Chapter 4

Haunted

Hi! I know I didn't update in a while, I'm also working on my other fics, I hope you'll enjoy that chapter, it will be quite heavy emotionally.

Although it wasn't usual for one visitor to see two inmates the same day, Jeremiah had been allowed that. He was impatient to see Bruce, as impatient as he had been to see Jerome. Seeing Jeremiah felt good, Bruce smiled until he saw his friend's worried eyes.

"Bruce? You're okay?"

"I'm just a bit sick."

"You have a bruise."

"I got into a fight. You should see the others, though."

Jeremiah gave him a sad grin. "Don't get in trouble, okay?"

"I'm already in trouble. Jeremiah, do you believe me?"

"Yes. I do believe you're innocent. You're not a killer." Not yet, but we'll fix that.

The expression of relief and gratefulness on Bruce's face was like a treat to him. It was so good to make Bruce feel that way. Anyway it was true, he was genuinely convinced Bruce was innocent. And he was pretty sure that this 'Tigress' who wanted him dead knew what happened. But Bruce didn't have to know that yet.

"Thank you…For believing me."

"I will do my best to help. You're not alone, you have me, just remember that."

The teen nodded, he knew he wasn't alone, he also had Alfred, but it was good to know there was someone else. But for now, he needed his friend's help with something else. "Jeremiah, I…I met your brother."

"I know, he told me about it. What did really happen? I know Jerome can have his own version of things."

Bruce didn't dare to tell him about what happened last night, but he eventually spoke about the day Jerome saw him dance with Marina.

"…And then he told me I was 'his'."

Because you are, as much as you're mine. Jeremiah acted as if he was confused, though. "What?"

"He exactly said that: 'You're mine'. Did he ever do that with someone?"

"No. He could be possessive toward me, but he didn't ever say something like that."

That was actually a lie, but he wouldn't say it to Bruce, and he wouldn't tell him either how natural it always seemed for Jeremiah to hear such things and say those back. Bruce however, wasn't the kind to be enticed by that kind of words obviously. Jeremiah decided to lend a hand to Jerome, hunting a wounded prey was easier, and the twins knew it well.

"Be careful, okay? But I also wanted to ask how you were handling things, I mean…Jim Gordon is dead. He was your friend, it's never easy to lose a friend. So, how are you feeling about it?"

Bruce gaped slightly and a sudden cold enveloped him.

Jeremiah's words made him mute, his throat couldn't make a sound for the life of him. Jim Gordon was dead…It was weird, but even though he knew, he hadn't entirely realized yet. It all seemed unreal and so many things happened. The thousands questions running through his head, the false accusation against him, trying to prove his innocence, being dragged to Arkham and then meeting Jerome…This had happened all so fast, and all the efforts he had done to try to keep his head cold and survive, it had all stopped him from focusing on his loss. But now, as weird as it seemed, hearing Jeremiah say that and ask how he was feeling about it…It was as if realization just fell over him.

Jim was dead. He would never see him again.

"Bruce? Hey, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just…I just wanted to know how you were handling it. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it."

But Jeremiah actually devoured him with his eyes. His words were even more efficient than he expected. Reminding him fully that Gordon was dead had probably been like a punch in the guts. This tormented expression…Did he look that way when his parents died? He had no idea but he loved that expression on him, it was just great to see him out of his self-composed mode, to see raw emotions in him. And he was vulnerable…oh he could have almost switched sides with Jerome just to have more time with him. To have Bruce malleable in his hands…

'I just gave you a delicious treat, Jerome; Don't spoil it.'

It was almost impossible to leave but he had to. His time was over and he still had a lot of work to do. Finding who wanted to kill Bruce and also find who this Tigress was. He also had to kill his annoying neighbor.

O o O

Jonathan was happy when he saw Bruce coming back, he had the feeling the scarecrow would torment him once again and he wanted a friend around. Friend…Could Bruce be called a friend? He hardly knew him. But still, he was the closest thing he had as a friend here. He continued to draw as Bruce approached. He had a piece of charcoal, pencils had been forbidden to him since the day he tried to hurt himself and someone else with one.

He noticed Bruce's expression, and was stunned: he seemed devastated.

"You're better?" Asked he, hardly looking at the teenager.

"Um…Yeah," Bruce replied though he was still down. "What about you?"

"Much better! Bastard is still after me, but that's nothing new!" A nervous laugh punctuated the last words. He didn't ask Bruce anything else. He knew better than asking people too much.

"Who? Jerome or Strange?" Asked Bruce

"No! Him."

