Europe is our oyster.

Amsterdam

It is a nice day, I wonder what Joker has planned for it. What these so called days off are supposed to be about I'm not sure. I just hope things in Gotham are getting along ok in my absence. Alfred will no doubt have everything under control and I'm sure Nightwing will step in if needed. Besides, whatever is happening in Gotham can hardly be worse than what might happen if I don't humour my lunatic of a travel companion. Speaking of which...

"Batsy, over here darling!"

I've embarrassed him I can tell. I can't say I feel I sorry about it, the truth is that he needs to lighten up a little. He walks over to me, his bat get up looking just as out of place as it had done yesterday. It makes me smile. He doesn't look as in high spirits as I am but then he never is. "Joker" he growls, nodding in greeting "no new outfit then?" I stare at him in surprise. I didn't think he had noticed. "Aww Bats, I knew you cared" I positively beam. "That wasn't a compliment" he replies harshly. My face fell slightly. "Oh well, I'll take what I can get" I say with more cheer than I feel. I know I'm over reacting but for some reason that comment hurts me more than any punch. Am I going soft or something? Yes. I already knew that. The real question is, is that a bad thing and will Batsy stay in my life if he finds out?

"Joker!"

I snap out of it. "I'm sure I'll be able to pick up a suitable outfit in town today. Now come on, time is money" I call as I set off, giving him a cheeky wink over my shoulder. Batman follows a couple of steps behind me, making it look and feel as though I'm being stalked by the Grim Reaper. He sure does now how to kill a good mood. He must be really popular at parties, not. I giggle to myself, knowing full well that I'm the only one around here that's going to find it funny. "Wait here" I tell Bats. Popping into the shop there is a short conversation and money changes hands then I make my way back outside with my purchase. Batman stares at me with a look of pure horror on his face. "No! Absolutely not!" he snaps as soon as I am within earshot. "Oh come on Bats, it's a beauty! Let yourself have some fun for once. It wont kill you, not unless you're allergic to it of course." I laugh and do a Wicked witch of the west impression. "I'm melting! I'm melting!"

I receive a very hard punch on the forearm which makes my eyes water. I try to shrug it off. "I'm serious, this is where I draw the line. There is no way I'm getting on that" Batman insists as he glares at our pink tandem bicycle in disgust. Putting my hands on my hips I raise an eyebrow. "That's your problem Bats, you're ALWAYS serious. Trust me, you haven't seen Amsterdam until you've seen it by bike. It wont be that bad, if you're worried about your cape getting caught in the bike chain you could always tuck it into the top of your tights. Besides, I'm the one in charge here remember? You're not in any position to put your foot down about anything" I add with a sinister smile. God he's stubborn! He's lucky I'm batty about him, ha! There is a pause then he heaves a heavy sigh. I've won. Just as I'm getting on the bike he asks "What are you planning Joker?" It seems different to other times, there's no anger or urgency. He almost sounds bored, as though he is only asking because he has to. I must be imagining things. "Would you believe me if I told you I wasn't planning anything at all?" I say, looking over at him. He doesn't need to answer for me to know that he wouldn't. He grudgingly gets onto the back of the bike and we set off. "You could at least tell me where we are going" Batman grumbles from behind me. "What's the matter Bats, upset because you're not in the driving seat?" I tease "You can't be in control of everything you know. Just relax, I've got a great day planned. You'll enjoy it." "I doubt it" he mutters. I roll my eyes but refuse to reply. What a spoilsport. After a few minutes ride we enter Vondelpark or The lungs of Amsterdam as it has been poetically referred to. Its 120 acres of ponds, trees and cycle paths are quite lovely. I get out my camera and attempt to take some photos but I expect they will just be a blurry mess. It's rather relaxing really, just Batsy and me spending time together with no schemes or explosions to get between us. I would say that I hope he appreciates it as much as I do but that would be asking for too much. Still, I'm not going to let Batsy's bad attitude spoil my fun.