Brink of Madness

Naked

Harleen groaned as she sat up in bed.

"Damnit Harleen," she groaned as hazy memories from the night came back to her. How many people were going to be killed at her expense? She slowly got up to get a drink of water. She stopped once she saw The Joker asleep on the couch. He was lightly snoring. His face was still sans makeup from last night. His clothes were on the ground and he wore nothing but a t-shirt and boxers. She'd seen him once without his makeup, but not like this. He looked so vulnerable, so human in this moment. She thought maybe, if he was like this there could be a future for them. Then he stirred and she snapped out of her fantasy.

"You're still in trouble," he said as he sat up. She continued to stare at him.

"What?" he asked. Then he remembered that he wasn't wearing makeup. "I'll be right back," he said and grabbed his bag. He walked into the bathroom.

"I'll make us breakfast," she said still stunned.

As Harleen cooked the bacon she noticed the red marks on her wrist from Mark. Joker really did save her life.

"We need to talk," he said. She turned around to see him with his usual makeup and suit on.

"Do you want to eat first?" she pointed to the pan. He walked over and turned off the flame.

"You owe me," he said.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Oh you'll see. But first you're going to need training."

"What for? I'm not joining your circus," she frowned.

"Someone will be over tonight," he said. He grabbed a piece of bacon and walked out. She screamed as it finally hit her that her life was no longer her own.