Arkham High

Chapter 17

"So, Mr. J, let's see how you did," said Harley, taking the practice test from him. "The answer to question one is 'c.' And you put...'c'." She beamed at him. "Rightaroonie, puddin'," she breathed, planting a kiss on his lips.

He pulled her close, but she drew away. "The answer to question two was 'b.' And you put...'b'." She smiled, and kissed him again. "I can see my little kissing reward incentive is working out," she murmured

"And the answer to question three was 'c,' and you put..." She frowned. "You put 'a.' Uh oh. No kiss for you," she sighed, as she put a big 'x' over the answer.

"No, look, toots, that's clearly a 'c'," said Joker, pointing at the answer. "See? It's just funny looking."

"I need to teach you how to write too?" said Harley, grinning. "If you can't make the letters look distinct, puddin', how are the teachers gonna know you got the answer right?"

"I think they could show a certain amount of favoritism toward the class president," retorted Joker. "Everyone likes a guy with power, huh, sweets?" he murmured, leaning forward to kiss her.

"Don't you dare try to abuse your power like that!" giggled Harley, pushing him away. "Now why did you miss this one? Show me your work, so we can figure out what you did wrong."

Joker sighed. "Can't we take a study break, toots?" he asked. "I got a headache."

"They ain't gonna let you have a break during finals, puddin'," said Harley. "It's four hours of straight testing, and you gotta pass."

He sighed heavily. "But if your head's really bothering you, I guess a five minute break won't hurt," she murmured, grinning. "I can kiss your boo boo and make it better," she whispered, kissing his forehead.

"You know where else I hurt, kiddo?" he murmured. "My mouth. It's like I got some kinda ulcer there. You wanna see if you can kiss it better?"

"Nah, I'll probably just get infected," retorted Harley, grinning. "And I kinda wish you'd told me about it before. Guess I can't kiss you for the rest of the day, huh?"

"Hey, it was a joke!" he protested.

"Can't take any risks, though, can I, puddin'?" she asked, smiling at him. "Shame. I was really enjoying our study smooching. Oh well."

"C'mon, Harley, this ain't funny," growled Joker.

She grinned, returning her attention to his paper. "The answer to the next one is 'a.' And you've written...'a'." She looked up at him, beaming. "Mmm, I shouldn't, but you're just too irresistible."

"Allure of power, kid," he chuckled as Harley kissed him tenderly. "Nobody can resist it."

Their kiss was interrupted by a key turning in the lock. "That'll be Mom and Dad," said Harley, pulling away from him reluctantly and straightening her clothes.

"How do I look?" asked Joker, smoothing his hair back.

"Gorgeous," said Harley, kissing his cheek and taking his hand. "They're gonna love you."

The door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Quinzel entered the apartment, carrying a bag of groceries each. "How's the homework coming, Harl..." began Mr. Quinzel, but he stopped talking suddenly as he saw the boy holding his daughter's hand.

Harley cleared her throat. "Uh...Mom...Dad...I just wanted to introduce you to my...uh...boyfriend. This is J," she said, prodding him gently forward.

He held out his hand. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Quinzel."

Mr. Quinzel shook his hand slowly, and to Harley's relief, wasn't shocked by a joy buzzer, unlike the first time she shook hands with J. "It's...nice to meet you too, J," he said.