Ginger - Jerome Valeska x Reader

Summary: You are the new Medical Examiner at the GCPD and despite your young age you are respected and admired by everyone. Nobody would ever think that a sweet and clever girl like you could be friend with both the Riddler and the Penguin. But above all, how could you be involved with a person like Jerome Valeska?

Pairing: Jerome Valeska x Reader, Ed Nygma x Oswald Cobblepot

Warning: swearing, multiple chapters, just Jerome being… well Jerome, angst possibly

A/N: hello! This is based from a dream I once had, therefore, it is not entirely related to what really happened in Gotham and I will make some changes to the real story. Also, I haven’t started season 4 so I’m not aware of the last events. In this fic, Lee is not the ME anymore, since she is still somewhere south with Mario, hence it will be Y/N who will be there for Jerome’s revival. English is not my first language, I apologize in advance for any mistake. Hope you enjoy!

***

Part Two|Part Three|Part Four|

You were really young but you were already a fully graduated student with a brilliant career. You had always been clever, it was a surprise for no one when you got into university at the age of 15. That is why, despite your young age, barely twenty years old, you were already working as Medical Examiner in the GCPD. At first, no one of your colleagues took you seriously, for you were really too young and could have been the daughter of some of them. However, once you started working, you proved them wrong.

Now, you were a fully respected girl, everybody trusted your judgment and recognised your incredible intelligence. To be fair, you were still seen as “too young”. Although, this time your youth was not seen as a problem, in fact, it was like you became the little sister that needed protection. You could definitely take care of yourself, but every cop in the GCPD had developed a soft spot for you. Especially the famous and notorious James Gordon.

Almost every cop had seen you and Jim’s friendship coming. He was overprotective and treated you like a little sister, always worried that seeing so many corpses at such a young age was not the best for you. On the other hand, you admired Jim and were always happy to help him solve some cases. It was true though that Jim was sometimes annoying, often treating you like a child. But despite that, your friendship was the golden perk of the GCPD.

That day you had just finished examining another corpse when you heard a lot of noises coming from the police area. You had always been a curious person, that is why you immediately found yourself walking straight towards it. You found the mayor and his right hand, Mr Nygma, walking through the department.

Saying that you were excited would have been an understatement. In the lab, there were still all the paperworks done by Mr Nygma, and you were fascinated by them. So now, despite him being a criminal, you were dying to meet him and ask him a few questions. You started walking towards him, more like running, with your working glasses bouncing on your nose and your eyes glimmering with excitement. Next to the couple there was, needless to say, Jim who was talking with Oswald about something you ignored, while Ed was looking around until his eyes met yours.

“Excuse me?” You asked as soon as you stopped in front of the men. Right after hearing your voice, Jim stopped talking to Oswald to look at you with nothing but worry and concern in his eyes.

“Y/N! Leave. Now.” He was acting again like the protective big brother, but you were having none of it today, not when Edward Nygma stood just in front of you.

“Now Jim, is this the way to talk to a lady? Please, be more nice”, Oswald said with a smile, extending his hand and introducing himself.

“Shut up, Penguin!” Came Jim’s angry voice.

You noticed Oswald visibly tensing and straightening his lips. He clearly didn’t like being called like that. You knew that Jim and Oswald had a peculiar history together, but still you did not like the way he was treating him, especially considering Oswald had been nothing but nice with you.

“His name is Oswald, Jim.”

Your voice was cold and firm, something Jim was not used to. He was taken aback, clearly confused by your sudden weird behaviour. Oswald waved his hand, like he was dismissing Jim’s rudeness. Like he was used to be disrespected. You didn’t like it at all. You didn’t exactly know why you were reacting like this, but you above everyone else understood how awful was being called names against your will. You hated it.

“Please, Miss, I am sure Jim meant no disrespect.”

Oswald was smiling, but you could sense that it was not genuine. It felt like a façade. How many fake smiles had you made every time someone called you “little one”? Too many to ever tolerate that action again, even when it was not meant for you.

“Y/N, please leave, these are not men you should be talking to.” Jim’s voice was still harsh, you knew that it was only because he didn’t want you to be involved with criminals, but it was time for Jim to understand that you weren’t a child. After hearing those words, Oswald’s eyes darkened a bit. He liked you and was definitely annoyed by Jim’s reaction. As for Ed, he was silently watching everything and was insanely curious about you. He didn’t miss your uniform as ME and he was wondering how someone so young could held a position like that. You must have been quite clever.

“I belong to you but others use me more often than you do, what am I?”

You looked at Ed, that was the first time he spoke since he arrived at the GCPD department. You were aware of his habit of telling riddles and you found yourself amused by him.

“Your name” you replied.

Ed smiled, took a step forward and extended his hand in front of him, smiling, “Edward Nygma, pleasured to meet you.”

You smiled broadly and shook his hand, Jim rolled his eyes and Oswald chuckled lightly. Ed was a smooth charmer.

“Pleasure is all mine, Mr Nygma. I’m Y/N Y/L/N, the ME. I was wondering, may I have a word with you?”

Jim started to protest but Ed nodded his head and he quickly disappeared with you before Jim could say another word.

***

Needless to say, your little encounter with Ed had caused you a little problem with Jim. For days all he and the other cops would do was keeping an eye on you and telling you that people like Edward Nygma and Oswald Cobblepot were too dangerous to hang out with. You weren’t a fool and you knew that they were criminals, but for the past few weeks they had been perfect and decent human beings with you. Actually, Ed helped you with your studies on the rotting of corpses and Oswald visited you from time to time for a chat. Now that he was mayor, it was not a problem for him to enter the GCPD department. He clearly liked you a lot, mainly because you respected him as a human being and because you never referred to him as The Penguin. For you, he was just Oswald. He wasn’t a murderer, a criminal, the mayor, a person to make fun of. He was just a normal man. A friend, even. He grew fond of you, just like Ed, even though they had different reasons.

Ed was fascinated by your intelligence and the skills you showed in your job. He found in you someone as passionate as him for science and riddles. A mind like yours could understand his and although Ed was a murderer and a bit crazy, you never mentioned anything and you based your judgment only on what you saw and on how he and Oswald treated you. You were not one of those who judged by the book’s cover. Yes, they were criminals. Yes, you wished they never committed any bad actions, but you couldn’t change the past and that didn’t mean they could not have you as a friend. Moreover, they never underestimated you because you were too young to work as ME. Unlike anybody else, your age never mattered to them.

Obviously Jim was not happy and he didn’t share your same lines of thought, but he soon accepted the idea that you cared about Oswald and Ed, and there was nothing he could do about it. Therefore, his main concern now was to be sure that both of them kept you away from dangerous situations. If anything would have ever happened to you, the entire GCPD would have gone after Ed and Oswald. Lucky for them, both Ed and Oswlad cared too much about you to ever involve you in criminal affairs.

However, despite everyone’s efforts to keep you away from danger, soon enough you found yourself deep into a massive problem and this time neither Jim Gordon or the entire GCPD, nor Oswald or Edward could protect you.

***

It was a day like any other and you were in your lab focused on your work when you heard Jim’s voice shouting: “There must be some other options. You can’t involve Y/N in this!”

You raised your eyebrows and heard footsteps loudly approaching your door. The voice of Captain Barnes came hard and firm: “She is the ME! Whether you like it or not, it’s her job.”

Then the door swung open and Captain Barnes entered the room followed by Jim, Harvey and two other cops carrying what looked like to be a dead man.

“Good morning, gentlemen. How can I help?” You greeted them and instructed the two cops to put the dead body on the table.

“Doctor Y/L/N, someone tried to bring back to life this corpse, we would like to be sure they didn’t succeed and that he is still dead” said Captain Barnes.

You raised your eyebrows, you were aware that a group of people was working on a project at Indian Hill, which goal was to bring back to life the dead, but you never actually met one of them yourself. You were fascinated by this kind of research, you knew it was unethical but still you were a woman of science and you could not help being fascinated by all of this.

“Please, Captain if yo-“

“Of course Captain, I’ll work on it” you said interrupting Jim. You didn’t know why he was trying so hard to convince Barnes to not let you work on this case, but this was your job, you had to do that, but more importantly you wanted to do that. Jim sensed that there was nothing he could say to persuade you to give up, so he sighed and let you do your job.

You look at the poor thing laying on the table. His face was missing, it must have been cut off. You felt sorry for whoever this man was and thought that whoever stole his face must have been some kind of a twisted creep.

Before Barnes and the others left the room you managed to ask, “excuse me, Captain, who is this man?”

“This, Y/N, is Jerome Valeska.”

The most dangerous are the unexpected ones - Jerome Valeska x Reader

Requested: by @maraudersmischiefismanaged “Hey, i don’t know if you take requests but if you do I would like to request a Jerome x reader. Maybe one where someone else reacts to them being a couple or something like that, and the reader is shy but also crazy (but like not as openly as jerome)”

Thank you so much for giving me the chance of writing this! I hope you like it and that it’s close to what you wanted. If not, I’m sorry I let you down and if you want and I can try to write another one. Thank you so much again!

Warning: one swearing word, but completely PG-13 aside from that

A/N:hello! It has been so long since I posted something and now thanks to this request I am back. It was my first request and I am super nervous. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always I’m sorry for the mistakes I’ve probably done, it’s not betad and I’ve tried to do my best.

***

The first time you had seen Jerome, you were fascinated by him. The way he talked, the sinister light in his blue eyes and most of all his way of living life attracted you in a way you didn’t think possible. Jerome was ruthless, uncaring of social norms and a stranger to morality.

Many feared him, others admired him. Truth be told, you were attracted to him. He was everything you were not; everything you chose to hide.

You envied him.

Living your life trying to conceal your true self from the world was hard, but you always felt as if the world could never understand you. Until Jerome came.

Your relationship with him was something unexpected for everyone. You had always been shy, perks of avoiding social interactions so to not reveal your inner self. Therefore, when one day Jerome blatantly asked you out, you stuttered a little bit, unsure of how to react. You were one of his hostages, so you clearly didn’t see that coming. Only later you would find out that Jerome was unpredictable. You were sitting there with blood on your face looking at him in admiration. He probably liked it and decided that you were different. So he saved you and asked you out.

And now here you were, dating Jerome Valeska. A decision that made you the happiest version of yourself.

Everything was great. You didn’t have to worry about your crazy obsessions or your unusual bursts of anger. With him, you were free.

Soon, you were introduced to Gotham criminal underworld, for Jerome was now its king. And you were his queen.

People feared you now, they never tried to disrespect you and those who did paid the worst price. You were a true queen of Gotham.

You knew what people thought of you at first.

“Sweet, innocent, little Y/N. She was manipulated.”

Truth be told, you had always been like this. People learned it the hard way.

“Ow what’s that frown, babydoll?” Jerome’s sweet voice said from behind you.

You smiled at him, “nothing to be worried about.”

Jerome pouted and came closer to you, “now now, that can’t be true. If it can vanish your beautiful smile, then it’s enough for me to worry.”

You could sense the silent threat beneath those words and you smiled fondly at him. Jerome was extremely protective and you knew that he would take care of whatever might harm you.

“Oswald came to visit me today.” You told him.

Jerome raised an eyebrow and started playing with a knife, “oh yeah? What does the little bird want?”

You shrugged, “what he always wants. To take Gotham away from us.”

Jerome laughed, “I thought he was your friend.”

You giggled, “he is. Although our pats often collide. He thinks he can still talk me out of this, that you manipulated me and that I would turn my back on you once I realise it,” you sighed and shook your head noticing that Jerome had stopped playing with his knife, “Oswald can be so naive sometimes.”

Jerome stared at you with a look you were very familiar with. It meant troubles.

***

Few months before

It wasn’t long since you joined Gotham criminal underworld and Jerome’s main enemies didn’t know who you were. Jerome did a great job in keeping your identity a secret so that your civilian life wouldn’t be compromised, at least for the next month when you finished school .

You were studying in the library after an intense day when you noticed a very familiar face entering the place.

Edward Nygma, aka The Riddler. Jerome warned you that he was probably the smartest one among all his enemies.

You slightly jumped when you realised that he noticed you staring, so you decided to leave the place before he had any chance to talk to you. A move that made him even more suspicious. They were hard days in Gotham, you could trust nobody.

“Well hello there.”

You closed your eyes, cursing yourself. Hopefully he wasn’t smart enough to find out who you were.

“Hello?” you replied hesitantly.

Edward smirked, “who are you?”

“My apologies sir but I usually don’t talk to strangers.”

Ed smirked again, “fair enough. Can I ask you then why were you staring at me?”

You looked away from him, your social awkwardness kicking in, “I thought you looked familiar.”

“So you know who I am?”

You shrugged, “everybody in Gotham does.”

He tilted his head and he was about to say something when a voice interrupted him.

“Edward! How long does it take to take a damn book! I have been waiting so lon-… who are you talking to?”

Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. He was the most dangerous one.

“I believe this girl works for one of our enemies,” Ed said.

You raised an eyebrow, unsure if Ed was really that smart or he was just guessing and pretending to know to see what your reaction would be. Surely he wouldn’t have found out after a two minutes conversation.

Oswald scoffed, “she? A shy little girl? Really?”

Your cheeks became red with indignation. Alright, you didn’t exactly look intimidating but c’mon!

“Hey!” You shouted at him.

Oswald looked at you with amusement in his eyes, “oh pardon me, miss. I’m sure you are very dangerous.” And with that said he took Edward’s arm and left you there boiling from rage. You would make him pay.

***

The next time you saw Oswald it was at a party Jerome organised for Gotham criminal masterminds. It was finally time to reveal to everybody who his partner in life and crime was: you.

When you entered the room, the first face you saw was Oswald’s. He was beyond shocked.

“The shy little girl?” He squeaked.

“I told you,” Edward said to him, smiling at you and taking his hat off.

“Hello Oswald, lovely evening isn’t it?”

As a response Oswald kept staring at you. Jerome maniacal laughter filled the entire room.

“So this little girl is really your girlfriend?” Barbara said to Jerome, “I must say, I would have never guessed. She looks so… pure.”

You blushed. You didn’t know if you were flattered or offended. Nobody was taking you seriously so you had to show them how wrong they were and you were going to do it the hard way.

Jerome came close to you and kissed you on the cheek, grinning as if he just won the best prize in the world, “isn’t she just lovely?”.

“I can’t believe this! They look so different. Jerome is totally crazy and she is so… not crazy.”

“You better believe it, Oswald. Sometimes the most dangerous are the unexpected ones,” said Edward.

“All hail for Y/N, queen of Gotham!” Jerome shouted laughing and the ones who cared about keeping their head on the shoulders followed him in his toast for you. Jerome then kissed you, just to make a point.

You smiled. Now it was your turn to show the world how dangerous you could be.

Ginger - Jerome Valeska x Reader {Part Four}

Summary: You are the new Medical Examiner at the GCPD and despite your young age you are respected and admired by everyone. Nobody would ever think that a sweet and clever girl like you could be friend with both the Riddler and the Penguin. But above all, how could you be involved with a person like Jerome Valeska?

Warning: just Jerome being Jerome, angst maybe? Definitely not happiness

A/N: hello everyone! I want to thank you again for the love you are showing for this story, I’m so grateful. Ginger is closely heading towards the end. I hope you enjoy this chapter even though it is definitely dramatic. Speaking of which, I’m still deciding on the ending, at first I was settling for a sad one, but now I don’t know. I guess we’ll see!

Tag list: @crimsonredcoco@jinkanubis@melli-1808@darling-youre-beautiful@sad-angstyteen

***

Part One|Part Two|Part Three|

“Y/N! Are you listening to me?” Oswald asked you annoyed.

Actually, you weren’t. To be honest, your mind was completely elsewhere. That morning Oswald and Ed came to the GCPD to see you, and the former seemed a bit on edge. There had been whispers and suspicious looks when the two arrived, obviously nobody there trusted your friends, some of them couldn’t even believe that a nice girl like you could have something to do with criminals. Oh, if only they knew.

Apparently, Oswald was rather worried, and even a bit curious, about what happened yesterday. He wasn’t the biggest supporter of the idea of you messing with Jerome, so he wanted to check that everything was alright. Moreover, he brought Ed along to give you the good news. As soon as you saw the biggest smile on both Oswald’s and Ed’s face, you knew that their chat must have gone incredibly well. But it was only when Oswald proudly announced you that now he and Ed were a couple that you hugged them both, laughing and screaming from pure happiness.

Oswald then asked you about Arkham and at the mention of it you blushed and your mind started zoning out. You weren’t trying to avoid Oswald’s questions or something, but you couldn’t stop your mind from going over the memory of yesterday.

You could still feel Jerome’s strong arms around your waist, his scarred skin under your hands, his lips over yours and his tongue inside your mouth. At some point, Jerome had pushed you against a wall and deepened the kiss, causing you to moan. Those sounds coming from you made him go crazy; his hands started touching every part of your body and his lips moved to your neck. You weren’t able to stop moaning his name and feeling like you were just outside the gates of Heaven. But with Jerome, it was more like Hell. He was wild, and even though his inexperience, you were falling apart under his touch.

“Y/N!”

You snapped back to reality. Realising that you must have zoned out for awhile made you blush, and the red on your cheeks only deepened after realising that Oswald must have guessed something. Now, that was embarrassing.

You coughed, “yes, Oswald?”

“Oh no no no,” he started saying while shaking his head and pacing around the room, “I knew it was coming.”

Ed smirked, he knew as well but unlike Oswald he was more chilled and relaxed. You cursed mentally, of course Oswald had to guess!

“You kissed him, didn’t you?” He asked abruptly.

You didn’t reply but the blush on your face must have been a rather sufficient answer, for Oswald threw his arms in the air and screeched.

“Of course you did!”

Ed chuckled a bit, “Oswald, I think you’re overreacting.”

Oswald stopped walking around the room and stared at Ed with venom in his eyes.

“I’m not! He’s a criminal, Ed! She’s too pure, too innocent!”

Despite the absurd situation, you smiled. Oswald was one of the best friends you have ever had and having him worrying so much about you was endearing.

Ed raised an eyebrow, “so are we.”

Oswald closed his eyes and sighed deeply, “that’s different.”

“No, it’s not” Ed stated as a matter of fact.

“Guys!” You said before they could go on with their discussion, “I’m still here.”

Even though you appreciated Oswald’s concern, you didn’t like being treated like a child. You were capable of making your own decisions, even when they involved kissing a mass murderer and psychopath.

“Oswald, I appreciate you worrying for me but there’s no need to.”

“I just want you to be safe. Besides, Jim would probably kill me if he’d knew you kissed that psychopath because I helped you enter Arkham” said Oswald, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You kissed Jerome?!”

You closed your eyes thinking that maybe if you focused hard enough you could teleport somewhere really far far away from the GCPD. Of course Jim had to be there and listen to what Oswald said. After all, you truly were unlucky.

“Hello, Jim. I remember telling you to leave me alone.” You smiled at him, clearly faking it.

Oswald cursed between gritted teeth. Jim was on him in less than a second, holding his jacket and slamming him against a wall. My, if he was furious.

“You let her go into Arkham! You bastard!” He shouted.

You yelped, scared that Jim could hurt Oswald. However, he never managed to even try it because Ed was fast enough to point a gun to his head, his eyes were as cold as ice and his voice was as sharp as a knife. You knew that if Jim wouldn’t let Oswald go, Ed would not hesitate and shot him dead.

“I suggest you to let go of Oswald. Now.”

Jim complied, probably sensing that Ed wasn’t joking.

“Always a pleasure to meet you, Jim” Oswald said.

Jim turned around to look at you. His eyes were so desperate, it almost broke your heart. He was silently begging you to tell him that it wasn’t true, that Oswald just made everything up and it was all a joke.

The truth was, it wasn’t a joke. You wanted it to be real, even knowing who Jerome truly was. You had fallen for him and for nothing in the world you would ever want to change things. When yesterday he let go of you, when his lips left you, you felt an aching emptiness inside your chest. It was when you opened your eyes to look at him that you felt alive like you never had bey before. Then he smiled, widely and beautifully, and in that moment you promised that your heart would always belong to him, and to nobody else. Jim must have understood how you felt, because he rubbed his hand on his face and kicked a chair. Ed whistled, definitely amused by his behaviour.

“Y/N, he’s a criminal, how can you even stand his sight?” Jim asked you, pain and tiredness in his voice.

You looked straight into his eyes, “I’m sorry Jim, but I won’t apologize for my feelings.”

“He killed people, he probably would do it again if only he was free.”

You gulped. You knew Jim was right, but still you didn’t care. After all, Oswald and Ed were criminals as well, you knew they were still killing whoever was against them. And yet, they meant the world to you. The truth was, that not every criminal was undeserving of love. They weren’t monsters, not really. You had seen sides of Oswald and Ed that made you realise so. Therefore, you were sure Jerome wasn’t one as well.

“Aren’t Ed and Oswald enough? What’s next? You becoming one of them too?”

Ed growled, “you have killed as well, if my memory is correct. When will you understand that there is no black or white? Y/N has clearly seen something worth to be loved in Jerome, how about you trust her?”

You looked at Ed with gratitude in your eyes. You were so glad you had someone who could understand you and support you.

“No, that’s different! I can accept you or Oswald, but Jerome!” he shouted again, “he is a monster! He’s just using her!”

It was like you had been slapped. Jim’s words were strong and harsh and, somehow, they hit you in the face and were now stuck in your mind. You started breathing faster, your head was spinning and you could swear you were about to cry. Why couldn’t Jim trust you? But those words… they made you realise that it could be possible, that Jim might be right. After all, why would Jerome fell for someone like you? Were you so special?

“Just wait for when he will use her to break out of Arkham.” Those were the final words before Jim left the room, leaving you alone with Ed and Oswald.

“Y/N?” Ed tried to reach for you but you held up a hand to stop him.

“Please, Ed, I want to be alone.”

He nodded and reluctantly did as you asked. Oswald, however, lingered a little more in the room.

“Just be careful, okay?” He told you at last, and then he left too.

The fact that not even Oswald believed that Jerome had a true interest in you, crushed you even more. Of course they didn’t believe it, after all he was a manipulative criminal and you were a young and naive girl.

***

You were walking around the city, not sure of where you were going. It was dark, the sun had disappeared few hours ago, but you weren’t ready to go back home yet. You were thinking about your life choices, about Jerome and about Jim’s words. What if he was right? What if Jerome was only using you to break out of Arkham? Jim was probably right. Jerome was a criminal, one good at manipulation, so why were you any different from all his other victims? Obviously, your heart didn’t want to believe it. You had fallen for the ginger, nothing now could have changed it. But the most rational part of you was telling you to stop being so stupid, to accept the reality for what it was.

You had come to a conclusion, no matter how much your heart was shattering inside your chest. You would go and say goodbye to Jerome, then leave Gotham and move to a city where to start a new and calmer life. That also meant saying goodbye to Oswald and Ed as well. You wouldn’t be able to move on knowing that you could allow other two criminals to be in your life, but not Jerome. After all, a criminal was a criminal. You were sure that having them around would always keep the flame of hope inside your heart. If you were still friend with them, then why not being involved with Jerome too? Leaving Gotham also meant saying goodbye to Jim, Harvey and the entire GCPD. This decision hurt you, but it was a necessary evil. You never thought that your first love would be like this.

You finally arrived in front of Arkham Asylum. You just hoped you were ready. The guards let you in and you walked down the hallway like a ghost, you were there but not really. You realised it was quite late but you managed to convince the director that speaking with Jerome was a matter of ultimate importance. Soon after, you found yourself in the Medical Lab, waiting for Jerome to come.

“Now, that’s what I call a lovely surprise.”

Your heart shattered for the millionth time, nonetheless, you managed to turn around to look at him. That was probably going to be the last time you would ever see him. You took your time to look at his beautiful ginger hair, his sparkling eyes, his devilishly grin and his scarred face. You missed him already. Jerome stopped grinning, nothing in him was amused anymore. He must have noticed that something was wrong.

“Little one? What’s going on?” His voice was worried and that made you spill few tears. He was in front of you in no time, his hands touching your cheeks and his eyes scanning you, as if he was checking for any injuries.

“Little one?”

“I’m s-sorry.” You said, now fully crying. If he really was just using you, then why did he looked so worried? Was this a play too?

“Are you hurt? I swear I’ll kill whoever dared to hurt you!” His eyes were cold, like you never seen them before. That, you reminded yourself, was the look of a murderer.

“I’m leaving Gotham. I came to say goodbye.” Your voice was cracking, piece by piece.

Jerome stared at you, “leaving? When are you coming back?”

“Never.”

He took a step away from you. He pressed a finger to his mouth and chuckled darkly.

“No no, you can’t leave.”

You were suddenly scared of him. You had never been this scared, not even when he was pointing a gun directly to your head.

“But I am.”

“Why?” He asked smiling. You notice that the smile never reached his eyes.

You didn’t reply and this made him angrier, so he slammed his fist into the wall. You jumped, surprised by his reaction.

“I’m sorry” you said through your tears.

He laughed, unamused, “you’re not. You don’t care about me. So what is it that you wanted, hm?” He asked getting closer and circling you again, much like the first time you met.

“You should know better than upset a psychopath, Little one.”

Then you did something he wasn’t quite expecting. You hugged him, so tight you were almost crushing him. He stiffened, obviously taken aback. You didn’t want him to think that you didn’t care about him, whether he was using you or not. You loved him, you realised, and leaving with him remembering you as a liar wasn’t what you wanted.

“I thought you were finally the one. You are not afraid of me, you are the first one who has ever showed me love. I thought once I break out of Arkham we could be together. Why are you leaving?” Jerome sounded so hurt, you couldn’t take it anymore. You had to leave now, otherwise you would never be able to. Then his words hit you like a truck.

‘Once I break out of Arkham’

You untangled yourself from him. Jim was right, then. How stupid you had been for not realising that he was using you sooner. The thing that got you more upset was that you were truly believing him. Again!

“You’re not leaving Arkham, Jerome” you said.

Jerome tilted his head to the side and laughed. If your heart wasn’t already broken, this would have destroyed it completely.

“Is this what all of this is about? Let me guess,” he said while rolling his eyes, “someone told you that I’m just using you, correct?”

You clenched your fists and looked away from him.

He laughed and cheered, “aha! Ten points to Jerome!”

He popped up on the table and rested his head on his fist, looking at you very carefully, “isn’t leaving Gotham a bit too drastic, though?”

You scoffed, feeling rather annoyed by his reaction.

“Goodbye, Jerome” you said while heading towards the door, finally ready to leave. You were heart broken, but at least now you knew he played with you the whole time. Before you could open the door, you felt his hand taking yours, stopping you from leaving.

“Now now, Little one, don’t act so cold, after all I’m not the one accusing you of playing with me, am I?”

His words were like daggers soaked in poison. You turned around to look at him, tears in your eyes.

“Then tell me you’re not.”

Jerome’s grip became tighter, almost to the point of hurting you. His eyes were staring directly into yours.

“I’m not.”

Your heart skipped a bit. You wanted to believe him so bad. You loved him and you could tell he cared about you too. No matter how good of an actor Jerome could be, nobody could fake such love in the eyes. But then Jim’s voice hit you again, your rational part took control of you and, although you believed him, you chose to ignore it. You had to keep reminding yourself that he was a criminal and that you had to leave Gotham.

“Goodbye, Jerome.”

And with that said, you left. While walking down the hallway, the only thing you could feel was an aching emptiness inside of you just where your heart should have been. Instead, your heart stayed in that room with Jerome, broken into a thousand pieces.

Ginger - Jerome Valeska x Reader {Part Three}

Summary: You are the new Medical Examiner at the GCPD and despite your young age you are respected and admired by everyone. Nobody would ever think that a sweet and clever girl like you could be friend with both the Riddler and the Penguin. But above all, how could you be involved with a person like Jerome Valeska?

Warning:just Jerome being Jerome, violence, swearing, angst maybe?

A/N:helloguys! Here is the third part! I want to thank you all again for the love and interest you are showing for this story. This part was a bit difficult to write, I hope I hadn’t messed things up. I hope you enjoy it!

Tag list:@crimsonredcoco@jinkanubis@melli-1808@darling-youre-beautiful

Part One|Part Two|Part Four|

***

“So you don’t know where he is?”

You huffed in annoyance. That was the millionth time Jim asked you that question. It had been around fifteen minutes since he found you tied up to a chair. As soon as he saw you, he started panicking and asking you what the hell happened and, above all, where was Jerome. It didn’t take long until Captain Barnes and Harvey joined him, ready to start an interrogation and figure out where Jerome had gone. You told him what he needed to know, you certainly hadn’t mentioned your little chat with Jerome, and you undoubtedly haven’t mentioned the amount of times Jerome had threatened your life. You didn’t like lying to Jim, but at the moment he didn’t need to worry about futile stuff. The truth though, which you tried to avoid as best as you could, was that a part of you didn’t want to mention to anybody your conversation with Jerome. It felt like it was something just between you two. You wondered if you weren’t going mad.

