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An Old Friend – Chapter 11

Iris's point of view

Time really does fly, I can't believe that Christmas is two weeks away! It feels like it was only yesterday that I first arrived in Gotham, to see if Ivy would take one of my Mum's Iris plants.

I look around my study and smile at my little projects, Christmas presents. After much discussion with Young and the Asylum director, I have been allowed to spend all day of Christmas Eve, stay the night with Ivy in her cell and then spend all day Christmas Day. It took a lot of bargaining, deals and compromises but I was able to do it. The thing that sold the director was when I assured him that I would take the blame, should a situation arise where I get hurt. Personally, I know that they wouldn't hurt me and I know that at the very least, Ivy would protect me should someone try anything.

One of the deals however is that I stay away from the asylum for three weeks and that came about because Batman found Edward. Of course being The Riddler, he made it as hard as he could but it still happened.

Looking back at my projects I feel guilty that I'm not allowed to make something for Edward but I have been 'permitted' to bring a present for Ivy, Jonathan and Freeze. And I have been assured that they will be allowed to keep my gifts, it'll 'aide their recovery'.

For Ivy, I'm hand crafting and painting a necklace out of resin. The necklace itself is a pendant, with loads of vibrant reds, violets, yellows and greens, all crafted into a bird of paradise. The bird has its wings and neck outstretched in what I like to call a 'phoenix flame pose', with all its' beautiful feathers on display. I made the chain out of hemp, a plant based rope, that's long lasting and still has an aesthetic element.

For Freeze, I decided to craft a picture frame for the sketch I drew for him. I managed to find some gorgeous cherry wood to make the frame, and chose to also add some personalisation in the form of hand painted snowflakes. Not just your everyday snowflakes though, oh no, everyone has its own unique design and pattern. In addition, I didn't paint the snowflakes white or blue but warm autumn colours. A few months ago, I remember him saying how Nora loved dancing in the fallen leaves, watching them change from green to red, so I wanted to incorporate that in the frame that, I hope, will frame the wedding portrait that I have already given him.

Jonathans' present I left till last. I never intended to do so deliberately but I want it to be perfect. Ever since I found out that he bought one of my paintings and consequently found out that it has since been destroyed, I want to make him a replacement. But better. I meant what I said when I told him that I was never happy with how the painting in general had turned out but he seemed to have been fond of it.

Placing an A5 sized canvas on my easel, I draw a rough guideline with my pencil, making sure to add more details and little hidden pictures as well. I bite my lip in concentration as I draw the cliff of rocks and the waterfall that falls over that, ensuring that it all flows into the lagoon below. I add in a few extra smudges to remind myself to add darker colours later so that it looks as cool and deep as the real thing. I add in the trees and shrubs and a few Iris plants too. Just for fun, I decide to hide little animals in the undergrowth, something for him to discover even if I do show him where a couple are.

Then I move onto my paints, feeling untainted joy as I relish the fact that my left arm is almost as good as it will be able to be. I mix my colours carefully and begin to paint with the precision of a surgeon, and switching between brushes so that it looks as though you could fall into the scene if you leaned over it. I even make myself take breaks, not only to make sure I'm not overworking my arm but to also keep my mind clear and fresh. I know I sound like such a sap but I really want him to like it.

Leaning against the wall as I stand outside, I breathe in the fresh air, "Ivy's right, I have it bad."

O~O~O

December 23rd, and I already have my bag packed but Jonathan's painting still isn't finished. Ivy's necklace and Freeze's frame have been wrapped and placed by the front door with my bag but I just can't get the skyline right on this paining.

"Hmm, this is trickier than I thought" I murmur as I study it one more time, the shapes and shadows, tones and textures. When it hits me, I feel like I've been slapped, "Of course! Dusk! The time of day in this painting is dusk!" I exclaim to no one.

Excited that I will have this finished and dried for tomorrow, I practically dive for my paints, mixing the perfect colour to showcase the moment at dusk. To enhance the effect, I add in some sunbeams through the tops of the trees, even having a few hit the water.

Leaning back, I admire it and sign 'Iris' in the bottom right hand corner. "This is what it was always supposed to look like."

