Brink of Madness

Puddin

The next morning he was gone. He left no evidence that he was there, like nothing had happened. Except for something had happened. Harleen went to work and tried to forget the mistake she made last night. The combination of her concussion headache and guilt made work almost unbearable. He wasn't at her house on Tuesday either. She was so confused. She discovered that there was a part of her that missed him, and she hated it.

"How were your patients Harleen?" Dr. Ferris asked her in the break room.

"Okay, I'm making good progress with Patient 2232. I just have another headache today," she replied.

"Guys guess what just happened!" Dr. Bucci said running into the break room.

"What?" They both said at the same time.

"The Joker actually killed the mayor," he grimaced. Both of their mouth's fell open.

"Dr. Arkham said he'd kill him if he got placed back in Arkham," he continued.

"I can't believe he managed to pull it off," Harleen said.

"Of course he did, he's the Joker!" Dr. Ferris responded.

"Dr. Quinzel could I talk to you for a second?" Matt asked opening the door.

"Of course," she said and left the break room.

"Harleen," he said in the hallway, "Are you busy tonight?"

"Actually I'm not," she smiled.

"Would you want to go to the Ace Bar?" he asked.

"That sounds like fun," she replied.

"Awesome. I can pick you up," he grinned.

"Actually I'm close enough that I can walk there," she replied.

"Okay see you at nine then," he said walking away.

"See you then," Harleen smiled. He would be a nice break from the Joker. She could not let what happened two nights ago happen again. She was determined not to let herself have feelings for him. He's not Andrew, she had to remind herself.

"Hello Harley," she heard as she walked through her front door. She sighed and saw him lying on his usual spot.

"Killing the mayor? Nice one," she mumbled.

"All part of the plan," he said licking his lips.

"While we're at it you can cut it with that bull shit voice," she said.

"What?" he asked.

"You know exactly what I mean. It's much higher and raspier now," she said sternly.

"It's just the new me. Get used to it," he smirked.

"Since we're on the topic, why pick a clown?"

"Too many questions doll. Don't let Harleen come out," he glared at her.

"Oh I'm just getting started Puddin. What the hell happened the other night?" she asked through clenched teeth. The Joker just smiled, almost like he was prepared for the question.

"Don't worry about it; it didn't mean anything," he calmly replied. She glanced at her shoes. What the hell Harleen? Don't let him take over you!

"You're right," she said. He looked at her to see if she was going to say anything else. "Um tonight I'm going to the bar with a friend from work so don't think I'm trying to escape again."

"Sounds like fun," he said. She nodded and walked to her room.

"Puddin."

"What?" she asked and turned around.

"You called me Puddin. I haven't heard that one in awhile," he smirked.

"I just feel more comfortable calling you that than Joker," she said. He shrugged and watched her walk into her room. Suddenly her phone buzzed. It was from Matt.

Meet you in an hour?  She smiled and texted back.

Good with me:)

She applied more makeup and changed into her black skinny jeans and a blue lace shirt.

"So what bar are you going to?"

She whipped her head around and glared at him.

"Why so serious?" he laughed.

"Don't you even think about following me there," she growled.

"Oh you think you have a choice in this don't you? Well lucky for you I'm just going to stay here for the night," he grinned.

"Good," she said and put on her shoes.

"You still haven't answered my question Harley."

"I'm going to the Ace Bar," she grumbled.

"Oh really? Have fun with Matt," he said and handed her her handbag. Her eyes grew wide with fury.

"I don't know how you found out about him, but leave us alone!" she warned and walked out the front door.