"Harley?" Dick called, walking through the balcony doors of their hotel room. She wasn't here yet, and he frowned, looking at his watch. The sun was well into the sky by the time he'd gotten there, and it was a warm and pleasant day. Hopefully she wouldn't be too much longer; he was giddy to see her again, the awkwardness with Barbara all but forgotten.
Dick hung his coat on the wall by the balcony doors, looking around the rooms. The door to the bedroom was closed, but the living room ones were pulled open into the dark space. He moved around the rooms slowly, making sure the dresser was still shoved against the front doors, checking the surroundings and opening windows to let the sunlight in. When he reached the bedroom he smiled at the red and blue bedding on the bed, standing out in the light against the sickly gold and white surroundings. The breeze blowing through the windows smelled like the saltwater surrounding the city. Even though the air was warm, it hadn't gotten hot enough yet to be uncomfortable. The white curtains blew away from the windows and drifted around Dick as he returned to the balcony doors, removing his mask, belt, and comm. He hesitated and then pulled his hair out of the loose bun it was in, running a hand through it to loosen it. After a moment's thought, he decided to take a shower before Harley arrived.
Dick walked through the bedroom and into the bathroom, stripping his clothes off as he went, and he stepped into the shower, relishing in the hot water from the tap. It was safe here, relaxing, and he was happy to be alone for a brief moment before Harley would inevitably arrive.
Harley grappled up to the balcony and anxiously smoothed her hair as she stepped into the living room. She was late but hoped he hadn't been waiting. The rooms were all bright since he'd been through, and she could hear the shower running. She smiled before wincing. She had ulterior motives for being here, and it made her stomach turn. She'd been sick all morning.
Listening to make sure the shower was still running, she moved around to set everything up. She closed the curtains he'd opened, dimming the room. There was no hiding her bruises, and she hadn't tried too hard, bite marks along her neck as well as the bruises on her wrists and a clear imprint above one elbow from a hand, but they looked much better in the dark lighting rather than direct lighting and she was hopeful they could avoid the issue.
She grabbed a few candles and pulled out everything she'd brought, making sure the shower was still running. A few minutes later it cut off, and she could hear Dick whistling quietly. She recognized the song, she realized with a smile; it was 'Rockin' Robin' by the Jackson Five.
Dick walked out of the bathroom, pulling a black v-neck over his head. He smiled when he saw Harley. The living area was dim, and she'd set the table with a white tablecloth and candles. She beamed at him from behind the table. Her hair was down and curled, falling over her bare white shoulders. She was wearing a strapless red and black dress with a deep v-neck; the skirt rested just at the top of her thighs and barely graced the top of her sheer stockings.
"Tada." She spread her arms proudly over her set up as she grinned. Dick smiled at her in confusion, his damp hair hanging around his face.
"Harley, what's all this?" he laughed a little, looking around the room. He shook his head and closed the bedroom door behind him as he beamed at her.
"What's all what?" she teased. "I can do something nice… sometimes," she giggled. "Although I was kinda hopin' you'd bring food cuz all we had was peaches," she pointed at the two cans of peaches on the counter, "but at least everything looks nice."
"It looks very nice," he commented as he walked toward her. Dick twirled one of her curls in his fingers, biting his lip. "What did you do?"
"Whaddaya mean?" She stepped closer to him as she grinned. He smelled like warm soap and shampoo. It was inviting.
"You're all gussied up, with the fancy setup and the peaches," he smiled a little, narrowing his eyes at her. He leaned forward, his lips nearing hers, but they brushed past and he inhaled slowly through his nose instead. "And perfume, too- you went all out. What do you want? My soul?" Dick smirked as he leaned back, a hand trailing up her arm.
"Oh please," she rolled her eyes, "I already got that." She giggled and kissed his cheek, gesturing for him to sit before skipping over to the counter. "Come on." She tossed him one of the cans and the can opener before taking hers and sitting across from him at the table.
"Hey," Dick handed her the can opener once he was finished. "Thank you. This is cute," he smiled, leaning back in his chair.
"Which is totally not why I did it," she replied sarcastically as she opened her can. She set the can opener aside and dug in with her fork. Dick watched her for a moment, smiling a little to himself before digging in as well. She'd never seen him look this casual, in a simple tee seamlessly matching the dark cargo pants that he usually wore with his uniform. The shirt hung off of his muscular frame nicely, the collar dipping sharply down to his collarbone and back up.
"So, come here often?" he asked, not looking up from his can of peaches.
"Oh every now and again," Harley laughed, "but sometimes it smells suspiciously like sewer." She winked.
"Hey, I always take a shower," he smirked. Dick looked back up at her with a teasing smile, his light eyes shining, his dark hair falling around his face to his shoulders.
"Yeah but sometimes ya still show up smellin' like sewer, an' then we hafta fix the problem," she teased, spearing a few peaches.
"If I recall, you didn't have any trouble fixing that problem last time," Dick muttered. "I mean, as soon as I was done with you," he smiled up at her from under his lashes, smirking a bit. Harley grinned.
"It's a shame ya won't have the energy for clever remarks when I'm done with ya today," she said casually, popping a peach into her mouth as she smiled. Dick raised an eyebrow, leaning back.
"Is that a challenge?" he asked, kicking her chair playfully under the table.
"Think of it less as a challenge… and more as a promise," she smirked. "Besides, you're all exhausted from savin' the world, hero. No way you can offer a challenge!"
