Author's note: Hey guys! First and foremost I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who has read my story so far, and I especially appreciate all the people who have taken the time to write a review: you're all so nice and you have no idea how much it means to me. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Harleen was up with the sun the following morning, which wasn't actually all that convenient considering Arkham didn't open it's gates until eight. Creeping out of her bed, Harleen began making herself some breakfast, first and foremost heading for the coffee pot. Once she was seated in the same chair as the night prior she began flipping through her minimal pile of mail, still somewhat put off by the pathetically thin stake. Her mind soon began to wander back in time...after having received her PhD five months ago, Harleen had packed up everything she owned in a matter of a single night, with little idea for where she was headed, just knowing that she needed to get out of Brooklyn. In what she had hoped was an inconspicuous manner, she had already begun pulling away from her dwindling group of friends, with the intention of leaving as soon as she got the chance. She didn't need anyone trying to keep her in a place she didn't belong. New York held nothing but heartache for her, and if leaving it would heal the hole in her chest, than so be it. However, at this current moment Harleen was having a difficult time deciphering whether or not she was disappointed that all the letters in the minuscule pile were bills and such, as opposed to, perhaps, a letter from a friend. She knew it was practically impossible because she hadn't given anyone her new address, and that she had only left them with the promise that she would call them when she settled down. Apparently though, a small part of her kept hoping someone would show up. 'Come on Harleen' She sighed. 'You have to let it go...there was nothing left for you there.'

Shortly after leaving New York Harleen had moved to Gotham, one of the most corrupt cities in the entire goddamn country. Most people her age would have shied away from such a grim place, but Harleen saw some kind of twisted golden light lurking around each darkened corner of the crime filled streets. After all, some of the world's most menacing psychopaths were produced in those very streets. Additionally, Harleen had practically sworn off love of any kind one drunk and lonely night leading up to her move to Gotham; however, she had been on several dates since her arrival. Beginning with some guy she had met in one of the city's numerous bars, followed promptly by a two month fling with Bruce Wayne. They had met at some humdrum social function, that she had only been invited to because of her notable success in school. Of course, she had initially been more than moderately flattered by his blatant interest in her, and they quickly struck up a courtship of sorts. Eventually though, it fizzled as Harleen tired of being Bruce Wayne's arm candy. She hadn't forced herself through six grueling years of school to be second best to anyone. Her and Bruce had parted on good terms, he even understood her reluctance at continuing their dalliance, and had even pushed her towards getting the internship at Arkham. Harleen rolled her eyes, she tended to have a difficult time holding onto relationships, despite being so sure of what she wanted from them. Ultimately, she blamed it on her past. 'God, it's too fucking early to be thinking like this.' Harleen groaned before abruptly pushing out of her chair, and heading to the shower.

Harleen had spent nearly 30 minutes under the water, letting her skin prune. Normally, she would have hated to spend her time so impractically, but after glancing at the clock she was grateful, between the shower and her previous daydreaming she had managed to kill enough time for her to be able to leave for Arkham.

When she arrived at the Asylum the guards greeted her kindly, but she could feel the places their vile eyes wandered to on her body. "Try to get your jaws off the floor boys, wouldn't want flies to nest." She tossed out smacking on some gum, and flipping her blonde hair in annoyance. She smirked when she saw some of the guards jostle the shoulders of each other in an attempt to look more honorable than the other. 'Idiots.'

Harleen's heels clicked loudly on the white tile floors of Arkham as she dropped off her jacket and briefcase before heading towards Doctor Leland's office. Just as her knuckles were about to make contact with the metal door it swung open, revealing Joan Leland. "Doctor Quinzel!" She jumped "You startled me, I was just on my way to grab some coffee...walk with me?" She offered.

They began with the predictable: asking polite questions on how each of their evenings had been, although Harleen could sense that Leland could care less how she'd spent the previous night… she was just waiting for Harleen to give some bullshit excuse on why she wouldn't be able to take the case. Harleen smirked, 'not gonna happen Joan'.

Once they had received their coffees Leland settled against the kitchen's counter, getting comfortable. "So… did you get the chance to look over the file?"

Harleen took a long sip of her coffee, purposely drawing out the moment. 'What can she say? She had a fondness for the dramatics'. After swallowing and glancing up from her cup she nodded, confirming that she had indeed read the file.

"Good." Leland said, trying to read the expression on the young blondes face. "You are taking his case then?"

