C5
The Wayne Manor is all decked out in Christmas festivities with excellent catering, decorations, enough space for mingling and dancing or sitting down to just enjoy the sight itself. Suki made sure everything looked wonderful for tonight, despite the fact that this is nothing more than just a shame to bait Pamela to come here and be taken back to Arkham Asylum along with Harley. In truth, the beautiful Taiwanese maid really wanted Pamela to come and perhaps stay until New Year's before returning her to Arkham. She knows that that teen is ill both mentally and physically but even she needs a pleasant Christmas and not just spending it in Arkham Asylum of all places.
"Please, be careful with that table. It was handcrafted by the best sculptor from Sicilian, Italy." Suki tells the two men with seriousness.
"Yes, ma'am." said the one with a long beard.
Suki nodded before turning around in her heels to go check the caterers to see they have everything ready for cooking. She entered the other room where the will be served which is a buffet style meal.
"Do you have anything you need, Sir?." Suki asked the man who runs Gotham's best catering company.
The man, wearing a chef's hat and a crisp white apron, replied, "Everything's ready. The turkeys are roasting to perfection, and the dessert table is set to dazzle. The only thing missing is the guests' arrival, and the evening will truly begin!."
Suki nodded. "Excellent. And the beverages?."
"All chilled and ready for serving, ma'am." He tells her.
"Good." Suki walks off to go check on David.
She walks down to the massive winery inventory and specifically touched the statue woman holding a bottle of wine by turning the bottle to the right. When doing so the wall beside the statue opens up showing a caged elevator. She got in and pressed the button for down and waited to reach the Batcave. Once it reaches down, Suki walks out and feels the nice cool air of the cave along with hearing the bats. She walked down the long metal bridge to where David is sitting in front of the BatComputer doing something.
"David?." Suki calls his name when reaching him.
He looks up, noticing her and nods without taking his eyes off the screen. "Suki. How's the setup coming along?."
"Everything is perfect. The caterers are almost done. But we need to talk." Suki says, a hint of worry in her voice.
David pauses his typing and swivels around in his chair to face her. "What's up?."
Suki bites her lower lip before speaking. "I can't shake off how bad I'm feeling about us making a trap for Miss Isley. She is your girlfriend and don't you at least feel a bit awful for setting up a front party just so we can capture her and that infamous Harleen Quinzel?." She glances around the cavernous room, her eyes flitting over the various gadgets and weapons lining the walls.
David sighs heavily, rubbing his temples. "Suki, I know it's tough. But remember, we're doing this for her own good. Pamela isn't mentally there. Her mental illness has consumed her. She is putting the life of plants first before people. And as for Harley...well she isn't an actual threat to society but just a follower and got manipulated by Joker."
Suki nods slowly, understanding his words but still feeling torn. "I know, but it's Christmas. Can't we just... I don't know, give her a chance to enjoy it first?."
David gave it a thought about what she said. Yes, it's Christmas Eve and it's the time to be together and not the opposite. "What do you suggest?."
"Let's have the party without the guards and let them enjoy it first. If something goes wrong, you can always deal with it." Suki suggests.
David thinks about that suggestion. Suki has a point. He can keep her calm and not let her go insane. Harley is an easy win in containing her. "Call Gordon and Dr. Hugo Strange, and let them know that we will handle getting the two without any assistance. Tell the doctor and Gordon that I can keep Pamela calm and not get her anxious. Harley shouldn't be a problem."
Suki nods immediately and pulls out her phone. "I'll call right away." She steps away from the computer to make the calls.
Back at the worn down apartment getting into their dresses, Ivy and Harley made sure they didn't mess them up in any way. They manage to come together to make money for bus fare. Harley, who is putting black lipstick on her lips while looking in the mirror, turns to see Ivy polishing her shoes before putting them on.
"Hey, Red, are you sure that your boyfriend will let us stay in his big fancy house for Christmas?." Harley asked with a look of worry.
"Of course. David never turns anyone away who is needy. Plus, I'm his girl. He would most definitely let us crash at his place until we have our place that is rent-free." Ivy spoke while polishing her other shoe. "Why do you worry?."
"I dunno. It's just, I don't wanna cause any trouble, you know?." Harley replied, her voice laced with concern.
Ivy looked up from her shoe and gave Harley a warm smile. "You won't. Trust me. And even if there is, it's just a misunderstanding. Besides, it's Christmas."
Harley slowly nodded. "Yeah, you're right. It's Christmas. Did you manage to find some change for your share of the bus fare?".
Suki walked back into the Batcave after making the calls. "They're on board. No guards, just us."
David nodded. "Good." He looks at the screen and sees a robbery in progress. "Great, a couple of scrooges wanting to rob Gotham Bank."
Suki raised an eyebrow. "Are you going out then?."
"No choice." David gets up to go switch attires. "Looks like you are going to host the party and wait for Pamela to show up while I'm away."
Suki nods with a sigh. "I can handle it. But be careful."
David puts on his helmet and locks in on his BatTeen persona. "I'm almost careful."
