Jonny now gets to settle into his new home, so more themes of the house to explore. :D And a little more Alice/Jervis - we FINALLY get to see the happy man himself. As you already figured, he's not the Mad Hatter in this version. I don't remember if I said it earlier or not, but it's a nice change. :) He's so sweet and innocent he deserves the girl. The bedroom they share in here was also based off a real aquarium bedroom, too.

The beginning with Alice and Jervis was inspired by a scene between Harold Lee and his wife Maria in "A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas" in which they try some more baby making before her family arrives. XD

Chapter Thirteen

Release and Reaction

Because she'd grown up from humbler origins, Alice never truly cared for her surroundings, unlike her mother who had constantly pushed her for wealth, convinced when she'd been conceived that she would inherit DeLaine Towers. Well, Alice did inherit the family company, from her dear sister who took a better path down. Come to think of it, it was bigger than anything she'd studied at university, gone back to school for, but it was better than secretarial work. She got better money, did philanthropic work alongside the good ones like Bruce Wayne and Miranda Tate, and was going to be married to Jervis in less than a month. She was more than happy.

She had just returned from the office just now, and discovered that Jervis had, too. While she had the car during the day, Jervis would end up taking a cab to work and back. Life had been good after he moved in with her and Iris, and their shared bedroom was a very special sight especially for visitors.

Just how often did anyone get the chance to have a room like this one? Those who had a smaller budget than the one the DeLaine family or the Wayne heir himself did, normally had an aquarium of average size...but nothing of this one which dominated the entire walls and ceiling, arching gracefully overhead and required a two-week caretaker to care for the fish and their sources of life. Here was Alice Pleasance and her future husband, surrounded with vast marine life and vivid blue that they did not always need natural lighting. Because of the cool and comfortable atmosphere, it was easy for them to sleep at night - but then you could say "poor fish" if any of them understood what the couple did together in bed at night. The bed itself was soft light wood designed into coral, covered with glowing white covers to catch and reflect the blues, and hanging over in canopy style, flowing with sheer white curtains that outlined the swimming fish night after night.

Iris had been gone with Dr. Crane for a couple days now, back to his hometown in Georgia. To help him put his abusive past behind him, no doubt. Alice slipped off her navy suit jacket and hung it up in the closet, and that was when she glimpsed her wedding gown. In her mind, she always envisioned something of Alice in Wonderland, as it was essential to her and Jervis and their sole connection to each other. She remembered in the store seeing the mothers and grandmothers and sisters and best friends helping the bride-to-be try on and pick out their dresses, and it reminded her of the fact that her own mother wasn't there to share her happiness. Sophia had been so eager to marry her daughter off to someone she had no interest in, to ensure she would live comfortably, but then shunned her daughter when she found out she was marrying her former boss who wasn't good money. But what mattered was that Jervis was willing to make her happy, and it made him happy, too.

She exclaimed in surprise when she saw the small negligee piece she'd bought awhile back. It was a chemise with no sleeves and a round neckline, covered all over in light blue spring petals. She smirked as she had an idea for Jervis. He would be home soon, and she needed to make haste.

She was ready in ten minutes, after brushing her hair over her shoulders and spraying on her favorite perfume - a glamorous bouquet of peaches, plums, roses, jasmines, cinnamon, sandalwood, and vanilla - and her favorite plain white robe just to hide the surprise underneath. The bedroom was always the first place Jervis would come to - after a soft drink of course. Alice plopped onto the bed and just laid there, on her side and facing the door, hand on hip in a suggestive pose. Smirking, she sat up when the door finally opened and in walked Jervis.

"Alice, love, I was wondering where you - oh." He stopped mid-sentence when he saw her. "Oh, dear, someone's looking…very Alice today," he said shyly. His face blushed madly red when she stood and opened her robe to show the chemise.

"Someone's also very…soft at the moment -" Her eyes lingered to below his waistline. "- and needs some hardening."

"Oh…" How adorable of Jervis to not know what to say when he was being seduced…or at least trying to be. "Um…Iris is going to be home any minute, and she's bringing Jonathan home with her."

