Harley and Ivy spent the next few months living as they always had when staying together. Pamela, unable to find a way to tell Harley how much she meant to her, acted as if nothing had changed. Despite Selina's intermittent prodding and insistence that it was as simple as saying 'I love you,' Pam could not find the nerve to do it. The return to normalcy was absolute, save for one change—Harley had slept in Ivy's bed while she recovered from her injuries, and the two had grown accustomed to it. So Harley curled up around Ivy each night. Pam laid awake, listening to her breathing slow until Harley had faded into the deep rhythm of sleep, and every night she'd quietly utter the words she struggled to find voice for in the light of day. "I love you, Harley." Hoping that with each pronouncement she might find the courage to say them to her face in the morning.

Ivy showed her constantly though, actions speaking what she could not. Indulging Harley in her amusements, patiently teaching her about the things she showed curiosity for, spending so many days in the city shopping or going to movies or having dinner. It was all Pam could do sometimes to keep from kissing Harley, or running her fingers along her supple spine, up into her hair or down over the curve of her ass. Watching Harley stretch in the mornings was torture, but she never once looked away.

Halloween came and Ivy gave Harley the grandest of spectacles: pumpkins in every color and shape she could ask for, brambles and vines, trees bent at odd angles. Pamela sang her subtle song to her plants for Harley's joy, but still, she could not find the voice to tell Harley she loved her.

Winter fell upon Gotham, gripping the city in its icy fingers, and Pamela's gardens lapsed into their yearly slumbers. She knew it was necessary for their health and abundance in the months to come, but she was always sad to see them wither.

Ivy had brought Harley into the city for Christmas shopping. They walked past the park. "Are there plants that grow in winter?" Harley asked as dragged a finger through the snow heaped up on a long row planter.

Ivy smiled at her. "Of course. There are plants that grow in every climate and season. Winter is hardest on most plants, but you see some," Ivy gestured to a field in the park cultivated with Christmas trees, "Do just fine in the cold."

"Oh, I hadn't thought about that. I never had a real tree growin' up. And Mistah J loved those brightly painted metal ones. I hated them. How am I supposed to hang ornaments on a metal tree?!" Ivy laughed. The sound brought Harley back to the moment. "I meant like, flowers and stuff. Are there flowers that grow in winter? I don't see any."

Pam nodded. "It's not as prevalent this far north, but there are lots. Daphne, crocus, and hellebores are some of the most popular. They have colorful blooms that present a stark contrast to the snow that usually surrounds them. There are a number of white blossomed flowers that grow in winter as well."

"I never would have thought something so delicate could grow in such harsh weather." Harley tugged her coat collar round her neck as a cold wind howled past.

"Beautiful things can grow in the cruelest circumstances. And once you put them in a better environment, they thrive and you see that they are stronger for it." Ivy pulled Harley near to protect her from the wind. "This weather is awful. Are you done shopping yet?"

"Not yet—I still have to get something for you—but I think I'm done for the day. It's too damn cold with this wind."

"Let's head home then, Harl. It smells like snow, and I don't want to be caught out in that."

"Me neither." Harley pressed against Pam for warmth.


By the time the two returned home, the wind had picked up and the temperature dropped. The setting sun lit the front of Ivy's house in a fiery orange glow. Halfway up the sidewalk, she turned to soak up the last rays before the sun slid below the trees. Harley made a gleeful sound and kissed Pam on the cheek. Ivy grinned, her stomach all butterflies. "What was that for?"

Harley pointed up. "You're standing under the mistletoe, silly. It's what you're supposed to do."

Pamela looked up. Just above her head was a low-hanging tree bough. On that bough, stretching the width of the sidewalk, was a huge clump of mistletoe. "I didn't put that there. That branch isn't even supposed to be there."

"That's weird" Harley shrugged it off and headed for the door.

