Nightwing's Nightingale

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters just the plot

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

Chapter 15

Richard, Barbara, Bruce, and even Alfred were making advancements to ensure that the news that Ivy gave them would not happen. Scarecrow out and about at this time would prove disastrous. Bruce already sent a discrete message to Gordon regarding the matter, pressing him about its importance and telling him to tighten the security. Alfred began studying the machine they found in the facility, being that its abilities would be needed if things turned sour. Barbara helped with the research and making sure that things were secure there. Richard listened in at the station as much as possible, using ties to keep eyes on things thanks to Gordon being informed. He would know if Scarecrow even sneezed in his cell.

Harley made sure to keep in contact with Ivy as much as she could. She was worried about her well-being and definitely wanted to pass any information that she could to Richard. She wasn't satisfied though. She wanted to do more for them. She could do more. While Richard would be working and Alfred working on things unknown to her, she would exercise. Yoga, splits, and cartwheels. The room was big enough for her to do such things, and it was helpful that it wasn't a hard floor. The carpet broke Harley's fall if pain from a certain position occured. She was physically healed for the most part, with only twinges and spasms from sore muscles to worry about. Most of her bruising was fading, aside from the really bad ones that were getting better. The bruising on her face was nearly gone, leaving the small cut on her bottom lip to fully heal.

Harley knew that Richard and Alfred would have her sit and relax till she healed completely, only doing minor work outs to keep from getting stiff. She, however, knew how her body worked and knew her limits. She couldn't just sit around and let everyone take care of her. She knew that they would eventually need her help. She needed to be able to help them...to help herself.

She was doing some simple yoga stretches when Alfred walked in the room with lunch. He recommended that she rest and not overwork herself. Harley politely acknowledged his concern even though she knew she wouldn't listen. She had been hit with a purpose. Stay alive. Fight against the past. Doing this was the only way to ensure that she wouldn't go back to the Joker. She needed to face him, not as a lover, but as an enemy. She needed to help stop him, and she could. She just needed to be at her best again.

xxx

"Scarecrow is still behind bars. There has been no attempt to break him out. The officers are talking about it being a bluff. What if they aren't taking this seriously?" Richard asked as he was leaning against the wall of Bruce's office. Barbara was sitting in an arm chair by the window, staring out of it blankly. Bruce was settled at his desk, looking over everything and making sure that they hadn't missed anything. "What if this is a bluff and Joker is using this as a way to steer us off his back?"

"I am certain this can't just be a "bluff". Poison Ivy said she heard it amongst the goons as they were gossiping. Wouldn't that mean they knew that Ivy would be listening? They couldn't be that smart."

"We should explore all options. The fact that it could actually be a bluff is a bit far fetched, but we should keep an eye on him as well as Scarecrow. We have to be prepared for anything," Bruce mumbled. Richard crossed his arms.

"You're right, but I suggest that you make sure that Gordon's contacts are certain that freak isn't going to get out," Richard groaned. "There's no telling how this will turn out if he does."

"What did Harley have to say about this?" Barbara asked, probably more out of spite than genuine curiousity. Richard wasn't going to entertain her tonight. They had just finished watching over Gotham, and he was ready to catch some shut eye. It had been a long day.

"She doesn't like the fact that Joker might bring Scarecrow in on the deal. Having experienced it herself, I can understand why she's horrified. She's being helpful, and doing what she can. Try to be appreciative at least," he sighed as he walked towards the door. "I'm going to get some sleep. Unless, of course, there is anything else you wanted Bruce." Bruce shook his head, deep in whatever thought he was caught in. Richard took his leave.

"How did he find out what Ivy said anyway?" Barbara asked. "Did he set up some kind of communication?"

"I don't know," Bruce answered. "Though I am glad either way that we got this information. You should try to get some sleep as well. As much sleep as you can get will be great for the days to come. That is...until this is resolved." Barbara nodded and left the room.

xxx

When Richard finally made it back to his room, the sight that greeted him put a smile on his face. He watched as Harley walked on her hands, face furrowed in concentration. She stretched her legs out and brought them back together again. She slowly settling herself down on the floor with a deep breath. She then slowly slid into a split, groaning slightly from stretching the sore muscles. She reached forward and laid her stomach on the floor, sighing at the stretch it made. When she was on her feet again, Richard made his presence known.

"Alfred has said that you've been a bit restless," he stated as she turned to face him.

"I can't just sit around forever," she sighed. "I may be having to help you guys out there in a little while."

"We are taking every precaution to ensure that Scarecrow doesn't escape."

"Oh, come on. This is Gotham, Richie. He's going to get out some way or another. This city is doomed to disaster, and this time is no different. We might as well be preparing for the fight. We'll be more ready that way."