Her mind clicked. Oh, that was right; Jonathan Crane had been released, and Iris was bringing him home. His room had been prepared for him, thanks to her and Jervis' help, and all he had to do was get himself settled in. Alice was no psychiatrist, but readjusting to normal life wasn't going to be easy for him.

But there was still some time left, and she had gotten ready all for Jervis and what she wanted to do with him before Iris arrived home. She leaped off the bed and pressed herself up against him and pressed a long, lingering, needy kiss against his, before taking him by the collar and dragging him with her for the bed. The backs of her knees hit the side of the mattress, and she tumbled back onto it, bringing Jervis with her. "Then let's. Get. To it. Because I got myself all gussed up just for you, and there's no going back now. So, come on and put a baby into me," she growled, giving her hips a shake as she parted her legs for him, and that was all it took.

"Okay, I will."

~o~

The shiny black SUV belonging to Iris - her own that she paid for herself, nothing left to her - pulled up in front of a garage - the garage that was built on its own and away from her home, and hidden within a forest only some yards from the place. Jonathan smiled as he leaned back against the tan leather seat, sighing as he beheld the sight around him: the suburban-like structure surrounded by distinctive forestry…and the path cutting through the left direction and into the forest. Only it wasn't a road; it was an open gateway to show DeLaine Manor in the distance. He unbuckled and jumped out of the car enthusiastically along with a laughing Iris. Here he was in the same blue pullover he wore in Georgia over a white t-shirt and jeans and happy to now be home with Iris.

He looked beside him to gaze upon Iris…and how stunning she had dressed for today. The dress was triple-colored with a blue bodice and elbow sleeves, a teal ruched waistline, and a black skirt that reached mid-calf. Her hair was running loose and wild once more, to make her beauty as natural as it ever was. She knelt down to slip off her heels and show off her pretty little feet once again. Jonathan frowned in confusion until she looked up and smiled, clarifying, "I like to take walks home from here. Heels don't help matters here, and besides, I like the feel of the grass under her my feet. You should try it." She nodded to the dirty borrowed sneakers he wore. He knelt down to remove them - they felt comfortable, yes, but they didn't fit his personality - and his socks, so that he felt his bare feet taking in the moisture of the green earth. He had joined the most beautiful girl in all the world in this walk through nature for home.

As he walked through what Pamela always called "the true earth", his thoughts dwelled back to Eddie, who had yet to finish his time, and to the previously mentioned redhead and Harley. He missed them already, especially Harley and Eddie. Harley knew how to brighten up his day, even if she'd had a homicidal clown for a boyfriend. And Eddie…

"Here we are. Home sweet home," Iris announced cheerfully. They had reached the clearing, and there stood the majestic DeLaine Manor. It was the same as he remembered from his days as professor and head of Arkham, from the fountain in the front to the pillars holding the roof and many balconies up in their places. Iris led him up the stoned steps to the great dark door, and opened it for him. He barely contained himself as he let out a little gasp at the sight. Why was he even thinking that this place was changed?

Everything was as it always had been, from the fine European chandelier above the foyer to the opulent Moroccan-inspired foyer he was in. This was where she had promised he would live as long as he wished. This was home.

Home.

"Alice! Jervis!" Iris called, slinging her handbag over her shoulder and holding her heels in that same hand, handing Jonathan his shoes. The feel of the grass was still under his feet, and it felt like he had never taken a walk like that in his life. "Look who's here!"

"Oh, my God, Jonathan!" Alice Pleasance was blonde and bubbly like Harley, except she was more mature than the jester girl ever was, but the way she danced down the stairs with Jervis - he was happy to see his old friend from his days as professor - in a one-shouldered light blue dress with delicate rosettes and threw her arms around him. "It's so good to see you. I've wanted to welcome you to the family."

If only he could tell her that she was on the verge of suffocating him, except it wasn't as threatening as Harley's hugs were. Jonathan laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist. Iris watched on with a smirk.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Jonathan," Jervis told him with a pat on the back.

