Author's Note: Life happens, but I will not make excuses for my slow updates, I will update as quickly as I can. You will notice a few changes here, such as I added the event that lead to Joker chasing Joker and Harley, it's not explicitly stated in this chapter but that event is what caught Batman's attention to have the big car chase scene. After this chapter, Suicide Squad will not start right away, I want to add more of the time in prison, the people who assess Harley etc so there will be that before the events of the movie. I know some of you won't like how I changed the very end scene (you'll know what I mean when you read it) but I think it fits better with the changed dynamic of the story I have shown so far. As always let me know what you think.
Chapter Twenty Three.
Harley was enraptured as she listened to Jokers newest plot. The dim lighting of his office bathed the room, and the mad duo, in a hazy golden light as he talked about his idea to teach Gotham a lesson, using an upcoming political figure as the example. "It's simple, babydoll. Carson wants to, uh, crack down on crime with his very own flavour of it so we're going to introduce a little anarchy"Joker drawled lowly, twirling one of his knives through his fingers as he spoke.
Harley nodded from her usual position perched on the edge of Jokers large desk. "Carsons preaching about ethics with his group of dirty little politicians was grating on my nerves. We can make it a date night Puddin'" Harley responded, throwing a beaming smile his way. Joker laughed slowly, yanking Harley from the desk to abruptly sit her in his lap "We'll, uh, paint the town red, baby" He said, flashing his silver teeth at Harley in response as he brushed back his hair.
Harley clapped and nodded before standing and smoothing her outfit. Her outfit today was different to her usual, preferred look for their 'date nights'. She worn a long sultry black dress, that dipped low in the front and clung to her like a second skin, the dress was paired with a long, straight deep brown wig swept up into an intricate bun. Her role tonight required a little anonymity to start off with, and her look mirrored that.
With a careful adjustment of the garters on her upper thighs that contained her beautiful pink knives, she held a hand out to Joker, who took it and stood. Joker was dressed in an artfully tailored white shirt, his criss-cross gun harness strapped on already, with his bow tie hanging loosely around his neck. Harley stepped forward and ran her hand along Jokers cheek, he closed his eyes briefly and twisted his neck so his face pressed into her hand. Harley slid her hand off his cheek as he opened his eyes and moved her hands to do up his bow tie.
"Shall we?" Joker asked, presenting his arm to Harley, who beamed and wrapped her arm around his. "This will be a good date night, Puddin'" Harley said as Joker lead her to the elevator. Joker laughed madly in return, spinning her as he entered the elevator. The garage was empty of men tonight, having all been sent off on their various assignments earlier in the evening. Joker hummed as he looked around the garage, glancing over his cars until he laid eyes on The Vaydor.
Harley bounced on her heels slightly as she laid eyes on the custom built car, it was a beautiful sleek dark pink car, it was Harley's favourite of his collection. "Mmm, hop in" Joker said as he walked quickly to the driver's side and slid in. Harley followed quickly behind him, bouncing into the car with excitement radiating off of her. Joker bared his teeth in a wide smile at Harley as he peeled out of the garage into the cool, clear evening.
It was not long before Joker drew to a stop outside a small, exclusive club in the heart of Gotham. The club was unlike others in the town, it was often rented exclusively to parties of powerful people, such as tonight where it was occupied by Carson and his team of political cohorts. Harley turned and pressed a kiss to Joker's mouth firmly, smiling widely at him as he looked at her. "You know what to do, baby. Go get 'em" Joker said, patting Harleys behind as she opened the door and exited the beautiful car.
Harley smoothed her dress and slid a hand over her dark wig, ensuring it was firmly in place. The club was discrete from the outside, dark bricks surrounded a heavy oak door which was guarded by a tall man dressed in dark clothing. Harley maintained eye contact as she glided forward, painting a sultry smile on her face. The man raised an eyebrow at Harley as she stopped in front of him, his eyes dropping to draw slowly up her body.
"Hi there, I'm Alanah, I was called to come and, uh, entertain the gentlemen tonight" Harley said, her tone low and warm, her gaze unwavering. The man nodded slightly before catching himself and clearing his throat "I'll just, uh, just check" He said, pressing his jacket covered wrist to his mouth and murmuring briefly. He seemed to be listening for a moment, he glanced at Harley quickly "They say no one, uh, ordered anything tonight" He said. Harley didn't let her face change and instead widened her smile "It's complimentary, a business partner who wishes to remain anonymous where possible wants to show his… hospitality" Harley responded smoothly, placing a hand gently on the mans forearm.
