Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

            Greg sat down with a huff. There were some days where he just got lost in the music and gave it everything he had, like tonight. He found it hard to catch his breath on nights like tonight.

He grabbed his phone from the nearby table. He had two messages: one from his mother and one on his extra line. Greg decided to ignore the second in favor of the first for a moment. He clicked on the text from his mother.

“I left the extra key in the barn, in Thundering Hoof’s tack, if you decide to come back tonight. I noticed that you forgot your key when you rushed off.”

He smiled and clicked out of the message. Usually he would reply, but he knew his mother was probably in bed already. He would just thank her tomorrow.

Next, he opened the text on his other line. “You’re needed as soon as you get this. Meet me at the Gotham Police Department.”

“Can’t catch a break anytime can I?” He sighed.

Greg Saunders was in Gotham for this particular concert. He had been invited to Bruce Wayne’s mansion for a drink after the concert, but it looked like he would have to push that back. His Justice League duties took priority. He hated to do it to the billionaire. The man was nice. All the people here were, but Bruce Wayne was probably the main reason he kept coming back.

It was nothing against Gotham’s people, but the city itself did something to him. All the darkness, rain, and fog made him anxious. If he stayed long enough, it put him in a depressive state that he couldn’t get out of for maybe a week – if he was lucky. Last time he was here he stayed for an entire week. When he got home, he had no desire to do anything but sleep. He had pushed through because he still had a farm and Justice League duties to attend to, but it was hard and more than one person pointed out that he didn’t seem to be himself. He did his best to leave Gotham after two days ever since.

Would he be able to keep to that this time? Highly unlikely, since he was actively working with the League. Missions usually took a while if they involved Gotham.

Vigilante pulled his motorcycle up to the curb in front of the police department. He dismounted and headed inside as quickly as he could.

“I’m here ta see Batman,” he told the officer at the front desk.

The officer looked him up and down. “Uh-huh.” He pressed a button on the intercom. “Batman’s guest is here, Commissioner Gordon.”

“I’ll be right down.”

“Take a seat,” the officer told Vigilante, motioning to some chairs that lined the walls behind him.

Vigilante took a step back. Was this for real? He took an awkward step toward the chairs. When was the last time he had such an awkward interaction in Gotham? And “Batman’s guest”? Sure, he wasn’t from around these parts. He wasn’t Batman’s guest though. Maybe employee, maybe work acquaintance, but not guest.

Before Vigilante had a chance to sit down, one of the doors on either side of the front desk opened. A man with a red mustache – some gray mixed in there, too – and red hair was looking at Vigilante. He continued to hold the door as he stepped aside. “Batman is up in my office.”

He nodded. The door shut behind him and the other man – Commissioner Gordon. He had met Commissioner Gordon at one of Mr. Wayne’s galas. Of course, that was as Greg Saunders. Vigilante and Gordon weren’t acquainted.

“I’m Commissioner Jim Gordon,” the redhead introduced himself as they walked. He didn’t turn and offer his hand, but that was alright.

“Pleasure ta meet ya,” Vigilante tipped his hat. “Vigilante at yer service. Mind tellin’ me what’s got y’all’s attention this fine night?”

“Batman said you would be in the area. We have someone who needs to go into protective custody, but he insisted that it was a League matter and that he would call someone in from the League to assist us while he does his investigation.”

“Ah, well. Glad he thinks highly enough o’ my skills ta ask me.”

“I’m just glad you were able to make it here so quickly. My officers will be at your disposal as well, but there is only so much we can do when supervillains are involved. I’m big enough to admit that.”

“I’m sure y’all’d do a mighty fine job. At least you’ve had trainin’. I ain’t even got that, ‘sides what we do every now ‘n’ then.”

“You might not have training, but you have experience dealing with supervillains. My officers do as well, but Batman thinks more highly of the League than he does of some of my men.”

“I’m right sure he respects y’all and the work ya put inta keepin’ Gotham safe.”

Commissioner Gordon didn’t get a chance to reply to Vigilante’s comment, as they arrived at his office just after.

Batman caught Vigilante’s eye first. He was standing almost in the middle of the room. His cape was draped around his shoulders and covered his entire body. His eyes were narrowed at the cowboy.

“What took you so long? Your previous engagement ended nearly an hour ago,” the Bat asked in his trademark gravelly voice.

“What’re ya talkin’ ‘bout? I came as soon as I could, like ya told me.”

The next thing to catch Vigilante’s eye was the lady sitting in a chair, facing him. Her arms were resting on the back of the chair with her chin resting on those. She looked a little bored.

“I assume Commissioner Gordon filled you in?”

Commissioner Gordon leaned against the desk.

“Yessir,” Vigilante replied, pulling his eyes away from the lady. “So, who is it that needs our protectin’?”

“You will be protecting Harley Quinn.”

Vigilante looked between Batman and Harley Quinn. “I’m confused.”

“Harley Quinn has information pertaining to a global threat, which means villains will be after her and we can’t trust her to The Joker either. I need you to keep an eye on her while I follow up on the information she provided.”

Harley looked at Batman, pointing at Vigilante. “I’m gonna hang out with him?”

“Yes.”

She clapped. “Oh fun!” Turning to him, she added, “Do you like westerns?”

He looked down at his costume, then back at her. A giant smile grew under his bandana. “Darlin’, what do ya think?”

“You two will need a place to stay while I perform my investigation,” Batman interrupted.

“Why not with Brucie?!” Harley perked up, excited by her own recommendation.

Commissioner Gordon shook his head. “We are not dragging a citizen of Gotham into this. It is too dangerous, and it is my duty to protect the people of Gotham.”

Batman looked at Gordon. “I am sure Mister Wayne would appreciate the sentiment, but he has already informed me that his door is always open to Harley Quinn. Besides, Vigilante will be there to protect him if someone decides to go after Harley.”

Gordon shook his head. He clearly didn’t approve, but Vigilante had a feeling that Batman was going to win this argument. While Gordon called Wayne Manor, Vigilante decided to strike up a conversation with Harley.

“What’re yer thoughts on Mr. Clint Eastwood?”

“Oh he’s nice,” Harley said absentmindedly, “I prefer John Wayne, personally.”

“Well, he does have some good films.”

“Oh! I do have one favorite movie with Clint Eastwood, but it isn’t really a western-western.”

“Let’s hear it!”

“You ever seen Space Cowboys? It has my all-time favorite actor too.”

“I’m guessin’ Tommy Lee Jones is the favorite?” He smirked under his bandana.

“You’ve seen it!” She squealed. “Brucie has a copy.”

“Sounds like we done decided on the first movie we’re gonna watch!”

Her face lit up. “I think I’m gonna like you. Batsy never watches movies with me, it’s always ‘Don’t do crime anymore’ or ‘Why don’t you go back to your job instead of crime.’ It’s so boring. We could be friends if he’d stop lecturing me! I’m sure he likes some movie.”

Vigilante cast a glance over to where Batman and Gordon were now having a hushed conversation. He leaned in closer to Harley. Keeping a close eye on them, he whispered, “This is confidential now, but, couple o’ weeks ago, Batman actually watched The Good, the Bad, an’ the Ugly with me after a mission.” He stood up and laughed. “He’s still like any 8-year-old boy at heart. Never met a boy who didn’t like cowboys an’ Indians.”

Harley covered her mouth, lighting up with barely contained joy. She didn’t even know what to say. Finally she asked, “How did you manage that?” A hint of awe in her voice.

He laughed again. “Well now, I didn’t really do nothin’.”

“Tell me everything!”

“Okay, okay.” He relayed to her the entire story: About how he had been handpicked by Batman for a mission so that he could babysit these two old men who likely wanted to kill each other. The whole time there was this threat of some weird magic. He had seen something that made him think of the classic Clint Eastwood film and that made him want to watch the movie again after the mission was over.

He told her how he tried to get his teammates – Batman, Shining Knight, and another man named Jason Blood – to come watch it with him. None of them had taken him up on his offer. They all left him standing on the street outside of Gotham University, alone. Well, he went back to the Watchtower and decided to watch the movie by himself. He made popcorn and he was sitting down, getting ready to play it, when two of his teammates joined him, then Batman joined them.

It was a great time. Batman was as stoic as ever, but he could’ve sworn he saw the Dark Knight smile at least twice. That bit of information caused Harley Quinn to become even more giddy.

And then their fun came to an end.

“Mister Wayne’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, said it was alright for us to bring Harley there,” Batman said, he and Commissioner Gordon turning to look at the two. “Harley Quinn will ride with me, assuming you brought your motorcycle, Vigilante?”

“That is a correct assumption.”

“You have a motorcycle?” Harley asked. She shook her head. “Tsk tsk. Momma says those things are dangerous.” Her eyes light up. “But aren’t they fun!”

