[ Harley is about to jump on Jesse's words with an answer when he tacks on those other words. A date? Okay. Don't freak out. Don't. Freak. Out. She's freaking out. And it's probably best that Jesse decided to voice chat over a video call because Harley's absolutely definitely not jumping up and down on her bed right now. It dawns on her that he can probably hear a commotion in the background, though, so she settles down, the mattress still bouncing slightly from her outburst as she sits on it cross-legged. ]
That sounds really nice.
[ Nice? Harley, what the fuck? GET IT TOGETHER. ]
I'm--you're not pressuring me. I'd like that a lot, actually.
[ She's trying to find the fine balance between being over-eager and sounding disinterested but it's really hard to even make cohesive thoughts and sentences when she's smiling so big that her cheeks are actually hurting? Okay, thank whatever God is out there that this wasn't a video chat. Good call, Jesse. Literally. ]
[ Is that squeaking he hears in the background? Jesse frowns, confused and a little worried, but then the noise stops and he forgets it entirely in the face of Harley's answer. ]
Really?
[ He'd been trying so hard to prepare himself for the worst that he's taken off guard when she actually agrees. Jesse's eyes open wide, and then he's just as glad as her that this isn't a video call as his face breaks into a goofy grin. ]
Awesome! I mean - I mean, I'd like that a lot too.
[ He smiles sappily down at his tablet for a moment, before blinking, remembering himself. ]
[ When Harley ends the call, she's a bundle of nerves and excitement. Some might think it something of a red flag--meeting a potential beau in prison--but Jesse's sweet. He treats her with respect and she trusts him. Even though for whatever reasons he thinks that he isn't a good person, she just can't see eye-to-eye with him on that.
She's recently gotten some of her things back from home, so she pulls on her bright pink crop-top layered with a white shirt over it that reads 'harley fuckin' quinn' in black lettering and striped cut-off shorts with suspenders hanging down loosely. Her fashion sense isn't for the weak-hearted, but if anyone can pull off her loud, classy ensembles, it's Harley.
She pulls on sequined socks and her trusty heels and then does her make up. No more making do with colored pencils dipped in water and kool-aid mix to stain her lips. She has the real deal, and she looks good when she's finished, blowing a kiss at herself in the mirror as she picks up her little clutch purse off the edge of the sink.
Harley hums to herself and futzes around with her tablet, legs swinging as she sits on her bed to wait for her date to arrive. ]
before i forget! bring some beef jerky or a twizzler or something! there's someone i have to introduce you to before we leave!!! 🐶
[ The dog emoji doesn't do Brucie any justice, but maybe it'll give Jesse a bit of a hint? She doesn't want him to think that she has some person holed up in her shipping container, afterall. ]
[ The dog emoji and jerky reference have him thinking one thing, but twizzlers? Jesse frowns vaugely down at his phone for a moment, then shrugs. He'll just have to see what Harley's talking about when he gets there. For now, he has a date to prepare for.
It doesn't take much, honestly. He brushes his teeth and changes into fresh clothes, then runs his fingers through his hair once or twice and he's off, trying to control the sudden butterflies in his stomach. When was the last time he'd gone on an actual date with someone? Let alone someone he likes as much as he likes Harley? He can't even remember.
He stops by the commissary to get some jerky, and when he spots both a bouquet of flowers and a small heart-shaped box of chocolates, he buys both on impulse. Why not? Harley deserves both, especially when he remembers how her face had lit up when he'd offered her that chocolate bar in solitary. Besides, she's probably directly responsible for Jesse earning the credits he'd just spent, considering how they've been striking things off his sentence.
But he doesn't want to think about that right now, either his sentence or how they're literally being paid for having sex here. Like Harley, he doesn't want anything they might do together to be about that. And it's definitely not why he'd asked her on a date.
He reaches her cell with the flowers clutched in one hand and the box of chocolates in the other, the jerky stuffed in his pocket, and hesitates a moment before knocking awkwardly on the door with his elbow, then stepping back, standing up a little straighter as he waits for her to answer. ]
[ Harley's been fooling around on her tablet, double and triple-checking her outfit and her makeup and basically has been a flurry of nerves and excitement. Even Brucie has been pacing back and forth across the shipping container, sensing his owner's emotions. When she hears the dull thud of Jesse's elbow against the container she gasps and grabs Brucie by the face. ]
That's him! Be a good boy okay? Be nice!
[ Harley scratches Bruce behind the ears and then pokes her head out from between the sheets covering the opening to her abode. ]
Hey, you! C'mon in. We'll be quick; I just wanna introduce you to somebody.
[ Harley pauses when she sees the chocolates and the flowers in Jesse's arms and she blinks a bunch of times because she honestly wants to cry right then and there. Gifts? For her? Holy shit. She's not used to that at all, and it's all a little overwhelming but in the best way. ]
You got those for me? Really?
[ Harley's hands go up to clasp the sides of her face, feeling her cheeks going hot beneath her palms and she reaches out to collect her gifts, putting them up on her desk to lighten his load before she gives Jesse a proper greeting, which involves her getting right up close and grabbing the back of his neck for a kiss. She doesn't need to stand on her toes this time, thanks to he high heels. ]
Thank you. Um, so, I have to introduce you to Bruce; or Brucie as I call him. C'mere Brucie...it's okay, this is a good guy. No bite!