Once flying out of the Batcave on the Batwing, Suki exited out of the cave and went to work on the party as the guests were arriving with gifts in their hands. David reached his destination and flew down on top of Gotham Bank and entered through the roof door and carefully walked down the steps. He activated his audio sensors and heard the robbers conversation.
"Come on, hurry up!. We ain't got all night!." one of the robbers shouted to the other who was trying to crack the safe.
"I'm fucking working on it." The other argued while drilling a hole. "The boss really wants money for Christmas if he ordered us to do this."
David rolled his eyes under the helmet. It's always the same old story. "Merry Christmas to all, except for the criminals." He says to himself before jumping down to the floor.
He carefully started sneaking around and took each man one by one. It alerted some of them since one of them spotted their member on the floor unconscious.
"Oh, shit, we got company, boys!." The criminal loaded his gun.
David rolled his eyes before jumping out of the shadows. "You know, it's the holiday season. Can't you find a better gig than robbing a bank?."
The robbers pointed their guns at him, but their expressions shifted from confidence to fear as they recognized the figure before them. "It's Batman!." One of them exclaimed.
"It's... forget it." David threw down his smoke pellets and started attacking.
The robbers fired a few shots blindly before scattering like cockroaches under the blindness of Batman's presence. He swiftly took them down, one by one, their weapons clattering to the floor. He knocked the leader out and rested him down before hearing the door being slammed open and in came twenty-five of armed men and two heavy set men with each carrying a machine gun. The one behind all of this was none other than Two-Face himself.
"Well, Well, look who came to ruin my Christmas." Two-Face spoke while holding his pistol.
David's eyes narrowed behind the visor. "You're not going to get away with this, Dent."
"Oh, it's not my decision, bat boy." Two-Face pulls out his coin. "This is. Heads we leave. Tails you die and won't see Christmas Day tomorrow."
"Flip it and see what fate decides for me." David challenged.
Two-Face chuckled, the sound echoing in the bank, and tossed the coin into the air. It spun around and around before landing on the ground with a clink. The room held its breath as Two-Face leaned down to see the result. "Looks like tails, Bat-brat." He sneered, raising his gun.
"Very well then." David quickly threw two more smoke pellets and zipped out before being shot and landed on a statue watching them scrambling.
"He got away!." Two-Face looks at his men. "Spread out and find and kill him!."
"You got it, boss. You men with me." said a thug before walking to the other direction.
Two-Face growled in frustration and turned to the safe, his other men following. "Get that safe open and load the garbage truck with the dough."
While the chaos ensued inside the bank, Ivy and Harley approached the grand Wayne Manor. The lights shone brightly, illuminating the path to the front door. Ivy looked at Harley with excitement.
"This is going to be so much fun!. Imagine the food!. And the decorations!." Harley excitedly said while standing in line.
"Shh. Let's try to keep a low profile." Ivy whispered, tugging at her friend's arm.
"You're one to talk, Red. You stand out like a green thumb. Literally, because you're actually green." said Harley, before being pinched. "Ouch!."
The two friends chuckled quietly as they waited for their turn to enter. Once inside, they were greeted by the warmth of the manor and the smell of delicious food wafting through the air. The grand hall was decked with a giant Christmas tree that reached the ceiling, adorned with gold and red ornaments. The walls were covered in fake snowflakes and lights, creating a festive yet eerie ambiance.
"He went all out this year." Ivy looks at the area in awe. She looks to see where the line is going before breaking off as she sees them drop off gifts at the massive table. "Uh, oh. Forgot to bring gifts for the exchange game."
"It's okay, Ivy. We can always find something around here." Harley whispered with a mischievous smile. "You're his girlfriend, I bet you know where the priceless artifacts he has are."
Ivy rolled her eyes but couldn't resist Harley's infectious energy. "Fine, but you're not stealing anything or breaking anything."
"Pinky promise, Ivy." Harley held out her hand, showing off her pinky finger with a cheeky grin.
Ivy sighed and linked her pinky with Harley's. "Fine, but I mean it. Come on."
They made their way through the crowded hallway, passing by groups of well-dressed guests who whispered about them. As they approached the room where the ancient artifacts were all lined on each side and some in cases.
"Nice." Harley looks at a full piece of damaged samurai armor.
"Don't even think about it, Harley." Ivy hissed, keeping an eye out for any signs of security.
"I'm not thinking about it!." Harley protested, through her eyes remained glued to the shiny artifacts.
Ivy looks around to see her favorite item of the lot. A beautiful green jasmine flower necklace. "This is my favorite one."
"It looks like it'd look good on you." Harley nodded in agreement, her eyes still darting around for any fun items to look at.
"It was deported from El Salvador after being found in a secret jungle from underneath a city." Ivy looked at the design. "Mr. Wayne paid big on getting this at a black market auction."
"It's beautiful, but Ivy, we should get going. We don't wanna be caught." Harley reminded her as she looked around.
"Ok." Ivy felt her stomach growling.