Vig laughed. “Darlin’, when ya grow up ridin’ horses an’ fightin’ crime, a motorcycle’s as dangerous as a walk in the park.” He tilted his hat with a wink.

Harley jumped to her feet, knowing Batman wanted to go. “A walk in the park’s just as dangerous as fighting crime anymore. Just ask Jimmy.”

Batman followed the jester out. Vigilante nodded to the commissioner. “Commissioner Gordon.”

Gordon gave a curt nod in reply, then Vigilante followed the two Gothamites out onto the streets.

Chapter Text

            Harley was excited when she first saw the red motorcycle. It looked a little scratched up, but she supposed things like that happened when one was doing hero work. It was a decent motorcycle at any rate. But, she couldn’t let Vigilante know she felt that way. She’d already shown her hand with the westerns. Her job was to get a Leaguer alone and take their access codes to the Watchtower. Batman was right when he said it was something that could endanger the entire world. Mister J had hatched this brilliant plan based off something Lex Luthor had done years ago, before the Justice League became more than seven members.

It was too bad though. This poor cowboy really thought she was just going to sit around and watch movies with him. Well, maybe she could watch one movie. She really did want to see Space Cowboys again.

“Heh, space cowboys,” she laughed.

“What was that?” Batman asked her.

“Oh nothin’!” How ironic: she was going to watch Space Cowboys with a cowboy that had been to space!

Vigilante finally emerged from the police station. Batman addressed him.

“Follow me to Wayne Manor.”

“Sure thing, Batman.”

The Dark Knight climbed into the driver’s seat of the Batmobile. Harley Quinn reached for the door handle, only to have Vigilante swoop in and open it for her.

“Ma’am.”

She burst out laughing. The look on Vigilante’s face at her reaction was funny too, which caused her to laugh more. Vigilante shut the door behind her. The Batmobile hummed to life while a motorcycle roared to life behind them. Batman pulled away from the curb and drove through the streets of Gotham. Harley thought it even more funny that Batman didn’t seem to care about losing his friend.

“Hey ya, Batsy!” She decided to ask him about it. “You’re leaving your friend in the dust!”

“He’s been to Gotham before, he knows his way around. If he can’t keep up, he will just meet us there.”

“Oooooh.” This intrigued her. She turned around, as much as her seatbelt would allow her, to watch Vigilante through the back window.

He managed to keep up with them right until they saw the gates of Wayne Manor. Then he passed them. The gate was already open – which wasn’t unusual for Brucie, especially when he was expecting someone. When they pulled up in front of the Manor, Vigilante came to the passenger door and opened it right up.

She began laughing again, so much that she wanted to cry. “I have arms!”

“Well now,” he shut the door behind her, “my ma didn’t raise me ta let a lady open her own door.”

“Boy, your girlfriend must be really weak!” She laughed again. It wasn’t meant as an insult, and she was glad to see that he was adult enough to take it the way it was meant.

“If I had a girlfriend, she might end up forgettin’ what a door handle even felt like.” He made it up to the mansion door before either Batman or Harley did. “Well, y’know, when I was around. She’d have ta open her own doors when I wasn’t.”

Harley turned to Batman. “Where’d you dig this one up, Batsy?”

“I think Wonder Woman invited him.”

Vigilante scoffed playfully, pretending to be hurt, as Batman walked through, with Harley right behind him. He followed the two in and was immediately met by a British man in a black suit and tie – Alfred Pennyworth.

Alfred held his hand out. “May I take your hat, sir?”

He was used to giving Alfred his hat or coat, so he didn’t even think when he removed his hat and handed it over. He had a bit of hat hair but that was quickly fixed when Harley managed to ruffle it and mess it up.

“Now, darlin’, what’d ya go an’ do that fer?” He asked, trying to smooth his hair down once again.

“You aren’t having any fun! You’re almost as stiff as Batsy.”

“That isn’t a bad thing, Harley,” Batman retorted.

“Phooey, you’re no fun!”

Alfred walked over to Harley. “Hello again, Ms. Quinn, would you like to freshen up?”

“Alf! Yes, I would love to freshen up.” She gave him a big grin, wrapping her hands in the crook of his arm. As he began to lead her away, she looked over her shoulder. “Bye! Don’t have too much fun without me!”

They rounded the corner that led to the stairs. This is where she stopped Alfred. “Hold on a second, Alf, I wanna listen.”

“Now, Ms. Quinn, it is impolite to eavesdrop.”

“I know, I know, but it’s about me anyway!”

Alfred sighed and stood still.

“I had Alfred collect your luggage from the hotel you were at. There are extra rooms that you and Harley Quinn can use.”

“Can’t I jus’ take her ta my ranch or somethin’? Ya know how I get if I’m in Gotham too long.”

“I know, Vigilante, but I want to be able to keep an eye on her. So, you have to stay here in Gotham. I only need you to watch her for a day or two while I finish my investigation. If you need me, you can reach me on the Watchtower.”

“Alright. I guess that should be fine. I’m gonna have ta call Ma in the mornin’ an’ let ‘er know.”

“No details.”

Harley patted Alfred’s arm. “Okay, Alf, I’m ready to freshen up!” She knew she was going to have to make her move tonight or in the morning. Mister J would be mad if she took too long to execute their plan. Did she still have time for one movie? She really wanted to watch that movie. Well, that could be decided after her shower.

She had to figure out how to get Vigilante alone tomorrow while she took a shower. She wanted to get him away from the mansion so she didn’t have to hurt Alfred, because she liked Alfred. He was always nice to her. He made her favorite snacks when she came over. He’d even gone and bought her some clothes for when she decided to have an impromptu sleepover with Brucie.

The answer came to her after her shower. Bruce Wayne had a giant garden. All she had to do was get Vigilante to go for a walk with her, then she would give him the fear gas vial that Scarecrow and Mister J would sneak in overnight and her part of the plan would be done!

Harley felt this was a good plan. It was the best way to go. She left the bathroom with the towel wrapped around her body. The room she had always stayed in was only across the hall. It was a very quick walk. She closed the door and went to the dresser where Alfred had left the clothes he got her. She frowned when she could find nothing but undergarments.

Going to the door, she cracked it open. “Alf! Where are my clothes?”

Alfred didn’t reply. That wasn’t unusual, he didn’t like to yell in the house. He may not have even heard her. As she looked around for something more than a towel to cover up with, there was a light rap on the door.

“Eep! Don’t come in!” She ran for the towels.

“No worries, ma’am,” it was the cowboy, “I just wanted ta let ya know I heard ya lost yer clothin’. I have some extra shirts an’ jeans an’ belts. I put a set on the floor jus’ outside the door if ya want ‘em. They may be a little big, which is why I left the belt. I’ll be downstairs. Holler if’n ya need me.”

She stared at the door. The thud of boots on the floor began to recede, likely as he got to the stairs and descended them. Harley crept to the door and slowly – very slowly – opened it. She scanned the hall first to make sure he wasn’t still around. Then she looked at the floor and found the clothes he had been talking about.

He was right, they were a little big. One was a button-up plaid shirt and the other was a pair of blue jeans. The belt did help her keep the jeans on, but she wished she knew where her own clothes were. She would have to talk to Alfred and Brucie.

Harley descended the stairs very carefully. Vigilante was a little taller than she was, so the pants were big on her and she didn’t want to trip and hurt herself. She could see the top of Vigilante’s head over the back of the couch from where she stood at the bottom of the stairs. A big grin crossed her face when she looked toward the door where his white hat hung.

“Hey, Cowboy!” she called, taking another step down.

Vigilante sat up on his knees, facing her over the back of the couch. He covered his mouth which, she noticed, was still covered with his bandana.

She harumphed and folded her arms. The little bit of shirt that draped over her hand almost whacked her in the face. “What’re you laughin’ at?”

He pushed himself off the couch to stand at his full height once more. She noticed him slip something into his pant pocket. “Nothin’, ma’am. Jus’ caught me off guard is all. You need help gettin’ down so ya don’t hurt yerself?”

“As if!” She stomped down the remaining steps. “I made it all the way there didn’t I?”

“No offense intended!”

Harley looked over at his hat again. She grinned and virtually floated over to it. The Wayne Manor always seemed to bring out the high-class diva in her – the one that could walk on air anywhere she pleased, the one that didn’t find herself walking on eggshells rather often. But, you know, the little imp always remained. She swept the hat off the hook and onto her head, pushing it back so she could still see.

Vigilante was staring at her when she turned around. There was something in his eyes that caused her smile to fade. Was that pity? She glared daggers at him and folded her arms again. “What are you lookin’ at?”

The cowboy shook his head. “Nothin’, ma’am. Didn’t mean ta upset ya.”

“Then tell me why you’re lookin’ at me like that!”

“I-“

She huffed, throwing the hat to the floor. It was no concern of hers to feel it under her feet as she stomped to the kitchen. She needed to get out of these clothes.

“Now, ma’am, there was no callin’ ta do that!” she heard the cowboy saying after her.