"Oh I think I can surprise you," he smiled, setting his empty can at the table. Dick looked around the room at the candles, leaning an arm back over the chair. "You look amazing, by the way," he breathed, his eyes returning to her.
"So do you, but you'll look better with ya clothes off." She grinned. "And ya look tense. Still stressin' over the sewer situation? Maybe I can help relieve some 'a that tension," she suggested, winking at him again. She ate her last peach before sticking her fork in the can; she grabbed his empty can and took both to the trash. Dick watched her as she walked away.
"You've never come on to me this directly before," he commented lightly, running a hand through his hair.
"I've been too afraid I'd drive ya away with my amazing pickup lines," she laughed. "They've been known to intimidate lesser men."
"Uh-huh," he smirked, biting his lip as she walked back to the table. "Forgive me if I don't believe you." She paused by his chair.
"Didn't think you were a lesser man ta be intimidated," she taunted and kissed his cheek. Dick narrowed his eyes.
"Oh you know that I'm not," he laughed, looking up at her over his shoulder. She took the opportunity to steal a kiss.
"What's so surprising about me knowin' what I want?" she breathed against his lips. Dick smiled, his eyes closed; his arms crossed over his chest.
"Nothing at all. A girl like you? You always know what you want, and you always get it. That's why guys like me have to be careful." Dick opened his crystal clear blue eyes, smiling up at her. "So tell me, Harley Quinn, what do you want?" She giggled.
"Was I not being clear enough?" Her hands cupped his cheeks as she kissed him, leaning over him. Dick moaned, a soft rumble in his throat, smiling into her kiss.
"I knew you were up to something," Dick stood and turned to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her against his chest.
"I'm always up to something," she assured him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she stood on tiptoe, pressed herself against him, and kissed him hard. Dick raised his eyebrows in surprise, and he kissed her back until he couldn't breathe anymore. He pulled away and sucked in a breath, looking down as his hands slid down her hips to pull her against him.
"I know. I can't shake this feeling," he murmured, kissing down her neck. "I'm… nervous," he confessed with a soft laugh. His breath was hot on her skin, and the candles flickered in the breeze through the windows.
"And why's that?" Harley buried her hands in his hair and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips. Dick worked his way back up to her ear, looking over her shoulder at the closed balcony doors.
"I dunno. Every time I go home, I get an earful from my family, warning me to be wary of you. You're cute, but… You're a dangerous woman, Harley," he whispered, "and even if that's what made me fall for you- I wouldn't put it past you to put a bullet in my chest right now." He chuckled. "Silly, huh?"
Dick's words were soft against her skin, their tone light, but the edge was there under the teasing. The tone of a man who's been hurt before. His hands pulled her hips against his and he kissed down her neck again, leaning back against the table. Harley bit her lip, and her hands trailed along the back of his neck. Her stomach twisted guiltily, but she pushed the feeling down as she pushed him down onto the table. Dick looked up at her with a warm smile and bit his lip.
"Well I promise I won't do that," she murmured as she leaned down over him, brushing her lips along his jaw. "But ya gotta admit, you're a bit dangerous too." She slid one hand under his shirt and traced a finger up his chest. "But I kinda like the thrill of not knowin' if I'm gonna wake up in handcuffs," she teased. Dick smiled wider, pulling her lips up to his for a kiss.
"I'd be lying if I said the danger wasn't half the fun," he agreed against her lips, a hand slipping around her thigh to hold her against him.
"Aw Bird Boy, I knew there was a reason ya stuck around," she giggled and pulled his shirt over his head before kissing him again. Her legs tightened around his hips and her hands tangled back in his damp hair. Dick kissed her back hungrily, his hands following the curves of her back to the zipper of her dress, pulling it down slowly. He savored her taste and the sound of her breathing, ragged in his kiss, and he bit her lip.
"I can think of a few more reasons than that," he gasped, closing her mouth with a kiss again. She could feel his muscles tensing against her body; his abs always tightened first, as he breathed out. He smelled like the shampoo she'd stocked the bathroom with, but he also smelled like himself- the air between them hung heavy with his warmth, a scent she couldn't quite put her finger on. Dick took a deep breath, his hand sliding into her hair as he kissed her hard. Harley moaned into his mouth, working her hips against his. She smiled to herself; she wasn't going to let him control it this time around. Her hand slipped far under the waistband of his pants as she deepened the kiss. Dick's ab muscles tightened as his breath caught, and his lips fumbled a bit on hers before the words came to his mind.
"Are you trying to prove some kind of point?" he stuttered, grinning against her lips.
"No." She giggled into his mouth. The hand that wasn't gripping him started undoing his pants. "You know me. I just love ta cause chaos." She kissed him again as she worked his pants out of her way. Dick tried to stifle his moaning, but her lips were in the way. His hands balled into fists in her dress, pulling it up her hips, and he kissed her desperately, trying to ignore the shock down his spine at her touch. Harley giggled before lifting herself up and grinning down at him. She nosed her lips over to his ear. "I told ya I knew what I wanted," she breathed. "And I didn't want anything in my way." He realized as she was talking, and his gaze dropped to where she was straddling him on the table. She wasn't wearing any underwear. Harley grinned down at him as she used her hand to guide herself onto him.
"Harley-" Dick's head dropped back onto the table. She could see the surprise and enjoyment written all over his face; his eyes fluttered closed, and he was biting down on his lip so hard she was afraid he might bleed. His bare chest moved under her with his gasping as she leaned forward again, and his dark hair, still damp from his shower, fell over the white tabletop in a stark contrast only an angel could have with a demon.
