Chapter 3

Jeremiah will finally appear in this chapter! Alfred and Selina should come soon as well, but the focus will remain on Arkham.

"Missed me?"

Jerome was here…By his bed. Bruce closed his eyes tight as he felt a vertigo and pain spread through his skull. "What are…"

"Checking up on you."

Yeah, sure. "More like getting your revenge…" He slumped down as headache intensified. "Go ahead." He braced himself. The chuckle which followed gave him goose bumps, though. He didn't know why it was doing that on him, it was just a laugh and yet…He almost wished Jerome would stop and just hit him instead. He felt fingers sweeping the cold sweat on his forehead, the gesture was weirdly gentle, and he heard a whistle.

"You do have a high fever indeed."

The cover was raised and Bruce shivered, he grunted at Jerome to stop, but then he realized the redhead wasn't taking those away. He was slipping under it at his side. He started to back away but an arm suddenly sneaked around his back and drew him toward Jerome again. That was the moment when he snapped: he knew what Jerome wanted! Marina had been right! He struggled and kicked and tried to push him, but the redhead embraced him strongly.

"Stop it! Stop! Let go, you perv!"

Jerome threw his weight over the boy, forcing him to lie on his back. Jerome crushed him under his own body and pinned both wrists at each sides of his head.

"Stop that right now!" He approached his face very closely and Bruce shut his mouth tightly but not his eyes.

"There is nothing you can do to stop me! You're powerless!" He roared;

Bruce tensed and shivered. That voice…Was it the sickness which made this voice resonates in his head like a sick echo? Jerome was scary. Bruce hated being scared but he couldn't help it. A little smirk adorned his captor's lips and his body relaxed slightly over Bruce's. The teen winced as he spoke again, in a calmer voice:

"I planned to be nice. Don't make me change those plans."

A sudden wave of pain hit Bruce and his face contorted. He stopped every move and Jerome took that occasion to put the covers back in place and to get even closer to him.

"Don't try to fight, it's useless, beside I'm not going to hurt you."

Bruce's ragged breathing was the only thing that could be heard for now. He adjusted his position, putting his feet against Bruce's icy ones, and pressing their chests as much as possible.

"You're not doing that for me…"

He had met the pervs and the pimps who would try to take advantage of lost and desperate kids. They had been Bruce and Selina's biggest fear. But they never got him or his friend, so he wouldn't let Jerome do that either! Save your energy while he doesn't try to do anything. Let him think you're too exhausted. But he really was exhausted. Even if he saved his energy, would he be able to stop him?

"I hate sleeping alone. You need warmth. We might as well work together."

"But why…"

"You're thinking too much, kid," he murmured suavely, their lips close. "Just enjoy the warmth and rest, it's the best way to keep yourself from getting sicker."

Bruce didn't say anything else, the fever making him feel sore again. He didn't want to accept that, but he didn't have the strength to fight and Jerome was really warm. And he was keeping his hands around his back, nowhere else. That heat was bit uncomfortable, and feeling Jerome's breath on his skin was making him uneasy. But it wasn't as bad as the cold. Still, what would Alfred say? What would Selina say? But did it matter? They weren't here! He was, and he was alone! And what about Gordon? His parents? But they weren't here anymore either…He felt a lump in his throat and tried to think of something else. He heard what sounded like a owl…He tried to picture one in his mind. He liked owls…He allowed his thoughts to drift, Jerome wasn't moving, maybe he was sleeping already…

It was impossible to say when he fell asleep, but when he woke up the next morning, he was well-rested. His throat was very sore and he was still feeling dizzy, but he did sleep well. Arms were around him, holding him against a warm chest and he could feel someone's cheek and jaw line against his own face.

Jerome!

Bruce stopped breathing at first. In fact, the way he held him seemed kinda…Protective. It was weird when he thought of his threatening words last night. "There is nothing you can do to stop me! You're powerless!" "I planned to be nice. Don't make me change those plans."