Alfred was in the kitchen, cooking away at one of her favorite meals, when she stomped in. “Ms. Quinn, is something the matter?”

Her footsteps became softer at the friendly voice. She smiled wide. “Nothin’s the matter, Alfie! What’s for dinner?” He never looked at her like that. He was a true gentleman. He knew when to keep his pity to himself.

“One of your favorites, of course.” He raised his eyebrow when he saw the long sleeves and the few-sizes-to-big pants. “Ms. Quinn, I do apologize. I seem to have forgotten your clothes in the wash.”

“Oh that’s okay! The cowboy gave me some clothes I guess. Otherwise I woulda stole some from Brucie!” She rested her elbows on the counter and grinned up at the older man. “You don’t think Brucie woulda minded, do ya?”

Alfred smiled. “Of course not. He has always invited you to make yourself at home here.” He turned to the other counter where an assortment of snacks were set out. “Now, Mr. Vigilante informed me that you two had plans to view a film. I made an assortment of snacks and informed him where he might find the film. Dinner will be ready as soon as you two are.” He handed her two of the snack-filled bowls.

“Yum!” She took them, more excited about the muddie buddies than the chips. “Thanks, Alfie!”

As she made her way back into the living room, she remembered the look Vigilante had given her. Her mood dropped once more. Then she saw him. He was simply standing there, holding his hat in front of his stomach. His head was angled down. He was looking at the floor until the door closed, then his eyes rose to meet her’s.

“I’m right sorry, ma’am. I had no right ta look at ya the way I did before. I just…didn’t realize how small ya were until I saw ya in my clothes.”

She tilted her head to one side. He was like a big golden retriever! How could she stay mad at him? Harley grinned, walking over and ruffling his hair again. “Ah that’s okay! I guess I can’t blame ya!” She shoved the bowl of chips toward him. “Here ya go! Alfie got these ready for the movie!”

Vigilante took the bowl and smiled at her.

The movie started like it always did. Harley didn’t know why she expected it to start differently. It always started with the weird blue sequence of the characters as younger versions of themselves. When had she last watched this movie? She had to think hard for the answer. It was in this very room, on this very couch, with Brucie, years ago. Hmm. No. That wasn’t right.

No, she and Mister J had watched this movie only a few months ago. She hadn’t remembered that. Well, she remembered watching a movie with him, but she hadn’t remembered which one. They…hadn’t really been watching.

Harley scooted toward the arm of the couch that was on her side. She buried her face into the shirt collar and pulled her feet up onto the cushion as well. Her skin began to crawl and she started to feel a bit sick. She almost expected Mister J to grab her for a game again. Mr. J hadn’t wanted to watch the movie…

“Darlin’, ‘re you alright?”

“Huh?” Harley looked at the man sitting next to her on the couch. He looked concerned. She waved him off and laughed. “Oh yeah, I’m fine! I just miss Mister J a little.”

“Who’s that?”

Duh! She forgot he wasn’t a native to Gotham. “You don’t know Mister J?!” She knew the answer, so why did she ask?

He just shook his head.

“Huh. Everyone knows Mister J.” She held her chin thoughtfully. “Oh! Joker? Do you know Joker?”

“Yeah,” Vigilante didn’t sound very fond of the name.

“Well there ya go! You know Mister J!” She slowly began to let her feet slide off the cushion toward the floor as she began to expound on her thoughts. “I was just thinkin’ of when Mister J and I watched Space Cowboys a couple months ago. Though, we didn’t really watch. He wanted to play instead.”

She noticed his blue eyes get a little wary. “Didn’t you wanna watch the movie?”

“Well yeah, but that’s okay. I’d do anything for Mister J, even if I don’t want to at the time.” She shrugged. “Just a part of life with my puddin’!”

There was that pity again, only for a quick second. “You must make him very happy,” was all he said.

She grinned at the compliment. “Of course! I mean, I love ‘im! Now shush!” She waved her hand at him, leaning forward in her seat. “It’s probably gettin’ to a good part!”

Harley was taken by surprise when she faced the screen. Vigilante had actually paused the movie while they spoke. She didn’t understand why that was so profound, but…it made her feel a little warm and fuzzy. Mister J never did that. Then again, he knew what was best for her – even if it meant missing her favorite movie sometimes.

Vigilante quietly started the movie. Her brain was doing somersaults as the movie played. Vigilante wasn’t making any moves toward her. Only two men she habitually hung out with were the same, and that was Alfie and Brucie. Everyone she came in contact after becoming villainess Harley Quinn tried to make some sort of move toward her, so why wasn’t he?

She shook her head. Not every was perfect like Alfie, Brucie, and Mister J. She was certain he’d try something, or slip up somehow. He just needed a little nudge. She wracked her brain. This was the only thing she could think of to get him out into the garden tomorrow: she had to make him regret something. He seemed like the type of guy that really wanted people to like him, so if he thought she was mad at him somehow, he would be obliged to do anything in apology, wouldn’t he? Even something so simple as a walk in the garden?

Space Cowboys, she hissed at herself. Enjoy the movie! Think about this later!

The movie came to an end too quickly for her liking, but oh well. Now she would get to enjoy dinner with Alfie and Brucie! She bounded into the dining room, leaving her half-finished bowl of muddie buddies on the coffee table with Vigilante’s almost-untouched bowl of chips.

Alfred had just finished setting the table. He was the only one in the large room, and there were only three places set. Her smile faded immediately.

“Aww, where’s Brucie?”

“I am sorry, Ms. Quinn, Master Bruce will be unable to join us this evening. He says he will try to be here tomorrow for at least one meal, but he had some urgent business to take care of in Metropolis.”

She stuck her lip out. “I was lookin’ forward to having dinner with Brucie again.”

“What’s the matter?” Vigilante asked, walking in behind her.

Alfred repeated his explanation, that Bruce wouldn’t be joining them for dinner tonight because he had some other business to deal with. The cowboy seemed a little disappointed as well.

He shrugged. “Well, that’s a bummer, but I suppose he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. Can’t be easy runnin’ a whole big business like he does.”

“Quite.”

Harley was just as rambunctious as usually throughout the meal. She and Alfie had started a small book club – which Brucie sometimes participated in – so she was talking with him about the book they’d just been reading. She explained that she had only just started it because Mister J had been really clingy lately. He had been so clingy that she had maybe an hour of each day (sometimes even including time spent sleeping) to herself.

“It’s nice to know he still needs me so much,” she commented with a wide grin. “It’s my worst nightmare to be in a relationship where my puddin’ doesn’t need me anymore.” She shrugged. “It can get a little annoying sometimes, but ya know, I just remind myself that he only clings to me so much ‘cause he loves me.”

Alfie nodded. He was such a good listener.

She turned to face Vigilante. “Isn’t Mister J so considerate? I mean, he doesn’t want me to feel lonely!”

“Uh, yeah. Very considerate.” Harley had the feeling he didn’t mean that. Oh well, it didn’t matter. The only thing that truly mattered was doing well for her puddin’.

Once the meal finished, Vigilante offered to help Alfie with the dishes. It was very nice of him. Harley would usually sit with them and continue to talk, but she had to put her plan into action. She went into the living room and lay down on the couch. She had set it up by asking Vigilante if he wanted to watch another movie. She was too tired to do it anyway, but that was the plan.

Harley pulled her legs up toward her chest for a moment. She had loosened the belt earlier because it was getting a little annoying. It was almost less annoying than having to constantly pull the jeans up, but the belt had been a little more annoying. She yawned and stretched her arms and legs. How was Brucie’s couch more comfy than her own bed? Oh well.

She closed her eyes. She needed sleep, and she knew she would be the perfect target for anything. He already saw her as small and vulnerable, why shouldn’t she use that to her advantage? He wouldn’t know any better.

“Ms. Quinn?”

Harley smacked her lips and slowly opened her eyes. Alfred was leaning over in front of her. “What’s up, Alfie?”

“Breakfast is almost ready.”

She shot up. “Breakfast?!”

“Yes. You fell asleep on the couch last night, so Vigilante and I retired after finishing the dishes so as not to disturb you.”

“Oh.”

“I thought you might like a shower before breakfast. And I have replaced your clothing in the dresser. You will no longer have to wear Vigilante’s. Once you are done changing out of them, I will wash them for him.”

“Thanks, Alfie. You’re a good friend.” She allowed a small smile. There goes my plan.

Harley was quick in the shower. She looked both ways before crossing the hall again and was happy to find her own clothes. The only thing that made this morning different was the fact that she needed to figure out how to get Vigilante alone still. Her entire plan was shot. Or, so she thought.

Vigilante was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her again. “Mornin’. Hope ya slept well.”

“Never slept better!” She grinned. She motioned to her clothes next. “Now how do I look? I don’t look so small anymore, right?”

“No, ma’am, not at all.”

