Not All Is As It Seems (Joker and Open)

[Harley Quinn]

The previous night had been a restless one for Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a young woman both eager and apprehensive about beginning the next chapter of her life now that she'd been accepted at Arkham. Early on, she knew that's where she wanted to be and throughout her studies, Harleen strived to do her best, to ensure that acceptance, but now that her first day had finally arrived, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

It didn't take long for the rest of the staff to notice the new addition to their establishment. The pretty-faced, blond-haired, blue-eyed girl with the shapely figure, garnered several appreciative smiles from her male co-workers, to which Harleen would simply smile politely in return, from behind the large framed glasses she wore more out of hope to be taken seriously, than out of need.

Meeting with one of the administrators that would be showing her around, provided Harleen with the relief she needed, and as the day went on and the conversation turned toward the inmates, Harleen's blue eyes sparkled in anticipation. Since stepping foot on the property that morning, this was the moment she'd been waiting for.

"I have to admit that I am rather interested to meet the super criminals of the asylum," Harleen offered calmly with a smile. "Those are the patients, the main reason, really, I chose this career, and I hope that I can be beneficial to them, in some way, because I believe that no one is a lost cause."

What Dr. Quinzel failed to mention, however, was that she had spent the last two weeks obsessively researching and absorbing any information she could get her hands on, regarding Arkham's most dangerous inhabitant - The Joker.

[The Joker]

Joker is in Arkham once again. Batman has locked him after he blow up a bus full of children on their way to school. Joker's laugh echoed through the hallway the day the police took him to his new cell. This one is reinforced concrete, steel layering, and bullet-proof glass. There is no possible way he could escape, unlike the few times.

He sits in his cell. The time ticks away as he sits there. Just laughing, constantly laughing, whenever someone would walk by or walk in the hallway. It is a joke to him. He sits in his white foam padded wall and straight jacket, staring out the glass slit watching the hallway.

He heard two people walk down the hallway. He did not see them yet. But his laughter begins.

[Harley Quinn]

Harleen took great care not to let her exaggerated enthusiasm rise too close to the surface when the administrator agreed to take her on a tour of the lower level of the asylum, where the most dangerous of the inmates were housed and her own office would be; conveniently close to the patients she'd be treating, and all too conveniently close to the one she was fixated on. Bearing a mask of remarkable calmness despite how excited she was, Dr. Quinzel appeared to be completely unaffected by everything she heard and saw, until the moment they arrived at the maximum security floor.

Once the elevator doors opened and the two began to make their way down the hall, the sound of Joker's laughter almost immediately reached Harleen's ears. For a moment, she lost her composure as she gasped and brought her hand up to her chest; but what was mistaken for fear by the administrator was merely a reaction to the overwhelming delight Harleen felt to know that at last, she was about to meet the man that had captivated her simply by what she read of him.

The young doctor tried her best not to move ahead too quickly, but once the cell that contained the Joker came into view, Harleen's anticipation got the best of her and instead of waiting for permission, she approached it and peered in.

"I wouldn't get so close, if I were you," Harleen heard the administrator say, but she didn't turn around. Instead, she remained exactly where she was. Her blue eyes widened slightly as she looked at him, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The impact of seeing him for the first time was already leaving its mark. "Is that really necessary?" Harleen questioned the administrator, referring to the straight jacket they'd placed him in. Her voice was almost dreamy sounding. "I mean, he's obviously well contained, what harm could there possibly be if that were removed?"

[The Joker]

Joker longed to see who it is. It was not feeding time, so it would not be the normal nurse, an incompetent loser. Joker always had a fun time scaring him. Joker would tel the man how he would kill his family. If it was not the feeding nurse, maybe it would be another dim-wit therapist. They were his favorite. The games he could play, he mind wander for a moment.

Joker saw Harleen walk over to his cell with the administrator. He could tell she was new. He instantly recognized her beauty. This was the only person where his first thought was not instantly how to kill them. He felt weird for a moment.

But just like everyone else, she stood there and stared into the cell. New workers love to get a glimpse of the Joker. He was like the main attraction of Arkham. He would also try to leave an impression on all his visitors. He moved closer to the glass and spoke, "Hiya doll."

[Harley Quinn]

Harleen didn't see the strange look the administrator gave her when the new employee asked why the use of a straight jacket was necessary, or notice that one of the armed guards from further down the hallway, had taken several steps closer when he heard the sound of Joker's voice. Dr. Quinzel's entire focus remained on the man inside the cell.

Her heart skipped a beat and a touch of color rose to her cheeks when the Joker greeted her.

Without even realizing it, the blond took another step closer, her smile widening just a little more. "Hello," Harleen very softly replied, almost as though she didn't want the administrator to hear her.

"If you knew anything about hi-- this patient, Dr. Quinzel, you wouldn't even have to ask." The administrator said. "It appears you don't, so I suggest you move back from his cell and take the time to read through his file... thoroughly, before you speak to him."

It was the first time that Harleen looked away from the Joker, her gaze shifting slowly to the side. She quietly scoffed, faintly smirked and whispered under her breath, "You have no idea just how much I do know," before she returned her attention to the clown.