He had told Alfred he wanted to try to manipulate him. And he still wanted to, there was no way he would run. But now he truly realized it would be dangerous. And…Could he really understand Jerome? What did he want? Why did he come to sleep with him? Why was he holding him like this? It was disturbing; really…He wasn't used to that. He wasn't used to be held like that. He tried to put some distance between them but when he succeeded, he realized he missed the warmth, the cold was bitter. Leaning against Jerome again was tempting, really, yet he kept that space. God, he was still sick.

Why did he do that? Jerome can't be in love with me…Of course not, you fool! He wants you to believe he is. That's a game to him! He wants to wrap you around his pinkie. That's what Silver did too. Silver…Galavan had arranged for them to meet a few times ago, during a business meeting, and he had been…Really attracted to her. And Selina had rejected him, so maybe he had felt the need to move on and get some form of revenge. But then, he started feeling suspicious. He had seen many liars and manipulators and though he didn't want to believe it, he started to become suspicious. So he reconciled with Selina and broke up with Silver, pretending 'things wouldn't work between them'.

After that, he had made sure to avoid Galavan and Silver, and tried to understand what the man wanted. During that time, he and Selina even started…Dating somehow. All that while trying to figure out what Theo was up to.

But Selina and he had an argument again, because of her greedy mother…If what they had before could be called a relationship, it was over. And a few days after that, he was accused of murder…

He sighed. He didn't want to think of Selina right now, he had enough problems to focus on. One of those was actually holding him like a Teddy Bear. Yesterday, he had been given pills to take in the morning against the fever and the nausea. He also had to take those. He started to push away the redhead, when Jerome opened his eyes and growled. Bruce pulled himself out of his arms completely.

"You're still here."

He yawned and grumbled: "Well, did you think I'm the kind of guy who will run away after a great night?"

"Very funny. And honestly, I would categorize you as such," Bruce stated while sitting up and rubbing his head. He was feeling fresher, but he wasn't at his best yet. Jerome cackled at this before swiftly embracing the teen, pulling Bruce's back against his own chest and firmly encircled him in his arms. He heard Bruce gasp at this and just put his chin on his shoulder. He was still feverish.

"Jerome?"

"Yes?"

"If you continue to pull that kind of stunts I'll break your ribs."

The redhead couldn't help but gasp and then grinned. He should have expected that, but he couldn't help but see Bruce in that billionaire brat image. He should stop forgetting that Bruce was also a savage. He still wasn't struggling, though he wasn't leaning against him either.

"I'd like to see you try. That would be exciting."

The teen wanted to push him away, felt that it was his duty to do so, but on the other hand, he was curious: what would Jerome do? That was a side of him he never saw. Was it fake or genuine? Surely, the lunatic wasn't in love with him and wanted something from him, but maybe Jerome was also enjoying this. After all, it wasn't impossible, Jerome seemed like the kind of guys who wouldn't force himself to do something they didn't want, he wanted enjoyment and that was all.

Manipulation is making people think you can give them what they want.

"Why are you hugging me, by the way?"

"Because I'm in love with you!"

"The real reason, please."

Jerome whistled: "If you say 'please'. Well…I don't really know, I just wanted to do it. I'm curious, I guess, I'd like to know what it's like to hug someone else than Jeremiah. And you're attractive. So yeah, I'd say I'm curious to know what a hug with you feels like."

"You had me in your arms all night."

"It's not the same, you slept through most of it and you were still overtaken with fever. I like to experience different kind of things. And even psychos like me need human touch from time to time." Jerome sighed and closed his eyes, shifting a bit but keeping him in his arms. "And why aren't you fighting? You could if you wanted. Is the fever stopping my little tiger?"

"Well, it's so weird to see you like that. And when something absolutely unexpected happens, you're often curious about it."

"Or is it because you love me?"

This time, Bruce laughed; it was the first time he laughed in days. Jerome giggled along and looked at him with fascination. Bruce's laughter didn't last long.

