Harley Quinn X Nightwing: Our Story, Yours Truly

Chapter 8: "The New Dynamic Duo...?"

Harley leaned in, a bright, cheerful smile spreading across her face. "So, that's how we ended up at the harbor."

Ivy's curiosity was piqued. "And what did you two do there? Did you finally make out?"

Harley waved her hand dismissively. "Nooo, Ivy, no... He needed my help and in exchange, he will help me get back at some people."

Ivy laughed, shaking her head. "You're such a handful, Harley. But I love it. You two would make a lovely couple, don't you think?"

Harley grinned, pleased with herself. "That's what makes life interesting, my dear Ivy. Now, where were we...?

"Ah yes, we arrived on 'Blue Thunder' at the harbour. Nightwing led me to a stack of containers, and we vaulted up to sit atop, overlooking the water. The cool night air filled my lungs, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was like music to my ears. From our perch, we watched the boats bobbing gently on the water, the city lights Shimmering like a Celestial veil behind us..."

Harley lay down on the container, gazing up at the starry night sky." Do you know any stories about the stars?"

Nightwing smiled, "there's the classic one about Andromeda and Perseus. See that faint, fuzzy patch up there? That's the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as Messier 31. It's a spiral galaxy, kind of like a giant pinwheel in the sky."

Harley looked where he pointed, trying to make out the shape. "Wow, I see it! It looks like a princess, all sparkly and beautiful. Tell me more!"

Nightwing leaned back on his elbows, gazing up at the stars. "Andromeda was a princess, chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. Perseus, a brave hero, saved her and fell in love with her."

Harley's excitement was barely containable. "That's so romantic! What happened next?"

Nightwing with a lighthearted chuckle. "Well, they got married and had nine sons.

Harley features froze in surprise. "What! Nine sons? Those two were fucking like animals! I mean, I'm all about a good time, but damn, that's a lot of baby-making going on!"

Nightwing laughs, "Yeah, I thought so too. Would you like to have a team of your own?"

Harley's face flushing pink as she giggled. "Heck no! I may be crazy but not that crazy. I can barely take care of myself, let alone a kid. But, if the right guy came along... I might consider it. l'm the queen of chaos, so the father would have to handle us both! But...not now..."

Nightwing's face set in a resolute look. "I've been thinking... we've been on opposite sides for a long time. Years, actually. But now that you've left Joker... I was thinking, how about we be on the same side for once?"

"Once only? Or you mean like being your sidekick? Or... a long-term relationship...?" her voice dripping with playful innuendo. She batted her eyelashes, blinking slowly and sweetly, looking at Nightwing.

Nightwing inner monologue:
("Gosh...she really knows how to pull the right strings... Is she genuinely interested in teaming up, or is this just another game to her?")

"No, not a sidekick... but partner with whom I can trust my life." (his eyes locking onto hers with a serious intensity) "I need your help, your connection with the underworld. There's something I need to go undercover to investigate."

Harley let out a derisive laugh, her bright red lips curling into a sneer. "Pfff... Oh, sweetie, you think you can just waltz into the underworld and pretend to be one of us? And what's your story? Introduce you as my goon? Those people... they are super sensitive to new faces, if things go wrong, we will be dead meat."

"Tell ya what...tell me what you looking for. But I don't work for free."

"Alright, what do you have in mind?" Though he maintains his usual calm and collected demeanor, his eyes betray a flicker of excitement at the prospect of their unlikely partnership.

"First things first, all expenses covered by you." She smirks, batting her eyelashes for emphasis. "I'm not made of money." She twirls a strand of hair around her finger, her gaze never leaving Nightwing's face.

"And second, I don't telltale on my friends. You can't expect me to spill secrets or betray those I care about." Her expression daring him to disagree.

"And lastly, help me get back at those who offend me. You know, the ones who think they can mess with Harley Quinn and get away with it?"

"I can agree to your terms. But as long as you promise me, no killing."

"Oh, darling, I promise... No killing... (unless it's absolutely necessary). And don't you need Batman's permission?" What's going to happen if he finds out about our little tryst? She winked coquettishly.

Nightwing inner monologue:
("What am I getting myself into... Let's hope I'm right, and this isn't a mistake that'll cost me everything...")
"The Justice League has called Batman away, he will be leaving tomorrow. So if you behave, I might be able to convince him that you can be a trusted ally."

"So you'll only partner with me when Batman's away?" Pouted. "Disappointing."

Noticing Nightwing's nervousness.

"You should see the way you look...hahah! I'm just teasing. You're probably one of the few who doesn't hate me." (Tilts her head and stretches her hand out for a handshake) "Hope you don't regret this."

(Nightwing takes her hand and shake it firmly) "I certainly hope not. He flashed a sincere smile.

Harley leans in and whisper "maybe this is a start to something more..." Before Nightwing can respond she continues "It's getting late, send me to Ivy's place will ya? We'll meet tomorrow to discuss further."

With that, Nightwing send Harley back to Ivy's place on 'Blue Thunder'.

(Back at Ivy's place)
"That's all for tonight's excitement." Harley smiling smittenly... "I'm going to take a shower."

"Enjoy your shower! I'm sure Nightwing will keep you company... in your head!" Ivy called out teasingly.