Disclaimer: Only Corey is mine, nothing that you recognize is.
Damnable stairs. Once again they were climbing, Waller and her lackeys looking like they were just barely stopping themselves from down right sprinting up the stairs. Her aqua gaze was locked fiercely on the manipulative womans back. A shoulder knocked against her uninjured one lightly, bringing her from her hate-a-thon to clash gazes with a smiling aussie. Actually, looking closer, Corey wasn't sure she liked that look. He was smug, like the cat that got the canary. Eyes narrowing slightly she shot the man a wary glance.
"Wha?"
Beautiful blues roved up and down her figure, pausing longer on certain assets than others.
"Aint nothin' luv. Only..." Boomerangs grin widened exponentially and Corey could swear if she wanted to she'd be able to count the mans teeth. "Back in tha room, just seemed like ya was tryin' to protect the captain, 'Ats all."
She could feel her cheeks turn pink, right under her eyes, and she hoped the space was dark enough that it was unnoticeable. Rolling her eyes Corey scoffed lightly, bumping him with her shoulder as he had earlier. "Do nae flatta yerself Digga. Samurai pulled out 'er sword. I was protectin' meself. Ya just happened ta be in the way." Her harsh words did nothing to diminish the self-satisfied air the aussie had around him. If anything it seemed to grow at her slightly defensive explanation.
"Wha'ever ya say dahl."
Sour expression crossing her face she finally stepped out onto the roof, missing her coat as she shivered slightly. The wind was sharp so high up and she'd left the remains of her jacket torn to shreds back down in the offices. they were only waiting a few minutes and then a large black chopper was hanging above them, Flag shouting commands into his radio. With every word the military man seemed to get more aggitated until he stopped talking all together, just staring up at the helicopter.
"Birds been jacked. Light it up!" Flag, GQ and what remained of the soldiers wasted no time in firing at the commandeered chopper, and quickly realized that was not a good idea. A machine gun, manned by Griggs of all people, tore across the roof. Army men went down quickly and Corey ducked behind a large metal box, arm shooting out and grabbing soft cotton before pulling Digger down next to her by his captains jacket.
As everyone scrambled for shelter an eerie laugh rose above everything and a chill swept down her spine, not even noticing as Harkness wrapped his arms around her, one around her waist and the other around her head to pull her body tight against his. That laugh could only mean one thing and she pushed against the solid body holding her. Wiggling free just enough to peak her head over her shelter she watched as Harley stood and threw off her jacket, smiling wide and sprinting towards the edge of the building. Leaping off the side she caught the rope hanging from the open doors, anchoring her legs securely.
The shooting stopped and Corey pushed away completely, rounding her protective barrier to stare at the woman, waving happily as they flew away. Catching sight of a pissed looking Waller, Corey could only guess Joker had found a way to kill the bomb in Harleys neck.
"Deadshot!" Waller was finally showing emotion, stomping up to the hitman and gesturing heatedly at the escaping woman. "Shoot that woman right now!"
"She ain't do shit to me."
"You're a hitman right? I got a contract. Kill Harley Quinn. Do it for your freedom. And your kid." Inhaling sharply, eyes shooting from Deadshot to Harley, she already knew what would happen. The two of them may have been getting along, in fact she was pretty sure Floyd had been flirting with the queen clown, but their comradery meant shit in the face of his child.
"Oh she dead." The rest stood back, simply specters as Lawton set up his gun, staring down the scope and lining up his shot. Corey watched with sad eyes, though she wasn't the only one, but knew she couldn't do anything. Her bomb was still active. If she moved to do anything she was liable to loose her head. So she did the only thing she could and refused to look away. Harley swirled around the rope and then the gun went off, her pale body immediately unraveling from the escape route and hanging by her arms. Fists clenched tight Corey bit at her lip, unable to look away.
A second later she was happy she hadn't, as Harley popped her head up smiling, laughter drifting back to those on the roof. Hopping in place she barked out a harsh laugh, chanting out 'go Harley go!' as loud as she could. Waller sent her an evil look and flashed her phone, the little picture of herself staring out from the screen. It stopped her yelling but couldn't wipe the smile from her face. Sure, she wished that was her flying away without a care in the world. But staying on the roof and getting to watch their faces as they were outsmarted and outdone was pretty good too.