“Anyway, I’m starving!” Harley jumped down the remaining stairs and made her way to the dining room, only to be stopped by Vigilante.

“Sorry ta say, but breakfast ain’t quite ready yet. Mr. Pennyworth asked me ta keep ya company ‘til it was done.”

“Ah phooey! I thought for sure it’d be done by now! Hmm. What should we do?” For a split second, her initial plan slipped her mind.

“Well, Mr. Wayne has a nice garden. Why don’t we go fer a walk?”

Her eyes widened. Of course! Her plan remembered, she grinned. Oh, Cowboy, you’re such a fabulous guy! Harley spun around. She walked back over to Vigilante and wrapped her arms around his. “That sounds like fun! I dunno if I’ve ever been around the perimeter of the garden, but I hear there’s a lot of cool plant sculptures close to the fence!”

“I suspect breakfast should be ready by time we’ve finished roundin’ the perimeter.”

They made sure to inform Alfred of their plan before they left. He did, in fact, assure them that breakfast would be ready when they returned. Harley mentally apologized to the old gentleman. She would have loved to have breakfast with him, but she couldn’t fail Mister J. He was counting on her and he wouldn’t be happy if she didn’t deliver.

Vigilante led her down the driveway to the gate, where they took a right along the fence to make an entire circle around the grounds. Harley hastily sneaked the small vial in the mailbox into her pocket with the other mail. She told Vigilante that she wanted to bring the mail up for Alfie. He was so naïve as to believe her!

It only took them five minutes to find a somewhat hidden spot. Harley knew no one would find him here for a few hours. This was where she had to do it.

“Oh look at that!” She pointed at one of the bushes enthusiastically. “It looks like a dog!”

The hero followed the direction she was pointing. He tilted his head. “That-“ His eyes widened.

Harley Quinn swiftly pulled the now-empty vial away from Vigilante’s vein. His eyes darted this way and that as the fear toxin took effect. He soon backed into the wall and sank to the ground, his breaths getting faster.

“Sorry, Cowboy,” she said, kneeling down in front of him and ruffling his hair. “You didn’t really think I’d hide from Mister J, did ya?” She reveled a little in the fear in his eyes. “Now hold still.”

Harley searched each of his pockets thoroughly in search of the Watchtower entrance codes. She pulled out every item, just to make sure she didn’t miss anything. His phone was pulled out just before she found the entrance codes. Harley discarded everything but the last two items. She slipped the codes into one of her pockets and looked at the phone. The screen bore an unfinished text, as his phone was unlocked.

“Aw, you were sending a text to your momma?” She looked at the man and frowned. He was no longer paying attention to her. Harley pressed send on the unfinished message. “Well, we can make her worry a little. Mister J would like that. Here,” -the final thing she thought to do before leaving, she set the mail atop Vigilante’s phone in the grass- “do me a favor and make sure Alfie gets this. Y’know, if they ever find ya.”

Harley can’t help but take one last look at him before she completely leaves. She thought she would enjoy that final look more, but something was different. She didn’t feel so happy anymore. He really was nice. Well, as Mister J would say: Nice guys finish dead!

Chapter Text

            It was so hard to breathe. The walls were closing in around him. He could hear a gentle flutter of wings. He closed his eyes tight to avoid the sight of his tormenters, but somehow he could still see them.

Jus’ leave me alone, he thought. I ain’t no threat anymore. You done made sure o’ that.

He grit his teeth, waiting for the pain. He tried pushing further into the wall behind him, willing himself to phase through as he’d seen Martian Manhunter do so many times. How much he envied someone with power like that: who could escape anything that hurt them with ease. But he was still here. They were still getting closer.

Vigilante cried out as the pain coursed through him again. He thought he was done crying out. He didn’t like giving anyone the satisfaction of that, but it was just too much. He begged – something he never did – he begged them to leave him alone, to let him go. Well, he didn’t really care if they let him go, as long as they left him alone. They could leave him to rot in that cell, as long as he didn’t see another Hawk again.

One of them grabbed his arm. He tried pulling away, but the hand was too strong and he was too weak.

“Le’ me go…!” he gasped.

“Vigilante.” How did they know his name? They didn’t care about who he was! He was just some plaything to them. “Vigilante, snap out of it!”

“Sir,” another hand entered his vision. It was holding some sort of syringe.

He kicked and pushed, trying to get further away. Who knew what was in that syringe! Who knew what they could make him do with that.

The grip on his arm only got tighter. Someone else was soon on the other side holding him still. He fought with all his strength, what little he had, to get away. It was useless. They were too strong. He was too tired, too weak. Days and days of torture and humiliation did that to a guy.

He felt the needle in his arm, where the first person was holding. He waited for the sensation of bodilessness. Instead, he began to feel grounded. The originally unfounded feelings of terror and anxiety had disappeared.

Vigilante almost didn’t dare open his eyes, but he did open them. His breathing was beginning to slow and he was becoming more calm as the sunlight and cool breeze began to register. The next thing he saw was a friendly face – as friendly as Batman could be anyway, but it was welcome. He saw a rare concern in the Dark Knight’s eyes.

“Wha’ happened?” Vig muttered. Before Batman could answer, he continued, “How’d I ge’ here? Where’d th’ birds go?”

Batman looked to his right before replying to Vigilante. “You’re in Bruce Wayne’s garden, Vigilante. Harley Quinn gave you a dose of Scarecrow’s fear gas. Mr. Wayne’s butler found you when you and Harley didn’t come back for breakfast.”

It took a moment for everything to process. His brain was still a bit fuzzy. Finally, he shook his head. “No, she wouldn’t do that. She ain’t like tha’.”

“Come, Master Vigilante,” -the cowboy jerked away when someone tried grabbing his arm- “I am only trying to help, sir. Let’s get you inside, shall we?”

The gentle reassurance endeared the cowboy to the butler. With one on either side, they helped Vigilante to his feet. The phantom injuries that riddled his body made it hard to walk, even with the support of the other two men.

As they got closer to the mansion, something flapped in the wind. The logical part of Greg’s brain told him it was probably Batman’s cape or Alfred’s suit, but that part of his brain wasn’t in control right now. He began looking as far as he could to try to figure out where the Hawks were hiding. They were here somewhere, he just knew it! But he didn’t fight Batman and Alfred. He let them take him inside to the couch where they left him with some blankets. They both disappeared into the kitchen, but their conversation wasn’t quiet.

“Alfred, are you sure you brought the right antidote?”

“Positive, sir.”

“She must have given him more than we thought, since he’s still so jumpy.”

Vigilante looked at his phone on the coffee table. Batman had discarded it there with everything else, including the mail. The logical side of his brain was starting to take over again – and it was telling him to get some distance from a particular friend until he was right in the head again. He opened up his texts and composed one to Shayera.

Here’s what it said: “Sorry, darlin’. This ain’t nothin’ against you, but I’d be mighty appreciative if we didn’t see each other or go on missions together for a little while. We can still talk over the phone, I just ain’t right enough in the head for…ya know.”

She responded immediately. “Of course, Vig. What happened? Are you okay?”

“Little bit of a relapse is all.” He didn’t want to go into details.

She replied with a simple thumb’s up.

Vig suddenly remembered something that was said to him, however vaguely. He immediately scrolled through his phone to the last text sent by his mother. He was a little shocked when he saw it.

“Sorry I didn’t make it home last night, Ma. I”

While that was unfinished, as Harley Quinn had noted, it wasn’t concerning. His mother had sent a simple reply saying it was alright and that she was sure he was tired from his concert. She payed no mind to what was supposed to come after the “I.” She probably just assumed that he had once again pressed one too many buttons. He did that pretty often as Greg Saunders. While he was never as clumsy as Bruce Wayne, he had a little bit of the clumsy celebrity in him too.

His heart calmed a little as he texted four simple words in reply: “I love you, Ma.”

Honestly, he didn’t think there was such thing as saying that too much. Especially when one had a job like his. He used to take those words for granted. That’s why what Harley Quinn was doing hurt so much.

It wasn’t her fault – he didn’t think that for a second. It was just the luck of the draw. Vigilante wasn’t sure if that lady even knew what “love” meant anymore. She had been with Joker so long and his definition was already so skewed.

He lowered his phone, placing it face down on his lap. His head rested against the back of the couch. Why did such horrible, convoluted things have to happen to people? He had been used, way more than once, and he had a feeling Miss Quinn knew what that was like. She didn’t seem to mind it. In fact, he was pretty sure she would be lost without it – from his own experience and how she talked.

He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his hands. His skin was crawling all over. If stayin’ with the Hawks was my indication of th’ life she lives, I’d done killed m’self by now. Then again, she got a lot more freedoms than I did…

He heard the slightest of flutters beside him. His body stiffened automatically and his eyes shot open.

Batman stared at him, likely because of the sudden movement. The Dark Knight had two cups of steaming beverages with him. He set one down on the coffee table in front of the cowboy, then sat in one of the armchairs.