"I guess you're right, but-"

"You don't want me involved, I know. But I'm not asking permission, I'm helping. You can't say that you don't need the extra hands," Harley said as she approached him. There was an uneasy look in his eyes, like something was truly bothering him about letting her help when she was ready. "What are you worried about? Has my kisses made you want to shield me? I am capable of taking care of myself. You should know that," Harley giggled. Richard smiled.

"I'm not doubting your abilities," he murmured. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her forward.

"Then what's wrong?" she asked, placing her hands on his biceps.

"To be honest, I'm dreading you meeting that clown again."

Harley's eyes widened, and she looked down at her feet. Of course, that's what it was. She looked him in the eye, and tried to smile. She struggled and she knew that he could see it.

"I don't know how I'm going to react, but...can I ask a favor?"

"Anything."

Harley gave him the most serious look, and he knew that this would mean a lot to her. "Don't let me go back to him, Richie. No matter how much I fight. I don't care. I can't."

"I know Harley," he hushed her and tightened his grip around her middle. "I won't let you." Harley nodded and gave him a hug before pulling back.

"Do you know how to do a split?" Harley grinned. Richard gave her a confused look, to which Harley laughed.

"Does it look like I do splits?" he asked pointing at his body.

"Well I mean you move like you could. I saw no harm in asking," Harley giggled taking his hands in hers, and letting herself slowly slide into split. "See it's not hard!" Richard shook his head and pulled her stand again.

"I'll take your word for it," Richard chuckled, pulling her flush against him. Harley grinned warmly, and he returned the gesture with his own smile. "I want to protect you. Let no harm come to you. Keep you away from danger." Harley looked him in the eye, and remained quiet as he spoke. He played with one of her pigtails and sighed. "But if you want to defend yourself and fight, who am I to hold you back? At least you'll be by my side."

xxx

In the most locked down cell in the Asylum, the Scarecrow sat whispering to himself. He told himself tales of the horrors that he used to spread on Gotham when he was free. He told himself of the deaths he caused from fear alone. He bragged about how he would do it again.

678 days...

The Asylum had been able to hold him longer than before. They broke the record. Scarecrow chuckled. That only meant that it would be harder to put him back in the next time. Their attempts to "fix" him were boring him. He needed to escape and soon. Lately, he had noticed abundant noises and whispers outside his door. They were changing things, he knew that.

His suspicions were only confirmed when he was visited by a doctor he had never seen before. This only made him grin.

"Dr. Crane, I see you're doing well," the man before him sighed as he pulled up a chair and sat in front of him.

"I usually go by Scarecrow when it comes to friends," he stated, tilting his head to the side as the man pulled out a pad.

"Is that so?" He sat in silence and watched the man fumble in the briefcase he brought. "We have to make this exercise quick today, so...tell me what emotion comes to mind when you see each picture." The man pulled out a pad, and turned to the first page. He held it up so that Scarecrow could see, being mindful of the camera watching in the room.

Joker wants you for a job.

"Confusion," he said simply as he observed the message. The man hummed.

"And this one?"

He needs you to enhance his nerve gas.

"Anger."

"This one?"

He also has a task for you. That will coincide with your personal goals.

"Desperation."

"This is the last one," the man folded the paper again, and stared the scientist in the eye.

Do you accept? Will you be ready?

"Fear," he answered with a grin on his face. The man nodded, but then shook his head and put the pad away. He grabbed his briefcase and stood.

"You aren't showing any signs of improving. You should really consider actually trying to cooperate with these exercises. There are meant to help you."

"There is no help for me. As I'm sure you're well aware of," he chuckled. There was a glint in the mysterious man's eyes as he turned away and walked to the door.

"I will report your results," he mumbled. "See you soon." The man then left, the door clicking and sealing shut as he did. Scarecrow looked down at his hands and watched as they began to shake. He was excited. His whole being was anticipating what was to come. He breathily chuckled to himself and continued the story that he was telling himself before he was interupted with a job offer.

xxx

Joker played with a deck of cards, sitting in the back seat of a van that was parked in an alleyway not far from the Asylum. He wasn't particularly focused on the cards, instead staring straight ahead. He was breathing hard and was quickly losing his patience. Finally, the smarter of his clowns returned to the vehicle.

"Well?" Joker snapped as he eyed him.

"He's accepting your offer."

A sinister and sick grin spread across the mad man's face.

"That's grand news."

AN:

Well here you go guys! Things are heating up! I am hoping to have longer, or at least more frequent, chapters in the future. Things seem to be getting set into motion...

As always, thanks for the favorites and follows thus far! You guys make my day! Love forever and always!