Deadshot walked back to the group with a satisfied shrug and Waller rose her radio, steadily ordering the hijacked chopper to be shot down. Worry replaced the joy and green-blue eyes turned to watch the escaping convicts once again. It wasn't long at all before they were hit, front of their craft going up in flames. Watching as the chopper crashed she couldn't stop the sad shake of her head. That girl may have been nuttier than a jockstrap, but she had actually been growing on the Irish woman. The confirmation of the hit through the radio was just the cherry on top.
"Thank you. Now get me off this roof." Turning to the group Waller met every gaze evenly, face still hard with anger. "The Joker and Harley Quinn are no more." Leaning into Diggers body, even if she wasn't sure when he had got there, Corey kept her eyes on the fire so far away.
"You couldn't save 'er." Looking up she saw that he wasn't talking to her but to Deadshot. When the man failed to reply she did it for him, looking once more to the flames.
"None of us could."
Not too long after another chopper showed up, this one landing and admitting Waller with no troubles. As the craft rose in the air Corey turned away, only to spin back around as the grinding of metal crashed out behind her. Wallers rig swirled to the ground with their wide eyes following. Flag began having an anxiety attack and one of his men confirmed she had gone down. Now that was some instant karma.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
After Waller went down Flag demanded they go after her so they made their way back down the stairs, which was just as annoying as the climb up had been. Rick and GQ at the front and two remaining soldiers in the back, the five surviving team members silently made their way to the street. It was raining when they stepped out, the downpour soaking into her hair and weighing it down, making it lay down flat for once. Gaze locked on her shoes, Corey didn't notice the blonde sitting on the police car Flag had crouched behind only a few hours ago. When a sharp elbow met her injured side she growled in pained annoyance and glared up at the irritating aussie who had yet to leave her be. But he was grinning at her, blue hues flicking in front of them and then back. Sighing deeply she followed his gaze, freezing mid-step when two-toned pigtails and running makeup met her eyes. They noticed her before she saw them, so as they got closer Corey could see the deep pain and heartbreak that lined her face. But at their appearance the clown smiled widely and struck a pose.
"Heeey guuuys. I'm back. I missed you all so much." Her words broke at the end and Corey stepped forward, a small understanding smile on her face. Harley was crazier than all get out, but she was still a woman. One who had somehow managed to escape a burning helicopter, but also had to watch the person she loved die. At least Corey assumed Joker hadn't escaped as well, otherwise there would be no crying Harley sitting in front of her. The soft spot she had for the manic woman had her holding out her hands to the blonde, an offer to help her get off the car. And also one of comfort. With a grateful look the woman took her hands and slid to the blacktop, one bleached arm slipping around Coreys shoulders. Pressing their foreheads together for just a moment the pale woman let out a brighter smile and turned to the rest of the group.
"We're glad you could make it." Deadshot, shockingly, was the one to break the silence. With a quick nod he was moving past them and Boomerang called for Harleys attention. When he had it he gently tossed the girls forgotten bat at her before he too stepped past them, wrapping his arm around Coreys waist to tug her along with him. Giving the blonde another smile she let the man pull her forward, deciding not to put up a fight with how good a mood she was now in. Silence reigned between them all as they made their way to the still smoking helicopter not even twenty minutes away. The convicts slowed to a stop, eyeing the fallen chopper as Flag hurried up to it, flashing a light into the windows and then slamming open the door. Based on the bullet holes that had shattered the window Corey would confidently say that Waller wasn't there. Or anywhere close by probably.
"So let me guess." Deadshot scanned his surroundings, walking slowly around the crash site. "We're going to the swirling ring of trash in the sky. You know, cuz why wouldn't we?" Gesturing towards the 'swirling ring of trash' brought everyones attention to it, causing gasps and awed stares. Corey couldn't look away, chewing on her bottom lip as she watched the energy swirl. She could feel the power, the surging electricity, crawling along her skin. Floyd speaking again brought her back. "When does this end Flag?" Million dollar question there, now inn'it?
"Load up. We're in for a fight." Flag deflected and instead walked away, straight towards the large flashing machine in the sky. Mood sufficiently dampened she pulled away from Boomerang and trailed after with dragging steps. A large thick binder slamming into the car next to Flag a few moments later stopped everyone in their tracks, and they turned as one to watch as Lawton stormed up to Flag and once more got in his face.
"Tell everybody. Everything! Or me and you are gonna go right now."
