Nightwing's Nightingale

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters just the plot

Pairing: Richard Dick Grayson/Nightwing Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn

Chapter 6

"What was he thinking?!" Alfred sighed when he finally got Barbara Gordon alone in the gigantic living room down stairs.

"Richard thinks that it is best to keep her here," Alfred started. "And before you suggest it, he refuses to take her to a hospital or anywhere else."

"Unbelievable! Why is he always the one that doesn't think first?"

"He did, Mrs. Gordon. We all know that Joker has unknown and unlimited resources and he would have found her in any public facility." Barbara shook her head and looked down at her feet.

"How long is she staying here?"

"I am not certain. She was damaged mentally as much as she was physically. I feel bad for the poor girl. She has nightmares...she can't walk on her own."

"Where is Dick?" Barbara said, pulling out her phone, trying not to show how much this situation was bothering her. "He hasn't contacted me. I know he is ignoring me...he knows I have something to say about this."

"Take it easy on him, Mrs. Gordon. Richard is doing the right thing. He even thinks that he is turning Harley away from her evil path. You and Bruce should calm down. She doesn't know where she is, nor who this place belongs to." Barbara crossed her arms, fingers rapping on the phone clamped in her hand.

"Tell Richard to call me; I'll be back later, but don't tell him that. I don't want him running. Bruce understands as do I, but having her here is dangerous. What if Joker finds her here?" Alfred nodded sadly, not really knowing what to say.

"I don't know, Barbara. I know you're worried, but she needs our help. She's a lot more safe in here than she is out there. I mean you see her, how she looks?"

"I know," she sighed and looked at her watch. "I have to go. Keep me updated...you know my number."

"Of course," Alfred said with a slight smile as Barbara left.

xxx

When Richard finally left the station, it was already 8:30pm. He hadn't wanted to stay so late, but he had had no choice. Some more news about the Joker had turned up. Apparently, some of his goons had been spotted at the Facility again yet nothing was taken this time. What were they after? What more could they want? Richard was so deep in thought, that when Bruce honked his car horn, he nearly jumped out of his skin. He released a harsh exhale and walked up to the car.

"Jesus, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Richard asked once he was in the car.

"Well I didn't think that it would scare you," Bruce said with poorly hidden amusement. "I mean I did teach you to be aware of your surroundings." Richard glared at him and shook his head. "Anything turn up?"

"Yeah, Joker's goons were spotted at the same science facility that the nerve gas was stolen from...yet they took nothing. I figure maybe-"

"They haven't found what they were looking for," Bruce mumbled as he pulled off and headed for the mansion. Richard nodded.

"So I guess we should check it out tonight? We don't want them getting what they want."

"Yes, but we'll need help. When we get back to the mansion, call Barbara." Richard scowled.

"Do we have to? I mean, can't we just do this ourselves?"

"And have Joker get the drop on us both? No. We need back up just in case something bad does go down."

Richard glared out the window. He had been avoiding her phone calls and text messages all day, and they weren't letting up. No doubt Bruce had said something to her about Harley, but he refused to ask for sake of arguement.

"Maybe we should talk to Harley too," Richard said without looking at him. He didn't want to see the frown appear that was surely there now.

"If you think it will help and not hurt us," Bruce sighed.

xxx

Harley lay on her side staring out the open window, thanks to Alfred helping her. She was still feeling down, face wet with tears shed only moments ago. She wished that she could leave. It hurt to know that Richard may be getting fussed at for helping her. Why was he doing this? What was he gaining other than harsh looks from his friends? She hated herself more than she hated the Joker at the moment. How could she have let it get this far? Didn't she see the signs? Why couldn't she just leave him before? She found herself wanting to call Ivy, but she hadn't talked to her in about a year. Would she still call her a friend? All the questions in her head were overwhelming her. Tears started to flow again followed by sniffled and choked sobs.

"Harley?" She refused to turn over at the sound of Richard's voice. Instead, she closed her eyes and snuggled her face into the pillow to hide her shame. Within seconds, she felt the bed sink down beside her. "Harley, what's wrong?"

"Just take me to a hospital. I'm only causing trouble here," Harley sobbed. Richard sat up, jaw clenched tight. Alfred, despite being told not to, told him that Barbara had come a caused a fuss.

"Where is this coming from?" Richard whispered soothingly, placing a hand on her shoulder. Harley sniffled and remained quiet. "She talked to you...didn't she?" Harley remained still for a moment, but then nodded slowly.

"She was right. I am putting you guys at risk," Harley started to turn over on her back, Richard helping with the process. "He could end up finding out who you really are?!"

"He won't find out," he whispered. Harley turned her head away from him, tears rolling down her face. "Hey, come here." Harley looked at him and let him scoop her up and lay her on her side. He laid down beside her and pulled her closer. She pressed her face into his chest. "Like I said before, you aren't a burden. Forget what everyone says."

"But...you're taking heat, because of me," she whispered. Richard ran his fingers through her hair, gently massaging her scalp in the process. She sighed and leaned into him.

"I don't care, Harley. I'm a big boy. I can take it."

"You're too good to me," Harley mumbled sadly. Richard shook his head and held her tighter. He made a mental note to speak with Barbara later.

"No, Harley. You deserve it."

AN: Later than I hoped, but here it is! I'm already working on the next chapter so...soon? Tell me what you think! As always I like hearing from you. Love always!