The air was cool during what seemed to be a quiet night in Gotham City. In the shadows crept one of Gotham's well-known criminals. As she stepped into the lit up streets of the city, anyone that was nearby could plainly see who she was. The notorious Harley Quinn. However, she did not look as intimidating as she usually did. Her white makeup was smeared, showing patches of her real skin. Her one cheek had a brownish tone. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Another of Joker's plans had failed. Batman had escaped from his clutches, and was free to further protect the city from other criminals. While Joker usually wasn't too upset over his plans flopping, this time was different. He managed to remove Batman's mask. However, before he could see who the city's vigilante truly was, Harley was thrown into him by Batman's sidekick, Robin. It wasn't until Batman and Robin got away that Joker let Harley have it. He spit vile remarks at her as he continuously slapped her across the face.

Stupid!

Clumsy!

Useless!

Joker finished his violent rampage by curling his hand into a fist, and sent it straight to Harley's cheek. The punch caused Harley to collapse. She gazed up at the Joker in fear, preparing herself for anymore abuse he had to offer. However, all the Joker did was wrinkle his nose at her. "Clean yourself up, you silly girl," the clown-like criminal murmured before turning from her. He sniffed, adjusting the collar of his shirt as if what he did was merely casual.

Harley Quinn didn't utter a word as she quickly fled from the scene, choking on a sob. A hand was pressed to the left side of her face, wanting to conceal what the Joker had done to her. She didn't have a set destination as she raced through the city. All she knew was that she needed to be away from the Joker, before more harm could be done to her.

Civilians shrieked with horror when they saw Harley Quinn among them. They ran in the opposite direction of her. If she were in a better mood, seeing the horror on these people's faces would've delighted her. But tonight, Harley had reached her breaking point. Joker had abused her time and time again, but she never let it bother her so much until now. Flopping onto a nearby bench, the criminal began pondering over her past.

Once known as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Harley Quinn had a promising career. She worked as a therapist in Arkham Asylum. This was where the city's most insane of criminals were kept, including the Joker.

She remembered the day she first laid eyes on him. He looked like a sad clown as he sat behind the protective glass. When Harley had the chance to sit down and get to know him, she learned that this clown was more than just sad. He had a tragic life. This criminal mastermind had an abusive father, who would find any excuse to beat him. To add onto this, because of the Batman, Joker had become physically mutated. His story broke Harley's heart, and it was enough for her to fall in love with him.

It was then that she decided to set Joker free, so he could pursue the life he always wanted. Harley thought that aside from wanting the Batman gone, he would want her in his life as well. It wasn't until after many bank robberies, kidnappings, and hits to the face that Harley realized that she was nothing but a pawn to the Joker. She had given him her heart, but he would only stomp on it.

There was nothing left for Harley. She had no life other than the Joker. Her family had completely disowned her upon finding out she had a hand in setting Joker free, and would send her to Arkham Asylum in a heart beat. Harley had no job, no home, and no friends. There was one thing she had, though. An escape.

Reaching into her pocket, Harley revealed one of Joker's pistols she had stolen. If Joker didn't want her, then no one would. There was no place for her in this world.

"I bet this is what ya want, puddin'!" Harley laughed as she pointed the gun to her head. "This is what you've always wanted!" She laughed harder as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I meant nothin' to ya! All those stories you told me were lies! I bet your dad gave ya everything you ever wanted, and you probably pushed him aside too!" Harley cocked the gun. "Well, hasta la vista, baby!"

As she was about to pull the trigger, the gun was suddenly swiped from her hand. Harley gaped at her now empty hand in shock. She then gazed down at gun on the ground, along with another object beside it. A bat shaped throwing star.

"I didn't take you to be a coward, Quinn." Stepping out from the shadows was none other than Batman. He stared at Harley with the same, solemn face he gave any other criminal.

"This ain't any of your business, Bats!" Harley shouted, eyes piercing at the man who constantly got in her way.

"When you're about to blast your brains into Gotham's streets, it automatically becomes my business." Batman took a step closer to Harley Quinn, causing her to flinch. "He hit you."

"What?! No!" Harley huffed, folding her arms as she turned from him. "This is from your baby bird sidekick!"

"I doubt that."

The criminal sank more in her seat, keeping her arms crossed over her chest. She groaned, narrowing her eyes as she stared ahead in the distance.

"Are you going to tell me the truth, or am I going to have to find out for myself?"

"What are you gonna do? Hit me? You ain't gonna hit a girl."

"Not one that's already been hit enough." Batman raised a hand, stroking his broad chin with it. "Though, I could get the truth from the Joker. It's not hard to put him in his place."

"Do whatever you want to him. I ain't protectin' him this time," Harley said lowly, her gaze downcast. She stiffened when she felt a cold hand on her shoulder.

Leaning over the bench, Batman simply said, "Tell me."

"You want the truth?!" Harley shouted as she smacked his hand away, sharply rising to glare up at Batman. "I gave up my life for him! I've done all his dirty deeds, and I ain't got nothin' in return! He's only ridin' his Harley a couple times, for cryin' out loud!"