"Of course." Harleen finally spoke. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked, after seeing Leland's eyes give her a quick up and down glance.

"You got family Doctor Quinzel?" She tossed out, ignoring Harleen's question altogether.

"I don't see why that matters." Harleen spoke, suddenly turning defensive.

"A boyfriend...anyone?"

"Why are you asking me this?" Harleen sighed trying not to sound annoyed.

"I'm just trying to figure out your angle Doctor Quinzel. I mean, you saw the file, you're young, fresh out of school, and obviously smart enough to land yourself an internship at one of the toughest Psychiatric hospitals in the country, yet you're not even fazed by the things you saw in that file. I'm just surprised this is how you decide to break out of your internship." Leland said, placing her coffee to the side.

"Well, I've always had an attraction to extreme personalities." She offered, surprised with how true this statement actually was, though the people with them tended to find her.

"I'll warn you right now, he's a hardcore psychotic, and if you're thinking of cashing in on him by writing a tell-all book, think again." Joan finally offered up what she had been speculating about Harleen all along. 'He'll eat a novice like her for breakfast if she's not careful' Leland thought.

Harleen, for her part, was taken aback by Joan's accusation. 'How could she think so little of me?' Was all she found herself wondering. 'Why was it that everyone always seemed to think the worst of one another?'

"You're kidding right?" She huffed as Leland sat, still silently judging her. "I got into psychology because I've felt things a person shouldn't have to feel. Everyone here seems to believe that because I'm young I'm incapable, well that's not true. I'm here because I worked my ass off in school, graduated the best in my class, and want to help cure even the sickest of individuals. I'm insulted that you would even imply such a thing about me when you haven't even taken the time to get to know me. I'm here to help people, not extort their weaknesses." Harleen justified, satisfied with the guilt that flashed across Joan's face.

After a long, and slightly uncomfortable moment of silence Leland spoke up "Forgive me Doctor Quinzel, it was not my intention to insult your professionalism. I can see you obviously are here for the right reasons, and I will not stand in your way." She pushed herself off the counter and held out her hand as a peace offering, hesitantly Harleen shook it. "Let's head back to my office and we can start discussing the details of his case... and when you can begin your first session." Leland offered in a softer tone.

"Now, it's no coincidence Doctor Quinzel that all five of these doctors were lost in the last three months."

"I understand." Harleen replied.

"These doctors all went in with apt mental health and I watched as each of them digressed to a shell of their former self. "

"Doctor Leland, not to overstep your authority or overlook your concern, but...I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for this." Harleen said trying to conceal the panic she felt at the thought of losing this case simply because Leland didn't think she was mentally strong enough.

Leland studied Harleen hard for a long moment before sighing. "Alright Quinzel, we're going to start you with a mental evaluation. Each week you'll be expected to have one, so we can take note of any anomalies or changes." Or after any incidents Leland thought. "Our staffs mental stability trumps our patients." She said with sincerity.

Harleen wanted to roll her eyes, 'Perhaps, that's why no one seemed to get any better around here'.

"Additionally, you must mind what you say to him. He loves evidence of his own work so do not under any circumstances bring them up." Leland warned.

Harleen nodded eagerly.

"No go on and get to it!" Leland said in a tired voice watching as the petite blonde scurried out of her office and towards the evaluation rooms.

Despite Doctor Leland's previous insistence that Harleen begin sessions as soon as possible it took nearly three months to setup a session. During the time in between Harleen had continued working with her previous patients, and was pleased to see that, with Doctor Leland's insistence, she was no longer in charge of playing secretary for some of the other Doctors. In addition, she studied all his tricks and gimmicks through the limited notes they had on file of him. Countless nights, had been spent reading and rereading his previous Doctors notes that she had managed to get out of Leland. Joan had been relieved to discover that Harleen had taken several self defense class while she was in school, Harleen was careful to omit why she had been compelled to take them. She now felt sufficiently ready to begin treating the Clown Prince of Gotham.

Author's note: Ughh guys I don't know what happened I really wanted to include Harley and the Joker's first session in this chapter but it just felt like I was loading too much chapter… I'm really trying my best not to rush the story. I have a loose idea on how I want things to go, but if anyone has any ideas on something they'd like me to include in the therapy sessions I would be more than grateful for the input! Please follow and don't be afraid to let me know what you think of the story so far.