The Fear Consumes, But The Flower Blooms

by Lady Puffazee

Sequel to 'An Old Friend'. Come and see how Iris's life has changed since she's become an inmate in Arkham. Ivy and Jonathan are right there with her but only Iris can grow in the way that she needs to. But one thing that Ivy is curious about, is whether or not her matchmaking skills have born any fruit. Is Ivy right? Are Iris and Jonathan a good match? Rated for safety as usual.

1. Chapter 1

Author's note: Greetings! Here it is, the first chapter of the sequel to 'An Old Friend'. Welcome to any new readers and welcome back to those who have been waiting for me to hurry up and write this. To those who haven't read 'An Old Friend', I highly recommend that you do because this won't make sense unless you have. As always, enjoy!

Updated Author's note: After taking a break from this story, I realised that I wasn't too happy with it. So I have made a few alterations, and I think that it makes more sense now. I more happy with this now but I don't know when the next chapter will be up so sorry about that.

The Fear Consumes, But The Flower Blooms – Chapter 1

Iris's point of view

Yawing, I look at the ceiling from my position on my bed since I'm waiting for my session with Dr Lealand, but I'm not sure what the time is. I don't blame Lealand for committing me to Arkham, and I know that Ivy is glad to be able to see me on a more regular basis. After Young's death, I was allowed to go home. I made it there just fine and I had some fruit and then I sat down on my couch and became lost in my thoughts. I lost all track of time, I didn't realise that days were passing by, I forgot to eat, drink and sleep. The only thing that broke me from my thoughts was my bladder but even then, I felt like I was in a daze. Still feeling guilt and so much crushing sadness from the deaths of my Mum and Young, I could vaguely process that I was forgetting to do something but I just couldn't put my finger on it, my brain was so foggy. Then came the phone call, Lealand called me to see how I was doing. I didn't hide my confusion and it was only when she informed me that I had been home for a week that I broke a little more. She asked me if I had been eating, drinking and sleeping, and was worried when I replied 'no' to all of them. I asked her in a small voice for her help and she asked that I come back to the asylum. She assessed me and formally diagnosed me with severe depression and PTSD. She explained the many symptoms of PTSD, the main one being that symptoms may not arise until twelve months after the original incident, and I admitted to feeling several of them. She brought in the director and I became an inmate. Ivy was sad that I had become an inmate but she was proud of me for admitting that I needed help and then asking for help.

"Iris?"

I look from the ceiling to the door of my cell and see Lealand. I offer the woman a small smile, stand and walk towards her, "Hello Dr Lealand." She returns my smile and unlocks my cell. I wait patiently until she asks me to come with her, hearing the cell being locked behind me.

O~O~O

We sit in the interview and she looks at her notes before beginning our session.

"So Iris" she says, "Are you still becoming lost in your thoughts?"

I nod, "But because there are lots of noises here, I snap out of them pretty quickly."

"Are the anti-depressants helping?" she continues, writing notes.

"I'm not really sure, I mean I think so but I don't really feel like me, unless I'm painting. I don't know if it's the pills or me that is making me feel like this but…" I trail off with a lazy shrug.

She hums, "And have you been drinking plenty of water? Sleeping enough? Finishing all your food?"

I nod again, "Sometimes I just don't want to eat but Ivy always convinces me to finish it. She's really helping me, Mr Freeze and Jonathan too."

She smiles, "That's good to hear, how about your nightmares?"

My expression drops, "They're still really bad but the pills stop me from screaming myself awake. I still wake up in a cold sweat from time to time though."

She frowns, "When was the last time you woke in a cold sweat?"

I bite my lip and think for a moment, "Last Thursday" I tell her.

Her frown deepens, "I'm going to have you checked on a little more often, the medication we have you on should be stopping the nightmares all together." She makes a few more notes, "So how is your latest painting coming along?"

My mood brightens and I grin happily, "It's coming along really well. I just have a few final details to add but then I can give it to Ivy."

