Brink of Madness

It's all Smiles

Guys, I'm writing this exactly 9 years since Heath Ledger's death. God rest his soul, I love him so much. Anyways enjoy the next chapter!

Harleen tripped on the sidewalk as she approached the restaurant. "Dammit Harleen," she whispered to herself as she sat there for a moment.

"Need some help," she heard someone chuckle. She looked up to see Andrew standing over her. He was wearing a purple button down shirt and jeans. He grasped her hand and pulled her up.

"Thanks," she laughed.

"Are you always this clumsy?" he joked.

"Only when I'm nervous," she replied honestly.

"Now why would you be nervous?" he questioned. There were a million ways she could answer his question. Because your smile melts me. Because your eyes are actually staring right into me. Because you're holding onto my hand.

"Because I haven't been on a date in a long time," she decided to answer.

"Well any guy would be lucky to go on a date with the great Harleen Quinzel," he grinned. Harleen smiled back and noticed that he was still holding onto her hand. It was warm and his grasp on her hand was strong. Usually she would mind if someone new was holding her hand this long, but for some reason this time she didn't. He led her into the restaurant and the couple were seated. "So, I have a question for you."

"Ask away," Harleen responded.

"What do you like to do for fun?" he asked.

Harleen took a couple of seconds to think. She really didn't have time anymore to have fun. She was too busy with school and dealing with her father to have anytime to herself. "I used to do gymnastics in elementary and high school, but I don't do it anymore. I guess you could say studying is what I do for fun," she smirked.

"That's so cool. Why did you stop?" he asked.

"My dad thought it would distract me from learning," she sighed with her head down.

"So who cares," he said, "Do what makes you happy and don't care what everyone else thinks."

"You're right. Screw my dad," she laughed.

"That's the Harleen I like," he smiled.

"The one who gets angry at my dad?" she smirked.

"No, the one who is carefree and not afraid to be herself," he responded sincerely. She smiled back. What did this guy see in me? she thought. I'm just an awkward woman too involved in her studies while he's living life on the edge. Then she second guessed herself. Maybe he's just what I need.

"Can I get you guys something to drink?" the waiter asked.

"I will have a glass of the best beer you have," Andrew responded.

"And I will have a strawberry daiquiri," said Harleen.

"Ok, I'll just need to check your IDs," the waiter said. Both of them pulled out their Driver's licenses. Harleen glanced over at Andrew's license. He was 24. Only two years older, she thought. "Thank you, I'll be back with your drinks," the waiter left.

"So you're 22," Andrew smirked at Harleen.

"Yep and you're 24," she smirked back at him.

"I guess you like the older guys," he joked.

"Shut up," she giggled. He smiled at her and took in all her features. She had blue doe eyes that were framed by black glasses. Perfectly pursed lips added to her beauty. God, I'm lucky, he thought.

"Here you go," the waiter said bringing their drinks. Andrew reached across the table to grab his. Harleen noticed that he had a small tattoo on his bicep. It said "2.2.06". After the waiter left, she asked him what it was.

"Oh, I used to be in the army for a couple of years. That was the date that my best friend died on a mission with me."

"Oh I'm sorry," she said instantly regretting mentioning it.

"It's fine," he said looking away.

"So what do you do now?" she asked trying to change the subject. He turned back to look at her and instantly looked better.

"I help teach self defense classes at a studio. It's not much, but it's something," he said.

"That sounds like a lot of fun," she smiled.

"Do you have a part time job?" he asked.

"No, but at the end of this year, Arkham Asylum is offering me an internship," she responded in excitement.

"That'll be interesting," he smirked. She rolled her eyes. "It'll be a good experience," she chuckled. The rest of the night was full of laughs, snarky comments, and admiring each other.

"Well, I better get back to my apartment now," Harleen sighed, "Thank you for a great night."

"Before you go, I have one more question," he said.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Would you want to go out with me again?"

"Of course," she smiled. He grinned and kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight Harleen."

"Goodnight Andrew."

Sorry if this chapter was kinda boring, I just needed to introduce a little bit of background between the two characters.