"Dick," she teased, grinding her hips against his. She had to pause just to regain her composure, and to enjoy the sensation of him; the feeling of being in control of him. She kissed down his neck and ran her hands up his chest, back into his hair. Her elbows came to rest on the table above his shoulders. "Is this another reason ya keep me around?" she taunted, biting his neck and working her hips slowly.
Dick groaned, turning his head to give her more access to his neck. "You know, I'm trying to answer that, but you caught me a little off guard-" he choked on his words at the end. His hands clung to her waist.
"That's okay," she kissed his neck, "I think I got my answer." She panted with the effort of being in control, and trembled with desire and anticipation, but she wanted to hold out. Not only was she supposed to wear him out slowly; she wanted to. She wanted as much time with him as possible because after today… he could hate her. And she hated that. Hated the thought that this could be the last time they were together, and he had no idea. She gasped and rested her forehead against his neck, moaning with the effort of keeping her pace.
"God…" Dick gasped. He couldn't stand it. His hand slid into her hair and he pulled her lips up to his, kissing her passionately. His breath came in ragged bursts and he angled his hips up to her, his eyes pinched closed. She couldn't help pushing back harder, moving faster. He savored the kiss, the feel of her hands in his hair, her motion on him. Dick held her face as he kissed her again, drowning in it. His chest ached with passion, and he wanted her to feel the same; sure that she never would.
"Ya don't have ta call me that. Harley's fine," she panted, grinning against his lips. Her hands bunched in the tablecloth, pulling the candles toward them as she closed her eyes and focused on the rhythm between them. They couldn't have been here half an hour, and they were already to this point; it was going to be a long day at this rate, but she was too into it to stop. Her desire clouded her judgment; her need for him made her lose control.
"Harley," he moaned her name with a grin, his hand grasping her hip to pull with her motion, the anticipation building between them. He'd always been a romantic of sorts, but he wasn't sure he believed that people were made for each other. If it could be true, he'd never believed it more than now. Harley sat up and tilted her head back, moaning loudly as she worked her hips down hard against him. She gasped with the intensity of the pressure surging through her, impatient for release. She frantically pushed his pants further out of her way before bracing her hands on his chest. Dick was thrusting up into her now, his hands on her hips as he groaned through clenched teeth. God, she looked like an absolute dream on top of him. Every muscle in his torso was tensed, scars criss crossing his well defined abs, his chest, his shoulders, all glistening with sweat. That strong face was twisted in guiltless pleasure, and he breathed heavily through his lips, straining to hold out as long as he could. Harley could feel her completion building, before she suddenly realized… he was waiting for her.
"Damn it," Harley panted, pushing down against his thrusts. This felt like part of the challenge she'd issued him, and she was trying to will herself to outlast him, clenching her legs around his hips; she wanted to know she'd satisfied him, feel his pleasure, but despite the fact her soreness had faded, she was still sensitive from the overexertion of the past week, and she lost her rhythm. Relying on his hands on her hips to keep them going as she moaned his name. Dick's hands gripped her hips tighter, helping her grind harder into his thrusts.
He groaned, louder this time, and suddenly— it occurred to him. What she wanted. The little 'date,' the sudden approach, the forceful way she'd taken him; she wanted the control. It was something only he could give her, and he let her take it. Focusing on the motion of her body with his, his gasping came to a crescendo as his back arched a bit. Dick bit down on his lip to quiet the sounds coming out of his mouth with each roll of her hips, but it didn't do much. He groaned loudly, her every movement taking in his release as her body reacted, crushing down on him deeper than ever as she reached the point of no return. Harley cried out, giving in to the overwhelming pleasure. Her body reflexively kept her hips going, maintaining their mutual bliss as she lost herself in the feeling, her legs trembling at his sides. As the tides of ecstasy faded, she continued the unsteady motion of her hips until she was sure he was done before stopping, panting for air. Her body was slick against his, her forehead beaded with sweat, and her hair was hot on the back of her neck. Dick gasped below her, his breathing ragged and shallow. He delicately ran his hands up her legs, raising goosebumps with his touch. Her hair was a tangled mess, her dress bunched around her waist, pulled up from her hips and down from her chest. She could still feel him hot inside her as he sat up to kiss her. His lips were slow and earnest on hers, and she could sense his exhaustion already, but his hand moved to her cheek to hold her there, writing a love letter on her lips with his kiss. He broke away, still breathing unevenly, his eyes closed. Dick rested his forehead against hers.
"I told you that ya wouldn't have the energy for any clever remarks," she laughed breathlessly. She draped her arms over his shoulders; she didn't want to move, content exactly how they were. Dick sighed slowly, trying to gain control of his racing heart. It'd never been like that before.
"You were right," he laughed breathlessly, his brow furrowed. He shifted a bit, his arm around her waist pulling her closer, and it sent a shiver down her spine. The sensations, the passion; it was all becoming a memory now, and he didn't want it to. He wanted the feeling that being with her gave him again, already, as they sat together. He was addicted, and one fix wasn't enough. He was drunk on her.
"And no one said I was done yet," she taunted and kissed his shoulder before resting her head on it. All promises to Joker or even Dick aside, she just wanted a moment here with him first as her heart settled back down. She'd rushed into the moment, skipping over the usual build up, and instead wanted a second just to savor it. Dick turned his head to kiss her neck, moving her hair out of the way as his hands trailed down her spine.
"I love you," he breathed, his voice nearly inaudible against her skin.