"It's the first time I hear you laugh! But you know, if you want more unexpected things to happen…"

Bruce elbowed him in the side and Jerome jumped in surprise, letting Bruce the chance to get out of his grasp. The boy swiftly did that and went to take the medicine he had been given. Jerome was still sitting on the bed, watching him with a little mischievous smile. Bruce rolled his eyes.

"Get away, I have to lay back, and I don't need you around."

"It's a bit ungrateful after last night. Are you seriously going to stay in bed?"

"Yes, it's called resting, it's advised to do that whenever you get sick."

Jerome sighed and finally got up. "Well, I guess very good things have an end. You'll still have to come back to the Common Room at a point though. I'll come back and visit you if you take too long."

"Don't."

"Why? Do you feel threatened?"

"I don't want you around," he stated while getting back to bed.

Jerome titled his head and smiled even more hugely. "Well, we'll have to change that, won't we?"

"What do you want?"

"You! Isn't it obvious? And you'll want me too."

He left before Bruce could answer. As he was alone, Bruce laid down. What the hell just happened? This was truly a crazy place! But if Jerome wanted him, he could use that. Why would Jerome want him? He had told him he was a challenge, that he was a savage…Whatever he was doing; Bruce had to continue to be a challenge. He had to give him that…And maybe he would…What? What was the point of that? He didn't know yet, but getting on equal foot with one of the most powerful person here would probably be helpful. Not give him anything easy, but let him think he can get it…That he could do.

He had lived in the streets for months and months, getting to know manipulators, schemers and thugs from the most dangerous part of the city. Then, he had met Galavan and figured him and Silver out, two manipulators of high society. Yes, Jerome was wrong if he thought Bruce would fall into his hands.

Galavan…He was pretty sure he was responsible for this. He had no proof sadly, and he didn't know how he might have done it, but he was pretty sure he was involved somehow. But while being trapped here, there was no way he could do anything. That's when it hit him: there was some purpose in manipulating Jerome maybe…Oh Lord, that was a dangerous and uncertain idea, though. But he could keep that idea in a corner of his mind.

Maybe it was more prudent to ask help to Jeremiah? He didn't really want him involved, though, but his friend was smart, maybe he would have an idea? He remembered the shock he had felt seeing his face for the first time.

"Mr Valeska?"

The redhead had turned to him and gaped slightly, and looked at him as if he was surprised.

"Oh! Mr Wayne! I'm…Yes, I'm Mr Valeska. Jeremiah."

Bruce couldn't help but grin a bit at that clumsiness. He had the same face than his brother, but his hair style, his nerdy look, and his shyness…They were really different.

"You're only eighteen?"

"Hum, yes, but I…I have all the requirements to work here."

"I don't doubt you. You're just the youngest person around after me."

"How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

Jeremiah just nodded and bit his lip: "Did you come to meet me to talk about the project?"

Bruce lowered his head a bit. He wanted to be honest, but he felt a bit stupid at what he was going to say: "Yes, but I also wanted to meet you."

The face Jeremiah made was enough to give Bruce regrets. He didn't look shock or angry, just resigned, and that was maybe worse.

"Of course. I know Jerome tried to hurt you."

Bruce didn't say anything. He hadn't told anyone he had been living in the streets of course, people thought he had been homeschooled for some times and occasionally went abroad. So except for Selina and Alfred, no one knew about his past interactions with Jerome. Officially, Jerome had tried to hurt him during the attack of an event Wayne Enterprises had taken part of. He hadn't been able to kill Bruce for no real motive, but he had escaped the police.

"My brother is still on the loose, a lot of people avoid me for that. I'd understand if you wouldn't want me around."

"Don't misunderstand me, I was a bit curious, I admit it. I'm sorry if that was out of place.

"No, no, it's okay to be curious, I would be if I were you. Just…Don't judge me because of what my brother did."

"That would be totally unfair! I have no opinion about you yet, it's way too early. I also want to know about your work, I was told you had some very interesting ideas."

This time, Jeremiah smiled and showed him Bruce some blueprints. They spent a long time talking about it.