“I told you, Jim. He surprised me from behind, stole my gun and left me here. Now, believe me when I tell you that I was as shocked as you are right now.”

“I thought he was dead” said Captain Barnes through gritted teeth.

“Yeah me too. But hey” you said, a little bit too arrogantly, while briefly raising your arms in the air, “here we are”.

Harvey chuckled, he had always appreciated your sassy behaviour. Unlike Jim, who shot a scolding glare in your direction. Captain Barnes decided to let your little comment pass, he had more important issues to worry about. “Any clues of where he might have gone?”

“He asked me who has his face” you replied.

Jim looked at Harvey, “Dwight. C’mon let’s go.” But before he and Harvey could go, Alvarez entered the room with a worried look on his face.

“Captain! You must see this. It’s Jerome.” And with that said, everybody rushed outside the room directed where all the other cops were watching a television. You stopped immediately as soon as you saw the ginger. Apparently he succeeded in finding his face. You couldn’t help but be horrified when you noticed the way Jerome had reattached his skin together. You couldn’t even imagine the pain he had to go through while using a stapler on those open wounds. So here you were, worrying if Jerome had felt pain instead of him being free again and about to murder someone. What was wrong with you?

“… so feel free to kill whoever you want. Tonight you are free!” said Jerome laughing. Then the video stopped and all the lights went off. You heard people screaming outside the GCPD and you rushed outside only to find complete and absolute darkness. Jerome had caused a blackout in the whole Gotham. You were amazed by him. You didn’t know why you weren’t disgusted or horrified by his actions. He was a psychopath, but he was also very clever and somehow you didn’t hate him like any sane person should have done.

“Y/N! I have to go, Alfred just called. Jerome took Bruce. You stay here!” Jim told you before running away with Harvey.

Like hell you were staying there!

***

You were walking around the circus, looking everywhere for Jim or, even better, a ginger head. You managed to convince Alvarez to tell you where Jim was and as soon as you got what you wanted you ran away. To be honest, you didn’t know why you wanted to find Jerome before Jim. A part of you was scared that Jim would have killed him and, strangely enough, you didn’t want that. You told yourself that the only reason behind this sudden and weird behaviour of yours was because you wanted to study him, that your interest towards him was merely scientific. You were carefully avoiding getting involved with the people there. Everybody seemed transformed and gone crazy. There were people killing each other, torturing and beating other people. They weren’t human beings anymore, they were as wild as animals, if not worse. You were only there for Jerome. This thought was somehow amusing, for you were trying so hard to avoid every contact with these people in the circus but you were going straight to the most dangerous of them all. But you knew, somehow you did, that Jerome wouldn’t hurt you, unlike this bunch of barbarians who didn’t care less about you. Not that Jerome did, but you didn’t want to pay attention to this specific thought.

You heard someone screaming and cheering; you had suddenly a bad feeling about this. You started running towards the loud noise and what you saw made your stomach clench and your heart sink. Jim was beating Jerome to death. You froze, unable to move a single muscle. In the middle of a cheering crowd, probably happy to see some violence, you were the only one as still as a stone. You watched helplessly as Jim vigorously punched Jerome in the face. But it was when a really strong punch hit Jerome, ripping the skin of his face apart, that you screamed, pure horror written all over you.

“Jim! Stop! Stop!”

Jim turned around to look at you, he was still shocked and disgusted by Jerome’s face, but when his eyes landed on you, his shock turned into worry and anger.

“What the hell are you doing here?!”

He was mad at you. You could understand that, after all you could have ended up dead. The streets weren’t safe, people were killing and hurting others just for the sake of it. You could have been kidnapped, hurt or worse. You knew that what you did was stupid but you didn’t have time to worry about it now. You would deal with Jim later. Now, the only thing you could think about was helping Jerome. You rushed to his side, picking up his face from the floor and putting his head on your lap. He was unconscious.

“Y/N get away from him!” came Jim’s angry voice.

You were shaking, your hands trembling, not knowing how to fix Jerome. Since you weren’t replying to him, Jim grabbed you from the shoulder and tried to push you away from Jerome’s body. You started screaming and rebelling against him.

“Let me go! Jim let me go!”

Surprisingly enough, he listened to you. You weren’t expecting him to give up so soon.

“You are crying” Jim said taken aback. You didn’t notice it until Jim mentioned it. You touched your cheek with one hand and realized that indeed you were crying.

“What’s going on, Y/N?” Jim’s voice was harsh.

You looked at him, not recognising the man in front of you. Was he really the man you knew? Your friend?

“What you did..” you took a deep breath, staring at him dead in the eyes, “was cruel.”

Jim scoffed, “cruel? Have you any idea of who this man is? Or are you just blind?”

“I know he is a murderer and that he is capable of hurting. I didn’t know that you were as well.” Your voice was distant, cold. Jim took a step back after hearing it. Those words had hurt him more than Jerome’s punches.

“What are you talking about?” He was staring at you, disbelief written all over him.

“You had the high ground” you said, gulping, “and yet, you decided to hurt him more, even though he was already unconscious.”

“He’a a fucking criminal, Y/N!” Jim shouted.

You stood up and pointed a finger right at him, “for what I’ve seen, you are not that much better than him.”

“You gotta be kidding me.” Jim couldn’t believe what you were saying. Honestly? You didn’t know either why you were reacting like this. You didn’t like violence, especially against people who couldn’t even defend themselves. You knew there was something else behind it, but you were too exhausted and shocked to think about it. You decided to ignore Jim, you didn’t have anything more to say to him, and kneeled next to Jerome. Looking at his face full of injuries and blood made you cry again. You lightly touched the cut on his lips, noticing that Jim’s punches had made it worse. This time, fixing him would be more complicated. Nevertheless, you were going to fix him.

***

It had been a week since you arrived in Arkham Asylum and fixed Jerome. Unfortunately, you didn’t work there, therefore, after stitching back his face, you were sent away. You didn’t know if he had woken up or if he stayed in a coma. You hadn’t talked with Jim ever since, nor with anybody else in the GCPD. Apparently, Jim asked Captain Barnes to instruct Arkham to keep you away from Jerome; Barnes agreed. You kept going to work, after all that was your job, but you only spoke with someone when it was necessary and strictly related to work. Jim had tried to talk to you, but you were having none of it. Especially now that he was responsible for the fact that you couldn’t enter Arkham.

You were sat on Oswald’s couch, drinking tea and mentally cursing Jim Gordon. You weren’t a person who used to give up easily, so you came up with a plan. Lucky you, the mayor of Gotham was your friend.

“Y/N dear, you know I don’t like Jim Gordon that much” was Oswald’s reply, “but this time I’m afraid I have to agree with him.”

Your heart sank. All the hopes you dared to have were starting to fade. You never thought that Oswald wouldn’t have helped you.

“I see” was your simple reply. You put the half full cup on the table and got up. You weren’t really giving up, of course, but you knew that insisting with Oswald wouldn’t bring you anywhere. Instead, and this you learned it from Ed who knew Oswald better than anyone, the best way to gain something from him was faking hurt and disappointment. Well, you weren’t faking it. You truly were disappointed.

“Thank you anyway, Oswald” you said with a tight smile.

Oswald, as predicted, tried to stop you from going. “Y/N, please I-“

You raised your hand to interrupt him, “I understand, Oswald. I’ll find another way.”

Oswald looked at you carefully, his eyes scanning you as if he was thinking about something. He seemed to arrive at some kind of conclusion because his eyes got suspicious.

“This is important to you, isn’t it?”

You couldn’t help but blush. The way Oswald said “this” sounded more like he was implying something else. As if he was implying “he”. Surely, that must have been your imagination. Your blushing didn’t go unnoticed. Oswald closed his eyes and sighed.

“Fine, I’ll help you” he said at last. He moved towards his desk to write something down on a piece of paper, which he handed to you as soon as he finished. “Here you go.”

You smiled broadly and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you, Oswald, this means a lot to me.”

Oswald hesitantly hugged you back, he was still new to this hugging stuff.

“Now I know he does” he said softly, barely a whisper.

You stiffened a bit. You decided to stay silent, surely you must have misheard Oswald’s words. It was better this way, you weren’t ready to face the truth. For now, you would just focus on your achievement. Still, Oswald’s words stayed in your mind; they were weighing on your soul, difficult to ignore, burning in your mind and making your heart beat in a dangerous way. You needed distraction.

“Where is Ed?” you asked untangling yourself from Oswald.

Oswald’s eyes hardened a bit, still you could see the pain inside them.

“He’s with… a friend, I suppose.”

You sighed. You had known for quite awhile that Oswald was in love with Edward and you were sure that the latter felt the same. You had hoped for the two to finally realize their feelings and bring their relationship to the next level. Apparently, this wasn’t happening any time soon, if the look on Oswald’s face was anything to go by.

“You should tell him” you told your friend.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

You took Oswald’s hand in yours and smiled at him softly, “don’t be afraid, Oswald.”

He gulped and looked down at his feet, “I’m sure Ed doesn’t feel the same.”

“Feeling the same about what?”

Both you and Oswald froze. Ed chose the worst time to come back home. But maybe this was finally it! The occasion Oswald was waiting for to tell Ed about his love for him.

You smiled and greeted Ed, “Hello Ed, Oswald has something important to tell you.”

“Y/N!” Oswald screeched.

Ed looked worried and in a moment he was in front of Oswald, definitely too close to be considered a friendly move. Friends don’t stand this close to each other and they don’t look at one another with such love in the eyes.

“What is it, Oswald?”

You decided to leave them, after all, you also had someone to see.

***

It took a bit of a fight with the director and the guard but after showing them the mayor’s permission they let you go. Now you were officially Jerome’s doctor. You hoped that in this past week nothing happened to him. You didn’t have much faith in the doctors here at Arkham, not because they weren’t qualified enough, mostly because they didn’t care about their patients. For them, they were just criminals who didn’t deserve care. You weren’t like them. When you became a doctor, you made an oath to cure and help everyone, whether they were good or bad people. While you walked through the corridors you could hear inmates screaming and crying, laughing and shouting. You closed your eyes, trying to calm your breath. You felt sorry for this people. You knew they were criminals but they were also sick and in need of help.

You finally arrived in the common area where all the inmates spent their free time and you immediately looked for a ginger head. You found him easily and as soon as your eyes landed on him, your heart started pounding against your chest. He was sitting with his back towards you, so he didn’t notice you entering with two guards.

“Jerome Valeska. It’s time for your appointment with the doctor” one of them said.

Jerome didn’t even turn around, he just replied with an arrogant scoff, “I won’t see any doctor.”

“Oh yeah? And here I thought you liked me.”

It took barely three seconds after you spoke for Jerome to rapidly turn around. When his eyes met yours, he grinned widely.

“My my, if it isn’t my favorite doctor.”

“Hello Jerome, fancy coming with me?” you said trying to hide your smile.

Jerome grinned again and got up, walking towards you without taking his eyes off you. You noticed that the stitches had been removed and you silently cursed whoever was the idiot who did it. At least, you thought when Jerome was close enough to you, his wound was healing well.

“Missed me, doc?”

You folded your arms against your chest, “don’t get too cocky, Jerome, I’m only here to see your injuries.”

Jerome didn’t believe you and he chuckled. “Of course you are.”

After that you headed towards the hospital room. You were aware of Jerome walking right behind you with the two guards walking at his side. Most importantly, you were too aware of his stare, which sometimes lingered too much where it shouldn’t have. As soon as you arrived, you told the guards to leave you alone and asked Jerome to sit on the medical bed.

“So eager to have me on a bed, I see.”

You blushed and turned your back to him. This only made him laugh, pleased to have embarrassed you. You decided to let the comment go, you weren’t there to flirt with him, just to make sure he was okay.

“Now, stay still and don’t speak, I have to check your face” you said, trying to be as serious as you could.

Jerome smiled devilishly, “please, feel free to check wherever and whatever you want.”

You lightly smacked his shoulder and tried to hide a small smile, and he laughed again. Then you started touching his face very carefully, not wanting to hurt him. As soon as your fingers touched his skin, his laughter stopped and he stared at you dead silent. His eyes were glaring directly at you, not leaving your face even for a second.

His injuries were already turning into scars, that was good, you thought. You were trying to be as delicate as you could, especially when you applied some lotion on the wounds that hadn’t healed as fast as the others.

“Geez, little one, you’re not going to break me or something” he huffed.

You looked at him, more serious than you had ever been, “I don’t want to hurt you, Jerome. It must be already painful enough without me making it worse.”

For once, he didn’t laugh nor grinned. Instead, he kept looking at you and the intensity of his stare made you tremble. You were unable to look away. You could feel your heart beating so fast you were worried Jerome could hear it too.

“Good then that it doesn’t hurt, otherwise you should have kissed it better, like a good doctor.”

His voice wasn’t amused, he wasn’t mocking you or playing around. He was serious, and you still couldn’t breathe. You should have moved away, put some distance between you two, tell him that his injuries were healing well and go away, never come back. Instead, your hands stayed on his cheeks.

“Yeah, I should have” you breathed out. You felt like you were as light as a feather, like you weren’t even there. Jerome’s eyes were swallowing you whole. Suddenly, he stood up and you were forced to look up at him due to the hight difference between you two. You moved a bit closer, your head screaming at you to run away, and you could feel your hands sliding down to his neck and shoulders. Jerome’s arms met your waist and in that moment you could swear you didn’t remember how to breathe. You didn’t have much time to think before Jerome’s lips met yours, without meeting any fight from your side.

Ginger - Jerome Valeska x Reader {Part Two}

Summary:You are the new Medical Examiner at the GCPD and despite your young age you are respected and admired by everyone. Nobody would ever think that a sweet and clever girl like you could be friend with both the Riddler and the Penguin. But above all, how could you be involved with a person like Jerome Valeska?

Warning: just Jerome being Jerome

A/N: so here is the second part! I must say, I had a lot of fun writing Jerome, he’s such an amazing character. I also want to thank you all for your interest in this story! It truly means the world to me. Hope you enjoy the second part!

Tag list:@crimsonredcoco @chims-kookies (who for some reason I can’t tag) @jinkanubis

***

Part One|Part Three|Part Four|

You had never seen something like that. Sure, since you started working as ME you had seen quite the amount of horror. You were barely twenty but you had already seen your fair share of mutilated corpses and a considerable amount of blood. Despite that, you had never seen something like that.

The poor thing, who went by the name of Jerome Valeska, suffered a really bad mutilation. Judging by the nature of it, the person responsible for that didn’t know what they were doing, or maybe they were in a rush; that would have explained those long and irregular cuts. You felt sorry for him, strangely as it may have sound, and you were glad he was dead, more because you would never wish for anyone to wake up and find out that their face was gone than because he was a notorious criminal and deserved to be dead. At least, you thought while bandaging his head, Jerome Valeska would never have to deal with his face, or lack of it. In fact, you made every single test and examination you could think of, nevertheless the diagnosis was the same: dead. Whoever tried to bring Jerome Valeska back to life had failed.

Your thoughts once again went to the person responsible for Jerome’s injuries. While working as ME, you acquired a certain respect for the dead, whatever their actions were during their lives. You were genuinely disgusted by those who would have the guts and the audacity to mutilate or hurt a corpse.

You were cleaning your hands and humming a song distractedly so you didn’t notice any movement behind you. After all, it was a morgue, the only thing alive there was you. Or at least that’s what you thought.

“Such a lovely song.”

You jumped, instantly shocked , and froze into place. You took a calming breath deciding that it was probably nothing to worry about and to turn around and face the direction where the voice came from. You were sure it was a voice, you weren’t mad, but the only person in the room aside from you was Jerome. And he was dead, right? He had to be dead. But when you turned around you met the previous dead Jerome, perfectly alive and sitting on your table with his legs swinging like he was a child.

“Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing” he said chuckling, clearly amused.

You raised an eyebrow, looking at him with disbelief written all over your face. Your heart was beating faster than ever, inside you were a tornado of emotions: fear, shock, annoyance and curiosity above all the others. You took a step closer, eyeing him carefully. Just few minutes ago you were 100% sure he was dead, you could have bet your head that there was no life in Jerome’s body. And yet, here he was looking at you, talking and breathing. Science had never gone that far… until now.

“Fascinating” you muttered to yourself while taking another step forward. Jerome tilted his head to the right, maybe he was expecting another kind of reaction from you. Little did he knew that you were a woman of science, therefore, when facing a situation like this, your first instinct would always be curiosity rather than fear.

Jerome looked at you up and down, his eyes scanning every part of you. If you weren’t too focus on finding an explanation, you could have sworn his eyes lingered a bit too much on your breast.

“Hello, Little one, I’m Jerome” he said standing up quickly. He was suddenly too close, you noticed. Some part of your brain screamed at you to step back, call Jim, stay away from him. But the other part of you, the pure scientific part of you, was begging you to not report anything, at least for now, and keep studying him. You had to understand how it was possible for Jerome to be alive, again.

“I know who you are” you replied.

He grinned widely and opened his arms in a theatrical way, “of course you do! I am quite famous after all.” He was definitely proud of himself and his actions, you could tell as much. You had indeed heard of him and the Maniax!, but if there was something you didn’t like that would have been some egocentric murderer.

“No,” you replied flatly, “I’m your doctor. Never heard of you before now.”

Jerome laughed hysterically and started circling you like a shark with his prey. “So tell me, Doc, how is it possible that I’m alive?”

He didn’t wait for your response. Instead, he walked in front of a mirror and stopped there to look at himself.

“Uh that’s strage. I don’t remember dying with my face mutilated” he stated nonchalantly, like it wasn’t a big deal.

“Because you didn’t” was your reply. Jerome looked at you through the mirror and somehow you started feeling intimidated by his stare. “Someone cut your face off.”

Then Jerome did something you weren’t quite expecting, to be honest. He threw his head back and started laughing, as if you told him the best joke in the world. He surely was crazy, you thought.

“Is that right?” he questioned you while getting closer to where you stood. You nodded and before you could realize it, Jerome grabbed the gun left on your desk, the one Jim gave to you for protection, and had one of his hand around your neck while with the other he pointed the gun right at the side of your head. You mentally cursed yourself for not remembering that you had a gun in the room. It wasn’t exactly your fault, considering that usually corpses didn’t resurrect and assault you in the middle of the day. It’s not that you ever needed your gun in the morgue. You guessed there was a time for everything.

“Tell me, Little one, where is my face?”

You couldn’t breathe so you couldn’t have answered even if you wanted to. Jerome must have realized that as well because he loosened his grip and let you breathe. You started coughing vigorously, wishing he could let go of you. Instead, Jerome kept the gun pointed right at you.

“Some guy named Dwight,” you rasped out, “he’s the one who tried to bring you back.”

Jerome seemed disappointed, “Oh? So you’re not the one responsible for my revival?”

He let go of you, so you took a step back and tried to inhale as much air as you could. “No. Some kind of cult is to be blamed.”

“A cult?” He started laughing again. For a maniacal murderer he surely knew how to have fun, apparently. He started circling you again. This time you visibly tensed. By the grin he had, you could tell he was pleased by your reaction.

“Now, where are we? And why are you here instead of my… cult?” Needless to say, he bursted again in a crazy laugh.

You took a calming breath trying to keep an eye on him, suddenly aware that he was a criminal and could have you killed in no time. How foolish you had been! Believing that it was possible for you to study him without getting hurt and put yourself in danger. You guessed that was what Jim meant every time he said you were too young to be involved in his cases. Your recklessness would have you killed one of this days. Although this was true, the thought only made you more determined to handle Jerome by yourself, just for the sake of proving Jim that you were not too young and naive.

“We’re in the GCPD and I am the Medical Examiner” you replied.

Jerome hummed and tapped the gun against his chin, “aren’t you too young to be a doctor anyway?”

Your cheeks were red with rage and indignation. You were tired of being underestimated in this way. You took a step closer uncaring of the gun, your bodies nearly touching. He was taller than you and definitely stronger, but the part of your brain that should have told you to stay away from him was suddenly switched off. You looked at him right into his eyes, not caring that your behaviour might have upset him and put you into danger again.

“I’ll have you know, Mr Valeska, the only reason you are talking right now is because this young doctor here was able to repair the awful damages some idiot did to you!”

Jerome’s laughter was the only thing that filled the room after your little speech. However, it wasn’t a mocking laughter, in fact, he sounded impressed.

“Oh oh! We have a little fire in here, don’t we?”

You weren’t exactly thinking in that moment, so you didn’t know how on Earth shoving him off was a good idea. You didn’t have time to realize your action that Jerome had pushed you hard against the wall and pointed the gun at you again. Your head was hurting like hell and you felt like you were crushing under the man’s weight.

“Has nobody ever told you not to play with a psychopath?”

His face was few inches away from yours, you could feel his breath on your cheeks, the intense smell of blood that stained his bandages and the cold metal of the gun touching your forehead.

“Has nobody ever told you not to threaten a doctor in his lab?”

You barely finished your sentence when you took the bisturi right on the table next to you and pointed it at Jerome’s throat.

“Perhaps you want to experience again what happened with Galavan. This time though I’ll make sure you stay dead.”

Jerome let go of you and clapped his hands together, his behaviour totally different from the one he had just moments before.

“Oh right! Where is he? I want to kill him, you know, for betraying me and everything else.” He sounded like he was talking about the weather, not like he was planning another murder.

You put the bisturi in your pocket, just in case you needed it again, although, you didn’t know how efficient it would have been against a gun. However, something in Jerome’s behaviour told you that he wasn’t planning on killing you, otherwise he would have just done it ages ago. After this thought, you tried to calm yourself.

“He’s dead.”

Jerome pouted, “who killed him?”

You raised an eyebrow, “which time?”

Jerome laughed again, “my my, I’ve missed so much! Let me tell you something, Little one, death is boooring.”

You were instantly captured by his words. In fact, you probably looked funny, if Jerome’s amused grin was something to go by. You suddenly remembered that the man in front of you had just came back from the dead, an experience few people could tell.

“How is it? Being dead I mean” you asked softly. You were afraid of upsetting him and, therefore, losing your only chance to know if there was something after life.

Jerome popped up on the table again, “dark and boring” he said. Then, as if something more interesting came into his mind, he clasped his hands and got down again, walking right in front of you.

“I have a question for you, Little one,” he announced happily. “No, scratch that. I have two questions for you.”

You were again very aware of your proximity but faked calm and nonchalance.

“Sure, shoot,” you said without realising it. Jerome looked at the gun in his hand, then looked at you, and laughed like never before. You truly knew how to amuse him. You couldn’t help but smile at your poor choice of words.

“Very well,” he told you spinning you around. You were taken aback by his behaviour, what the hell was going on in that mad head of his?

“What is your name?”

You blinked a few times and he huffed annoyed, “was it such a difficult question, doc?”

“Y/N. My name is Y/N” you whispered, still a bit confused by Jerome spinning you around like you two were dancing.

He grinned and positioned himself behind you, his chest was strongly pressed against your back, and he put his chin on your shoulder while pointing the gun to your head one more time.

“What’s the second question?” You asked, trembling a bit.

Jerome looked at you grinning, his eyes were shining like those of a cat who finally caught a mouse. You wondered if that was a metaphor to describe you two and if he had finally caught you.

“Do you like gingers, little Y/N?”

You couldn’t help a small smile.

Here are some beautiful photos from Cameron Monaghan to bless your feed/day

(Found them on Pinterest)

Is it just me or does anyone else miss Jerome?

I found these remarkable photos on Pinterest and my god he’s gorgeous

I am in love

(I got him from Etsy)

Jerome Valeska edit

Be honest, who’s your favourite? And why isn’t Jeremiah?

YES CAMERON AMAZING

A Jerome Valeska Edit!!!

The inbox is looking a little empty send me some request!

SAJ Part 36

~

“How are you going to do it?” I ask holding Jerome’s cold hand. “Sending waves of high electricity and jump-starting the brain should trail with the elements of the awakening.”

A loud laugh echoes through the warehouse causing me to fight green eyes I lost long ago. “He’s going to fry me!” Jerome laughs looking down at himself.

“Well looks like when this is all over you won’t need that replacement any more.”

Xander. Crap.

Jerome giggles clapping his hands together. “He’s not real anyway, doll. Don’t worry about it. You think you’ve been living a life without me to help you along?” Jerome pets my head kissing the crown of my head and grabs my cheek. “Aw, sweets, you do need me.”

Everything I’ve done in the past couple of months has been fake? It would explain how closely Xander and Jerome resemble each other. Maybe I am just crazy. Maybe I never was cured.

Maybe I just need to be free again.

“If you don’t want to get shocked Ms. Gordon I would advise you to remove your hand.” Dwight places clips on Jerome’s body and flips switches making a huge machine hum with power.

Dwight giggles as he rests his hand on a large lever. “HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS FOLKS!” The lever is forced over and lightning fires within the room. Dwight cackles at my poor lover’s body gets fried.

“Come on Jerome. Come on, baby.” I beg, gripping the chair for life.

Soon after the machine clams down and Jerome is still lifeless. I grab his hand weeping. “J?” I lean down trying to listen for a heartbeat any sign of life.

“He’s still dead.” Dwight’s assistant addressed. “I know he’s still dead. I ran into some technical difficulties. Nothing that I can’t fix.”

“Is everything plugged in?”
“Yes.”
“Try turning it on and off.”
“I did! Three times.”

“Look, you have spent the last year telling everyone that the Prophet would return. People have made sacrifices for you, Dwight. I left a really good job at the post office. The police are coming, and you promised them Jerome. The others expect to hear him speak.
They want to see his face and if you can’t do that-”

“You know, you make an interesting point.”

Dwight walks near, grazing Jerome’s face. “What are you doing?” I gasp seeing a small scapula in his hands. Dwight smiles and rests a hand on my cheek.

“Shh.”

the black bag is thrown over my head and I’m forced away from Jerome.

~

I’m sat in a chair now fully handcuffed and unmoving. I groan moving my arms and resiting against the restraints.

“Don’t move too much, doll. You’ll bruise your pretty wrists.” Jerome whispers in my ear. “You’re not even here!”

“Not yet.”

“Brothers and sisters, I promised you Jerome would return and today your faith is rewarded. Jerome is here, and so is our Queen!”

The bag is ripped off my head and I’m set on stage for the whole cult to see. I look up the stairs behind me and feel my heart sink.

Jerome’s face is being used as a mask for this wannabe! Dwight prances down the steps wearing my lover’s face!

“Behold the Prophet. The Prophet is here.” Dwight grabs my hair raising me to a standing position. “We are back!”

The crowd screams in protest of their false leader. “Where’s Jerome?” “Where’s the hell’s Jerome?”

Dwight groans pulling me forward. “The Prophet is here. Tell them, (y/n)!” I glare at him smirking at the mask. “You’ll never be Jerome. You will never even meet the standers.” Dwight hisses and throws me to the pavement harshly making the crowd scream.

“The Prophet is here! Listen to me! Jerome is here. He never left us. Each of you kept him alive. Each of you is Jerome. I am Jerome. We are all Jerome.”

The cult chats over and over again getting louder every time. Dwight rips me from the floor and holds me in his arms. “Kiss me, doll face.” I glare at him and turn my head. “I only kiss men with scary smiles.”

“Then I don’t need you.” His voice is thick with venom and he tosses me into the crowd. “Remove the toxic cog! She has resented me. She has disrespected Jerome!” They push me away and out the door scraping my legs and arms every time they push me to the ground until I exit the building and run into town in search of my father.

I run into the GCPD panicked. “Dad.” Lee catches me as I stumble past. “(Y/n)! What happened?”

“Dwight! He took- He cut off his face!” I cry out letting my tears fall. Lee leads me to Jim in an examination room.

“(y/n), god where have you been?” I fling into his arms crying. “Dwight took me. He- He’s wearing Jerome’s face! He cut it off, Dad.” I sob in his chest as he smooths my hair back.

“(y/n).” Lee says grabbing my attention. “We know.” I turn around seeing my faceless Jerome laying on the table.

I cover my mouth choking on my sobs. “Why couldn’t they just leave you alone?” I whisper and touch his shoulder still feeling the coldness of the grave.

“I was going through the evidence you recovered from the scene. That phone was on the corpse next to Jerome. The last number came from the precinct.” Lee explains passing over a flip phone to my father.