[ Harley coaxes Bruce over and he picks himself up off of the pile of laundry he'd been laying on, head low as he lumbers over, sniffing. He lets out a creepy hyena laugh, but nudges his head up into Jesse's palm. He more or less listens to Harley, and definitely reads her body language and Brucie doesn't get any bad vibes from Jesse, so he nuzzles the side of his leg and then sits, patient. ]
Wanted to introduce you two before we head out. He'll be fine here. I have food and water out for him and he knows he can wander around if he stays outta' trouble.
[ Jesse just smiles at Harley's reaction, a little abashed but also proud of himself. He likes seeing her happy. He likes knowing that it's because of something he'd done for her. The kiss is unexpected, and brief, but he returns it happily, feeling amazingly as though he'd done something right. Then Harley's backing up, talking about introductions, and Jesse looks over to where she's calling only to see the biggest, ugliest looking dog he's ever seen in his life. ]
Holy shit.
[ He can't help his kneejerk reaction, the way he jumps backwards in alarm. But Harley doesn't seem worried at all, and the dog doesn't growl or snap at him, just preses his head insistently against Jesse's hand. He hesitates at first, but he trusts Harley, and after a moment he gives the animal a ginger scratch on the head. ]
Brucie, huh?
[ Cool. He can deal. He nods, then frowns as something occurs to him. ]
Hang on. You said you never had a pet dog. During Never Have I Ever.
[ He's not really mad - it had just been a game. But he can't understand why Harley would lie about something like that. ]
[ Harley can't help but laugh a little bit at the way Jesse so timidly scratches Bruce's head. The animal's already nosing at Jesse's pockets in search of the beef jerky that he likely smelled before Jesse even arrived inside but Harley makes a sharp little 'ah ah' sound and Bruce sits down begrudgingly, grumbling a little bit low in his throat. ]
Yeah, I don't have a dog. Bruce is a Spotted Hyena.
[ Harley tilts her head. ]
Y'know. Like Scar's henchmen in The Lion King? 'Cept Bruce is a big baby and he'd never hurt a fly unless I asked him to. Isn't that right?
[ She crouches down to give Brucie a proper scratch, hard behind his giant ears. ]
Give him a treat and he'll be your best friend. He remembers people like that.
[ Harley isn't quite aware of how...unhinged she sounds. Talking about a wild animal as if just anyone could own a Spotted Hyena. But it's how she rolls, and Bruce was needed protection for a person like her in a place like Gotham. He helped her get through a really rough time after Joker dumped her, and for that she feels particularly indebted to this fuzzy guy. ]
I just...figured you should meet him. So he knows you next time ya come by.
[ A hyena? Time for Jesse to nearly jump out of his skin again. Harley's reassurance that he's friendly keeps him from taking off straight back out the door, but he is staring at her a little bit like she's grown an extra head. Sure, he's always known she can be a little wild, and there had been that thing about the piranhas earlier, but a pet hyena? ]
Right. Yeah, that's, uh, a good call.
[ If he had to meet Bruce, he'd rather do it with Harley here to vouch for him. And while he doesn't plan on ever dropping by when she's not here - why would he? - he'd much rather he already recognize him as a friend.
He looks back at Bruce, now sitting patiently next to Harley, and reaches into his pocket to pull out the jerky and strip off the wrapper. He bends down and holds it out gingerly, his fingers barely holding onto the end of the stick, as far from those teeth as he can get. ]
Good boy, Bruce. Good boy. Here you go. You want this? Huh?
[ Also there's that little thing where hyenas, like other eild animals, can very easily sense fear. But Harley has a feeling that mentioning that little factoid won't do anything for Jesse's nerves. Nothing good anyway.
Harley tries to hold back a snort at how Jesse holds the jerky by the very end. She has a feeling he'd faint if he ever saw her Lady and the Tramp move she pulled with Brucie and a Twizzler. Best save that trick for a time when Jesse's a little more at ease.
Bruce full-on grins at Jesse and it's actually a pretty horrifying sight when he reveals all thirty-something of his gigantic teeth capable of crushing bones into bite-sized morsels with no effort. In spite of how scary it looks, he's actually really gentle and takes the jerky by the very tip of the offered side, almost as if he's mimicking Jesse's careful grip. He tugs gently to pull it out of Jesse's fingers and that's when the crocodile in him emerges as he snaps up the whole thing in a couple of quick bites. He makes that creepy laugh sound again and then lumbers back to his pile of laundry, circling a few times before laying down with a huff. ]
Good boy, Brucie! Don't get into too much trouble.
[ Harley turns her attention back to Jesse, now that introductions are out of the way. ]
[ He believes her...and yet. If Brucie gets a bad vibe from him, what exactly could Harley do about it? Stop him, sure, but maybe not until after it was too late. Like maybe after Jesse had lost a hand.
Better to keep his distance, just in case. It's more respectful, right? To Bruce? He watches in wonder as the hyena nimbly plucks the jerky out of his fingers, and jerks his hand back, spooked all over again, when Bruce suddenly swallows it down. Luckily, Bruce decides that's enough social interaction for him, and Jesse watches in relief as he shuffles back to his makeshift bed.
