She wished that he would tell her more about the situation at hand, but she knew better than to expect explanations for any of his actions. It was why she fell in love with him in the first place. No explanations, no predictability, no reasoning, no logic, simply freedom. There was a time that he made her feel like the only one who could possibly understand his twisted mind. His partner, his equal, his queen. It had been years since she had last known that feeling. She had always held onto it with all of her remaining strength.

He had briefly mentioned that he was having problems with Ol' Bats again. She knew not to worry, if there was anything that she held true to her heart, it was that no matter what great force he may face, or what costumed vigilante may cross their path, in the end- The Joker always prevails. Always. Nothing could ever stop him.

"Uh. . .Mistah J? Is Bats really close to sniffin' us out? Or are we just makin' anotha hit?"

At first she thought that he hadn't heard her speak and decided to pretend she had said nothing. Suddenly he leaned over towards her. His mouth was a mere inch away from her ear.

"Pull over."

Harley lowered her head.

"Yessir."

"My dear Harley, you aren't doubting me, are you?" He smiled as pleasantly as a man of such great evil possibly could.

"Don't be scared, Harleen, if you fear him, you won't understand him." The voice gave her confidence as she took a deep breath.

"I...I was just a little curious about where we're goin', couldn't ya at least tell me that, puddin'?" She froze for the moment, on the edge of regret.

He pulled the gun from within his suit and held it to her head. He spoke with laughter echoing in his voice.

"Such an inquisitive child! You know better than to question my actions."

The gun remained pressed against her temple as she sat trembling in silence. He watched in delight at the sight of her breath quickening and eyes widening. He chuckled softly and removed the weapon from her flesh. Leaning his head against hers, he pressed his crimson lips against her cheek and slid the gun into his pocket. Overcome with emotion, Harley's mouth curled into a smile.

"It's just a joke, Harleen."

Her heart raced as she placed her right hand on her cheek. In her ecstasy provoked by a single kiss, she had simply forgotten about the fresh circular imprint the weapon had left in her skin.

By the time the sun had set, they had robbed two banks and left countless smiling corpses in their stead.

"They deserved it." She would think to herself, "They shouldn't have been in his way."

The Joker tilted his head back as the winter's harsh wind blew through his emerald hair. He began laughing silently to himself as he closed his eyes and sighed happily.

"Ah the screams. They never tire. Especially when their families are with them, isn't that the greatest, Harley girl?

She giggled nervously and spoke in a cautious manner.

"Heh. . .yea. Um, puddin'? I was just wondering about that laughing gas a' yours, what exactly happens to someone when they breathe it?"

He snickered at Harley and proudly spoke in his infamous devilish tone.

"Typically the gas penetrates their lungs carrying out a toxin through their blood causing a rather unpleasant sensation, much like having your vital organs ripped out just after setting them on fire. Then of course the toxin finishes the job by attacking the facial muscles and tightening them to the point of a beautiful permanent smile! Why do you ask?"

Harley smiled assuringly and spoke.

"It's just, ya know, that one kid ya got back there was screaming a lot more than the others."

"Ah yes, it's far more painful for the weak and elderly. You see, the toxins..."

Harley felt her insides twist as she remembered the face of the screaming child. She boldly interrupted the Joker's lecture on the art of poison before the nausea would strike.

"Hehe, yea puddin', that kid neva' had a chance!" She continued the false laughter as best as she could.

Losing interest, the Joker rolled his eyes and turned his head towards the moon.

"Just a bit closer..." He whispered to himself as he leaned his chin upon his folded hands. Harley looked towards him in wonder.

"HERE!" The Joker commanded her.

Harley frantically stopped the car, resulting in a loud screech that could be heard throughout the slums of Gotham.

"Get out." He spoke in a harsh and fearful tone. Startled and confused, she quickly jumped out of the car. He pointed towards a dark building across the street from where she had stopped the car.

"Make your way to the rooftop. Wait there." He pulled the gun from his pocket and threw it carelessly into Harley's unsteady grasp.

"But Puddin'! What'll I do there? Should I wait for you?" He grabbed her by her fluffy white collar and pulled her to his body. He knew just how to speak to her in these situations. He knew exactly what tone of voice would terrify her. He spoke in a deep and fierce voice.

"Always wait for me."

He had always made sure that Harley played a role in these schemes. Although he had a nasty habit of neglecting to tell her exactly what she would be doing.