"Is everything ready, you guys?" Iris asked. "I need to go freshen up for dinner, first, so why don't I take Jonathan to his room?" He turned to face her when she mentioned "his room". His mind was beginning to whirl a bit. His room…he would have his own room. His own bed, a decent shower, wandering about as he wished…all for the first time in three years. One being the year he was on the streets since his discovery and arrest.

Iris took him to the elevator that he remembered being installed for those who did not wish to take the long stairs up. Its speed controls were programmed faster than any elevator, but anyone with money could afford to have repairs if necessary. They were brought to a halt on the second floor, where Jonathan was greeted with a miraculous sight. The hall was opulent and clean white - whiter than any Greek or Roman structure - with the floors polished sanded marble and gold-framed portraits of landscapes, arched doorways with closed wooden doors that looked like they came from the Gothic era, and numerous chandeliers of the same design that hung from the ceiling, similar but more advanced to the one in the foyer downstairs. Iris brought him to the third door on their right, and turned to him with a smile. "Close your eyes."

Whatever his room looked like, it sure was a surprise. Jonathan chuckled and obeyed, squeezing his eyes shut. He heard the sound of the doorknob turning and the door opening, and then felt her take his hand and lead him inside. "Now, open them."

Words did no justice for this state of majesty he now stood in. It looked like it came from the Tudor era, with the oak wood floors under a rug of burgundy lapped with delicate, antique florals - all under a grand canopy bed of dark cherry, the posts crawling over with carved flowering vines, the curtains drawn up of golden satin. The bed covers were rich burgundy and brown satin embroidered with gold medallions. Before the window was a table runner over with a fabric designed like the rug itself, and three chairs drawn up. The window itself was hung with sheer white curtains to give him some privacy but also let in some light, and on either side were curtains of rich red-and-gold brocade. The wallpaper on every wall was plain wine-red, absent of extra decoration so that the room wasn't too extravagant and overwhelming. There was a great wardrobe of the same wood as his bed on the right side of it. Before the bed was a fireplace carved similar to the bed and wardrobe. His breath was taken all the same. This was…amazing. It suited him, his personality…everything. He felt like crying in spite of himself.

"Thank you so much, Iris," he choked out, turning around and hugging her.

She placed a kiss on his lips softly before pulling away. "I'm going to get changed for dinner. You go ahead and take your time to…freshen up." She winked before turning away and leaving him alone to his new surroundings.

Jonathan couldn't believe this; two years ago he had been living in an asylum - his asylum - and now he was out and living in endless luxury. DeLaine Manor's countless rooms were filled with various exotic themes, and this looked like it was from sixteenth-century England. He gave a little shout of joy like a child who had just received a new pet and flopped himself onto the bed, sighing passionately as he stared up at the ceiling, once again unable to believe his luck.

He didn't have anything with him that he'd been allowed to bring home, and his old rathole apartment he had shared with Edward in the Narrows had been ransacked from bedroom to kitchen and all - even when Edward himself was arrested - so there was nothing left for him to bring and unpack, but he imagined that Iris and Alice had his wardrobe ready for him. With that in mind, he stood and walked to the wardrobe and opened the large door, letting out an unmanly gasp at the sight. The girls did have everything for him. How they knew his size, he had no idea, but he figured they guessed and got it right. He had some suits that looked like his old ones from his days as administrator, and - to his own initial dismay - some pairs of jeans. He never liked denim as much as Iris did, because it was too tight and casual. His shirt collection consisted of crisp collared ones - exactly what he was used to - and some t-shirts and sweats. He selected a cool gray collar shirt and black slacks, and a pair of polished black shoes before walking to the door next to his dresser - which was right next to the bedroom door – and discovered a bathroom more breathtaking and natural than the Tudor theme.