He still looks a little dazed when he turns to look at Harley, blinking once or twice as her words sink in. Right. Their date. ]
Yeah.
[ He shakes his head, trying to clear it of Bruce the spotted hyena, and smiles at her, holding out his hand. His arm? He bends his elbow slightly, a little awkwardly, not sure if he should be letting her slide her arm through his, taking her hand in his, or neither. ]
[ Harley asks, teasingly. She hadn't meant to shock Jesse so much, especially right before their date, but Harley has a pretty poor gauge for being able to tell what might freak another person out. Not much about her is "normal", from her upbringing to her past relationships, to what pets she's had. Even before she became Harley Quinn, Harleen hadn't quite lived an average life, and after? Well, there isn't much about Harls that isn't eccentric. She forgets that there are some things about her that take a little getting used to, especially for someone who comes from a world so different than her own.
Harley hopes that it hasn't entirely derailed the day, but she doubts it would go that far. The way Jesse bends his arm has her thinking of the day they met near Howie's House of Hooch. She tries not to let her thoughts wander to what had taken place after that, though, or they'll never make it to Activities for the movie marathon. She opts to take Jesse's hand instead, though, and they leave her shipping container behind. ]
Oh! Almost forgot. I got some of my things back from when I got here. I have somethin' for ya.
[ She reaches up to pull a joint that had been tucked behind her ear, holding it out for Jesse. ]
Might make the movies more entertaining. Or you can save it for later if ya want. It's not my only one.
[ Maybe he should have been more prepared, after the piranha story, but still, even knowing that, Jesse doesn't think there's any way he could have anticipated a hyena. It's a lot, but after all, that's part of what he likes so much about Harley. She's never predictable, never boring. She's always surprising him, and usually in the best way.
Like now. He glances at her in confusion and a little uncertainty. Of course he'd brought her a gift - or two - but he doesn't want her to feel like she's obligated to return the favor. That's not how it works. When she offers him the joint, though, his eyes widen in absolute delight. ]
Holy shit!
[ He couldn't hide his eager reaction if he'd wanted to, immediately reaching out to take it from her just to grin at it for a moment, before turning that dazzling smile on her. How did she know exactly what to give him? ]
[ Harley doesn't feel obligated at all. It was really more spur of the moment. When she'd gotten her things back from intake, she ruffled through her make-up bag that she knew had some drugs stashed in it, and in there she discovered that the aliens hadn't raided her cigarette-case full of joints.
Maybe it was luck or maybe they just didn't know what the joints were. Whatever the case, she had thought of Jesse right when she discovered that the joints were intact. So no, it wasn't much of a forethought planning thing, but more that she thought it was something he might like and maybe something that they could enjoy together, with more where that came from. ]
Oh, good. I mean...I thought you'd like it but I wasn't totally sure. I never brought up smoking weed or anything.
[ She beams at the kiss to her temple, slowing her steps a bit to make it easier. ]
I'm...it was really sweet of you to ask me to come with to the movies.
[ No, they hadn't talked about it. He almost has to laugh at the idea of Harley hesitating, wondering if he'd be interested in smoking a joint with her. She has no idea.
And yet she'd somehow known to offer it to him anyway. Things are so easy with her, he thinks. They don't have to talk about it. She gets him. ]
It's awesome. Definitely gonna enhance the movie-watching experience.
[ Because whatever kind of movies Activities has planned for them...yeah. All he can say for sure is that it's gonna be interesting.
His smile softens a little bit, and he nods, ducking his head a little. ]
I'm glad you said yes.
I didn't know if you'd wanna...uh.
[ Go on a date with him. Turn it romantic. Think about being maybe, potentially, something more than just friends with benefits. He shrugs, still not quite meeting her eyes. ]
I didn't know if you'd wanna...do something like that, y'know?
[ She starts, playfully, her index finger under Jesse's chin to prop it up after he ducks his head down. ]
I meant what I said when I called you a catch, y'know. Anybody around here'd be lucky to have you. So. Guess I"m just happy you decided to ask me, s'all. Don't hang your head for anybody, Jess. You're somethin' special.
[ With that, she leaves a kiss to Jesse's cheek, but makes sure she wipes away any lipstick that she might have left behind. It's then that she notes the building where Activities is located, where they'd said the makeshift theatre would be. ]
Ooh--there it is. I bet they'll let us smoke inside. This place ain't much for regular rules.
[ She keeps saying that stuff. That he's a catch. That any girl would be lucky to have him. All Jesse can do is shake his head. He has no idea how to tell her that she's wrong about him, not in a way that won't make her run away screaming. And he definitely doesn't know how to tell her that he feels the same way about her. That she's maybe the most amazing person he's ever met. That it's still hard to believe his own luck, that she not only likes him, but seems so willing to accept whatever mistakes he's made in the past, without even knowing what they are. That she seems genuinely interested in him as more than just a booty call.
If anyone's lucky here, it's Jesse. But he can't think of a way to say so that doesn't sound stupid or worse in his own head. The only thing he can think of sounds weak and uninspired, even to him. But it's genuine. ]
You're special too, Harley.
