Harley Unhinged: Another Excerpt

Here is another look at Harley Unhinged, my Joker and Harley Quinn fanfiction. Read the previous excerpt here. This is an unedited first draft, subject to change. 

The names and likeness of these characters are property of DC Comics. I am in no way claiming ownership to them. The story, however, is my own. If you steal it, Joker will find you, and burn you alive.

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​Ed is right on time. He knocks on the door to my aunt’s apartment at six on the dot. I’m thankful that she’s not home. The last thing I need right now is a lecture about boys.

I open the door and I’m greeted by a bouquet of gorgeous red roses.

“I can be broken but remain whole. What am I?” Ed asks.

I smile as I take the roses. “A heart.”

Ed returns my smile. “Okay, that was an easy one.”

I invite Ed in as I search for a vase underneath my aunt’s sink. I find one, place the roses in it, and give them a fresh drink.

“Thank you. These are beautiful.”

“Yes, they are. But their beauty is nothing compared to yours.” He puts his hand on top of mine.

I blush. “Thanks.”

I place the vase of flowers in the middle of the dining table. I’m sure my aunt will ask a thousand questions about them but they do make a nice centerpiece.

“You ready?” Ed asks.

I nod and we walk out of the apartment together. Ed doesn’t have a car, so we head down the block to the subway station.

“So what did Joker and his gang want earlier?” Ed asks as we make our way onto a train car.

I reflect on how they took me with to the private school so Joker could collect money from someone selling the stolen goods. I’m not sure why they brought me with. It had nothing to do with me. “I dunno. To hang I guess.”

“I find it hard to believe that’s all it was. Joker always has an agenda,” Ed says.

“What was he like? Before?” The question pops out before I even consider how it may affect Ed. 

He seems a little annoyed that I want to keep talking about Joker but answers the question anyway. “He was a nice guy. The kind of friend anyone would want. We were close. Almost like brothers.”

“Wow, I had no idea.” I can tell Ed is still hanging on to a lot of hurt about their past friendship. I can see it in his eyes.

We get off the train and head back up to ground level. We are only a few blocks away from a well-lit marquee. He buys us tickets, popcorn, and candy, then we make our way into the theater. 

“Hey, Eddie!” Joker’s voice comes from behind us. He steps up between us, puts his arm around Ed’s shoulder, and grabs a handful of popcorn with the other hand.

My stomach does a flip when I see him. I wonder why he came here? Did he come to see me? He knew I was going to be here. What will Ed think if he tells him we kissed?

“Oh great, you’re here too.” The sarcasm is thick in Ed’s voice.

“What movie are we going to see?” Joker asks through a mouthful of popcorn.

“You and I are not going to see anything. I’m here with Harley.”

“Oh, hey there, Harley,” Joker says, acting like he didn’t see me up until now. What kind of game is he playing?

“The popcorn here smells like dirty feet,” Ivy says to Selina as they approach.

Ivy slides up next to Joker and puts her arm around his waist. “Let’s go in, babe.”

Selina shoots me a glance. She’s trying to gauge my reaction to Ivy’s coziness with Joker. I hope I don’t look as mortified as I feel. 

I’m not sure what I expected to happen anyway. I knew they were dating or whatever they are. He said she’s not his girlfriend but they clearly are something. But when he kissed me it felt soul-affirming. I wonder if he feels the same about it. Given the fact he just put his hand on Ivy’s behind, I’m guessing not.

The three of them head into the theater together and Ed and I reunite.

“Shall we go in?” I ask him. We both are deflated from the encounter.

He nods. We go in and find seats. Thankfully, Joker is nowhere near us. I don’t even see him in the theater. As the previews start up, I munch on some popcorn. I don’t know what to say to Ed. Ever since Joker showed up, I feel unraveled. 

The movie starts and I find myself distracted. My mind keeps going back to Joker. He’s so mysterious. Violent at times but also sweet and caring. Did he mean what he said? Would he kill my stepfather if I asked him to? I’m not sure that’s what I would want but it’s nice to know that someone in this crazy world has my back. And that kiss. I’ve never felt anything like it. It was so powerful. Cosmic even. But then what’s his deal with Ivy? And why did he come here tonight? 

Ed puts his hand on mine in an attempt at affection but it startles me from my thoughts and I involuntarily retreat my hand.

“Sorry, you startled me,” I whisper.

He tries again and this time I allow him to hold my hand. It feels forced. I don’t want to be affectionate with Ed. I see us as friends, even though he clearly wants more.

I imagine holding hands with Joker and a shiver runs through me. Why can’t I stop thinking about him?

A piece of popcorn falls into my lap. Another hits me on the top of my head. Then another grazes my shoulder. I turn around and see Joker sitting a few rows back. No Ivy or Selina. He throws another piece of popcorn at me and motions for me to come join him. 

“I’ll be right back,” I whisper to Ed. I retract my hand and make it seem like I’m heading for the bathroom. I check to make sure Ed isn’t watching me before I slide in next to Joker.

“What?” I ask quietly.

“I wanted to see you,” he says with a grin.

I blush. He can’t possibly mean that, can he? Is that why he came here tonight?

“How’s your date?” 

“It’s not a date. Ed and I are friends.”

“Then why were you holding hands?”

He saw that? I’m not sure what to say. “I don’t know.”

“Seems like the kind of thing friends don’t do.”

It’s hard to tell in the dark but I see worry in his eyes. Is he jealous?

Someone behind us shushes us. I almost forgot we’re in a crowded movie theater. 

Joker takes my hand and for a moment I think he’s going to hold it. Instead, he flips it so my palm is up. Then he takes his other hand and traces his fingertips across my palm and down my wrist. It sends a chill through me. He continues to caress my hand as goosebumps cover my skin. His touch excites me and heat rises in my cheeks. I look at his lips and I want to kiss them again but I’m here with Ed and Ivy is also here somewhere. He doesn’t give me a chance to think about it too much as he leans over the armrest and puts his mouth on mine.

His finger tips tickle my palm as his tongue tickles mine. The sensation is incredible like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
 
I run my fingers through Joker’s hair as we kiss. 

Oh my gosh, Ed! He probably thinks I died in the bathroom being gone this long.

I break our kiss. “I have to go.”

He drags me back into it and I let him. 

“Don’t go back to him. Stay with me,” he whispers in my ear. I can feel his warm breath on my neck as he purrs in my ear. I feel like melted butter but I glance down a few rows and see Ed look toward the aisle. 

“I have to go,” I repeat.

One final peck on the lips and then I slide out into the aisle. 
​
On my way to Ed, I glance back at Joker. For once he’s not grinning. He’s pouting. Is he that upset that I left?