Harley sat at her desk in her office. As she had been working at Arkham for a few weeks now she had decorated a bit. On the wall was her diploma from Gotham University majoring in Psychiatry. On the desk were a few pictures of her family and friends. She was bored out of her mind so she decided to occupy herself by reading a romance novel.
Suddenly she peered at her calendar and groaned. Today was the very much dreaded Valentine's Day. Harley had always hated Valentine's Day ever since she was a teenager ,and she doubted this year it would be any different from every other year. Harley had another session with The Joker scheduled in five minutes so she grabbed her clipboard and left her office.
As she walked through the corridor she felt her heart ache whenever she saw couples. Poison Ivy was flirting with Two-Face and holding hands. Mr. Freeze was gazing at a picture of his wife Nora and the Hatter reread the Alice In Wonderland book she had given him. Even the staff were caught up in the "joy" of Valentine's Day. Harley caught Dr. Leland and a really buff guard flirting with each other. Harley ignored them all and opened the door.
As soon as she saw Joker her heart started pounding like a jackhammer but she thought nothing of it. "Good morning Joker," she said taking a seat. "Happy Valentine's Day Harley," he replied. Harley flinched at the mention of V-Day and Joker had noticed. "Is something wrong Harls?" She sighed. "Yes, but nothing to worry you about." He frowned at her. "If something is bothering you, you can tell me. Don't you trust me?" "Of course I trust you! It's just... well, it's kinda embarrassing," she said shyly. He smiled encouragingly. "I promise I won't laugh at you. Now tell me what's the matter."
Harley hesitated for a moment but gave in. "Okay, I'll talk. I've always hated Valentine's Day because I've never had anyone to share it with." Joker's mouth fell open. "You never had a boyfriend?! How?!" Harley blushed scarlet. "Well, I wasn't that interested in high school or college as I was so busy with my studies. That, and no one ever found me very attractive." He shook his head. "They're all idiots. You're gorgeous Harley! Any man would be lucky enough to have you!" Harley perked up. "Thank you but I'm not looking for any man. I'm trying to find the right guy to be with." "You better look carefully. The right guy might be closer than you think." Harley studied his face for a moment but shook the ridiculous thought away.
"How about you Joker? Do you have a girlfriend?" Joker shook his head. "Not really. But... I do have a... crush on this girl," he said blushing which he'd never done before. Harley was surprised to find her heart breaking. "Really? What's she like?" she forced herself to ask. "She's beautiful, smart, and kind too. She understands me better than anyone. Better than even Batman. I... I think I... love her." Harley couldn't explain why she felt so hurt and abandoned.
"That's great Joker! And... does she love you back?" His face fell and he shrugged. "I'm not sure. She probably doesn't even know my feelings for her," he said pointedly looking at Harley. Harley smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry Joker. I'm sure she shares those same feelings. And if she doesn't, you'll always have a friend in me." He smiled back at her. "Thanks Harls."
They stared at each other for what seemed like a long time until Joker broke eye contact. "I almost forgot! I brought you something." He reached behind the couch and pulled out a heart shaped box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses tied with a red bow. "These are for you," he said holding out the gifts to her.
Harley was touched that he would do this for her. "Joker, this is so sweet of you," she said gratefully taking the gifts. Joker grinned shyly. "Well, I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me. How much I care about you." Harley could feel her face burning from his kind words. She looked up at his almost angelic face. "I care about you too." They stared into each others eyes. Without knowing, they both leaned in towards each other. Just as their lips brushed the heavy metal door swung open causing them to turn away.
"Dr. Quinzel? It's the patients recreational time." Harley blushed heavily at the thought of almost being caught and of what could have happened. She tried to avoid Joker's gaze. "Goodbye Mr. Joker. I'll see you tomorrow." He smirked at her discomfort. "See ya later Do'c." To everyone's surprise he bent over and lightly kissed her cheek.
"Alright funny boy let's go!" yelled one of the guards dragging him out. Before he left, Joker looked at Harley one last time and waved they left Harley touched her cheek fondly. She held the chocolates and roses dearly and walked out of of the room.
That night as she dreamed of Joker she realized something. She had fallen madly in love with her patient.