[ She really is, maybe more than she knows. But they're approaching the building, and the change of subject is a relief. He squeezes her hand lightly, hoping to convey some of what he can't find the words for, and nods. He can't really imagine whoever's running this place being too strict on a little thing like weed in the theatre, either, but they'll find out soon enough. ]
If they kick us out, we'll just sneak back in.
[ Or maybe it'll suck anyway and they'll ditch the whole thing to go down to the beach, or back to one of their shipping containers. Or something else. Who knows? As long as they're hanging out together, Jesse'll be happy. He glances down at Harley, and then, on impulse, leans down to give her a quick kiss. Maybe a little bold for a first date, but then, they have an unusual history. And he wants to. So there. ]
Cmon, I'll get us some popcorn. [ He wags the joint back and forth a little for emphasis before tucking it safely away. ] Gotta be ready for those munchies, right?
Ooh, popcorn sounds good. Can't forget the soda and candy, either. Gotta go all out when you go to the movies.
[ Harley nods, sure of that. She didn't go to the movies a whole lot back home, so whenever she did, she made sure to make it a night to remember and got all the accoutrements and got there a little early just so she could pick out the best seat. She kind of misses doing regular things like this. Well...it won't be quite 'normal' because nothing in this jail is, but it's a more normal activity than they're usually offered, and she thinks they'll have fun, even if they're just making fun of the movies together and stuffing themselves with popcorn and snacks.
Harley heads on inside, reluctantly dropping Jesse's hand so they can go to the makeshift concession stand and get drinks and munchies. ]
[ Jesse feels the same way. What's a movie without snacks? He'd had the foresight to make sure to save a few credits, even after splurging a little on Harley's flowers and chocolates. After the shame of having to ask her to help cover him and buy her own way free of the auction, he's determined to never find himself in that position again.
Luckily, the snacks are a lot more affordable. He leads the way to the concession stand and orders basically everything on offer - popcorn and soda and whatever candy either of them thinks looks good. Loaded up with enough junk food to last the zombie apocalypse, they head into the theatre and settle in.
It hits him again once they're sitting down, the big bucket of popcorn between them. They're on a date. A real date, not a hookup. Maybe movie concession food and a movie marathon in a prison isn't the classiest night out, but Jesse's glad to be here, and he hopes Harley is too. He glances over at her, giving her a softer smile instead of his usual goofy grin. ]
You good? Need anything else?
[ More than anything, he's anxious to make sure Harley has a good time. ]
Anything else like what? The cart the snacks came on?
[ Harley laughs because, yeah, they have enough candy and treats to last them far longer than even an all-day movie marathon. It's sweet, though, that Jesse seems to be trying so hard to make sure everything's just right. Really, all he had to do was show up. That would have been good enough for Harley. Everything else is just a bonus. ]
Kidding. All I really needed was for you to show up. But a little chocolate never hurt anybody.
[ Harley throws Jesse a wink as she opens a box of non-pareils. Those little chocolate discs coated in crunchy sprinkles. She tips the box towards her mouth, pouring a few in, not really caring that it isn't the most lady-like gesture. She's here to have fun and be herself. No point in tossing up a front. ]
[ Jesse grins. Chocolate had been a pretty safe bet, after how she'd reacted when he'd smuggled her that chocolate bar into solitary, but it's still nice to have some confirmation that he'd picked a good gift for her earlier. And he doesn't bat an eye when she tilts the box of candy back and pours it directly into her mouth. If he'd wanted someone ladylike, he would have asked out someone else.
Harley's perfect the way she is. Fun and honest and real. He grabs a handful of popcorn for himself, munching away as he examines the assortment of candy on offer and picks a box of sour gummies. ]
I dunno, anything. More candy. A blanket. [ He shrugs. Some girls get cold in movie theaters. ] Just wanna make sure you're comfortable.
I mean, maybe a blanket later once the a/c really kicks in. But what's the fun in that when you could warm me up instead?
[ Harley shoots Jesse a smirk laced with mischief and then she reaches over for a handful of popcorn, tossing a kernel up in the air and tipping her head back to catch it in her mouth. It's honestly refreshing that she doesn't have to worry about what she says or how she acts around Jesse. She hasn't really been in a situation before where she doesn't feel like she has to rein herself in or behave in a certain way. It's a little taste of freedom, and she can't get enough. Still, she's trying to ease Jesse into revealing things about herself because there's still a lot that she hasn't disclosed.
She's just scared of losing him, even if deep-down she can't imagine him entirely turning his back on her. After all, he's constantly hinting at how he's done something terrible. About how nobody from 'back home' could ever see him as a good person. So, maybe they'll be able to relate a little bit on that front in the future, but she's in no rush to get into all of that. Especially now, where she just wants to have fun and enjoy Jesse's company. Cuddle up and watch movies, like a proper date. ]
[ She's got a point there. Jesse grins hugely, shifting a little closer. The makeshift theatre is filled, not with chairs, but with overstuffed red couches and loveseats - the better to encourage the inmates to get physical, obviously, but for once Jesse doesn't care that much that he's being manipulated. It's worth it to be able to cuddle up with Harley.
He presses up next to her, sliding an arm over her shoulders as he sets the popcorn on both their thighs within easy reach. ]
I can do that.
