Harley was entitled, as a staff member, to appropriate some leftovers from the catering, and she did so.

She and Ivy crept out the back with Harley carrying some bags of goodies. Harley had been determined to try, but was more resigned than alarmed to find both Batman and Selina standing on the empty, snowy street.

Ivy stiffened beside Harley as Batman turned and said, "Dr. Isley."

"Batman," Ivy returned.

"No matter the noble motives you had, you still broke out of Arkham."

"With some help," Ivy said, looking at Selina.

"You were already planning an escape," Batman went on, "that much is clear, and you still make use of your old tricks."

"Everything I did, I did to protect Harley."

Batman actually sighed. "I know."

"Come on, Bats," Selina pleaded, "can't you let it go just once?"

"No reason he should," Ivy pointed out. "Let's face it, he's right. And if I start a fight now Harley might get caught up in it. So fine, let's go."

Harley stared in horror as Ivy stepped forward, raising her arms in surrender.

"No!" She sprang forward and placed herself between Ivy and Batman.

"Quinzell," Batman warned.

"Come on, Bats, I did you a favour! You caught the Joker 'cause I told you about his plan, put myself in the hot seat for you. And I made sure a bunch of good people have a shot at making it without the mob, and I've made something of myself that you don't gotta break down! In all your best plans, you think you could do better?"

Batman, she was unnerved to see, actually smirked. "And what makes you think this wasn't my plan all along?"

Harley blinked a few times, then realization dawned and her jaw dropped. She looked, shocked at Selina. She shrugged and said, "It's true, Harl. Batman asked me to help protect you while he got you to draw out the Joker and his new gang."

"Yeah?" Harley tried to play it cool, but failed, "And what about the musicians? The Benefit?"

"Harley," Selina said sadly, "Nobody with your record and experience gets kicked all the way up to the deputy artistic director of a major event like this…"
"Except that you, with no other connection, would have to draw the people who relied on the mob for work into the light," Batman finished. "Redeem them, so to speak."

"Oh my…" Ivy was suddenly tense with anger, "How could you? What if she'd 'fallen off the wagon' for good? What if Selina hadn't gotten me out?"

"But you did it, Harley," Selina interrupted. "You did better than Batman or me – or Bruce – could ever have hoped! I've never seen you stand up to Joker like you did tonight! You went through hell and came out clean." She glared at Batman.

"Well, Quinzell," Batman said after a moment, "Do you want to bargain? Protecting Ivy could come with a high price for you, even now."

Harley looked at Ivy, who looked back and mutely shook her head. Harley's gaze lingered a moment longer, and then she turned back. "Boxing Day."

Batman actually looked taken aback. "What?"

"Ivy goes back to the halfway house with me. Let her spend Christmas with somebody who really cares about her. I'll be responsible for her good behaviour, and then she'll go quietly back to Arkham on Boxing Day morning."

Ivy and Selina both looked slackjawed at Harley, who looked coldly back at Batman. After a long, long moment, Batman said, "Agreed."

Harley lost her composure and drooped with fatigue and relief. And gratitude, "Thanks, Bats. Merry Christmas."

"And to all," the Dark Knight said softly, "A good night."

He faded into the shadows, and Harley heard the distinctive bark of his grapple gun a moment later.

Ivy quietly slipped her hand into Harley's. "Sorry, Red," Harley sighed, "I know it's not much. And you're still gonna have to go back, or we're all in for it, but…"

Harley stopped as Ivy leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you Harley."

Selina smiled, catlike, and said, "I'm getting a ride with the Wayne household. Maven's just around the block if you want her to give you a ride."

"Thanks, Selina," Harley said, winking.

She went along her way, and Harley said, "Let's get inside. That dress looks great on ya, Red, but it's no parka!"

Ivy giggled as, arm in arm, they went to find Maven.

"Tomorrow," Harley said, "I'm going to make you a Christmas dinner so green you'll plotz!"

Ivy laughed again, and Harley said, "Wow, I missed hearing that."

"Merry Christmas, Harley."

"Merry Christmas, Ivy."