“Wait. You’re saying someone in this house tipped them off?” I ask never taking my eyes away from Jerome.

“ It would make sense. They cleared out moments before we got there.” “So we got a freaking mole? Is there any way to know who called?” “The number came up as the main.”

“So you can’t make some kind of gadget to figure it out?” I look up meeting my father and Lee. “Why don’t you just flood them out? You have the phone. Go call the number back from the floor and see who sweats.” They both nod and move to exit the room until Jim grabs my wrist.

“I’ll let you say goodbye, (y/n). Properly this time.” I smile and wipe my tears away. “Thanks, dad.”

A quiet room surrounds me and all I can do is stare at the faceless man I’ve loved for years. I sit next to him playing with his fingertips. “I wonder where we would’ve ended up if we skipped Gotham together. You might be here. I might not be crazy. We might be happy.”

I let a tear slip from my eye sighing. “I’ve just lost the fire in me. It was all connected to you Jerome, and now I feel empty, but I know I have to get healthy. I need to stay strong. You were always worried about me stepping out alone in Gotham. So I can’t live how we want. I’m going to have to be a fucking cog, and be the boring detective’s daughter again. I’m just sorry you can’t be here to laugh at me.”

I close my eyes crying alone. I miss him so much.

“Detective’s daughter, huh? I could make it work.”

I giggle opening my eyes and looking over to the corner expecting the ghost that keeps me company, but the room is empty.

“Looking for someone, doll?” I avert my eyes down and see the faceless Jerome smiling widely at me. I drop his hand covering my mouth in shock. Jerome laughs looking at the hand I was previously holding. “Strang.”

He sits up staring at me with his green eyes. “I know you. Don’t I?” I nod my head feeling a smile creep its way up my cheeks.

The door opens and closes shut and not a second later Jerome has my gun pointed at my head and is threatening Lee. She looks at me with wide eyes. “(y/n).” I shake my head sighing. “It’s alright. He won’t shoot me.” Jerome tightens his grip digging the end of the gun in my head. “Is that so?”

I smiled turning around to meet his eyes. “I know you. Don’t I, Jerome?” He stares at me and begins to cackle madly. “You’ve got me, honey.” He then points the gun at Lee. “Game change! Now tell me. What’s going on?”

I sigh walking to the door and blocking it from entry. “(y/n), what are you doing?” Lee asks panicked. I roll my eyes picking up medical supplies to wrap Jerome’s face. “Looks like I’m taking care of your patient. Now tell him what’s going on.” “Why do you do it?” I laugh rolling out the gauze. “Well I’m not the one with the gun pointed at them, am I?”

I watch Lee’s facial expression change from confused to realization. “You never changed did you?” I roll my eyes walking over to Jerome.

“Gosh, you sound like my father.” I place one end starting at Jerome’s neck. “Hold please.” He smiles and holds the cloth down.

“Storytime. Let’s go!”

Lee proceeds to tell him the recap of his last living months, and everything that’s happened in between.

He throws his head back laughing. “Wow. Now that I quite a story. You know, I know I’ve been dead, but doesn’t that seem kind of crazy to you?” Jerome looks at me laughing.

Lee tilts her head smiling sarcastically. “Hey, maybe you’re dreaming. Try shooting yourself.” Jerome hums putting the gun to his head making me giggle. “Makes sense. Maybe you’re right. Is this my angel?” He points to me winking.

“Hey, tell me more about this cult. They think I’m pretty great, huh?” I roll my eyes spinning in the chair. “They’re a bunch of raving lunatics and idiots.”

“Plus they have no respect for their queen.”

Lee raises an eyebrow at me. “They didn’t even get me a crown.”

“Aw, baby don’t you worry. I’ll get you the biggest crown in the city.” Jerome says pinching my cheek. He groans grabbing at his head. “Sorry. Head’s a little fuzzy. You know, I was just reborn.
Last year was nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see.”

I sit next to Jerome patting his shoulder lightly. He looks over at me and tilts his head. “I know both of you, right?” He giggles smirking at me.

“Hey, did you and I ever, uh…” Jerome places the gun suggestively near his crotch and winks at me. I nod returning his wink. “Ah, I knew you were something else, doll. Long history?” “Another story for another time, love.”

Jerome waves my gun at Lee laughing.

“That’s right, (Y/n) Goron, the crazy, badass, sexy daughter of Jimbo. It’s good to have you back sweetheart. Now that leaves you. You’re Jim Gordon’s little Twinkie.” Jerome moves closer pressing the gun against Lee’s face making me smile.

“How’s it going between you and Jimbo? Huh? You still together, or…” “No.” “No?” Jerome turns to me, “You knew this? Daddy can’t keep a girl huh? Oh, that’s a shame. I really liked you guys. What happened?” Jerome lays his arm over my shoulder pulling me to his side.

“He killed my husband on our wedding night.” Jerome starts to laugh pulling me along. “Glad you two find it funny.”

“I do. I get why you don’t. Wow. You miss a lot of being dead!” He laughs again. He pulls me close and kisses my head.

“You know what? Go ahead, enjoy it. There are about a hundred cops on the other side of that door ready to kill you all over again, and all they’ll do for (y/n) is lock her up in Arkham.”

I huff rolling my eyes leaning my head on Jerome’s chest. “I see your point.”

“So, when I was last, you know, uh, alive, I was about to kill Bruce Wayne. I suppose I didn’t manage to-” We shake out heads. “No.
Right. Theo Galavan killed me, that jug-eared Judas. Well, I suppose I should start by killing him. Does that sound like a good plan, doll? I’ll let you get the first swing.”

“Theo Galavan’s dead, J.” “Oh Who beat me to it?” “W-Which time?” I grit my teeth as I feel Jerome grow tense. “Galavan came back to life, too? That son of a bitch is always upstaging me. Well, I guess I’m just missing one thing, then.” Jerome presses the gun to Lee’s face again. “Where is my face?”

I push myself off the chair and tap Jerome’s shoulder. “I can help with that.” I turn on the TV finding the station showing Dwight making a speech wearing Jerome’s face. Jerome watches the TV closely. “Huh. Interesting. Looks almost like my twin!” Jerome cackles with glee.

SAJ Part 35

~

I walk up to a ran down building with my father and Bullock. “Does this person have a name, (y/n)?” I roll my eyes smiling. “Yes, dad he does. Most people do.” “When do I get to approve?” “He’s already been approved, but I’ll talk to him and see when he wants to meet you.” Jim nodded in approval. That’s the closest he’s going to get now. I grasp the metal handle to the huge sliding warehouse door.

“Now gentlemen… Shall we?”

We walk in and it becomes clear to me that this isn’t just a normal criminal meeting. this is almost like a frat house college cult party.“Okay. Weird But not illegal.” A bright light hits a white curtain screen and the group starts to cheer loudly.

“Weirder,” I mumble to them looking around. Suddenly a voice emerges from the stage.

“The people of this city are slaves. See, they get up every day and go to work so they can pay their taxes, their mortgages. See, they believe what the papers tell them. They fear what the politicians feed them. See, they are mentally shackled, and yet, they do nothing about it! Yeah! Nothing! But there was someone who understood. Someone who spoke out, who stood up, to the jailers, puppets.A man with no fear.”

I roll my eyes watching this guy make a speech and persuading all these crazy locals. Suddenly the sharp giggle rips through the crowd making my blood run cold.

“Hello, Gotham City! We’re the Maniax.And I’m Jerome, the shot caller of our little gang. This is my precious little doll, (Y/n). I made her. UGH! Isn’t she wonderful?”I see myself giggle sweetly into the camera and kiss Jerome’s cheek. “We’re here to spread the message of wisdom and hope.”

A man moans in pain and I watch myself whip out a gun and shoot the dying figure. “Some people have no manners.”

“You’re all prisoners. What you call sanity, it’s just a prison in your minds that stops you from seeing you’re just tiny little cogs in a giant, absurd machine, Wake up!” I twirl around laughing, “Be free, like us!” “Just remember to smile!”

I gasp covering my mouth as I watch Jerome laugh his lungs out. The crowd starts to cheer the exact words Jerome and I were saying in the video. “Look how beautiful you are, doll,” Jerome whispers in my ear. I shake my head huffing and standing up on a crate. “All right! The show’s over! Time to go home.”

“OH MY GOD! IT’S HER!” “SHE HAS RETURNED TO RESTORE FREEDOM AND FUN!” The crowd gathers around me cheering as if I’m some Goddess. I pull my gun out aiming it at the individuals, but that only seemed to please them more. I fight the urge to smile and laugh at the feelings brewing in my stomach.

These people knew who I was, and yet they stilllove me.

“GCPD!” Bullock shoots a round of fire into the air making the cult scatter away. “Let’s go.” My dad grabs me running out of the building. “No. (y/n), don’t leave us!” “Doll, you’re our queen!”

My father forcefully hides me away from them and watches my facial expression. “Why are you smiling?” I shrug fighting the laughter. “It’s funny. These people are thinking I’m royalty or something.”

“Do you see Dwight?” Harvey shakes his head. “He was probably the last one to jump on the clown car.”  "Bringing back the dead is something we need to….“ "uh oh, no What?” My dad asks watching my narrowed eyes as I watch a gun raise and aim at my father’s head.

“Watch out!”

I pull him down as the bullets rain down in the alleyway. “Who the hell’s that?” Bullock asks on the ground. “It’s Victor Zsasz,” I say hiding away with them. My father shakes his head sighing. “Falcone put out a hit on me.” I glare at him rolling my eyes.“Oh! It would’ve been nice if you told us that earlier!” “He’s only after me. Zsasz is very professional in that way.”

“Either way we’re trapped behind here, we’re sitting ducks,” I complain loading bullets in my gun. “I need to draw their fire. Find me later.” My father sprints away leaving Harvy and I. “Wait, Jim. Don’t! Damn it.” “I sure hope you listen better than him.” I laugh standing up. “Now where’s the fun in that, Harv?”

~

I walk through the maze leading to Xander’s home. “Xander. I’m back! I don’t think I-” I hit the couch on my back with Xander’s arms around me tightly. “Xander. What are you-” He cuts me off with a kiss deepening it with each second. I push his shoulders laughing. “Not that I don’t enjoy this, but what is going on?” He shakes his head closing his eyes.

“I saw the news today. You got shot at.” He nuzzles his head in the crook of my neck sighing. “I was so worried, (y/n).” I pull his face up to meet mine. “I’m alright. Not a scratch on me. I’m a lot better at this than you think.” He smiles pecking my lips. “I just worry about you getting hurt.” I run my hands through his hair messing up his perfectly slicked back look. “Why don’t I distract you from those thoughts  then?” Xander’s cheeks glow pink as I settle his hips and kiss him.

“Nothing’s going to hurt us, Xander.”

~

Xander pulls me close peppering my bare shoulders with kisses. “You’ve got to get up, love.” I sigh sinking deeper into the bed. “No.” “Then you’ll be left here with Echo doing nothing but watching the house.” I roll over into his chest. “Or I could go with you.”

Xander laughs wrapping his arms around me. “If you did I wouldn’t get anything done at all.” I hum pressing my lips to his. “So my plan would work then?” He laughs sliding away from me. “Always does, doll.”

I shoot up looking at him with wide eyes. “What did you just call me?” “Doll? Do you not like that one?” I let my feet hit the cold wooden floor. “He always called me that so it’s-” “I won’t say it then, darling. I’m sorry.” He kisses my head smiling. “It just popped in my head.” I nod smiling.

~

I walk into the GCPD holding a cup of coffee from a shop Xander took me to. I see my dad and Harvey waiting next to the interrogation room. “Where’s that from? It’s not near here. Where were you staying?” Harvey places his hand on Jim’s chest looking at him with confusion. “It’s coffee, Jim,” I smirk sipping from my cup. “Yeah. It’s just coffee, dad.” I pull the file from the door looking over the details. “He’s in Jerome’s cult.” My dad nods looking at me.

“I don’t think you should be involved with this.” I shake my head rolling my eyes. “I’m probably the one who can get the most information. I am the queen after all.” I open the door with newfound confidence and sit in front of the handcuffed subject.

“Hiya.” I smile sipping my drink with delight. “Whoa… (y/n) Gordan.” I nod smiling. “Great to meet you.” “I never thought I would get to meet you. It’s such an honor.” I nod giggling. “Well thank you. I just need a few things from you. Then you can go back to your little friends-” “Oh, we can’t go anywhere without you, doll.” I narrow my eyes at him feeling a fire brewing.

“Excuse me?”

“Come on dollface. You need to come to see the master for yourself. It’s not going to be finished without you. He won’t be happy, doll.” I stare at the man for a few seconds with a blank face. Fire burns in my blood as his words ring in my head. I stand up sipping my coffee once more before opening the cup and tossing the hot liquid on him. He gasps and screams at me.

I lean down to him over the table smirking, “Nobody calls me doll!” I say making the citizen cower and my father gains a look of worry.Jim moves me out of the way stepping in front of the table.

“Tell me where he took Jerome.”

I look down at my hand as it starts to shake. Why is this happening to me? I’ve moved on and I’m cured. I’m not crazy. “Don’t be so sure, sugar face.” I look up and see Jerome laughing in the corner. “Think you could get rid of me that easily? What do you think I’ll do when I find you?” I close my eyes sighing.

Xander would help me at the end of the day.

“Why? You can’t stop it.” “Stop what?” “Um, the night of the awakening.” The cult member giggles looking at Jim as if he’s an idiot.I watch Jerome watch me with narrow eyes. He blows me a kiss winking. “I’ll see you soon, doll.” I stand up to the table slamming my hands down.

“You mean waking up Jerome?” “Jerome is just the first step. You think we’re a small band. But we are everywhere. We know your every step."He laughs and bangs his head on the table with glee. My father pulls me out of the room calling orders.

"Put out a citywide call, I want every unit looking for this symbol. Go, now.” I pull the picture of the cult symbol from my dad’s hands examing it.

~

“Are you sure you can handle this (Y/n)?” Harvey jokes handing me his card. I swipe it from his fingers smirking. “You’ve put me on coffee duty. I could do this in my sleep.” I walk out the door into the busy streets of Gotham City. I pull out my phone calling Xander, but only getting his voicemail as expected.

“Hey, Xander. I’m just calling to… I don’t know… Get some validation I guess. I’m a little scared of this case. Anyways, I wanted to say I miss you and can’t wait until you get back. I’ll see you in a few days, love.”

I hang up and place my phone back in my purse continuing my venture. I look down at my list of coffee’s running them through my head. “Ew who asked for goat milk?” I stumble into someone falling on my knees. “I am so sorry! I need to-” I gasp as a black bag covered my face and I’m shoved into a car. “Let me go! I will have-” “Oh, shut up (Y/n)! We’re taking you to Jerome!” I shut my mouth and sit still.

“Jerome?”

The car stops soon after and I’m transferred in the darkness. Shocks of cables and drops of water are all I hear walking through the mystery building. “Is this her? Ms. Gordon?” The mask is ripped off my head and I see the crumbling warehouse around me complied by a few cult members. “What are you doing? Let the queen go!” Dwight yells at the goons making them drop my arms. “Ms. Gordon.” Dwight bows to me.

“Hi, dude.”

Dwight smirks and leads me to a chair handcuffing me in place. “Sorry, but you need to stay put until he awakes. We planned for your face to be the first one he saw! It will be the perfect story of love.” Dwight sighs watching me. He then walks over to a table only four feet away and pulls a sheet off revealing a ghost. I gasp seeing his ice-cold skin with stilled blood. His hair as prominent as ever and his death smile still glued to his cheeks. “Oh, my Jerome.” I cover my mouth feeling tears well up in my eyes. I shake my head letting them fall. What has this life come to? I reach to touch his cold skin, dragging the chair with my cuffed wrist. I sigh looking him over. I giggle remembering all his jokes and crazy antics. I turn to Dwight letting tears roll. “Bring him back.” Dwight smiles setting me down in the chair. “As you wish, my queen”

SAJ Part 34

~

Xandar leads me to a secluded shelter hidden to Gotham’s pricing eyes. I turn to see my dog following close behind looking up at Xandar. “Most people don’t hike near here.” I nod tossing a stick and watching my dog run after it. “I’m not most people.” Xandar nods with a light smile.

“I can tell.”

Xander opens the door revealing a maze of concrete walls and fluorescent lights. I narrow my eyes at him confused. “It’s simple for my own protection. Madmen usually can’t be calm enough to figure out a maze.” I nod looking down at my dog. “What do you think, bud?” He barks and sprints in as fast as he can. I smile at Xander losing the sight of the other redhead behind him rolling his eyes. “Lead the way.”

After a short time following the turns of the maze, we enter a small living area leading to what appears to be a regular home. I run my fingertips over the sleek wood of the fireplace mantel. “This is a beautiful home.” I scan the high ceilings and beautiful sky lighting. “Are we underground?” Xander returns to my side with a cup in hand. “Hot chocolate?” He nods smiling. “Good man.” I laugh bringing the treat to my lips.

“Why do you take such precautions, Xander?” He sits on the couch leading me to do the same. “I’ve had a bad history. Someone out there plans to hurt me.” I scoff nodding. “Bad history? What did you run some kind of gang?” I laugh sipping the sweet drink. Xander shakes his head smiling. “No.” He turns to me setting his cup down on the table in front of him. “I had a brother. When I was younger he… tried to hurt me. Put a knife to my neck, set my bed on fire, the whole 9 yards, He was insane.” “What happened to him?” “I don’t know all the details. I fled when I was young and was adopted and pushed the whole life behind me. Last I heard he had passed in an accident.” I reach for his hand squeezing it in comfort.

This man is a complete stranger, I’ve followed him into his insane home, he’s made me a drink, and now opening up to me as if I’ve known him forever.

It feels as if I’ve known him.

“I’m sorry Xander. I understand what it’s like to lose someone close. Even if they’re far from the same situation. I do share the grief you feel.” Xander grabs my hand and squeezed it just as I had before. “Was this man your significate other?” I smile lightly remembering the old days of the relationship I had with Jerome. “Yes. He was there for me when I needed him, but we all grow apart sometimes.” “Truly.” Xander nods in agreement. “I don’t like to talk about the past much. I find it unimportant. We only move one way.” “I don’t like the relive my past either.”

“Where do you work (y/n)?” I pop my head up and gaze into his eyes. “Currently I work with the GCPD. My father’s Detective Jim Gordon. I trained under him for several years.” “You don’t catch me as a cop.” I shrug. “Technically not, but I do like to try and make this city a better place.” Xander smiles. “That’s noble of you. You have a good heart.”

I feel the heat rising to my cheeks and I look down taking another gulp of my hot chocolate. “What about you?” “I’m an architect. I’ve helped design many buildings in the city.” “How do you do business if you stay here?” “I have a couple of proxies who assist me.”

Hours upon hours this man and I spend talking about nonsense around our lives. Maybe this could be my new start. Jerome did say things were changing.

Did he mean this?

Xander laughs throwing his head back. He removes his glasses and wipes the corners of his eyes. “Don’t tell me you actually said that to your father!” I nod laughing again. “Yes! He was so mad! But what was I suppose to do? I didn’t have a mom.” “Did she leave?” “No. When my dad served in the Army my mom moved to the central city. She didn’t feel safe in Gotham without him. We ended up getting in a car accent not long after my dad came home. He moved me back here and we’ve been living in Gotham ever since.” Xander looks at me with sad eyes. “I don’t have my mother either. She was murdered.” I furrow my eyes and lean to kiss his cheek. “I understand Xander.” He looks me in the eyes searching them deeply. He places his hand on my cheek and trails my bottom with his thumb.

“No one ever has. No one knows what any of this is like. Except you.” I lean into his touch missing the feeling.

His nose brushes mine with lightness. “(Y/n)?” “Yes?” “What’s happening?” I smile never breaking eye contact. “You tell me smartie pants.” Xander gulps letting out a shaky breath. “Well, I feel as if you know me.” I nod in agreement making him smile. “Doesn’t it scare you?” He mutters. “I learned you shouldn’t be scared of fate. Plus I’ve seen scary, and you don’t have his smile.” Xander laughs and leans in slightly. “May I?” I nod closing my eyes. “Please.”

His lips touch mine and everything falls into place. My mind clears for the first time in a while and all I can think about is how sweet and gentle this man is. Xander Wilde is an angel sent to save me.

~

“Yeah, I’m not going to be late, dad.” I roll over in the expensive silk sheets of Xander’s bed. “I checked your home, and you weren’t there. Where are you?” I run my fingers through Xandar’s hair as he rests his head on my legs reading. He looks up at me and looks at me questionably. “I’m in a house.” “(Y/n).” My father’s voice strains through the phone line.

“Don’t lie to him, (y/n).” Xander closes his book and sits up. “I’m being safe.” “Where are you?” I smile at Xander inching closer to my face. I graze my nose against his softly making his cheeks gain a rosy color. “I’m with someone.” My father’s voice quiets and Xander smiles. “With someone?” “Yeah. I won’t be late.” “Should I be worried?” I shake my head smiling at Xander. “No. He’s nice.” My father huffs. “Just be careful. You need to meet us in an hour.” “any new break?” “Harvey said some guy named Dwight might be behind all this. We’re going to see him when you get here.” “Okay. I’ll see you there.”

I hang up and kiss Xander’s nose huffing. “I have to go.” He nods and adjusts his glasses. “Wish you didn’t.” I smile and kiss his cheek as I stand up gathering my things. “You can just leave them here. I’ll make sure everything gets cleaned up.” I toss my shirt from the previous night on a chair narrowing my eyes at him. “You want me to leave my stuff?” Xander shrugs with a shy smile. “Wouldn’t it be easier if you didn’t have to carry it all?” I lean forward wrapping my arms around his neck. “I think you just want an excuse for me to come back.” He smiles and kisses my collar bone lightly. “You know you can just ask me, Xander. I thought we could ask each other anything?”

Over the course of two months, Xander and I have become extremely close. Close enough where I don’t resort to thinking of he crazed boy from my past. “I can. I just don’t want you to leave me so quickly.” Xander wraps his arm around my waist and begins to waltz around his darkened bedroom. “Let me treat you to a very nice dinner tonight. I’m going to have to leave for a week for some business.” “Aww, so you’ll be missing on me?” He smiles and catches my lips without hesitation. “More than anything, (y/n).”

I stop swaying and look down. Xander places a finger under my chin making me peer up at him. “What?” “Don’t tell me we’re acting like two high schoolers racing into this.” Xander ponders for a moment before meeting my gaze once more. “I can’t tell you that because we are, but is that such a bad thing? We’ve accepted each other knowing there has been fear and torture in our pasts. I say let this be our time and just enjoy it. You’re the only thing that makes the memories go away.” I smile at Xander and fall into him allowing myself to accept my emotions. I can have a normal life with this man. I haven’t felt like this in a long time and I’ll be damned if I let it go.

I lean up and kiss Xander laughing. “I’ll be back.” my hand falls out of his grasp lightly and he shakes his head smiling. “Do you remember your way out?” I nod slipping my shoes on. “I could find the door blindfolded.” Xander nods. “That’s my girl.”

SAJ Part 33

~

“How have you been doing, (y/n)?” I scan her eyes as she watches me. “I’m okay.”

“How is work going?” I shrug and sigh. “It’s okay. Same old.” My therapist sighs and lowers her notebook. “(y/n), you need to talk to me. I’m here to help you. I’m here to help you be happy.” I shake my head laughing lowly. “I haven’t been happy for a long time.” “Why is that?” “Because of Jerome. He left.”

My therapist looks at me. “We’ve talked about this before. Jerome did not leave. He was killed. Jerome is dead, (y/n).” I nod looking at my hands. “I know he is.” I run my fingertips over my lips feeling the ghostly shadow of him from the woods.

“I need you to say it.”

“Jerome is dead.”

–

“Listen to the watch. The way it’s ticking synchronizes with your heartbeat. Look into my eyes. Not above them, not around them, but deep into their center. You are completely relaxed and are becoming weightless. Are you ready to do something impossible?” I watch as a man names Jervis Tetch hypnotizes a man from the audience. “You actually believe this?” I whisper to Babs, sipping my drink. “Who knows. I just hope he picks you next! Could be your next toy!” I roll my eyes turning back to the show

“Stand upon the chair.” The man stands on the chair on the stage making everyone chuckle.

“No. The back of it. Remember, you weigh nothing at all.”

Everyone gasps at the man’s words. “He’ll fall.” I move closer to the stage watching in interest. “Not at all, my dear. In a hypnotic state, unburdened by doubt and fear, we can accomplish the impossible. Now one foot.”

The man stands on the back of the chair easily as he lifts one of his legs into the air.

“So you could get him to do anything you wanted?” Barbara asks from the floor smiling next to me.  "Did you have something in mind, Miss Kean?“ Jervis asks making eye contact with me and Babs. "Jump down, sir.”

Jervis holds the man close and whispers something only the man would hear in his ear. “Now, I’m going to count down and clap my hands and you will awake.”

“Three, two, one.” How do you feel, sir?“ Jervis asks the volunteer. ” I feel great.“ He chuckles with a smile and everyone cheers.

Jervis walks over the Barbra and I with a smirk. "Very impressive, Mr. Tetch,” I state shaking his hand. “You have quite a gift.”

“You didn’t answer my question. Can you make people do anything you tell them to do? Only things they secretly wish to do. It’s surprising what people wish for, secretly, deep down.”  He speaks making eye contact with me. I tilt my head smirking up at him. “Is that so?” He nods humming. “You must be a very popular man,” Babs says smiling.

“Oh, I wish. Parties like this help pay my way, so thank you.”

“So you’re new to Gotham?” “Yes. I just arrived from up north.” “You have a place to stay?” Jervis smiles at my words. “Are you offering little bird?” I suck my breath in and standstill. He chuckles. “Something always seems to turn up.”

Jervis walks away fading into the crowd. “Um, what was that?” Babs laughs wiggling her eyebrows at me. “What? Him? No way!” She rolls her eyes and smirks. “Sooner or later you’ll need to take a bite of something.” I turn my drink up and put down the glass on the table. “Let it be later then. I have to get home Babs.” “well tell Jim I say hi.” “Yeah right.” I hug her and part ways going home to my father.

—

“(Y/n). Wake up.” I roll over and open my eyes to see my dad smiling. “Come on. We’re getting coffee.” I snuggle up deeper into my blankets. “You have to get me a cake pop if you even want me to move.” He laughs kissing my head. “Deal!”

As we walk down the busy streets of Gotham my dad digs into my life. “How are the sessions going?” I shrug watching my feet. “They’re going.” “Are you feeling better? We can try different things if you want. This isn’t your only option.” “I really appreciate it, dad, but I think I will be okay. Let’s just go get your check.” I speed up my pace.

As we walk through the doors I smile as the familiar faces. “Harvey! Hey!” I jog up the steps and hug him. “(y/n)! Hey, what’s going- Jim! Buddy!” Harvey says pulling me and my father out of the way. “Let’s get a cup of coffee.” “We already had some. I just came by for my check. City still owes me for bringing in the last of Strange’s creeps.” dad says making his way to Barnes office.

“Yeah, you been hustlin’”  Suddenly a voice rips through the air causing me to widen my eyes, “Jim?” Lee Thompkins says. “What-what are you Hey…” Oh, brother.

“You look well. You do too, (y/n).” She says earning a nod from me.

“Are you visiting?” Jim asks with slight hope in his voice.
“ No, we’re um, I’m-I’m moving here…Permanently…With my fiancé. He’s been offered head trauma position at Gotham General.” Oh shit.

“A doctor.” My dad says choking on his words. “Good call, Lee. Now come on, Dad. We’ve got some things to do.” “Right. Well, I’ll see you around, Lee.”

—

“What do you think about pizza for dinner?” Dad calls from the living room. “When have I ever said no to pizza?” I laugh pulling my boots on. “I can pick it up once I get done with my session.” He nods kissing my head. “Be careful.” “Always.”

As I open the door I am met with the dark eyes of Jervis Tetch. “Oh, Hello Jervis.” He smiles softly. “Hello, Ms. Gordon. Lovely to see you again. Is your father available?” I look over my shoulder and nods seeing Jim standing looking out the door.

“Tea?”

I smile patting his arm. “I actually have to run, but you two have fun.” I slide past Jervis. “Maybe another time Ms. Gordon.” As I make my way down the hall I can hear my father grunt unapprovingly.

Jervis watches as she walks out of sight.
“Good day, Mr. Gordon.” “How’d you find me?” “Oh, you’re famous, sir. Your name’s in the papers. The fearless bounty hunter. I want you to find my sister. We’re very close. We lost our parents at an early age. I became her guardian. But her condition proved too much for me. I sought help. The fiend, Professor Strange.”