[ And he leans in for a kiss - on the mouth if she goes for it, but just on the cheek otherwise. ]
[ Harley smiles when Jesse lifts the popcorn briefly so he can slide up close and wrap an arm around her. It feels pretty nice, actually, even if she wasn't quite cold yet. There's a warmth and a simultaneous shiver that run through her, and Harley leans into Jesse's side. She's thankful that they're not in traditional movie seats, where an arm would be annoyingly one way of them being up close and personal.
Harley tilts her head a bit when Jesse looks at her, and she tries to stifle the resulting smile as he dips down to kiss her. There's no way she'd even think about turning her cheek to offer that instead. She'd kissed Jesse plenty of times already, and she's not one to say no to another. ]
[ As excited as Jesse is to be on a real date with Harley, something with flowers and chocolate and going out together and not just fucking, he's glad they're not sticking to some of the more traditional first-date conventions. Like not kissing until the very end. He thinks that might've felt fake with Harley, anyway. Waiting to kiss when they've done so much more together already.
But he keeps it pretty chaste, a sweet, soft press of his lips to hers instead of a full-on makeout session. There'll be plenty of time for that later. For now, Jesse pulls back after a moment, smiling down at Harley and then looking up as the lights start to dim and the screen flickers to life. ]
Oh shit, here we go.
[ He hadn't really known what to expect - the announcement hadn't said what movies were playing, just that it was a marathon. Jesse had been vaguely hoping for action, or maybe horror. He could see settling down for a slasher marathon, Harley screeching and burying her face in his chest as blood splattered onscreen and Jesse put a comforting arm around her...though knowing Harley, she'd probably be more likely to giggle and shout advice at the hapless victims than cower in fright.
But he'll have to wait to see. Because it's not action-packed adventure or horror that starts playing. It doesn't take too long to see which way the wind is blowing, and Jesse laughs in mingled delight and disbelief as the characters onscreen quickly lose both their clothes and their inhibitions. ]
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momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2022-06-22 12:07 am (UTC)That sounds really nice.
[ Nice? Harley, what the fuck? GET IT TOGETHER. ]
I'm--you're not pressuring me. I'd like that a lot, actually.
[ She's trying to find the fine balance between being over-eager and sounding disinterested but it's really hard to even make cohesive thoughts and sentences when she's smiling so big that her cheeks are actually hurting? Okay, thank whatever God is out there that this wasn't a video chat. Good call, Jesse. Literally. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-22 02:29 am (UTC)Really?
[ He'd been trying so hard to prepare himself for the worst that he's taken off guard when she actually agrees. Jesse's eyes open wide, and then he's just as glad as her that this isn't a video call as his face breaks into a goofy grin. ]
Awesome! I mean - I mean, I'd like that a lot too.
[ He smiles sappily down at his tablet for a moment, before blinking, remembering himself. ]
Cool. So I guess I'll, uh, pick you up?
voice --> action
Date: 2022-06-22 10:26 pm (UTC)[ When Harley ends the call, she's a bundle of nerves and excitement. Some might think it something of a red flag--meeting a potential beau in prison--but Jesse's sweet. He treats her with respect and she trusts him. Even though for whatever reasons he thinks that he isn't a good person, she just can't see eye-to-eye with him on that.
She's recently gotten some of her things back from home, so she pulls on her bright pink crop-top layered with a white shirt over it that reads 'harley fuckin' quinn' in black lettering and striped cut-off shorts with suspenders hanging down loosely. Her fashion sense isn't for the weak-hearted, but if anyone can pull off her loud, classy ensembles, it's Harley.
She pulls on sequined socks and her trusty heels and then does her make up. No more making do with colored pencils dipped in water and kool-aid mix to stain her lips. She has the real deal, and she looks good when she's finished, blowing a kiss at herself in the mirror as she picks up her little clutch purse off the edge of the sink.
Harley hums to herself and futzes around with her tablet, legs swinging as she sits on her bed to wait for her date to arrive. ]
last minute text
Date: 2022-06-23 02:49 am (UTC)[ The dog emoji doesn't do Brucie any justice, but maybe it'll give Jesse a bit of a hint? She doesn't want him to think that she has some person holed up in her shipping container, afterall. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-25 04:22 am (UTC)It doesn't take much, honestly. He brushes his teeth and changes into fresh clothes, then runs his fingers through his hair once or twice and he's off, trying to control the sudden butterflies in his stomach. When was the last time he'd gone on an actual date with someone? Let alone someone he likes as much as he likes Harley? He can't even remember.
He stops by the commissary to get some jerky, and when he spots both a bouquet of flowers and a small heart-shaped box of chocolates, he buys both on impulse. Why not? Harley deserves both, especially when he remembers how her face had lit up when he'd offered her that chocolate bar in solitary. Besides, she's probably directly responsible for Jesse earning the credits he'd just spent, considering how they've been striking things off his sentence.
But he doesn't want to think about that right now, either his sentence or how they're literally being paid for having sex here. Like Harley, he doesn't want anything they might do together to be about that. And it's definitely not why he'd asked her on a date.