"Okay," Harley sighed and nudged him with her shoulder. Every movement of their bodies served as a reminder of how connected they still were. "I'm hungry, an' we ate all the peaches," she muttered.
"I think I have some food in my utility belt," he sighed, closing his eyes. He hadn't expected her to say it back, but part of him had hoped. He still didn't move.
"Not gonna leave the cave ta go rustle up some grub?" she teased. "Won't you be my big strong caveman?" she suddenly whispered in his ear before giggling. Dick laughed and rolled his eyes, lifting her off of him with a groan. He set her on her feet and pulled his pants back up with some difficulty before walking across the room to dig around in his utility belt.
"Okay, I've got granola bars or… granola bars," he laughed, pausing to open the curtains and let the daylight in. He turned to her, and his breath caught in surprise at the dark bruises on her skin. "Harley…" he breathed, his eyes meeting her's in shock. She blushed and looked down, nervously pulling at her dress to try and cover herself back up.
"Please don't get upset." There were dark bruises on her hips, her chest, her legs- everywhere. Some Dick could actually identify as hand prints, some as bite marks, Others- he didn't want to know how they'd been inflicted. They were all fresh, dark purple and red against her colorless skin. He hadn't seen them in the dark and under her dress, and his heart dropped into his stomach as he realized that that was why she'd done it. Hiding in the shadows and under a costume to keep him from knowing. He was sick of the darkness.
"No," he breathed, walking towards her. He pressed a granola bar into her hand, still staring at her in horror. "Why, Harley," he asked, his jaw clenched, his eyes so light, piercing as he watched her.
"Please let it go," she begged. "Please." Her eyes pleaded with him; she didn't want to fight about this. She tugged the bottom of the dress back over her thighs and held the top of it tight to her body.
"No. I've stood by quietly, seeing what he does to you, trying my damndest to get you to see reason. I've tried and tried to show you how… how love really feels, and I'm done keeping my mouth shut. How can you let him do this to you? Why can't you see that you deserve better?" he demanded. She seemed so fragile, he didn't want to touch her, but he took her face in his hands and made her look at him. The more he really looked at her, the more bruises he could see, like staring at the night sky in the dark. They seemed to seep out of her skin. She clutched the granola bar in her hand.
"Because he's all I have," she defended, looking back down at the floor.
"No, he's not," Dick breathed, pulling her face back up again. He wasn't going to let her look away this time. He wasn't going to brush it off anymore, no matter how much those words chilled his heart. "You have me. I would never do this to you, Harley, do you understand that? Do you understand that this is horrifying and awful and wrong?"
It didn't matter. He wouldn't stand by her once she betrayed him. Not even he was that good.
"Well it's none 'a your business," she snapped in defense and regretted it when he stepped back in surprise. She didn't want to be harsh with him, but she knew everything would be different after she hurt him today, and she had to hurt him. Joker had told her what she needed to do, and she couldn't disobey him. But it wasn't Dick's fault, it was anything but his fault. He just didn't know. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't wanna fight. Please." It felt like the time was ticking down. Until I betray him. Until he doesn't look at me the same.
"I came here to be with you, not fight about this," she breathed and reached a hand up to cup his cheek. "Please let it go."
"I… I can't." Dick ran a hand through his hair. "He's gonna kill you, Harley," he whispered, closing the space between them again, and he rested his forehead against hers. "I want to help you, don't you see that? I want you to be safe and happy- and I want to tell you how beautiful you are, every day, and I want to hold you and talk to you and be there; for you," he breathed, pinching his eyes closed hard. "Seeing him do this to you- it's torture," he stroked her cheek. And that, Harley realized, was the Joker's play all along.
"Then don't look." She stepped away, running a hand through her hair. Her other hand still clung to the granola bar and the top of her dress. "You said you wouldn't make me choose. You said…" she trailed off as she lost her bravado and wrapped her arms around her waist. "Please don't make me spend the time we have fighting," she begged. "I understand why they're… hard to look at," she finished lamely and closed her eyes. "I wouldn't have come if I knew how much it'd upset ya," she added quietly. "Can we please go back ta… before?"
Dick's face was pained, and his jaw tightened with his resolve. "I want to look at you," he breathed, taking her hand and pulling her back to him. "Harley, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known. I don't want to make you choose, I just…" He bit his lip, and bit his words back. "Just believe me when I say I love you, Harls." He looked between her eyes. She didn't know what to say to him, so she said the only thing she could think of.
"If you love me, please let it go." She knew it wasn't fair to ask him that. That it backed him into an unfair decision, but she didn't want to keep arguing about this because there was nothing she could say to make any of it better. Nothing either of them said could fix it now. Dick shut his mouth, looking down.
"I'll drop it," he said quietly, his hair hiding his face. He still held her hands weakly, closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry," she breathed. She knew she'd hurt him. "I'm really sorry."
Dick shook his head, stepping closer and kissing her slowly. He didn't open his eyes to look at her. He didn't speak again, kissing her harder, wanting to lose himself in her arms again. Harley hesitated before wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer to him. Dick lifted her up carefully onto the table again, pulling her stockings down, one at a time. His hand trailed back up her leg slowly, his touch gentle. Kind.
"Say something," she begged. She lifted his chin up and looked at him desperately. She worried about him when he got quiet, his usually cheerful face set in hard lines. Dick kissed her again, holding her close in his arms. His lips moved slowly on hers, as gentle and forgiving as his touch. She leaned her forehead against his and closed her eyes. She didn't know how to fix this, she wasn't even sure she knew exactly what was wrong. Trailing her lips across his skin, she kissed down his neck to his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she repeated in a whisper.