Corey stared at the men facing off, a little more than confused. Sure this wasn't the first time they had squared off, but that had seemed more like a 'challenge the alpha' thing. Poking and prodding to kind of figure each other out. Now Floyds face was twisted into a snarl, eyes flashing dangerously. Flag stared the man down before flicking his gaze throughout the group, before finally resting his eyes on the fallen binder, pages scattered along the soaked pavement. He seemed to debate with himself before sighing and once more meeting the hitmans gaze.
"Three days ago...a non-human entity appeared in the subway station. So Waller sent me with a woman with incredible abilities. A witch. Nobody could get near this thing, but the witch could. Needless to say, the whole thing was a bad idea. Waller had her heart, it was supposed to control her, but she's somehow using power from the other being do make...that." They all eyed the ominous creation for a few silent moments before the colonel continued. "That's how she escaped from Waller. So now you know."
And I wish I didn't. Everything else she had been fine with. Well not fine, but she wasn't gonna go insane because she fought some weird shit and got injured. But a witch. With crazy possession powers and who knew what else. What had Waller been expecting of them? The crazy bitch had pretty much leveled Midway...what were they possibly supposed to do?
"You can just kill me right now. I'm going to have a drink." Deadshot pointed over his shoulder and then turned sharply, heading towards the nearest bar.
"Deadshot...I need your help." It sounded like it had actually hurt him to say that, but Lawton kept moving, shaking his head negatively.
"No sir, you need a miracle." The sound of a nice cold drink perked her up faster than she thought possible, and Corey quickly made her way to Lawtons side, grinning at the sideways look he shot her.
"I'll risk my 'ead fer a cold bevvie. Maybe he'll be nice an' wait 'til aftah we're done ta hit the switch." A smile curled the mans lips but he said nothing as he held open a well made oak door for her to walk through. The sign declared it 'The Gray Room'. Floyd stepped in after her, and then everyone else after him. Even Katana had come with them, something that had all of them staring in shock. Harley hopped over the counter to play bartender, and Croc moved further into the room to find a booth, but the rest deigned to line themselves up along the bar. Boomerang sat on her left, close enough their arms brushed, and Floyd took up the spot on her right.
Harley called for orders; Croc wanted a beer, Katana and Deadshot went with whisky, Boomerang held up his own can of drink, Santana felt like water and Corey decided to let Harley choose for her. Thus she ended up with a purple, blue and pink fancy drink that had an ungodly amount of alcohol in it. The first sip startled her, the unexpected intensity of the burn causing her to clear her throat and shake her head, but after that she happily downed the sugary concoction with no problem. Warm, rough fingers pulled on the material around her waist and she met the puzzled eyes of Boomerang.
"What's this about darlin?"
Shrugging she slowly unwrapped the makeshift bandage, grimacing slightly as dried blood stuck and pulled around the wound. It was nasty looking but Corey just ran her fingers along the edge, pushing slightly to make sure nothing to terrible had been sliced up. Just a flesh wound really. "One of the bastards managed ta land a hit on me." Raising a hand to run a long her shot and bruised shoulder she couldn't hide her wince of pain. "'At's nae the last one I'm sure ta get afore this mess is settled. They do nae even hurt to much."
Digger gently touched the area around her wounds, sending small shivers through her body. But the man didn't seem to even notice her reaction, far too focused on her injuries. Finally he rose his eyes to hers, foreign emotion swirling through electric blues. And then he was turning back around, muttering about how she needed to be more careful. Confused at the weird interaction she decided to push it to the back of her mind.
Floyd threw back his shot, which Harley was prompt to refill. Picking up the filled glass he just stared into the amber liquid for a second before speaking.
"Here's to honor...among thieves." Offering his glass to Katana she stared and muttered she wasn't a thief before walking away. Turning back to clink drinks with Harley he scrunched up his face, mocking her words. Nudging his shoulder Corey smiled brightly up at the man, finishing the round of cheers.
"Girl's barmy luv. Don't know wha' she is." She got him to let out a breathy laugh but he quickly went back to staring at his drink.
"Well, we almost pulled it off. Despite what...everybody thought. Worst part is they're gonna blame us for the whole thing. Ya know? Can't have people knowing the truth. We're the patsies." At his brief pause Corey remembered his words when this first started, after Wallers message, and she mouthed what he had called them way back then. Suicide Squad. "The cover up. Don't forget...we're the bad guys." She could feel the morose words getting to her and she slouched down in her seat. A heavy weight pressed into her side and she glanced over to see Boomerang leaning over on his barstool, head nestled on her shoulder with his crazy curls tickling her neck. He let out a large sigh, one she felt more than heard, and sunk further into her. "And for about...two sweet seconds, I had hope."