Harleen locked her eyes with his. "Of course," the young woman answered more loudly, solely for the administrator's benefit, but she didn't step back. "However, I did do my research on h--several of the patients here at Arkham.." Harleen paused, then quietly added, "...extensively..." and smiled at the Joker. "This one included... so contrary to how it may seem, I'm not completely unprepared and am well aware of what this man is capable of."

[The Joker]

Joker sat there listening to the administrator and Harleen argue of who knows more about the Joker. He fidgeted every time the started to specify his crimes, but then changed to a more appropriate word. He started to get angry, he was an artist and his craft was murder. He wanted their acknowledgment of his atrocious acts.

"Come on just say it, say how you studied my crimes, murders, and other destructive acts that I performed in Gotham. I know you are all impressed." He said to both of them.

"And you administrator whoever you are, nameless guard at Arkham, you should be so lucky to escort her around. Because next time I break out, I will kill you. These walls cannot hold me forever," the Joker proclaimed looking at the guard straight in the eyes.

He turned his eyes toward Harleen.
"My my so you've studied me and other lunatics here. Books really don't do me justice, they lose my personality. Well anytime you want to interview doll, I'd be happy to oblige. HAHAHA!" The Joker said in his normal twisted laughing manner.

[Harley Quinn]

"Be that as it may, Dr. Quinzel," the administrator continued, "this man can be extremely manipulative and he is incredibly skilled at his craft, so it would still be in your best interest to keep your distance until you've gone over his file several times. If you need further assurance of that, I am certain that the head of Administration, Dr. Jeremiah Arkham would be m--" as the Joker broke in, the administrator paused and glanced over to him. The older woman managed to hide her fear of him pretty well, as the look she gave the crazed clown indicated that she really didn't have time for his nonsense. Sighing, she simply said, "I am Dr. Leland, and yes, yes, we've all heard it before." Dr. Leland refused to address the Joker by his chosen name and therefore opted to address him by no name at all.

Immediately thereafter, the guard raised his rifle and aimed it at the fiend inside the cell. "There won't be a next time, pal," he said through clenched teeth and ordered, "Get back!" Despite his bravado, the Joker's threat did not leave the guard unaffected; though the change in the man was minute enough that only someone highly perceptive would be able to notice the slight twitch below his left eye and the uncomfortable swallow that followed.

Dr. Harleen Quinzel, on the other hand, smiled at the Joker's words, her blue eyes sparkling as she listened to him. The young woman had to make a conscious effort to stop herself from nodding in agreement and when the Joker looked back at her, the new intern did her best to keep her voice steady and her excitement under control, even as her cheeks flushed again. "Yes, sir, I have studied you," Harley said, "and I agree, the written word is incapable of capturing your true essence; so I'd very much like that interview." The blond was thrilled at the prospect and the chance to speak with him, one on one.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Dr. Quinzel," Leland interrupted. "It's obvious that you are eager to jump right in, but before any such interview will be scheduled with this patient, it is to be cleared with Dr. Arkham first."

Harley sighed in disappointment and stared at the Joker with longing.

[The Joker]

Joker looked up at the guard that raised his gun. "Tell me how many of your friends have I killed? HAHAHA! I bet they threaten me just like you have done. This nut house cannot hold me forever. And I'll prove it. Just waiting soon you'll be sending out all of Goth City PD to try and get me to return you crappy little asylum. Soon Gotham will be mine again," Joker threatened.

He keep fidgeting in his jacket. He wanted them to think that he was always in a constant struggle to get out of it. This way they would always put him in it. The truth was it is child's play to get out of it. He looked back at Harley and said "Listen, doll, Dr. Arkham is a push over. Believe me, I should know. Soon we'll be having our interview and maybe then we can be civil. No straight-jackets, hm? You'll be wearing something pretty I expect."

[Harley Quinn]

The guard didn't answer the Joker's question or acknowledge what followed, he only moved closer to the cell, his teeth still clenched as he reiterated his command in an icy whisper. "I said, get back!" For her part, Harleen immediately lifted her hand and pushed the barrel away. "If you don't mind," she said coolly, "I'd rather you not have that so close to me, thank you." The guard tried to protest, but the young intern continued before he could get the words out. "And... I won't have you threatening my patient. It isn't conducive to his recovery and it serves no purpose when the man is clearly locked in his cell, restrained by..." instead of calling the straight jacket exactly what it was, she gestured with her hand, "... that." Ending with a subtlety condescending, "He can't really do anything now, can he? So how much sense does it make to point a gun at someone who can do... nothing? None."

Harley gave the guard a tight smile and momentarily turned toward Dr. Leland. When she did, the guard glared at the Joker, but he did lower the rifle, muttered that he would be close by if needed, before he headed back down the hallway again to meet up with a second guard, who was busily checking off his rounds sheet. "I understand there is a certain protocol to follow, Dr. Leland, and of course I will speak to Dr. Arkham first before proceeding. I was simply making my interest in interviewing..." The blond paused at that point. She didn't know what she should call the Joker and unlike the rest of staff, she wanted to be respectful of him, so in the end, she chose, "Mr. J."