He reaches her cell with the flowers clutched in one hand and the box of chocolates in the other, the jerky stuffed in his pocket, and hesitates a moment before knocking awkwardly on the door with his elbow, then stepping back, standing up a little straighter as he waits for her to answer. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-25 05:31 am (UTC)That's him! Be a good boy okay? Be nice!
[ Harley scratches Bruce behind the ears and then pokes her head out from between the sheets covering the opening to her abode. ]
Hey, you! C'mon in. We'll be quick; I just wanna introduce you to somebody.
[ Harley pauses when she sees the chocolates and the flowers in Jesse's arms and she blinks a bunch of times because she honestly wants to cry right then and there. Gifts? For her? Holy shit. She's not used to that at all, and it's all a little overwhelming but in the best way. ]
You got those for me? Really?
[ Harley's hands go up to clasp the sides of her face, feeling her cheeks going hot beneath her palms and she reaches out to collect her gifts, putting them up on her desk to lighten his load before she gives Jesse a proper greeting, which involves her getting right up close and grabbing the back of his neck for a kiss. She doesn't need to stand on her toes this time, thanks to he high heels. ]
Thank you. Um, so, I have to introduce you to Bruce; or Brucie as I call him. C'mere Brucie...it's okay, this is a good guy. No bite!
[ Harley coaxes Bruce over and he picks himself up off of the pile of laundry he'd been laying on, head low as he lumbers over, sniffing. He lets out a creepy hyena laugh, but nudges his head up into Jesse's palm. He more or less listens to Harley, and definitely reads her body language and Brucie doesn't get any bad vibes from Jesse, so he nuzzles the side of his leg and then sits, patient. ]
Wanted to introduce you two before we head out. He'll be fine here. I have food and water out for him and he knows he can wander around if he stays outta' trouble.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-26 02:25 am (UTC)Holy shit.
[ He can't help his kneejerk reaction, the way he jumps backwards in alarm. But Harley doesn't seem worried at all, and the dog doesn't growl or snap at him, just preses his head insistently against Jesse's hand. He hesitates at first, but he trusts Harley, and after a moment he gives the animal a ginger scratch on the head. ]
Brucie, huh?
[ Cool. He can deal. He nods, then frowns as something occurs to him. ]
Hang on. You said you never had a pet dog. During Never Have I Ever.
[ He's not really mad - it had just been a game. But he can't understand why Harley would lie about something like that. ]
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Date: 2022-06-26 03:37 am (UTC)Yeah, I don't have a dog. Bruce is a Spotted Hyena.
[ Harley tilts her head. ]
Y'know. Like Scar's henchmen in The Lion King? 'Cept Bruce is a big baby and he'd never hurt a fly unless I asked him to. Isn't that right?
[ She crouches down to give Brucie a proper scratch, hard behind his giant ears. ]
Give him a treat and he'll be your best friend. He remembers people like that.
[ Harley isn't quite aware of how...unhinged she sounds. Talking about a wild animal as if just anyone could own a Spotted Hyena. But it's how she rolls, and Bruce was needed protection for a person like her in a place like Gotham. He helped her get through a really rough time after Joker dumped her, and for that she feels particularly indebted to this fuzzy guy. ]
I just...figured you should meet him. So he knows you next time ya come by.
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Date: 2022-06-26 05:31 am (UTC)Right. Yeah, that's, uh, a good call.
[ If he had to meet Bruce, he'd rather do it with Harley here to vouch for him. And while he doesn't plan on ever dropping by when she's not here - why would he? - he'd much rather he already recognize him as a friend.
He looks back at Bruce, now sitting patiently next to Harley, and reaches into his pocket to pull out the jerky and strip off the wrapper. He bends down and holds it out gingerly, his fingers barely holding onto the end of the stick, as far from those teeth as he can get. ]
Good boy, Bruce. Good boy. Here you go. You want this? Huh?
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Date: 2022-06-26 10:29 pm (UTC)[ Also there's that little thing where hyenas, like other eild animals, can very easily sense fear. But Harley has a feeling that mentioning that little factoid won't do anything for Jesse's nerves. Nothing good anyway.
Harley tries to hold back a snort at how Jesse holds the jerky by the very end. She has a feeling he'd faint if he ever saw her Lady and the Tramp move she pulled with Brucie and a Twizzler. Best save that trick for a time when Jesse's a little more at ease.
Bruce full-on grins at Jesse and it's actually a pretty horrifying sight when he reveals all thirty-something of his gigantic teeth capable of crushing bones into bite-sized morsels with no effort. In spite of how scary it looks, he's actually really gentle and takes the jerky by the very tip of the offered side, almost as if he's mimicking Jesse's careful grip. He tugs gently to pull it out of Jesse's fingers and that's when the crocodile in him emerges as he snaps up the whole thing in a couple of quick bites. He makes that creepy laugh sound again and then lumbers back to his pile of laundry, circling a few times before laying down with a huff. ]
Good boy, Brucie! Don't get into too much trouble.
[ Harley turns her attention back to Jesse, now that introductions are out of the way. ]
Ready?
