[2 Broke Girls] Ch: 202 [Comic Con Day 2: Harley & Puddin']

[Comic Con – Day 2]

The second day of Comic Con was chaos in the best way. Every corner of the convention center pulsed with energy. Crowds packed into halls as studios revealed their biggest projects yet. Teaser trailers, new anime announcements, exclusive game demos, and comic releases filled the screens everywhere. It was a storm of cheers, flashing lights, and camera shutters. 

On the top floor, Alex stood in front of the glass wall of his private room, hands in his pockets, watching the ocean of people below. From up here, it looked almost unreal—a living mural of color and sound.

The door behind him clicked open. Soft footsteps crossed the floor.

"Good morning," Halle's voice came softly as she stopped behind him, wrapping her arms around his torso. Her golden gown shimmered under the light as she pressed against his back. She brushed her lips against his neck in a slow, teasing kiss.

Alex smiled, eyes still on the crowd. "Morning."

"You've been up here too long," she whispered, fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "You should come down, make an appearance."

He turned in her arms and took a good look at her before wrapping his hands around her waist. "You look incredible," he said, his tone dropping slightly. "That dress should come with a warning label."

She tilted her head, smirking. "You approve?"

"I more than approve." He leaned closer, taking in her scent with a slow breath near her neck. "You smell divine." He placed a small kiss on her neck.

Halle's lips curved as his nose brushed against her skin. "Perfume's yours, remember?"

"Then I outdid myself, or... it mixed with your natural scent and became more divine," he said softly, brushing his lips against hers, followed by a slight lick, just enough to taste her. "Peach. Sweet and dangerous."

'It's so hard to keep my hands to myself if you keep saying so many sweet things to me,' Her eyes flicked up to meet his. "You always say the nicest things."

His hand moved up, fingers resting just below her jaw as he held her gaze. "If today wasn't so busy," he murmured, "I'd carry you straight back to the penthouse and make sure you forgot what sleep feels like."

'Why go home when we can do it here?' Halle smiled slowly. "There's a table in this room," she said. "And a couch."

"Why choose when we can have fun on both?" Alex said while leaning in to kiss her again. Their lips parting for a heartbeat before finding each other once more. The sound of the crowd below faded for a moment, lost beneath the quiet rhythm of their breathing. Their tongues danced against each other as Alex grabbed her waist and pulled her up...

Halle wrapped her legs around his waist as their slow kissing turned slightly fast and aggressive. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Alex was about to carry her to the couch when...

Knock! Knock!

Both froze, still close enough that their foreheads almost touched. Halle laughed under her breath. "Of course."

Alex sighed, amused. "Perfect timing."

"Story of our lives," she said, as he put her down. She stepped back slightly, smoothing her gown.

Alex straightened his collar and licked his lips. "We'll finish that conversation later."

"You'd better," she said, eyes glinting as she moved toward the door.

Halle opened the door, still fixing her hair and pretending she hadn't just been seconds away from tearing off Alex's shirt.

Standing there was Alexis—short blonde bob, headset on, clipboard in hand, and a look of absolute panic. Her Titan staff badge swung against her chest as she tried to catch her breath.

"Oh, thank God, you're here," Alexis blurted, stepping in.

Halle raised an eyebrow. "Crisis?"

"Major crisis," Alexis said quickly, then glanced at Alex. "Hi, Mr. Wilson. Sorry to interrupt whatever you were… doing."

Halle smirked. "You're not sorry."

Alexis gave a nervous laugh. "Okay, maybe a little curious, but mostly panicking."

Alex folded his arms, the faintest grin tugging at his mouth. "What happened?"

"The guy who was supposed to play Joker's cosplay for today's main event—yeah, he's out. Diarrhea. Like, nuclear-level bad. And the three backup guys? Same thing."

Alex blinked. "All of them?"

"All of them," Alexis said miserably. "Apparently, those geniuses thought it'd be fun to do one of those challenges for their YouTube channels, dressed as the Joker." She took a deep breath. "Chili dogs with black coffee as breakfast. Said it builds 'character.'"

Alex closed his eyes and groaned, then slammed his palm against his forehead. "Who the fuck in their right mind eats chili dogs with black coffee in the morning?"

Halle covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Guess they found out what kind of character it builds."

Alex let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. "Alright. So we've got no Joker, no backups, and a crowd expecting him to show up for photos, right?"

"Exactly," Alexis said, voice climbing. "We've got Harley, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and all the other characters, but no Joker. It's gonna look weird. I mean, he's one of the most popular villains. Fans are going to be disappointed and questions will be raised. You know... The usual drill."

Alex turned away for a second, pacing to the glass wall. He stared at the sea of fans below, then at the Titan banners swaying above the stage. A small smirk began to form on his face.

Alexis noticed it immediately. "Why do I get the feeling that you are going to say something that will end with me saying, 'Oh my God, are you serious? We can do that?'"

Alex turned back to her, the smirk fully formed now. "Relax, Alexis. I've got an idea."