“I have more antidote,” Batman said.

Vigilante eyed him as he grabbed the hot beverage. “’m fine.” He motioned to his bandana – which he was surprised was still in place, with how much he was hyperventilating before. “Mind if I-?”

“Go ahead. I already know who you are.”

Greg pulled the bandana down. “Shoulda known. Why didn’t you-?” He let the question remain unfinished in favor of the warm drink.

“Whatever you were seeing, I wasn’t going to make it worse.”

He lowered the cup. His eyes remained fixed on the brown liquid. “Thanks…”

“Vigilante, you’re still jumpy.”

“It ain’t nothin’ no antidote’ll fix.”

“Then what can I do? Let me help.”

Had he ever even heard of Batman being this supportive? It was kind of nice, he wasn’t going to lie. His momma had taught him better than that. There were times when one needed the harshness that was Batman, and then there were times when this approach was needed just as much, if not more.

Something dawned on him. He looked at Batman. “Shouldn’t you be more worried ‘bout what she done stole from me? Why’d she even wanna get me outta the way?”

“I already know, and I’ve already informed the League.”

“Course y’already know.” Greg nodded a couple times. “Shouldn’t you be up there helpin’ ‘em?”

“Vigilante, do you want to talk about what you saw?”

It was long and tedious, trying to explain to Batman what exactly had happened. He had been filled with rage when he snapped it out at Shayera and Mari. It had been more of a knee jerk reaction at that point, as the imminent threat of being imprisoned by Thanagarians once more seemed more and more likely. He had wanted to set the record straight because he didn’t think he would have made it out alive a second time.

He wasn’t just distraught about what had happened while in captivity. There was the aftermath too. He had been captured only thirty minutes after he saw the news that the original Leaguers had been captured. That was the last he had heard about any of it until well after the invasion was over. He was one of the many prisoners freed when the Thanagarians fled, and he only learned about the League’s escape after he joined a good half year later. Even then he never asked about specific details. That would have meant informing everyone that he had been somewhere else, or something else had been happening with him, during that time frame. There were quite a few good intentioned individuals in the League.

Once Vigilante finished, Batman made a small insistence: that Vigilante stay in Gotham for the rest of the day. Mr. Wayne’s butler would watch over him while Batman dealt with League-related stuff. He would be sure to ask Mr. Wayne to transport Vigilante home the following day. The Dark Knight mentioned how he didn’t want the depression Gotham caused to compound and combine with the trauma Greg was already dealing with.

Even though he wasn’t paid, Vigilante let the Justice League know he wouldn’t be available for calls for some time. He was taking a bit of sick leave. There was a flurry of “Get better soons” and “If you need anythings” sent to his phone, but what he really needed was for someone to change time. He needed someone to tell him not to trust Harley Quinn like he did. She wasn’t the Harley Quinn he knew. He needed someone to just go back and erase what had happened with the Thanagarians.

He had never been able to wish for death over misfortune. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving his mother with the grief of having lost a husband and a son. But there were some days when he wished he just hadn’t made it out. It was almost worse trying to push on with these memories always right on his heels.

Then there were days when he remembered that everything happened for a reason. He remembered it had been no bad luck that took him to a Thanagarian cell. And really, it had been no bad luck that he had met Harley Quinn again. He had just been too stupid to realize she was different than when they first met.

Finally, Vigilante was back. It felt like it had taken forever when in reality it had only been a month. Batman personally assigned Vigilante to monitor duty for the first week. He wanted to ease the cowboy back into things, didn’t want to stress him too much. He was aware of the mental strain the fear toxin left.

Vigilante didn’t often mind monitor duty. He especially enjoyed it when the people who lived on the Watchtower were still out and about. There was more than once that he watched Green Arrow come running out of the showers with nothing but a towel on in answer to a late night alarm. Even better were the two or three times he’d watched Green Arrow come running out with a towel and wet feet, only to watch him slip and eat metal. Greg had found it absolutely hilarious to set out a couple “Slippery when wet” signs when he knew Ollie was going to try to shower while he was on monitor duty. He was certain Ollie still didn’t know who was doing it.

Greg had sagely advised him during many a meeting where he complained about it, that in only kept happening because Ollie kept letting it happen. At which point Ollie got an idea.

“You know what? What if I let it happen again this time?” he had asked. “Yeah! I could catch them in the act!”

The one fault with his plan was that he had told the one he was trying to capture. Which…wasn’t too different from Vig’s current situation. His smile faded at the thought.

He made his way quickly to the monitor lookout. He gave greetings to anyone he passed – a tilt of the hat here, a nod there. Vig had never been super flashy, but he was always very respectable. Even his concerts were pretty laid back.

When he got to the monitor lookout he laughed out loud despite himself. He keeled over laughing. It was a hearty laugh that he hadn’t even thought he was capable of right now. It was a laugh that would have made his momma’s heart full. He had to steady himself with one of the consoles to even stay on his feet.

A modified “Slippery when wet” sign sat on one of the chairs, with Green Arrow himself leaning against it.

“You looked a little stiff on your way up,” Green Arrow noted.

“How’d ya-“ Vig tried to catch his breath between laughs and speaking. “How’d ya find out?”

Ollie moved the sign to the floor. “Seeing how it stopped while you were away, it just made sense.”

“I done had ya.” He couldn’t stop laughing. He was laughing so much he was crying now.

“Wow, I get it.” Ollie rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t that funny.”

“’m sorry.” The cowboy took a deep breath, his hearty laugh ending with an even heartier “woo-ee!” He sat down in one of the seats while Green Arrow fell onto the other. “I needed that, partner.”

Green Arrow chuckled. “Well, glad I could help then.”

With such a light-hearted start, Vigilante wanted to believe this would be a good night. He was intent on keeping this mood. He wouldn’t think about anything: he wouldn’t think about Hawks or about Harley Quinn. Batman had already told him that the Founders were taking care of everything. Maybe he would just let them do that.

The first hour of monitor duty saw multiple teams returning from missions. A few stuck around for showers or some extra training before using the teleporter to return to earth. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were walking and talking on one screen for a little while before they all teleported down.

By the end of the second hour, there were maybe two dozen heroes left on the space station. None of the Founders remained. They had all gone home for the night. Slowly that number dwindled.

Green Arrow and Vigilante got a friendly visit from their teammates. It was a little crowded in the monitor area because of that, but it was a welcome visit for Greg.

Before they knew it, they were the only seven people left aboard the Watchtower. Usually there were more who stayed and slept up here. It was the weekend, though, and everyone had some sort of plan with family or friends.

Stargirl kept bugging S.T.R.I.P.E. after they had satisfactorily checked on Vig. She was supposed to meet her friends in an hour. Shining Knight was confused as to why the young girl had plans so late. Crimson Avenger simply patted him on the shoulder and informed him it was a waste of time trying to understand young people sometimes. Red Arrow, formerly known as Speedy (which was still a fond nickname that he hated), laughed Crimson Avenger’s comment off.

“Maybe it’s hard for an old relic like you to understand,” he told the mystery man.

Shining Knight was shocked. “What would that make me?”

“Sorry, Sir Justin,” Ollie said, “you’ve always been an old relic.”

He harumphed. “I suppose that is fair…”

“Ah but don’t worry, Sir Justin,” Vig reassured, “you’ve always been our old relic.” He leaned back and kicked his feet up, using Green Arrow as a footstool.

“Hey!” Green Arrow pushed his legs off.

“Hey now! Yer occupyin’ my footstool there, partner, I think it only right that you take it’s place.”

“Well I don’t agree!”

Crimson Avenger shook his head, folding his arms.

Sir Justin tried to mediate. “Vigilante, I can grab you another chair if you wish to have a footstool.”

Vigilante just threw his legs back up on Green Arrow and grinned from ear to ear under his bandana. “Nah, this’ne’s kinda comfortable.”

Green Arrow tried to remove his legs again. “I’m not a footstool!”

Stargirl looked at Red Arrow. “Five bucks says Green Arrow convinces Shining Knight to take his place on monitor duty.”

Red Arrow grinned. “You’re on.”

S.T.R.I.P.E. looked at his step-daughter. “Wait, are you betting right now?”

“I’ll take that bet too,” Crimson Avenger offered.

“Why are you two encouraging my daughter to gamble?!”

“If I win can I join the poker game?” She grinned at him.

“Wh-I-“ Pat through his hands up, defeated.

Green Arrow and Vigilante were on their feet in a split second when the alarm began to sound. Their friends backed up, allowing them to move more freely around to the different monitors.

“What set the alarm off?!” Green Arrow snapped.

“No clue!” Vigilante replied.

Crimson Avenger rushed forward and pointed at one of the screens. “There! Someone’s entering the hangar.”

Vigilante ran into him to try and see the screen.