The clean, white walls and floors were filled with a fascinating style evoking the serenity of a Japanese garden. To his left, he saw a wide, square mirror of pale oak over a counter slab of white wood, the toilet sitting beside it. Beyond it all was the pure image of a garden. Placed on an L-shaped dark gray stone platform and halfway enclosed behind a glass wall were rocks of gray, planted with green bamboo plants and some trees, the smell of the herbs filling the air. Three snowy white stone platforms led his eyes to where the shower stall from the ceiling behind the glass would sprinkle down, like automatic sprinklers in your average garden over the plant life. He could just picture himself being pampered that way like a plant under fresh spring rain. Iris was spoiling him too much on his first day out of Arkham.

Smiling bright like the room, Jonathan tossed his outfit of choice over the Japanese screen framed in black, the white rice screen silhouetted with bamboo trees, and eagerly stripped naked and dropped his clothes to the flawless floor and sauntered over to the paradise that waited for him. The second he turned on the faucet, water sprayed overhead and onto his body like a fine mist. He sighed loud, throwing his head backwards and letting the drops trickle over him. Finally, a decent shower all to himself without supervision.

His hair matted to his head, Jonathan ran his fingers through it and felt some grime in it, as the hair products given to him in Arkham were enough to cause dandruff and hair loss. His luck changed when he saw the hair and body products left for him on the little slab in the corner of the wall to his left. The shampoo and conditioner were Chinese brands, combining ancient Chinese herbs; he could smell the native Chinese lotus flower, the ginseng plant, and green tea.

The body wash was Brazilian, a delicious but sultry opposition - peach and apricot with pineapple, mango and grapefruit. The label on the back clearly said it was filled with skin-loving minerals, rich with vitamins: pomegranate, grape seed and tea extracts to help soothe. Jonathan exited once he was done, much to his own disappointment, but Iris, Alice, and Jervis were waiting for him. He grabbed a soft, fresh white towel softer and fresh-smelling than clean linen to dry himself off before tossing it back where it was and crossing to the Japanese screen to dress.

He left the bathroom, feeling and smelling fresher than ever to his own nostrils, and walked over to his dresser. He smiled and fondly ran his fingertips over the spines of the books that stood off to his left, then looked down and recognized a certain bottle of cologne. He picked it up and stared at it, its detail all too familiar even though many bottles looked alike…but the moment he opened its cap and sprayed it on himself, he remembered the very first day this was given to him so long ago…

~o~

8 years ago…

Professor Crane sighed in irritation after yet another long day of these mindless twits - all except one obvious. He watched as they all piled out of there, rambunctious as normal, and hollering to their friends about the party tonight or whatever. All filed out but Iris, as always. He gave her a small smile as she approached his desk, wearing a black blouse and skirt and her favorite heeled boots…and holding out a small, finely wrapped box of gold and a shiny blue ribbon. He quirked an eyebrow at her.

"What's the occasion, Miss DeLaine?" he inquired as he picked up his red pen for some grading until the next class. She just laughed and dropped her book bag into the chair before his desk.

"Happy birthday, Professor."

All day he had purposefully been avoiding that topic of the day. His birthday was never anything special, nor did he ever do anything special other than head to his favorite restaurant with Edward and feast on a pasta dish and then return home to finish out the evening with a glass of wine. But since last year, Iris would give him a gift, his last one being the fine black Fossil watch he wore on his left wrist, and he never once took it off to put on a different one. Eddie never got him any gifts other than taking him out for some "fun". Now he was curious about this newest one. "Really, you shouldn't…" he started, but she cut him off.

"Nonsense, silly. I brought this just for you. Open it."

Crane lowered his pen to the papers and took the package from her and proceeded to undo the ribbon and deftly tear open the paper. Inside the plain black box was an arch-shaped bottle of cologne, as clear a blue as the sky. He eyed it curiously as he removed the satiny smooth black lid and inhaled the nozzle, getting a seductive mix of smoky leather, bourbon, spicy black pepper, and fresh leaves. "Mmm," he murmured, spraying himself twice with it, not caring that whoever in his next class would have allergies, or the fact that he was already swearing his other usual scent. This one was better than that one. Iris had chosen well. He looked up at her, silently telling her that she had given him the best birthday present ever. She was the light of his day, and already he was thinking of taking her out with him tonight. Nothing personal to the lines of inappropriate - just because he wanted the pleasure of her company and a break from Edward's nonsense.