She smiles too, "We've noticed that your paintings bring a great deal amount of joy to those who have one."

My eyes go soft, "Thank you, that's very nice to hear."

She writes more notes and asks a few more questions before she says, "Unfortunately we have to cut our session short, I've been asked to attend a meeting at the last meeting. I'm so sorry about this."

I give her a reassuring smile, "It's alright, be careful on the roads, peak hour traffic can be a nightmare."

She chuckles, "That it is, I'll see you next week Iris, unless you need to see me beforehand."

O~O~O

Instead of going back to my cell, the guard takes me to lunch. I'm given my tray of food and I spy Jonathan sitting over by himself. I walk towards him and sit beside him.

"Hello Jonathan, having a nice day so far?" I say as he turns to look at me.

"Hello Iris" he answers, "Nice enough thank you."

I notice that the doors are shut, usually meaning that no one else would be coming in, "Where is everyone else?" I ask.

He swallows his food, "Freeze is in isolation again, Nygma is still in the hospital wing and Pamela is at a hearing for attacking Nygma. So your only companion today is me" he says before adding with a slight teasing tone, "Sorry to disappoint."

I go quiet and shrug, "I don't mind spending time with you" I say softly.

He frowns a little but doesn't comment until I shyly ask him if he wanted out of Arkham so that he could make more of his toxin.

Then he says, "Iris what's wrong? This isn't like you, you've never been this timid. What medications do they have you on?"

I tell him and he hums, looking up as Lealand appears, I guess she hasn't left for that meeting yet. I watch as he gets her attention and she comes over.

"Yes Jonathan? Is something wrong?" she asks, looking at me.

"Iris and I have been talking and I have noticed that she's not as perky as she normally is. I was wondering if it had been considered that her anti-depressants have had an unknown side effect?" he tells her.

She frowns, examines my expression and says, "I have been considering that, after the session that Iris and I just had." She stands by the table for a moment, watching me take tiny bites of my food before adding, "I'm going to speak to some of the other Doctors" and then leaving.

I eat a little before saying, "I wonder if she's going to head out to that meeting of hers soon" not really expecting a response.

Jonathan doesn't comment on my words, instead remarking, "You need to eat, you haven't quite regained the weight that you've lost yet."

I look up at him and he raises one eyebrow, showing that he's not being funny now. I nod slowly and make myself eat, knowing that I need to but really just wanting to paint.

It's not until the medication is being given out that the silence ends. One of the other Doctors approaches our table and says, "Doctor Lealand has taken you off of your medication Iris, you'll be checked on more than usual until a new combination of prescriptions can be found for you." He walks away before I can respond and I furrow my brow slightly.

Turning to Jonathan I say, "Why is practically everyone here so rude?" My tone sounds like normal but I don't really think it reaches my eyes.

He pursues his lips in an effort to hide his smile, but I see it anyway, "Good to see that you're still trying to be yourself, even if you don't feel like it."

I blush delicately, "You're going soft on my Jonathan Crane" I murmur.

He chuckles lowly, nudging me so that I keep eating, "Perhaps but when I'm, let's use your description, going soft on anyone but you, only then will I be worried about my mental state."

I bite my lip at the playfulness in his tone but a few giggles escape anyway. His expression turns smug when they do, so I nudge him and motion to his tray. He smirks at me but continues eating regardless, sneaking side glances at me every so often when a giggle passes through my lips.

After a while, when I only have my water left on my tray I ask, being mindful of who might be listening, "Have you managed to find your notes?"

He sighs softly and shakes his head, "No, from what I can gather, they've all been destroyed and I don't have a second copy." I muse over his words, sipping my water and biting my lip as I think. He notices and asks, "What is going on inside that mind of yours?"

Looking at him from under my eyelashes, I give him a half-hearted cheeky smile as I remember something that Ivy said to me, "There must be at least one person who felt a need to keep a copy of your notes, just in case" I say.