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Date: 2022-06-28 03:04 am (UTC)Better to keep his distance, just in case. It's more respectful, right? To Bruce? He watches in wonder as the hyena nimbly plucks the jerky out of his fingers, and jerks his hand back, spooked all over again, when Bruce suddenly swallows it down. Luckily, Bruce decides that's enough social interaction for him, and Jesse watches in relief as he shuffles back to his makeshift bed.
He still looks a little dazed when he turns to look at Harley, blinking once or twice as her words sink in. Right. Their date. ]
Yeah.
[ He shakes his head, trying to clear it of Bruce the spotted hyena, and smiles at her, holding out his hand. His arm? He bends his elbow slightly, a little awkwardly, not sure if he should be letting her slide her arm through his, taking her hand in his, or neither. ]
Yeah, let's go.
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Date: 2022-06-28 07:15 am (UTC)[ Harley asks, teasingly. She hadn't meant to shock Jesse so much, especially right before their date, but Harley has a pretty poor gauge for being able to tell what might freak another person out. Not much about her is "normal", from her upbringing to her past relationships, to what pets she's had. Even before she became Harley Quinn, Harleen hadn't quite lived an average life, and after? Well, there isn't much about Harls that isn't eccentric. She forgets that there are some things about her that take a little getting used to, especially for someone who comes from a world so different than her own.
Harley hopes that it hasn't entirely derailed the day, but she doubts it would go that far. The way Jesse bends his arm has her thinking of the day they met near Howie's House of Hooch. She tries not to let her thoughts wander to what had taken place after that, though, or they'll never make it to Activities for the movie marathon. She opts to take Jesse's hand instead, though, and they leave her shipping container behind. ]
Oh! Almost forgot. I got some of my things back from when I got here. I have somethin' for ya.
[ She reaches up to pull a joint that had been tucked behind her ear, holding it out for Jesse. ]
Might make the movies more entertaining. Or you can save it for later if ya want. It's not my only one.
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Date: 2022-07-01 04:05 am (UTC)Like now. He glances at her in confusion and a little uncertainty. Of course he'd brought her a gift - or two - but he doesn't want her to feel like she's obligated to return the favor. That's not how it works. When she offers him the joint, though, his eyes widen in absolute delight. ]
Holy shit!
[ He couldn't hide his eager reaction if he'd wanted to, immediately reaching out to take it from her just to grin at it for a moment, before turning that dazzling smile on her. How did she know exactly what to give him? ]
Harley, you're the best.
[ He leans down, pressing a kiss to her temple. ]
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Date: 2022-07-01 05:51 am (UTC)Maybe it was luck or maybe they just didn't know what the joints were. Whatever the case, she had thought of Jesse right when she discovered that the joints were intact. So no, it wasn't much of a forethought planning thing, but more that she thought it was something he might like and maybe something that they could enjoy together, with more where that came from. ]
Oh, good. I mean...I thought you'd like it but I wasn't totally sure. I never brought up smoking weed or anything.
[ She beams at the kiss to her temple, slowing her steps a bit to make it easier. ]
I'm...it was really sweet of you to ask me to come with to the movies.
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Date: 2022-07-01 05:59 am (UTC)And yet she'd somehow known to offer it to him anyway. Things are so easy with her, he thinks. They don't have to talk about it. She gets him. ]
It's awesome. Definitely gonna enhance the movie-watching experience.
[ Because whatever kind of movies Activities has planned for them...yeah. All he can say for sure is that it's gonna be interesting.
His smile softens a little bit, and he nods, ducking his head a little. ]
I'm glad you said yes.
I didn't know if you'd wanna...uh.
[ Go on a date with him. Turn it romantic. Think about being maybe, potentially, something more than just friends with benefits. He shrugs, still not quite meeting her eyes. ]
I didn't know if you'd wanna...do something like that, y'know?
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Date: 2022-07-01 06:13 am (UTC)[ She starts, playfully, her index finger under Jesse's chin to prop it up after he ducks his head down. ]
I meant what I said when I called you a catch, y'know. Anybody around here'd be lucky to have you. So. Guess I"m just happy you decided to ask me, s'all. Don't hang your head for anybody, Jess. You're somethin' special.
[ With that, she leaves a kiss to Jesse's cheek, but makes sure she wipes away any lipstick that she might have left behind. It's then that she notes the building where Activities is located, where they'd said the makeshift theatre would be. ]
Ooh--there it is. I bet they'll let us smoke inside. This place ain't much for regular rules.
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Date: 2022-07-01 08:18 am (UTC)If anyone's lucky here, it's Jesse. But he can't think of a way to say so that doesn't sound stupid or worse in his own head. The only thing he can think of sounds weak and uninspired, even to him. But it's genuine. ]
You're special too, Harley.
[ She really is, maybe more than she knows. But they're approaching the building, and the change of subject is a relief. He squeezes her hand lightly, hoping to convey some of what he can't find the words for, and nods. He can't really imagine whoever's running this place being too strict on a little thing like weed in the theatre, either, but they'll find out soon enough. ]
If they kick us out, we'll just sneak back in.
[ Or maybe it'll suck anyway and they'll ditch the whole thing to go down to the beach, or back to one of their shipping containers. Or something else. Who knows? As long as they're hanging out together, Jesse'll be happy. He glances down at Harley, and then, on impulse, leans down to give her a quick kiss. Maybe a little bold for a first date, but then, they have an unusual history. And he wants to. So there. ]
Cmon, I'll get us some popcorn. [ He wags the joint back and forth a little for emphasis before tucking it safely away. ] Gotta be ready for those munchies, right?