Jim looks over the picture of Alice in his hands. “Her condition?” “Some poison in her blood. Very rare. Unique, in fact. He took her in. Said she needed constant supervision. He wouldn’t let me see her.”
“You go to the police?” Jervis shakes his head.  "Useless. This is Gotham after all. The years passed and I lost hope. But then I heard about the breakout. I assumed she escaped with others. But now she is out there. Alone. Afraid. Just think if someone you loved was lost. Plus, Indian Hill escapees get five grand from the GCPD.“ Jervis starts to open his coat pocket and grab a wad of cash.

"You able to top that?”  "I’ll double it.“ He says with a smile.

"I’ll see what I can do.” “Thank you very much. You’ve seen so much pain and tragedy, Mr. Gordon. I hope it hasn’t left you too alone.” “I’m not alone. I’ve got my daughter.” Jervis nods smiling. “And she is lucky to have you. Farewell, Mr. Gordon.” Jervis walks away leaving Jim alone.

Was he really alone?

~

“How are you feeling today, (Y/n)?” I huff moving around in my seat. “I’m okay. My father and I are getting along, but Lee is back in town so it won’t be long now until he switches us over again. That man can’t keep his attention span straight.” “Does Lee upset you?” I nod smiling. “She’s nice and everything, don’t get me wrong, but when she comes around my dad just… forgets me.” My therapist nods writing down notes.

“Do you have any other people you spend time with? Other than your father?” “Of course. Me and Babs go out quite often,” “Ms. Kean I assume?” I nod. “I think you need to surround yourself with some more reliable individuals, (y/n).” I roll my eyes laughing.

I look to my left seeing a certain redhead plant himself in the empty seat making me jump up gasping.

“Hey there, beautiful.”

“Are you alright Ms. Gordon?” “Um, yeah. I just forgot I have to go. I am so sorry. I’m already late.” She sighs. “We will just have to add extra time to your next appointment to make up for this.” I nod running out the door and into the staircase.

I stop to catch my breath, but once I look up I’m met with a pair of eyes. “Hey there, Dollface.” I gasp falling on the step. “H-hi.” “Don’t worry, I’m not sticking around long. Things are changing again. I just want you to be ready, beautiful.” I stand and look him in the face.

“You’re dead, Jerome.” I walk through him and straight to Barbra’s home.

~o0o~

“Oh good! You’re just in time! Change!” She throws a green dress at me. “I’m not really feeling it, Babs.” “Don’t be boring. Now go.”

Later into the night, we end up at the club watching another one of Jervis’ shows. “I need a volunteer!” Jervis calls. Suddenly my wrist is raised into the air by Barbra. Jervis makes eye contact with me and smirks. “Ms. Gordon. Would you please accompany me on the stage?”

I make my way up to the stage and meet Jervis. “Good to see you again.” I nod smiling.

“Are you ready Ms. Gordon?”  "I think so.“ I laugh nervously looking into the crowd. Jervis places his hands on my shoulders softly.  "Look into my eyes. Not around them, not above them, but into their center. Now sleep.”

(y/n) falls limp into Jervis’ arms. “Now, what would we like to see the lovely Miss Gordon do? Physical feats? A trip into her psyche? I think I got it. (Y/n)? When I count down from three, you will find me irresistible. You will be madly in love with me.” The crowd laughs.

“Three two - one.”

I open my eyes and lift my head from Jervis’ chest. “(y/n)? Do you care for me?” I look up to view his face and only warmth is spread through me. I run my hands up his chest and to his shoulders. “Oh, yes.” I purr to him.

The guest gasp and chuckle. “Do you love me?” I nod leaning up to get closer to him. “Very much.”

“But what if I can’t feel the same?” I pull away slightly looking up at him with sorrow. “What if I love another? I’m sorry, (Y/n), my dear, but-” I lunge forward and plant my lips upon his.

Jervis pulls away smirking wildly. “Three, two, one, awake.”

I shake my head looking up at the crowd and bright lights. “She’s quite the charmer, huh? We might even have to set up dinner sometime. Everyone, (y/n) Gordon!”

—

Months pass with unhappy thoughts. Jervis is caught doing damage in Gotham… Shocker… A fear drug came and went. My father left me to go kill Lee’s husband on their wedding night… Better yet someone dressed up a pig and played a copycat killer.

I ended up being secured as completely sane and got my job back at the GCPD. They really are desperate.

I moved out of my father’s place and now live on my own. I unlock my door walking inside my home feeling the stress of the day wash away. Little paws patter on the hardwood and Tippy comes trotting down the hall. “Hey, buddy!” I smile kneeling down and scratching his head.

“You want to go out? Huh? You want to go for a hike?” Tippy wags his tails and starts jumping against my legs.

I change into more configurable clothing and walk out of the apartment building with my dog.

I walk a long way out of the city and hit the path I have now become familiar with. I run up the hills and trails as Tippy sprints through the leaves. He picks up a stick and drops it in front of me. “Oh, you want to play? Go get it!” I throw the stick far into the trees sending his little figure flying on the ground.

I see him pick up the stick and run the opposite way from me. “No, Tippy!” I chase him yelling. “Tip! Stop!” I run in his direction and when he comes in view I stop hard on my toes.

A man is crouched down petting my dog. His face is pulled in a smile. I flip behind a tree hiding.

“Who do you belong too, cutie?”

No. It’s not real. He’s not real.

“(y/n) Gordon. Okay, hold still, little guy. Let me read this.” seconds later my phone starts to blare out ringing amongst the trees.

Shit.

“Hello?” He calls out.

“Damnit,” I mutter before stepping out into view. He smiles and shuts his phone off. “(Y/n)?” I nod sighing and waiting for the punchline. “Yep.”

He stares at me confused. “What?” “I-I’m sorry. You just look like someone I’ve met before.” I nod huffing. “Yeah, I get that a lot.” Tippy barks at him making me wonder if he’s mad too.

“I do know you.” I draw my eyes to meet his own. “You kissed me a few months ago. Then you told me to meet you somewhere. I’m sorry I didn’t-” “Who are you?” He smiles and sticks out his hand. “Xandar.” I grasped his hand feeling the warm skin.

How? He is real.

Reincarnation? Fate? Did he get pulled into witness protection?

“Mind asking why you were so admitted on kissing me? I’ve been trying to reason it.” “I-I thought you were someone else.” Xandar smiles looking down shyly. “Oh, well he is very lucky.” I shake my head looking over his frame. He is identical to the T. “Yeah, but he’s gone now.” “Well, I’m very sorry he left. Maybe he will see how beautiful you are… I mean-” I shake my head smiling a bit. “No, it’s not like that… I lost him… He was murdered.” Xandar gasps looking into my eyes. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” “It’s alright. I have to live with it.” Xander smiles at me.

I shiver to hold my arms closer to my body. “I don’t live far. Would you like to have a cup of coffee or maybe a hot chocolate? In case you’re not a coffee person, but you seem like you should… I’m going to stop now.” He laughs a light blush growing to his cheeks.  I laugh smiling at him. “Sure why not. I don’t have plans.”

I follow Jerimiah down the wooded path to his home. Am I really going with a complete stranger right now?

Yep.

“He looks like the off-brand version of me Doll! You have got to be kidding me!” Jerome’s finger follows closely as Xandar and I speak. “Go away.” I shew Jerome away behind us.

SAJ Part 32

If you want to be tagged please let me know!

~

My father is back in Gotham.

Jim Gordon is back in his favorite place to ruin lives.

His own home.

I toss another plucked petal of the rose onto the grave of my lost love. “When are you going to pick a different flower? We’re sick of roses.” Little J says sitting next to me. “Fucking deal with it kid.” He giggles and continues to nag. “Just think if older me and you had a kid… That would literally be me!” “Ha! Yeah right! My child would be so much better!” “BUT IT WOULD BE HALF OF ME!” “And then 50% of me to make you not suck. Can’t you go play with the dead birds or something? I’m trying to think.” Little J huffs and fades away leaving me alone.

Quite. Finally.

“(y/n)!” I huff and look over to the right seeing Barbra walking towards me with a frown. “Hey. What are you doing?” I look at the grave with my lovers named engraved in stone. “Nothing. Just didn’t know where else to go.” She smiles sadly at me. “It’s alright. I just wanted to warn you about Jim. I’ve moved all your stuff into the apartment and here is your key. I’m going to miss you.” I smile at Babs and hug her tightly. “Me too Barbra. Maybe things will get better.” She holds my cheeks and smiles. “They are getting better. You can do this.” I nod start to descend down the hill away from the grave.

–

I hang the framed photo of Jerome and I up on my wall letting a tear roll down my face. “Aw, would you look at that! I grow up to be very handsome!” I look down at little J laughing. “Yeah. That’s the love of my life right there. Now he’s gone.” J shrugs. “I mean only one of is.” I furrow my eyebrows confused. “There is only one of you.” J shakes his head giggling. “He never told you! He never told you! He never told you!” “Told me what?”

Knock, knock, knock.

I open my door to reveal the face of Jim Gordon. “Jim- Dad! Hi! When did you get back?” He hugs me laughing and holding me tightly to him. “Aw (Y/n). I missed you.” “Yeah me too Dad. Mind letting me breathe?” I laugh as he releases me and smiles at me warmly. “Where did you find me?” “Harvey. Said you moved here this week.” He walks around my apartment and stops at the hanging picture.

“You… You remember this boy?” I smirk and stare at the fear in his eyes. I walk over and touch the glass. “Kinda. It’s foggy. No name, no recognition of personal memories with him, but I know I loved him.”

If he knew I had remembered he would find some way to make me forget again. Jim looks at me and sighs. “You did. Very much.” “I understand he’s not around anymore. I figured if he was here he’d be with me.” “He ran away. It broke your heart when he told you he found someone new. I’m sorry you don’t remember.”

Liar.

“Oh, well then. I guess I should… take this down?” Jim nods and takes the photo down quickly.

“How about some dinner? I’ll buy.” I smile and nod grabbing my coat. “Let’s go, Jim-Bo!” He stops in his tracks and looks at me. “What dad?” “Nothing. You just don’t call me that a lot.”

Yep. Jerome always did.

——- Time Skip ——-

I walk down a path in the woods feeling the cool Gotham wind hit my face. Hiking never has been a thing of mine, but it’s the only thing that feels right at the moment. Knowing Jerome will never come back has numbed me completely. I always had hope, but that light has died. He’s driving me insane.

At night the only rest I truely get is when I dope myself with sleeping pills, but even then my mind becomes a prison I cannot escape. His face as his neck is swiftly stabbed into replays in my mind. He’s intoxicated my every thought once more.

I walk further into the wilderness and soon hear leafs crunching under someone’s feet. I still my own feet allowing myself to pinpoint the sound. “I’m not even supposed to leave, and now I have. Do you know how dangerous this is for me? Next time we have to be more careful. No, no I’m not yelling uncle. I understand… I’m sorry. It’s just scary… I am not!” “ I see a ginger-haired man on the phone walking quickly.

Jerome?

He turns his face, catching my eyes and he stills completely. "J? I-is that you?” His breath hitches as I draw closer. “You’re okay.” I place my hand on his cheek and let a tear fall. “You’re safe.” I cling to him and pull him close. “I- who-” I cut him off by pressing my lips to his. He panics for a moment but soon rests his hands on my waist.

I deepen the kiss and hold onto him even closer. “Meet me later. Go to the place we first met at 11. It’s not safe out here.” I pull away and run quickly leting my mind wander. He’s back! Jerome’s back. I knew he wasn’t dead!

——-

“Jerimiah? Kid, you there? Are you there-” “I have to go.” Jerimiah says and hangs up the line watching the wild girl trot off with a skip in her step. “Who are you?” Jerimiah whispers to himself as he watches the beauty walk away with the memory of his lips in her mind.

——

That night (y/n) drives to the old grounds where the big tents and lights use to sit. She sits and she waits and gets stood up by her dead boyfriend once again. She waits for hours upon hours with no show of who she thought was Jerome.

The insane girl lays on her back looking up at her car roof when she sees lights pull up behind her car.

“Jerome?” She calls out.

Jim Gordon stood in the dark shadows watching his own daughter crumble before him. She cried and throws her body to the seats. “STOP!” She screams at the space in front of her. “Leave me alone! All you fucking do is whine and piss me off. You’re not him! YOU’RE NOT JEROME!”

Jim covers his mouth and steps to her once more. “(y/n)?” He asks opening her car door and crouching next to her. “STOP!” She screams and tries to push Jim away, but he catches her hands and fights her struggling. “(y/n)? Look at me please.” She cries and collapses into her father. “Help me, Dad, please. I see him everywhere, and now I don’t think he’s breathing, but he’s here. He’s in here.” She points to her head with tears lining her cheeks.

“Who?”

“Jerome. I see him everywhere. I know everything. I remember it all. The longer I go the harder it is to live. I’ve been trying to push past it and all I see is him.” Jim Gordon holds his little girl close as she cries. “Shh honey. It’s okay.” Jim finally did something he thought he would never do. He lets his daughter’s past become true.

“I know (y/n). I know you loved him so much. You changed your life for him and he took care of you… in his own way. I know you hate it, but he’s gone. He is gone and I promise I will do everything to help you. You have to allow me to help. You need to accept his death.” She nods battling with her mind and the feel of the lips of the man she kissed in the woods.

SAJ Part 31 

~

2 months after regaining her memory

I lean over the counter looking at the many different assortments of candy Babs has bought. “I want the red one!” I turn over my left shoulder to see little Jerome smiling. “No, you just ate my whole bowl of ice cream!” He laughs and hops onto the counter. “Please (y/n)? I’ll be a good boy.” I shake my head and pop a purple-colored candy into my mouth. Jerome narrows his eyes at me. “You’re bad.” Seconds later he lunged at me causing me to fall to the ground.

“(Y/N)! Gosh, girl are you okay? Did you trip on something?” I look at her confused and then avert my eyes back to little J. I nod my head and stand up gathering myself together. “Hey, hey, hey. Hold up.” Babs stops me and holds my face in her hands. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve looked like you’ve seen a ghost.” I look to where Jerome was standing and sigh. I have to get this under control. I’ll end up driving myself crazy.

2 months later:

I fold my clothes and place them in the drawers where they belong. I’m still living with Babs for the time being. Now knowing what I was without for so long is very pleasing, but it does not make it any easier. I’ve been forced to accept the fact that my Jerome is gone. The true love of my life is never going to be able to make me smile with his laughter ever again. Love is dead and gone. Most people are able to get over the loss of someone close eventually. Although all of them I can guarantee they have never had their ghost following them!

I close the drawer and move over to my walk-in the closet getting ready to hang up my new wardrobe Babs so kindly bought me. “Ohh I like this one!”  Little J says coming up beside me and tugging on the green dress. “Yes. it’s very nice.” I reply plainly.

J walks in front of me and stands his ground firmly. I try and move around him, but he locks his body into one spot. I huff trying not to get frustrated with the child. “Jerome, please move. I have to get these up!”  His eyes become soft and his smile lowes slightly. “I didn’t mean to upset you (y/n).” I get on my knees to his height and place my hands on his shoulders. “Jerome you have to understand something. You need to move on.” Jerome steps back almost surprised. “Move on? How can I leave you? How could I survive without you?” He says starting to get louder with each sentence.

His voice rings in my ears tormenting my brain. My whole body starts to shake and I fall to the ground. “I CAN’T LEAVE! I WON’T LEAVE!” He screams in my ears.

“Stop.”
He continues to scream at me.
“STOP.”
He continues.
“PLEASE STOP!”

“HEY!” A new voice breaks through the screams. I look up with cloudy and wet eyes to see Barbra standing in the doorway of my closet. “What the hell is going on?” She rushes to me in concern.

Holding my face in her hands as a sob hysterically. “He won’t leave.” “Who?” I point my finger at the ginger a few feet away. “(y/n) there is no one there.” I put my own hands over hers and continue to sob. “No! It’s Jerome! He won’t leave.” I sob even more as she holds me. “Shh. listen to me. He’s not real. He’s dead (y/n).” I frantically nod my head. “Yes, he is! He’s constantly here. He just keeps reminding me He’s gone, and I couldn’t do anything about it! It was my fault!” Babs then brings her open hand and smacks it across my cheek.

I stare at her blankly. “You slapped me.” “You were being hysterical. Now come on. I know exactly how to run off those bad thoughts. How about a little laughing gas?” She smiles and pulls out a pearled blunt. I sigh standing up. I grab the blunt, light it, and inhale the smoke, and after a few hits, I can feel my sorrows and worries lift off my shoulders. I inhale once more and turn to the little boy with a smile on his face. I walk up to him and blow the smoke in his face and just like the smoke he starts to fade away.

Later in the night as I lay in bed I feel a body slide next to mine. I huff and rollover ready to tell little J to go away again, but once I roll over my eyes meet a red-haired man. “Hey, there dollface.” I touch his cheek and feel the soft skin under my fingertips. “Jerome?” He nods and runs his fingers through my hair. “I can’t stay long.” “Why? What’s the rush? Come on you don’t have to leave.” I plead holding his shirt in my hands. He places his on top of mine and smiles sweetly. This is the Jerome I miss. This is the Jerome I wish I had. “No, darling. You told me to go, and I want to respect you.” “N-no J. I want you. I want you to stay.” He shakes his head and brings my hand up to kiss it. “I wouldn’t be me. The one Jerome you’ll get isn’t me, and you know that.” I shake my head fighting the tears. “It’s not fair. I can’t live without you.” I lay my head on his chest and try to drift to sleep. Jerome places a kiss on my head and leans down closer. “You won’t have too much longer doll.”

Don’t hate me for being away…

But I got a new cover and I’m continuing Such a Joker!

Let Gotham Burn

I lean back with my tablet propped up against my legs sketching a new floor plan for a house my company bought and are going to flip it. Suddenly my assistant rushes in with no words. “You need to see this!” He turns on my flatscreen and switches over to the station streaming from Gotham City.

“Buildings exploding! We can’t possibly go there! The convention is going to be cancelled!” I look closer to watch the live news feed. Then I hear the smooth voice of honey entering my ears. “Tick tock Gotham. You’re on my watch.”

The camera stayed on his being. Pale skin, flashing eyes that bore holes into your soul. If you started to long at him he would be able to see your entire story. He learned from the best of course. “Harley are you listening? You need to call-” “Pack the car. I’m leaving tonight.” My assistant laughs thinking I’m joking, but I’m deadly serious.

“Do as I say or you’re fired. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself. Now go.” I speak calmly standing up and making myself a sweet drink. I stare at the TV smirking. “See you soon J.”

–

I knock on the next desk to mine lightly. “Excuse me.” a boy with round glasses, red hair, and innocent eyes look to meet mine. “Yes?” He asks in a shaky manor. I smile sweetly at him. “Your bookbag is caught on your chair. I didn’t want you to get stuck.” The boy looks down at his bag adjusting the strap out of the bars. “Thank you.” He quickly says getting back to his work.

I scoot closer to him. “My name is Harleen. Harleen Frances Quinzel.” I stick my hand out for his. “Jeremiah.” “Just Jeremiah?” He nods his head quickly. “Alright. Well it’s nice to meet you just Jeremiah.” He smiles taking my hand and shaking it firmly. “You too Harleen.”

–

The red haired boy and I were inseparable since that day. No matter where we were we’d always find eachother. Went on for a long time as friends, but we both knew deep in our hearts we were meant to be something bigger. As I lay my head in his lap looking up at the stars I catch him staring down at me. “Whatcha doing there J? You’re missing the beautiful stars!” He smiles pushing a strand of my hair away. “I’m looking at the most beautiful star there is.” I giggle pushing off of him. “Such a sap. Can’t say I don’t love it though!”

“Oh look Harley!” A shooting star flies across the night sky. “I wish… to never leave you, and were separated. Let madness take over until we’re together once again.” Jeremiah let out a chuckle. “That’s a good one. Let’s hope you don’t get any crazier.” I flip my hair laughing. “It would only be for the better darling.”

–

So here I am today. Walking in a graveyard all lonesome. I hear sirens blaring all over the city. His crew comes up to me screaming and laughing like crazy people. I look at them rolling my eyes, but allowing them to take me hostage knowing they’ll lead me straight to him, and as my thoughts come to ring true I feel my blood pumping as they sit me in a chair waiting to get torchered.

Blood staining the cold concrete below my feet. “You guys should really learn how to keep a cleaner work space. Geez. You’d think a pack of monkeys would be living here… Oh wait…” I laugh looking at them. They start to get louder and louder until another voice emerges.

“Let me take a look at this one!” a blonde comes into view with face looking like… just like a face you want to punch.

She walks around me then smirks. “Take her to the grinder.” the minions grab me and start to drag me away. “Whoa wait a fucking minute!” This caught her attention making her look at me with her little clown mask. “Hey you. Yeah clown bitch listen to me!” I shimmy out of their hold and stand in front of the blonde. I walk around her smiling sanely. “I’m the only one who gets the wear that mask.” I whip my knife out and stab her in the stomach several times until she falls to the ground motionless.

I pick up her mask looking at her face. “Not even that pretty. Come on man!”

“Not as pretty as you I will say. Not as sane either. Got on my nerves rather quickly. She’s not the right… fit.” I look up the rusted stairwell to see him standing there proudly examining my work. “Then why’s you pick her huh? See this? Trash!” I grab the mask tossing it the the side at his followers. “Seems I got exactly what I wanted. Just another playing card that was run out.” I make my way up the steps as he comes halfway down meeting me.

“Hello Harley.” “Hey there J.”

His hand come out and pushes me against the metal bar trapping me. “And may the world go insane.” J smashes his lips against mine pushing all the lost time into one kiss.

“This is Harley. Harley this is everyone. Call them your subjects if you want. This is your queen everyone! Respect her or that…(Points at Echo) will be your outcome. Now follow love, we’ve got much to relish in.”

30

My father leads us both back to my car with Selina perched on top and Bruce on the hood. He grabs Bruce’s shoulder and my own. “I have to go. I might not see you both for a while, but I promise I will keep in touch.” “Where are you going?” I ask in a worried tone. “I have to find Lee.” His girlfriend. He’s leaving me to find his girlfriend.

“Do me a favor. Say goodbye to Bullock and take care of this one.” He ruffles my hair. “I can take care of myself dad.” “I know.” He smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “Bye darling.” He kisses my head and slowly walks away. “Bye dad.”

“Come along then Master Bruce.” Alfred says ushering his younger leader into the car. “You be safe Ms. Gordon.” “You too Alfred.” As they drive away Selina comes up to me and elbows me slightly. “So Gordon. What’s on the list now?” I sigh and smiles at my feet. “I’ve got an old friend to see.” She laughs and hugs me surprising me entirely. “Good luck Cat.” “See you around G.”

I shove my hands in my pockets and move along the dark street shuffling my feet. “Hey! Don’t you have somewhere to be?” A small voice makes itself present. I wheel my body to see the same little boy from earlier chewing on the candy bar I gave him. I narrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. “Could be asking you the same kid. What are you doing out here? It’s not safe.” He rolls his eyes and continues to enjoy his candy. “Then why are you out here?” He fires back laughing. “Because kid I’m able to take care of myself.” The child smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “Couldn’t keep Jeromesafe.” the boy says getting up and running down an alleyway.

His legs carry him through the narrow dark space; me following him quickly. “Whoa! Wait! Kid wait!” I yell as he rounds the corner and is out of sight. I spin around in a full 360 trying to find the boy.

My brain clouds and I cannot think clearly. A searing pain in my temples causing me to fall to my knees weak and lean against the decrepit brick wall. My head spinning and feeling as it’s on fire. The pain continues and all I can do it grip my head and get as close to my knees as possible. I sit there for what felt like hours. Rocking myself back and forth trying to calm myself down. All I need is silence, but the world plays tricks on me and my body continues to resist the methods and fall deeper into the fire.

Barbra POV:
I walk down the sidewalk away from the club. “Where to Ms. Kean?” My driver asks as he opens the door for me. “Just to the house.” he nods understandably and closes the door. We ride along the streets of Gotham and come to one of the stop lights. I turn to peer out my window and see (Y/n) leaned up against the wall and looking exhausted.

After telling my driver to pull over I step out and walk up to her quietly. “(y/n)?” She moans lightly and lifts her head up revealing her face. She’s covered in sweat and she can hardly open her eyes. “What the hell happened? Did you get mugged?” I help my friend up and walk her to the car securing her safely inside.

After the shorter drive to the house and getting (y/n) inside I lay her on the couch. She looks at me and smiles. “You wanted to meet me?” She asks with effort in her voice. I nod and smile brushing her hair out of her face. She’s so beautiful! Have to say she looks like her mother. “I wanted to show you something.” I say and stand up making my way to the huge wardrobe. I open it and the box stood out perfectly. The old shoe box painted and doodled on held all the parts of (Y/n’s) life. Even the parts Jim wanted to keep away forever.

I walk back to her and see she is not sitting up and has gained some color back to her cheeks. “What is that? Looks like a kindergarten class went wild!” we laugh, and I pass it over to her. “Well that explains it because it’s yours.” (Y/n) looks at me shocked. “Why do you have it?” I shrug and sigh. “Jim didn’t want you to ever see it.” She nods and sighs looking down. She traces the colored streaks on the box and shakes her head laughing. “I’m not the same am I Barbra?” I shake my head looking at the confused young woman. “You used to be sort of like this, but that was when you were 15! People change, and, you certainly did.” “Was I a bad person Babs?” I grab her hands and shake my head in response. She directs her eyes to the box and runs her fingers over the colors before lifting the lid and exposing all her joyful memories she found important enough to keep.

“When you started making this box you were 16. I remember seeing you sit at the table for hours choosing a photo from each Christmas, birthday, and vacation. You put little cards in there that you got from close friends.” (Y/n) pulls out a packet of photos from our very last vacation. She pulled the photos one by one and looked at them smiling. Jim, (y/n), and I standing on the sand looking amazing! “That was such a good time!” (Y/n) shrugs flipping through more pictures. “At least you can remember it.” she tosses the packet of photos onto the coffee table across from us. I sit her up straight holding her by the shoulders. “I know this might be hard, but I really think this is what is going to bring your memories back.” (Y/n) looks at me with several emotions clouding her eyes. “Please show me. I feel bits and pieces of things every day! I can’t keep going knowing there is more. Everyone knows something about me that I don’t! That’s messed up don’t you think?!” (y/n) shouted laughing. “Okay. look at these ones.”

I go over to the wardrobe and grab a separate box. This one containing everything from her time with Jerome. I set the box in her lap. She wastes no time digging into the pile of love notes, letters from him, gifts, and pictures. She holds a picture of Jerome and herself. She quickly looked through the rest of the pictures throwing them everywhere. She drops the box on the couch laughing. “Holy shit.” she breathed laughing some more.

(Y/n) POV:
Picture after picture bubbles popped inside my head revealing the truth of my life. Jerome was there through everything. He set me free.

“Oh, wait you forgot something.” Babs laughs as she pulls out a smaller box. I lift the lid to find none other than my glass bowl Jerome and I smoked out of the first night we met. I smile at Babs and show her the pipe. “Know any good candy men Babs?” She laughs and pulls out her phone. “Only the best for the best.” She winked and walked off.

About an hour later both Babs and I are watching some soap opera and throwing our treats at the cast members we don’t like. I get up and stretch popping my back. “Oh! That felt good!” I laugh and spin around falling back on the couch. “I think I’m going to hit the sack girl. You good down here?” I smile at my best friend and nod happily. “I’ll be good.” Babs kisses my head and leaves the room.

I roll on my back and stare up at the ceiling. “(y/n) Gordon… Oh the places you’ve been.” I mumble and light up a rolled blunt inhaling and then exhaling feeling the numb and light feeling in my body. “Doesn’t look like you’re being good to me Ms. Gordon.” I roll off the couch in surprise by the voice.

I sit up on my knees and look to my left to see him. This kid keeps following me! I stand up a little frightened. “How’d you get in here?” The little boy laughs smirking at me. “You let me in (y/n).” He giggles cutely and sits closer to me. “What are you?” I ask going to touch his curly red hair. The little boy smiles and kisses my cheek. The boy hugs me close. He doesn’t move an inch as I try and sit back on the couch. As I get a quarter of the way to standing I fall back on the ground with little red still clinging to me.

I look to my right to see him. A picture of him. This little boy who is hugging me is in a picture flying a kite with a circus in the background. I take the picture in my fingers and flip it over.

Jerome’s 7th birthday. He loves his kite.