~o~

Today

Jonathan found his way to the kitchens without any trouble, having only to follow the smell of cooking. It smelled big - bigger than whatever it was that he imagined that he truly didn't know about. Jervis was a master chef, but he remembered that Miss Alice had struggled even though she tried her hardest. He wondered if she improved her skills thanks to Iris and Jervis.

He stood in the doorway, looking around at the rustic woods paired with modern Gothic carvings of ivory, and stopped to where he saw Jervis in the chef's white apron, aided by Alice in getting the great meal prepared. Sadly he didn't get the chance to step in when Alice whipped around and shrieked and bolted his way.

"Oh, out of my kitchen!" she said with mock-rage. "You're not getting anything yet with Iris not around!" She laughed with him as she led him through another doorway. "You wait in here until Iris comes in. Dinner's almost ready, but you'll have to wait, I'm afraid." She looked up at him with a little puppy dog pout before leaving him alone, chuckling at her humor and ways of keeping the house in order. He looked back in front of him at the beauty of the dining room. All the elements reminisced the French Chateaux of Provence during the reign of Louis XIV. The color choices consisted of soft gold accenting the wood inlaid dining table and chairs, along with crimson red in the floral arrangements in the middle of the table, burnt orange in the wallpaper, deep navy blue and cool earth tones highlighting the Persian era rug. But despite its custom and overloaded grandeur, this dining room maintained an element of warmth and invitation.

The long table was set as equally fine as the rest of the room. The clear crystal glasses, handcrafted in Italy as it seemed, were rimmed and stemmed with dazzling gold-plated accents. The dinnerware, sided with silverware exquisitely etched with floral designs on the glimmering gold parts, was also in the style of royalty; it was fine white porcelain accented with roses and doves. After seeing what he had seen of this whole house so far, he was utterly breathless. This is going to be the rest of my life…

"Jonathan."

He tore his eyes from the finery of the room to gaze upon the beauty in the doorway. His breath caught in his throat all at once. For the love of a God he wasn't sure existed, he couldn't find the words to say for the looks of her that was destined to make this a memorable first night. "Iris…"

~o~

Iris smiled at Jonathan as she stood in the doorway to the dining room, taking in how handsome and refreshed he looked. Seeing him happy made her happy, too. She'd even thrown on this outfit just for him - it was really Alice's idea to put this on when he first moved in, really. She wasn't into bright colors, but this made her look and feel more feminine. The dress was mid-calf length and sleeveless, colored blush pink, with golden leaves swirling on the highly beaded bodice. Her glittering shoes were that of a princess', with two-and-three-quarter-inch heels and pretty satin bows. Her hair was half up, half down, the curls and crown defined and decorated with small rhinestone flower clips, pulled back to show chandelier earrings of dangling pearls and tear-shaped crystals. No arm band necessary, as this was an innocent enough appearance.

And by the look in Jonathan's eye…he was blown away.

"You're beautiful," he breathed.

She'd been called beautiful before, and this time was no exception. Of course, Jonathan was the only one ever to comment here with such sincerity…but this time it was more than just that. This man whom she had grown to love meant every word. He made his way around the table so that he was standing before her, holding his hand out to her in silent offer to bring her to the table. She laid her hand into his open palm - her nail color now changed to pastel pink with a golden sparkle - but gave his hand a tug in her direction. He gave her a frown of confusion, but she gave him a reassuring smile and led him with her and out the side door of the dining room to where the family cemetery was resting. There was one thing she needed to do before dinner, before they could have their alone time and peace.

At the very end of the vast piece of land surrounded with a wrought iron fence and under a great tree were two very ornate gravestones. Side-by-side they stood, both granite surfaces were bordered with detailed flowering vines and a cherubic angel face at the top, surrounding the names of Maria Convée DeLaine and Marcus Andrey DeLaine, as well as the dates of their births and deaths. Both graves were grown with wildflowers and ivy vines. Iris gazed down at them both, to the point of digging her nails into her palms and drawing blood…but she forced herself to remain calm. Jonathan put his hand on her shoulder knowingly. "Should I leave you alone?" he asked carefully.

