Stephanie's Second First Halloween

Chapter 9: Best Halloween Ever

J was having a great time! Here he was, surrounded by more of his friends than he'd thought he'd run into that night, about to watch one of his all-time favorite movies. Not that he'd ever actually seen it, but the guy on the front looked cool and it was directed by Tim Burton, so it had to be great.

The only thing that could make this better would be if Batsy decided to join them, but he knew that was unlikely. Ah well, he could just crash the Wayne Halloween party tomorrow night (held late so Brucie could take his Flock trick-or-treating, not that his Darling would admit that). Until then, he'd just enjoy a night in with the gang.

The gang who all looked a lot happier than they had before, which he liked. Even Twoface was frowning in that way that meant he was actually smiling but didn't want to show it. Which probably had something to do with Eddie being practically glued to him at the hip, no trace of his little panic attack left. Aww, how cute! J hoped they invited him to the wedding, he'd hate to have to crash it. Well, actually, he'd love to crash it. But Harley would probably get mad at him if he did, so he still hoped they invited him.

"Mr. Joker?" The little girl who'd been wearing Spooky's mask tugged at his sleeve. Who'da thunk that Eddie would actually decide to get a little one of his own, just like the Bat? J hoped this didn't lead to a Riddler Flock, he doubted Gotham could take that. Though all the green and purple minisuits would be adorable.

The girl was staring at him, why–? Oh, right, she'd been trying to get his attention. What was her name, again? It started with 'E', didn't it? Hmmm... Well, he supposed he could just call her random things until someone corrected him. That was usually a pretty good plan.

"Yes, kiddie?" He grinned widely at her. Most kids backed away when he did that, which he thought was funny but (he remembered too late) usually made Harley angry, for some reason. The kid didn't even flinch, instead smiling back at him. It was a small, uncertain expression, but he still mentally gave her points for it.

"Do you want to hear a joke?" She asked, shifting back and forth hesitantly. What, did she think he was gonna say no? To a joke? The Joker?

"Of course I do, Alice!" J clapped, bouncing in his seat. "Always." He added, just to make sure she knew that. She looked like someone who didn't get listened to enough.

The kid's smile turned into a grin, eyes brightening. "Okay, uh, knock-knock."

"Oooh, a classic!" He giggled. "Who's dere?"

"Chickens." She answered.

"Chickens who?" He asked, trying to remember if he'd heard this one before. He didn't think so, and wasn't that exciting?

"No, they don't." She said very seriously, shaking her head. "They cluck."

J was quiet for a second, processing. Then, he burst into laughter, throwing his head back as he crowed. "Hey, Eddie! Yer kid's a comedic genius!" Not like he was, of course, but give her a few years...

"Of course she is." Edward said proudly, smiling at her. He didn't smile at J, instead briefly scowling at him, but J expected that. Eddie loved pretending they weren't friends, and J wasn't about to deny him the little joke. Didn't mean he couldn't tease him back, of course.

"Yer dad doesn' have da slightest bit o' comedic timin', kid." J winked at her, making her laugh. "Maybe ya could teach 'im a ting or two, huh?"

"I'll try." She agreed with that silly-serious look kids were so good at. "Do you want to hear another joke?"

Before J could respond (yes, of course he wanted to, why would that even be a question?), Eddie interrupted. "Sweetie, how about you tell him more later? The movie's about the start."

"Okay, Dad." The kid agreed, hesitating just slightly on the 'dad' part. She went over to the chair that he'd perched himself on the back of, claiming the arm. With no other spot available, Twoface reluctantly sat on the actual seat, scowling at Edward in a way J knew was to hide a smile.

Harley turned off the lights, then bounced over to the couch that J occupied, laying down with her feet dangling over one edge and her head in his lap. Ivy sat on the floor with her head against Harls' stomach, balancing avoiding him and staying near her girlfriend (were they dating yet? J couldn't remember, but decided it didn't matter).

Spooky, his demon, and the Hatter were occupying the other couch, pretending not to cuddle. Well, Spooky was pretending not to, while the others were actively impeding his attempts to do so.

Surrounded by friends, a fun movie starting, his fingers carefully trailing through Harley's pigtails, J felt calm for once. It wasn't trick-or-treating, nor was it a night out with his Darling, but it still was rather nice. Who knew that movie night could be so fun and relaxing? 

"Hey." Harley sat up a little, looking around. "I jus' remembered dat Cat wandered off. Wonder wha' she's up ta?"

"Eh, who cares?" Ivy dismissed, waving her hand. "Just enjoy the movie, Harls, she'll be fine."

"If ya say so, Pammy." Harley shrugged, laying back down.

Best Halloween ever. J thought, unknowing that Edward and Twoface were thinking the exact same thing.

Stephanie — watching a Halloween movie with wide eyes while her new Dad was right next to her, surrounded by interesting people she'd learned all sorts of new things from, after a night of trick-or-treating and with the promise of buying treats tomorrow — had a thought that was very similar, but not quite the same.

Best first Halloween ever.