I let the photograph fall back to the ground and hold my breath. “Jerome?” I ask quietly. He lifts his head up and smiles at me. “We have a winner Doll face.”

Such a Joker (31/?)

30—->(https://jeromesxreader16.tumblr.com/post/173030185307/such-a-joker-30)

Warning: swearing, drug use.

—

I shove my hands in my pockets and move along the dark street shuffling my feet. “Hey! Don’t you have somewhere to be?” A small voice makes itself present. I wheel my body to see the same little boy from earlier chewing on the candy bar i gave him. I narrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. “Could be asking you the same kid. What are you doing out here? It’s not safe.” He rolls his eyes and continues to enjoy his candy. “Then why are you out here?” He fires back laughing. “Because kid I’m able to take care of myself.” The child smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “Couldn’t keep Jerome safe.” the boy says getting up and running down an alleyway.

His legs carry him through the narrow dark space; myself following him quickly. “Whoa! Wait! Kid wait!” I yell as he rounds the corner and is out of sight. I spin around in a full 360 trying to find the boy.

My brain clouds and i cannot think clearly. A searing pain in my temples causing me to fall to my knees weak and lean against the decrepit brick wall. My head spinning and feeling as it’s on fire. The pain continues and all i can do it grip my head and get as close to my knees as possible. I sit there for what felt like hours. Rocking myself back and forth trying to calm myself down. All i need is silence, but the world plays tricks on me and my body continues to resit the methods and fall deeper into the fire.

Barbra POV:

I walk down the sidewalk away from the club. “Where to Ms. Kean?” My driver asks as he opens the door for me. “Just to the house.” he nods understandably and closes the door. We ride along the streets of Gotham and come to one of the stop lights. I turn to peer out my window and see (Y/n) leaned up against the wall and looking absolutely exhausted.

After telling my driver to pull over I step out and walk up to her quietly. “(y/n)?” She moans lightly and lifts her head up revealing her face. She’s covered in sweat and she can hardly open her eyes. “What the hell happened? Did you get mugged?” I help my friend up and walk her to the car securing her safely inside.

After the shorter drive to the house and getting (y/n) inside I lay her on the couch. She looks at me and smiles. “You wanted to meet me?” She asks with effort in her voice. I nod and smile brushing her hair out of her face. She’s so beautiful! Have to say she looks like her mother. “I wanted to show you something.” I say and stand up making my way to the huge wardrobe. I open it and the box stood out perfectly. The old shoe box painted and doodled on held all the parts of (Y/n’s) life. Even the parts Jim wanted to keep away forever.

I walk back to her and see she is not sitting up and actually has gained some color back to her cheeks. “What is that? Looks like a kindergarten class went wild!” we laugh and i pass it over to her. “Well that explains it because it’s yours.” (Y/n) looks at me shocked. “Why do you have it?” I shrug and sigh. “Jim didn’t want you to ever see it.” She nods and sighs looking down. She traces the colored streaks on the box and shakes her head laughing. “I’m not the same am I Barbra?” I shake my head looking at the confused young woman. “You use to be sorta like this, but that was when you were 15! People change, and, you certainly did.” “Was I a bad person Babs?” I grab her hands and shake my head in response. She directs her eyes to the box and runs her fingers over the colors before lifting the lid and exposing all her joyful memories she found important enough to keep.

“When you started making this box you were 16. I remember seeing you sit at the table for hours choosing a photo from each christmas, birthday, and vacation. You put little cards in there that you got from close friends.” (Y/n) pulls out a packet of photos from our very last vacation. She pulled the photos one by one and looked at them smiling. Jim, (y/n), and myself standing on the sand looking absolutely amazing! “That was such a good time!” (Y/n) shrugs flipping though more pictures. “At least you can remember it.” she tosses the packet of photos onto the coffee table across from us. I sit her up straight holding her by the shoulders. “I know this might be hard, but i really think this is what is going to bring your memories back.” (Y/n) looks at me with several emotions clouding her eyes. “Please show me. I feel bits and pieces of things everyday! I can’t keep going knowing there is more. Everyone knows something about me that i don’t! That’s messed up don’t you think?!” (y/n) shouted loudly laughing. “Okay. look at these ones.”

I go over to the wardrobe and grab a separate box. This one containing everything from her time with Jerome. I set the box in her lap. She wastes no time digging into the pile of love notes, letters from him, gifts, and pictures. She holds a picture of Jerome and herself. She quickly looked through the rest of the pictures throwing them everywhere. She drops the box on the couch laughing. “Holy shit.” she breathed laughing some more.

(Y/n) POV:

Picture after picture bubbles popped inside my head revealing the truth of my life. Jerome was there through everything. He set me free.

“Oh wait you forgot something.” Babs laughs as she pulls out a smaller box. I lift the lid to find none other than my glass bowl Jerome and I smoked out of the first night we met. I smile at Babs and show her the pipe. “Know any good candy men Babs?” She laughs and pulls out her phone. “Only the best for the best.” She winked and walked off.

About an hour later both Babs and I are watching some soap opera and throwing our treats at the cast members we don’t like. I get up and stretch popping my back. “Oh! That felt good!” I laugh and spin around falling back on the couch. “I think I’m going to hit the sack girl. You good down here?” I smile at my best friend and nod happily. “I’ll be good.” Babs kisses my head and leaves the room.

I roll on my back and stare up at the ceiling. “(y/n) Gordon… Oh the places you’ve been.” I mumble and light up a rolled blunt inhaling and then exhaling feeling the numb and light feeling in my body. “Doesn’t look like you’re being good to me Ms. Gordon.” I roll off the couch in surprise by the voice.

I sit up on my knees and look to my left to see him. This kid keeps following me! I stand up a little frightened. “How’d you get in here?” The little boy laughs smirking at me. “You let me in (y/n).” He giggles cutely and sits closer to me. “What are you?” I ask going to touch his curly red hair. The little boy smiles and kisses my cheek. The boy hugs me close. He doesn’t move an inch as i try and sit back on the couch. As i get a quarter of the way to standing I fall back on the ground with little red still clinging to me.

I look to my right to see him. A picture of him. This little boy who is hugging me is in a picture flying a kite with a circus in the background. I take the picture in my fingers and flip it over.

Jerome’s 7th birthday. He loves his kite.

I let the photograph fall back to the ground and hold my breath. “Jerome?” I ask quietly. He lifts his head up and smiles at me. “We have a winner Dollface.”

Really need serious input!

As of this moment I am either going to release the new chapters of Such A Joker or trash the story and start a new series. Please let me know if you’re enjoying the series and I will continue to post Such A Joker.

Wayne’s Girl

Requested!

Jerome is obsessed with Bruce Wayne’s girlfriend and decides she should be his.

(Kinda sucks)

Jerome POV:

She walks down the street. Her coat costing hundreds hugging to her body close trapping the warmth inside its fabric. Her hips slightly swigging as she struts down the sidewalk to her destination. A small coffee shop accompanied with other citizens of Gotham. She comes her every Wednesday to get coffee for her and that tool Wayne.

Once she disappeared into the shop I back away from the ledge and sigh. “For my heart longs for you… sadly the sting of the lost feeling still remains… for I will-“ “go on an adventure to win the princess back. Yeah yeah. Heard it all before. Now will you come on? If you want to do this it needs to be now!” Jervis Tetch speaks behind me interrupting my time with my lady.

I walk up to him angry and about to give him a piece of my mind! Wait… mind…

“Jervis. I need something from you.” He raises his eyebrow in wonder. “From me? Well I suppose I could be assistance in whatever game you play.” I turn around and look at the city below smiling as I see her again. “Oh this game will be fun.” I smile and laugh from the building top.

(Y/n) POV:

I sit on the couch in the Wayne study reading my book as Bruce does the same. My feet upon his thighs in a relaxed mood as we sit and enjoy each other’s company. Bruce closes his book quickly and stands up excited. “What do you think about going out tonight?” Bruce asks me dusting the lint off his black sweater.

I shrug and smile at him. “What did you have in mind Bruce?” He smiles taking my hand and lifting me up, walking me towards his desk and having me sit in the large leather chair. “Close your eyes (y/n). I’ll be right back.” I follow my instructions and close my eyes awaiting to see what Bruce has come up with.

Minutes pass and the manor is deathly still. “Bruce?” I call out into the dimly lit room. The sound of the floor creaking nearby makes me smile and giggle quietly. Oh what could he have planned? A nice dinner? A romantic carriage ride?

The door opens to the office and then closes. After that no more movement at all. Just silence. I huff and threatened to open my eyes playfully.

“I’m opening then in 3… 2… 1…” I open my eyes adjusting to the low light. I don’t see Bruce anywhere. Just a big purple box on the coffee table before the fireplace.

I giggle and walk up to it circling it. “Even got the wrapping my favorite color. You’re really trying aren’t you?” I pull open the lid and a set up of tea is all laid out.

“Don’t mind if I do.” I pick up the little cup in my fingers and take a sip. Instantly as the warm liquid flowed down my throat and into my body my head began to swim. I stumbled onto the couch and that’s when I see him.

Jervis Tetch. The mad hatter.

I point to him unable to rise up or speak. He laughs and pats me head. “Wayne’s little girl needs to go to sleep and not make a peep. Not long now will you be alone in the streets. No one to beat. Just him and him only for days to repeat. Goodnight sweet (y/n) just wait for your prince to wake.” He says to me softly swinging his watch in front of my eyes until they fall closed.

——

I roll over my head pounding. Did I go out last night? Oh man I can’t even remember last night! Am I still drunk? I roll again hitting a body beside me. Not alarmed I snuggle closer and in response have an arm wrapped around my waist. I go to stroke Bruce’s cheek but once I rest my fingers on the skin I realize Bruce is not here. My washed out state making it hard to sit up. I’m so weak. My fingers run over along the face to feel the scars. The scars of a feared man in Gotham. A man feared by the whole city. A man feared by my boyfriend.

I look up my vision clearing in and out. To think if this man is asleep I could make a run for it, but to my dismay he’s wide awake and smiling at me. “Ah look at you. Already awake! I’m so happy to see you (y/n).” Jerome says and hops in front of me. I wave my hands around still very confused and somehow extremely calm. My anxiety is like a fire in my body but my outside chamber is to weak to make sense of my emotions.

“How do you know my name?” Jerome lays a hand softly on my cheek and smiles. “I take an interest in the things I care about doll.” “If this is about Bruce please don’t hurt him. I’ll-“ “yeah I’ll do anything. Heard it before. Don’t care. You see he’s not going to get hurt. Not unless we break the rules lovely. You step out of line and Wayne gets crushed like roadkill under a 14 wheeler.” I gulp and nod in fear for my lovers life.

“Now this is your room! Do you like it? I know purple is your favorite.” Jerome asks as he pulls me into a huge room decorated to the exact way I love everything. Even Bruce couldn’t get something like this perfect.

Days after days and nights after nights. My fear lessened for the clown. He never hurt me. He never yelled. He never made me feel uncomfortable. He made me feel wanted. Which was surprising to me because after the times I can recall with Bruce he always had something on his mind. It was never just the two of us.

Weeks pass and my disappearance has flooded Gotham’s papers and news stations, but I’m not fighting to escape.

Jerome comes in my room holding a box wrapped all nice with a bow. I lay my book down and smile at him. “Jerome you need to stop giving me these gifts! You’re spoiling me.” He sits next to me and passes me to box. “It’s just a little something.” I open the lid and peer into the box to find a very beautiful handcrafted blown glass rose.

I gasp and hold it in my hands gently. “It’s so beautiful Jerome! I don’t know what to say.” He smirks and places one of his hands upon mine wrapping his fingers around my own. “Jerome may I ask you something?” He looks up at me and nods with a smile.

“Was my capture ever about Bruce? Or were you just jealous?” I giggle as Jerome’s face heats up and he laughs loudly. “Me? Jealous of that sack of buns? Please!” I smirk and cross my own given boundaries. I crawl on his lap still in my silk night shirt and underwear. “Then why did you take me Jerome?” I ask wrapping my hands around his neck and playing with the short sprigs of hair on his neck.

“I think I know. Even if you refuse to admit it.” Jerome scoffs looking everywhere but my eyes. I tilt his chin so he’s making direct eye content. “You Jerome Valeska we’re jealous of Billionaire Boy Bruce Wayne because he had the sweet girl Jerome craved. Am I wrong? I know what you could do! If I’m wrong get up and leave my room… and if I’m right all you have to do is kiss me.” I say biting my lip and running my finger along his scar.

Jerome grabs my hand and stares at me for a few moments. “Am I wrong?” I whispered giggling at the end. “No (y/n). You’re right as rain doll face.” He closes our space and kisses me deeply proving my theory in a most enjoyable way. “You’re my girl now. My doll. No more time for Wayne to enjoy what’s mine.” Jerome says spinning me and matching our lips again.

Part 54 Here!

~o0o~

I stop at the bottom of the staircase with a basket of clothes. “You two need to come down here or you’re going to be late. We have a set time, you know!” “WE KNOW!” The twins yell. Four feet hitting the steps quickly. “Can I give this to him?” Juliet opens a card reading a sweet love letter to her father. “That’s very sweet, honey. I’m sure he will love it.” Jeremy shuffles his feet pushing his glasses up his nose. “Do you have something for him, Jer?” He nods, pulling out a book about his favorite animal. “He loves tigers!” Jeremy’s eyes light up. “Really?!” “Yeah! Come on!”

I rush the kids to the car, buckling them into their seats before making way to Arkham Hospital. “Make way! We’re back!” Juliet screams as she runs to the door, swiping the entry card. The nurses stare at my family strangely each week. “Juliet, honey. Slow down.”

“Daddy!” Juliet yells at the gate, flailing her arms around. “Welcome back, Juliet.” A guard by the name of Rick speaks up. “Thanks, Rick! Care to open the gate, good sir?” She bows to him playfully. As the doors slide, Jeremy walks through the patients calmly minding his business while Juliet attempts to make friends.

“Jules, honey, come on.” I laugh, grabbing her hand and pulling her to the table. Jeremy sits in front of his dad crossing his hands in front of him. “Hello, dad.” He smiles brightly at Jeremiah. “Daddy!” Juliet throws her arms over his neck hugging him.

Rick comes over nodding to us. “His room is ready if you’d like to escort him.” I nod, going behind Jerimiah’s wheelchair. “Thank you, Rick.”

The kids walk behind me as I push Jer to his secluded room on the end of the hall. “Jeremy, love, get the door for me, please.”

“Sure.” As my boy pushed the door open Juliet jumps on his bed. “Can’t we spend the night, mommy?” I scoff, “Jules, you know we can’t.” She crosses her arms. “Why not?” I bend down to her level. “Don’t you have something for him?”

She takes the card out of her pocket and pushes it towards Jeremiah. “I made this for you, daddy.” She places it on his leg. He just sits still, looking dead at the wall. “Are you going to read it?” Juliet looks at me. “He won’t read it if you’re in here, mommy. Can you step outside?” I give her a sad smile. “Honey, he’s… daddy can’t move.” She looks up at me confused. “That’s not true. I’ve seen him!” Jeremy walks over and leans to his father’s ear, whispering. Then goes to his mouth, listening almost as if Jeremiah is speaking back.

“Kids! That is enough! Jeremiah is not going to move. He’s not going to talk. All we can do is come visit and see him. We do not get a response. Now straighten up or-”

“Oh darling, you’ve gotten yourself all tightened up haven’t you?”

His voice cracking. Dry and horse. I turn around seeing Jeremiah standing out of his chair. “What? See a ghost?” He laughs spinning around. “Daddy!” The kids cheer running to him and jumping In his arms. “Oh, my boy and girl. I’ve missed you!”

I stood frozen as the kids interacted with him. He looks over at me. Scars and all, he’s still my love. “(Y/n), my wife. Come to me.” As a river flows one way, so does my heart. I reach for him, walking closer. “You haven’t aged a day. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.” I rest my head on his chest letting out a breath. “Jeremiah. It’s been so long.” He hugs me close. “I know, darling. I know, but now we’re together again. As a family.” I back away from him slightly. “Why have you done this for so long? How long were you able to-” Jer shovels me in his arms, pressing myself against him, devouring my lips. “Everything is fine now. Unanswered questions are useless. Live with me, now, in the present.”

~

The kids and I walk into Arkham with smiles. “Morning, Rick.” He tips his hat to us, opening the gate. “A pure saint you are.” I internally roll my eyes. “I just want my kids to have their time with their father.”

I grab the handles on Jer’s chair pushing him forward towards his room. I kiss the side of his head. “Almost there, honey.”

The kids open the door letting me in and close it right after we make it through. Jerimiah sits still waiting. I stare at him confused. “Jer?” I question leaning down. “BOO!” He raises his hands scaring me. I jump back holding my heart. The kids laugh running to him.

Hours of laughing and playing with Jeremiah the sky has darkened. I put on my jacket and gather my kids. “Alright. Time to go home, loves. I still need to make dinner. Pops is coming over.” Jer frowns and hugs his two wild redheads. Juliet shuffles her feet. “Do we have to, Mommy?” “Honey, of course, we do. This isn’t a hotel.”

Jer kisses my head. “Not long now. We will all be home.” He rushes me out and closed the door leaving me to wonder about his plans.

~

Juliet and Jeremy sit at the table swinging their feet. I open the door with my hip, setting the roast on the table. “Now remember what I told you.” “Don’t talk about dad.” My children say out loud. “That’s right!” The doorbell rings and the two kids rush to it.

“You’re under arrest!” Jeremy says holding his hands like a gun. “Woah!” Jim throws his hands up. “Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot!” Jim scoops him up wrestling him on the couch. “We got you now, Pops!” Juliet says beating him with pillows. I smile looking at them. I get a cold chill against my neck making the hairs stand up. I rub my neck and turn around to see nothing.

Must be a draft.

“Alright, kids, Dad, come on and eat.”

All four of us around the table acting as a picture-perfect family. All that would soon change.

~

The children in bed asleep when my phone rings over and over and over and over. “What Dad? I’m getting-” “DID YOU KNOW (Y/N)?” I bite my tongue. “Know what? What’s going on?” “(Y/ N), Jerimaih has escaped!” My blood runs cold at the mention. I sigh into the phone. “I don’t know where he could go, Dad. He would come here if he knew where I was.” “It’s not you, he wants. It’s me.” “Do you need me?” He holds his breath. “I can’t tell you to leave the kids.”

I look over my shoulder at the doors. “I’m going to Bab’s to get Barbara Lee.” I hang up locking the kids behind both double doors.

~

At Barbra’s the lights and music suddenly turns on.

♪Now, I don’t hardly… ♪ ♪ But I think I could love her ♪ ♪ Crimson and clover ♪

“Turn around.” She speaks to the figure at the bar. “Turn around. I won’t ask again.”

A chilling voice emerges behind her. “Surprise.” She whips around to hit Jerimiah but is pushed into Ecco. “Easy. It’s just a surprise party. For you, Barbara Kean, queen of Gotham, business titan. How exciting. But there was another you, I… I seem to recall. Wasn’t there? Then again, there was, uh, another me, too. Oh, so hard holding on to what’s real. It’s… It’s enough to drive you mad.” He cackles over her. Barbara Lee comes running at Jerimiah, throwing a statue at Ecco.

Jeremiah looks down at her unamused. “Cute. Mine is better.” Jer simply shoots Babs in the abdomen. “Mom!” Jerimiah picks Barbara Lee up, “She has your eyes. For now.”

Echo whimpers, holding her stomach. “I… think she… nicked me, Daddy. I… oh, boy.” Jer stares at his assistant. “Oh, dear me. My sweet Ecco, no longer my echo. There will never be one like you. (y/n) will miss you dearly.” She smiles widely, “Really?” Jerimiah aims and shoots her in the chest. She smiles as blood pours down her chin. “But you were deceiving and in love with my wife. I suppose there are other employees available.”

“Let me… down.” Barbara Lee struggles in his arms. Jerimiah leans down to Bads on the ground, pistol-whipping her.

“Hush, little Barbaras, don’t say a word. Now we’re going to play a… little game. By now, James Gordon should have made it to your apartment and called his daughter. When he gets here, I want you to deliver a message.”

~

I park my car as I see Dad sitting alone. I run-up to the club seeing Bads laying down. “What happened?” She glares at me. “He took her! Your psychotic husband took her!” She reaches for me in anger. “He took her! That lunatic took her! He said you have to come, and if you don’t come, he’s gonna kill her.” “Where?” “The place where he was born again.” I rub my face in frustration. “Ace Chemicals.” I run down getting in my car and racing there. “Jer!” I call out loudly. “You can’t do this shit, Jeremiah!”

“Jeremiah? Is there a Jeremiah here?” I hear him call. I follow the voice to see him all alone. “So what should I call you?” I tilt my head, tears flowing. “Jerimiah.” “No, no. That’s a boy name.” “STOP THIS!” I scream. His facade falls slightly but never cracking.

“I call you the devil.” Dad appears behind me with his gun drawn. “Wher is my daughter?” Jer looks at him confused. “The Devil? No, Call me… Jack. Mm, no, no, no, that’s not right. J-Joseph. John. Jay. I-I don’t know. I just… I feel something new crawling from the primordial ooze that was me. Something… beautiful.”

“How long have you been pretending to be brain-dead?” “How long have you been pretending? That’s a joke. I know you’re not pretending.” I look up seeing Barbra Lee hanging over the tanks. “Ah, ah, ah, that’s far enough, (y/n).”

“But you still haven’t told me. Why? Why keep pretending?” I look at Jer in confusion. Why has he waited all this time?“ He smirks, "I was waiting for him to come home. We’re bound together, he and I. It’s the one thing I knew for certain, the one thing I knew was true. And then he just… abandoned us. Do you know how it feels to have the one, the only thing you love ripped away from you? It feels like this.” Jer pulls the rope releasing Barabra Lee. “No!” I scream grabbing hold of the rope, the fibers sliding my hands.

Clangs of metal are thrown at Jer, who dodges them. “Who’s there?! What do you want?! Show yourself! Show yourself!” I see a black mass whooshing over us. I gasp in realization. “You.” Jeremiah laughs before he’s knocked out cold.

~

“Now you give those kids kisses from their Pop.” I laugh as I hang onto my father’s arm as we walk to dark streets. “You know you could come over. They miss you. You make them laugh, dad.” He shrugs and kisses my head. “I’ll come over tomorrow night for dinner. Let it be a surprise.” I nod and open my car door sighing. “Bye, dad.” “Bye (Y/n). I love you. Tell Juliet and Jermey I love them too.” “Of course.” I finish, getting in my car and closing the door.

The drive home is never my favorite. Time alone is cruel to me. I still hear his laughter. Both of them are so different yet so loveable in their ways.

Juliet holds so much of Jerome in her. Especially her eyes. Full of joy and determination boxed up in two beautiful green orbs. Jeremy loves the books and brain teasers and puzzles like a certain Valeska who holds my heart.

I pull up to my small house upon a hill. The lights to the living room, kitchen, and kids’ room are the only lights illuminating the house. The sitter’s car was still parked in the driveway where it was hours ago untouched.

I unlock the door stepping into my house. “Jeremy! Juliet! Babes, I’m home!” I hear my daughter’s beautiful laughter from down the hall. “Mommy! Come here and look!” She giggles, creating a smile on my face.

Jeremy giggles and yells from the same room, “Juliet made a mess, Mom!”

Maybe they’re playing house, maybe even cops and robbers!

My heels click as they edge closer to the door. I grasp the handle smiling. “Did you two have a good time with Abby? I hope you were” I scream as the sight before me wounds my eyes.

Abby, the sweet high school girl who has watched my babies grow up now lays in my daughter’s bed with knives and pins stuck in her body.

My baby girl, Juliet, stands next to her, knife in hand, blood on her cheeks, and a wide smile spread across her lips.

I cover my mouth horrified. “Juliet. Honey.” she giggles and pulls out a pin of Abby’s eye. “We played Doctor, mommy!” She runs to me laughing and holding the weapons.

Jeremy runs in from the bathroom with a blood-soaked rag. “I’ll help clean, mommy!”

I fall to my knees letting a few silent tears fall. “Are you okay, mommy?” Jeremy asks with big eyes filled with worry. He walks over, hugging me by his sister’s side. “I’m sorry we ruined the floor. I told Julie we needed a sheet first.” Jeremy says, kissing my cheek.

Juliet wraps her blood-covered hands around my neck kissing my cheek like her brother. “Did Pop not come too? I miss him.” I smile holding my girl as Jeremy goes to clean the floor again. “Pop has a busy day tomorrow morning. He said he’ll make it up to you.” she nods and laughs again.

Jeremy takes the knife from his sister and holds it up to me smiling. “Do you want to play, mommy?” I see the joy in those eyes as she asks me. I see hope in her eyes.

“Yeah, mommy! Play with us!” Juliet jumps on the bed over Abby’s body.

I grab the knife and stare down at it.

“Mommy?”

“Yeah, come on, mommy. Let’s play.”

I look up and see Jerome sitting at Juliet’s vanity playing with a big brush for her play makeup. “Aw come on doll. Look at her. You’ll make her so happy.”

I turn my head to the right and see Jerimiah flipping through a children’s book. “Better than intoxicating their minds with this, darling. Think of how much they’ll admire you. Our little ones will look up to you as their hero. A hero they’re going to be told is evil in Gotham. Raise them right.”

Jerome grabs my hand and helps me grasp the handle of the knife. “For me doll. For Jeremy and Juliet. For you, (y/n). I know you miss it, doll. Go on.”

I walk over to the cold dead body and look at my little boy and girl between their fathers.

“Let me show you two something Daddy showed me.” Juliet runs over and hops on her bed next to her brother, standing in between Abby’s legs. “What mommy?”

“If you slice a clean cut from the corners of her lips… to her cheeks…” I slice the skin feeling my hands become lighter.

“She’s smiling!” Juliet giggles and jumps. “Isn’t she pretty, Jeremy?” Juliet asks, hugging her brother. He giggles and nods jumping on the bed.

I see my men both smile at me. “Let’s go get cleaned up and then we can call pop and tell him goodnight.” She nods and skips to her bathroom.

“You’re such a bad mom, (y/n).” Jerome purrs smacking my butt as I pass him. Jerimiah rolls his eyes and simply kisses my head. “They’ll turn out to be magnificent, darling. Even more than they are now.” I shrug smiling at them both.

“What can I say. They’re Valeska Twins." 

Part 53 Here!

~o0o~

“Who are you?” Bruce’s voice booms through the study. He stares at his newly crafted parents with confusion, and shock. His mind must be going in circles. “Well, look who decided to join us,” Martha speaks to her boy. “Hello, champ.” Thomas follows.

“Master Bruce!” Alfred pops in with a tray of tea and biscuits. Bruce looks at his friend in shock. “Alfred, how did you…”

“Look at the state of you. What have I told you about rolling around in the muck?” Bruce stares at everyone, Jeremiah and I hide away watching for the time being.

“Alfred, what’s going on? Who are these people?”

“Whatever do you mean, Bruce?”

“We’re your parents.” Silence from the billionaire boy Bruce Wayne.

“Right. Well, let’s get you spruced up. After all, we have guests.”

Jeremiah pulls us both out with smiles. His hand around my waist and his other raising a glass. “Welcome home, Bruce.”

“Jeremiah. You’re alive.” Bruce’s eyes travel to mine.

“Well, you didn’t think Selina could kill me so easily, did you? Or that I’d ever leave my wife and my unborn sprees? I just had to put you off my scent until I could finalize my… project.” Jeremiah pinches Martha’s cheek. Bruce lunges for him before Alfred stops him. “Manners, Master Bruce. Let’s not be rude to our guests.”

I look to Bruce with a slight smile. If I play along I might be able to stay safer if I play the victim. I smile kissing Jer’s cheek. “Especially when we come bearing gifts.” I present the bomb to them all on the table. “Oh, Mrs. Valaska. A cake. How exceedingly kind of you. Is it Italian meringue?” I look back at Jeremiah with a smile, about to burst into laughter. He shrugs his shoulder. “Sure.” Bruce strides towards me with fury, until Jeremiah pulls out the trigger.

“Now, now, Bruce, you come any closer and I blow up Wayne Manor, with all of us inside of it. I have a dozen more of these, uh, Italian meringues sprinkled throughout the house.” Bruce glares at me with ill intent. “What did you do to Alfred? And who are these people?” I roll my eyes leaving Jerimiah’s side and plopping on the couch. “Ah, glad you asked. Come.”

Jer strolls over to look at Wayne’s personalized smiles with Bruce. “Mommy and Daddy dearest were just an innocent couple I kidnapped based on… bone structure and, um… build. Just a touch of plastic surgery, and voila… Waynes. Alfred, I nabbed in the Green Zone.” Bruce waves his hand in front of their faces, connecting the dots.