His interest peaked, he sips his own water, "Go on" he urges.

Lowering my voice to something just a little bit louder than a whisper I tell him, "There has to be a copy in the archives, probably not as a hard copy but as a digital copy. I heard a few guards talking about how you hated using your computer when you worked here and that it was a good thing too. I didn't give it much thought at the time but what if they meant your notes? What if they think you'll avoid the computer systems just because you may not have liked using the one you must have had in your office?"

He nods slightly at my words, "I did say that, usually preferring hard copies and hand written notes. I disliked using my computer solely because I had to type up my notes, or scan them in and then organise them, I always felt like it was a waste of time."

I swallow, my throat suddenly feeling dry, "I honestly think that there is a digital copy of your notes Jonathan, it makes sense."

He hums again, "However, I'm not a hacker and I dislike isolation."

I give a tiny smile and shrug a little, whispering, "But I am."

He seems to speak to Scarecrow, going back through his memories, "You did say that you hacked a little while you were in school" he allows.

I tilt my head somewhat, "Yes I did and I know you remember that I have hacked into the files before" my expression becomes a little sheepish, "I am sorry for that, I allowed my curiosity to get the better of me."

He gives me a small smile of his own, "None of us minded Iris, and you know that. Now continue, I feel as though there is a climax to your story that you're wishing to say."

I nod, "I've been taking lessons" I tell him, "Lessons from a pretty good hacker who is more experienced than me, so I think that if I had access to a computer and maybe a few days, I would be able to get a copy of your files and no one would know."

He thinks about it, taking my time allocation into account, "So you would have approximately two days to set up your computer protection, perhaps a few hours to get the information and then the third day to erase any evidence that you were in the system at all" he surmises and I nod. "So who was your teacher?"

I pause for effect and whisper in his ear, "Edward Nygma, The Riddler."

When I lean away, an almost feral glint enters his eyes, "Are you offering to get me my notes Iris?" I nod. "Any particular reason why? That would make you an official criminal."

My smile turns a little sad, "I'm not quite sure where I fit in Jonathan, not just in Gotham but just in general. I want to feel useful, it's not as though I can go back to selling paintings without people figuring out who I am and I don't want that."

Before we can continue our conversation, the guards arrive to take us back to our cells. I wave goodbye and pick up my water bottle as I'm lead out of the room.

O~O~O

Back in my cell, I check my painting and sigh happily when I see that it's dry. Now, I can add the final touches to it and give it to Ivy! I can't remember the last time I've felt this excited, as I set everything up and gather my paints. Gathering my smallest brush, I examine the portrait of Ivy and I, and decide to put some more detail to the leaves on Ivy. I take my time in adding shadows and highlights, wanting to give her a perfect painting.

While I work, I vaguely hear guards coming to check on me but I'm too engrossed in my work. I can't wipe the smile off of my face, no matter how small it is. And the simple act of painting causes me to softly laugh happily several times.

O~O~O

By the time I sign my name on the bottom right-hand corner of the canvas, I have paint everywhere and I can't seem to care less.

I stand back to appraise my work when I hear a woman say, "It's beautiful Iris."

I turn and see Doctor Lealand, giving her the first genuine beaming grin since I've been in Arkham, "Do you think Ivy will like it?" I ask, before I start worrying my bottom lip.

She gives me a kind look, "She'll love it, I'm sure. It's time for dinner, did you want to wash the paint off first?"

I look at my reflection in the window and see that I have green paint on my nose, a dash of lavender on my cheek and a hint of orange on my temple.

Turning back I answer, "It's not really that bad, can't I wash it off later when I clean my brushes?"

She chuckles at my childish tone, "Very well, I must say it is nice to see you more like yourself. I'm glad that Jonathan confirmed for me of your change in behaviour, I wouldn't have been able to see it has we haven't known each other for very long."