The guard swallowed slightly before raising his wrist and relaying the information, the man listened for a moment before nodding at Harley and stepping forward to open the door, Harley brushed her hand along his arm lightly as she moved through the door into the dimly lit club ahead of her. The club was small, yet elegant, the room lined with plush velvet couches and hazy with cigar scented smoke. A large group of men sat around a circular table, playing poker and drinking swigs of amber liquid from crystal glasses.
The group looked to her as she swayed into the room. "Hello gentlemen, Elson Corp' send their warmest regards to the political future of Gotham" Harley said lowly, moving to stand beside the tall pale man that was Carson. The men smirked slightly as Harley draped a hand on Carson's shoulder. "How thoughtful of them, are you a, ah, gift?" Carson asked, pushing out slightly from the table in the expensive wooden chair, Harley nodded with a seductive smile. Carson laughed, the men surrounding him joining in quickly.
"Why don't you take a seat while we finish our hand then?" Carson responded slickly, patting a hand to his grey clothed lap. Harley obliged and drapped herself across the man's lap, running her hand along his arm as he pressed a thick hand to her behind. The men continued their hand, thick cigar smoke coiling up from the group of men as they played. Once the round had finished, Harley stood. "Let me just freshen up, and then we can play a different kind of game" Harley stated, brushing her fingertips along Carson's thigh. The man smirked and smacked Harleys behind as she turned to the back of the room and made her exit.
Harley exited down the back hallway with a quick backwards glance as she passed the bathroom quickly and stopped at the fire exit. Pulling a pin from her hair, Harley picked the lock quickly and pulled open the door, revealing a grinning Joker. "Right on time, Harlequin" He drawled, pushing into the hallway and pulling Harley in for a brief passionate kiss.
Harley winked as she took Joker's hand and lead him back down the hall, entering the room containing the men. "I hope you don't mind, I brought a friend" She called, causing the eyes of all the men to draw to her, and then fill with horror at the sight of Joker. Harley reached up and pulled the wig firmly from her head, she shook out her curled hair as Joker began to laugh, walking forward.
"Well hello boys, I see you've met my Harlequin. A little problem, I don't like people, uh, touching my things" Joker said, lifting a glass of whiskey from the table and draining it in one mouthful, Joker sighed and twisted his head before throwing the glass abruptly to the ground and cackling. Harley joined in with his laughter as she twined herself slyly around the men at the table.
"You claim to want to abolish crime in our city, but you're bad boys yourself, aren't you Carson? So I, uh, decided we need a little more anarchy" Joker began, as he twirled a chair around and sat in it backwards. The men were frozen in place, eyes drawn to the blade Joker had begun twirling. Carsons face was a sickly white, flushed points of red raised in his cheeks. "Now see here Joker, you can't-" Carson began, only to be cut off by Harley abruptly slamming his head against the solid table.
Carson rose was a yelp of pain, pressing a hand to the thick streams of red now flowing from his nose "Don't interrupt Mister J" She said sweetly, moving to stand by Joker, who watched on with an insane smile. "See the thing is you claim you can spread calm through Gotham, oh but what a bad boy you are for lying. Introduce a little anarchy to the established order and everything becomes chaos. So we're going to show Gotham what a little chaos really looks like" Joker spoke, his voice rasping.
Joker stood and pulled a small object from his pocket, keeping it hidden from sight. "Now Joker you can't do anything, my guards will be in here any second" Carson replied, false bravado failing at covering his terror. The men around the table glanced at each other briefly, staggering the room with frightful tension. As if on a que, two guards walked into the room, and abruptly raised their guns at Joker and Harley.
Before anyone could talk Joker raised his hand, revealing a small, black canister. "Ahh, ahh, ahh, I want to show off my second favourite toy first" Joker said, winking at Harley, who laughed with a brilliant smile. "This is my little invention, Joker Venom. You'll, uh, never look more delighted to die" Joker continued, looping a finger through the small pull tab at the top of the cannister.
"You're a mad man Joker, if you pull that you'll kill yourself as well" One of the men at the table spoke up, glancing around the room. "Let's test that, Puddin'" Harley called, beginning to laugh as Joker pulled the tab and threw the cannister down onto the table. Thick grey smoke began to billow into the room, a slight green tint staining the cloud. All of the occupants in the room began to cough, excluding Harley and Joker. Harley giggled as she walked through the fog calmly, wrapping her arms around a laughing Joker's neck as they watched the men.
All the coughing men in the room began to laugh hysterically, dropping to their knees as they clutched at their throats. A few moments later, as the smoke began to disperse, the corpses of the room were revealed, enormous disfigured smiles pulling at their faces. Harley stepped over the corpses to Carson's body and tugged his Rolex watch from his wrist, slipping it onto her arm. Harley hesitated for a moment before deciding she wanted all the other men's watches too, and collected them as well. Her forearms soon laden with expensive watches.