“How did they get in? Who is it?!” Green Arrow asked, standing behind them. The monitor for that particular hangar entrance was on Vigilante’s side. He didn’t want to impose.

On the screen, a surprisingly familiar set of villains exited the ship. Crimson Avenger provided the list while Vigilante tried to figure out how they had gotten inside without blowing a hole in the doors. The roster consisted of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Star Sapphire, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and Copperhead.

“How did they get in?!” Red Arrow repeated his former partner’s question.

Vigilante’s breath caught. His stomach turned and his heart sank. “They got in ‘cause they have my codes.”

Chapter Text

            “Mister J! I’m back!” Harley called out in a sing-song voice as she pranced into the Joker’s hideout. “And I brought you a gift!” She waved the codes around proudly.

Joker turned away from the table where he stood with some other supervillains. There was a good line up from the Gotham Rogues Gallery at the table. As soon as he saw her, he became furious. He stalked over and grabbed the arm she was shaking around. He forced it down to her side before pulling her in close.

“What are you doing? That’s supposed to be a secret!” he hissed.

“I- I’m sorry, puddin’,” she laughed nervously.

He ripped the item from her hand before pushing her away. Even still, she followed him to the table where the others were waiting impatiently.

“Come on, Joker,” Scarecrow was saying, “you expect us to believe you have a way to infiltrate the Justice League’s base, when you can’t even beat Batman?”

Riddler piped up. “Yeah, didn’t he like, help Wayne design that thing?” He laughed at Joker, something Harley would never do to her puddin’! “If you can’t beat Batman, what makes you think you can infiltrate something he helped design? You’re crazier than I thought!”

Joker smiled wide. “Well, we had some inside assistance.”

Scarecrow leaned forward, intrigued. “You turned a member of the Justice League?”

“I may as well have, for all the good it will do Batsy.” He played around with the codes for a moment, like they were one of Two Face’s coins. “My pet here,” -he pulled Harley into his side- “tricked one of them.”

She looked up at him. “But, Puddin’-“ She was cut off when his hand began to squeeze her shoulder.

“You expect us to believe,” Two Face started slowly, “that one of the Justice League was infatuated with a supervillain, so much so that he just handed over access to the League’s base?”

Even as Joker affirmed what Two Face was saying, Harley knew that wasn’t right. They had gone about it their usual way: tormenting the poor soul into giving them what they wanted. Her smile faltered as she thought back to her final look at the cowboy. He was going to be devastated, wasn’t he? This was going to tear him to pieces. She wondered if he would be able to put himself together again? Then again, he may not have time to put himself together. Joker often made sure of that.

Why am I worried about him? I’ve never worried about Puddin’s enemies before. She would have shaken her head if all eyes weren’t on her. It was no use, feeling sorry for the guy. Once Joker’s sights were set on someone, they regretted it.

“Why don’t you think about it? I’m working on our overall plan still. So you just mosey back here when you finally decide you want to help humiliate the Batman.” Joker’s words dripped with victory.

The other villains didn’t approve of the pride that now possessed the clown, but they didn’t argue. Harley soon found herself alone with Joker again.

“Hey, Mister J, can we watch a movie?”

He looked at her for a moment, then at the table that was empty with unfinished plans. His signature maniacal grin crossed his face as he pulled her into his arms. “Of course! Anything for you.”

She shouldn’t have expected differently. They threw in one of his favorite movies. But she’d missed him. She tried moving closer to him, throwing her arms around him, leaning against his shoulder or laying her head on his lap. He pushed her away every time. As soon as she stopped, he paused the movie and went to his room.

Harley frowned. He couldn’t be upset with her because that was usually portrayed in a different way. So why had he just left in the middle of his favorite movie?

A moment later, he emerged from his room and glared at her. “Get in here,” he ordered.

She tilted her head. “I- Puddin’, I just wanted to cuddle while we watched the movie.”

That wasn’t the answer he wanted. He stormed over and, pulling her by the hair, led her back to his room.

The next night she tried again, this time asking to watch one of her movies. When he started getting clingy and close, she asked him to pause the movie. Joker looked at her for a second too long before he smiled and picked up the remote.

Her chest fluttered. He was actually going to pause the movie for her! That was so sweet!

Joker removed the batteries and threw the empty shell of a remote across the room. The movie continued to play as he began smacking her around and lecturing her on how unfair her requested had been. And once he was done smacking her around, he still dragged her back to his room. The movie had ended maybe halfway through the initial lecture.

Slowly, Joker became more and more engrossed in his plan to infiltrate the Justice League. His attention shifted from Harley Quinn to that.

Harley began to feel ignored, while at the same time she was almost happy his attention had moved. That…was never a feeling she thought she would associate with Joker’s love for her. It was nice to be able to watch a whole movie – one that she wanted to watch – all the way through without any interruptions. But now she was told she wasn’t allowed to leave the hideout until the plan.

“It’s for your own protection,” Joker had insisted, which caused her to feel warm and fuzzy inside. “If Batman gets his hands on you and makes you talk, then I’d have to kill you.”

Surprisingly, the threat suddenly made the warm fuzzy feeling disappear. It wouldn’t have meant anything in the past. She would have just seen it as him protecting himself and his interests – and she was supposed to be one of his interests. So why did it scare her so much this time?

She watched the news off and on during the planning period. To her further surprise, she found herself paying more serious attention to anything about the Justice League. She was constantly scanning the background where many unknown heroes were gathered for the familiar white hat, and she was constantly disappointed.

Before Harley knew it, a month had passed. She had been cooped up for a whole three weeks with plenty of time to herself. Whenever the mood struck her puddin’ he would come and make himself present. But she had started to enjoy the solitude. His arrival was always an intrusion on her mellow life at this point. Whereas before she had been happy whenever Mister J decided to pay attention to her, always found a way to justify him intruding on her personal space and personal time, it was getting harder and harder to find those reasons.

Finally, the day came and she was allowed out of her room. She emerged to find an assortment of villains from different cities: Star Sapphire, Copperhead, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang. Then she was surprised to find that Scarecrow was the only one of the Gotham Rogues to return. How could the others not see the brilliance in her puddin’s- in Joker’s- plans?

The man’s plans were nothing short of spectacular! He was going to cause grief and dissention in the Justice League while simultaneously destroying one of their members, all in one fell swoop! And there was the pit in her stomach again. How good it must feel to know that someone’s trust in you was going to be their downfall! No one had ever trusted her enough for it to be their downfall. Except…

No, that ain’t right. Why would a superhero trust a supervillain? She had to stop herself from shaking her head as Joker droned on beside her. But…there could be some truth to it. Alf and Brucie trusted her enough to believe that she wouldn’t try to harm them in the middle of the night. Vigilante had also been putting his life in her hands when he stayed the night at Brucie’s. Stop lookin’ so much into it. He trusted Batman and Alfie more than he trusted you, Harley.

The meeting was over. She was in her room getting ready for bed. The next day…that was when they would strike. As she brushed her hair, she made her decision. “Snap outta it, Harley,” she told herself, “just think about how nice it’s gonna feel to get back at that cowboy for givin’ you unrealistic expectations.”

“Did I hear you talking to yourself?”

Harley felt herself freeze involuntarily at his voice. She turned around and gave as big a smile as she could muster. “Hiya, Mister J! Whatcha doin’ in here?”

He sat down on her bed. “What do you think I’m doing in here?”

“Oh…well, uh, I don’t think I can tonight…” She looked away from him. “I-I’m kinda tryin’ to get ready for the mission, y’know?”

She felt his arm around her neck. He threw her to the floor. “Are you telling me no?” he snapped, standing over her.

“I-N-“ She squirmed, trying to move from between his feet while simultaneously trying to cover her face. “I didn’t mean to sound like I was saying no, I just thought-“

He kneeled on her stomach, driving the breath from her lungs. “And now you’re calling me a liar!” Joker grabbed the brush from her hand. He pulled her head up by her hair. Her hands went to his wrist in an ill-conceived attempt to free herself. The back side of the brush smacked into her face hard. The more she struggled, the more it made contact. And then it flipped over so that the bristles were connecting.

She was curled into a corner the next morning, applying as much white makeup as she could to cover the red spots and even some of the bandages. Her hands were shaking so she wasn’t expecting it to be perfect. It was good enough though.

Joker pulled her into a kiss when she finally joined the other team members. When she was released, she noticed a few of the other villains had averted their eyes for the duration. Mister J clapped loudly – making her jump – to inform everyone it was time to go.

That was how they had come to be on the Watchtower. Harley hadn’t realized that it would only take a month for Joker to finish his plans. She began to wonder who would be present. She had been looking into more and more of the new-to-her heroes of the League. Harley convinced herself she was doing it to find weaknesses and put herself back in Joker’s good graces – and then she found herself asking why she even wanted to be in his good graces?