Ivy knew better though. She knew where that branch was supposed to be, and she had never once had mistletoe growing anywhere in the entire neighborhood. Pam narrowed her eyes at the plant. You smart ass, get out of her. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the flora. The tree refused to budge; the white berries trembled in the breeze, as if shaking their tiny little heads no. Fine! Pamela took a deep breath, and before she lost her nerve called after Harley. "Wait. Harley, come here." Her voice was tremulous, but the gates were open, there was no containing the flood.

Harley came back to Ivy, still beneath the mistletoe. "Whatchu need, Pammy?"

Ivy reached up and wrapped a trembling hand behind Harley's neck, nervous fingers buried in blonde hair. Harley's blue eyes widened as Pam pulled her in and kissed her. The shock made her drop the bags she held. Ivy slid an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and Harley's hands came to rest on Pam's hips. She leaned into Harley, begrudging the thick layers of clothing between them. Ivy's arm tightened around Harley's body, soaking in every detail she could in case she never got the chance again. Her lips were as soft as Pam had imagined. She knew it couldn't last though, any second Harley would pull away. A kiss couldn't stop time, even if it felt like it.

But Harley didn't pull away. Pam could stand it no longer, worrying about what Harley was thinking got the better of her. She stepped back, tracing her fingers across Harley's cheek. "I…" Her throat locked. She couldn't say the words while staring into those sparkling blue eyes. Ivy closed her eyes. If she pretended Harley was asleep, she might get it out, she'd practiced so many times. "Harley, I love you." A weight lifted from Pam's shoulders. However, she traded it for a pit in her stomach. The words had flown, there was no taking them back. Ivy stood frozen, eyes still closed, heart in her throat—waiting for Harley's response.

"I know."

Ivy's eyes shot open. "What? You know?!" A series of incomprehensible noises escaped Pam's throat before she managed to choke out a simple. "How?"

Harley smirked. "I don't fall asleep as fast as you think I do."

"You've known all these months? Why didn't you say anything?"

Harley closed the space between them. "I was waiting til you were ready. I wasn't gonna rush you." She smiled warmly and bent down to pick up her bags. "I don't know 'bout you, but I'm tired of being out in this cold." Harley walked up the sidewalk and into the house with a bounce in her hips. "You comin', Red?"

Ivy regained her senses and followed into the warmth of her home. Pam watched from the doorway as Harley placed her bags on the table and hung her coat on the rack. Harley settled on the sofa as if nothing had happened. Pamela added her coat to the rack and sat next to Harley on the edge of the cushion, stiff-backed and fretting.

Harley eyed her as long as she could stand it. The poor woman, winding herself in knots, so worried she'd gambled and thrown away the only thing she cared about. Harley chuckled. "Relax, Red." She eased a hand down Pam's back, lingering lower than just a comforting touch.

Ivy closed her eyes, indulging in the touch. "Harley." She took a breath to steel herself. "Harley, don't if you…" Don't truly mean it.

Harley guided Pamela to turn toward her and sit back into the couch. She leaned in and Ivy met her eyes. "Pam, I love you too." Harley pressed into her with a deep kiss. Ivy laid back, letting Harley settle onto her. She parted her lips, tentatively teasing her tongue across Harley's, whimpering softly when Harley slid her tongue past Pam's lips. Ivy relaxed and slid her legs out between Harley's slender limbs but held her tight, afraid to let her go. Harley had no intention of slipping away though; she gripped onto Pam's hip, her other hand entangled in ginger locks. Ivy slipped her hands under Harley's shirt, indulging in the warmth of her skin. She kissed Pam fiercely, pushing into her as if they could merge. Finding the edge of her shirt, Harley traced her fingertips up Ivy's side. A shiver passed through Pam's body—she gasped. Harley chuckled deep in her throat and ran her hand over Ivy's ribs, up to her breast where she pressed her palm into the soft flesh, squeezing. Ivy moaned, arching her body into Harley's.

