Harlequin

Teach me, Puddin'

"He's the sweetest man I've ever met... Mistah J, that is. Is it nuts for me to think so? He's shown me more love than any guy in such a short time! Truth is, I don't just love him, I love the way he loves me too." Harley said while fiddling around the veggies in her plate with a plastic fork. She tried to shape her leftovers into a face whilst daydreaming about The Joker. "He loves me Ivy, for realsies! Takes care of me like a father would, he helps me find my true self. He's everything I've ever dreamed of!"

"What in the world?!" exclaimed Ivy in response to Harley's not-so-little confession. "You said you weren't crazy when they put you in here... To think I almost believed you! Oh Harley, dear..." Ivy shook her head and placed her palm on her forehead, waiting to let everything sink in. The news felt like shrapnel exploding into her face. "Well, you do have a point. Who woulda' thought that The Joker would save anyone from torture. So, what did you do to get his attention?" She asked with utmost curiosity. The Joker has never had a soft spot for everyone. Ivy thought, 'Maybe it was just Harley herself...' Since she doesn't like most people, but she herself took a liking to Harley. However, Ivy has seen The Joker in action. Some day she's gonna get hurt... Physically, definitely. One can only pray since this crazy fruitcake had sold her soul to satan.

"N-nothing! I promise. He just approached me. Well, I guess I did take an interest in him... But that's because I've always been fascinated by his mind a-and I guess he caught me staring and-"

"Okay, okay. You don't have to explain. I guess the heart wants what it wants. Haha, you and The Joker, huh.."

"Don't you approve? ...Ivy?"

"Wait no, I didn't mean to sound disapproving, it's not that at all, hun. I'm just glad he's helping you with your little... uh, predicament with Doctor Crane. You know, Harls I never figured he was the relationship type. You must be damn special to him."

"Aww yeah ain't that sweet of my puddin'? He's been teaching me a lot these days..."

The sound of a bell echoed throughout the cafeteria as a reminder to all "patients" that it's time to leave and be wherever else their Doctors tell them to be. The guards especially had to make sure the more untamed of the lot stay calm and not cause more trouble than they already are in a day-to-day basis. When Harley wasn't in therapy or "classes" she didn't need, she'd be in her cell, just waiting for Mr. J. It's a funny thing, finding love at Arkham. Even though they're in an asylum, Mr. J would still be a gentleman and "pick her up". He'd come to her cell like normal dates would pick their girlfriends up at their homes. Much like other love-birds, these two have fun and enjoy each other's company. The difference is their idea of fun. Also, Mr J's been teaching her his ways - teaching her how to find the fun. It's easy because he knows she's already got it in her. He just has to bring it out into daylight.

When there was a knock at Harley's cell door that night, she knew it was The Joker. "Come on in, puddin'!" She brushed out her hair with her hands and fixed herself up with whatever grooming tools the facility would allow her.

"Harley, baby... I know something we could do today! Let's break into that lab. The one with the chair!"

"Yuck! Reminds me of stupid Crane! But why, puddin'?"

"Trust me..." The Joker smiled and winked at her. Apparently that was all the convincing she needed. He knew definitely when it left her cheeks flushed with a sweet-pink coloured glow.

The two headed to the room unnoticed. Although Harley had studied Arkham and had encyclopedic knowledge of the place, Mr. J knew better. She knew from books and tours, but he knew because he's somewhat of a permanent resident. He would know how to get around in unthinkable ways. Yes, he's a clown, but he's not stupid. When they arrived, he made her sit on the same chair Crane had bound her in. He did the same to her, but she happily did anything he asked. "What now, Mr. J?" she asked. He was busy fiddling with equipment as he said, "Now..." he then turned to face Harley, holding two rods charged with electricity. "Now... we play." he smiled up close to her face.