She shook her head as she stood there in the hangar with the other villains. C’mon, Harley, don’t fool yourself. No one’s gonna trust you further than they can throw ya. That’s fine! She harumphed. I don’t trust anyone further than I can throw them either.

Joker strode toward the hangar door.

“They must know we’re ‘ere by now,” Captain Boomerang commented, following a few steps behind the clown.

He was right.

The tip of an arrow was less than an inch from Joker’s white nose.

“You guys get lost?” It was the hero Green Arrow.

Harley knew a little bit about him. He was decent at hand-to-hand fighting but preferred to use his bow and quiver full of trick arrows. She’d seen an assortment of arrows get launched from the Archer’s bow: there was one with a boxing glove, electric arrow, fire arrow, normal arrows. Too many for Harley to truly keep track of all of them.

Star Sapphire took a step forward with a scoff. “Is this all? I didn’t expect the League to just completely abandon their headquarters for an evening.”

Joker reached for one of his trick-toys he’d brought along. The tip of Green Arrow’s arrow fell to the metal floor beneath Joker and proved Harley correct. A smoke screen was released when the tip hit the metal floor.

Captain Boomerang and Star Sapphire cleared the smoke somewhat quickly. Green Arrow had ducked away. The villain from Central City stepped out into the hall – and was sent flying back into the hangar. He slammed into Copperhead. Joker was too distracted watching him go flying that he didn’t see the giant robot until after it sent him flying.

That was S.T.R.I.P.E., Harley believed. It stood quite a few feet above the tallest of their crew and was now two steps into the hangar. She saw the door shut – and seal – behind the Leaguer.

“Well that wasn’t very smart, Stripesy,” Harley sighed, shaking her head. She grabbed the handle of a small stick from skintight pocket. With one push of a button, it turned into a giant Warhammer.

“Sorry, you aren’t allowed to call me that,” the robot replied with what almost sounded like disdain in his tinny voice. Many weapons suddenly emerged from his suit, all pointing at the group of villains.

Joker pushed to his feet. He wiped some blood from his nose.

The robot moved one foot forward. “I dare you.”

Boomerang was pissed. He launched one of his explosive boomerangs toward S.T.R.I.P.E. It quickly turned back around and smashed into the ground in front of the villains. Any questions of how it had moved on its own were quieted when the smoke cleared.

A girl, holding tight to a staff as she floated at S.T.R.I.P.E.’s right shoulder, had appeared. Harley heard this was Stargirl. She seemed to be really attached to that staff. Harley had to admit that it was kind of a cute accessory.

“Oh please,” Star Sapphire scoffed. She began to glow pink as she lifted into the sky. “Really, they sent a girl? I mean, what happened to the archer? At least we could have some fun with him.”

Copperhead flicked his tongue. “Speak for yourself, Saph. I could have plenty of fun with this one.”

“Gross!” Stargirl spit out, shuddering.

Harley would never admit that her skin had crawled at Copperhead’s comment.

“Don’t just stand around!” Joker snapped. He pushed Harley and Boomerang toward the two Leaguers. “Get rid of them! I’ll finish-“

He was stuck. Something sticky had covered his feet, with an arrow shaft protruding from the substance.

“You’re not going anywhere,” the archer’s voice echoed down from one of the walkways above.

“I suggest you surrender,” another voice joined him.

Harley, Scarecrow, Copperhead, Star Sapphire, and Captain Boomerang all looked up.

“You are surrounded.”

The voice was that of Shining Knight. He stood on one catwalk while Arrow stood another. There was a mysterious man in red who had two guns steadied on the villains below – the only one Harley didn’t know anything about. She had seen him in the background of a few news stories, but she had never been able to learn his name. Beside him was the former hero known as Speedy. What was his new name? Oh yeah, Red Arrow. She laughed a little.

Then she stopped. There was a familiar, steady gaze. It wasn’t laughing at her or taking pity on her now. It was set. It was firm. It was calculating, wary, cautious, and furious, all rolled into one. Vigilante stood on a catwalk apart from his League-mates.

His eyes were fixed on her. She could tell. And for some reason the look he was giving her cut her to the soul. It…it actually hurt. Fine. If he wanted to hurt her, she would show him what hurt really meant.

She leaned against her hammer and smiled up at him. “Heya, cowboy. Nice of ya to give us those codes! Guess you aren’t so honorable as you thought.”

“That’s it!” The declaration wasn’t from the cowboy. It hadn’t come from behind that funny red bandana or from under that cute white hat. Instead it had come from behind her, where Green Arrow stood. It was only a matter of seconds before the Archer was rolling on the hangar floor and letting off a barrage of arrows.

Reddy and S.T.R.I.P.E. laid down some more cover fire while Stargirl attacked Star Sapphire. Red Arrow and Shining Knight followed Green Arrow’s lead. Once on the ground, they attacked Copperhead and Captain Boomerang.

Scarecrow fell back to the ship while Harley charged toward the robot with her hammer. As she prepared to bring it down into S.T.R.I.P.E.’s arm, she found it being held back. Harley looked at the hammer and saw that Vigilante had lassoed the thing. It was a game of tug-of-war as she tried to win back control of the weapon.

Her arms hurt. After beating her face in with the brush, Joker had made sure to strain both her arms. She had dared defending herself after all. It was his right. Now, it was causing her trouble in the fight. Vigilante was pulling her closer and closer. No matter how much she fought, she couldn’t keep herself from being pulled in.

She jumped when his gloved hand finally had hold of her shoulder. She tried pulling away but he just held tighter. Harley smacked him with her free hand.

He pushed her away, loosening his hold on the rope. “Now what’d ya done do that for?!”

“Why do ya think?” She snapped. “We’re fightin’! We’re enemies!”

“That ain’t what I’m talkin’ about and you know it!”

Her demeanor softened. “Wh-What are you talking about?”

“Why’d ya done betray my trust like that?” His voice sounded broken. It…hurt again.

“You…? You trusted me?”

“Well o’ course I trusted ya!” It sounded so natural from him, like there wasn’t any reason she should be surprised.

Her grip began to loosen on the hammer. She looked down at the floor, conflicted. He trusted me? Why would he trust me? He barely even met me! I don’t- What does he mean he trusted me? No one trusts me, not even Mister J. And Mister J knows what I need. It isn’t trust. I’m not worth trusting. I’m just- How come he trusted me?

“That was your first mistake.”

Her heart sank. She raised her eyes to find that the cowboy had a gun to his head. Scarecrow had sneaked his way over, and this gun was a new invention. He’d been so excited to talk about it that he’d even told her. Unlike a normal gun, this one injected his fear gas directly into the brain. It was such a…pure form of the gas that it would fill the brain with such great amounts of fear and…literally scare the person to death. Joker had been ecstatic to hear about such an invention and had insisted he bring it along.

“Everyone hold it!” Scarecrow shouted, somehow managing to project his voice above the sounds of fighting.

She looked around to see what this cowboy’s friends would do. He’d betrayed them. In her world, a traitor wasn’t worth much.

Green Arrow, Red Arrow, Shining Knight, and Stargirl all froze mid-combat. Reddy was already holstering his guns. S.T.R.I.P.E.’s weapons were all disarmed and were returning to their hidden compartments in his suit.

Joker approached the cowboy and scarecrow. He threw his hand around Vigilante’s neck. She could see him stiffen, even while Joker acted like they were old friends.

“Well would you look at that,” Joker was saying, “they still think you’re worth something, even when you’re about to get them all killed.”

Vigilante glared at the clown. He pulled away when Joker grabbed his bandana, only to find himself pushing into the gun.

“Keep your vile hands off him!” Shining Knight snapped, taking one step forward before Scarecrow placed his finger on the trigger.

Vigilante shook his head ever so slightly at the knight. “It isn’t worth it,” his eyes seemed to say. “I’m not worth it.”

Or was that Harley? She couldn’t believe that the cowboy could ever believe he wasn’t worth something. He was so kind. He cared about people. He trusted people that didn’t deserve it. He…he meant something. He was so pure. The world needed people like him.

They didn’t need people like the Joker. They didn’t need people like Scarecrow. They didn’t need people like her.

Chapter Text

            Vigilante’s skin crawled and shivers ran up and down his spine when the Joker draped his arm around his shoulder. It was like he was pretending they were old friends. He’d never even met the guy before tonight! Vigilante wasn’t going to be a pushover either.

When Joker grabbed his bandana, he pulled away – and right into a gun.

“Keep your vile hands off him!” Shining Knight was protective as ever of his friends’ secret identities.

He shook his head. It wouldn’t matter. They were all going to be dead soon, then the world would know who they were.

Joker was the exact opposite of the Dark Knight. He wasn’t caring, he was horrendous. He wasn’t the right amount of cold, he was a little too much warmth. Batman would pretend he hadn’t been on the same team as you for years while Joker would pretend he’d known you for more than a few minutes. Batman understood the boundaries that made one vulnerable, Joker didn’t care.

