DISCLAIMER - I do not own YJ or its characters. I only own the plot and my minor OC.

Chapter 2 – A New Family

After a ten minute walk, the pair arrived at a warehouse in the middle of town. Dick had no reason to know that this was The Joker and Harley Quinn's base for the time being, so he didn't really have any negative thoughts.

That being said, he didn't have many thoughts at all. It was too soon after his parents passing.

As they headed towards the large doors, he realized that they were going to enter. Curiosity getting the best of him, he piped up to the lady known to him as 'Harley'.

"Harley, why are we here?" his voice barely louder than when he last spoke.

"I live here hun. Don't worry, it's nicer inside, I promise," she replied, with a smile on her face.

"Okay then. But is there anything I should know?"

"The only thing I can think of for now is the wonderful man I live with. Oh, he's the most amazing man in the world. While he may look a little odd at first, you get used to it. So please don't judge him on his appearance like everybody else. Just give him a chance."

Dick gave a slight tilt of the head as a nod, slightly surprised by how well 'Harley' spoke of this mysterious man, but also wondering why she had to add in the last few sentences - he couldn't look that bad, could he?

Alas, like many other times in his life, Richard Grayson was about to find out just how wrong he was.

Convinced that the boy she had brought back to her humble abode would be alright to bring in, Harley Quinn took one deep breath, opened the looming double doors and pelted out, "Puddin', I'm home! And I have a surprise!"

At these words, The Joker, who had currently been lounging next to the radio in a different section of the heavily customized warehouse, sprung up and started to race towards where Harley was.

"What is it? I love surprises! What did you bring me Harls?"

Reaching the hallway which housed the door, it was needless to say that the clown prince of crime was at least a little shocked to see-

"A kid?"

(A/N:This would be a great place to stop, but I want to add more)

While surprise inhabited his face, the signature grin only he could pull off stayed the entire time.

Meanwhile, Dick seemed to shrink down behind Harley's legs, a little shocked and almost scared at the strange man who had appeared.

After all, who wouldn't be at least a little scared at a guy with white skin, green hair, scarred lips and a demonic smile? Add that to the fact that he was only 8 years old... you get the idea.

The only reason he wasn't scared, was because of the obvious fact that he was from the circus. It may seem strange, but this man almost comforted him, for he reminded him of clowns and thus, his home in the circus that he had gotten used to.

"This is Dick, I err, adopted him."

"Really? So you're now his mother?"

"Adoptive mother."

The Joker's grin seemed to grow larger. "Does that make me his adoptive father then?"

"Of course Mr J! You're okay with that right?"

"You bet your sociopathy I am! I always thought it would be a hoot to have a kid. And shark-eating piranhas. And-"

"You've told me all that before, but why didn't you mention you wanted a kid?"

The Joker simply shrugged, before turning to the 8 year old in front of him.

Noticing the lost expression on his face, he suddenly felt an urge to be ... nice for a change.

"What happened to him? He looks ... broken."

It was at this point Dick opened his mouth to answer, before choking, and letting fresh tears roll down his face. This prompted Harley to scoop him into a hug. To her delight, he didn't reject it. Instead, he squeezed her back, letting some of his pain burst out.

This lead Joker to become even more puzzled. Looking at his partner for info, he received her mouthing back to him, 'his parents recently died'.

Something about that clicked. Hadn't he heard about something like that?

This situation lasted for about a minute - Dick crying, Harley hugging him and Joker trying to get 4 from 2 and 2. When Dick seemed to finally be stopping, 4 was gotten.

"He's the acrobat boy! Isn't he?"

Hearing those words sent Dick into a fresh bout of tears, causing Harley to send the man she loved an angry glare and a nod.

After taking it all in, 'Mr J' realised the gravity of the moment, and what he had done with a few bad-placed words.

"Kid, I'm sorry about your parents and for bringing it back up again. It may not be much consolation, but you have us now. And I promise, we won't let anything happen to you. We'll make sure at least one of us is with you."

This seemed to reassure Dick, as he stopped crying and asked in sniffles, "Why at least one?"

"You mean you don't know?"

Dick shook his head, he assumed it was something to do with Gotham, but he had not been there long and thus didn't know much about the crime-riddled city.

"Someone doesn't know who I am, that's a first. I'll just have to enlighten you then." He flourished his hands, gesturing to himself. "I am the one and only crown prince of crime, The Joker!"*cue psychopathic laugh* "And this is my lovely partner, Harley Quinn."

Dick's face lit up in recognition," I know you! When we found out we were coming to Gotham my mu-m-mum told me all about you." Harley was relieved. She was worried that he was going to start crying again at the mention of his deceased mother.

"She told me about how you were a bad person, but I didn't believe her. Anyone who makes so many people laugh must be a great guy. And here I am, being proved right! You must be a great person to take me in like this."

"Kid, we're going to get along real well. Harley, you picked a real winner here!" These two sentences caused all three to break out in smiles.

"T-thank you both. You two are being so good to me. I-is is it okay if I were to call you two my parents. It's just, you're acting like it already and, well, I need somebody to fill that role."

If it was possible, the two villains' smiles grew larger at hearing this question. They could both tell that this boy was special, and he wanted them to be his parents! So, naturally, they jumped at the offer.

"Of course you can!" They both yelled out in sync, filled with ecstasy.

When the boy visibly flinched, they realised just how loud they had been.

"Ohh, I'm your mummy! That makes Red and Sel your aunts! You know, together people call us 'The Gotham Sirens'. Just wait 'til you meet them! They'll love you!" Harley squealed.

For the first time in a week, Dick gave a genuine, heart-warming smile.