The Batmobile pulled into the cave and stopped. When the canopy slid forward and out of the way, Batman jumped out and hurried over to where Harley was recuperating.

"Hey B-man," Harley said in greeting, suddenly struck by the fact her nickname for Batman also fit well for Bruce.

"I need to talk to you about the Joker," Batman said hesitantly as he removed his cowl and let it hang down behind his back.

"He's dead," Harley replied. She grinned slightly. "I heard you and Alfred talking again."

She intentionally neglected to tell him how close she was at the time of the conversation.

"I didn't know how you'd feel about it," Bruce admitted. "You'd been with him for some time, so I didn't know if you'd have any lingering attachments."

"Nope," Harley denied. "I've got my fella."

Bruce took her hand in his and held it gently for a moment to let her know he appreciated her.

"If you need anything, let me know," Bruce said before he turned away to depart.

"Now that you mention it," Harley answered immediately. "What about my babies? What's going to become of them?"

"Let me look into it," Bruce responded, changing directions and moving over to the Batcomputer. He typed commands quickly into the terminal for several minutes while looking at the data displayed on screen. When he finished, he returned to her bedside.

"They were being held by animal control while Joker was in Arkham," Bruce told her. "Since Joker died, they'll most likely be put to sleep."

"What!" Harley shouted.

"Relax," Bruce instructed. "I've already taken care of it. I contacted several zoos in the area, but they're full. However, I did find someone willing to take care of them. He's fairly well to do and has a spacious property where they won't be cooped up."

"That sounds nice," Harley said. "But, um, will I get to see them?"

"You should," Bruce confirmed. "The new caretaker is me, and the property is Wayne Manor."

"You're taking them in?" Harley nearly squealed in delight.

"I know how important they are to you," Bruce responded. "Many personal adds specify must love dogs or cats, but I know what yours would say - must love hyenas."

"Thank you," Harley said with deepest gratitude.

"Sure thing," Bruce accepted. "I'll need to have some fencing put up near the edge of the cliff as we don't want them getting too close. The only thing concerning me is they know what Batman smells like. I wonder how they'll react."

"They'll love you," Harley promised.

"For dinner," Bruce said dryly.

"I won't let my babies hurt you," Harley promised. Remembering what had happened in a previous encounter with Batman, she quickly amended her statement. "Not again."

***

It had been two days since the death of the Joker. Bruce had spent his time calling contractors and hiring workers to put in the fence to protect Harley's pets.

After recovering from her injuries, Harley went back to Gotham and the ruins of her apartment. The fight with Joker had left quite a mess behind, but Harley didn't care since she was used to chaos where she lived.

She rummaged through the things spilled on the floor, shoving them into piles or tossing them over her shoulder to deal with later.

Safely hidden in place sight in the corner near her bed were the two suitcases full of money. Opening one of them, Harley took out several stacks of cash and shoved them in a red and black purse she carried. Putting the suitcase back, she nudged one of the piles of debris so it leaned more to the left. Smiling with her accomplishment, Harley departed, locking the door behind her and heading for her motorcycle.

She planned on visiting several places today. Her babies were set to be delivered to Wayne Manor, and she wanted to prepare a proper welcome for them, something to make them feel at home.

***

The butcher shop was crowded, and Harley was forced to wait in the long and barely moving line to pick up some snacks for her hyenas. She absently twisted one of her blonde pigtails around her index finger while blowing the occasional bubble with her gum.

"Hello, Harley," said a melodious voice behind her.

Harley spun around to see a woman in a sleeveless shirt and matching blue jeans standing in line behind her with a slightly predatory smile on her face. The woman's hair fell halfway down her back in crimson waves, but her skin and eyes were an eerie green.

"Red!" Harley shouted, throwing her arms around Poison Ivy's neck. "When'd you get out and what are you doing here?"

"I revived my release papers a few days ago," Ivy admitted. "As for what I'm doing in a butcher's shop, what do you think? It's not like I'm going to eat plants for dinner."

"How you doing since you got out?" Harley questioned eagerly.

"Terrible," Ivy said glumly. "I had a dream job in mind, but the conditions of my release won't let me take it."

"What job?" Harley asked.

"Working at a nursery," Ivy answered.

"I didn't know you liked kids," Harley told her.

"A greenhouse nursery," Ivy corrected.

"Oh," Harley laughed.

"I heard you're dating Bruce Wayne," Ivy mentioned. "I know you're supposed to be crazy, but I'd never have thought you were that far gone."

"Bruce isn't so bad," Harley defended. "He's even fixing up the yard for my babies."

"Be honest with me, Harley," Ivy persisted. "You're only after his money, aren't you? This is the big score, isn't it?"

Ivy draped her arm across Harley's shoulder, moving her away from the crowd and talking to her in a conspiratorial tone no one could overhear.

"I'm glad you got away from Joker," Ivy told her.  She drew the red nail of her index finger gently down Harley's jaw line to her chin in a playful manner.  "You always deserved better than being the punching bag of that lunatic. It's about time you stood up and became your own person. Getting close to the billions of Bruce Wayne is a perfect way to do it."

"But, I love Bruce," Harley countered. "Why should I take only his money when I can have him too?"

"I'd hoped you'd be with me on this," Ivy said stepping away and patting Harley on the shoulder. "But, rich boy has some green I'd like to collect."

"Oh no," Harley denied, pushing Ivy's hands away from her. "He's my fella; get your own."

"Billionaires are a rare commodity in this town," Ivy said, sliding over beside Harley and entwining her arms around her like the plant from which she'd taken her name. She whispered her honey sweet words in Harley's ear. "You don't need him. You don't need any man. We used to have great times together when we were a criminal team. Why not try again? Aren't you getting bored since your release? Aren't you longing for some fun?"

"Well, kinda," Harley admitted.

"Don't let him hold you back," Ivy continued. "The rich always use their power to step on others, so why don't we take it away and use it for something better?"

"Nope, nope, nope," Harley refused, untangling herself from Ivy's embrace. "Bruce is mine."

"Too bad," Ivy said, her voice low and menacing. "I had such hopes for you. If you want to tie yourself to another man who will do nothing but drag you down from all you could be, I won't stand in your way, but you had better not stand in mine."