Beautiful Anti-Hero

Felicia and Harleen

Weeks went by and Felicia became more satisfied with her work and the pay she was getting. Mr Riley was a generous boss and seemed well-off despite being unhappy. It made her think about all the theft she had committed and yet did it really make her happy? Sure she got the thrill of it all because Spider-Man was chasing her but that was only to get his attention. Operating one of the rides, she turned when she heard footsteps approaching her followed by a cheerful greeting and wave from the blonde therapist.

"Hello." Felicia returned the wave politely. She watched as Harleen walked up some stairs to get to the main base of the ride.

"Felicia. Isn't it?" Harleen quipped. Her glasses shined a little and her blue eyes travelled up and down Felicia as if to suss her out.

"You checking me out?" Felicia joked. Surprisingly, the young therapist laughed.

"Maybe."

Felicia smiled nervously. She could not take this woman seriously. One moment she was acting professional, the next she was like a comedian. There was still something not quite right about her. Felicia could not put her finger on it but that creepy smile, her sparkly eyes looked well...mad and her personality did not match up to her looks. Maybe she has multiple personality disorder? Felicia chuckled at this thought due to Harleen being a therapist but stopped when she saw Harleen's grin widen.

"Something funny?" Harleen asked.

"No." Felicia answered then went on. "So how is Mr Riley doing? Is he okay?"

"Some things are confidential but yes he seems better." Harleen sat down on a chair next to the ride and started fiddling with some of the buttons. Felicia let her as it was early and nobody was present on the ride. "You from Gotham?"

"No. I am from New York. I wanted a change from that place though. This city is more my style. Dark and gothic. I love it." Felicia grinned.

"Oh yes. It does get like that. My job is to put a smile on everyone's face. This city could do with some cheering up." Harleen told her. "Would you be interested in hanging out at some point? We could be friends."

Felicia blushed a little. Despite being the Black Cat, she was a shy person at heart. She did not want to upset anybody and knew that Harleen was going to be around to help Mr Riley. What was stopping her from saying no?

"I may be working a lot." Felicia finally answered. "I am sure I can fit you in one evening after work though if that is okay."

"Fine with me. I have just finished my session with Mr Riley now." Harleen shook hands with her. After waving goodbye, Harleen got in her red car and drove off.

After work Felicia approached Mr Riley in his office. She noticed that Harriet was asleep on a comfy looking sofa and smiled.

"Mr Riley." She whispered beckoning him outside. He followed her.

"Thanks Felicia. I will be leaving in about half an hour." His voice sounded a lot more happier than before and his eyes did not look as hollow. Instead they were illuminating joy and his wrinkles were even faded. "Harleen is an angel. I am so happy to have her to talk with."

"That's great to hear. I see a big change." Felicia smiled. Maybe Harleen was not so bad after all?

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"Puddin I am back." Harley threw herself at her boss and stroked his green hair gently. "I had some therapy sessions with Mr Riley. Just like you said. He seems to be taking my advice."

"So no problems I assume?" The Joker smiled.

Harley put her hand to her chin and put on a thinking face. "Well...no. There is a girl working at the park but she should be no trouble. She is new to Gotham and seems nice."

"Yes well we are concentrating on Mr Riley honey bun. Once you gain his trust, he will be easier to trick."

Harley squealed. "I cannot wait. Soon that park will be ours."

"Yes - ours." The Joker giggled nervously. "You are going there again tomorrow?"

"Yep. Feels strange to be talking in Harleen's voice. She always was annoying and sounded glum. Nonetheless we should have that park very soon. Everything is on point at the moment."

"Glad to hear." The Joker commented. "We can turn that dump into real fun for the Gotham people. A day full of madness, (Harley put on a mad face) a day full of tears (Harley pretended to cry) and a day for jokes." At this point, Harley broke into a fit of giggles.

"You betcha Mr J. Problem is how are we going to get Mr Riley out of the way? He has a kid you know." Harley pointed out.

"Oh I am sure I can think of something." Joker took a vial filled with a green chemical out of his pocket. "This sure will give him some laughs he will never even dream of."

Harley and Joker's shrill and evil laughter could be heard from outside their hideout as they planned some more mayhem.