"You really have a brilliant mind," Bruce mused.

"Thanks. You're also pretty good for a teenager, I rarely meet someone that young who can understand my work."

That's how they started to get acquainted and got friends. Jeremiah wasn't his closest friend, maybe, but Bruce had a lot of affection for him. He wondered if Jerome behavior had something to do with it? He would have to ask.

After Jerome got shot and arrested, Bruce had asked Jeremiah why he would still visit in Arkham. Because he still loves me, and I still want to save him from himself. Bruce felt bad for Jeremiah, being torn between his love for his mother and his love for his brother…Maybe he wouldn't ask anything from Jeremiah, he had much to deal with. He read one of the books he borrowed; it was a collection of Edgar Poe's poems and short stories. He read The Raven and felt strange after that. It was the story of a man mourning his dead fiancée and visited by a raven who would speak one word to him "Nevermore". That bird refused to leave in spite of the protagonist curses and pleas. There was one line in the books in particular which gripped him

And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming.

For some reason, this reminded him of Jerome. A dreaming demon…He had entered Bruce's life and now he would let no pleas or curses drive him away. Fine. Bruce would find another way to get rid of his raven.

O o O

Today started as annoying for Jeremiah. Not only had he got people looking at him strangely, once again because of his resemblance with Jerome. It was starting to get old; they should have grown used to that! He also had some complications in his work, and to top it all, he had a bad night because his stupid neighbor would listen to his music too loudly. He had asked him to tone it down, but the bastard refused. Well, he would have to break into his home and inject some little things into his food. Maybe he would make it lethal, he hadn't decided yet if the idiot would die or not.

That was the problem: he had to be careful whenever he wanted to kill someone. He needed to maintain that image of innocence, at least for now, he still had some projects in mind. So, usually, whenever someone was annoying, he would ask his brother to take care of it, and Jerome would gladly oblige. But now he had to do that himself. Oh, he could have asked one of Jerome's cultists, they wouldn't dare to disrespect his wishes, but they tended to be…Clumsy. Jeremiah would rather do things well, pick the flat's lock, get in and then poison the food. His neighbor wouldn't see through it. Hell, maybe he actually forgot to lock his door again.

He would poison his neighbor later, though, for now, he had to visit his twin and Bruce. He was impatient to see them both. God, he hadn't slept much that might but the few dreams he had were about Bruce and when he thought about it, it would almost make him sweaty again. It had been as such since Jerome had met him, hell, he could even say this had started since Jerome had showed him a picture of Bruce Wayne. He remembered well.

"That's this kid! The one I tried to get!"

"The little street-rat?"

Jeremiah rolled his eyes, one kid had been able to beat Jerome in a fight, and now his brother was obsessed in getting him. He had tried several times to get him but the kid apparently called Kyle, always managed to escape or fight him off. And now, Jerome was showing him a picture of Bruce Wayne in the Newspaper. He had heard the name Bruce Wayne, but he had never been able to see him for real.

"Jerome, they can't be the same person."

"It's him. I don't know what the hell he was doing in the streets, but they are definitely the same person."

Jeremiah didn't answer, he was absorbed by the picture. It was a tap on his shoulder which called him back to reality. "Hey, are you listening?"

"Why would he live on the streets?"

"I don't know, but it was him. He was searching for something, I think, but I don't know what. Or maybe he is just an eccentric. Whatever, I want to kill him."

"I would like to learn more about him. You know, it's intriguing."

Jerome laughed. "You want to do him, am I right?"

"He is too young."

"Three years apart! And it's not the worst thing you would have done. Come on, you know what? I'll held myself back for some times, to allow you to get some time with him. But I won't do it forever."

Indeed, Jerome eventually attacked Bruce again. Jeremiah had been happy the boy could make it away, but he hadn't been able to hold a grudge on Jerome. If Bruce couldn't survive his brother, he wasn't worthy of their interest. He believed Jerome about Bruce living in the streets now. He wasn't like any other rich brat of the city, and when Jeremiah had asked him why he had been homeschooled, Bruce had remained evasive. His friend loved risks, and he had noticed Bruce knew much more about the poor parts of Gotham than a rich kid usually would. Now he was in Arkham, and he hoped he wouldn't be hurt, at least, not by anyone else than Jerome.