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Date: 2022-07-02 01:25 am (UTC)[ Harley nods, sure of that. She didn't go to the movies a whole lot back home, so whenever she did, she made sure to make it a night to remember and got all the accoutrements and got there a little early just so she could pick out the best seat. She kind of misses doing regular things like this. Well...it won't be quite 'normal' because nothing in this jail is, but it's a more normal activity than they're usually offered, and she thinks they'll have fun, even if they're just making fun of the movies together and stuffing themselves with popcorn and snacks.
Harley heads on inside, reluctantly dropping Jesse's hand so they can go to the makeshift concession stand and get drinks and munchies. ]
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Date: 2022-07-02 06:53 am (UTC)Luckily, the snacks are a lot more affordable. He leads the way to the concession stand and orders basically everything on offer - popcorn and soda and whatever candy either of them thinks looks good. Loaded up with enough junk food to last the zombie apocalypse, they head into the theatre and settle in.
It hits him again once they're sitting down, the big bucket of popcorn between them. They're on a date. A real date, not a hookup. Maybe movie concession food and a movie marathon in a prison isn't the classiest night out, but Jesse's glad to be here, and he hopes Harley is too. He glances over at her, giving her a softer smile instead of his usual goofy grin. ]
You good? Need anything else?
[ More than anything, he's anxious to make sure Harley has a good time. ]
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Date: 2022-07-02 09:14 pm (UTC)[ Harley laughs because, yeah, they have enough candy and treats to last them far longer than even an all-day movie marathon. It's sweet, though, that Jesse seems to be trying so hard to make sure everything's just right. Really, all he had to do was show up. That would have been good enough for Harley. Everything else is just a bonus. ]
Kidding. All I really needed was for you to show up. But a little chocolate never hurt anybody.
[ Harley throws Jesse a wink as she opens a box of non-pareils. Those little chocolate discs coated in crunchy sprinkles. She tips the box towards her mouth, pouring a few in, not really caring that it isn't the most lady-like gesture. She's here to have fun and be herself. No point in tossing up a front. ]
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Date: 2022-07-02 11:42 pm (UTC)Harley's perfect the way she is. Fun and honest and real. He grabs a handful of popcorn for himself, munching away as he examines the assortment of candy on offer and picks a box of sour gummies. ]
I dunno, anything. More candy. A blanket. [ He shrugs. Some girls get cold in movie theaters. ] Just wanna make sure you're comfortable.
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Date: 2022-07-03 01:15 am (UTC)[ Harley shoots Jesse a smirk laced with mischief and then she reaches over for a handful of popcorn, tossing a kernel up in the air and tipping her head back to catch it in her mouth. It's honestly refreshing that she doesn't have to worry about what she says or how she acts around Jesse. She hasn't really been in a situation before where she doesn't feel like she has to rein herself in or behave in a certain way. It's a little taste of freedom, and she can't get enough. Still, she's trying to ease Jesse into revealing things about herself because there's still a lot that she hasn't disclosed.
She's just scared of losing him, even if deep-down she can't imagine him entirely turning his back on her. After all, he's constantly hinting at how he's done something terrible. About how nobody from 'back home' could ever see him as a good person. So, maybe they'll be able to relate a little bit on that front in the future, but she's in no rush to get into all of that. Especially now, where she just wants to have fun and enjoy Jesse's company. Cuddle up and watch movies, like a proper date. ]
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Date: 2022-07-03 03:50 am (UTC)He presses up next to her, sliding an arm over her shoulders as he sets the popcorn on both their thighs within easy reach. ]
I can do that.
[ And he leans in for a kiss - on the mouth if she goes for it, but just on the cheek otherwise. ]
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Date: 2022-07-03 05:34 am (UTC)Harley tilts her head a bit when Jesse looks at her, and she tries to stifle the resulting smile as he dips down to kiss her. There's no way she'd even think about turning her cheek to offer that instead. She'd kissed Jesse plenty of times already, and she's not one to say no to another. ]
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Date: 2022-07-03 07:01 am (UTC)But he keeps it pretty chaste, a sweet, soft press of his lips to hers instead of a full-on makeout session. There'll be plenty of time for that later. For now, Jesse pulls back after a moment, smiling down at Harley and then looking up as the lights start to dim and the screen flickers to life. ]
Oh shit, here we go.
[ He hadn't really known what to expect - the announcement hadn't said what movies were playing, just that it was a marathon. Jesse had been vaguely hoping for action, or maybe horror. He could see settling down for a slasher marathon, Harley screeching and burying her face in his chest as blood splattered onscreen and Jesse put a comforting arm around her...though knowing Harley, she'd probably be more likely to giggle and shout advice at the hapless victims than cower in fright.
But he'll have to wait to see. Because it's not action-packed adventure or horror that starts playing. It doesn't take too long to see which way the wind is blowing, and Jesse laughs in mingled delight and disbelief as the characters onscreen quickly lose both their clothes and their inhibitions. ]
Holy fuck, it's porn.
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