Chapter 13: Under the Mask

Over the course of a few weeks Batman and his new accomplice Batgirl(although Harley tried to get people to call her Batwoman...it didn't take) had become quite the duo. If Gotham City's criminals thought Batman was bad enough, Batgirl was just another huge list of problems to them. Not to mention another huge list of medical bills! While the duo has made the criminal underworld tense and cowering in fear, it also has worried a lot of the people up top as well, especially one Commissioner.

As the bat-signal lit up the skies above the Gotham Police Department it wasn't long before the Dark Knight himself swung onto the roof with one of his many gadgets. He was greeted by his old friend Commissioner Gordon.

"So what's the situation this time Jim?"Batman asked, never one for small talk, "Who busted out of Arkham this time?"

"No one...yet." Gordon replying, sighing loudly. Probably just as they speak one of the many nutcases were planning a break-out of the insane asylum. No matter how much they beefed up security at that place they always found a way to get out.

"Then what did you call me for?"The Dark Knight asked, losing his patience. He felt as if Jim was dancing around the point.

"It's about your new partner. Batgirl."Commissioner answered, "Or should I say Harley Quinn."

"That easy to figure out huh?" Bruce answered, although he hadn't really did a good job concealing her identity. Perhaps he was losing his edge? Was Harley to blame for it?

"Well Batman you're not the only detective around here." Jim said, cracking a weak smile, "Besides her bright blond hair is a dead giveaway."

The Caped Crusader cursed himself for such a easily-corrected mistake. He had been trying to get Harley to dye her hair, to help conceal her identity, even if all of Gotham knew she and the Batman were now working together. However, she wouldn't budge on it, and Bruce had to give in and let her keep it. He had hoped that if she perhaps dyed her hair, it would be easier for them both to have a life outside of their costumes, even if he wasn't ready to take that step yet.

"She needs to go back to Arkham Batman."Gordon simply stated, staring unblinking at the Dark Knight.

"She's changed Jim. Sending her back there could reverse her back into crime."Batman replied, although he wasn't sure that would happen...too much has happened between them for her to snap back to her criminal ways just like that.

"I know there is something going on between you two, and who knows, maybe Quinn has changed," Gordon said, shrugging, "However just letting her go and taking her under your wing is not how it works. She's still a wanted criminal and she has to account for those crimes. Maybe the court will show mercy to her if she really has changed, but you can't surpass the justice system and deal with this. It doesn't work like that."

Batman scowled. He knew what Gordon was saying was true, however, he didn't need to be lectured about it. Already the wheels in Batman's head was turning, trying to find a solution to this problem, without it ending in Harley going back to Arkham.

"Just give me time Jim. I'll think of something."Batman asked, his tone almost pleading.

"All the higher ups are uneasy about this Batman. They never liked you to begin with but now that you're working with known criminals they are very nervous." Commissioner Gordon replied, "I'll see what I can do...for old time's sake. However I can't promise you anything."

"Thank you Jim."Batman said, nodding.

"You better know what you're doing."Gordon said, turning away to shut off the bat signal, when he turned back around, the Dark Knight was gone. "God that is so annoying."

On his way back to the Batcave Bruce thought heavily upon the problems that seemed to be mounting against both him and Harley. He must be off his a-game, because he would have already solved these problems as soon as they arose. He smiled gently to himself though, cause he knew the reason why. Night and day Harley filled his thoughts. When they were together he couldn't focus on anything but her, which has caused a few close calls because he would be staring at her while they battled crime. He couldn't help it cause the batgirl suit fit Harley VERY well, showing off all of her curves and assets. It was very distracting.

As he pulled into the cave and parked the Batmobile he was greeted with a waving and always energetic Harley. He couldn't help but flash her a smile as he leaped out of the driver's seat. No matter how hard he tried to keep his trademark grimace, seeing Harley always caused him to break out of it.

"Heya Bman!"Harley said, skipping merrily over to his side. She then crossed her arms and gave him a stern look, "If you were going out you should have told me!"

"While I do appreciate your help Harley even Robin doesn't accompany me on every outing." Batman replied, chuckling softly.

"So I'm just a sidekick to you then?"Harley said, pouting a little.

"Dont try to pull that Harley."Batman answered, as both of them walked away from the vehicle, "You know you mean more to me than a sidekick."

"Then what am I to you Bats?"Harley asked, almost in a whisper. Her whole demeanor changed, from her usually bubbly self to almost frightened.

Batman stopped as he stood facing away from her. He dreaded that question, not because he didn't know the answer, but because he didn't know the outcome of what would happen if he told her. Even if Bruce knew she had changed, the citizens of Gotham were not yet willing to believe that, at least not just yet. Not only that, but he still hadn't revealed to her who he really was. Even after her becoming Batgirl, he still never let her leave the cave. He always had a nagging worry that maybe the Joker still had a hold on her, and if he revealed his identity, she could go back to him and reveal it.

When she realized that he wasn't going to answer she shouted at him, "Do not shut me out Batman! I thought that finally..."

Batman turned around to face her, "That finally what?"

Harley hesitated for a second, "That you would finally trust me enough."

Harley looked like she was on the verge of tears. Deep down Batman knew she had earned his trust five times over. She had truly changed, and despite the fact that there was a possibility she could go back to Joker, he had to risk it. He didn't want to lose her and if he always kept her at an arm's length from him, he could very well be the reason if she ever went back into her old ways.

He slowly brought his hands up to his cowl, grabbing the edges of his mask. Harley gasped, covering her hands over her mouth. She had asked him to trust her, but was he really going to reveal who he really was? She never expected this much so soon. The Dark Knight sighed to himself and closed his eyes as he quickly pulled the cowl back, showing his face to her. He slowly opened his eyes to see Harley, with huge eyes and a covered mouth, staring at him.