The sound of laughter and music grew louder as they approached the main party room. The walls were lined with people, all dressed in their holiday best, sipping on eggnog and munching on hors d'oeuvres. The catering staff was moving swiftly, ensuring everyone's plates and glasses remained full. The two didn't waste time to get themselves something to eat.
"Oh, look!." Harley pointed to a tray of miniature turkeys with cranberry sauce. "I'm starving!."
Ivy nodded in agreement. "Let's grab something to eat before finding a place to sit."
They weaved through the crowd, plucking appetizers from passing trays and smiling politely at the guests who offered curious glances. Despite the grandeur, there was an underlying tension in the air, as if everyone was waiting for something to happen. Ivy couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, but she brushed it off, telling herself it was just the excitement of the evening. She sat down and ate her food. She looks at the enormous evergreen tree and sees it was a very good fake plastic tree to her relief as hope it wasn't real. She knows that David knew better to order a real tree to decorate it and then have it chopped to be burned once Christmas is over.
Harley, who was chewing on a roast beef sandwich, spoke with her mouthful. "So, what are you going to say to him when you see him?."
"I'm not sure." Ivy said, picking at her salad. "I just want to enjoy the party first before I can even talk to him about that home wrecking bitch named Riddle."
"Oh, you mean the one who got her hands all over your boyfriend?." Harley smirked, licking her lips. "What would you do if you saw her after knowing how she looks?."
Ivy sighs, setting down her plate. "I'm not going to do anything rash. I'll just talk to David."
"Good plan," Harley nods, swallowing her food. "But remember, if she starts acting up, I've got your back."
"Thanks." Ivy looks up to see Suki offering champagne on a tray.
Suki's eyes widened when seeing the two and played along. "Miss Isley." She said with a smile, trying to keep her cool. "What a surprise. I never thought you would be here after your escape from Arkham."
"Merry Christmas to you too, Suki." Ivy said with a weak smile. "How are you?."
Suki forced a smile, trying to act natural. "I'm doing well, Miss Isley. And yourself?. How was your journey here?." She offered them both a glass of champagne, her eyes darting around to make sure no one else was listening in.
"It was...eventful," Harley said with a grin, snatching a glass from the tray. She took a sip and smacked her lips together. "Mmm, fancy stuff. Tastes like stolen jewels."
"And you must be Harley Quinn, yes?." Suki watched the girl drink another glass.
"The one and only!." Harley raised her glass before taking another sip.
Suki focussed her attention back to Ivy. "Me and David were worried about you once we heard about your escape."
"I'm okay, really. Just wanted to get out and see the world, you know?" Ivy replied, her eyes never leaving the floor. "That, and save my relationship with David."
" What do you mean by that?." Suki already knows the situation but wanted to hear her own lips.
"I mean, I know he's been busy with other things, but I miss him." Ivy says, her eyes misting. "I miss being his girlfriend, and not just some crazy plant lady in a cage. Is he really seeing another girl?."
"I'll let you and David have this conversation in private, once he returns from his meeting." Suki said before seeing a shocked Ivy.
"He's working?. On Christmas of all holidays?." Ivy was shocked.
Suki nodded solemnly. "I know it's hard, Miss Isley, but he's running a multi dollar family owned corporation. He has responsibilities."
"I know," Ivy murmured, taking a sip of her champagne to mask her sadness. She watched as the guests continued to mingle and dance, the festive music filling the room. It was all so perfect, yet she felt like a thorn in this garden of happiness. "Am I crazy, Miss Suki?."
"Crazy?. No, Miss Isley," Suki replied with a gentle smile. "You're just...misunderstood."
Ivy nodded, not fully convinced. "Where is he exactly?."
Suki glanced at her phone. "He should be returning shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the party. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you when he's done with his business."
"Can I hang around in his room until returns?. I'm suddenly not in a festive mood right now." Ivy hoped it would be a slow yes and not a fast no.
Suki hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Of course, Miss Isley. If you can remember, his room is the second door on the left upstairs. I'll bring your food up so you wont starve yourself silly."
"Thank you, Suki." Ivy says with a small smile before heading upstairs.
Suki looks back at Harley with caution. "I hope you can behave yourself throughout the night."
"Don't worry, I'll be good as pie. Unless someone messes with me, then all bets are off." Harley winked before setting her glass down.
"Don't start trouble." Suki walks off.
"Me?. Trouble?. Pssh." Harley watched her leave before jumping up off the couch. "It's my first time being in a fancy ass mansion. Not going to ruin myself by losing the opportunity to enjoy luxury. Now, where are the sweets?."
Ivy reached David's room and flopped down on his bed before removing her shoes off her feet. She sighed sadly at her downfall for letting her mental illness take away everything she loved and cared about. She didn't fight hard enough against her illness and now look at her. She is a plant humanoid hybrid with a passion for plants and not people. Her parents cut ties with her and she will never get them back even if she successfully performed well in her treatment and got her skin bleached back to her original skin tone.
"I really fucked myself and life up." Ivy sighed before laying down on David's bed. "Fuck me."