O~O~O

Arriving at the asylum with a suitcase and bag of presents, causes weird looks to come my way. By now, I wouldn't be surprised if the guards thought that I should become an inmate. Rolling my eyes at the guards in question, I smile at Young in greeting.

"Hello Iris" she says, waving the guards away as they come to check my bag. "Was there a particular way in which to hand out your gifts?"

I nod, "If possible, I'd like to hand them out myself and in a one on one setting" I say, completely serious.

She nods, making me feel like I could probably get away with anything, and asks, "Which order?"

I smile as we enter the building and reply, "Mr Freeze, Jonathan, and then Ivy."

She nods again and leads me through the building. We talk politely, as we always do, but I can't help but feel as though the older woman beside me is jealous of my relationships with the inmates. She probably is.

She doesn't have to tell me that we've reached Freeze's cell, the drop in temperature and the ice on the window kinda gives it away. She unlocks the door but doesn't open it, gesturing me to continue. So I knock.

"Freeze?" I call out, "It's Iris, may I come in?" There are some shuffling noises inside before he appears at the door and nods at me with a small smile. Opening the door, I notice my breath turning to fog instantaneously, and I also notice my drawing is in a pride of place spot. "They let you keep it" I smile.

"Yes, it still astounds me that you were able to add all the tiny details" he replies as the door shuts behind me. "What brings you here on Christmas Eve?"

Placing my bags down by the door I answer, "I managed to make a deal with the asylum so that I can spend all day today, tonight and all day tomorrow here. I'll be staying in Ivy's cell."

He chuckles, "Yet another amazement about you, you have a way with words." I chuckle along with him, hearing between the words.

"Well, I was also able to add an extra into the deal and so" I say, taking out the largest wrapped gift and facing him again. "Merry Christmas!" The shock on his face is obvious, and although I don't mean too, I let out a tiny giggle. "Here" I say, "Open it! You're allowed to keep it, I made sure."

With a small smile, he opens the gift. When he does, words cannot describe the expression on his face as he realises what it is. Tracing the design he asks, "Did you paint this?"

Coming to stand by his shoulder I reply, "Once the wood seal was dry, yes." Turning his head, he gives me a confused look, so I add softly, "I made it, all of it. I bought the glass, the backing, and the original piece of cherry wood but I carved the frame, sealed it and decorated it."

Nodding his head softly, he moves past me to place the sketch inside the frame, placing it back where it had been before. "Thank you Iris" he says finally.

Coming up beside him I hug his arm momentarily, it's too cold here in his cell for me to be in direct contact with him for any longer. In response, he rotates around and places his hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing before letting go. I give him a wave, gather my bags and leave him to his thoughts.

O~O~O

Being lead to Jonathan's cell finally opens my eyes as to how big Arkham really is. It feels as though we have walked to the other side of the island before we finally reach our destination. Same as before, Young unlocks the door but lets me proceed by myself. So, like before I knock. Unlike before, it's Jonathan who speaks first.

"Who is it?"

Rolling my eyes at his almost sing-song tone I reply in my own cheeky voice, "That sounded sarcastic Jonathan."

"Iris?" he asks, coming to the window to see me biting my lip in order to contain my giggles.

"May I come in?" I ask, once I know that my laughter has been contained, to which he gives a small nod. I walk in and the door closes behind me. Placing my bags down, I remove his gift, and straighten to give Jonathan a grin, "Merry Christmas!" I say as I present the colourful package to him.

He takes it, eyebrows raised. "What is it?"

Rolling my eyes I flick his shoulder gently, "Open it and find out."

Smirking playfully he replies, "Aren't you supposed to open gifts on Christmas Day and not on Christmas Eve?"

Putting my hands on my hips I give a mock huff, "I'm pretty sure that I'm meant to be the sassy one. Are you trying to steal my thunder Jonathan Crane?"

Giving me a 'touché' expression, he carefully removes the wrapping paper, his mouth opening slightly in astonishment at the gift. I walk to stand beside him, watching him take in the panting.

Meeting my eyes, he softly smiles, "This is spectacular Iris, better than the other one."

I bite my lip but my returning smile still comes through, "That was the idea. I think this" I say stroking the side of the canvas, "Is what it was always meant to look like, the waterfall, the lagoon, the plants, all at dusk."

