Authors note: general disclaimer, I don't own any characters or anything to do with batman (I wish!)

Italics are character thoughts.

Any feedback is much appreciated x

Twitter jdroxburgh

He watched as Harley shuffled and crawled over to the weed, crying and whispering to her. He giggled as the blonde stroked the red hair and the plant began to cry also. How touching.

Harley reached out to Red, trying to comfort her, to stop her tears when she heard that distinctive giggle. She looked deep into those emerald eyes and conveyed her silent message. I can do this. I want to do this. Don't say a word baby. Don't let him hurt you anymore.

Ivy saw the determination in the baby blue eyes and she began sobbing, she shook her head frantically. Don't let him hurt you again. I've done so much to save you from him, don't go back to that. I love you. As Harley struggled to her feet the green skinned beauty tried to call out to stop her but her insides screamed out in pain as she took the deep breath. She hissed and gritted her teeth.

Hearing Red hiss in pain just made Harley more determined to stop Mistah J for doing any more damage to her. She turned to face his wide grin with a grim expression.

Harley was looking serious. "Uh oh. Is my little Pumpkin angry with her Puddin'?" He rubbed his hands together excitedly as Harley tried to stand up tall, wincing at the excruciating pain she was already in.

Harley tried to stretch out her aching muscles and gritted her teeth while she tried to limber up. "I am not yours." She held her chin up defiantly. I will not go back to all that again. I will not walk away from Red again. I have a place in the world, and it's right here between him and her.

The Joker looked at the blonde in disbelief "Oh?"

Harley cracked her neck and took up a fighting stance "I'm not coming back to you this time. It's over."

He grasped his heart in mock horror "You mean you don't love me?!" He smiled cruelly. "About time." He cracked his knuckles.

Ivy watched the pair stand off against each other and started to panic. She began trying to pull at her ties to no avail. She looked around the room for any of her babies still alive, she could see nothing but debris and death.

Harley looked around her feet and picked up a metal pipe that was lying under some debris. She rolled it in her hands and got used to its weight. She looked at the man she used to do anything for and she nodded grimly. A laugh rang out and made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, goosebumps spread across her body and her stomach sank. To think I used to jump for joy at that sound.

He saw her frowning, clearly thinking to herself. Her gaze fell off to one side and he grinned evilly. Taking the opportunity of her being distracted he reached into his pocket and brought out one of his razor edged playing cards and flung it toward her.

Harley saw the object flying toward her but was too late to react. It sliced across her delicate pale cheek and dripped dark red blood onto the floor. She watched it drip and splash onto the dirt and dust. She looked back up and met his gaze with deadly determination.

He simply smile and winked, spread his arms wide "Why so serious?"