"You're-You're Bruce Wayne!?"Harley asked, as if not believing what she was seeing.

"Is it really that shocking?" Bruce replied, kinda regretting this already. Perhaps he went too far.

"It's just...Bruce Wayne always seemed like a jackass playboy with too much money...no offense."Harley answered, then blushed furiously as she realized what she said wasn't exactly nice.

"It's just a an act. That's not who I really am."Batman said, scowling a bit at her words.

Harley fidgeted a bit, unsure how to continue this. Batman had just revealed his secret identity after all! To her of all people! She had just asked him to trust her but it seemed he took it one step further. Now she wondered what exactly could this mean.

"Come with me."Bruce said as he made his way up the stone stairs leading above the Batcave.

Harley had always wondered what was at the top of those stairs, and many a time she had been tempted to take a peek. However, either Batman or Alfred was here or she didn't have the nerve to do it, for fear that she might anger the Bat. As they ascended the stairway it stopped at a what looked like a wooden door. It looked really out of place considering the rest of the layout was stone. He reached over and pushed in a nearby rock that was jutted out. Instantly, the wooden door slide sideways, revealing shelves of books on the other side. Harley noticed it was a bookcase. It was kinda cliché, a bookcase that hides a secret passage. He motioned for her to follow him as they went past the bookcase. She stepped through the secret entrance to the Batcave to a glorious mansion.

She looked around the place in awe, having never seen so many wonderful and well...expensive looking things. She instantly found it strange, since all of Gotham knew Bruce Wayne was practically one of the richest men in the world. How come no one like Joker, or Two-Face, and anyone else for that matter tried to rob the playboy? Well considering that he was secretly The Caped Crusader, perhaps it all worked out for the best.

As they went into the foyer of Wayne Manor they came across Alfred, who stood in shock at Batman without his cowl, followed close behind by Harley Quinn. He stood with his mouth wide open, holding a tray of goodies as the pair passed him. Harley gave a wave, snatching a cookie from the tray he was holding. With a wink to the butler, she skipped off after Batman. Alfred had to shake his head furiously as the pair turned a corner and was out of his sight. He never expected Master Wayne to reveal his true identity, at least so soon. He had to smile to himself. Guess Harley really did have a hold over him.

Harley was lead upstairs, past many rooms, most of them empty. They finally came to what she guessed was Batman's room. Instantly she started to panic and blushed brightly. Was he seriously taking her to his bed just like that!? True the Batman was always blunt and straightforward about things, but this was a whole new level of it. She paused, unsure if she was ready for this, although a part of her was excited. Sensing that Harley had stopped, Bruce looked over his shoulder at her without turning.

As if reading her thoughts Bruce calmly said, "Do not worry, I'm not taking you to my bed. No matter how...tempting that prospect sounds."

He flashed her a slight smile as he opened the door and went inside. Harley could feel her cheeks get even redder at what Bats said, but she followed him inside anyway. The inside of the room was simple enough. Just a bed, a dresser, and a mirror. She didn't really expect much, in fact she would have probably been more creeped out if the place was decked out with posters and other nick-nacks. That kinda "normal" room wouldn't really suit the Dark Knight too much.

Bruce crossed the room and pushed opened a set of glass doors, revealing a balcony. The bright full moon cast a white glow on the balcony and the Caped Crusader. Harley's eyes lit up at the scene. It looked like a scene from one of her romance novels, which she hated to admit to herself, that she had a lot of stashed away in the many hideouts belonging to Joker. Batman outstretched his hand to her, motioning for her to join him on the balcony.

Slowly she walked over to him, his hand gently wrapping around hers. She was totally taken off guard. Never before had Batman showed her this much love and affection. She gazed down at their conjoined hands, wondering if perhaps she had fallen asleep down in the Batcave and she was dreaming. She slowly looked up and saw Bruce looking at her, smiling. Although it seemed to her that his eyes seemed worried. She bet that it took a lot of guts, risk, and trust to reveal so much to her in one day.

"Listen Harley. We are going to have a hard time in the coming days. The Gotham PD knows Im working with you, and they are demanding I hand you over."Batman stated, squeezing her hand slightly.

"So I guess you have no choice but to do that huh?"Harley replied, casting her eyes downward. If there was one thing she knew, that Batman was a by-the-book kinda guy.

"No...I'm not."Batman answered, "I talked to the Commissioner and have bought us some time to come up with a plan. Sending you back to Arkham would do more harm than good."

That surprised her greatly, "Why are you doing this for me Bman? Why do all this for someone like me?"

"Because Harley, I truly believe you have changed your ways, thus there is no reason for you to be send back to that loony bin."Batman replied, "and well, I can't imagine fighting crime without my blonde-haired Batgirl by my side."

At that statement Harley smirked, taking a step closer to him, "Oh? You can't handle them by yourself huh?"

"You know very well I can." Batman said, chuckling a bit as he wrapped one arm around her back and pulled her closer, causing Harley to yelp in surprise, "However, I can no longer do this without you."

"Do what?" Harley asked, almost in a trance. She stared at him with big eyes, the pale moonlight lighting up his handsome face and dark eyes.

"Live..."Batman answered as he brought his face closer to hers, causing Harley to hold her breath.

As their lips were practically touching each others she was totally caught up in the mood, her fears gone with the cold wind of the night, she finally said what she had been feeling for a long time, "Batman...I love you."

"I love you too Harley.."Bruce whispered back as they both closed their eyes and their lips meet in a passionate embrace. They stood on that balcony, wrapped in each other's arms and kissing under the full moon, for a long time.

Sorry for the long delay for an update. I tried to make it longer as a way to say Im sorry. :)