She ran her thumb over the edge of Ivy's bra. Pulling her lips from Pam's, Harley got up and walked off, leaving Pam dazed, hurt, and painfully aroused. A voice called from the bedroom doorway, "You gonna come unwrap your present, Pammy?"

Ivy jumped up and hurried to the bedroom. Harley lounged on the bed, leaning back on her elbows, long legs casually stretched out. Ivy stopped for a moment, drinking in the salacious pose and devilish look in Harley's eyes. She sat on the edge of the mattress, bracing her trembling arms on either side of Harley's hips. Harley touched a fingertip under Pam's chin and guided her in for a kiss. Ivy kissed her slowly, sweetly. She pulled back, licking her lips; her eyes were down. Harley put a hand on Pam's arm to reassure her and waited for Ivy to say what was on her mind. "Harley, it's been a long time since I've been with someone."

Harley smirked, her eyes playful fire. "It's okay, I'll be gentle." She winked and pulled Pam down on top of her as she reclined. Pamela's cheeks flushed scarlet. Harley slipped her hands under the back of Pam's shirt and pulled it over her head. She smiled at the deep hunter green silk and black lace of Ivy's bra. She's got style, that's for sure. Harley undid the hooks and pulled the straps down Pam's arms, dragging her fingertips gingerly over her skin; goosebumps followed in their wake. Harley placed her palms against Ivy's ribcage and lifted her slightly, repositioning her body. She slid an arm around Pam's back and held her hip with the other hand as she kissed around Ivy's breast; Pam twitched her pelvis against Harley. Harley grazed her lips across Pam's nipple. Ivy swallowed hard and her elbow gave out. Harley kissed her nipple firmly, grazing her tongue across it with the lightest touch. Ivy gasped at the sensation.

Harley flipped them, grinding her hips into Pam's. Ivy gripped into Harley's back as she sucked Pam's nipple. Pleasure throbbed through Pamela's body when Harley ghosted her fingers up Ivy's side. Pam swore, unable to contain her composure. Harley chuckled against the soft skin of her lover's neck. She kissed it before running her tongue over the drumming pulse. Tugging and nipping at Ivy's earlobe with her teeth, Harley circled her nipple with one finger. It hardened further at her touch, eager for more. She could feel the building tension in Pam's body, the way Ivy squeaked and shuddered, responsive to every touch. Harley kissed Pam's throat before sitting up. She couldn't resist riding Ivy's pelvis just a bit. Pam moaned and dug her nails into Harley's hips, pulling her down into herself harder with each sway.

"Would you like to take my shirt off?" Harley asked coyly.

"Oh, yes." Pam grabbed the hem and lifted. Harley leaned down so she could pull the shirt over her head. She placed a hand against the ornate wireframe headboard and leaned in. Without hesitation, Ivy undid Harley's bright red bra and pulled it off. Harley clinched the headboard with both hands as Pam caressed her breasts. Ivy ran her thumbs in circles against Harley's nipples. She pulled Harley down and fluttered her tongue against the sensitive skin, nervously at first, but gaining confidence as Harley moaned. Pam pulled back, running her fingertips along the curve of Harley's stomach, she felt the taut muscles flex under her touch. With unsure fingers, she popped the button of her pants. Harley nodded and bit her lip. Ivy undid the zipper slowly, dragging a knuckle against Harley's crotch. Harley bucked down, greedy to feel Pam touch her.

Ivy slid her fingers inside Harley's underwear, feeling her firm ass. She squeezed it before pushing the fabric past her hips. Harley wriggled out of her pants, kicking them off the bed. She lay naked against Pam's body. Ivy pulled Harley's hands from the headboard and slowly rolled her onto her back. She sat up, straddling Harley's hips. Harley reached up with the intent to rip the woman's pants off unceremoniously, she wanted so much to be inside Pam. But she had said she'd be gentle. She hooked her fingers inside Pam's waistband "Please?"