"Hope?" For the first time Santana spoke without having to be prompted. He swung sideways in his stool so he was facing them, hands clasped in front of him. "You had hope huh? Well hope don't stop the world from turning my brother."
"Hmmm, you preaching?"
"It's coming back around for you. How many people you killed man?"
Deadshot actually looked offended. "You don't ask nobody no question like that, ese."
"You ain't never whacked down no women? No kids?" Chato was intense in his questions, eyes burning through them. Corey finished off her drink as the conversation turned into more personal territory. Beside her Digger shifted, pulling away from her so her could turn sideways on his stool, before moving closer again. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her tight to him, and his chin brushed the top of her head as he stared down the conversing men.
"I don't kill women or children."
"I do." That got everyones attention, Digger tensing as Coreys head whipped around to face the quiet man. Women and children usually hand the 'no touchy' rule applied to them. Most men, while willing to steal or kill or what have you, usually didn't want to hurt the weaker sex or the kids. And women didn't want to do it for obvious reasons. Usually admitting to hurting one or both of them prompted some dirty looks and nasty retaliation. Presenting Digger Harness' face as exhibit A. Ignoring the reactions he had caused Chato continued. "See I was born with the devils gift. I kept it hidden most of my life but...the older I got the stronger it got. So I started using it. For business, you know. The more power on the street I got the more firepower I got. Like that shit went hand in hand, ya know? One was feeding the other. Aint no body tell me no. Except my old lady... You know, she used to pray for me. Even when I didn't want it."
Corey couldn't tear her eyes away from the man. Diggers hold kept tightening the longer the story went on, causing her side to pulse angrily, but she wasn't concerned with that. No. What worried her was the pain and longing behind dark eyes. The self hatred and regret that all swirled together. Mind far away, in another lifetime, the man lifted his palm and created a small fire figure. The feminine shape spun and leapt gracefully along the mans hand.
"God didn't give me this. Why should he take it away? See, when I get mad I..I lose control ya know? I just...I don't know what I do." Placing his empty water glass over his manipulation Corey watched as the fire woman slowly started to die. Struggling on her knees she pounded tiny fists on the glass, until finally all that remained was smoke. "Until it's done."
Callused fingers were digging into her sides, gripping painfully into her knife wound, but the noirette felt unable to shake the aussie off. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to. Her mind refused to let go of Mathias' face, and all she could think about was losing him. Whatever Boomerang was thinking was enough to cause barely visible tremors to travel his body, and his voice was rougher than normal when he spoke.
"And the kids?" But it wasn't Santana who answered. It was Harley.
"He killed them... Didn't you? Own that shit. Own it!" At the clowns shout Corey jerked in Diggers tight embrace and she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Harkness seemed to snap out of whatever trance he'd been in, because he quickly released her and spun around to face the bar properly, staring down into his can of beer. Having already finished her drink Corey simply twirled her glass between her hands, eyes trailing the years worth of stains on the bar as she listened to Harley rant. "What did ya think was gonna happen? Huh?" Floyd tried to stop the girl but she didn't listen, barreling on stubbornly. "What you were just...what? Gonna have a happy family and coach little leagues and make car payments? Normal is a setting on the dryer! People like us...we don't get normal."
Before the words were even fully out of her mouth Boomerang was snapping at her, accent thick with his aggravation. "Why is it always a knife fight every single time ya open ya mouth? Ya know on the outside...you're amazing. But inside, you're ugly."
"We all are. We all are! Except for him. He's ugly on the outside too." Glancing at Croc she watched him roll his shoulders, a low growl rumbling out of him.
"Not me shorty. I'm beautiful."
His comment, while probably not meant to be funny, still broke the thick atmosphere and Harley smiled at the scaled man. "Yeah you are."
Giggling, Corey spun in her stool, leaning back against the bar and holding out her right arm. Snapping three times she moved her arm into a 'Z' formation, cheeky smirk lighting up her face. "Ya know ya gots ta strut boyo."
Hinges squeaking brought their conversation to an end, all eyes swinging to the door.