you. What did you do to piss him off this time?"

Harley rubs her face, the last remnants of her smeared makeup coming off on her hands. Sighing she says, "I don't wanna be with him anymore. Told him off, that I was done taking his shit and I was worth more than being a punching bag."

"Really? You're serious this time?" Ivy asks bewildered.

"Yep, so it's goodbye Mr. J hello freedom!" Harley stretches wincing slightly before asking, "Anyway, could I get something to eat?"

Bane stands up slowly, Ivy hitching her breath at his movement. "I'll get food."

"Thanks Bane!" Harley says with a beaming smile. He nods then leaves. After he is gone Ivy turns her attention back to the woman still sitting on the work bench.

"Harley, I'm proud of you, I am but…I can't let you stay here."

Harley's eyes widen. "Wha- I thought of all my friends you'd be the most supportive Red! What the hell am I'm supposed to do? Plus, what're you worried about? He thinks I'm dead!"

"And what happens when one of the many witnesses at the lounge, damn that Frost and his stupidity of going there, runs to tell the "king" who took in his little queenie?"

Harley gasps. "Frost? You mean…Johnny…saved me?"

Ivy crosses her arms. "Of course, you were unconscious. Yeah, Frost…Johnny…whoever he is got it into his head that it would be a good idea to bring your half dead self to Oswald's. Luckily Ngyma and myself were there. Who knows what more trouble or pain you could be in left at the mercy of Crane?"

Harley shudders then turns sad eyes to her friend. "Look Red, I'm sorry I snapped. I…I didn't know the whole story. You're right, for as many people there who may want me to make it out of this alive there are at least the same number who will use the information that I'm alive for their own gain or to harm others." Shaking her head she plasters on a fake smile. "Anyway, it won't matter soon and the lot of you won't have to worry about me anymore."

Ivy narrows her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Harley waves her hand in a dismissive manner. "Nothin' Red. Look, it's cold out here, can I go inside?"

"I'll bring you some more blankets and a pillow. You have to stay on the IV until tomorrow morning."

As she is walking away she says over her shoulder, "By the way, what kind of gift basket says, "Sorry I almost made your eyes pop out of your head?"

Harley snickers, but her heart warms at the odd way Ivy showed her concern. She just hopes Johnny didn't have any permanent damage done to himself.

"Not sure, but I'll make sure his kindness doesn't go un-thanked. Just gotta figure out a way to do it without tipping off the clown. No sense in saying thank you if it'll get him killed."

Ivy nods and heads to the house to gather the items she promised her friend.