The smile he gives me is sincere, "Thank you Iris."

I blush at the intensity of his gaze and look away for a moment before saying, "See you in the rec room later?"

At his nod, I give him one more smile as I once again gather my bags and leave.

O~O~O

This time as Young and I walk to Ivy's cell, I roughly know where I'm going, having been this way a few times. Her cell is still the same, so is the beaming smile that appears on her face when she sees me.

"Iris!" she says in greeting, "Oh sweetie, are you my new bunkmate?"

I touch Young's shoulder in gratitude for letting this be a surprise to which she says, "It's was no problem."

Turning back to Ivy I nod, "I'm here until tomorrow afternoon."

At my words, she does something that I never thought she'd do. She jumps up and down a few times while giggling. I have to laugh with her at her momentary display of childishness and by the time we've calmed ourselves, Young has let me into the cell and locked the door behind me.

With one final check she says, "I'll come back in about an hour" before turning on her heel and leaving, with the guards following her.

I place my bags on the spare cot and take out the final package. Turning back to Ivy I hand it to her, "Merry Christmas! Go ahead and open it!" I say excitedly.

Getting excited herself, she opens it and gasps in wonder. "Did you make this?" I nod, still grinning. She pulls me into a hug, "Thank you darling, it's exquisite, absolutely exquisite!"

I giggle slightly, catching myself before it gets out of control, I've always had a habit of easily slipping into giggle fits. "I'm glad you like it. I know that you're allowed to keep it but I don't think they'll let you wear it outside of your cell" I say unsure.

She nods slowly, "Yes that is a very real possibility, just in case someone tries to strangle me with it."

I give her a blank expression and reply in a monotone, "How nice."

She hugs me again, breaking my resolve easily, "Around our usual group, I'll be fine, and at any other time, I'll just wear it as a bracelet" she resolves.

Nodding easily at her logic, I fasten it around her neck for her, happy when the pendent rests in the grove of her collarbone. "I'm glad it's not too long" I tell her, voicing my thoughts.

She smiles and guides me onto her cot, "So did Jonny get a present?" she teases but squeals excitedly when I blush. "Oh my Earthly Mother, he did. What did you give him? Did he like it?"

I duck my head, still blushing, "Remember the painting of mine that he bought but was destroyed?" I ask. She nods and I continue, "Well I re-did it for him, but better. I gave it to him just before I came to your cell, he said he loved it."

Hugging me again from sheer happiness at the events or maybe just because she hasn't seen me in a while, maybe it's both, she exclaims, "I just know that you two may have a shot together, I honestly do." Not knowing how to answer, I tell her about the present that I made for Freeze as well. She lets me change the subject but only answers after a long smug look and a wink, "The frame sounds wonderful darling, I'm sure he will treasure it."

O~O~O

Young comes back and lets us out, "I'm going to take you to the rec room" she informs. "Mr Freeze, Mr Crane, and Mr Nygma will be there as well, I hope you don't mind."

Knowing that she is only talking to me I reply, "Of course not, lead the way."

Walking to the rec room, Ivy and I continue to catch up on the past few weeks. So engrossed in our conversation, Young has to cough to get our attention. She shakes her head lightly, before letting us in and closing the door behind us.

Edward is the first to spot us, "Ivy! Iris!" he calls out, drawing Jonathan and Freezes' attention to us as well. "Where have you two been? We've been waiting for you and you're both late!"

The four of us laugh at his little temper tantrum and I can't help but add, "Easy there Edward. You're starting to sound like the Mad Hatter."

Looking as though he's just sucked on a lemon, Edward shudders. "I should really watch what I say."

Jonathan pipes up as Ivy and I take our usual spot on the couch while the three men take their usual seats as well, "Took you long enough Nygma" he smirks.

Edward just rolls his eyes in response, "Coming from the man who keeps starting at that painting. Beautiful work by the way" he adds in my direction, making me smile.

At Ivy's curious glance, Jonathan turns the canvas so everyone else can see. While they coo over my work, I just look at Jonathan, "Have you found the animals yet?" I ask, my eyes twinkling.