Ivy swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry, and nodded. Harley undid her pants, guiding the cloth down over Pam's ass. Sitting up, Harley pushed Pam back down on the bed and shifted between her legs. Harley pulled her pants off slowly, teasing as much skin as she could on the way. She kneeled between Pamela's thighs, taking in every inch of her body. Harley licked her lips. She laid down against Pam, skin to skin the length of her body. She ground her hips without thinking, kissing Pamela deep and slow. Ivy's hand wandered the curve of Harley's ass, grasping each time her hips jerked down.

Harley ran her fingers up the inside of Pam's thigh. Ivy spread her legs, inviting a more intimate touch. Harley kissed Pam's throat as her fingers slid upward. "Oh, Pammy. I didn't realize how much I wanted this, how much I needed to touch you."

"Harley." Pam's voice was heavy with desire.

"Yes, Red?" Harley bit gently at the dip in Pam's collarbone.

"Please."

Harley groaned with pleasure as she pressed fingers into Pam's wetness. Ivy choked out a deep cry and clutched onto Harley. She kissed her way around Pamela's chest and neck, nibbling at her jaw and ear, as she circled Pam's clit with growing pressure. Ivy's hipped bucked harder the further south her fingers slid, begging subconsciously. Harley bit into Pam's shoulder and thrust two fingers inside her.

Ivy howled and slammed into Harley's hips. "Yes, Harley."

Harley moaned. She meant to go slow, but Pam was so desperate. Harley put her hips behind her hand. Each thrust of her hips pushing her fingers deeper inside her. Pam swung up matching the rhythm, her hips shaking as Harley found just the right angle. Her moans deepened between desperate cries of encouragement. Harley could feel her tightening around her fingers. She didn't want Pam to come yet, it felt too good to be inside her, to feel her body crashing into hers. But as much as she didn't want to leave Pam's wet warmth, she needed her to come. She needed her to shudder and collapse under her touch. So she rode her, harder and faster. Her fingers pressing deeper inside Pam until Harley felt her whole body stiffen as Ivy clenched around her fingers. She pressed her hips down into Pam's, curling her fingers inside her. Pamela came screaming, scratching long scarlet streaks down Harley's back.

Harley relaxed onto Pam, practically purring. "I didn't expect you'd like it so rough."

Ivy took a moment to catch her breath before responding. "What?"

Harley traced damp fingers along Pam's thigh, eliciting a violent twitch. "You got a thing for nails; my back is a mess."

Ivy craned her neck to look at Harley's back. The snow white skin was besmirched with red crescents about the hips and shoulders and four deep, crimson lines that ran nearly the length of her entire back. "Oh, Harley, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realize."

"That's a good thing." Harley said with a laugh. "You got nothing to apologize for." She kissed Pamela's ear. "I enjoyed it."

Ivy groaned and a shiver ran through her body. "Is there a particular way you like it?" She questioned with trepidation.

Harley shrugged. "There's stuff I like. Don't you worry about it, Pammy, you got all the time in the world to learn. Ooh, maybe find some new stuff. I bet all the sensuality you got makes for some great foreplay." Her voice lowered. "I bet you'd make a hell of a dominatrix."

Ivy smirked, her enthusiasm was adorable—and the prospect of being with Harley for a long time comforted her. Pam traced her fingertips idly on Harley's skin. Her mind playing with the role Harley had suggested. The idea of jumping into this so spontaneously made her nervous though. But how could she resist the thing she so badly wanted? Pamela hated not having a plan, not having done any research. There was no plan for this; she hadn't honestly expected to ever be here. There was no choice but to go with her gut. She rolled on top of Harley and kissed her passionately as Harley pulled Pam into her. Their bodies settled into each other's curves. Ivy traced Harley's ribs and side, pressing her hand into Harley's hip, holding tight.

"Come on, Pammy. Touch me." Harley begged.