She nodded. "I'd appreciate it." He nodded, too, and walked away from her to stand by one of the other headstones.

She knelt down, careful not to get her dress dirty. Her mind was telling her over and over that the man who abandoned her and the woman who abused her did not deserve this…but she had not been to the graves of her parents in years even though she always lived in this house. Even after Marcus died, Maria never allowed her anywhere near his resting place. "Well, I suppose this means I should follow the example of the man I love," she said. "There really isn't much for me to say, because you both know what you both did, except I'm going to get this over with so that life can go on." She sounded harsh even to her own ears. but this had to be done. Iris took a deep breath.

"Father…" she began, anxiety taking over. "I know that you couldn't bear living with Mother because of the way she was. Believe me, I can understand why you did. It's not easy having to put up with someone who constantly preens themselves up because they want to stand out, to be feared and respected…to be modeled. Daddy, I really don't know what to say to you because I never knew you long enough before you left us for good." Her throat was threatening to constrict.

"I have so many unanswered questions, Daddy. Questions I wish you would be here to answer, never mind the excuse that you would remain silent because you didn't know how to say it in the 'right way'. I would have said otherwise, but I'm angry at you for what you've done to me. I'm supposed to hate you as much as her, but we both know who is to blame to push you away from us. It's difficult to hate someone you never knew as much as the one who now rests beside you in the next life." With that, she turned to face her mother's gravestone.

"You know full well what I have to say, and it is more than you may be expecting. I became a psychologist for a reason - to study why certain people do wrong things to others. It was what you've always wanted me to feel. You wanted me to suffer, so that your own self wasn't rivaled."

Iris cleared her throat and sat up on her knees straighter. "But you know what else, Maria? I was a child, an innocent little girl conceived only because you got your revenge at Father for leaving you. No child deserves to be treated the way I was, especially not Jonathan. Because you only cared about looking marvelous for your precious magazine editions, you only tried shoving me into your husband's hands. But you sent him back to his affairs all around the world until it ultimately claimed his life. I'm not shifting blame to anyone; it's the truth, even though I accept responsibility for it. Everything was your fault, and I honestly believe that I've done better than you ever did. I don't get all my money just because I need it. And I don't pose and smile for people just because I'm your daughter. I'm respected because I treat people right, and I'll tell you this: I love the man who was my teacher in college, my employer in Arkham and colleague…and my best friend besides Alice. And I've successfully helped him leave that wretched place just as I will continue to do so for other infamous Rogues. I love what I do, and I no longer hate myself and everything around me - save for a few who openly disregard me. I'm sorry I ever thought before I was seventeen that you would be a loving human being than you were to me as a child, but there was never any hope for you. I really wish there had been, but it's far too late for forgiveness, Maria. I only was here to follow the example my lover did with his grandmother while we burned down the prison of his past together - except I'll be kind enough to spare you from that."

Iris arose gracefully and towered over the graves. She turned and left the end of the cemetery and met up with Jonathan. Behind him, she saw the sun beginning to vanish beneath the horizon, leaving behind a blanket of tender pink that accepted the golden yellows, harmonizing with tranquil blue that mourned with royal purple and dark indigo. It was symbolic of the ending of a day and the beginning of a new one. Very much like starting a life anew. Jonathan's hand brought her back to make eye contact with him. "Are you okay?"

She smiled. "Very. Take me back inside. I'm starved, and I have a present for you. A welcome back gift."

~o~

"You know, I could have just taken the day off and spent it with you," Iris protested as she was led out the door by Jonathan early that morning. "I told you last night that I -"

"Nonsense," Jonathan told her as he handed her her coat and handbag. "I'll be fine for the day. I'll just relax and chill, try to get adjusted to being free for the first time in a long time." He turned to look back at the big mansion behind him as soon as he stood on the steps, regretting saying the words as there were parts of the house that he wasn't too familiar with.