"All right, I'm glad you understand, Dr. Quinzel," Joan Leland replied more warmly. "And your stark enthusiasm about wanting to help these patients is a valued asset here at Arkham." Dr. Leland glanced down at her watch. "Would you be all right here for a few minutes? I have to make a phone call, but it shouldn't take too long." Harleen's stomach fluttered. Even if she couldn't interview him yet, she'd at least have these few moments alone with him. "Of course," she answered in a calm sounding voice. "I'll stay right here and wait for your return." The older woman lightly patted Harley's arm and smiled politely. "I'll be right back. Just don't get too close to him." With a quick, but stern glance to the Joker, Dr. Leland headed off. Harley watched and waited until the other doctor got back into the elevator and its doors closed before she turned back to the Joker. She made a casual seeming glance down the hall to see how far away the guards were, re-adjusted her glasses and stepped closer to the cell again.

"If it pleases you, Mr. J.," Harley said softly with a smile. "I'll wear the prettiest outfit I own." Somewhere inside, she knew how unprofessional that sounded and that she'd have to be careful around others, but already smitten with the clown inside that cell made the intern forget everything else as she stood there before him. "I don't believe that the other doctors you've seen, really tried to help you to the best of their ability or truly had your best interest at heart, but I do, and will do whatever I can to help you."

[The Joker]

Joker was at first perplexed by her behavior. No one really has ever shown him any type of sincerity. This could be his chance to get out of Arkham this time. Or maybe...just maybe something more. He realized that throughout all of his crimes, his gangs would always have different members. He never really had a side kick, unlike that bird brain Batman, who travels with a personal army. This intern could provide him with a second in command. Someone who could become his confidant.

Her statements boggled his mind. She would actually listen to his requests and wants to actually help him. He smiled as she spoke. It gave him some hope that he would not be one hundred percent alone in this asylum. "Now we are finally alone. You managed to lose the chaperon. So toots this is your first day here? And already you have done things no doctors I've every had do. No doctors really understand me, but it seems like you will. No one has ever gotten me. No one understand me. But you...Dr. Quinzel, eh?" the Joker said.

He thought about her name for the moment. If only her first name was Harley. Then she could Harley Quinn like the clown. What a pair they would be then. Joker and Harley Quinn, it had a nice ring to it. "So beautiful, when do we start are sessions? The sooner the better," his voice faded into a creepiness as he ended his sentence.

[Harley Quinn]

Harleen's heart skipped several beats when the Joker said they were finally alone. Yes, we are, she thought to herself. Finally. She didn't need the confirmation, but her mind automatically twisted the words to mean to her what she wished them to. Whether or not it was how he had really meant them, was beside the point, it's how she took them, and it drew her even closer to him.

If only everyone else would just stay away. Then, Harley could have him to herself. Realistically, the intern knew that this was an impossibility, and she tried to convince herself that the main reason she wanted it that way was so there wouldn't be any distractions when she treated him. It seemed a plausible explanation, but somewhere inside of her, the already awestruck young woman knew there was more to it than what she was willing to admit.

"My first day, yes," she softly repeated as she let her gaze take in every aspect of the Joker that was visible to her, watching him closely and nodding to let him know that she would understand him in ways that no one else ever could. Only a flicker of time had passed since she first met him, and already the normally reasonable, intelligent and level-headed woman was thinking of possibilities she hoped would flourish into reality. "Harley," she answered almost too quickly when it sunk in that he had naturally addressed her by her professional name, and then Harley immediately sought a way to explain herself. "I mean, Dr. Quinzel works for everyone else's benefit, but when it's just you and I, Mr. J... you can call me Harley."

Her blue eyes lit up to match the smile she gave him when she added, "I'd like that." Color once again rose to her cheeks when he called her beautiful, and had anyone else been standing there just then to hear his last words to her, the change in Joker's voice would have surely disturbed them, but not Harley. It had the opposite effect on the blond, and she wasn't going to wait for any approval anymore.

With a quick glance toward the elevator to see if Dr. Leland was coming back yet, she was pleased to find that there was still no sign of the older woman and Harleen immediately turned her head the other direction to call out to the guards. "Open this cell. I want to speak to this patient directly. Now." Her tone wasn't harsh in sound, but she clearly wasn't leaving any room for argument. Returning her attention to the clown, Harley whispered, "Is now soon enough, Mr. J?"

[The Joker]

"Well Harley, now is not soon enough," Joker laughed. This beautiful creature just insisted to enter his cell. Hmm...does she have a angle? Maybe, if she does I kill her, Joker thought. He motioned with his head to straight-jacket. He hoped she would take it off for him. He was not going to hurt her, at least not now anyway.

Joker walked over to her and said "So Doctor, why would a pretty little girl like yourself want to know what goes on in my head? Not even the Batman cares what goes on in my mind. Old bats just guesses my moves and gets likely."

His green hair stood on its ends when he approached her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He knew with a little convincing, she would become his and be his second-in-command.