I agree silently as I walk to the door, "Can I give it to Ivy after Dinner? It should be dry by then."

She nods and gestures for me to exit my cell, locking the door behind me and leading me down the now very familiar corridors.

O~O~O

Arriving at the cafeteria, I see Jonathan and Ivy talking at the usual table. I walk towards them and see Ivy frown at something that Jonathan says but when she sees me, her expression changes and she gives me a smile.

"Hey Ivy, Jonathan" I greet, coming to sit down with my tray.

Ivy gives me a sideways hug, "Hello sweetheart, how have you been?"

I take a sip of my water before replying, "Better I think, Jonathan noticed that I wasn't really myself and worked out that it was the meds. I've been taken off of them until they can find a better combination but until then, I'm checked on more frequently. How about you? How much trouble did you get into?"

She gestures for me to eat and I roll my eyes at Jonathan. His look clearly says, 'you're own your own for this one', a common occurrence since he rarely disagrees with Ivy when it comes to me.

I start eating anyway as Ivy says, "I'm to stay away from Eddie for quite a while but since it was an out of character thing for me, I doubt they'll really do anything. The worse thing they could do was take you or my plants away from me and the doctors here know that such a thing wouldn't end well."

She eats herself and doesn't see my ecstatic expression at being put before her plants. I control myself and continue to munch on my dinner.

Both Ivy and I look up when Jonathan chuckles, "Is that paint on your nose?" he asks me.

I blush a little, "I got carried away when I was painting before" I say as a form of explanation.

Ivy coos at me, "You're adorable darling" before she uses her napkin and some water to wash all the paint off of my face. If feels kind of silly but I don't mind. "There" she announces, "Now your pretty face is clean again."

I can't help but stick my tongue out at her in an effort to be more like my usual self, "I was going to wash it off…eventually." She pokes my shoulder gently but I can see a relieved look in her eyes.

Jonathan gets my attention again, "So have you finally finished the portrait of you and Pamela?" he asks, watching us from behind his glasses.

I nod, feeling my excitement rise, "Yes I have, I get to give it to Ivy after dinner" I tell them both.

O~O~O

After dinner, Lealand leads Ivy, Jonathan and I to my cell, probably since she knew that Young would do that. I swallow a lump that suddenly sticks itself in my throat and take a deep breath.

Ivy frowns, concerned, "Are you alright honey?"

I give her a weak smile as Lealand watches for my response, "Yes…just memories."

Jonathan subtly places his hand on my lower back and draws circles with his thumb. Lealand doesn't notice as she keeps walking but Ivy does, a thoughtful look on her face.

When we arrive at my cell, Lealand unlocks it for me and I fetch the painting. I make a big show of being secretive and Ivy laughs at my childish behaviour, motherly love for me shinning in her eyes. Finally I walk back out of my cell and turn the canvas so that Ivy, Jonathan, Lealand and the guards can see.

Ivy's smile widens and I swear that I see a few tears in her eyes, "Oh my" she breathes as she takes the canvas. "I love it! It's perfect!" She hands it to Jonathan so that he can have a closer look and draws me into a hug, "Thank you darling, it's wonderful.

I sigh with relief and hug her back, "I'm so glad to hear that" I tell her.

When we part, Jonathan gives Ivy the painting back. Turning to me he says, "How do you do that?"

I place a finger over my lips, "Shhh" I reply, "It's a secret." He shakes his head with a smirk and I laugh, "A girl is allowed to have her secrets Jonathan."

O~O~O

The next morning in the rec room, Ivy and I watch Jonathan and Freeze play chess again, since the TV was broken the other day when a fight broke out. At the moment, Freeze is winning but there's something about Jonathan's expression that tells me that that will change soon.

I shrug to Ivy and she smiles, "Never played chess before?" she asks me.

I shake my head, "No, I never have."

She hums, "Well maybe we'll have to give you a lesson some time" she muses. I roll my eyes before her expression becomes serious, "Come on sweetie, let's leave the boys to their game" she says, gesturing for me to join her on the couch.