"A little too much truth, Harley," the vigilante said, cringing over the thought of Joker "riding" Harley.

"Any time he slips up, I get the blame! Any time I slip up, I get a beatin'!" Harley sat herself down on the bench. She hugged her knees against her chest. "If Mistah J don't want me, then I got no one. If I got no one, then I got no point in stickin' around. The world's a cruel place to be alone in. He's all I got." A single tear strayed from Harley's eye.

"And you think suicide will solve all your problems?" Batman inquired as he sat beside her.

Glancing at Batman, Harley sniffled. "What other choice do I got?"

"Perhaps telling the Joker what you just told me may help."

"You're kiddin', right?" Harley said, cocking an eyebrow. "We're talkin 'bout Mistah J here." Tilting her head, the criminal eyed Batman. "Say, since when did you become a therapist? Is that what you are under that costume?"

"Let's just say I've had my own share of tragedy," Batman replied lowly. "But if you were only a simple pawn to Joker, then why would he have kept you alongside him for so long? Seems to me that you may mean a little something more to him than you know."

"You...you really think that?" Harley asked, her eyes gleaming.

Truth be told, he didn't think so. Batman could see this relationship was abusive. Time and time again, he had witnessed these two go through the same routine. One moment, they would have their loving moments, but then the next, the Joker would treat Harley as if she was a punching bag. As much as Batman wanted to tell Harley what he really thought, he knew that his blunt words could be the end of her. She was in a fragile state. It was best to tell her what she wanted to hear, especially if it meant saving her life. Besides, he couldn't help feeling just a little optimistic. Maybe, just maybe, Harley could get through to Joker somehow. Even if it seemed highly unlikely. "I wouldn't be telling you if I didn't think so."

"D'oh Bats! You may be a thorn in my side, but you can be such a sweetheart, y'know!" Cupping Batman's face into her hands, Harley leaned in and planted a kiss onto his lips. "So, now that I've told my story, care to tell me yours?"

"Not happening." Batman promptly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. "I'm taking you home." He pulled out a gun, which contained his Bat Claw. Pointing it to a nearby building, Batman held Harley tightly against him as they were flung.

"What?! You can't...WAAAAAH!" Harley screamed as she and Batman flew into the air. Her fingers clutched his suit tightly. "I HATE YOUR BATTHINGAMABOBS!"

-

After what seemed like an eternity of having to hear Harley's screams, Batman landed on the rooftop. He was given vague directions from Harley, but dared not ask specifically where she needed to be. Though she wouldn't admit it, Harley would always want to protect the Joker. Revealing his location would surely doom the clown, and Harley herself. "There. We're here," he said as he set Harley down.

"Geez, Bats. Ya should've been more careful. You were carryin' some precious cargo," Harley said as she dusted herself off.

"I'll keep that in mind," Batman said as he prepared his Bat Claw for the journey back to the Bat Cave.

"Wait!" Harley flung herself into Batman's arms. "Thanks, Bats. You... You really saved me back there. I would've been Harley Quinn chunks if ya hadn't stepped in and talked to me." Gazing up at him, Harley batted her bright blue eyes at Batman. "How can I ever repay ya?"

Batman's mouth formed a line. His eyes narrowed in her direction. "One, don't ever kiss me again. Two, try to stay out of trouble for a while."

"Can do!" Harley exclaimed with glee. She gave Batman a tight hug before skipping away from him. "See ya around, Bats!"

Batman sighed, exhaustion present in his eyes. "I'm sure we will meet again very soon." Most likely not in the best of circumstances, but that seemed to be Harley's way. In the dark of the night, Batman had disappeared into the shadows of Gotham City.

Harley came to a stop in front of the rooftop door. As she turned around to have one last look at the vigilante, he was gone. She smiled, and slowly shook her head. "Typical Bats. He's there one minute, he's gone the next. Like a wizard or somethin'." Taking in a deep breath, Harley hesitated for a moment before reaching for the doorknob. She tried to brace herself for what may come.

Quietly, Harley Quinn tiptoed through the Joker's apartment. Maybe if she was quiet enough, she could...

"HARLEY!" His voice roared throughout the building. "WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"Eeep!" Harley shrieked. She snapped her head around to find a hiding spot. In the middle of the room, she found a nearby table. As the sounds of Joker's stomps became louder and louder, Harley ducked beneath the table. She gripped her head piece, biting down on her scabbed lip.

"Does it really take a woman a couple hours to clean herself up?!" Joker shouted as he kicked an empty box over. He cocked an eyebrow when he spotted a couple of feet sticking out from beneath the table. With a sigh, Joker pinched the bridge of his pale nose as he approached the table. "Harley, your feet are sticking out." As the pair of feet disappeared beneath the table, the frown on Joker's face deepened. "I know you're under there!"

"No I'm not," the muffled voice beneath the table said quietly.

It didn't take much effort on the Joker's part to flip the table over. Once Harley was revealed to him, the Joker towered over her with his hands on his hips. "Care to tell me why you were hiding under the table? Have you lost something? I have, and it's my patience!"