Joker laughed at her antics, before grabbing her hand and leading her from the room. "Do you think anyone has worked out the connection between our little baths at ACE chemicals and the toxin immunity, Puddin'?" Harley asked lightly as Joker led her out of the back door of the building to his waiting car, while he tugged the tie undone and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Joker laughed loudly in response "Anyone who knows doesn't keep their head for long" He rasped, starting the engine as Harley relaxed in her seat. Harley beamed at Joker and chuckled, as Joker peeled off into the night.
Thanks to the eccentric driving of Joker, it was not long before Harley and Joker arrived at the club. As they entered Harley glanced around at the writhing, drunken bodies dancing in time to the thumping music. "You told Frost to bring my bag right?" Harley asked, as they were handed drinks without a word and led to their private booth. Joker flashed his teeth and waved a hand through the air, which was soon occupied by a large pink bag, handed to Harley by a solemn faced Frost.
Harley clapped and took the bag as she placed her signature enormous blue cocktail down onto the table and kissed Joker as she pranced off to the bathroom to change. Harley sighed in relief once she had finished touching up her make up and had changed into a beautiful playsuit. The playsuit was one of newest acquisitions from Eileen, short with a decent 'V-neck' dip, and an open back held together by thin golden chains. It was made up of shining black and gold diamond shapes, and complete with tassels hanging off the end, it was glorious. Harley considered the large mirror surrounded by lights, as she swiped red lipstick to her lips.
With a last tug at her artful, curled hair, Harley exited into the club and made her way back to Joker. A loud wolf whistle met her as Joker caught sight of her, his usual shark toothed smile in place, he patted his knee for Harley to sit on, and Harley complied happily. "Is it Monster T who's coming in for business tonight, Puddin'?" Harley question, picking her drink up and draining half of it in an impressive motion.
"He's coming to, uh, discuss the finer details of a little deal he wants to make" Joker responded, lazing backwards on the plush couch. Harley nodded, her pink and blue tipped hair bouncing with the motion. "Let me guess, I'm good at guessing!" Harley began, winking at Joker, who laughed loudly and motioned for her to continue, leaning his head back as he listened. "He has been getting protection from the fine men in blue so he can peddle his naughty drugs in your area, in exchange for a cut of the profit, and he wants to extend his reach" Harley announced, humming as she thought it over.
Jokers smile flashed icily for a moment as he threw his hands out to the side "She gets it in one, ladies and gentlemen. What a gal!" He called out loudly, his rasping voice taking on a mocking announcer's tone, his long fingers tugging at the 'Puddin'' necklace she wore. Harley mockingly bowed from her seated position "How boring, so… unoriginal of him" Harley sighed, before draining her drink and standing. "I'm gonna go dance Mister J, don't have too much fun without me" Harley sang, running her index finger down Jokers arm as she turned to leave. Joker gave an exaggerated salute in response, as she twirled towards the edge of the VIP platform.
With her usual technique of swinging up through the chains, Harley was soon in her favourite glass box, dancing. The box was her favourite as it had a clear view of the bar, where she could keep an eye on Blue, and was directly beside Jokers booth, where she could intervene if necessary. The box was now dubbed 'Harleys' officially and was kept empty, as Harley had a habit of throwing any other uninvited occupants from it.
The music swirled through Harley's mind, the dim lighting accompanied by random bright flashes of lasered lighting helping her swirl into the funhouse of her mind. Time sped around Harley as she danced, twisting and arching her body in dramatic and sensual poses. Harley was drawn from the mirrored maze of her thoughts by the feeling of eyes on her. Glancing over subtlety, she caught sight of Monster T sitting opposite Joker.
He would have looked like an intimidating man had he been in any other company, his tall, muscular frame suited in an intricate leather jacket, patched with dark red and grey designs over his chest and back. Around his large dark sunglasses revealed more of his numerous tattoos. His bald head was covered in what looked to be a pair of horns, with an eye tattooed in the middle of his forehead, with crosses tattooed on his cheeks. More tattoos trailed down his neck, peaking out at every piece of exposed skin. Harley liked his piercings around his lips and nose, imagining how easy they would be to tip from his skin.
Harley wondered if the name Monster T came before or after the tattoos, as she pressed herself against the glass, teasing the drunken, lusty dancers, like a child in an aquarium, tapping the glass to startle the fish. Harley kept an eye on Joker and Monster T as they spoke, watching with amusement as the man held out a ringed hand for Joker to shake, only to be stopped by Frost with a deep "He doesn't shake hands".