“They’re hypnotized.”

“Well, I’m afraid there was no room for improv in our script. Today is a… very important day, Bruce. Just look at the way they’re dressed.” I walk around Martha, admiring her pearls. “I like these, J.” He hum. “I’ll get you some just like it, love, but these ones are important for tonight.” I giggle and kiss his cheek.

“It’s the night my parents were killed,” Bruce says with sadness.

“And I’m giving you the chance to experience it all over again.”

“Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Bruce… this…this was the most important day of your life. And I didn’t get to be a part of it. We didn’t get to comfort you on your big day. We need to rectify that.” I stretch my arms out, planting them on my swollen belly. “Alfred, is dinner done? I’m hungry.”

Jeremiah nods looking at Alfred. “Chop-chop. We’re on a very tight schedule. My wife needs to eat.” Alfred bows his head. “Of course, Mr. Jeremiah.”

Jeremiah pulls out a chair for me in the dining area. Very comfortable and quaint! Jeremiah passes me a plate full of fruits and toast. “Alfred told me such great tidbits about your childhood. Any jam, darling?” Jer paused to ask me. I shake my head, kissing his cheek. “No love.”

He nods, “Anyways, yes, How you used to eat here, in the kitchen, when it was just you and the family. My, how… homey and intimate. That’s exactly how I’m raising my children.”

Alfred walks over with Jer’s food. “Grilled cheese and Branston pickle sandwich, Mr. Jeremiah. Master Bruce’s favorite. My influence, though Thomas did add a dash of aioli for extra flair.” Jer looks at Bruce with judgemental eyes. “Oh. Come on, Bruce. That’s a weird favorite food for a 12-year-old.”

“I’m playing your game,” Bruce says smacking the plate off the table. “Now let Alfred and these people go. They’re innocent.”

“I’m sorry, Bruce, it’s just… it’s very important to me that I get every detail exactly right. Speaking of which… the final touch. What was it like… losing your parents that night? I lost my family, too, Bruce. The wound still hasn’t healed. I… think about it often.” Jeremiah falls into his thoughts, trailing off.

“None of this is real. You’re trying to manipulate me. It will never be real.” Jer smirks seeing the despair and sadness on Bruce’s face. “But you are thinking about that night. That’s all I need. I just want to be connected to you. I offered for you to be my best friend! You could’ve been the godfather to my children. But I’ve realized if we… can’t be friends… then we can be connected in other ways.”

“How?” Bruce asks frightened.

“You’ll see. In time.” Jeremiah looks at his watch humming. “I’m sorry to cut tonight short… but… your parents and I have a very important date …with destiny.” He laughs as we stand up and disappear with the Waynes. “You might want to find your faithful butler and leave. Quickly.” as we rush out of the home Bruce struggles to find his butler.

Jeremiah runs through the tunnels, dragging me behind. “Exhilarating. Isn’t it love?” I grab the wall as we near the end. “I… I need to slow down.” His face smooths and he presses his hand to my back. “Aw, my love, I’m sorry. Giving you a hard time today?” His hand comes to my stomach and the twins kick excessively. “When you’re around.” I laugh leaning onto the soft fabric of his blazer. Jer looks down at me with sad eyes. “This is dangerous. You shouldn’t be here.” I furrow my brows. “You brought me along!” “And it was foolish of me. Gents, for the rest of the night, keep my wife safe. At safe blast range.”

~

“Jeremiah!” Bruce calls in the theater. “Show yourself!”

The screen starts running a film. “Ol?! Hola, Bruce.” Jeremiah swings in the frame on the big screen. “Well, here we are, the theater where your mommy and daddy took you to see The Mark of Zorro. Ha-ha! I had heard you were obsessed with this man as a child. I wonder what was it

that intrigued you so? Was it the fact that he struck fear into the hearts of his enemy?” Jeremiah in his costume fights off his enemies on the screen.

“En garde! Take that, you villain.”

Jer looks into the screen. “Perhaps the movie was a bit too effective. Isn’t this the part where you became frightened? When you asked your parents to leave? I wonder what would have happened if you hadn’t done that. If you had conquered your fear. Maybe your parents would still be alive.”

“Well, on to the last and final stop down memory lane.”

~

Bruce runs out of the theater in a sprint. He stops in his tracks when he sees Jerimiah and I. “Stop! Stop! That’s far enough, Bruce.”

“Jeremiah. You don’t have to do this.”

“But I… I do. You see, I-I came to this realization. I realized that no matter what I did to bond us, some random gunman in an alley would be the man who you were tied to the most. The man you saw when you closed your eyes. I want to be the star of the show! Jeremiah says dramatically. "So if I can’t have you as a brother bonded by love, then we’ll just have to be bonded by hatred.” Bruce huffs at him in anger. “And you think killing two people that look like my parents will do that? It won’t.”

Jer tightens his grip on me. “Well, then it’s a good thing I already put a bullet in both of their fraudulent skulls.” I look up at him with furrowed brows. “You said-” “Oh, you’re both confused. How sweet.” I look back to the couple with their backs facing us. “Jer, who is that?”

“You’re wondering if I already shot them, then who’s this lovely couple?” I jerk away from Jerimiah in an attempt to see the two. “No.”

“Thomas, Martha…why don’t you turn around?” Tears well in my eyes. “Jer, why?” He looks down at me with venom. “It’s always been a roadblock, darling. Even for Jerome. With Jim in the way. No family of ours will survive. So why not have some fun with it, huh?” He winks at me. “No! You- you can’t. These kids need him.” “They need me,” Jerimiah says with a smirk. “And so do you, doll.”

“See, Bruce throughout our little adventure, fate brought to me James Gordon and Leslie Thompkins, and I thought to myself, why not… why not kill the man who you think of as your second father figure? And your dear, dear, dear friend Lee Thompkins. And when I do, finally, you and I will be bound together. Because you see…reunification with the mainland hangs on by a thread. Those fireworks go off and toxic chemicals rain down onto the city, and the government…cuts us adrift for good.” I let a tear fall. “Jeremiah, please. Don’t” He hold me tighter, never letting go of his hold.

Jer pulls me to the car, shoveling me in. “Dad!” I scream over his shoulder.

“I had Jervis Tetch hypnotize them so that they’ll wake up the moment these beautiful pearls hit the ground. I want you to see them realize what I’ve done to them as life drains from their bodies. Never forget, this is all for you, Bruce.” Jerimiah hops into the car with me, closing the door as we speed off. I stay silent. Sitting alone. “Aw, darling. Come on now. You know I had to. A wife can never live a life with two sides. You’ll understand one day.” He kisses my cheek while looking out the windows at his destruction.

“You know… I always liked him.” I look up across from me to see Jerome. “He got on my nerves, but he always kept it interesting, didn’t he, doll?” I push a smile out on my lips, nodding. Jerome leans over and kisses my forehead. “Cheer up love. Look down, look at our kids. Give them a laugh for me. Keep that one in check.” He winks before setting back and vanishing.

I shake my head pushing all the nerves back in my mind. “Jerimiah, love? Where are we going?” He smiles grabbing my hand. “To the finale.” Rounding a corner I see the big illuminated letters of ACE Chemicals. The inside reeking of strong odors.

“Jeremiah! Face me!” Bruce’s echoed scream bounced through the factory. “Here, Bruce,” Jer calls loudly. I stay behind pipes, hidden away safely as Bruce runs after my mad husband.

“Jeremiah! This ends. Tonight.”

Both gentlemen on the metal walkway above the vats of acid. Bruce hits Jerimaih making him stumble against the railing. “No, Bruce. Now it begins.” Bruce kicks Jerimaih down the catwalk, towering him. “You feel it.

The connection between us. You do. Don’t you? Bruce, you feel it.” Bruce punches Jeremiah as he continues. “Tell me you feel it.”

“You mean nothing to me.”

Jerimiah’s head butts Bruce before getting to his feet again. “Why don’t you understand?” Jer grabs Bruce pushing him against the railing, causing it to bend. “You need me. I’m the answer to your life’s question! Without me, you’re just a joke…without a punch-” Jerimiah throws his hand at Bruce, but Bruce moves at the right time causing Jer to miss. His arm follows through in the wind, his body hitting the railing hard causing it to break and Jerimiah to fall into the vat. “NO!” I scream running over. Bruce tugs me back as I try to reach down into the vat. “(y/n), no!” I cry holding to the broken railing. “No… no…” I lower my head into my hands. They’re both gone. I’m all alone now.

An ambulance rolls up fishing out Jerimiaha’s body from the vat. “Miss.” I continue to watch as Jerimiah’s body is laid on a table and carried away. “Miss.” I look up to see a nurse with worry-filled eyes. “I need you to come with me. You’ve been surrounded by hazardous chemicals. We need to make your child is okay.” I nod numbly. Passing Bruce, keeping my head down. “(Y/n),” Bruce calls. “Let me follow.” I nod without a word.

~

“Well, Mrs. Valeska. You’re set. Two healthy twins.” I nod standing. “Where is-” “Room 204. He’s unconscious.” “I don’t care.” I stand walking to the locked room, two guards on each side. “I’m his wife,” I say before entering. In the bed, Jerimiah lays still, wrapped up in bandages from head to toe. I feel my tears well up with tears. “He did it to himself, doll. Nothing you could’ve done.” Jerome kisses my shoulder, wrapping his arms around me. The ghostly feeling so comforting. I lay hand hands on his feeling the cold skin. “I wish you were here.” “I know, but someone else is.” The door opens and none other than my father walks in. “Dad.” “Oh, my god.” He covers his mouth, tears welling up, as he wraps me in his arms. “You’re okay.” I cry into his shoulder.

Selina and Bruce arrive in the room. “I can’t believe he’s still alive,” Selina says with hatred, but I can’t blame her. “They’ve been doing scans, and he has no brain activity,” I say never taking my eyes away from Jer. “So, he’s no longer a threat to you. To anyone.” I turn around walking away from the room. “(Y/n),” Dad calls out. “Come home with me, honey. You need to be-” “Okay. I’ll meet you there.” I continue to walk out the doors into the dark night of Gotham, a quiet night. 

Part 52 Here!

~o0o~

I pack two sandwiches in my purse and proceed to cover my hair with the large silk scarf. “Where are you sneaking off to?” Babs asks walking past me and downing a drink. “Secret date? I figured you would get sick of the pale faced clown.” I smile at my hands. I could never tire of my boy. I’m as crazy as him, maybe more, but he would never turn me away, and I could never leave him.

“I’m married.” “Even better.” I narrow my eyes at her. “Babs, I’m going to see my dad.” She widens her eyes. “Now you’re asking for a death wish.” I walk out the door, my heels clicking every step. “If you say so.”

I walk into the GCPD and can sense the chaos and tension thickly canned in the air. Not seconds later two individuals start brawling over bread. “Hey! Break it up!” My father pushes them back. “For all the new people here… everyone is welcome in Haven, but there are rules. And one of them is we leave the fighting outside. Government already thinks we don’t deserve help. We have to show otherwise. Gangs want to tear themselves apart outside, that’s their business. In here, in Haven… we help each other survive."  I hum with a slick smile as the two dispute the issue and the tension falls. Saved for another day.

I walk up to him nudging his arm. "Nice speech. I think it worked.” He turns to me and gasps, but recovers quickly. “(Y/n). You’re so big. No… Just-” “Pregnant, dad.” He nods smiling. “So what happens when they find out the government abandoned them?” He sighs, shaking his head. I pat his back. “Come on paper man. You need some real food.” I pull him into his office and remove the disguise. “Italian sub for you, and tuna for me.” “You hate tuna.” I smile sitting down. “They don’t.” I pat my swollen tummy. “So there are two of them?” I nod smiling.

“And you’re happy? He treats you well?” I nod again smiling at him. “Of course he does. He’s not a monster, dad.” He grabs my hand over the desk and squeezes it. “I don’t… like him. You know this. He destroyed the damn city for christ’s sake, but he is the father of my grandchildren, and the husband of my only daughter, so I can promise you… I will never kill him.” I kiss his hand and smile. “Who knew that’d be so comforting to hear.”

~

I walk into the elevator with the smile ghosted over my lips. Crackling from the speaker erupts my mind causing me to shake and grab the wall in fright. “Aw, honey, I’m sorry.” Ecco’s voice pipes up from the speaker. I wave my hand in front of the camera with a smile. “No worries. All good here.” I laugh placing a hand on my stomach. “Where is Jerimiah?” “Working down below. Would you like me to get him?” I smile up at the camera. “Let me go down.”

“Uh… Miss, I think we should wait. He doesn’t want you around the-” I press the button to the bottom floor faster than light. “Oops,” I smirk up to Ecco as the elevator skips the main floor and descends below.

The two doors slide open revealing a steamed room with the funk of hard labor. I step on the uneven ground and see Jerimiah fanning himself as he watches his workers. I rest my hands on his shoulders and kiss his cheek. “You’re working hard.” He spins around with a glare. “And you’re not supposed to be here.” He grips my hips pulling me towards him.

“I missed you.” I nuzzle into his chest. He hums as we rock back and forth. “I missed you, my love. Come on. No lady should be exposed to this heat.” He places his hand on the small of my back leading me to the elevator.

Holding me the entire way up and then carrying me to our bed, never letting us go. “Are my darlings all suggled up?” He asks resting my head on his chest. The icy colored flesh proving wrong to the touch of fire on my fingers. “Yes, Jer.” I mumble feeling my eyes draw to a close. “Never will I go a day without my family… even your father.” He kisses my head before I can ask the question.

~

Jeremiah POV:

My workers work endlessly day and night to break the walls of the under the earth. Slowing down each day, getting on my nerves in the end. You’re pushing my men way too hard. “We’re not gonna break through for at least a couple more days. There is absolutely no way to make it on schedule.” The leader of the pack of sweat cogs comes in.

My wife doesn’t need to be kept in this filth any longer. How dare he disrespect my future.  “Well, not with that attitude, you’re not.” I slice the man’s throat, as he falls to the ground, blood flowing on the dirt.

“Now… everyone… let’s reach inside and dig… a little deeper, shall we? ‘Cause that’s the only way you’re all making it out of this hole.” I hum watching their fear thicken.

Two taps on my shoulder break my gaze from the project. “Oh, Echo. Are these all the recruits?” Skinny, no brains, slim Whitted. These are my soldiers?

“Well, I thought you would want quality over quantity. Not everybody can pass a .38 caliber test of faith.” I smirk thinking of the trials and tests they’ve suffered.  “Yes… you certainly have set a very high bar for devotion.”

“Oh. Almost forgot. Bruce Wayne and his sidekick Curls… Or is he the sidekick? Anyway, they tried to infiltrate our little operation here.”

“Oh?” “ Oh. And Curls can walk, really well, especially… for a paraplegic. Ah. And she wants to kill you.” I glare at her with a snarl. This doesn’t help that my wife is being cared for in the same building.

“A lot, FYI. If I see her, I’ll give you a shout. Oh… and kill her.” I nod rolling my eyes. Finish the job and move on for the better of my wife and children.

~

I walk into the GCPD questioning room with my scarf wrapped around my head, and my belly protruding out. Quite the look I must say. I open the door to see Victor Zsasz pushed on to the table by Harvey.

“Ow. This is a really nice table.” I snicker and take my glasses off. “You do realize her thrives on the pain.” The three pairs of eyes look at me.  “We got a dozen witnesses that saw you walk out of that building before it went kabooey.”

“Yeah. I heard some gangs had taken over.” Zsasz says turning his eyes to me.  “Figured, with you guys occupied, I might help myself to some of your supplies. Hey, do you guys have any canned peaches? Man, I’d trade an arm and a leg for that right now. Not mine, somebody else’s. Maybe little baby Maniax’s.” He laughs reaching for my stomach before Jim swats his arm down.

“If you’re innocent, why shoot up a city block full of cops?”

“Because it was full of cops.” Zsasz and I say at the same time.

“Who were also trying to shoot me. And, guys, those were warning shots. I mean, if I really

wanted to kill you… you’d be dead. You got a pen? I want to write this guy a thank-you letter. Do the math. If I blew up a building full of people, I would have covered

every inch of my body in sweet, sweet scars. Mrs. Valeska…  want to do a strip search?” He winks before my father punches him. “She’s married, pig.”

I lock arms with my dad and walk through the station. “Got Lucius on the horn for you, Cap.”

“Lucius, talk to me.” I grab the phone holding it close enough for the both of us to hear. “Haven wasn’t destroyed by a bomb. It was an RPG, like the one that took down the chopper.”

“You sure?”

I’m holding what’s left of it in my hand right now. We found pieces of it in the rubble. It was fired through the basement window, detonated the fuel oil tank. And we’re still trying to figure out exactly which rooftop it was fired from.

“Rooftop?”

“Yes.”

“Dad, the only angle you could hit this place from is above. Zsasz was on the ground. Looks like you need a new suspect. I think we need to-”

“Jim! Ah. I know the wheels of justice turn slowly, so I’m here to provide- a modicum of grease.”

Rushing up towards the front, Oswald, the Mayor of fallen Gotham, stands tall and proud.

“You need to leave right now.”

“Still claiming he’s innocent, is he?”

“Yes. And as much as I hate to admit it, the evidence is backing him up.”

Harvey busts out, “What the hell’s going on?” “Harvey, according to Lucius, Zsasz couldn’t have done it.”

Oswald huffs with a smile. “I did not expect you to go soft, Jim. Actually, I did. Behind a grandpa and all must’ve changed your ways. Which is why I didn’t come alone.” Several gunmen come out armed and ready to fire. My father huddles me close and shields me from the view of guns.

“Bring me Victor Zsasz!”

“Leave, (Y/n). Go home!” Jim pushes me away towards the doors.

~

Jeremiah POV:

I wave my hat fanning my pale skin placed upon the crippling bones. It’s so damp and hot in here, but I’m freezing. My heart has gone cold without her scent around. Not a touch, not a wiff, not a glace for days it seems. Where is my angel with my bundles of joy?

“You see, a river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence. So what do we do when we feel like giving up? Dig a little deeper. And what do we do when we can’t possibly go on any longer? Dig a little deeper. And what do we…” A sharp blade stabs into my side crippling my speech. I look down seeing the masked figure in the striped coat. I gasp feeling my footing slide as the attacker shoves the blade into my stomach further.

“Deep enough?” The individual removes the mask revealing the little pussy of them all. “Well, Selina, I must say…” She pulls the blade out plunging it back in sharply.

“Don’t say anything.” Over and over again the blade is shoved into my side. The light dimming, the hot steam hitting my brow, the devilish laughter of my brother. This is near my end? Maybe so…

“Selina!” The rat is stripped away from me causing me to fall to the ground barely clinging to the life of happiness I have.

“Selina!” Bruce Wayne holds the fierce kitty back. “Stop. It’s done! It’s over.”

~

The building is quiet. The entire place is quiet… Not one swing of an ax hitting limestone, making a light clink sound. Not the ring of my husbands voice calling to his men. Not even Echo meeting me at the door with my slippers and milkshake. Something is not right.

“Jeremiah?” I call out as if he could hear me from below. If not him then someone. One of the members at least, but no one came. I proceeded to enter the elevator only to see blood on the buttons and floor. They were having the graduation today, not everyone makes it.

The doors  open to the pool room and I could almost drop to my knees at the smell. Thick scent of blood coating the walls. I walk out of the elevator and down into the pool counting the dead. No Echo or Jeremiah. Good so far.

I make my way down to the tunnels where silence has taken over. Just a simple lone man sitting in a chair. “Where is Jermiah?” I panic pulling my jacket closer. Could he have left me?

“Mrs. Valaska!” “Where is my husband?” “He’s off in the tunnels. He’s got injured. I’m supposed to take you to him.” “Well, go on!” He shuffles his feet in a pace of nervousness, tripping over rocks and pickaxes. “How did he get hurt?” “Someone came in and just stabbed the boss. She was taken away by Bruce Wayne.” I feel fire ignite in my blood. Selina and Bruce. What a treat. Trying to kill my husband in my own home.

Down the tunnels I hear him. Groaning in pain as Echo stitches him up. “How could you let this happen?” I shout at her. “She was fast.” “And you’re supposed to be faster.” I glare at her as she cowers at my words.

“Don’t stress, darling. It’s not good for the babies.”

“Jeremiah.” I kneel down next to him grabbing his face. “Are you alright?” He places his hands over mine, kissing them each. “I’m still alive. One thing I’ve still got on my brother. How are you, my love? I’m sorry. You must’ve been wrecked with worry.” Jeremiah pulls me into his lap. I nod with my bottom lip out. “Yes, I was. I was so scared, Jer.” He pulls me to him. “Aw my darling. I know. I know.”

I shift my weight slightly causing him to jet in a sharp inhale. “Oh, honey. Stitches still sore?” He nods. “Never would have happened if you wore that armor I prepared.” Echo hums, causing me to roll my eyes. “That bullet makes you sentimental of the wrong things.” I huff out pushing her out of the view.

“Why would you not check who was working? You always do. You’re always prepared.” Jeremiah places his hand on my cheek again. “I had to let Selina thrust the knife into my flesh at least once. Verisimilitude trumps precaution, you see.” “They think you’re dead.” I think putting everything together.

Echo stands to the side bouncing with information. “What is it?” She giggles jumping on her heels. “All systems go.” Jeremiah lifts himself, placing a hand on the small of my back and leading us along behind Echo.

“You could’ve died.” I whisper looking at the dirt. “I didn’t.” “But you could have, Jeremiah. That’s my point. You have two children growing, and soon they’ll be out in this world. They need their father. You’ve kept me safely away, but that won’t mean shit if you’re not around to protect your children.” I move ahead of him in a fit of fire.

A hand grabs my shoulder spinning me around. Jerehimah dips me and pushes our lips together. His grip on my arm and hip so tight, keeping me pulled to him with no fight. He pulls away only an inch, looking at my eyes, looking into the soul. “Now, you may not understand everything I do, but I do it for you and these two kids. I think and I plan for hours. You sit up in the bed resting your feet like I tell you. When you start questioning if I’m going to make it, that’s when this will fall apart. You’re my darling. You’ve been mine for thousands of years. Never doubt me, (Y/n).” He places his hands on my stomach and pecks my forehead. “Come along now. We have things to do.”

Leading me through the tunnels I start to see less of the dirt and more solid grey rock already formed into tunnels. “Where are we?” Jeremiah giggles pulling me alongside.

“Doctor. I’m hearing good things.” Jeremiah says holding in laughter.

What is he up to?

The Doctor nods. “The bandages are ready to come off. Your assistant thought you’d like to see the results.” Echo shakes her head in praise like a dog while Jer nods his head. “Indeed, I would.”

He turns to me. “You won’t want to miss this, (y/n).”

The Doctor unravels the bandages on the individuals faces revealing a profile built from professional lifestyle and diets. This is Thomas and Martha Wayne before my eyes… ALIVE!

“Oh, you two look beautiful.” I smile looking down at her pearl necklace. “Down to the very detail with you.” Jeremiah kisses my cheek. “I love family reunions, don’t you?” “More than Christmas!” I cheer and giggle.

Part 51 Here!

~o0o~

I pack two sandwiches in my purse and proceed to cover my hair with the large silk scarf. “Where are you sneaking off to?” Babs asks walking past me and downing a drink. “Secret date? I figured you would get sick of the pale faced clown.” I smile at my hands. I could never tire of my boy. I’m as crazy as him, maybe more, but he would never turn me away, and I could never leave him.

“No. He’s my husband.” “Even better.” I narrow my eyes at her. “Babs, I’m going to see my dad.” She widens her eyes. “Now you’re asking for a death wish.” I walk out the door, my heels clicking every step. “If you say so.”

I walk into the GCPD and can sense the chaos and tension thickly canned in the air. Not seconds later two individuals start brawling over bread. “Hey! Break it up!” My father pushes them back. “For all the new people here… everyone is welcome in Haven, but there are rules. And one of them is we leave the fighting outside. Government already thinks we don’t deserve help. We have to show otherwise. Gangs want to tear themselves apart outside, that’s their business. In here, in Haven… we help each other survive."  I hum with a slick smile as the two dispute the issue and the tension falls. Saved for another day.

I walk up to him nudging his arm. "Nice speech. I think it worked.” He turns to me and gasps, but recovers quickly. “(Y/n). You’re so big. No… Just-” “Pregnant, dad.” He nods smiling. “So what happens when they find out the government abandoned them?” He sighs, shaking his head. I pat his back. “Come on paper man. You need some real food.” I pull him into his office and remove the disguise. “Italian sub for you, and tuna for me.” “You hate tuna.” I smile sitting down. “They don’t.” I pat my swollen tummy. “So there are two of them?” I nod smiling.

“And you’re happy? He treats you well?” I nod again smiling at him. “Of course he does. He’s not a monster, dad.” He grabs my hand over the desk and squeezes it. “I don’t… like him. You know this. He destroyed the damn city for christ’s sake, but he is the father of my grandchildren, and the husband of my only daughter, so I can promise you… I will never kill him.” I kiss his hand and smile. “Who knew that’d be so comforting to hear.”

~

I walk into the elevator with the smile ghosted over my lips. Crackling from the speaker erupts my mind causing me to shake and grab the wall in fright. “Aw, honey, I’m sorry.” Ecco’s voice pipes up from the speaker. I wave my hand in front of the camera with a smile. “No worries. All good here.” I laugh placing a hand on my stomach. “Where is Jerimiah?” “Working down below. Would you like me to get him?” I smile up at the camera. “Let me go down.”

“Uh… Miss, I think we should wait. He doesn’t want you around the-” I press the button to the bottom floor faster than light. “Oops,” I smirk up to Ecco as the elevator skips the main floor and descends below.

The two doors slide open revealing a steamed room with the funk of hard labor. I step on the uneven ground and see Jerimiah fanning himself as he watches his workers. I rest my hands on his shoulders and kiss his cheek. “You’re working hard.” He spins around with a glare. “And you’re not supposed to be here.” He grips my hips pulling me towards him.

“I missed you.” I nuzzle into his chest. He hums as we rock back and forth. “I missed you, my love. Come on. No lady should be exposed to this heat.” He places his hand on the small of my back leading me to the elevator.

Holding me the entire way up and then carrying me to our bed, never letting us go. “Are my darlings all suggled up?” He asks resting my head on his chest. The icy colored flesh proving wrong to the touch of fire on my fingers. “Yes, Jer.” I mumble feeling my eyes draw to a close. “Never will I go a day without my family… even your father.” He kisses my head before I can ask the question.

Part 50 Here!

~o0o~

I scan through paint swatches, holding it up to the walls of the nursery contemplating the vast difference in the outcome. “I like this blue.” Jeremiah picks up a swatch and tapes it to the wall. I smile as he narrows his hands focusing on the paint. He nods looking around the room. “We can put both the cribs against the wall here and place the changing station in the middle. Rocking chairs in either corner.” He smiles with his accomplished plan.

“What do you think, boys?” He asks kneeling at my stomach. I scoff smiling, “How do you know these boys of yours aren’t girls?” Jeremiah leans down pressing his ear on my swollen belly.

“Hmm. Yes. What was that? Of course, I’ll let mommy know.”

Jeremiah stands cupping my face. “You’re children don’t like the vitamin shake you drink.” I roll my eyes walking away and taping a light pink swatch of paint on the wall.

Jeremiah raises a brow smirking. “Really, (Y/n)?” I shrug beaming. “You never know, Jer.”

~

I look out the large window looking at the starved and rotten Gotham. I sigh sipping at my morning tea Ecco brought me.

“You’re sighing again.” I look over at her smiling. “You say that a lot.” “It’s because you sit there looking like a princess waiting for someone to come.” I shake my head at Ecco laughing. “You’re crazy, Ecco.”

She hops in front of me smirking. “We could be bad, ya know? Sneak out. Just for a little.” I narrow my eyes leaning in. “Keep talking.”

~

Jeremiah POV:

Coming up the elevator into the late hours of the night to finally take rest next to my wife. “The tunnel is coming along nicely,” Ecco says standing beside me. “Yes, there is much to do.”

“Ecco, does my darling ever speak of life before this?” Ecco nods at me. “Mrs. Valeska always loves to spend time thinking of the good days.” I hum reconnecting ways to make her happy. “I’ll have to send her on a little trip out of our little Dark Zone.”

I open the door to our room removing my tie and shirt and putting them away.

I walk over to my wife and rest my hands on her stomach holding my children. “We’re not supposed to be here.” I sigh resting my head against her. “I’m trying my best to get us out of here, loves.”

