Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics to 'Settin the Woods on Fire'. I decided to include this song in my story based on the fact that it was once used as a duet between Joker and Harlequin in one of the animated episodes of the Batman cartoon. Also, I'm trying to create a quality story as quickly as possible so please be patient, my avid readers. And thanks for all the reviews. Enjoy!
His remark left her pondering the remainder of the bus ride. It was fair to be cautious, but his version of caution left her curious as to what exactly did happen in Gotham after dark.
In less than half an hour, they'd reached the stop at the corner of Hawthorne and Grames. Harley felt particularly flattered when Jack took her hand into the crook of his elbow as they walked, but also a little nervous about what Mr. J would think.
When they reached the fabric store, Harley felt conflicted. She could either take her time picking out the fabrics she needed to spend more time with Jack, or, she could go straight for the scarlet chiffon and hurry herself back to campus. She really did need to be back as soon as possible so she could have time to work on the dress before rehearsal. As though he read her mind, Jack prompted,
"How much shopping did you intend to do tonight?"
"Um, well, I really should get just the one piece I need, and then get back. Rehearsal starts in an hour and a half"
"I see. Well, guess that doesn't give you any time to come to my magic show, then, does it?"
Harley felt the world shift in perspectives. Yes, she could indeed be the studious young costume designer and have each and every piece for tonight's rehearsal perfect. Or, she could look out for number one and have fun. Tilting her head, she responded,
"Actually, I'd love to see your show. I've been working too hard; a little respite would be good for me"
"Excellent"
Harley thought she saw his smile yet again peek up from behind the scarf, but it was just impossible. That would mean the edges of his mouth came up nearly to his eyes. Unless they were scars she was seeing. Scars like the ones Mr. J had. Harley tried to hide her realization, but she knew that her cheeks were surely blushing and her eyes had widened. She also fought the overpowering urge to stare at her companion. She intertwined her arm more with his, and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Joker couldn't believe how easy it was to persuade her to change her normal behavior. She was absolutely teetering on the edge of mental instability. A month ago, this girl would have never missed a night of homework, much less the first dress rehearsal for the show she was head costume designer for. And now she was close enough to him that he could feel her breathing. He timidly inhaled her scent; it was strongly floral, maybe lavender and sweet pea blossoms.
They made their way to the correct stall for the fabric she needed, selected the scarlet shade, had two yards cut and then she paid for the cloth at the register. As they walked out the store, Harley felt Jack pull her in the opposite direction of the bus.
"I think I've got a better plan"
She stood confused as he called someone on his phone and said,
"Bring the car around to the corner of Hawthorne and Grames. And be quick about it"
Less than a minute later, a jet black, classic Chevy Camaro was booming down the street towards them. It came to a screeching halt in front of them. Harley felt her rib cage rattle from the sub woofer pounding out death metal. A strangely dressed man stepped out, and then just walked away. Joker walked Harley around to the passenger seat and opened the door for her.
Harley was still in a daze, who was the man that had driven the car? If he and Jack were friends, wouldn't they have greeted one another? But then again, this wasn't actually Jack the coffee joint magician. This was the Joker, dangerous and psychopathic criminal. These are the thoughts that ran through her head as she buckled herself into the seat of the Camaro and Joker got into the driver's seat. He changed the radio station-for that much Harley could be thankful. The death metal was just not her cup of tea. She tried to be patient and calm as he surfed through the available channels,
"Ah, now that's more like it"
As uncultured as she was, even Harley knew what song he finally set the radio station to-Hank Williams Jr.'s 'Settin' the Woods on Fire'.
"I hadn't really placed you as the country type"
"Ah, well, that should show you for trying to generalize about people. But to be fair, I don't really like country music. I just really love this song"
Harley listened to the lyrics, and began to understand why the song might be appealing to him,
Comb your hair and paint and powder you act proud and I'll act prouder
You sing loud and I'll sing louder tonight we're settin' the woods on fire
You're my gal and I'm your feller dress up in your frock of yeller
I'll look swell but you'll look sweller settin' the woods on fire
We'll take in all the honky tonks tonight we're having fun
We'll show the folks a brand new dance that never has been done
I don't care who thinks we're silly you'll be daffy I'll be dillly
We'll order up two bowls of chili settin' the woods on fire
I'll gas up my hot rod stoker we'll get hotter than a poker
You'll be broke but I'll be broker tonight we're settin' the woods on fire
We'll sit close to one another up our street and down the other
Tonight we'll have ball oh brother settin' the woods on fire
We'll put aside a little time to fix a flat or two
My trey and tubes are doin' fine but the air is showin' through
You clap hands and I'll start howlin' we'll do all the law's allowin'
Tomorrow I'll be right back plowin' settin' the woods on fire
During the short song, they'd driven many miles from the Gotham university campus. Harley didn't even recognize the district they were driving through. Suddenly, half way through one of Willie Nelson's better known ballads, they came to a stop. Joker pulled the keys out of the ignition, stepped out of his side of the car, and opened Harley's door.
"Where are we?"
"We're about five minutes from show time, Har"