She kissed Harley's throat. "I will," Ivy assured her. Hovering over Harley's breasts, she examined them for the first time in a new light. They were beautiful, perfect in every way Pam could account for. She pressed her lips to Harley's nipple and slowly sucked it into her mouth. She tested the soft flesh with her tongue. Harley arched her back and Ivy slid an arm under her, hugging tightly. She sucked at Harley's nipple with growing fervor; swirling her tongue in patterns, pressing her face into the soft flesh of her breast. Ivy's hand slid down Harley's thigh, Pam hooked behind the knee and pulled her leg up over her hip. She dragged her nails up and down the back of Harley's thigh.

"Oh, Pam. I'm so wet for you." Harley's voice was throaty and desperate.

Ivy released her nipple and stepped a path down Harley's stomach with her teeth. She could feel the heat from Harley, feel how much she needed her touch. Pam settled between her legs. Running her hands over Harley's thighs, Pam could feel the strength in the muscles. She nudged Harley's knees apart slightly. Harley spread her legs in a split. Grinning, she watched Pam's eyes go wide. "I'm a gymnast, Pammy, you can put those legs wherever you want."

The possibilities of angles and positions Harley was capable of getting into flooded Pamela's brain all at once and shot a bolt from her gut to her crotch. "Where they are is good for now."

Harley laughed low in her throat. "Okay, Red."

Ivy grasped Harley's thigh, holding it up as she kissed the skin. They were so thin, but it was all muscle. Strong, sinuous muscle. It flexed beneath Pam's palm as Harley bent her knee over Pam's shoulder. Ivy bit down, pressing her tongue to Harley's leg. Pam licked and bit her way down one thigh and then the other, indulging in the flex of every muscle and squeal from Harley.

Harley couldn't take the teasing any longer. If Pam was going to use her mouth, Harley needed it now. "Pam, please. Please, I need you to touch me. I feel like I'm about to pop." Ivy cleared her throat and slid down. She hesitated, fearful of the unknown before her. Harley could feel breath hot against her sensitive skin. She choked out a small whisper, "Pam."

Pamela pressed her lips against Harley. She yelped in relieved desperation. Ivy kissed her lightly, emboldening herself as much as building pleasure Harley. Pam wrapped her arms under Harley's thighs and dove into her.

"Yes." Harley pressed her hips into Ivy.

Pam kissed at Harley's clit, rubbing it ever so slightly with her lips. She slipped her tongue out, flicking the tip. Harley jerked into her. Pam groaned and squeezed the muscles in her thighs hard. She began working her tongue in slow circles.

"Oh fuck, Pam." Harley grabbed at the sheets. Rocking her hips, she settled into a rhythm with Ivy's tongue.

Pam sucked gently, pulling Harley's clit between her lips. Harley thrust against her mouth. The most beautiful sounds erupted from her, sweet moans of pleasure and desire, as Pam flicked and swirled her tongue. Ivy shifted slightly and Harley moaned louder. She teased Harley's clit with quick flicks from beneath.

"Oh yes." Harley cried.

Pam could feel her tightening beneath her, all her muscles balling up as the feeling built inside her. She pressed harder into Harley, circling her tongue.

"Oh, Pammy. I'm gonna come for you." Ivy stuttered her tongue as a shiver chased through her body "Don't stop," Harley demanded.

Pam settled into her rhythm again, circling Harley's clit faster as she felt the girl racing toward the edge. Harley buried her fingers in Ivy's hair, holding her close, begging for her touch. She rocked her hips harder, pushing Pam against her. Ivy gripped into Harley's thighs and yanked her close. Harley wrapped her legs around Pamela's body as she came screaming, "Pam!" Harley collapsed on the bed with a whimper.

Ivy lifted up, Harley's hand falling from her tousled hair. She leaned on an elbow next to Harley, taking her in. The pulse in her neck thundered beneath her skin, her chest heaved with each breath. Ivy wanted to kiss her, but was unsure if Harley would want to taste her lips. Harley opened her eyes and looked at Pam. With a smile and a twinkle in her bright blue eyes, she reached up and pulled Pamela into a kiss. Harley released her, still breathing heavily. Pam settled next to her, an arm draped across Harley's stomach.