I sit beside her, "What is it Ivy?" I ask, slightly worried.

She watches her volume as she says, "There's some rare seeds in the Amazon Rainforest that I want to look for, some plants too. I've been spending time for the past few months, transferring the plants in my cell to the greenhouse, luckily that's not odd behaviour for me."

I nod at her words, "You're going to break out of Arkham" I say, a statement rather than a question. She nods so I continue, "You should go, if the plants you have here will be okay, you should go. It'll be good for you to spend some time away I think."

She holds my hand, "I was thinking that too honey. I love seeing you almost every day but I can't allow myself to protect you so much. I can't solidify your place in Gotham, as much as I would like to, you have to figure that out for yourself" she tells me maternally, her eyes begging me to understand her reasoning.

I squeeze her hand, "I know what you mean. I think we do need to spend some time apart, even though we might not like it too much."

She sighs and nods, "It would make me feel better if you stayed close to Jonathan though, if the worst were to happen, he'd protect you. I know he would, he really does care about you."

Without meaning to, a vicious blush floods my cheeks and neck. I avoid her eyes and mumble, "Yeah, okay."

She moves my head with her finger and tilts her head, "What? Don't tell me that the mistletoe kiss between you too wasn't your only kiss?" she asks jokingly but my blush only deepens and her eyes go wide, "Oh my…when?!"

I shuffle in my seat, "When you were helping to move the tree off of Young's body" I confess, biting my lip.

Her mouth opens slightly in shock, exclaiming in a hushed voice, "I was gone for not even eight minutes. What did you do? Shine a mini bat signal down your throat?"

"Ivy!" I practically hiss, "It wasn't like that…it just happened okay!"

She waves her hand dismissively, "Details!" she urges, looking to make sure that Jonathan and Freeze weren't listening.

I groan slightly but tell her, "I kissed his cheek first, because I chickened out at the last second but then he kissed me properly. Then we just started kissing each other."

Ivy dramatically pretends to fan herself, "And you didn't tell me. Where you going to?" she playfully accuses.

I sigh, "Maybe, but when he didn't mention it again and I didn't either, I never really intended for you to find out" I tell her sheepishly.

Just then, a few guards come in and lead Freeze out of the room and Jonathan makes his way over to us, now that the chess game has been put on hold.

Standing near an empty chair he asks, "Am I interrupting anything?"

Ivy gestures to the seat and he sits down, "No, not at all" she answers. "I'm going to save my response to Iris for a later date" she adds, sending a smug look my way.

Jonathan looks at me and my receding blush and raises an eyebrow but I just shrug at him. He pursues his lips but leaves it at that.

Ivy regains his attention, "I'm planning to leave soon, subtly. I know that Iris isn't a child and doesn't need a babysitter but I was hoping that you would keep an eye one her, especially while those meds are still leaving her system" she tells him.

I frown a little bit, "What if he wants to do his own thing but can't cause he's stuck with me?" I implore.

Jonathan hums, "I don't wish to offend you Iris, but if you were to be seen to be left alone, you would be considered fair game and I think that you can image as to some of the things that may happen to you, were that the case" he says seriously.

Involuntarily I shudder, "Fine" I grumble, "Bloody Supervillains."

Author's note: Well? Have I lost my touch? No seriously, please leave me a review :) I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, I have four/five stories on the go and some are new ones :D I hope that I have answered a few lingering questions that you guys have had. If there are any more little questions from An Old Friend that you're wondering will be answered here, please let me know but also know that I most likely have already planned the answers to a few things in my next chapters. Anyway, I'm rambling. Hope you liked it! Until next time, Bye!

Updated Author's note: I think this is better now, and the flow has improved. I'm sorry that I didn't fix it before now and I hope that I can get out of this rut that I seem to be in and write a little more often. Until next time. Bye!