[Episode 2 : New Friend]

Joel jumped at the sudden tough as he turned to face the woman in question. She gave him a half hearted smile for his reaction. "What Did I scare you or something?"

"Oh no. I just-" and then it hit him. The person he was talking to the infamous Harley Quinn.

"Holy shit you're Harley Quinn right?" She nodded.

"That's my name don't wear it out." She extended her hand to him. In all honesty Joel didn't mean to be rude but he was afraid to shake her hand.

He knew bits and pieces about her from the news and she's killed people with that hand. It was almost like she could read his mind.

"Oh come on it's my bat that kills people not my hands. Well sometimes it's my hands but I promise I won't hurt you". Joel could tell that she was being honest so he returned the gesture.

"Nice to meet you Harley I'm Joel". She downed the last bit of her drink as the his just getting to him.

"You know this is gonna sound strange given that we just met but I can tell that you're hurting". Joel laughed as a way to cope with the fact that she just called him out.

"No but you don't seem like the kind of person that deserves it". He gave her a confused look.

"How do you figure that?"

"I used to work in Arkham. Let's just say I know how to read people pretty well". Oh shit she's with the Joker that's right. Joel figured that he was around here somewhere because of that he had the sudden urge to get up and leave. The young man didn't feel like getting sliced and diced tonight.

"Harley it was real nice to meet you. But I have to head out." Her eyes made their way to his untouched drink.

"You can have it no worries Harley". Joel gave a wave but her sudden question caused him to stop.

"Where are you off to?" He wasn't sure why but Joel decided to be honest with her.

"I'm uh...kind of terrified of your man. I get the feeling that if he sees you talking to me he'll turn me into his new bear skin rug".

She let out a defeated laugh. "Hey I don't blame you but you don't have to worry about that though".

Joel sat back down into the stool next to her and waited for Harley to continue. "Puddin and I broke up. You're the very first person I've told. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that you're practically a stranger to me in this case".

The following words left his mouth without him even having time to think about it. "We don't have to be strangers. I can tell that you need a friend right now". Harley stared at Joel for a second.

"You're doing it out of obligation".

"Not in the slightest. Listen I'm going through the same thing myself and it's really different I could use a friend now too. What happened in your case?"

"To be honest I don't really wanna get into it. She replied with the answer. "What about you?"

"I don't wanna get into it either". There was a moment of silence between the two of them. Not an awkward one however a reflective one.

Joel picked up his glass and turned to face Harley. "Well in that case here's to a better brighter more independent future."

She raised hers high. He noticed that her cup was empty. Harley brought her arm down just enough so his could reach the rim of her glass.

"You always need something to drink to". He gave her half of his drink.

"Christ Joel. What the hell?"

"What? Not a gin and tonic?"

"Not exactly!" The two shared a laugh. Nothing that was said was particularly funny It was more out of relief It was just nice to have some company Joel knew that Harley felt the same way.

A new song blared over the speakers. Harley jumped up and said. "I love this song! Come on let's go and dance!"

"I don't really know how!" He shouted as she drew him closer to a crowded spot.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud!" Joel started to smile. He just befriended one of the baddest bitches in Gotham. No big deal.