"Are you sure?" Iris stopped where she was halfway down the front steps. "I should at least -"

"Iris DeLaine, I'm a grown man." He didn't mean to sound too harsh, but it was the only way he had to convince her. "Besides," he said, descending the steps and taking her into a quick kiss, "Eddie and the others need you. I'll see you when you get back."

That was all it took. She looked up at him and smiled. "Okay, then. I'll pick something up for dinner. Give Alice time off the stove tonight," she called over her shoulder. Alright, he was a little disappointed that her hair wasn't down in waves as he loved it to be, but at least she was always so beautiful - a natural unlike her mother had been. She disappeared through the clearing of the trees.

As soon as she was gone, Jonathan took a look at his surroundings. Words couldn't describe the shivers he felt as he dwelled on the fact that he was alone. Not alone like he had nobody in his life, but alone in his new home. He had it all to himself for the day, until Iris returned home. Miss Alice and Jervis had left not too long ago.

He took a moment to look down at his right hand and smiled at the gift from Iris last night. The ring was striking enough, with a raised braid that held a gem in each loop…a diamond and a citrine - his birthstone - alternating. This was one of the best presents she'd ever given him, besides the cologne he loved so much. Usually when you gave someone a gift, it didn't mean much of anything but buying them off. Well, at least, that was with most people, anyway.

He looked down and saw that he was still wearing his robe given to him - vivid blue silk that clung to his every slender angle - and decided first thing to head to his room and take a shower as he hadn't done so yet. Last night he had slept with no clothes on, due to the fact that the brown silk sheets were cool to the touch, smelling fresh like the morning mist. Truth was that he hadn't slept that way since he was incarcerated, despite the fact Ed had seen him before, because he didn't the orderlies sent into a state of permanent blindness when they came to retrieve him for therapy. Reasons for going without sleep clothes were because he wanted to try to get used to his body again after the abuse he endured at Gotham State.

Jonathan wasn't going to lie, he loved this open-spaced Japanese dream space - Edward would be jealous. Never in his life had he ever dreamed of living what could have existed only in the imagination. And his wardrobe really wasn't all that bad, either. When he said he hated denim earlier, he really hated because it was too suffocating. But Iris seemed to have gone to lengths to have the fabric tailored just for him. He sighed, thinking, Oh, Iris…she remembers everything about me all too well. Tossing on a navy V-neck cashmere sweater and equally dark jeans, he left his room to explore more of the house.

Placing his hands on the dark wrought iron of the railing of the second level, Jonathan surveyed the foyer like a prince surveying his palace, taking in the lush pillars surrounded by tiled Indian floors - Indian and Moroccan inspirations were two entirely different things, but it was a surprise that they coexisted in one room very well - and the exotic doorways shamelessly left open and devoid of doors. As it turned out, all bedrooms were on the level he was on, whilst the kitchen, dining room, living area, and the grand ballroom were located on the floor he was currently gazing down at, and the one above his head - the third and final floor of the manor - bore all rooms recreational, including the spa room, which was also Moroccan as this foyer. It made him laugh as he thought of how this home never failed to impress anyone with its many rooms based after different cultures worldwide. He tore his eyes away from below and went off to explore more.

Every bedroom door was closed - every door being as white a wood as the painted walls of the hall - all but one. This one was partially opened, but mostly he saw dark colors of the room illuminated by light of the open windows. A tiny part of his mind told him he shouldn't be peeking into someone else's room like this without the owner around - except he did it anyway. And by the looks of the blacks and teals, some ivory, this room turned out to be the master bedroom. Belonging to Iris, the mistress of the manor.

He stepped into the room, admiring how she'd renovated the room after Maria's death so that it fitted her and her only. He'd never seen the master bedroom before, because from psychologist's experience, females were very protective of their private spaces. Looking around, he suddenly became curious as to whether there was something about Iris that he had no idea about…he had no idea why that came up, but it wasn't severe, either. He decided to walk over to the black nightstand on the right side of the bed, and sat down, slightly creasing the teal-and-black comforter, and opened the top drawer.