"No, don't apologize," he breathed, stroking her cheek. "It's okay," he kissed her gently. "It's okay." Dick's hands trailed over her hips, and he kissed her cheek. "You wanted to go back to this morning. Let's go back."
"Just… Please don't be mad." Her blue eyes were worried, and she chewed nervously on the inside of her cheek.
"I'm not mad, Harley. I'm… hurt. It hurts to see you like this," he kissed the bruises on her neck. "And it hurts to know you don't trust me enough to let me help you." His thumb smoothed over her skin gently tracing a bruise on her leg.
"I do trust you, I just… can't give you everything that you want." Her fingers trailed absentmindedly through his hair. "I'm always gonna disappoint ya."
"Harley," he smiled a little, and she could finally see the Dick that she knew. "You never disappoint," he said, and then kissed her again slowly, pulling her close.
"You've never seen me bowl," she muttered against his lips. She twisted her fingers happily into his hair, still damp from his shower and sweat. Dick chuckled, smiling into her kiss. He bit her lip gently, playfully, and his hand slid under her dress at her hip. "Which is surprising when ya think how great I am with balls." She beamed at him before giggling and tucking her head against his neck. "I'm sorry. I tried," she laughed. Dick chuckled a little, looking down.
"Come on," he breathed, carrying her into the living room. He dropped her on the couch gently and then knelt to start a fire in the fireplace.
"It's summer. What are you doing?" she made fun of him but cocked her head to watch him work.
"Well it's nice out, and- I'm trying to be romantic, shut up," he smirked over his shoulder at her. She stuck her tongue out at him as she fumbled around the back of her dress for the zipper to pull it back up. She peeled open the granola bar he'd given her.
"I hope you're prepared ta try an' beat what I brought to the table." She grinned. "Literally." She took a large bite out of the bar.
"Harls, I… I'm pretty tired, don't you think we could take a nap?" he asked, returning to the couch and smiling down at her.
"But it's not even noon yet," she complained. "You can't be tired." She pouted and reached up to pull him down onto the couch beside her.
"I've been up for three days. And you attacking me as soon as I got out of the shower didn't help," he smiled, wrapping an arm over her shoulder. He was still shirtless, and it was incredibly distracting.
"But we just got here. And it's not my fault ya can't control yourself." She grinned and scooted closer to him. She set the granola bar aside.
"Oh I can't control myself?" Dick laughed. "You're the one who slammed me on the table. You're the one that didn't wear underwear," he grinned, his arm slipping around her waist, and he pulled her onto his lap so she was facing him, her legs around his waist.
"You're the one who set me on his lap knowing that fact," she pointed out and giggled, leaning her forehead against his.
"Hmm. Guilty," he grinned, stroking her cheek. "Are you okay? Are you sure you can do this again?" Dick asked, a hand trailing over a bruise on her thigh.
When she'd woken up with all the bruises after Joker had already gone back to his office, she'd been in too much pain to move much. After a while it just became easier to sleep it off than do much anyway, and nothing had been too sore today. She looked a lot worse than she felt.
"I'm in tiptop shape." Harley kissed his nose. "Besides, I'm not the one complainin' how tired they are. Do ya need a break? Need ta call in a substitution?" She giggled as she bunched her hands in his hair. "Or should I just take care of it myself? It'd be a lot less fun," she teased.
"Alright alright," Dick rolled his eyes at her, smiling. "I'll bite. I'm ready if you are," he whispered against her lips, his eyes fluttering closed as she ran her hands through his hair again. "Are you having fun there?" he asked with a grin, enjoying the feel of her fingers in his hair. It was soft, almost dry from the shower and smelled like him.
"Yup." She beamed at him and pulled the strands down over his ears. "Ever consider doin commercials? Cuz you could sell some product with this hair." She giggled and pulled the strands across his face. Dick laughed, biting his lip.
"Speak for yourself," he smiled, trailing a hand down her back.
"Seriously, I know girls who would kill for this hair. But that could just be cuz I live in Arkham." She ran her hands through his hair, brushing through it with her fingers.
"Why thank you," he laughed. "I put zero effort into it at all." Dick closed his eyes, leaning back against the couch. Her hands in his hair felt amazing, and he let himself enjoy it. Warm contentment had spread through his arms. He relaxed into the couch.
"Don't fall asleep." She nudged his arm before getting up and scampering away to the bathroom. She came back and pushed him up from the back of the couch, sitting behind him as she giggled and started brushing through his hair. She'd only then been gone long enough to gather the supplies she needed and clean herself up a little. Dick smiled and closed his eyes again, a hand reaching back to rest on her leg, a thumb tracing over her skin.
"Why can't I fall asleep?" he asked softly. He sounded half asleep.
"Because I would be very cross with you." She kissed the back of his neck as she set the brush aside and ran her fingers through his hair. "Any particular kinda braid ya want? I'm gonna make you pretty," she teased. Dick laughed.
"No, be my guest. But if you don't mind-" he stood and went into the other room to get his comm, coming back and sitting in front of her again. There was a fire lighting the dim room now, eating up its kindling of broken chairs and bits of wood. Harley knelt on the couch to be taller, tilting his head back.
"Don't squirm too much," she told him and kissed his nose before focusing on the top of his head. She combed her fingers along his scalp as she separated out the pieces she wanted. Dick sighed quietly and closed his eyes with a smile. Here with her, it was easy to pretend the apocalypse wasn't right outside their doors.