"I don't gotta tell you nothin'!" Harley Quinn said as she rose to her feet. She stood on her tippy toes as she got close to the Joker's face, glaring at him. "Except what I got floatin' in my mind!"

Joker's eyes widened. This was one of the few, rare times when Harley Quinn rose her voice at him.

"I didn't clean myself up! I went out into the streets 'cause I was ready to end my life!" Harley poked her finger hard against Joker's chest repeatedly. "I'm sick and tired of bein' pushed around! I gave up my life to be with you, Mistah J! I got no one but you, and all you do is treat me like garbage! I...I love you!"

For a moment, the clown-like criminal was speechless. He said nothing as Harley stood before him, panting after her speech. His mouth hung open slightly, and his eyes were widened.

"Got nothin' to say, huh?! I shoulda known! Y'know what else I gotta say?!" Harley grabbed her mask and tore it off, throwing it onto the ground. "I quit! I may not be anythin' without ya, but if I've survived without ya in the past, I can survive without ya in the future!"

"Harley..." Joker grunted as he shoved aside, landing onto his bottom on the floor. He could only watch as Harley Quinn stomped past him. "Harley, wait a second!" The Joker brought himself onto his feet and chased after her. Reaching out, Joker grabbed Harley by her shoulders and spun her to face him. "What do you mean you were going to take your own life? You weren't seriously planning suicide, were you? That's cowardly!"

"Well, I didn't see you tryin' to stop me!" Harley shouted as she shoved him from her. She growled as she once again found herself within his grasp. "Let me go, ya slimy, makeup wearin'...Oof!" Harley growled up at Joker as she was shoved onto the ground.

"You listen, and you listen good," Joker said as he stooped to her level. "You will never escape me. For as long as you live, no matter where you go, I'll always find you, and you'll always come back to me. That's just the way it goes."

"You don't own me!" Harley screamed, slapping him across the face. "I'm done with bein' your...whatever I am to ya!" As she attempted to get up, Harley was grabbed and slammed into a wall. "LET ME GO!"

"You wanted to give a speech, now let me give you mine!" Joker shouted in her face. "You stupid girl! Do you know what would happen if you left?!"

"Yeah! You'd be ruined without your pet to do all the dirty work for ya!"

"Of course! But what I really mean is that I would be ruined completely knowing I wouldn't have you by my side to...make me laugh. To bring a smile to my face..."

"Oh, don't you even try that on me!" Harley said, tearing up. "I already know I don't mean a thing to ya! All those things you told me back in the Asylum...those were lies! You were just tryin' to get inta my head! Well, it worked, Mistah J, but not anymore! Nothing you say can make me change my mind 'bout leavin'!"

"What if I told you...I loved you," Joker said as he reached up, cupping her cheek.

"Bull honky!" Harley said as she jerked her head from him. A few tears rolled down her cheeks.

Joker sighed. "You were right. I did try to get into your head. That was my real intention, until you set me free from my prison. You went out of your way for me, and while I may not show it all the time, I truly appreciate that you did that for me."

Harley's eyes widened slightly. She wasn't entirely convinced, but she was willing to listen to anything else Joker had to say.

"I didn't realize until now how much you gave up just to please me. That's why I feel it's high time for me to do the pleasing around here. But before I do, I wanna hear that oh so adorable word you call me. Oh, what is it? Cupcake? No. Lollipop? Absolutely not. Only you know, Harley." Joker smiled as he leaned close, gliding his fingers down her cheek. "Say it for me," he murmured into her ear.

"P-Puddin'," she said dreamily. The love struck smile on her face widened as she scooped into the Joker's arms.

"Now, what is your first wish, my little cupcake?"

"Can you...ride your Harley?" Harley asked, batting her eyes.

A devious grin came across the Joker's face. "Of course, but I must warn you, I may go fast. So fast that my Harley may..." He leaned close to her ear. "Break."

"O-Oh p-puddin'!" Harley shivered with pleasure before pulling the Joker's face to hers. The psychotic couple kissed all the way to the bedroom. As soon as Joker carried Harley into the room, he slammed the door behind them shut.

After a brief moment, the door was opened, but quickly shut again. On the door read a sign that said, "Riding Session In Process. Do Not Disturb Or You Die."

NOTES

I would have to say that aside from Nick's Remorse, this is my darkest fanfiction. I tried to capture the sad reality that no matter how hard Harley Quinn tries, in the end, she always goes back to the Joker. Though, at the time I first wrote this, I was really addicted to this pair. I wanted to try to show a loving side to the Joker, since part of me truly believes that he loves her. He just has a really shitty way of showing it. But, I also know that this is not a "relationship goals" kind of relationship. Joker abuses Harley in almost every way possible, and I do not support that. I guess what I wanted to show here was the vicious cycle that Harley goes through. I haven't read a lot of the comics, but I hope that she eventually does break out of that cycle, since Harley deserves a better life.

These are not my characters.

Joker, Harley Quinn, & Batman/Batman: The Animated Series © DC Comics/Warner Bros.