He chuckles, smirking, "No I haven't."

Not at all intimidated by his gaze, I match his smirk, wink at Ivy and move to stand beside him. With him sitting and me standing, he's still just taller than me. I lean down and point to an area to the left of the waterfall, "See?" I encourage, "Right there, is a baby skunk." When his eyebrows shoot into his hairline in realisation I bite my lip to stop from laughing and point down in the bottom right hand corner of the canvas. "And here" I continue, "There's a little fawn."

"That is astonishing Iris" he compliments, "You've blending them in so well."

Feeling pride at his words I tell him, "There's four more baby animals in this painting for you to find. I won't tell you what they are though, so you're just going to have to keep an open mind."

Out of nowhere, Edward wraps and arm around my shoulders as well as Jonathan's and squeezes. Jonathan holds the canvas away so that Edward can't squish it but I squeak as the movements cause me to end up in Jonathan's lap. Edward brings his head closer, a rebellious look on his face, but while I try and figure out the cause, in a movement too quick for me to comprehend, his head is gone and in its place is a sprig…of mistletoe.

I stare at the offending little thing, no longer noticing that I'm in the lap of the man that I have been nearly obsessing over for the past who knows how many months.

"Eddie!" Ivy practically screams, "You never told me that you were going to use it on them!"

It's only then to I gulp softly, realising just how close I am to Jonathan's face, and that the arm holding the canvas has made its way around my waist to prevent me falling off of his lap.

Edward's corresponding chuckle sounds a little demonic as he announces, "One kiss, come on. You guys all get Christmas Prezzies but I wasn't allowed one. I want this to be my present." Looking at Jonathan then me, then back to Jonathan he adds with a casual shrug, "No cheek business either, lips. It's nothing bad, and she is legal."

I roll my eyes and shake my head at his antics but secretly I'm dying inside. What if he doesn't kiss me? What if he doesn't want to kiss me?

I hear Jonathan sigh delicately, making me look up at him from under my lashes, although I'm unable to read his expression. He slowly moves his free hand to cup my cheek cautiously and I fight to not close my eyes at how nice it feels. After another moment he leans forward and presses a soft, sweet kiss to my lips. I return it without thinking, relishing every feel of his lips, knowing that this would most likely be the first and last kiss I ever receive from him. It feels like the kiss lasts for minutes when really it was mere seconds. He releases my head and Edward struts off, quite happy with himself.

Biting my lip, I struggle to find something to say that isn't 'Please kiss me again'. Instead I give him a tender smile and carefully remove myself from his lap, "Don't forget, four more animals" I say quietly, a light blush on my cheeks as I turn and walk back to where Ivy is sitting.

The woman in question is staring at me with a 'deer in headlights' expression. Yeah, cause that sooo helps my current situation. Luckily I'm saved by Freeze.

"Iris, would you please tell me just how you made the frame?" I nod and begin explaining.

O~O~O

It's not until later on, when Ivy and I are back in her cell that she breaks. "Oh my goodness!" she exclaims, looking more like a teenage school girl than a grown ass woman. "The way he kissed you and the way he held your face! I knew it, he has feelings for you too, I just knew it!"

Although I don't want to get my hopes up, I do have to agree with her, "And he was the one to initiate it" I add tentatively.

"Right?!" she blurts, "Oh Edward is sneaky."

Her comment earns her a scoff, "Oh please, as if you didn't know why he asked you for some mistletoe."

She shrugs one shoulder, "Ask me no questions and I will tell no lies."

I poke out my tongue, "Admit it, you're playing matchmaker" I accuse.

She licks her lips, "And having a marvellous time doing so."

Needless to say that the conversation ended and a pillow fight began.

O~O~O

Christmas Day morning and I'm in an insane asylum, voluntarily. Grinning at the craziness of it all, no pun intended, Ivy and I spend the morning doing girly sleepover stuff, like hair and makeup. I can see in her eyes that Ivy wants to talk more about the kiss but Young arrives before she can, with six guards, another doctor and Jonathan, Edward and Freeze in tow.

"Good morning, Merry Christmas" she greets as she begins to unlock the door. We return the greeting as we step outside. "Did you sleep well? Breakfast for the five of you will be in the recreation room today."