She rolls to her side causing me to chuckle. I kiss her head cuddling into her in our sheets, dreaming of escaping Gotham with my family.

~

“Remember, love. Tonight is another graduation for the troops. It is still too dangerous. Care to take a trip to the Sirens today? I thought about sending you to have a full week of fun.” Jeremiah asks as I cuddle into his side. “Yeah. I could use some girl time. If you’re alright with having me away that long.” Jeremiah holds my chin gazing into my eyes. “I love you so much, darling.”

“I love you, Jeremiah.” His smile warms my heart as he descends the elevator. “Behave yourself, loves.”

~

I step out of the car smiling at the large buildings all so familiar. “Hello, Sirens.” I grab the railing to step inside but am bumped by a force making me stumble.

“I - I’m so sorry, miss!” I look down at a little boy with bruises and scratches all over his body. I kneel gasping at his frame. “Oh, honey.” He looks behind his shoulder gulping. “You have to help me, please.”

I look up at the building thinking over my plans. Jeremiah told me to go here and only here, but it’s not like he knew I was going to run into an abandoned child!

I nod at the small kid getting back in my car. “Come on, kid.” He jumps in my car closing the door and gasping. “Thank you! Thank you so much, miss!” I smile sadly at the frightened little boy.

“Where are you going? Where can I take you?”

He looks at me with hopeful eyes. “The Haven.”

I’ve heard whispers of the spot concealed in safety for a couple of weeks now. “I have an idea of where it is. I’ll take you there.”

He nods smiling, “My name is Will Thomas.” He offers his hand.

“(Y/n) Valeska. It’s good to meet you, Will.” He smiles shaking my hand.

~

“Whoa.” Will gasps as the large caged in the apartment corner appears. “Yeah,” I say taking a look at all the people smiling. “Are you coming with me? I have to find someone who can help my brother and sister!” I nod turning off the car. “Yeah. I’m not sure who all lives here, but I can help you look around.”

Walking in the small compound many of the people were friendly in this trying time.

I walk up holding Will’s weak hand. “Excuse me, sir.” He turns to me confused. “Yes?” “This boy needs your help.” I try to usher him and scatter away but a hand reaches out grasping my wrist as I walk away from them.

I look up meeting my father’s eyes through the shades. “(Y/n)?”

I smile removing the glasses. “Jim.” he crumbles losing his balance. “Where have you been?” I shake my head tugging at my arm. “I-I can’t be here.”

I run away slipping out of the Haven untouched and back to my car as my father runs out screaming my name. I drive to the club again and entering as nothing happened.

“(Y/n)!” Babs screams running to me. “Oh, my! You’ve filled out!” I laugh pushing out my stomach. “Well, when you’ve got two fighting for space.”

~

Jim POV:

That was her. My girl. My beautiful daughter walking right in and then scurried away faster than wildfire. “Jim, was that-” I turn to Harvey with a smile breaking my features. “Yeah. That was (Y/n).” Harvey pats my shoulder. “I know you’re thinking you have to find her at this very second and trust me I do too, but we’ve got another pressing thing. Like this mystery kid.” Harvey pulls me away from my thoughts.

“Right. What do we know?”

“His name is Will Thomas. Parents died in a home invasion a few weeks after the bridges came down. Guys that broke in took him to some sort of factory where he was held alongside dozens of other stolen kids, all chained together.”

“God. Who are these guys?” “Call themselves The Soothsayers.”

“You ever heard of them?” “No. But who can keep track these days?”

“Which district?” “Granton. Near the water, he said. Had them digging some sort of tunnel. Will broke free from his restraints last night and walked nine miles through the Dark Zone and found Mrs. Valeska in the Sirens block. She brought him here.”

“What kind of tunnel?”

“Unclear.”

“There’s an abandoned waterworks by the old dock in Granton.”

“Detective Gordon?” The small boy asks. “My friends. You’ll save them, won’t you?” I nod at him holding a smile. “I’ll look into it.”

“The Soothsayers won’t be happy I escaped. They’ll punish

the others for it. Please, Mr. Gordon. I promised them I’d bring help.”

~

“Gosh, I can’t wait until I can drink again.” I laugh at Babara from behind the bar as she throws down a shot. “Oh, me and you both. Push those kids onto that pale freak and go wild!”

Feet away the crowd split and they still their ongoing conversations. None other than James Gordon walks over to Barbara. I duck under the bar hiding in plain sight.

“Barbara.” She looks down at me before turning to ace my father. “Jim, what brings you crawling out into the open tonight? Come to join the party? One last hoorah before someone wastes you?” She smirks taking another shot before slamming it down.

“I’m here to ask a favor. Maybe some information if you have it.”

“A favor plus info, right. Is this after you stood by and did nothing while my best friend on this Earth was stabbed through the heart?”

“I put him down.”

“You restored his limp.”

“HE SHOULD BE DEAD!”

Jim sighs, “Barbara.” She cuts him off with her screams. “Everybody out! Now! I said move!”

As they file out and the music comes to a halt I shiver on my knees. Why am I doing this? Hiding from my blood.

“Planning revenge?” “Well, someone has to do something about that freak.”

“He has an army. It would be suicide.” “Look around, Jim. We’re all slowly dying. Just some of us get to choose how.”

“I’m sorry about what happened to Tabitha.”

Babs brushes off the matter scoffing, “So, these favors?”

“I need transportation. Trucks, maybe.”

“Where are you going?”

“It’s a police matter,” Jim says making me hold in a laugh. How could police exist nowadays?

“You know, they should really write that on your tombstone. They’re downstairs in the basement lot. Knock yourself out. Drive right into this nightmare you created. You won’t last a night.”

He stays quiet for a moment before asking, “Have you seen (y/n)?” Barbara chuckles, “And if I did, what makes you think she wants to see her father who turned her own happiness away?” I peer over the bar watching my father’s eyes drop and sadness fills his emotions. He turns away from the bar walking away. “Thank you for the trucks.”

I pop up resting my elbows on the counter. “You didn’t have to yell at him.” Babs turns to me locking eyes. She breaks shaking her head with a sad smile. “No, I guess I didn’t.” I come around the bar sitting beside her. “You really think he won’t last out there?” She turns to me smirking. “Not if he has some help. How long are you staying here?” I shrug, “Jeremiah doesn’t need me around when the church graduates. He said the tension in the air is stressful for the babies.” She scoffs laughing. “Right, because he’s Mr. smartypants.”

~

I sit on the couch watching TV as Babs strides through tossing my gun at me. “Load it and follow me.” I stand following her. “Uh, why do I need a gun?” She turns back to me as walks into the garage.

“We’re going to help Jimmy. You want to drive?”

I smile at her nodding. “Okay.”

~

“Wait, slow down! I hear something.” Barbara says causing me to stop the vehicle equipped with machine guns on the empty road. “I won’t say it again, freak. Gordon comes with me.”

I smile at her, “Jackpot!”

“I’ll tell you what! I’ll take his head, and you can have the rest of him!”

“NOW!” I scream as we whip around the corner and shoot down the punks. Barabra hops out fo the car walking towards my father.

“Hi, Jim. About our last chat… I may have been a little rash. This what got you all hot and bothered? They need a bath.”

“Crazy bi-” I stand from my seat shooting the armed man aiming at Babs. As I hit the target, my father does as well.

He looks at me in shock. “(Y/n)?” I smile sitting back and cranking the car.

“Oh, lookie there. I found her. Not all square yet though. You’re gonna help me do what we all know needs doing.”

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”

“Kill Penguin.”

~

I gaze and smile a all the happy citizens in the Haven. “This is amazing.”

“Citizens are heading here in droves. This place will be full

by sundown.” Jim nods looking around. “Then we’ll find another.”

I look up at him. “I figured you left when the evacuation was called.” My father puts an arm across my shoulder pulling me to him. “You were still here. I was never going to leave without you. Especially now with these two.” He says placing a hand on my stomach.

A woman walks up with her younger ones grinning at Jim. “I just want to thank you, Captain Gordon. My family, we’ve been drifting from one place to the next ever since the blackout. You’ve delivered us.” She walks away beaming with joy, leaving my father with a raised head and confidence and honor beaming from him.

His moment soon ruined by Barbara scoffing, “Seriously?” She rolls her eyes looking at me. “You know he’ll be angry with you if he finds you here. You’re staying with me so my ass will be burned.”

I look back at Babs and my father. He grabs my wrist looking me in the eyes. “You can’t go back, (Y/n). Look at what he’s done!” I close my eyes gathering my emotions. “Jim, please let me go so I can go home to my husband. This will end ugly if you refuse.” He looks at me with shock and shakes his head. “No, I found you and now I’m going to keep the three of you safe from him.” I rip my arm out of his grip. “I came to you! I understand you’re upset, I do. But… Daddy’s little girl is gone, I married him, he is the father of my children, and that won’t change. You can either fight it and our contact will end, or…” I take out his pen from his pocket and grab his hand, writing my phone number. “You can accept me for the person I have become, and call me.”

Jim nods sadly. He places his hand on mine. “I love you, (Y/n).” I nod smiling at my father. “I hope so.” I back up walking next to Barbara.

“I’ll see you around, killer. We have some unfinished business, you and I.” She nods to him as we exit the gates.

~

“How was the day, darling? Have my twins kicked you anymore? I talked with them the other night.” I giggle over the line laying on the big bed in the guest room of Barbara’s home. “They’ve been fine, Jer. How was the first day of the graduates?” He sighs over the phone. “10 go in and only 4 complete the trial. It’s quite disappointing.” “I bet you’ll have more tomorrow. It is a new day after all.” “Indeed, love.”

I snuggle in my covers rubbing my belly. “Get some rest, Jeremiah. I’ll see you soon.” He hums in the line. “I do hope so, darling. I love you.” I smile feeling complete. “I love you too, Jeremiah.”

As the call ends it suddenly rings again. I pick it up figuring it to be Jeremiah, once more. “Did you forget something?” I giggle over the line. “(Y/n)?” Jim’s shaky voice comes through. “Dad.”

He sighs and speaks, “Hi honey. H-How are you?”

At this time I talk to my father and open the door that has been shut so long.

“Hey! How about we meet up for lunch when we can?” I laugh at him, “You’re going to act like everything’s normal and grab a sub?” “Why not? I’ve got my family back.”

A piercing giggle springs from the bathroom. Jerome walks out with sunglasses and posing in the mirror. “I’m going to tell.”

I shake my head at him as my father talks. Jerome cackles and runs to the door making me chase after him tripping him. “OW! Workers comp!” He cries.

He stands up giggling. “Ole Jimmy. Always slithering around and shitting on our lives. Brother will be mad, (Y/n), you know that.”

“Goodnight, Dad.”

I hang up rolling on my side and cuddling into the sheets. “He won’t find out, Jerome.” He scoffs cuddling close to me. “Lying to your husband? You naughty girl.”

I laugh into the pillow. “Goodnight, Jerome." 

Part 49 Here

~o0o~

Jim POV:

As I come out of my office I see a large number of cops watching Jeremiah sitting calming in the holding cell. “Don’t you all have work you should be doing?” I yell towards them as they scatter.

“Pardon me, Jim.”

I walk over to Jeremiah raising my brows. “What is it?” “I’d like to press charges against Bruce Wayne’s butler. I mean, just look at my face. I can’t have my wife seeing me like this.”

I scoff smirking with pure anger, “I think you look great.”

“And I’d like to speak to Bruce again. We couldn’t really talk before what with his girlfriend bleeding out all over him.”

“You tried to prove you’re better than your brother. But I’m still here. I’m searching for (Y/n), and the city’s still here. You’re a failure, Jeremiah. Enjoy Arkham. Your brother did. I’ll be the one to make sure (Y/n)’s visiting hours will be less than none.”

“Bring me, Bruce Wayne… I’ll let you speak with (y/n), and I’ll tell you where the other bombs are.” I walk closer engaging. “We have all your bombs.”

Jeremiah nods with an underlying smirk, “The maze bombs, yes. I mean the other ones. Jim, as an engineer, you expect systems to fail. So, you build in redundancies. And I am a very good engineer.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” He smirks at me waiting for a reaction.

“You’re right, you know. I did fail. I didn’t yet understand the vision I was servicing, but, I do now. My eyes are open as will yours be. When you realize I’m not bluffing, bring me, Bruce Wayne. And I’d like a coffee. Black. Two sugars.”

~

“How many bombs are there? Where are they?” I challenge him again. “I want to talk to Bruce Wayne.”

“Tell me where they are, you son of a bitch. Who’s helping you?”

“Bruce Wayne.”

I grunt, shaking my head in frustration, “You are never gonna talk to Bruce Wayne. You hear me?”

Jeremiah shrugs smirking, “Then more people will die and you will never see (Y/n) or meet your grandchildren.” I look up meeting his icy eyes with cold blood. “What? You’re lying.” Jeremiah sighs, “My wallet, right sleeve, forth slot, a sonogram photo of my two twins. I don’t bluff, Jim. Why do you think I ask for your blessing? Wouldn’t want your daughter unwed and knocked up, huh? But once again you resented her happiness, and she ran right into my arms. You never were good at holding on to what you care about, were you, James?”

~

Bruce finally walks in as I’m strapped to the dolly awaiting transportation to Arkham. “Hello, Bruce. It’s great to see you.”

“Where are the bombs, Jeremiah? Where is (Y/n) Gordon?”

“Closer, please.”

As Bruce teds near I speak again. “Tell me. How is the young lady doing?” Of course no reaction. I smile switching subjects, “You know why we’re destined to be best friends? Because we’re very much alike. You are as I used to be. At war with your true nature. You must truly embrace it if you ever want to be free. I’m just trying to help you.”

“Trying to help me? By torturing Alfred? Trying to destroy Gotham?

By shooting Selina? You think we’re alike because there’s a darkness inside both of us. But the difference is, I know how to control mine.”

I scoff smirking, “I think you could be so strong. I see it. He sees it too.” Bruce looks at me confused walking closer. “What do you mean, "he”?“

"Where are the other bombs?”

I roll my eyes looking up at the camera playing the game, “What bombs?” “Bombs you planted around the city. You blew up the Mayor.”

“Ah, that bomb. Yes, that was the only one. But it did what it had to do. It got you here.”

“You said, "he.” Who do you mean?“

I smile gasping at Bruce. "The one who opened up my eyes. Who showed me that everything I was doing, was not to create a Gotham of my own for (y/n), and I, But yours, Bruce. The Gotham you need. Your dark island. And it will come to be, Bruce. Tonight.”

“Tell me his name,” Bruce demands empty-handed.

“What did the doctors say? Will the little bitch ever walk again? What vertebrae did I sever? I was hoping for the lumbar…” “TELL ME HIS NAME!” I laugh at his anger. “You already know his name. You’re his heir.”

Bruce gasps letting my suit wings go. “Ra’s al Ghul… No, it can’t…”

“Shh.” The lights flicker as the room goes dark and I am freed from this hold.

~

Enter the building I see (Y/n) waiting with Ra’s, overlooking the old city. “Jeremiah! Ra’s was just telling me he could marry us!” I grin walking over as the men get Bruce ready for the arrival.

“Could you?” Ra’s nods smirking, “Just say when my boy. I can-” “Now.” I pull out two solid gold bands passing mine to (Y/n). “You’re prepared.” She giggles. “I’ve been waiting.”

Ra’s chuckles offering off a quick blessing to us as a couple. “Do you Jeremiah Valeska take (Y/n) Gordon as your lawfully wedded wife?” “I certainly do.” I grin watching my love. “And do you, (Y/n)-” “Yes.” Ra’s gestures between us chuckling. “Wonderful, you may kiss your bride, Mr. Valeska.”

I scoop her in my arms kissing her deeply. I pull away as the men waltz a masked Bruce into the room. “Ah, hate you missed the ceremony, friend.” I walk over pulling the bag off of his head.

“How did you two…” “Find each other?” Ra’s finishes, “I’d like to think it was you, Bruce. You brought us together.”

Ra’s turns to me and (Y/n) as we look at the city. “I trust things went smoothly?” “Like clockwork. Did your men retrieve my bombs?” “They are en route to their positions as we speak. From here, we can take in the full majesty of Gotham’s destruction.”

“You’re both insane!”

Ra’s shakes his head in disappointment, “I know it’s difficult to fathom, Bruce. But Jeremiah and I are doing this for your benefit.”

“How is destroying Gotham supposed to help me?”

“Because I had a vision. That out of this crucible of blood and fire will rise the Dark Knight that your city needs. That I need.”

I scoff pulling away from (y/n) and joining Bruce and Ra’s. “To be honest, Bruce. Prophecies, visions. Not really my cup of tea. But our friend revealed something to me. That my twin obsessions, rebuilding Gotham and rebuilding you, are one and the same. You’re the brother I never had. The one Jerome never could be. We will create a legacy in this city. Gotham falls. We rise. Together.”

Barbara walks in passing each of us towards Ra’s. “Oh, hey, Bruce. Freak. (Y/n), looking beautiful!”

“Hello, Barbara. I’m really glad you came.” She sighs shrugging. “Bad news, baby. I’m not leaving. Gotham’s in my blood. And I don’t think I can let you leave either. You see, you say you’re leaving. But I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna be back. And I don’t like looking over my shoulder.”

“Need I remind you, Barbara. You’ve already tried using that knife. And also, you’re outnumbered.”

She hums smiling “Hmm. That Demon’s Head is really not working out for you, huh?” Suddenly Oswald yells striking us and the fight breaks out quickly.

Tabith tackles me to the ground as I search for (Y/n) in a blind panic. She holds her knife to my neck sneering, “So you know, this is for Selina.” I flip her overtaking the blade from her and pressing it to her skin. “In that case, it must be very disappointing for you to be dying like this.” She smirks and moves her arm. “I’m not talking about you.” She pulls her trigger making me search where the bullet traveled.

The bombs go off destroying the city as my wife falls bleeding from the bullet that pierced her. “No!” I growl rushing over. She cries holding her chest. “Jer-” “No, no, don’t speak. You’re going to be fine.” The city burns down as my love’s life source lowers.

“You’re going to be fine, love. We’re all going to be safe. Tomorrow is a new day,”

~

Staying by her bedside the entire night as the doctors work to remove the bullet, and stabilize her and the babies. “She should wake soon, Sir. The children are healthy. She’s lucky it wasn’t any closer to her heart.” I nod boring my eyes into her face.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

(y/n) mumbles and opens her eyes slowly. I smile leaning over, “Rise and shine, beautiful.” She looks up at me confused, then looks down at her chest gasping, “That bitch.” she sneers growling and trying to sit up. “No, no, don’t try that.” She gasps, putting a hand on her belly. “Jer-” “They’re alright, doll. You’re very lucky. All four of us are.”

She looks over to me putting a hand on my cheek. “What do we do now, Jeremiah?” I smile rubbing my hands on her stomach. “Now, my love, we enjoy our marriage, and wait for our children.” Her cheeks glow as I speak of our children. “I love you, Jeremiah.” “I love you too, Mrs. Valeska. Always.”

~ Day 87~

I sit at the radio discussing yet another call on the state of Gotham to the officials over the bridge. “Your people have decided to ignore evacuation orders.” “No, no, no, no. It is clear you don’t understand.” “What’s to understand, Mr. Gordon? I’m afraid you’re making your-” “For the last time… after the bridges blew and the government declared Gotham off-limits, the city was up for grabs. Given over to criminals and murderers. New territory is controlled by whoever has enough power to hold it. I mean, we have Penguins in City Hall, for God’s sake. Barbara and the Sirens control an area around their club. It’s the only place in Gotham not suffering for food or booze. Barabra trades mostly for information. It’s women only, but men can buy windows of time. To the west Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow. Victor Freeze is further north warring with Firefly. And to date, there have been no confirmed sightings of Jeremiah Valeska, or my Daughter, (y/n). Then there is us. The GCPD controls a ten-block area around the precinct, where we feed and protect 150 civilians. That number could grow as who knows how many others are trapped around the city. These are innocent people who couldn’t get out. The Government has a duty to protect them. You have a duty to help them.” I finish waiting for the response.

“We’ve been over this time and time again. No one is allowed in or out of Gotham.”

“People we are protecting are not criminals.” “And anyone who stayed after the evacuation order is no longer the government’s responsibility.” “We’re surrounded by hostile forces. We are running out of food, ammunition. There are children here. You need to evacuate them.” “A committee is being formed regarding the situation in Gotham.”

I huff shaking my head. “At least let us resupply ourselves.”

“We understand the situation.”

“You DON’T understand. If you did you would do something. Just say we’re on our own.” The radio waves stay silent as no response comes through. I nod gruffly and turn off the communication.

I look to the corner of the desk seeing a photo of (Y/n), along with the photo of the unborn twins. I sigh holding them to my heart. “Please be okay.”

~

“I like Jeremy,” Jeremiah says as we relax on the couch together. “And for a girl?” He hums thinking. “What if we stuck with the J name? I kinda like Juliet.” Jeremiah looks at me smiling. “I think that’s lovely.”

I stroke my small belly with love. “I just want them here already.” Jeremiah laughs kissing the top of my head. “They’ll be perfect.”

~

Months pass of us hiding, gaining followers, and then finally start to dig under the city for our escape. Fully 6 months pregnant and things are just seeming harder. “You’re sad,” Ecco says frowning. She scoots over massaging my shoulders. “Tell me what’s wrong.” I sigh stroking my stomach feeling a wash of sadness. “I miss my dad. I hate to say it, but I do. These kids won’t have a Grandpa.” Ecco nods sighing dramatically. “I am so sorry, (Y/n). I wish I could help.” I smile leaning my head on her shoulder. “How’s that bullet feeling in there?” I tease as she giggles. “It’s still rolling around in here!” She shakes her head, knocking the loose pieces in her brain. “I still can’t believe you did it.” She shrugs giggling, “Anything to help you, (Y/n).”

“Come on, let’s see how the boss is. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the progress.”

Ecco helps me down the steps into the area where they’re digging the large tunnel. “Wow! Looks, good everyone!” I yell, making the workers greet me with forced smiles. “Darling.” Jeremiah clams walking to me, placing hands over my stomach with a grin. “Ecco, you’re not supposed to bring her down here. It’s dangerous.” He glares at her. “Jer, I wanted to, she was obeying me.” He reluctantly nods waving her away.

I switch the radio station finding a slow song and smiling. “Dance we me, Jer.” I grasp his hand swaying with him to the music. “We’re close aren’t we?” I nod laughing. “Just three more months, Jeremiah.” He shutters with a smile. “I can’t wait." 

Part 48 Here

~o0o~

I walk in looking at the extravagant new home hidden away. “This is beautiful, Jeremiah.” I gasp looking over every inch of beauty crafted from the mind of my man. “The children already have an empty room waiting for them. I’ll have the workers gather some materials. From now on I would like you to stay here. If you must leave, please be with Ecco or Babara at all times.” Jeremiah speaks calmly sitting on the couch. “You trust me with Babs?” Jeremiah smiles nodding his head. “For now.”

I smile laying in his arms looking out of the large windows. “Are you happy you’re going to be a father?” Jeremiah pulls me close humming. “Of course. We’ll need to get married. I will not have my children be born Gordons.” I laugh kissing his nose. “They’re Valeska’s, trust me.”

~

I sit up covering myself with the silk sheets. Jeremiah stands in the mirror looking over his new attire. His hair has fully darkened and his lips are a brighter red in contrast to his pale tone. “I like it,” Jeremiah smirks at me walking over. “You’re adorable, dear mommy.” He leans down kissing me.

“Now while I’m out where will you be?” I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. “Right here, Jer. You don’t have to worry.” “Oh, I know. It’s others that worry me. Call me if you have any trouble, love.” I nod watching him walk away.

Hours later my phone rings as I’m going through my new wardrobe Jeremiah provided me with. “Hello?” “(Y/n)! How are you doing, love? Want to grab lunch before your boyfriend blows the city up?” I giggle at her as I hold up a shirt smiling. “So you’ve heard.” “Yeah. Care to chat?” “I can do that. I’ll send you the address.” “Great! I’ll get you a ride.”

Not long after the call ends a black car rolls up into the driveway. I exit the house getting into the car. Barbara sighs, “I’m sorry, (y/n). Nothing personal. We just need the upper hand.” “What?” Suddenly a bag is thrown over my head and my wrists tied together.

As we enter a warehouse I’m sat down in a chair and the bag is removed. I look over and see Jongleur has been captured as well.

Barbara kneels, smiling. “You look really good by the way. Glowing and all.” I turn my head away. “I’m still mad at you.” She nods, “Yeah, but we can’t have Gotham blown up.”

Only after a long ten minutes, Jeremiah walks down with his followers seeing us.

“Oswald Cobblepot. Barbara Kean. In my stronghold.”

“Not one step closer, Mr. Valeska,” Oswald says pointing a gun at me. Jeremiah’s eyes grow deadly cold. “And is that my dear Jongleur with my core relay in his hand and a grenade taped to his mouth? Not only that, but you have the future mother of my children strapped to a chair with a gun pointed at her head?”

“Indeed, it is.”

“Huh. Well, it seems you have the upper hand.”

“Undoubtedly. And now, we have our own demands…. $50 million.

Jeremiah widens his eyes in amusement. "That’s what you want?”

Oswald smiles nodding, “It’s a nice, round number.”

“I don’t quite have that on me right now,” Jeremiah says calmly. “You gave the mayor six hours to evacuate Gotham. An impossible task. Let him buy another hour. He will save thousands of lives. $50 million will seem cheap.” I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re playing him the villain, while you get away free and rich? Shoot me now.” I roll my eyes laughing.

Jeremiah smirks at me, giving me hope. “I get you the money, you give me back my fiance and my core relay.” Barbara hums smarting off, “That is usually how a hand-off works, yeah.” I look over my shoulder at her huffing.

“You drive a hard bargain, but I’ll see what I can do. Hold tight, darling.” Jeremiah pulls out his phone quickly. “Just like that? After knowing your brother, I expected something more…” Jeremiah scoffs, “Insane? I’m nothing if not sane and reasonable. Two things my brother never valued. That’s why I’ll be successful where he failed. Well, that, being vastly more intelligent and winning (Y/n). Now, to see about your money.”

He dials the numbers and brings his phone to his ear. “This is Jeremiah Valeska. I’d like to speak to the mayor. I have additional demands… Yes, really… 50 million, unmarked bills. I’ll tell you about the location. ”

Jeremiah chuckles looking at us. “Would you believe it? They put me on hold.” He bends down pulling out a bazooka. My chair is pulled out of the blast range from one of our followers as Jeremiah aims and shoots at the core relay blowing it up.

Jeremiah cuts me free holding me close. “Are you alright?” I nod into his chest.

“Are you out of your mind?” Oswald screams in shock.

“Why do you keep insisting I’m insane? What’s insane about having a backup plan, something Jongleur never knew about. And, so you know, this building is within the blast radius. And because of your interference, I’m going to detonate the bombs as soon as I’m far enough away to observe the destruction in peace with my family.”

“No, you promised the city six hours!”

“Whose fault is it that I changed my mind?”

~

“You’ve blown up the bunker and the Mayor already. How many bombs were you thinking of using, honey?”

Jeremiah lays his hand on my leg as he transports me home safely. “I need a blank slate. Everything must go. I want to be set up in the center and have the whole Gotham city park the backyard for the kids.” Jeremiah opens the door for me as we walk into the house. “I’ll be home soon. Take a tour of the barracks downstairs. Then tour the master bathroom with the newly renovated jacuzzi.” Jeremiah finishes halfway out the door. “I’ll miss you.” He sighs dramatically gazing at me. “And I you, darling.”

~

Jim POV:

I walked into the GCPD shocking every one of my colleagues. “Jim!” Harvey rushes pulling me in a hug. “Oh, Buddy.” I chuckle while pulling away wincing. “All right, easy there, big fella. Remember, I just got blown up.”

“How did you get out of the bunker?”

“It’s a long story, but what matters is, I have the locations of every bomb Jeremiah planted.” I hold up the plans from the bunker for everyone to see.

“Jeremiah wasn’t bluffing. There are at least a dozen bombs on this map.”

“But you’re saying, if we disarm one of them in the sequence, we’ll stop all of them from going off. And according to this, the closest one is just a mile away.”

Harvey starts rambling off plans for the squad to carry out, “Alert the bomb squad. Tell them to meet me there.” “Wait, Harvey. Let the bomb squad handle this. You don’t have to go.” He nods at me with the determination of prey. “Yes, I do. I need this, Jim.”