"Nightwing, online," Dick said as he pressed his comm into his ear. "How are shifts going?"
"You're on break, what are you doing?" Robin asked.
"Just passing some time. Checking up on you guys," he shrugged.
"Well if you really need to pass some time," Jason spoke up, "you could skip out of your little place there and do some rounds while I take a nap." Harley's fingers tickled the back of his neck as she tried to tame the flyaway hairs at the bottom of his hairline. She was fast at it, but usually would have been making two braids instead of one. She held the completed braid and leaned around him as she turned him to face her.
"You look very beautiful," she told him as she laughed, admiring her handywork. Dick smiled, looking down.
"I'm actually pretty content where I'm at. Besides, didn't you already get some sleep, Jay?" Dick laughed, leaning his head back to beam at Harley.
"Ooo!" Harley squealed and let the braid go. "I have a better idea," She jumped up and moved in front of him, beaming up at him as she ran her fingers through the braid to work it loose.
"Yeah but I didn't skip a shift to do it," Jason defended. "And what are you doing?"
"Did I hear you get called beautiful?" Kate asked, listening in from supply run.
"As a matter of fact, I'm getting my hair done," Dick smiled to himself. Harley meticulously parted his hair down the center before pulling a hair elastic off her wrist and holding it in her teeth as she gathered one side of his hair together in her hands.
"You're getting your hair done?" Jason demanded. "I'm out here patrolling for rotting corpses while you're being a personal Barbie doll? What's next? A makeover?"
"Hopefully. You need one, Jay," Dick smirked. He always made facial expressions, as if he was talking to his family in person. It was incredibly cute. "And what I do with my break is whatever I want, right?"
"Aliases over comms," Bruce growled, "especially in Arkham." Harley combed half of his hair into a neat ponytail with her fingers before tying it up and turning his face to work on the other side. She stuck her tongue between her teeth as she worked.
"Sticks out of butts," Dick muttered. "Okay Batman." Harley stopped and stared at him.
"Sticks out of butts?" she asked in a whisper and giggled. Dick laughed.
"Didn't think how that sounded out of context." She shook her head at him before returning to tying his hair up. Once she got the second ponytail even with the other, she pulled her second hair tie off her wrist and tied it up. She sat back to stare at him, smiling broadly.
"What?" he muttered, touching his hair. He muted his comm and took it out.
"Ya look so cute!" she giggled. Dick felt the pigtails in his hair, grinning.
"Do I?" He laughed, the pigtails bouncing a bit.
"Oh yeah," she assured him. "Well not as good as me, but it could be a new look for ya."
"Oh I'll bet I don't look half as good as you," he smiled, pulling her into his arms.
"I dunno…" She grabbed the pigtails and lifted them up. "You're pretty cute," she giggled. Dick smiled and pulled her close, kissing her softly with a grin against her lips. "Oh so we're back ta this again," she teased, sliding her hands down to the back of his neck and biting his lip. Sitting this close to him, her hands on his bare skin, his lips on hers, she was already impatient to be with him again. Dick nodded, chuckling softly.
"Suddenly I'm not so sleepy anymore," he confessed, kissing her again.
"I'm sorry, did I bore you?" She situated herself back onto his lap and wrapped her legs around his waist before kissing him back passionately, smiling against his lips.
"No," he beamed, nosing his way to her ear. "But I'm not gonna let you get the best of me again," he kissed her ear, and down her neck.
"Is that a challenge?" she laughed. "Cuz I do believe we're tied right now." She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of his lips on her skin. She rolled her hips a little; her dress had pulled up to her hips and her bare skin was sensitive against the fabric of his pants.
"Always the playful challenges with you!" He laughed, goosebumps on her skin at his warm breathing. "How about we just… enjoy each other?" Dick's lips trailed over a bruise, and he sighed quietly.
"If that's what ya want…" Harley lifted his face up to look at him, grinning. "So long as you're in the mood ta play." She kissed him hard, pressing herself against him. Dick turned her energy back on her, kissing her slowly, passionately, holding her close to his bare chest. It was playful, but sincere. Harley cupped his cheek before kissing down his jaw and neck. She took her time before starting to trail kisses down his chest, kissing lower.
"Harley," Dick laughed, catching her face and guiding it back up to his lips. God, she tasted good, and she could feel the spark in his kiss again. There was an undeniable enthusiasm there.
"What?" she asked with mock innocence. She bit his bottom lip and tugged on it gently to pull him closer. Dick smiled and kissed her again, his hands running through her hair.
"You little tease," he chuckled, kissing her nose.
"It's not teasin' when I'm offerin'," she corrected before kissing him again and letting her hands explore the exposed skin of his chest. Dick sighed softly, dropping his head back against the couch.
"Right," he agreed, a hand trailing down her back. Harley took that as an invitation for her to kiss along his neck again. Dick couldn't believe how easily her lips left goosebumps, the light kisses on his skin driving him wild, and she could feel him swelling again in his pants. Her hands continued lower along his chest until they were trailing along his waistband, moving to undo the button. Dick caught her hands. "Impatient," he smiled, his eyes closed. He pulled her up to kiss her with everything he had, an arm wrapping around her back as he suddenly scooped her up and pushed her down to the couch. She laughed cheerfully. Her arm snaked around him to pull him down closer as her tongue tied with his. Dick's thumb stroked her hip, and he pulled her legs around his waist with a smile. Harley reached up to twist her fingers in his hair only to find that she couldn't… because it was still up in pigtails.