O~O~O

Walking in, I immediately notice that a working kitchen is in the room. Getting an idea, I skip over to it and rummage around for a few minutes. Sticking my head out of the fridge I as the inmates in front of me, "Anyone not like mushrooms?" When they respond with 'no', I begin to take several ingredients out of the fridge and pantry, placing them all on the bench, turning on the stove, and beginning my task.

Still a little bewildered, the inmates in question stand behind me as I bustle around, humming to myself as I create. In no time at all I've whipped up a mushroom omelette for everyone, and myself, the only exception being Freeze.

In a sing-song voice I happily call out, "Come and get it." Although he isn't eating, Freeze sits down with us as well, and just because I see no reason not too, I give him a peck on his head dome, over his cheek. "Just since I can't cook for you" I say by way of explanation. He tilts his head and smiles, encouraging me to eat.

There's silence for a bit, while they sample the food. I just watch for their reactions, making mental notes on what I could add to make it a little different the next time I cook such a thing. I'm given many compliments on my cooking, easily believing them all as the food disappears remarkably quickly. In fact, they all finish before me, which was really quite funny.

To make up the time, Ivy teases Edward. "So Eddie darling, Batman too clever for you?" she coos seductively.

He glares at her and says through gritted teeth, "He cheated."

I purse my lips for a second at his behaviour before eating another bite of my breakfast, Jonathan tapping my knee as a result. "I saw that" he whispers in my ear, his breath sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I give him a sideways glance as Ivy and Edward bring Freeze into their banter, "Did you now?" I ask softly, so as not to interrupt the spectacle in front of me.

His expression is of mock exasperation, "Where did you learn such cheek?" he asks as I swallow the last of my food.

I shrug coyly, "I taught myself, you're just so much fun to tease" I express easily as everyone stands and heads over to the area near the TV.

"SLEEPOVER!" Edward suddenly yells, making me lose my composure and burst into a laughing fit at the randomness of the exclamation.

The others watch on, looks of amusement on their own faces as I clutch onto my ribs and struggle to breathe. Only when I have tears streaming down my face, does the laughing pass, a few chuckles still escaping as I wipe away the tears.

Eventually I'm able to breathlessly ask, "What?!"

Edward responds straight away, "You and Ivy had a sleepover."

I nod, "Yes we did. Why? Offended that you weren't invited? Hoping to be a part of the pillow fights, gossip sessions, makeup tips, hair styling, giggling, and the talks about boys?" I ask, sass seeping through every word.

Ivy joins in, enjoying Edwards look for help from Freeze, which is ignored. "You don't have to use a sleepover as an excuse you poor baby. We can do your hair and makeup for you now if you'd like."

So captivated by the back and forth that ensues between Edward and Ivy, I don't hear Jonathan come up behind me. So when he touches me on the shoulder, I let out a surprised scream and spin around faster than a ghost.

I hold onto my heart, "You scared me" I say, stating the obvious. Ivy abandons her argument with Edward to come and wrap her arms around me. Nestling into her embrace I try and slow down my breathing. With a strange look in his eyes he apologies but I roll my own, knowing he only half means it. Sarcastically I remark, "Nice to see that you're proud of yourself Scarecrow" as I close my eyes and focus on lowering my rapid heart rate. Edwards laughs at me, Freeze sighs, murmuring something too low for me to hear, and Ivy stokes my hair.

When I open my eyes again and look at Jonathan, he holds his hands up in the 'surrender' position, his eyes still shining. "I honestly didn't intend to startle you, I'm sorry."

I study his expression as though I've placed it under a microscope, regarding at every aspect of his expression for signs that his meaning is opposite to his words. Finding none, I soften my own expression and nod, "Apology accepted."

Ivy plays with my hair as our hold on each other changes to just having one arm around the other. Thoughtfully she eventually comments, her voice casual, "I would love to see the two of you watch a horror movie together some time, I think it'd be hilarious."

Author's note: Sooooo? Bit of fun in this one eh? Not sure when I will have the next one done, I need to update some other stories first but you never know. I hope you liked it, feel free to leave me a review, they mean a lot :D Until next time, Bye!