Bruce was quite…Thrilling, fascinating even. He didn't want him out of his life for now.

He also wanted to know more about that mess. Pretty much nobody believed Bruce when he claimed his innocence (except Alfred Pennyworth), but he believed it. Jerome was more doubtful, but Jeremiah knew his friend. It wasn't like Bruce to do that, not at all. Someone was trying to get to Bruce and he wanted to know who.

He wanted to know who was trying to get his possession.

Arkham still looked grim. He remembered how Jerome joked they should put a few crows and ravens on the roof, to complete the picture. He wasn't wrong. But now, if what he knew of Strange was right, the man probably wanted the atmosphere to be as such. He was quite impatient to speak with Jerome, he had questions and he was pretty sure his brother would have interesting stories to tell him. But anyway, he was always happy to see his twin. His brother looked pretty impatient too. They smiled to each other. Jeremiah still looked so innocent! Jerome didn't know how he managed to do that so well.

"So, how are things going outside?" Jerome asked.

"Pretty boring at times. My scientific projects are interesting, though."

"Still working for Wayne Enterprises?"

"Yes. Speaking of that, how is Bruce doing? I'm paying him a visit after you."

"Oh, he got sick, but he also got to kick some asses. I wouldn't be too worried if I were you. By the way, you still don't mind sharing?"

Jeremiah smirked: "Not at all. As long as you remember to do the same once we get out. Something happened so far?"

"I got to sleep in his bed. Granted, he wasn't really happy, but he complied eventually."

"Don't be too creepy, I'll visit him as well today. I don't want him to be too scared."

"He'll need more than that."

Surely. After all, Bruce had never avoided Jeremiah in spite of his appearance, and that's one of the things he liked about him. Most people would hypocritically pity him but wouldn't want to have anything to do with him. Bruce had been sincere.

"But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I got another visit today. A woman."

"Oh, you got a secret lover?"

"Did you just make a joke?" Jerome was gaping at this.

Jeremiah huffed at this: "I can be fun too, at times. But go ahead, what did she want?"

"Ah, now is the interesting part. She offered me to work for her and in exchange of what she would make me escape."

He didn't like that one bit, what did she want with Jerome? "I'm the one taking care of your escape, it shouldn't be so long anymore. And what would you have to do?"

"Manipulate and then kill Bruce Wayne."

Jeremiah looked at him with eyes like saucers. Jerome already knew his answer, but he wanted to savor the look of fury in his twin's eyes. He loved it whenever Jeremiah would unveil some of his wildness. Right now, Jeremiah looked like an angry cat.

"No. Way. He belongs to us."

"We agree on that. Don't worry, I said yes, but you know how I can easily change my mind. However, that is definitely an interesting matter, don't you think?"

"Oh yes. Do you have her name?"

"She just told me to call her Tigress. She didn't tell me who she works for either, but I'm pretty sure she isn't the brain behind that, I can recognize a henchman when I see one."

Tigress…That didn't speak to him, but it didn't matter. Oh, that bitch probably had claws indeed, but he was also a predator, and he would certainly not let anyone steal what he wanted away. That was probably her and her boss who put Bruce here. Finding her meant a lot of answers, he was sure of that.

"I'll try to get her name. Your little cult will be handy. What did she want you to manipulate him for?"

Jerome shrugged: "I just have to make him fall under my influence, and once I do that, I would have to make him do something."

"Fine, I'll find her and her boss too. As for you, what are you gonna do?"

Jerome titles his head to the side with a big smile: "Well, I would like to know why someone wants to kill our cute little Brucie. That means we'll play together even more."

And here we go! Creepy scene, but it could have been worse. Jonathan will come back. Don't hesitate to review!