The clown’s hand grabbed the cowboy’s throat. Even though he’d spent a whole month moving past it, Vigilante found himself breathing heavily and imagining the hawks closing in on him. Joker reveled in his fear while his friends stood by, horrified that they couldn’t do anything without getting him killed.

Then he felt it: the one thing he’d always had control over, being taken from him again. His bandana slipped off the tip of his nose and crumpled atop Joker’s hand. Vigilante closed his eyes, as if that would stop everyone else from seeing how vulnerable he was now.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Copperhead hissed, “he looks like that country singer.”

Captain Boomerang rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d be the one to listen to that type o’ music.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Well.” Joker’s other hand brushed Vigilante’s shoulder off before moving up and stealing his hat. He must have discarded the hat, because his hand was ruffling the cowboy’s hair a few moments later. “How do you feel about this, Mister Country Singer: your last moments of life are going to be spent living your greatest fear. And while you’re dying, we’re going to kill all your friends and blow this place down to earth.”

Vigilante breathed in sharply. He thought of how bad it had been when he was back in Wayne’s garden.

“Let Harley do it, Scarecrow. I’m sure she’d like that.”

He felt the gun move from his head and heard a mumbled complaint from Scarecrow.

“Mister J, I don’t-“ Harley began to protest, which was strange in itself.

Joker’s hands shifted slightly, implying a straighter stance. “I thought I beat that out of you last night?”

Vig’s eyes shot open.

“Oh boy,” S.T.R.I.P.E. sighed.

Crimson Avenger shook his head. “Here we go.”

“Vig, they have a gun to your head,” Green Arrow reminded him.

“Ya heard that too?” Vigilante asked.

“This is not the time.”

“You know the rules well as I do, partner.”

Scarecrow looked at Joker. “What’s going on?”

He didn’t have a chance to reply. A steady stream of blood was flowing from his nose after Vigilante’s head made contact. Green Arrow dove forward, taking Scarecrow out. The others prepared to jump into action as well but were quickly blocked by Star Sapphire’s barrier.

Vigilante had followed Joker to the ground and now had him by the shirt. “Did I hear ya say you beat a lady?!” He punched him in the face. “That wasn’t very manly of ya.”

He was almost lost to the world. He was seeing red. He just kept pounding on Joker – scum like him deserved it. An electric shock from one of Joker’s toys was the only thing that stopped him. Then Joker was on top. Joker had no problem returning the favor. Vigilante found himself on the receiving end of some brass knuckles.

You wouldn’t imagine things could get worse, but they did. Vigilante’s vision was fading when Joker finally stood. Blood was dripping from the villain’s hands – the brass knuckles were now a crimson color. Vigilante’s breaths were ragged. He was trying and trying to catch his breath. His head lulled to the left.

Green Arrow was in trouble. He was surrounded. The others were trapped – there was nothing they could do to help him. He still had his bow up with an arrow nocked, but the villains had more weapons. He could maybe take out two with that, depending on which arrow he’d chosen. Then he would be dead too.

One of the brass knuckles clanged to the ground in front of his eyes. His vision was blurry, but he could see Joker’s purple pants stalking toward the other villains. Toward his friend.

“I don’t know about you, but I think that one deserves something worse. Copperhead!”

Vigilante’s eyes fluttered shut. His breathing was slower, shallower. He’d given up trying to catch his breath now. It wasn’t worth it. When his eyes opened again, he’d be in heaven – or hell, depending on where the Almighty saw it fit to send a wannabe like him.

“Jus’ don’ let my friends die…” he rasped out.

“No chance of that, Cowboy.”

Green Arrow, Pat, Stargirl, Crimson Avenger, Red Arrow, Shining Knight. They were all here. Were…were they all dead? No, something comfortable was supporting his body. He wasn’t lying on a metal floor anymore.

“Relax, Vigilante,” Crimson Avenger reassured him before he even realized he needed to be reassured. “We’re in the medbay aboard the Watchtower.”

Pat nodded at him. “You took quite a beating.”

His mouth moved, but no words really came out. He felt like he was choking a little.

That was okay. Shining Knight might not be a conventional telepath, but he always seemed able to read his mind. “You have been out for nearly a week, and it is thanks to the actions of Harley Quinn that none of us joined you.”

He cocked his eyebrow, entirely giving up on actually asking his own questions.

Crimson Avenger folded his arms. “Right after you passed out, Copperhead was going to poison you. Harley Quinn suddenly smacked Star Sapphire out of the sky with that big hammer of hers. It was just enough shock that it gave us a fighting chance. Then, of course,” he shrugged, “Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the others arrived – just as we had originally planned.”

Red Arrow leaned against the wall. He was wearing a deep frown, which wasn’t entirely unusual for the youth, but still. “Joker managed to escape, but he was the only one. Everyone else was locked up in the Watchtower brig while we took care of our injuries, your injuries, and Harley Quinn’s injuries.”

Stargirl offered Vigilante a cup of water. Shining Knight moved to the other side of the bed and helped him sit up. There were some questions even Sir Justin couldn’t predict, Vigilante decided.

“Wha’ happened with Quinn?” he managed to sputter out before needing more water.

Pat and Crimson Avenger exchanged a glance. Green Arrow averted his gaze, looking at the ceiling, the wall, anything but Vigilante.

When she realized no one else was going to speak up, Stargirl decided to answer his question. “Well…she tried turning herself over to Batman, to be sent to Arkham with Scarecrow. When he went to transport them to Gotham though, she kept asking about you…”

Vigilante was conflicted. He thought Batman was supposed to be a good judge of character. If that were the case, how could he just let Harley Quinn go? This wasn’t the Harley Quinn Vigilante knew. That one he could trust. That one wouldn’t let him down. Yet…this one hadn’t let him down either. She’d come through for his friends when it counted, hadn’t she?

He froze at the hangar door. It had been months since the incident. He’d spent a good amount of that time recovering from the physical and mental strain on his body. Now he was off monitor duty, back on missions. And there was his team.

There stood the Soldiers, at the very bottom of the Javelin’s ramp. They’d stuck with him through thick and thin. They’d kept him entertained during the dull months that were now behind him.

But there were eight people going on this mission. The eighth one was beautiful in her own way, but that beauty had hidden deception one to many times over the last six months. He found himself hesitant to join them yet…his heart longed for it too.

Harley Quinn had come and seen him, with Batman’s permission. She hadn’t uttered a single word of apology – but she had displayed it. When he asked why she’d saved his friends she gave him nothing but the truth. And he found the truth a bit more personal than he’d imagined.

“’Jus’ don’ let my friends die,’” she had repeated his delirious words. “I…haven’t had friends that were that concerned about me in a long time… I know you were delirious when ya said it, but…I started ta imagine how it woulda felt to be included in that list…”

Just like that, she was so small and vulnerable again. Only for him.

“Howdy, y’all ready?” He shouted, waving as he approached his team.

Harley bounced over to him. “Vigie!”

“Hey now,” he examined her getup, “is that a new outfit? Gotta say, white an’ black look mighty fine on ya, ma’am.”

She motioned to her head, where a black cowboy hat rested. “Like the hat?”

“Now what’re ya tryin’ ta do?” He laughed. “There’s only room fer one cowboy on this ‘ere team.”

S.T.R.I.P.E. nudged Vigilante. “Then I guess you have some competition.”

“Startin’ ta look that way, ain’t it?”

“Hey, Harley,” Crimson Avenger strove for her attention as they began to ascend the ramp. “Harley, this is important.”

She nodded emphatically, almost losing her hat.

“Harley, look me in the eyes.”

“I’m lookin’, I’m lookin’!”

“Remember. You can’t play whack-a-mole with the bad guys this time.”

Harley started to look away.

“Harley, I’m serious!”

“Ah phooey, you’re no fun!” She stomped up the ramp after Green Arrow and Red Arrow, her arms folded petulantly across her chest.

Crimson Avenger threw his hands out, aghast, before turning to follow her. “I can’t believe I actually have to say that sentence every mission. How did I not retire before saying that was a regular occurrence in my life?”

“Don’t worry about it, Grampa,” S.T.R.I.P.E. chimed in, Stargirl floating beside him. “Booster Gold’s only got one recording of you saying it.”

“It’s gone viral, but-“ Stargirl shrugged.

Shining Knight’s heavy armor boots thudded against the ramp as he ascended after them. He stopped, turning to face Vigilante when he didn’t hear the jangling of spurs. “Are you coming, friend?”

A small smile appeared under his bandana. “Right behind ya, partner.”

It would take time, he knew, to get over what had happened. It would take time to find the Harley Quinn he’d discovered. But…maybe he was willing to wait – and to trust her until then. Someday, who knew, maybe he could trust her with more than his life again. And by then, he hoped to high heavens that she trusted him in the same way. ‘Cause God it would hurt to live the rest of his life without her heart.