Bang Bang!

Harley was different after ending things with Joker. Not a lot of people could see it. Especially since she still acted pretty much the same. It was normal for her to check the exits of every room she entered. It was typical of her to rollerskate through the Nexus, humming a tune to herself, with her bat on her shoulders. It might be a little weird for a few to find her business card stuck on lamps posts and bulletin boards, advertising herself as a Vigilante for Hire... but not too off base.

For even the closest of her friends, the difference would be hard to see or notice. And so for the most part, she kept on doing the things that made sense to her. She kept checking in on Thor, or those in the village. She keeps a careful eye on the children, mostly out of sight. But protecting them in her own way, just in the background, as they go about their day. She also keeps a careful eye on Loki too... not yet approaching him, nor avoiding him... just being ready for him to call out to her. If and when he does.

It is Ivy who truly knows that there is still pain and suffering in her friend. That there is something unspoken that is still traumatizing to Harley.

And one night... they visit the greenhouse in the village together, without saying a word to anyone else. Ivy finds a spot where they can dig a deep hole, and uses her abilities to nourish the soil. She plants a seed, and covers it with dirt. And pulls Harley to her, so the other woman can rest her head on Ivy's lap and get her hair stroked by Ivy's fingers.

"It will be a difficult journey to start new again. To put away your past, and find yourself... but I have faith in you, Harley." Ivy whispers.

"I feel so empty. Like I miss him... even though I know I shouldn't." Harley closes her eyes, and just lets a few tears fall.

"You are trying too hard to be everyone else's strength. Their protector. Harley... you need to be your own protector right now." Ivy advises.

"I just want to be strong enough for them. To let them know they can rely on me..." Harley whispers.

"They already know that Harley. They respect you." Ivy leans her head closer to Harley. And sighs. "Let yourself mourn the loss of a love you once felt. It is okay to mourn that love. We all hated the man. We all want you to feel that your love is precious. And there is a better place for it."

Safe in Ivy's arms, surrounded by the darkness and the plants of the greenhouse, Harley wept. She wept for the love she once had for Joker. He might have never returned any emotional investment himself... but for Harley it was all too real, all too raw, and it hurt to have it gone.