Nothing stood out about the run down building, though nothing did in this bleak waste of a city. The door splintered from it's frame as the GCPD burst their way into the shack. It was an opportunity that couldn't be passed. A tip had been called in, Bullock being the first officer to respond.
"I've seen The Joker and his girl. He's headed into a building. It's the abandoned house three blocks down from Crime Alley. You can't miss it. My name? Jack White."
Something about that name sent a chill down Bruce's spine, however he was too exhausted to even begin to deduce why. Of course his arrival was miles in front of Gordon and his crew. He knew the SWAT teams would be highly annoyed, after all they're the ones meant to clear the building, and tackle the crazy clowns. He knew better than most, it's never easy with The Joker. Therefore it was only right to go in before them. For all he cared he was saving lives. With every footstep, there was a worrying creak to interrupt. Oddly out of place for the psychopathic clown's taste. Everything seemed that fraction out of place. Enough to catch Batman's attention, but not enough for him to actually stop and think for a minute. Or two. After climbing a few flights of stairs, with great nerves, he briskly opened the only door in view. What laid before his eyes surprised him. All that there was in that small, dull room, was a dusty table, with an envelope that, wait. An envelope that was new? Strolling over, he smirked, from seeing whom it was addressed to. 'Batsy'. From a few floors down, he heard the SWAT team destroy the door, and pounded their way up the stairs. He found it difficult not to laugh at the expressions on their faces.
"Where is he? Plus how the hell did you get in?"
"I guess you didn't notice the open WINDOW then."
Gordon was the first to step forward, as he made his way over to The Dark Knight. He too also addressed the, now opened, envelope. Batman didn't take any noticed, as he was already engulfed by the letter.
"Greetings Batsy! Joker here! Your new master and... oh hang on I've skipped a bit!
Well I do apologise for not making all your lives a misery for the past few months, however I've been a little busy with... more important things... yeah I guess you could say that. BUT! I'm back now! So get ready for some more hell, because I'm bigger and better than ever before! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Unfortunately my little harlequin won't be joining us for a while. I'm quite surprised you haven't worked out why yet. Maybe you are all as stupid as I believe you to be! Oh don't worry I haven't killed her. I would have sent you her head if I had. Oh must I give you a clue? Well, what's it been now, five months? She'll be at least away for another four. PLEASE don't make me put something corny and sound like Eddie. I'm not that crazy! Oh and boys, I'd just like to point out now, if anybody dares try to find her, or even lay a finger on her, I will personally give you a new smile and make you suffer something no man ever has before. Okay dokey! Oh and when she does come back, there'll be even more hell than before... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
After handing the letter to the rest of them, they were all left bewildered. What game was he playing at now? Batman tried to piece the puzzle together. When the solution finally came into view, it hit him hard. The shock was like being shot down by a thousand bullets.
"Oh dear God."
"What is it Batman? What's happening, what the hell is this clown on about?"
"Nine months Jim, don't you get it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Harley, she has to be, must be. Oh dear. Jim, she's pregnant..."
Embracing her in a loving hug, he gently helped her into the car, as they both climbed in the back. One of the many henchmen, was at the wheel, and quickly accelerated to get them out of there. Only muffled sobs could could be heard, being emitted from Harley, as she buried herself into Joker's chest. For once it was he who had to try hold the tears back. All he could do was comfort her, which wasn't easy. They both knew what was coming, and neither of them wanted to face it.
"Did you manage to plant the letter Puddin', and the phone call?"
"Don't worry, it's all done, shush now Harley, everything will be okay, please don't cry. I know it's hard. Everything will be okay."
"Red keeps calling me, I don't know what to do. She'll try find me, and she'll be so mad."
"Forget about her, besides. I'll tell her. I won't let her know where you are. Nobody will find you, I swear Harley."
A single tear rolled down his pasty white face, though he hastily wiped it away, quickly setting himself a mental note to shoot the driver, so that he couldn't tell anybody else about this. Looking down on her stomach, he smiled to himself. It wouldn't be long now, and already she was developing a large bump. A trembling hand reached out to rub it, as he then looked into her eyes. The eyes of the bearer of his child. Even at her worst she looked beautiful. Taking her head into his hands, wiping away traces of her tears, he let himself fall mercy to her delicate lips. However to say he wasn't enjoying it was a lie. Indeed it made it harder to hold back the tears, but to know she was there, to know that she loved him; it made him unbelievably happy. It wasn't long before he gave up trying to hide the watery imperfections, and he let them run freely. Besides he wasn't the only one. Together they cried and kissed, for most of the journey. Begging for it never to cease. Trying to comfort one another in any way they could. The henchman didn't dare tell them that they'd arrived. All he could do was just bring the car to a gentle halt. After finally parting their lips, he helped her back out of the car, guarding her stomach with great precaution. The surroundings consisted of some relatively unknown docks in Gotham. Beyond them slept the Gotham river, and not shortly after that, another part of the unknown. There was a house, that Selina knew about. Grudgingly Joker had forced himself to ask for her help. He despised her, but not as much as he did Ivy. That and the fact that he could trust her a little better, knowing that she wouldn't try to come onto his dark angel. Before them a boat was bobbing on the calm waves of the river. Leaving the henchman still in the car, they slowly trudged forwards. Harley had started to cry again, and it was killing him to see her like this. As much as he hated the idea, he was devastated at the fact that he had to be separated from her in this way. Before they were too near the boat, he carefully grabbed her and puller her so close to him, so he could remember everything about her. The scent of her hair, the way her small arms wrapped themselves around his waist. Small joys.
"I don't wanna leave Puddin', I don't wanna leave without you!"
"I know Harls, I know. Listen to me, you've got to stay strong, for the baby. It needs a strong mother, and I know you're strong Harley."
"I love you, I love you, please don't leave me J!
"I will always be with you okay? Always. I'll try to come and visit you, I will. I have to keep you safe. I won't let them take you, or the baby away. When the time comes, I'll be right there, holding your hand. Nothing will stop us. We're undefeated. You and me Harls, and soon enough. Our child."
"Stay safe Puddin'. I really don't want you to go!"
He could barely hear her over the tears. To see her this broken, it made him cry harder than ever before. For the last time he rubbed her stomach, and he felt something strange. It felt oddly like a kick. He smiled through blurry eyes at her.
"You see, little J is excited already. I promise you that I'll never let them find you Harley. I promise."
"I love you!"
"I love you too Harls."
He kissed her with so much passion, and need, he swore that they'd have to tear them apart. Selina admired from afar. She thought to herself 'I wish he'd just show the world this side to their relationship'. Inhaling deeply, she tiptoed over to the distraught couple. Once they'd broken the kiss, she put her arms around Harley, leading her away to the boat. Not that she was going willingly, Selina was practically dragging her. Turning back to face The Joker, she mouthed,
"She'll be safe, I promise."
The cold winds were icier than ever, as they cruelly wrapped themselves around him. His eyes gazing at her, slowly drifting away in the small boat. Even then he still hadn't ceased crying. After some contemplating he decided to kill the driver later; he knew he wouldn't manage driving back himself. When he was in the back seat, his gaze remained on Harley as the car slowly drove off, and the boat in the opposite direction.
"Goodbye Harley. I love you..."
