I didn't even hear the door, I just jumped up when I heard his voice.
"Harley?"
A smile found its way to my face and I greeted him with it.
"Welcome home, honey. Dinner's on the table."
The Joker's jaw dropped.
"How the hell did you...I mean, what did you-"
"I'm Harley Quinn, I can do anything," I winked. He walked towards me, damp from the storm, and lifted me into his arms.
"You're a real star, ya know that?" he laughed, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. He carried me over to the table where I'd set out bowls over cereal and coffee.
"I don't have anything in, it was the best I could do."
"It's perfect," he insisted, "though I'd hardly call it dinner; it's past 3 am."
He sat me down on a chair and took his suit jacket off. The others joined us.
"To our new family," the Joker toasted with his cup of coffee.
"To family," we all followed.
************
We couldn't stay. They'd be after us soon enough.
"Where, hm? Where the hell do we go?" Crane yelled.
"Godammit, calm down Crane! We know you're not used to this kind of life, but for the love of God, pull yourself together!" demanded Ivy.
Crane slumped back into his chair and sighed heavily.
"The real problem is Batman, he knows were all alive and together now," Riddler noted. I bit my lip.
"What? Harley, what?"
"I took his car. That's how I got here."
"Where did you leave it?"
"By the river. But I really don't think we have much time. I wasn't thinking clearly, I panicked and-"
"It's fine. We're leaving in 5 minutes, everyone get what they need," the Joker ordered.
Everyone scampered to their feet and organised themselves. I sat on my sofa, staring out at the dark night. The rain had stopped and the clouds had cleared, not that any stars were visible. I walked over to the glass and admired Gotham in it's twinkling mystery. The Joker appeared behind me, but I wasn't afraid this time. No, this time I smiled as he got closer and rested his chin upon my head.
"I'm gonna talk care of you, Harls. I'll always take care of you."
"I know that," I smiled, leaning into him, "but I don't need taken care of."
"That's true. You're so strong now, my dear, you can do anything. Tell me, how did you get away, hmm?"
I turned around and looked up at him.
"I found myself."
He eyed me suspiciously, but smiled.
"I knew you would."
Crane interrupted us as he cleared his throat. We drew our attention to him and he handed me a black gym bag.
"For you."
I opened it and pulled out a beautiful red coat.
"I...I don't know what to say. It's lovely," I thanked him. The Joker took the coat from me.
"Not very subtle though. We're supposed to be on the run," he commented, pushed me behind him slightly.
"Well I like it," I inistsed, grabbing it and putting it over my black clothes. I tied the ribbon-like fabric around my waist.
