Beautiful Anti-Hero

I'm sorry

Harley was still kneeling on the floor crying her eyes out. Her tears dropped and dissolved into the ground washing away all her troubles from the Joker. "Everything I did was to impress him." She mumbled. "I'm so sorry Felicia."

Felicia bit her lip but then knelt down next to Harley. "I know what that feels like. Trying so hard to impress the one you love all the time. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In your case, the Joker is abusive and not right for you Harley."

Harley nodded. "I know." She replied sadly. "There have been lots of times where I thought that I should have just left him in Arkham to rot. I would have never become a criminal or killed people. I never truly wanted that. Sure I got thrills sometimes but the Joker had planted a sadistic side in me. A side I never knew I truly had. A monstrous side." She gazed at Felicia and her voice suddenly changed back to it's professional self. "I need someone to truly understand me and I felt like he did. All I ever wanted was some understanding and fun."

Felicia laughed. "Don't we all? It's whether or not you have the right influences or not though."

"True." The "Harley" voice had come back and she beamed. "Guess I have the park to myself huh? Unless of course we..."

"Give it back to Mr Riley." Felicia said softly. "Yes I think we should."

Harley sighed but nodded. "Okay dokey. So is this goodbye?"

Felicia stroked Harley's face. "Only if you want it to be." She wrote down her apartment address and gave it to Harley with a smile. "Goodbye Harley." She jumped up onto a nearby building and slowly vanished from sight leaving Harley to pocket the note.

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

That night Felicia watched the tv and smiled as Mr Riley was on screen with Bruce Wayne shaking his hand. Bruce Wayne stood up and announced to a crew of reporters some news. "I am pleased to announce that Mr Riley will once again be owner of this park."

Mr Riley whispered. "Don't want it to be called Happy Fair though."

Bruce laughed. "Well Mr Riley looks like it's up to you what you call it since it is yours again."

The crew of reporters laughed and began to disperse. Mr Riley nodded but wondered what on earth had happened to the gentleman he had sold the park to. The newspapers were saying it was suicide. "Strange he always had a smile on his face." He commented but shrugged. "I am pleased to become owner again of course."

Felicia turned the television off and started to write to Peter to tell him the good news. However a red and black figure at the window caught her eye. "I know that jester hat anywhere." She grinned opening the window. "Harley."

Harley giggled. "The one and only." She cartwheeled into the room and started looking around. "OOH you have a cat. What's her name? Who's that?" She pointed to a photograph of Peter and Felicia's dad Walter.

Felicia laughed. "My cat's name is Lucky. She's a she. Peter Parker is a friend of mine and that's my dad. He's dead now though."

Harley's smile turned solemn. "I'm sorry." She said genuinely. She suddenly reached out and hugged Felicia who returned the gesture.

"It's okay. He was ill." Felicia explained.

Harley became curious and started to touch Felicia's ornaments and jewellery. "Naughty naughty." She smirked. "You been stealing Miss?"

Felicia rolled her eyes. "Really? You of all people is lecturing me?" They both then stuck their tongues out at each other at the same time and laughed blushing a little.

"So umm...Felicia..." Harley started to jingle her bauble a little.

"Yes Harley?" Felicia suddenly took her hat and played with the baubles. "I love these. They are awesome."

"Yeah?"

"Yep." Felicia said. "Oh did you hear Mr Riley...he got his job."

Harley grinned. "I heard it was suicide." She winked. "I played the role of therapist again and convinced him it was and that he could have the park back."

"You did? But why?"

"Yes why?" A dark voice gave both women a jump as they turned and saw Batman at the window.

"B-Man? What are ya doin' here?" Harley said angrily.

"Listening and hearing your confession Quinn." Batman said calmly. He stepped towards her but Felicia stood in front of Harley.

"Batman she's with me. She said she was sorry. Please. I will make you an offer. If she steps out of line again then by all means send her to Arkham but for now she stays." Felicia smiled at Harley who nodded.

"Mr J is dead Bats. I have nowhere to go." She admitted sadly.

Batman nodded. "I saw what you did for Mr Riley but I am warning you any bad news and I will be back." He nodded at Felicia as the lightening flashed and he vanished in an instant. There was silence in the room until Felicia said softly. "He's not so bad."

Harley blew a raspberry. "Still hate him...but I like you." She played with Felicia's blonde long hair.

Felicia giggled. "I like you too."

"I have a hideout but can I stay here for the night. PLEASE?" Harley made puppy eyes at Felicia who nodded. "Sure."

"YAY."

Once Harley had settled down to sleep, Felicia started writing to Peter again.

"So yes..." she wrote. "Batman seems nicer than I expected now. Mr Riley is feeling happier than ever and I..."

She gazed at Harley who peacefully slept.

"I have set someone free."

See you soon Spider.