Henchman (JOKER X READER) ✅

chapter 24: ace chemicals

so i heard you found somebody else, and at first, i thought it was a lie... you're intertwining your soul with somebody else

—-

A week passed, and you didn't see Harleen Quinzel.

In retrospect, you should have known that Joker had a larger plan for her. He wouldn't just torture a specific doctor for no reason- he was more the "random person, no reason" type.

It all came to a head one night when Joker was off making the rounds at the Grin and Bare It. You, Sharkey, Panda, Fox, and Frost were at the penthouse still, drinking and taking advantage of your night off. Frost was filling you in on what more had happened while you were gone. He told you the details of various negotiations, and about how Joker and Two-Face had a common enemy now- the cops.

"So no imminent gang war?" you'd asked.

"Not yet," he smirked, "But nothing ever stays peaceful for long." And he was right, because about twenty minutes later, Joker called. After a moment of listening to him, Frost glanced over at you and put the phone on speaker.

"Yeah, they're here, boss," he said.

"Y/N, I'm gonna need you and the boys over at Ace Chemicals," Joker said. "I've got a... situation." He hung up.

"That's not ominous at all," Sharkey muttered as everyone got up, grabbing various weapons from off the floor.

Frost glanced up from his phone. "He says to be discreet."

"Think it's that blonde chick we dragged back last week?" Panda asked.

"What other situation? Two-Face is in the shit with the cops and Penguin, it couldn't be him," Sharkey shrugged.

"Come on, guys, into the car. I'd like to be there before midnight, if you don't mind," you directed, ushering them towards the elevator.

Joker had just about caused a traffic jam on the main highway, which made it a lot harder to get to Ace Chemicals. But you had let Panda drive, and he had been a cab driver before joining up with Joker, so you got there soon enough.

"Jesus, dude! Do you have to drive like Mad Max every time you get behind the wheel?" Sharkey groaned. He'd practically fallen out of the car when it lurched to a sudden stop.

Panda's smile was patented fake innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Alright," Frost said, capturing everyone's attention. "Get your guns out. Stay out of sight, don't move until someone tells you to. Got it?" Everyone nodded or mumbled their assent.

You slipped into the warehouse, following the glow of lights to the room with the huge vats of acid. Frost urged you up into the rafters with a wave of his hand, following you up.

"Question," Joker said from below to Dr. Quinzel, who was obviously hanging on his every word. "Would you die for me?"

Her response was quick. "Yes."

"That's too easy," he muttered. "Would you... would you live for me?"

"Yes."

"Careful," he warned her. "Do not say this oath thoughtlessly." He reached up, placing one tattooed hand over her mouth. "Desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes... power."

You froze, still peering through the scope of your gun but not seeing a damn thing.

"Do you want this?" Joker asked.

Quinzel's response, when it came, was steady and strong. "I do."

"Say it," he purred. "Say it, say it. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty-"

"Please?"

Joker let out a breath. "God, you're so... good."

He stepped away from her, and she was left there by the ledge. She glanced back at him, and with a tiny breath, she leapt off. Her blonde hair streamed out behind her as she plummeted into the acid. You felt Frost tense beside you- he was just as surprised as you were.

Well, maybe not just as surprised. You felt like you couldn't breathe.

After a few seconds, during which Joker peered into the acid, seeming like he was trying to make a decision, he tore off his jacket with a snarl and leapt off the ledge after Quinzel. He hit the liquid with a sickening splash.

"No!" You shouted, almost dropping your gun. Frost grabbed your arm to keep you still, and you both watched as Joker came up with Quinzel's body in his arms.

He bent and pressed his lips to hers, and, like some twisted version of Snow White, Harleen Quinzel opened her eyes with a gasp. You watched, powerless to even get out of the warehouse, as Joker threw his head back and laughed, long, loud peals of laughter that echoed off the walls.

"I don't think she's a risk anymore," you said to Frost, your voice sharp. You didn't even turn to look at him. "I'll be in the van."

You quickly dismantled your gun and climbed down from the rafters. You didn't know what to do at all.