They laid together in peaceful silence for a long while. Ivy's mind began to wander. Before long it was racing with curious thoughts. "Harley." Ivy was anxious about ruining such a wonderful moment. "Did you know I had feelings for you before? You always came to me, did you know I would do anything for you? Did you…" Pam trailed off as Harley shook her head to banish any worrisome thoughts.

"I didn't need a psychology degree to know you loved me. I've got one, but I didn't need it. I never used you, Pammy. I came to you because you're my friend. My best friend. And yeah, I had feelings for you. Maybe I came around cuz of that too." Ivy's green eyes shone like emerald fire and Harley smiled.

Ivy tucked Harley's hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek. "Why didn't you just tell me, Harl?"

"What would you have said, Red?"

Ivy thought about it. What would I have said? Certainly not anything that would have ended with this scenario. "I don't know. I guess I just wish…" Her voice trailed off. She wished so many things had been different in retrospect. How many things could have been avoided if she'd just been honest with herself? No sense in that, Pam. She's yours now, don't waste that. She smiled at Harley's glowing face. "I wish I'd have known sooner, myself."

"You got here, Pammy, that's all that matters." Harley kissed her. "I'm pretty sure Selina has a pool going. We'll have to see who won."

Ivy sighed. "That damn Cat."

Harley giggled. "What did she say to you that night?"

Ivy wrinkled her brow "What night?"

"The night you went to the bar to talk to her. Pam, I sleep with you. I smelled the alcohol on you."

"How do you know I was out with Selina?" Harley looked at her blankly. "Alright, I was out with Selina. She told me to just tell you how I felt. And that you loved me too. I didn't believe her though, not really."

"Why the hell not?" Harley interjected.

Pam shrugged. "I was afraid she might be wrong. If she had been, and I had told you I loved you. Then what?"

"Then at least you would have been honest and open with me. That means something. But it doesn't matter. She was right. I do love you, Pam. I always will."

Ivy smiled at her, tears playing at the corners of her eyes. "I love you too, Harley. And I always will."


An unexpected knock at the Fun House door surprised Joker. Marco and Vinnie were home with their families or friends, or whoever they had wanted to see for Christmas, so Joker was forced to answer the door himself. "Who is it?" There was no reply. He got to his feet and pulled the door open with a jerk. "What do you want?"

No one was there. He was about to slam the door shut when he noticed a small black box on the doorstep. "What the devil?" He picked it up and yanked the top off. A puff of white powder flew into the air. He choked as he breathed it in. A black card with three red diamonds hung from the bow on top. He flipped it over to read the inscription: 'Joke's on you.'

EPILOGUE

Selina sat at a small table of a rooftop café. The sidings had been pulled down to keep out the chill air, but the view was still spectacular. Most of the park and some of the oldest buildings in the city stretched out beneath her eye. She drank her breve while she waited. A tall woman with flowing red hair joined her. "Afternoon, Kate."

"Selina." She waved off the waitress who was headed towards her, she didn't intend to stay long. "So they finally hooked up?"

"Yep." Selina reached in her bag and pulled out a stack of money. "You won. And I have to say, I'm glad you did because Dick only missed it by a few days and I would much rather have a coffee with you than 'Boy Wonder.'"

Kate smirked. "That's not what he goes by these days, you know that."

Selina rolled her eyes. "Believe me, I know." She sipped her coffee. "So, Ms. Kane, what are you going to spend it on?"

"There's this really nice pair of boots I've had my eye on for a while. I think I'm finally going to buy them."

"Fashion or tactical?" Selina asked dryly.

"Tactical."

"You're all the same," Selina sighed. "Can't say I'm surprised you won though. Personally, I had Christmas Day."

Kate shook her head, amused. "Baby gays, the holidays always get them."