Behind A Man's Pride
Captain, over here.
You're early today.
Ah. Yeah, guess so.
Usually, I go for a ride with Dave before coming, but...
Today, the town guards looked different. Like they were itching to find a reason to bust me.
Ever since the street brawl, they've been keeping a close eye on Harley.
Today, they seemed especially uptight, probably...
It's probably because of the festival.
Oh, the fireworks? That's today?
You didn't know?
Not really. When I'm riding, every day feels like a festival.
And when I ride, I keep my eyes on the finish line.
Have you ever seen fireworks?
Hmm... No. I'd like to, though.
My crew said the ones in NOA are something else.
With you? Sounds good.
Then let's go now while we're on the topic.
Please wait a moment.
Whoa! You scared me!
What is it? Got business with me?
If you walk around like that, you'll only worry the town guard.
It's a festival, after all. Wouldn't want the Captain enjoying it under their watchful eyes.
Ngh... Can't argue with that.
You've grown, Harley.
Shut it. I just don't want people staring like I'm some zoo animal.
At Candle Square, we offer styling services for the Saviors.
This is a great chance for you to try it.
What?! Hey! Wait! Let go of me!
It might take some time. Captain, please go ahead first.
I'll be looking forward to it, Harley.
Looking forward to what?! With these frilly idiots?!
Grrnk, grrnk, grrnk!
Dave, not you too! Quiet!
Leaving Harley struggling in Claire's grip, I headed out of Candle Square...
Oh no! Savior! You can't leave the bath yet!
Ugh, what now?
We still have to apply the aromatic oils. Come, lie down here!
*Sigh* What a hassle...
Leave the hair styling to me.
Styling? Just trim it so I can move easily. Doesn't need to look good.
What do you mean just trim?! You need to treat your hair with care!
Ugh... Fine, do whatever.
*Huff* *Huff* Now I'm done, right?
What are you saying? We just finished the basics.
Th-the basics...?
Yes. Next is dressing you in something fit for a Savior.
Don't worry. We have a clumsy but talented tailor just for that.
Here, change into this outfit.
Y-you want me to wear this?! How am I supposed to move in this thing?!
Especially this skirt! It's breezy and awkward!
It's cute, so it's fine. It'll look great on you.
And the Captain will be very happy too.
Th-the Captain?
...Do you really think so?
Of course. Captain wouldn't hate something you worked so hard for.
There's still time before the fireworks.
If you're not used to it, I can help you dress.
Forget it. You're not my mom.
Besides, this all probably... costs a ton, doesn't it?
No need to worry. I had no intention of charging you.
Your usual appearance bothered me quite a bit too.
Is that so...?
Thanks. I'll pay you back next time.
Captain's probably been waiting a while. I should hurry.
Ugh, skirts really don't suit me...
*Thud!*
Tch, I missed. Could've cracked her skull.
Perfect timing. I've been meaning to get payback for what you did to me.
You're the punks from the shopping district.
Aren't you supposed to be in jail? What are you doing here?
Haha. Paid a hefty bail to get out.
Someone who really hates you covered it.
So you came back to get thrashed for the third time? Shameless.
You'll see how shameless we are when—
—Kuh!
You talk big for someone so weak.
Get lost before I start sweating and mess up my makeup.
Kgh...! Kehehe...!
Gotta admit, you can fight.
But you really think it's smart to start a brawl with the town guard watching?
What?
We heard all about it. How you're obsessed with that Journey thing.
If you get locked up again, how many years will it be? Think you can finish your little challenge from behind bars?
Why you...
Boys! Let's smash her to pieces!
Ngh!!
Damn it, you weaklings... *Cough...!*
Haha! How dumb! You can't even throw a proper punch!
Look at you, all dressed up like that. Trying to pick up guys or something?
All that effort, and now you're nothing but rags.
Honestly, that suits someone like you who lives breathing in dust.
You little...!
Hey, you there! What do you think you're doing?!
Damn it...! Town guards again...!
Everybody run!
Those punks, causing trouble right in the middle of the city!
Hey, wait! Someone's collapsed here!
We need to get her to the hospital, now...
...Looks like I owe you my life. Thanks.
Huh? You're... Harley McCoy?
Where do you think you're going, all covered in blood?
...
I've got an appointment. With my partner.
At that exact moment, the fireworks began.
People let out gasps of awe at the fireworks lighting up the sky.
But Harley never showed up.
As time passed and the fireworks dwindled...
Yo, Captain! Sorry I'm late.
She looked even more disheveled than before Claire dragged her away.
In fact, her face was even covered in bruises.
Haha, had to do some cleanup on the way. And skirts just aren't my thing.
Guess I should stick to what I know. No point dressing up if it just slows me down.
Come on, let's watch the fireworks.
You picked a good spot. Too bad I was late.
...
You're not going to ask?
I figured you had your reasons.
*Sigh* You've got guts, I'll give you that.
Truth is, those guys ambushed me again. You know, the ones from the shopping district.
Did you beat them up again?
Nope. I let them swing until they wore themselves out on me.
They hit like kittens... ow...
Don't overdo it.
Why didn't you fight back?
Because the town guard already has it out for me.
If I'd made a scene again, I might've ended up back in the clink and blown the Journey.
I promised I'd see it through with you, and I'm not letting it end like that.
Heh... Come on, don't make it weird.
Still a shame about the outfit. Those maids really worked hard on it.
*BOOM*
A massive firework lit up the night sky.
The biggest one yet, closing out the show.
Brilliant colors painted the sky overhead.
Whoa... The boys weren't kidding.
Those fireworks are amazing.
I agree.
...
I'm glad, Captain.
About what?
That I got to see this with you.
As the final firework faded, people began to drift away from the festival.
But we stayed, watching the sky long after it went dark.