Halle narrowed her eyes. "You're not seriously thinking what I think you're thinking."

Alex straightened his jacket, tugging at the cuffs. "Depends. What do you think I'm thinking?"

"That you're going to step in," Halle said.

Alex's smirk deepened. "Maybe I am."

Alexis blinked. "Wait… you? As Joker? You're joking, right?"

He shook his head. "Do we still have the costume?"

"In the wardrobe rack backstage," Alexis said slowly, still unsure if he was serious.

"Then get it ready," Alex said, already moving toward the mirror. "And tell makeup I'll be there in ten."

"Oh my God, are you serious? We can do that?" Alexis babbled out.

"Yeah, we can," He nodded.

Alexis ran out as if she were running a marathon.

Halle crossed her arms, half amused, half exasperated. "You realize you're about to send every camera in the building into meltdown?"

"Only if people can identify me after all that makeup and purple suit."

...

[Sometimes later...]

The dressing room lights glowed bright against the mirrors, reflecting a face that looked nothing like Alex Wilson. The transformation was startling. The Joker stared back from the glass—white-painted skin stretched into a chilling grin, blackened eyes that hinted at madness, and the crimson scar almost looked wet with blood. Plus the green hair.

The purple tailcoat fit like it was made for him. Pinstriped trousers, a green silk shirt, gloves, and the signature purple hat completed the look. In his right hand, he held a polished black cane topped with a silver Joker head. He tilted it lazily against his shoulder as he studied his reflection.

Behind him, Halle stood with her arms folded, watching the makeup artist pack up their brushes. “I have to admit,” she said with a mix of awe and disbelief, “that’s… disturbingly good.”

The makeup artist smiled proudly. “He’s got the bone structure for it. Strong jawline, sharp cheekbones—ideal canvas for villainy.”

Alex arched an eyebrow, turning slightly to examine the reflection from another angle. “You saying I should consider a career change?”

“Please don’t,” Halle said quickly, half laughing. “The world barely survives one Joker at a time.”

Alex ran his gloved fingers along his jawline, then gave a large grin that made him look like a psycho. “Do I look like a lunatic?”

Halle took a few steps closer, looking him over from head to toe. “You look like you just escaped Arkham and burned the place down on your way out.”

“Perfect,” Alex said, his grin widening. “Exactly the look I was going for.”

The makeup artist nodded approvingly. “You’ve got the mannerisms too. That smile’s unnerving, in a good way.”

Alex tilted his head, eyes narrowing in mock contemplation. “Good… bad… they’re just words. What matters is the laugh.” He let out a low chuckle that rolled into a manic cackle, so convincing that the artist froze mid-step. The sound bounced off the walls, echoing like something born from chaos itself.

Halle raised an eyebrow. “Okay, that’s unsettling.”

Alex grinned at her through the mirror. “You’re supposed to be unsettled. That means it’s working.”

There was a knock at the door. Alexis peeked in, wide-eyed. “Holy hell, Mr. Wilson… I mean, Joker. You look terrifyingly creepy.”

Alex turned, cane spinning between his fingers. “Why thank you, dear Alexis. Compliments are like candy. Sweet, short-lived, and occasionally poisonous.”

Alexis blinked. “That’s… actually kind of amazing. The crowd’s already going nuts out there. They think there’s going to be some surprise reveal. You’re going to kill it.”

“I hope not literally,” Halle said dryly.

Alex grinned at her, voice dipping into the Joker’s tone again. “No promises, darling. Some people need a little… chaos to live.”

Halle smirked. “Try not to scare the children.”

He picked up the purple hat and placed it on his head with a flourish. “Children love me. Parents… not so much.”

As he turned toward the door, Alexis motioned nervously. “You’re on in five minutes. Harley’s already hyping up the crowd.”

Alex leaned close to Halle, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “When this is over, you’re going to have to remind me who I am.”

She brushed a speck of powder off his shoulder and smiled. “I’ll make sure of it.”

He winked, adjusted his hat, and walked out.

...

[Cosplay stage]

The DJ played a chaotic remix of “Another One Bites the Dust.” The crowd was enormous, loud, and hyped. The official photographers were doing their job, taking shots and recording. The security was tight as usual.

Max, in full Harley Quinn mode, twirled her bat and strutted to the edge of the stage, grinning ear to ear. “Alright, puddin’s and pumpkin pies, who’s ready to get crazy?”

The audience screamed back. Phones flashed like strobe lights.

A teenage fan near the front yelled, “Harley! Where’s your puddin’?!”

Max leaned forward with a dramatic pout. “Aw, sugar, puddin’s busy blowin’ up Gotham or ghostin’ my texts. Same difference.”

Another guy shouted, “Can I be your puddin’?!”

Max gasped, putting a hand over her chest. “You? My puddin’? Honey, I don’t even know if you can handle shared custody of my insanity!”

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Caroline, standing nearby in her Supergirl outfit, rolled her eyes with a smile. “You realize you’ve got like fifteen puddins now, right?”

Max twirled her bat again. “Well, I’m a generous gal, Super-snack. Sharing is caring.”

