Red and Black (A Harlivy Story)

Chapter 1: Emerald Green

She was finally here; Arkham Asylum. All the tests she took, the hours of studying and some rather questionable actions she took to ensure that she passed, had led to her final destination. With her degree from Gotham State University's prestigious psychology department, she was able to easily apply for a job in the asylum. She cleared her fake glasses that fogged up from the cold winter air and stood outside the gates. She believed that glasses may help her seem more intellectual rather than the stereotypes that came with her appearance. Throughout her years at the university, men looked down at her with disgusted eyes, convinced that she was only there because she relied on her looks. In a sense, they were right, but that didn't stop her from earning the top marks in the class. All in order to get where she was standing. The gates creaked open, and she walked to the door where she was greeted by a woman. Her bob cut perfectly framed her dark, smooth skin that was blemished with a few wrinkles, perhaps from the stress that her job brings every day.

"Harleen Quinzel, I presume" she said, raising her hand out to shake the novice's hand. "My name is Dr Joan Leland"

Harleen excitedly shook Dr Leland's hand, oblivious that she was using too much force, which made Joan wince.

"Call me Harley, everyone does"

"Well then Harley, I'll give you a tour"

Harleen obediently followed her colleague down a long hallway with glass cells on both sides, filled with Gotham's most criminally insane. She suddenly felt nervous as she peered into the various rooms, amplified by the prying eyes that examined her every move.

Breaking the soft murmurs of the inmates, Dr Leland questioned Harleen desire to work in such an establishment: "I must admit, I was surprised you wanted to intern here at Arkham. Anyone who had gone throughout med school with your high grades could have written her ticket anywhere".

"Yes well...I've always had an attraction for extreme personalities. They're more exciting, more challenging" Harleen answered

"And more high-profile?"

"You can't deny there's an element of glamour to these super-criminals"

"I'll warn you right now: these are hard-core psychotics" She paused briefly, trembling ever-so slightly that went unnoticed by the novice. "They'd just as soon kill you as look at you".

"If you're thinking about cashing in on them..." she threatened, now facing Harleen, "by writing a tell-all book, then think again".

By the end of the sentence, Harleen's attention was elsewhere, more specifically at the pale face, green-haired man that stood before her.

"The Joker" she exclaimed out loud. Realising her eagerness towards this mentally ill clown, she started to blush, which was too apparent to not be noticed by the Joker.

"A pretty girl like you will not last a second in this dump" he stated, "They'd eat a novice like you for breakfast".

Although she was not taken aback from his charm and charisma at first, she rather enjoyed his confidence. Not to mention that he was rather famous for being unreasonable. A man who could help her career greatly. She saw him as challenge, a hard one, but one that was definitely going to increase her popularity among her colleagues. Maybe it was her unconscious desire to be cherished by many, or her competitive nature that bloomed from being a highly-renown gymnast as a teenager, which made her gravitate towards him. All she knew was that she had to get a session with him.

She continued to walk with Dr Leland, glancing at the other patients that were stuck in their glass prisons, occupied with her thoughts on the Joker until she saw her. The goddess-like woman was lying peacefully reading a botanical book with her long red hair concealing most of her face. Harleen intrigued by this woman, took a step closer, alerting the patient of her position. A smirk was drawn on her face, and Harleen squinted at her skin, which seemed to be green. It's probably the light she thought before getting interrupted by Dr Leland.

"Pamela Lillian Isley, commonly known as Poison Ivy, she's somewhat known for her control over all plant-life, in addition to being Gotham's seductress"

"Pleased to me your acquittance, Dr..." Ivy husky declared

"Dr Harleen Quinzel" she replied, smiling back at the red-haired seductress.

"We should carry on Har- Dr Quinzel, there is still a lot to cover." Dr Leland exclaimed as she carried on walking.

For a brief fleeting moment, Harley held eye contact with the emerald green eyes of Poison Ivy, feeling what was either a twinge of intrigue or something that she couldn't comprehend yet. This feeling loomed around Harleen; something she couldn't shake off. She walked faster, trying to catch up with Joan who was already at the end of the corridor. She looked back momentarily before entering her office.