"Oh my God," she muttered in annoyance. Dick burst into laughter.
"I know right?!" he cried. "It's such a hassle," he giggled against her lips. Harley carefully pulled each one out, tossing the bands on the floor before running her hands into his hair as she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him fiercely. He moaned in surprise, melting into her kiss. Dick pulled her hips up against him, smiling. She wrapped her legs around him and her hands tightened in his hair as she gasped for air before kissing him again. There wasn't much he could do to stop her, especially when he didn't want to, but he still pulled back a bit. "Slow down," he laughed, biting her lip.
"Now who's the tease?" Harley asked. She gave him a quick kiss before moving her lips next to his ear. "What's wrong with a little bit fast?" she whispered, grinding herself against the bulge in his pants. Dick groaned loudly and then laughed, his breathing spiking.
"Harley…" he growled, his teeth grit as he kissed her neck, his hand twisting in her hair.
"Was that you agreeing or…" She leaned her head back, blindly fumbling with the button on his pants. Dick smiled against her throat, kissing along her collarbone. He couldn't stop himself from working his hips against hers through his pants.
"So yes," she gasped, grinning. She finally got the button undone and his pants pulled down and pulled him against her triumphantly. Dick shook his head slowly, biting his lip.
"No," he smiled at her, leaning his hips against hers, watching her face at the pressure. "Slow down," he begged, biting her neck gently. She could feel him smiling against her skin as he moved his hips just a bit, enough to send a shock up her spine. Harley groaned, clawing at his back before burying her hands in his hair. She pushed her hips up against his, her breath rasping past her lips as she licked them. Dick bit her ear. "I love you," he purred again, unzipping her dress and tugging it over her head. He sat up, his hips pulling away from hers, the sensation of him rubbing against her gone all at once. Harley cried out in disappointment. She propped herself up on her elbows as she looked up at him, her chest still heaving as she panted for air. Dick burst into laughter, running his hand through his hair. He just wanted a moment to admire her, fully undressed, desperate for his touch.
"Wow, you look so- offended-" he giggled, leaning down to kiss her collar, his lips trailing down her chest, his hands exploring her body carefully, lovingly; planting kisses down her stomach slowly.
"I am so offended," she muttered before rolling her eyes and smiling. "I finally got ya ta let me take your pants off and then ya just took it away."
He smiled up at her, his hands trailing up her thighs. Dick moved up a bit and kissed her throat, sighing. His thumb brushed between her legs before his hips were back against her. She gasped happily at the sensation. Dick shook his head. "You'll be the death of me," he muttered, eyes shining. Harley pulled his face up to kiss him, wrapping her legs around his hips.
"This isn't what death feels like," she whispered against his lips.
"Well- maybe what heaven feels like," he laughed, and he grabbed her leg to hold her off just a bit. "But you certainly wouldn't be there, my absolutely, perfectly devious villain." Dick breathed, looking between her eyes, crystal clear blue under dark, sleepy lashes. A smirk flashed over his lips, and she felt him pushing into her slowly, letting her feel his hardness and the stretch it created in her little by little, inch by inch.
"Dick," Harley moaned and closed her eyes. She dropped her head back onto the couch cushion, and her hands grabbed onto his hair, her breathing erratic.
"Harley," he imitated, teasing her as he sank all the way into her with sudden and deliberate force, one hand on her hip. He had to bite his lip to keep from making a sound, his eyes fluttering closed.. Harley practically screamed in surprise and pleasure, the contentment written across her face, her hips reflexively thrusting back against him.
"Please," she begged, her voice a low moan. She wanted him now, but he took his time.
"Slow," he commanded again, his voice soft as he pushed into her, savoring it; letting her savor it. He wanted her to feel every second. He kissed her ear, a hand in her hair, holding her close. He clenched his jaw, but it still couldn't stifle his groaning. Harley was gasping for air, her back arched with pleasure and pressing her against him. She ached with desire, slowly building the longer he made her wait. She pulled his face up to kiss him frantically. Dick held her closer, pressed to his chest, a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist. His motion was so deliberate and powerful, all of the muscles in his body tensed with each thrust. His lips moved steadily on hers, calming her kiss, drawing her in. It was dizzying in its passion. She drowned in the kiss and his every movement, every touch of his hand making her tremble, and every thrust of his hips increasing her building pleasure.
"It's you," Harley broke away from the kiss with a gasp. She closed her eyes again. "Be-before," she stuttered through a thrust, desperately pressing her hips back against his, "when ya asked who was better." He was in control, the strong motion of his hips overpowering her as she gave in, her body overcome by each deep thrust into her. "It's you," she moaned, her hands clinging weakly to his hair. She lost herself blissfully in the feelings he was building inside her, the feeling of him inside her.
"I love you too," he chuckled. He gasped breathlessly, kissing her light skin, breaking out in a glistening sweat. He could taste it in the air between them, their bodies slick against each other, and Dick's hand on her hip helped her ride his thrusts, harder and a bit faster. She welcomed the change of pace with a lick of her lips and a loud moan. By now, he could read her body like a book. Her toned arms and abs clenched with every movement of his hips driving him deeper into her, her building ecstasy etched all over her features. She let him be in control, wanted him in control— she felt herself drawing closer to the end, lost in every ragged breath. Harley could tell he was close too, but she was too lost in her own pleasure, knowing she wouldn't outlast him this time as he powered steadily through.