Angela, in her Spider-Woman suit, laughed. “You’re gonna break hearts and probably a few laws before this thing’s over.”

“Oh, sweetie, I break hearts and kneecaps. It’s called multitasking.”

The crowd howled.

Just then, the lights dimmed slightly. The big LED screen behind them glitched with static. The DJ stopped mid-track. Everyone looked around.

Then came a sound.

Low at first. A chuckle. Then louder. Then louder still—rolling into a full, manic cackle that filled the entire hall.

Fans froze.

Max blinked. “Oh no…” she muttered, then grinned. “That ain’t who I think it is.”

The curtains at the side of the stage burst open, and out strolled the Joker: white face, green hair, purple coat. He spun a silver-headed cane and tipped his hat toward the crowd.

“HAHAHA! Well, well, well… what do we have here?”

The audience went absolutely insane. People cheered, screamed, some gasped, others started recording instantly.

'Finally! I'm gonna rat you out on Alex, just you wait! Eating chillidogs with black coffee and making me do twice the job I've signed up for... Mental note to self: Alex owes me 1 week's worth of daily orgasmic foot massage and 20 minutes of cuddling three times a day.' Max’s jaw dropped for dramatic effect. “Puddin’! You escaped Arkham again without me?”

Joker (Alex) tilted his head with a sly grin. “You know how it is, cupcake. I told them it was a mental health day… they didn’t argue.”

'Wait a sec! Why does he feel so familiar?' Caroline wondered as she squinted her eyes. 'Those eyes... Alex?!'

'That nose... Lips! That sly grin!' Max caught onto him. 'Alex?! Puddin''

The crowd burst into laughter.

A fan near the front shouted, “Joker! I told Harley I could be her puddin’!”

Joker froze, then slowly turned toward him. The grin stayed, but his voice dropped an octave. “Oh… did you now?”

Max backed up, still grinning but playing along. “Oh boy, you’re in trouble now, sugarplum.”

The fan laughed nervously as Joker leaned closer to the edge of the stage.

“You think you can just… replace me?” Joker hissed dramatically. “Do you have any idea how expensive therapy is for this woman?”

The crowd exploded with laughter.

Caroline facepalmed, whispering to Angela, “This is somehow the weirdest and most professional performance I’ve seen all day.”

Angela whispered back, “Tell me about it. I’m both terrified and impressed.”

Max clutched her bat and giggled. “Aw, puddin’, don’t scare the nice boy. He’s sweet! Probably pays taxes!”

Joker spun around sharply. “Taxes?! Harley, I thought we talked about this! You know how I feel about supporting the system!”

Max stomped her foot like a bratty kid. “You said no murder before 3 PM!”

“Right! And it’s only 2:45!” Joker yelled, pointing dramatically at his wrist. “We’ve got fifteen minutes to kill!”

The entire stage crew lost it. The audience was doubled over laughing.

Caroline leaned into the mic, deadpan. “On behalf of Titan Studios, we do not condone any form of murder before or after 3 PM.”

Joker turned to her, waving the cane. “Oh, Supergirl, always the moral compass! Don’t you ever get dizzy spinning that halo around your head?”

Max cackled, hopping next to him. “He’s right, sunshine! You need some chaos in your cardio routine!”

Caroline crossed her arms. “I’ll pass, thanks. I prefer saving people who don’t threaten fanboys with homicide.”

“Boooring,” Max said, twirling her bat.

Joker raised a finger. “Wait, wait, wait! Before we lose our audience to logic and decency…” He turned to the crowd with a grin. “Who here loves Harley Quinn?”

The crowd screamed.

“And who here thinks they can be Harley’s puddin’?!”

Half the crowd screamed again.

Joker nodded slowly. “Excellent. I’ll be sure to send each of you personalized… restraining orders and your a list with your names on to the Riddler. Won't that be fun?” He gave another sinister grin.

'yep! That's him. You can't hide from your Spirit Animal, Mr. Wilson.' Max smirked and planted a kiss on his cheek, leaving a red lipstick mark. “Aww, puddin’, you always know how to make an entrance.”

He grinned widely, voice dipping low. “And you always know how to make me regret mine.”

Caroline groaned. “You two are like if domestic violence had a fan club.”

Angela tried not to laugh. “Oh my god, stop, I’m dying.”

Max threw an arm around Joker’s shoulder. “Ain’t he dreamy?”

Joker tilted his head toward her. “Dreamy? Darling, I’m everyone’s worst nightmare in a three-piece suit.”

The crowd went wild again.

As the laughter died down, Joker raised his cane, pointing to the cheering audience. “Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Psychopaths of all ages! Titan thanks you for believing in chaos, creativity, and everything in between! Remember—”

He leaned into the mic. “It’s not about sanity…”

Max finished it perfectly, smirking into her mic. “…It’s about style, puddin’.”

Backstage, Alexis stood with her mouth hanging open. “Holy crap… that was actually him?”

Halle, watching beside her, smiled slowly. “Oh yeah. That was him.”