Harley moved smoothly to open the glass door imperceptibly, to allow Joker and Monster T's conversation to reach her. Frost motioned for Monster T to sit, who complied and lowered himself opposite Joker, who had his hands leaning casually on his cane, his golden rings and bracelets glinting as he stared out over the club distantly, seemingly ignoring Monster T.
"Hey J, on behalf of everyone, welcome back" Monster T said, his tone more confident than it should have been, Harley thought. Harley motioned for the box to be lowered slightly, to where she could reach the dancers below her yet still easily access the chains she used to transport herself. Harley pushed the door open with a golden heeled foot and yanked a pretty masked dancer in with her. She pressed the African American woman against the glance and danced around her, like a cat toying with an unsuspecting bird.
"I just wanted to say thank you, for making me good money, for making you good money" Monster T said smoothly. Joker brushed a hand against his check quickly, tilting his head around to look at Monster T finally, his expression serious. "Are you sweet talking me?" He asked, raising his hand to have his grinning tattoo cover his mouth as he began to laugh slowly, the chilling sound carrying over the music. "I love this guy" Joker began, as Monster T removed his shades, unease flickering over his face at the unmistakable laugh of Joker.
Joker leaned forward and rocked slightly, a large grin pulling at his face. "So intense!" He laughed, his eyes wide and glinting. Harley shoved the shocked dancer from her glass box and motioned for the box to be raised again, dancing lustily as she moved to be adjacent to Jokers booth again. The movement caught Monster T's eye as he glanced sideways, watching Harley drop lowly in the box, sliding her body smoothly.
"You're a lucky man. You got a bad bitch" Monster T said, his gaze unwavering from Harley as she dropped to a squat and swayed her body back upwards. Harley could see from where she danced that Jokers serious expression was back in place, his eyes wide and unblinking like a snake as he raised a hand slowly and waved it in Harley's direction, "Oh that she is" He rasped.
Joker rose slowly, his hand still extended as he raised his other hand, moving closer to Monster T slowly. Frosts expression darkened as he predicted the outcome of his boss' meeting with Monster T, he placed a shot before Monster T before moving back into the shadowed corner. "The fire in my loins, the itch in my crotch" Joker said, his voice gaining volume as he spun slowly, his arms extended as he moved to stand beside the chained edge of his booth. He pulled his elbows in line with his waist, his fists clenched as he continued. "The one, the only, the infamous, Harley Quinn!" He called loudly, his tone like velvet, impossibly rough and smooth.
Harley mimicked shooting down the crowd dramatically as she brushed her hair back from her face, her gaze snapped back to Joker as he whistled loudly, acting as though she hadn't heard the whole conversation. Harley laughed and opened the glass door, swinging her body through the chains to reach the outside edge of Jokers booth. Harley beamed, pushing through the golden chains to perch on the top of the couch. Monster T took his shot as Joker spoke "Ooh, come to daddy" he growled, moving in front of his previous seat.
"Puddin'" Harley stated, giggling slowly, an impossibly large smile covering her face. Harley studied Jokers face as he moved to stand next to her "Listen, you are my gift to this handsome… hunka' hunka!" He said, his voice raising as her motioned between Harley and Monster T. The gangster looked uneasy as Joker spoke, his eyes following Jokers movements as he smoothed back his hair and turned to Harley.
"You belong to him now" Joker said, taking Harleys arm as she slid off of the couch and guiding her over to Monster T. Harley felt excitement rise in her, as she beamed at Monster T and growled at him before laughing and lowering herself to sit in his lap, her arm lacing around the back of his neck. The manic pair playing with their victims was one of Harley's favourite things to do.
Monster T chuckled lowly, his gaze on Harley's face as she slid a hand up his leather clad arm. "You're cute" She said, moving her face closely to his as Joker moved back to stand in front of his seat, his gleaming eyes never leaving Harley. "You want me?" She asked lowly, allowing her bubblegum scented breath to wash over Monster T. Harley placed a hand to his face, watching his lustful gaze take her in, "I'm all yours" she spoke lowly, letting out a giggle.
Joker's mouth was slightly ajar as he watched Harley toy with Monster T, his expression dark as he let out a breath of air, breathing heavily. Harley leaned back slightly as Monster T caught sight of Joker, his expression morphing into worry. "I don't want no beef" He rumbled, reading the electric tension in the air. "You don't want no beef? You don't want no beef, don't want no beef" Joker mocked, swaying slightly. "Why what's wrong? You don't like me?" Harley chimed in, annoyance tinging her tone.