~

Jeremiah walks in the bedroom seeing me spin in one of the many new outfits he gifted me with. “Are we happy, (y/n)?” He asks strolling over and taking me in his arms as he looks at us in the mirror.

I nod smiling at my soon to be husband. “Are you ready to start our new life together, sweets?” He pulls my hair over my shoulder lining my neck with kisses. I turn away from him pulling him out the door by his tie. “If you keep that up we’ll be late.”

We enter the elevator descending to the followers’ barracks. As we enter they chant cleanly, “Jeremiah! Jeremiah!”

Jeremiah switches the denominator on his trigger; just one flick of that switch and its bye bye Gotham City.

“All my life I spent by myself, hidden away. I am so glad to be sharing this happy moment with you, (y/n), and all of you as well. Today marks the dawning of a new Gotham City. One where we will all be free. Now, shall I do the honors?”

Jeremiah makes his speech walking down the lined army of members, towards a TV with the news just waiting for something to happen.

Suddenly a familiar face appears on the screen. My father.

“That’s Jim Gordon! He’s not dead.” The followers cry out in a tantrum.

“This is a message to the followers of Jeremiah Valeska. Jeremiah claims to have killed me. Well, bad news, I’m alive.” My father smiles smugly on the screen.

Jeremiah turns back to all of us shaking his head trembling. “No. No, it’s a trick. I killed him.”

“So, just know, you’re worshiping a fraud. A pale imitation of Jerome. You did your worst, Jeremiah. And I’m still here. And I’m coming for my daughter.” Jeremiah turns off the TV in a rushed frustration.

“Doesn’t matter whether he’s alive. When I hit this switch, you’ll hear the sounds of a new world being born. Our world. Now… Listen.” He hisses as he flips the switch. I smile awaiting a reaction, but nothing changes. I tilt my head confused and look at Jeremiah turn the switch over and over.

Every one of the false followers starts to gang up on Jeremiah, “He’s a fake!” “He’s a liar! Liar!”

“SHUT UP!” He screams, slowly making his way to the door. He makes his way to me grabbing my hand and kissing it. “I want you all to know I find your fickleness quite hurtful… And more so, very predictable. Come, love.” Jeremiah pulls us out, locking the room shut with the followers inside. He pulls open the box on the wall pressing the large red button engraved with PURGE.

The room soon engulfed in horrid screams and bright flames as they burn in the chamber. He sighs watching them through the window. “Well, that is disappointing.”

I grab his hand pulling him towards the elevator. “Don’t focus on that, what we need to do now is go to your office and figure this out.” “Darling, I adore enthusiasm, but I haven’t gotten started in the office. This was supposed to work out.” He groans frustrated.

The elevator takes us up a floor to a large room I have started to make into his office. He walks in seeing a desk there with his plans and breaks into a smile. “You didn’t have to do this, darling.” He removes his blazer, tossing it on his chair while I move to sit on the desk.

“I know, but I wanted to. If this is going to be our home I want you to have your spot to work again.” Jeremiah rolls out the map smirking, “Well then, let’s get to work.”

We spend hours looking over the plans for flames and or issues, but I can’t think of anyone who would’ve taken the chance between the two triggers.

“I got it!” I laugh lowering my feet from the desk. “ If you had Jim in your office with the prints he took them when he escaped!” Jeremiah nods gathering along, “Gordon found one of the bombs, and sabotaged the sequence… I’ll have to start again.” Jeremiah nods looking down at the map of the City.

“You’re tenacious. I like that.” A ghostly voice runs along the walls of the room. Jeremiah pulls me behind him pulling out his gun. “Who are you? What do you want?” He speaks calmly.

“I had a vision of Gotham in flames. Together we can make that happen.” A man from the upper half of the platform speaks. “Well, I say we appreciate the offer, but recent events have convinced me of the benefits of working alone.” Jeremiah shoots at him, but the man moves too fast.

I stifle a giggle pulling out my gun. “Your shot is horrible.”

“Don’t be so rash. Your dream of a new Gotham fit for your family will come to be, with my help.” This man speaks again from the other corner of the room. I raise my gun shooting at him, but he vanishes.

Jeremiah sighs laying a hand on my hip. “You’re behind me, aren’t you?”

We turn around meeting this mystery man with the plan. “I can conquer Gotham on my own. What makes you think I need your help? Whoever you are.”

He smirks walking closer. “Because, my boy, all this is not just about Gotham. This is about Bruce Wayne.”

I gasp giggling. “This just got interesting.”

~

“You’re going to get arrested!” I fight Jeremiah as we go over this plan. He shrugs dusting his hat. “Love, I’m escaping. Can’t you focus on that?” I huff crossing my arms. “I want to go with you.” Jeremiah laughs shaking his head. “Have you forgotten you’re carrying twins, my love? I am going to be shooting people. Use your head.” I laugh pulling at his tie. “I’ve been thinking of names.” “Oh? Want to tell me as we watch Gotham burn?” “Root beer floats will be waiting.” Jeremiah rolls his eyes. “You and your cravings.” “Blame your kids!”

~

I walk into Wayne’s home leaving the door wide open. I walk to the study smirking as I hear the ongoing conversation.

“Why do you think he’s so obsessed with you?” Selina Kyle asks Bruce. “Jeremiah said, "All it takes is one bad day to drive a person insane.” I wonder if my parents dying made me a little insane? Maybe he sensed that. Maybe he wanted to bring it out.“ I smirk nodding my head. "Smart boy.”

“Well, you proved him wrong.”

I roll my eyes entering the room. “To be fair, the day’s not over yet.” Selina stands up going to attack, but I simply pull the trigger of my gun shooting her in the lower abdomen.

Bruce screams as I am tackled to the floor by the butler and brutally beaten. Just one bad day Bruce.

Part 47 Here!!!

~o0o~

“Alright Ms. Gordon, this is going to be a bit cold.” The doctor places the gel on my stomach. Barbara holds my hand smiling.

“and there it is.” I watch the doctor point at a small dot. “wait. What is that?” Barbara asks squinting at the screen. “Ah, good eye Ms. Keen. Congratulations (y/n), you’re carrying twins.” I look at Barbara gasping. “Twins.” Barbara smirks and covers her mouth. “I guess this is what happens when you get with two brothers!” “Hush Babs! That’s not how it works!”

The doctor smiles as we watch the two dots dance alongside each other.

~

I walk into Jeremiah’s office smiling at the photo of the babies. “And right here we can use the commanded wire so it will transfuse- darling - you’re back.” I look up in a daze seeing Bruce and Jeremiah both in the office working on the project.

“Oh! I’m so sorry to interrupt! I’ll come back, boys.” Bruce shakes his head. “No, no, Ms. Gordon. Please.” Jeremiah walks over with a kiddish grin. “How is it?” I smile at the picture before handing it over to him. “They are just fine.” “They?” Jeremiah stares down at the picture showing the two babies. “Twins, Jeremiah.” He smiles engulfing me in a hug. “Mother always said twins are better because you have double the love.” I laugh rolling my eyes.

“Congratulations, (y/n). On the engagement and the child.” Bruce says hugging me. Jeremiah shrugs placing an arm over Bruce’s shoulder. “I may have told him earlier.”

~

I knock on my dad’s door tapping my foot. “(Y/n)!” He opens it hugging me tightly. “Hi, dad!” I enter sitting on his couch. “I’m just watching the game. You want a beer?” I shake my head, placing my hand on my stomach unconsciously.

“What’s that?” “What?” My father picks up my hand with my engagement ring. “Oh! Actually what I came to talk to you about. Jeremiah proposed. Can you believe it?”

My dad scoffs, “Son of a bitch.” “Aren’t you happy?” “Are you sure you want to do this, (y/n)? Marriage is a big step. Then you’ll start a family, and you don’t know the first thing about how to raise a child. I just think you should slow down a little.” I stare at Jim with disbelief. “Slow down? That shouldn’t matter if I’m happy with him, dad.”

“I know you like him, and he is a good guy, but are you sure he’s the right one? His brother was a-” “He is nothing like Jerome!”

Jim shakes his head, sighing. “I think you should rethink this.” I stand up walking to the door. “Is it your plan in life to kill my happiness? You can’t control me anymore. I shouldn’t have even told you.” I open the door exiting the home as my father calls out for me into the Gotham sky.

“Who needs him.”

~

Late into the hours of the AM, I awake by the sound of laughter echoing through the halls. I reach for Jeremiah only to find his spot empty. “Uh oh. Better check on him. Make sure he hasn’t gone overboard!” Jerome laughs as he covers up in his brother’s spot in the bed.

I follow the echo towards the living room and upon entering I see Jeremiah sitting in front of a camera and applying makeup with a mirror.

“What are you doing?”

Jeremiah turns to me patting his face with my beauty blender. “Do you just take all my things?” “What’s yours is mine, darling.”

I look down at the table looking at the different things spread out. I pick up strips of false skin and look at Jeremiah. “What are you planning?”

He looks at me and sighs pulling out a colorful notebook. “That is Jerome’s.” He nods humming. He opened it and pushed towards me showing me a crazy plan to terrorize Gotham.

“I’ve only taken ideas from him here and there. He’s far too insane for anything to work. Look where it got him. He was obsessed with killing me, Bruce, and Jim Gordon.”

I huff rolling my eyes at the mention of my father. “Yeah, he had a habit of pissing people off.” Jeremiah smirks at me as I speak poorly of Jim. “Read through it. You’ve played in this game before. I want your advice.”

I read the whole plan twice over before looking up at Jeremiah smirking.

“You’re going to throw a wake for Jerome at the GCPD?” All while you are what?“ He nods putting on the fake scars. "Wait, babe. You’re crooked.” I move, helping him apply the fake face of Jerome.

“I need those crazed fans of his to handle the chaos while I get some things done for the future. They’re my distraction. I need you in the GCPD making sure it plays out.” I smirk patting the foundation on his face.

He smirks up at me and shrugs. “Once you start to show I need to keep you safe throughout this process. It’s going to be messy, darling.” He chuckles looking in the mirror.

“Ecco could be your sidekick after I’m out. She can wear my stuff.” Jeremiah smirks, grabbing my wrist. Turning to face me with his icy eyes. “Trust me, love. I’ve got everything laid out. She’s already agreed to stay by our side, love.”

Jeremiah sits at the camera composing himself. “Ready, Jer?” He nods, closing his eyes and giggling.

“3… 2… 1… ACTION!”

~

“Ecco, tie me up will you?” She rushes behind me tightening the back of the black top. “You look amazing.” She says smiling at me from over my shoulder. “She does, doesn’t she?” Jeremiah smirks from his seat as he gazes at me.

Ecco clears her throat backing away emotionless. “You have everything you need, love?” I stand in front of Jeremiah pulling out the recording, megaphone, and my gun. “Locked and loaded, baby.” He grins nodding at me. “Such a good girl.” He snakes his arm around my waist and walks me out to my motorcycle.

“Now I want all three of you to be safe.” Jeremiah places his hands on my stomach kissing my forehead. “So cheesy.” He smirks at me smacking my bottom quickly. “Get on the bike. Mrs. Valeska, and come home quickly. Your husband will need you.”

~

I roll up as the leader of the gang is speaking full-hearted words of my lost lover. “Brothers and sisters, let’s raise a glass to our fallen leader. To Jerome!”

“To Jerome!” They chant, then spit on Jerome’s grave. I giggle stepping out. “To Jerome. He will be missed. Certainly by me.” The gang giggles and looks at me questionably.

The leader walks up to me looking me over. “This affair is invitation only.” “Hm. Well, I have to say I’m a bit upset you didn’t invite me.” I remove my mask and they all gasp. “Ms. Gordon!” “It’s her!”

The leader gasps getting on his knees. “I am so sorry! I meant no disrespect.” I scoff rolling my eyes. “Stand up. I’ve got something to say.”

“The Queen shall speak!” Followers help me upon a grave acting as a small stage. I lift the megaphone and recorder playing the message. “Why so sad, bozos? Did you think they could get rid of me so easily? Well, okay. So, they did. I’m dead, but let’s not dwell on negatives. I have one last party to throw. But first, on the to-do list, dig me up. Dig me up!”

“You heard him!”

“Come on, clowns! Dig him up!”

“Get Jerome!”

I laugh at the idiots giving the direction to invade the GCPD bright and early.

~

I walk into the GCPD, passing the investigation room, and seeing Lee of all people. I laugh walking to meet my father yelling at Harvey.

“Get out of here.” “What?” “I don’t need that crap thrown in my face right now. Get out of here!” I walk up laughing. “Wow, mad because your ex got arrested? Tough case.”

“(Y/n). What are you doing here?” I shrug sipping my coffee. “I was in the neighborhood. Can’t I stop by and see my father? Or are you still mad at me for being happy?” Jim looks down avoiding eye contact. “Can we please not do this here?” “Want some help then?” I walk in the door of the investigation room before Jim can stop me. I turn to Lee smiling, “Hey there, lady. I’ve heard you’ve been having some real fun.”

She looks me over grinning as she analyzed my frame. “(Y/n), I wasn’t expecting you. Your… glowing.” I wink at her sitting in one of the chairs.

My father walks in sitting down across from her heatedly. “What the hell, Lee?”

Lee raised her brows, “I don’t suppose this is where anyone expected our story to end.” “So, it’s ending?” “Hard to imagine what’s left.”

My father sighs, “I wanna help you.” “How?” “Give up Nygma.” I gasp slamming my hand on the table. “You and Ed? Oh my gosh! So cute! How about this. You could just return the money, right? We can ask the DA for supervised probation.” Lee shakes her head. “I’m not betraying my friend.”

“They can call you "the Doc,” you can rob banks, fight gangsters, but I know you. You’re Lee Thompkins. And all this, this is just a… A way of helping people. I understand that. Who doesn’t want to be Robin Hood? But you’re still breaking the law.“

"Jim, you wish you could do what I’m doing. Helping people without the straitjacket of the law? As if the law means anything in Gotham. Look at your daughter free and running around after she committed murder.” I glare at her. “I’ve got my sane papers to prove it, T.”

“You want to send me to Blackgate? Go ahead!” Lee challenges loudly. “I don’t want to send you to Blackgate! It’s the last thing I want to do! Don’t you know I wish I could let you walk out that door, turn my head.”

I look at my father tilting my head. “Then what’s holding you back, Jimbo? Maybe if you’d let her go, you’d let yourself go, too. You could let me go.” Jim furrows his brows fighting with himself.

Suddenly the tension is split with knocking on the door. Harvey pops his head in, “Sorry to stick my face in your business, but something just came up.”

I walk into the big office stealing the chair at the desk. “What’s this all about?” “Your ex-boyfriend twice over has just granted us with a gift. Any clue on what it is?” I shake my head playing along. “How could he have planned this? You don’t think he might still be alive, do you?”

Harvey turns to Mr. Fox, “What were the autopsy results, Lucius?”

“Dead when he came in, more dead when he was eviscerated, and his brain was sliced up.”

The screen on the TV focuses and Jerome appears on the screen. “Hello, Jimmy! If you’re watching this, things must not have gone well for me. Shucks! I know my dear, doll is crying herself to sleep in my brother’s arms. I can only pray, I gave as good as I got, and left ample carnage in my wake. But I don’t want to fixate on disappointments. Jimmy, I have one last teensy request for you from your ole late son in law. I want you to throw me a wake at the GCPD. Don’t worry about the guest list. I’ve already sent the invitations.”

A car horn sounds loudly outside and the rumble of the gang outside rises. “I don’t like the sound of that,” Harvey says looking around the room.

“Lockdown everything, now! Everybody listen up! Lock it down! Lock it down, now!

The mod bangs against the door risking the chance of invading the GCPD. I look over the panic of the cops biting my lip. "What are we going to do? We need to hit them! Get them away from here.” I say frustrated.

“We’re not. We’re going to let them in.” Jim says, making me look at him wide-eyed. “Have you lost your mind, dad?” “(Y/n), you know how Jerome works, dead or alive. He uses distractions.” I look at the door that is about to bust wide open to the freaks on the outside. “We’re just going to let them come in and party?”

Jim nods gathering us around. “This wake is just intended to distract us, while his followers hit the real target.”

“Which is?”

Well, we’re never gonna figure that out if we’re inside, fighting off these maniacs, are we? Look, they come in the front door, right? You fall back, get a few shots off, make it look good. Meanwhile, the entire precinct sneaks out this old service door as quickly as possible. Once we’re outside, we surround the building, cordon it off.“ I smirk at my father’s plan. "You’re trapping them inside!”

“Correct. They blow off some steam. We hit ‘em with teargas, and knock a few heads.”

“There is the issue with figuring out what the real target is. Got a plan for that, dad?”

Jim smirks. “I do.”

~

Jeremiah POV:

“I didn’t think you could get the generator program working so quickly,” Bruce says admiring the tower. “You ready for a demonstration?”

“Okay, you hit that switch there, and the facility will be disconnected from the power grid.” Bruce flips the switch on the wall allowing the tower to take over the power ridge completely.

The generator hums lowly and glows, seconds later the lights in the building return and the tower is stable. “Ambient energy. No cables or wires of any kind. It’s clean and stable. Harvested from micro tremors and air density shifts, it’s… It’s virtually without costs.” I hum looking over my work.

“And with the prototypes at Wayne Labs, we can power all of Gotham?”

“You’ve kept this project a secret, yes?”

“No one outside of Wayne Industries knows it exists.”

I mumble walking towards my desk. “It’s the ones who are closest to you that you have to keep your eye on. I know better than anyone.” I pull out Jerome’s diary chuckling to myself. “Arkham Asylum sent me Jerome’s personal effects, and amongst them, I found his diary. It’s a catalog of his fantasies and goals. Every twisted vision he ever had.” I turn a few pages seeing the horrific drawings.

“Maybe you shouldn’t spend so much time reading it.” I nod, “(Y/n) says that too. He was obsessed with torturing and murdering me, James Gordon, and you, and if he had been
just the least bit sane, he would have destroyed us all. And Gotham would be in ruin.”

Bruce walks over placing a hand on my shoulder. “Your brother’s dead, Jeremiah. It’s time for you to come out of this bunker and join the world. You’ll be a father soon, and you can’t expect your kids to have their father living underground.”

I shutter and nodded in agreement. “Yes. Yes, he’s dead. I still have trouble believing it.”

Bruce picks up his phone suddenly.

“Yeah?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Alfred. I’m on my way.” Bruce faces me again, “Lunch plans… That was a lie.”

“You’re lying to me, Bruce?”

He sighs, shaking his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It seems some of Jerome’s followers are causing trouble.” I shutter in panic. “Oh, my God. I was right.”

“No, Jeremiah.”

“I was right. He’s not dead. Bruce, he’s not dead. He’s alive, and he’s coming after me and (y/n)!”

Bruce grabs my shoulders holding me steady. “Jeremiah, easy, easy. You’re not thinking clearly. Come on, this isn’t like you.”

I sigh looking at my friend letting everything play out. “Bruce… Bruce, I need to tell you something. After Jerome died, he left one last final trap for me and (Y/n)… He sprayed both of us with his insanity gas.” Bruce backs away slightly.

“It’s a special mixture just for you, brother,” he said. I can’t stop seeing him. Clawing his way out of his grave, coming for me, and even though I know it’s not real, it feels real. And I can’t control myself.“ Bruce nods coming forward again. "What if I could show you
he’s dead and buried?” “How?” “We go there, to his grave.”

I shake my head frantically. “No. No, no, no.”

“Jeremiah, listen to me. Your brother took away your greatest strength, your mind, and turned it into a trap. But if you can see the reality, you can be freed from that trap.” I stare at him in hope. “You really think that would work?” He nods his head. “I do.”

“Then I’ll try. You’re a good friend, Bruce.”

~

The freaks in the GCPD cause chaos as we try to escape. “There’s too many of them.” I scramble on my feet down the hallway and into the locker room with my dad.

“We have to go!”

I race to the door only to be knocked down by a cult member. She smirks at me and I wink at her going along with our little act. “Hey, there little thing!”

“Well, look at us. We caught ourselves Captain James Gordon and his little girl! How fantastic!”

“Hi, guys.” My dad grins at them.

“Don’t try and get chummy with us, Gordon. We’re gonna carve you up.”

“Yeah, no, I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to them.” Jim says pointing behind us towards Harvey. “Hey, man, you like to dance?” Harvey tases them.

“Let’s you and me talk outside, what do you say?”

They stuff the poor guy in the trunk and tase him every few minutes for an answer.

“Long live Jerome!”

Harvey groans, tasing him once more. “All right. One more time, sunshine. Did Jerome leave any other instructions?”

“I’ll never- AH!”

“All right, look, this is how it’s going to go. You’re going to start talking, or I’m gonna stop caring whether you can talk, you got it?” He groans and nods looking at Harvey with fear.

“I’ll talk! It’s too late, anyways. They’re already dead.”

“Who? Who’s dead?” I challenge with worry. He giggles and replies in a sing-song voice. “Jeremiah and Bruce Wayne.” I shut the trunk frustrated.

“He can’t be telling the truth, can he? Dad, if Jer is gone…” “Don’t worry about this. I want you to go to your apartment, (Y/n). I’ll bring Jeremiah to you. I’ll go to the bunker.” I nod sighing. “Be careful.”

As I walk away from the GCPD I call Ecco. “It’s a go. He’s heading there now.”

~

Jim POV:

“Bruce? Jeremiah?” I call out into the stone bunker. I walk into Jeremiah’s office seeing the large generator creating a static buzz.
The monitors on the wall turn on revealing a static picture of Jerome. “Hiya, Jimbo!”

“Jerome…”

“Ah! Don’t bother talkin’ to me. This is a recorded message, and plus, I’m still dead. Just more posthumous fun. Look, I knew you’d see through all those shenanigans at the station. I’ve given all my fans a script for them to follow. See, I wanted to bring you here. Oh!” Suddenly a gun is pressed to my head from a masked figure. “Don’t mind her. She’s just here to make sure there’s no talking during the movie. And, trust me, you’re gonna wanna pay attention, so the twist makes sense at the end.”

Jerome laughs easily. Two hands reach around his neck strangling him allowing me a chance to fight off the masked women. Once battling her to the ground I remove the mask. “Ecco?”

Jerome goes limp on screen only to have him pop up on the other. He pulls his sleeves up smiling, “I tell you, suicide really takes it out of a guy.” He pulls out a red cloth and wipes his face with it. “Huh. What’s this?” Jerome peels the skin from his face smirking at the screen.

“No.”

He holds the cloth over his face concealing his features. “Jerome is dead.” He removes the cloth revealing a pale-faced Jeremiah. “Long live me.” He speaks with a calm smirk as his icy eyes burn into mine.

“I apologize for the deception, Jim. I needed to ape Jerome in order to persuade his followers to throw that macabre celebration at your police station. They are a pathetic lot, but not without their uses.”

Ecco gets up and exits the room locking the door in a split second. I pull against them in an effort to escape.

“Ah, sidebar, that is a self-perpetuating generator. It can store a phenomenal amount of energy. I would hate to be within a mile of it if it were to overload.”

~

“Now do you believe I’m not your brother? Jeremiah, listen to me! Jerome’s followers are doing this! Nothing else makes sense. He sent them instructions to torment you.” Bruce cries out as I examine my brother’s face. I scoff, “How fake. Yes, I can see quite clearly where you cut off poor Bruce’s face, and stitched on your own. But I am a man of science. So, let’s have some evidence, huh?” I pull out a knife lunging at Bruce.

“Let’s go, brother. Let’s pull off that grotesque facade.” I giggle, swiping the blade at Bruce. He twists my arms and grabs me in a locked hold.

“Jeremiah! Do not let him turn you into him! Do not let Jerome win this battle! Think about your kids! Think about (y/n)!”

I giggle in his grip, “Jerome, beat me? That’ll be the day.”

The followers come out ripping us apart chanting.

“Long live Jerome! Long live Jerome! Long live Jerome!”

A member holding onto me yells, “Jerome is victorious at last!” I roll my eyes whipping my gun out from my sleeve and shooting him dead. Blood splatters on me as he falls and the yard grows silent. “Jerome victorious? Are you serious?”

I look down gesturing to his dead body. “He’s dead. Haven’t you been paying attention?”

I sigh pulling out a rag and wiping the olive tone cover off my face allowing my pale skin to come to the light.

I smirk walking over to Jerome and kicking him back in the grave. “I am the one who’s victorious.”

I turn back to Bruce and the cult smirking. “Look, Bruce, like everything Jerome set his mind to, his insanity gas failed. Other than some mild cosmetic effects, he might as well have sprayed me with water. You all need to see Jerome for the utter dud that he was. So, I donned the mask of madness to show you how feeble that is compared to actual greatness. Behold, the face of true sanity. But looks aren’t everything. I have a compendium of Jerome’s obsessions and goals. I will outdo every one of them.”

(Y/n) stolls out reading Jerome’s diary. “Jerome wanted to turn Gotham into a madhouse. But Jeremiah taught me to build something, you must first tear down what is already there. Start fresh.” She smirks looking over the pictures.

“Jeremiah, the gas worked. Both of you are insane!” Bruce fights against the hold of the followers. “Think about it. You want to carry out Jerome’s crazy plans sanely? What could be madder than that?”

(Y/n) steps up, pinching Bruce’s cheek. “Madder? Bruce, you’re so misled.”

“May I, love?” I take the book from (y/n) turning to a page full of insanity fueled ideas. “Ah, here, for example. Jerome wanted to slather you in honey, and have you eaten alive by corpse beetles… Now, that’s mad. Me, if I wanna kill you, I’ll just do it. I’ll shoot you in the head. Simply and sanely.” I finish aiming my gun at Bruce and smirking. “But I don’t want to kill you.”

All the followers groan with disappointment. “Are you gonna listen, or are you gonna behave like children?”

“See, I don’t want to kill you, because I wanna show you how much I’ve changed things. How much we’ve changed things. Because I could not have done any of this without your help.” Bruce furrows his brows.

“My help?”

(Y/n) smiles leaning against me. “Should we tell him, Jer?” She giggles looking up at me. I kiss her head sweetly.

“I feel very indebted to you, Bruce. See, those generators that we built with your money… they work even better as bombs.”

~

“That sound you’re hearing. That is a very bad sound. One which, I’m afraid, makes you something of a guinea pig, Jim.”

I look behind me seeing the generator buzzing louder each second. “Killing you will help secure the loyalty of Jerome’s minions, but more importantly it will keep you out of (Y/n)’s life. Now, she doesn’t know this yet, but it’s for the better. And, well… That is that. Goodbye, Jim Gordon.”

~

Suddenly an explosion goes off in the direction of the bunker. Jeremiah smiles watching the gas cloud. “That’s one down. Jim Gordon is dead.”

“What?” I look up at Jeremiah shocked. “You didn’t tell me you were going to do this. T-That’s my father, Jer.” He sighs pouting his lip towards me. “Love, I understand, but he was never going to let us be together. Now, we can be a real family. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“Aww, now,that’s actually cute. Son of a bitch finally did it! Be happy he’s not controlling your life anymore, doll!” Jerome’s voice flashes in my ears.

I gulp looking in the direction of the smoke. “I think I’m more upset about our home.”

Jeremiah smirks looking at me. “I’ve set us up, darling. Don’t you worry. Everything important was moved last night.”

Bruce fights against the follower’s hold. “(y/n), how could you do this? He is your father!”

Jeremiah waves his hand, hushing Bruce. “Sorry, Bruce, but progress requires sacrifice.”

“I’m going to stop you.” Bruce sneers. I sigh, shaking my head. “I really hope you don’t try. I would hate to have to kill you. In fact, I can honestly say, you are my very best friend.” I walk over hitting him over the head with my gun, and throwing him in the grave with my brother.

I wrap my arm around (Y/n) walking away from the graveyard. “Well, that was fun.” She said giggling. I smirk holding her close. “Yes, it was, love. Long live us.”

“Jeremiah! Jeremiah!” The followers chant behind us as we file out.
~

Ecco follows behind us as (Y/n) and I walk down the dark hall towards the generator base in Wayne Enterprises. “Good evening, gentlemen.” I speak waltzing towards them.

“Hey there, Mr. Valeska. You and (Y/n) alone or is that Mr. Wayne behind you too?”

“No, Mr. Wayne. She’s just a little help.”

(Y/n) pulls out a gun shooting both men dead. “Nice shot.” Ecco praises her as I open the doors revealing the many bombs. I grin overlooking my projects. “Look at these. The gifts of true friendship. Ecco, let’s load them on the trucks. It’s time to give Gotham City its new face.” I pull (Y/n) to me smiling. “It’s time I build a city good enough for my Queen.” I place my hands in her stomach getting jitters. “And for my heirs.”