Harley screamed his name when she came, clinging to his hair and his shoulders, before she lost her words and could only gasp raggedly with every thrust intensifying the feeling. Her legs tightened around him at the sudden euphoria, trying to keep him in place, but Dick continued, finally losing his rhythm and instead pounding into her with sheer, unbridled lust.
Her back arched off the couch cushion, her hands clinging to the back of his neck, and her eyes fluttered open to look at him, to share the moment with him as it struck. Dick's eyes locked with hers for a moment, and then his lips were crashing on hers, not stopping the motion of his hips as he filled her. She wailed with renewed pleasure, her body trembling at the new stimulation. Every push felt better than the last, and she moaned into each one. He finally began to slow when he was certain they'd both finished. His lips fell away from hers with a gasp, his arms shaking. I love you, every movement seemed to say, and he stared down at her face. Harley was panting just as heavily as him, and she shivered slightly as her heart rate settled back down and the adrenaline faded. She was still acutely aware of his body hot against her and hot still inside her. She turned her head and kissed his arm.
"Okay," Dick smiled and kissed her cheek. "Now I really need a nap." He could feel it weighing on him, his exhaustion; he had been up for three days straight, and the exertion was killing him. His eyes had started to hurt, and his arms felt heavy.
"But it's still so early," she whined. It was still only the afternoon, and she had to make sure he was either too exhausted or incapacitated to ruin Joker's plan this evening, but she was already wearing herself out too. The problem was it was already afternoon too, and she only had the few hours of daylight to be with him. Her eyes unfocused down at his shoulder as she bit the inside of her cheek, her face sad.
"Don't look like that," he said gently, stroking her cheek. "We still have all night together." Harley's stomach twisted almost painfully, but she ignored it.
"Ya mean if ya wake up," she pouted. "You could sleep right through our time together," she teased with a small smile.
"Can't you wake me up?" he asked, kissing her neck gently.
"Yeah but ya get all snorey and cute and stuff, and it's hard. Besides, what am I supposed ta do while ya dream away our time together? Huh?" She poked his chest with a giggle. "Answer me that."
"Fine," he muttered, but he couldn't help smiling. "You know I can't say no to you," he whispered, kissing her lovingly. "You use it to your advantage."
"Well I gotta use every advantage I can," she laughed. "You use yours quite well too," she added with a smirk, leaning up and kissing him again. His hips pulled at hers, and she sighed into the kiss.
"Well I wouldn't be anywhere if I didn't," he grinned against her lips. Harley giggled.
"An' I like where you are," she commented, running her hands through his hair. Dick smiled. He loved when they talked like this, breathing in each other's words in an almost-kiss. His lips brushed hers.
"Did you mean what you said?" He grinned slowly, looking in her eyes. "Am I really better?" She rolled her eyes.
"I won't say nice things if you're just gonna get all smug about it," she warned. "I don't wanna give you a big head or anything."
"Oh but I wanna give you one," he whispered against her lips, kissing her slowly. "So did you mean it?" Dick tessed again, kissing down her neck. Harley considered her answer for moment.
"Are you gonna be annoying about it if I say yes?"
"No," he assured her, his lips trailing over her collarbone. Harley grinned.
"Then what would ya do if I say no?"
"I'd go take a nap," he smirked up at her. Harley glared at him.
"What if I refused ta answer an' just let ya keep tryin' to work it outta me?" she challenged. Dick raised one dark eyebrow at her, smiling as he sat back and finally pulled out of her. The emptiness almost made her wish she hadn't said it.
"It didn't take much to get it out of you before," he grinned mischievously, kissing down her chest. Harley laughed.
"But I wore ya out," she teased. "I mean look how tired you are," she cooed and smirked.
"I don't think I need an immense amount of energy for what I have planned," he mused, his lips leaving kisses down her abs, and she could feel him smiling against her skin. While the thought of what he had planned made her breathing speed up with desire, she couldn't have him thinking he'd won. Harley suddenly sat up, pushing him backwards and down onto the couch. She knelt above him as she grinned.
"Well not if ya give away the punchline," she told him as she kissed along his neck. Dick stared at the ceiling in surprise. Now he really did wonder if she'd meant it.
"Of course," he gasped, grinning.
"Cuz you're so much better when you make me work for it," she whispered, biting his neck as she ran her hands up his thighs. Dick closed his eyes, biting down on his lip. His instinct was to pull her lips up to kiss him, but he held off, goosebumps on his neck where she'd bit him. Her lips were suddenly gone and a long moment later her teeth were tugging his lip loose. "If you're not careful, you could hurt yourself," she teased. Her hands stopped on his thighs, her fingers tracing circles on his skin but not going any higher as she grinned.
"Something tells me that's inevitable with you," Dick smiled, catching her lips to kiss her softly again. Harley giggled. Her fingers trailed along the top of his thighs, teasing him.
"Keep talkin' like that and I'll think you want it rough," she warned in a whisper.
"Treat me however you want," he replied, beaming. "I'm yours until you don't want me anymore. Or until you've completely drained me of any and all …energy." Harley grinned before grabbing his hips and rolling them off the couch. She laughed as they rolled across the floor. She pushed him down and straddled his hips as she smiled down at him. They were beside the fireplace now, and the fire cast a warm glow over their sides.
"Well then you better wake up," she told him, tightening her legs around his waist tauntingly before crawling down him and planting a single kiss on his hip. "Cuz I'm gonna want you for a while."