"Fine. don't waste my time then" Harley pouted, standing quickly and moving to stand beside Joker as he tugged his hands around the back of his neck while Monster T spoke "This is your lady" he spoke smoothly, though concern showed in his eyes. Harley sat carefully, an anticipating smile on her face as she watched the show before her. Joker moved in front of Monster T, leaning forward to be on his eye level "Are you enjoying yourself? Joker rasped, a cold smile flashing on his face as Monster T watched, frozen.
"No, that's your lady J" Monster T said, his eyes on Joker who was brushing his hair back, his grin in place. "That's right" Joker said, standing quickly, his motions followed by an unmoving Frost. Before Monster T could move he pulled a gun, pressing it into the gangsters forehead, his smile dropped coldly as he pulled it back "No, J-" Monster T was cut off by Joker firing a bullet directly into Monster T's forehead, the bullet piercing the third eye tattoo like a target.
Harley laughed loudly at the action, as she moved to stand beside Joker, who was holstering his gun. Joker growled slightly and pressed a possessive kiss to Harley, before moving back to tell Frost to dispose of the body. Harley leaned down and yanked Monster T's ostentatious watch from his wrist, before clasping on her own. Joker motioned Harley over, who complied quickly. "Why don't you take me home, Puddin'?" Harley purred, trailing her fingers down Jokers throat, who leaned his head back and exhaled sharply "Looking to, uh, finish up date night?" Joker questioned, snapping his gaze to Harley, a smile back in place on her face.
The pair laughed loudly as they exited the club to Jokers car, the drunken clubbers oblivious as they danced. Joker slid into the driver's seat, Harley beaming beside him as they peeled off into the night "Do it Puddin'" Harley called, as Joker took daring turns to swerve through the light traffic. Harleys gaze drifted to the rear view mirror as the pair laughed, wildly twining between the cars. "Oh we have got company" Joker said, leaning towards Harley as he caught sight of Batman's signature car accompanying them in the dark streets.
"Batsy, Batsy, Batsy" Harley chanted, grinning widely back at Joker as Batman sped behind them. Joker laughed as he spun around the corners, a sudden thumping jerking a cry from Harley as she bounced, Joker rolled his eyes upwards to where Batman had landed on the roof of his car. Harley frowned, reaching over and grabbing Joker's gun from his holster "Batsy, you're ruining date night!" She yelled, raising the gun and firing upwards as Joker laughed maniacally.
Joker turned another corner, the warfs coming into view before them. "Puddin'" Harley said, glancing at Joker "You need to jump out" Harley said, her voice wavering at the sight of the dark, still water rapidly approaching, she knew she couldn't swim, she would slow down Joker if he went in the water with her. Joker glanced towards Harley once again, slowing almost imperceptibly. "I can't swim Puddin'. You need to get out! I'll slow him down" Harley yelled, her eyes piercing into Jokers.
A moment before the car hit the water Joker nodded once more at Harley, who blew a wild kiss at him, he motioned shooting it down as he rolled from the car. "Puddin'!" Harley screamed as she hit the water. Harley's head jerked backwards as the car sank through the icy waves, bringing herself back to reality Harley dropped her head down to her chest as the water flowed into the car through the windscreen, which had shattered upon impact. Harley moved forward through the dark water quickly, draping herself through the window to lean her body on the bonnet, pulling a pink knife from her thigh holster as she dropped. She knew Batman would be here soon enough, hoping to catch Joker, and no one touched her Mister J but her.
Harley felt the water push against her as Batman swam towards her, she remained motionless, playing dead. Batman's gloved hand clenched in her hair, pulling her head back, Harley snapped her eyes open and bared her teeth at Joker, bubbles of air streaming upwards. Harley slashed the knife through the water, the liquid slowing her motions enough that before she could land the blade into Batman's flesh, his armored hand had struck her face, knocking her back into darkness.
Flashes of street light hit her closed eyes as her soaked body hit the crisp night air, her body limp in Batman's arms as she came to consciousness. With a thump she felt herself hit metal, she held her breath as she felt gloved fingers touch her throat, how touching she thought, as Batman's fingers pressed her nose closed.
His mouth pressed against hers suddenly, Harley felt a thrill through her as she kissed him harshly before he could blow air into her lungs, clenching her hand to the side of his throat. She was too weak from the impact to fight as Batman's hand pressed to her neck, slamming her back down to the metal bonnet below her. Harley peeked through heavily lidded eyes. Noticing the absence of Joker, she began laughing. he had escaped as she wished. He would come for her she thought, laughing loudly as she was shoved into Batmans car.