I hope any readers enjoy this one. I would love feedback, because I know I am taking things in a few different directions. Complicated relationships turn more complicated.

13: The Harlequin Harlot

Trying to clean up a big bloody mess would have been difficult enough without my injuries, if my cat hadn't already taken to licking up most of the blood I don't think I could have done it. I was initially disturbed at what my cat had done, but I got over it quickly. I hid all of my Stealing Siren things and tidied up the rest of the apartment, double-checking that I didn't miss any blood spots. I even had to clean off my front door; it was a wonder that I could be walking around today. I was finished cleaning when I went to change. I tried to put on jeans, but it was too difficult, I debated just wearing sweats, but this was a date. I wanted to at least try to look nice. I went with a powder blue sun dress and then tended to my makeup and hair. I had just enough time to pop the cap off a beer when the doorbell rang. I opened the door and there was John, casually dressed holding a pizza. "I hope you don't mind, I picked one up on the way over."

"Thanks that's perfect," I motioned him to put it on the counter.

"You look beautiful," he said. I could feel the blood rush to my face immediately.

"Thank you, so do you." I smiled.

"I was going for beautiful today," he joked with me.

"Oh you know what I mean," I hit his arm playfully. "Lets eat. I am starving." I spent the next thirty minutes devouring pizza and beer as he asked me about myself. I only came up for air to answer. When I was full I pushed my plate away, "Sorry about that, where were we? You were going to tell me everything about you, I think." I rested my chin on my hand, elbow on the table. He laughed.

"I take it you were hungry."

"Hey, I hadn't eaten all day. Now dish." I listened to him as he talked about going to the police academy and volunteering; how strange it was being a cop now, but he had always wanted to do it. "So you get to shoot guns and stuff?" I smiled.

"Yeah, did you want me to take you to the range sometime?"

"I would love that." I smiled. "Want to ask you something, but don't feel like you have to answer okay?" He nodded and I continued, "What happened to your parents?"

He got serious for a moment, "I will tell you, but not today okay?" I smiled at him.

"Okay. I am sorry, I was just curious. You want to see what's on TV?" He smiled and got up. We sat on the couch, and he kept asking if I was okay. I even cuddled up next to him, and he put his arm around me. It was just so easy, and he was just so sweet. I was finally relaxed when a news bulletin appeared.

"There is a new threat from the Joker, please know that viewer discretion is advised." Then there he was on the screen, only today he was not alone. Not only was there a hostage with him, but a woman. A woman clad in a harlequin outfit. I couldn't even hear what he was saying, all I could do was see that woman. I saw him at his side, where I should be. Before the video cut out he wrapped his arms around her and kiss her. I felt sick to my stomach. That bitch. I would make her pay, soon too.

"I hate that guy," John said. "People shouldn't be treated like that." I pulled closer to him. John was a man that was actually here for me, he actually wanted to help Gotham for the better, not help it lose its mind. I couldn't get the image of that kiss out of my mind. He didn't deserve all of my love, not while he was traipsing around with that whore. I looked up at John and pulled his face towards my own, kissing him. I let out my frustration on that kiss, I was in control, I was the winner. I moved on top of him, displaying my dominance. His kisses were sweet, they were safe and lovely and nothing like the few I had with my love.

We watched TV for an hour, occasionally adding various commentaries. When I felt that feeling in my stomach, of hatred and betrayal, I would kiss him. He was so comfortable. So safe and good.

When he left I immediately pulled out my book on guns. I couldn't have my sweetie knowing that I was the Stealing Siren; she was going to kill his new girlfriend. I don't know if I could kill, I could at least hurt her. Knives couldn't be my weapons of choice anymore, no. I could do guns though. My phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey Rose, I just wanted to thank you for hanging out with me tonight. I had a really great time." I was relieved when it was him.

"I did too, we should get together again soon."

"Well I was going to go to the shooting range tomorrow, would you like to go with me?"

"As long as I can get to my parents' for dinner at seven," I felt a smile on my face. "You could go with me to dinner if you want to. I mean, it might be nice to have you there, maybe they won't make my being stabbed such a big deal."

"It is a big deal though."

"Maybe, there are worse things that can happen. Plus they are going to give me a horrible time about it, and try to make me move in with them, I just know it."

"Well, I can't just leave you alone with sharks," he laughed. "I will pick you up at noon? Does that sound good?"

"That sounds great. I will see you then." I hung up. Officer Blake was perfect. He did the right things, made things so effortless. I wish the Joker was like that, but then again, I might not love him so much. I slept like a baby that night, dreaming of the demise of the Joker's girlfriend. That should be me. It will be, as soon as I get my hands on her. When I woke up I thought of what I would do to her, but then the problem presented itself. How, how do I find her, how do I get close enough to hurt her. I would need to gain her trust first, and then make my move. I could probably do it, if I pulled off enough heists. Then they would want a piece of the pie, then I could get close enough. I got ready for the day, taking my pills, changing clothes, feeding Kitty. John arrived right on time. He walked my to his car, opened the door, helped me in. He was by all accounts a gentleman. I thought on the ride to the range while John was talking about something I couldn't quite focus on. I thought of the Joker, and how he hurt me in to many ways in just a few days. I thought of what I would have to become to be by his side, I would have to hurt people. And I would start with him. I focused in on John, knowing that the best way to hurt a man who you loved was by getting attached to someone else, by shoving that love down to the very bottom of your soul.