And what he saw there left him utterly appalled all the same.

Iris owned the Kama Sutra.

And off to the side of it were several colored bottles of lubricants and self-pleasuring liquids.

He felt his cheeks burn when his fingers opened the book marked down with the black silk marker, showing the latest position she'd read; she clearly wanted to try this one with him. It stunned him, but at the same time wasn't so surprising. This position was the traditional lotus, in which the female sat on the male's lap, straddling him and wrapping around for balance; she would rock herself back and forth whilst tightening her vaginal muscles, and that he should follow along with her.

Jonathan exhaled with a shudder at the images conjured up by that illustration showed, with the man's naked rear end facing him…of him and Iris that way. He unwillingly tore his eyes away from the page to look at the various bottles.

Pleasure Potion lubricants…

Love Liquid lubricants…one being classic and the other scented of peppermint…

Divine Nectars…raspberry lime, vanilla orange, and strawberry kiwi…

Pleasure Balms…these with fancier names like Créme de Menthe, Lime Mojito, Raspberry Kiss, Spearmint, and Raspberry Dreams…

Intensify Arousal Gel…warming, cooling, and prolonging gel for men…

Turned out that the Pleasure Balms were used best for when you placed them on the best areas for oral use, such as the breasts, lips, thighs, and so on. She'd been saving them for her and him…he licked his lips as he imagined her putting that stuff on his own thighs, his chest and nipples, his manhood…

He exclaimed in surprise when it turned out that the most recent product use, out of them all, was one of the Divine Nectars. Ironic that she used nectar to blend in with the natural nectar formed during arousal. The comparison of that made his face flush hotter than before, even as he read the label: An exotic caress of the lips and fingers on the skin. Juicy raspberries with a touch of tart lime. Directions: Apply lubricant directly to the genital area. Use more if desired.

In spite of himself, Jonathan unscrewed the cap of the bottle with an idea of what he could spend most of the day doing.

~o~

When Iris got to her office, there stood a very ill-looking Dr. Leland. Her face looked like she was going to be sick. Iris frowned. If the her friend and colleague wasn't feeling well, why didn't she call and take the day off? "Joan, are you all right?" she asked even though it was a stupid question, grabbing her keys and unlocking her door. No sooner had the deed been done did the older woman zoom past her and dash for the trash can behind her desk and made a noise as she unleashed whatever she'd had in her stomach. Iris frowned as she closed the door behind her and walked to where Joan knelt, a theory buzzing in her mind. It wasn't much, but it regarded sickness this early in the morning and those constant romps with Edward in the broom closet….

"I'm - I'm sorry, Iris," Joan choked out, looking up and showing her sage eyes reddened and spilling tears. She wiped them away and sniffled. Iris knelt beside her and helped her up so they made eye contact. Then Iris turned away from her and reached down to the bottom drawer of her desk and pulled out a small purple box.

"It's all right, I'm here as a friend," she said gently. "Listen, Joan, why don't you try this?" she asked, nodding for the door to the opposite right of her that was her private bathroom.

Jonathan's new room was a dream to do, as well as the dining room, the dinnerware based off of sets from Midnight Velvet; the era of Louis XIV was nothing short of splendor, even though one of his heirs, the sixteenth, was a disgrace to the line. He's being spoiled so much he better not get too far in. ;D

Jonathan had done the same thing in talking to his grandmother's headstone in "Georgia on My Mind" by Lauralot, and Bruce had been outside but near the distance of the cemetery as Jonathan gave his speech about his hatred and fear of her, ultimately saying she didn't deserve to die so he could move on. It was very poignant and emotional. I tried my best not to use TOO much of Jonathan's words for Iris. As well, her words to her father and their love-hate relationship were taken from Vytina's "My Medea" on deviantart.

The love products are also real ones from a real online website called Kama Sutra - named after the text itself AND inspiring from. Even the directions could not be changed much for obvious reasons. ;D