Descent

Chapter 37

Mateo had told Harleen that he would be just outside. He knew that the Joker and Harleen needed some time to themselves. There were things that needed to be said that they didn't need an audience for. It was just the two of them now.

"Vengeance...that's what all this is about?"

She whispered it but the Joker heard her all the same. He marveled at the way he had been in control of his darkness for the whole hour-long group session. How even though he wanted to lash out because of the pain she had been put through, he kept it under wraps.

All her fault. We are losing who we are.

The Joker was so caught up in his own messed up mind that he almost missed what she said next.

"Doing a better job than Batman?"

Harleen waited for an answer, knowing damn well he had heard her both times. He was just acting as if he hadn't. Another way for him to show his dominance. Not answering her when she didn't ask in the right way. He was beginning to frustrate her.

Pam and Eddie had made progress in leaps and bounds under her care. Even Ozzie had warmed up to her quickly. But not J, oh no he wouldn't make things that simple. Harleen was starting to think he was either stubborn or full of himself. She was willing to guess it was a little of both.

Standing, she moved over to the couch against the far window. If Harleen didn't get her emotions under control she was going to slap him.

Turning to say something else she was stopped by how close he was. Harleen could see the flex of gray in his blue eyes.

Cupping her cheek he brushed his thumb over the soft skin, "I would say that neither of us have a stellar track record in the vigilante department."

"J, you need to call off whatever you have planned."

Unconsciously her body landed into his touch, seeking the comfort he wanted to give her. Needing to feel his strength. That's what drew her in. The Joker was strong even though his wings had been clipped. He was the antithesis of her younger self.

"I can't." He rested his forehead against her's.

"Can't. Or won't." Harleen tried to pull away but only ended up with her ass meeting the couch cushions.

The Joker sits next to her and draws her back onto his lap like before. Taking comfort in her body pressed against him. Her nearness silenced his rage.

Gripping her chin the Joker forced Harleen to look at him. "Won't. I've made my intentions clear."

Her gaze darted to her lap. "You don't have to do this."

"Look at me when you make your silly demands. I want you to see how serious I am. I will not give into you whims. Not in this."

Oh crap.She heard the change in his tenor. Jason was slipping and Mr. J was coming out. How easily he transitioned pissed her off. One moment he was tender and wanting to care for her, the next he was just another demanding asshole. Well two could play that game.

Her gaze jumped to his. "Oh that's right what would a silly little whore like me know anyway? Seems you and Jimmy agree on that."

Before she knew what was happening he had her pinned to the couch beneath him. Harleen could feel his every muscle with him pressed to her like this.

Fisting her hair the Joker held Harleen still. He wanted her to pay attention to what he was going to say next, because he didn't plan to repeat himself.

"If I ever hear you say that again..."

"You'll what?" She snapped back.

Her defiance stroked his desire. He had always longed for a women who was tough. A woman that could hold her own even against his darkness. The Joker feared that Harleen was just that woman. Though he didn't like that she was behaving like a brat at the moment.