He showed him the scarecrow he drew and the boy gaped at it. He slowly looked up at Jonathan: "Is that really what you see?" Jonathan just nodded in answer. And yet, he couldn't draw the colors, the fire and strange rage coming out from a creature which should have remained expressionless.

"What does he do to you?"

"He doesn't really hurt me, but he watches me, he follows me everywhere…He says horrible things to me, that I will die slowly and…"

"He doesn't exist, it's only in your mind, he can't hurt you."

"But he does hurt me."

He really wanted to help Jonathan understand it wasn't real, but it wouldn't be easy. He tried to drift his mind away: "You're good at drawing."

"Oh thanks…But, it doesn't matter. I used to draw a little before. Now I just draw him."

"Maybe you could try to draw something else."

"Hum…Maybe I could draw you?"

"Me?"

Jonathan frantically nodded and took another sheet and started another drawing; Now that he was silent, Bruce couldn't help but think of Gordon again. He had been able to think of other things those last days, but now it was harassing him. Maybe it was the normal stage of grief? It took him time to realize and now…Now he did. He thought of the man's words after his parents died, when he was trembling and in shock, with the cover around him. The cops hadn't been much help to comfort him, except for Jim. Even today, he could still hear him say: There will be light. But there wouldn't be any light for Jim now…And that because of some unknown bastard! He wanted nothing but tear him apart, whoever he was!

Suddenly, an idea got into his mind, a horrible and crushing idea: what if Jim had believed it was him?

It almost stopped his breathing, but he realized this: if that guy had his features, Jim might have believed it was him. Jim died thinking Bruce was his murderer…Until now, he hadn't thought about it, he knew he didn't do it, and therefore he thought Jim had known too. But maybe not. He probably thought Bruce had became crazy…His friend had died thinking he was a killer, a betrayer!

He froze entirely, and his fists clenched. All he could hear were the sounds made by Jonathan's pencil. For what seemed like an eternity, he just remained there, unable to move. He realized someone was standing by Jonathan's side only when the pencil stopped.

Jonathan was drawing with fascination. Bruce's expression was just great to put on paper. He wanted nothing but be able to grasp it, to imprison it with his pencil. Someone sat near him, and he saw it was Marina. He didn't pay much attention to her, she wasn't dangerous and he didn't mind having her around. He felt another person's presence, someone standing and looking at him but he didn't bother. Sometimes, people would look at his drawings.

"You have some talents, Johnnie! I must give you that…"

This time, Jonathan froze and stopped as he realized Jerome Valeska was the one speaking to him. No! He didn't like the redhead, not at all, he was scary, as scary as the scarecrow sometimes! Jerome put a hand on his shoulders.

He soon looked at Bruce instead and the teenager just ignored him, still deep in thoughts. That wouldn't do. What was he thinking about? He made such a long face, something surely happened. Was Bruce fragile right now? He would test that. But instead of going to him, he continued to speak to Jonathan:

"I bet you feel his eyes on you right now. It must be nagging, like something boring in you…" Jerome murmured that and Jonathan started to fidget on his chair, unable to look up. "I bet you feel like he is leaning down to you…" He leaned down and Jonathan cringed. "And who knows what he could do? Maybe he will let his hands slide around your neck and bury his fingers in it, suffocating you. Can his fingers dig through flesh?" Jonathan emitted a distressed sound, and Jerome laughed. "Maybe he'll rip your flesh apart…"

The sound of a chair moving stooped him and he just had time to catch the fist coming toward him. Jerome smirked as Bruce sent a kick. This time, he was ready for Bruce Wayne. Marina yelped and Jonathan squirmed as they fought against each other. Jerome was taller but Bruce was more precise, yet with the disease, he wasn't at his best. He elbowed Jerome in the face after dodging a punch and sent another punch when he received one right in the chest, making his body bent. He received another blow on the side and retaliated with a kick before throwing himself at Jerome to tackle him against one of the tables.

Seeing this made the other inmates go even crazier and some of them started to fight against one another as well, putting a big mess in the common room. Jerome kicked Bruce away from him and struck his face hard. Bruce retaliated with a punch as Jerome lunged at him. A strong hand caught his shoulders, though, trying to restrain him. He struggled and someone threw themselves at the guy holding him captive: Jonathan! The shy boy punched and tried to hit the guy holding Bruce Releasing his prisoner, Jerome's goon just hit Jonathan instead.

Seeing Jonathan getting attacked made Bruce loss focus. He went to defend him but a hook reminded him Jerome was still here. He received another punch in the stomach and his back hit a table. He lunged at his opponent but was caught again and he heard a big voice:

"Enough fighting now!"

Guards and medical assistants were stopping the fights, and a big security guard was holding him. There was no point resisting, he would only get forcefully sedated otherwise. The guard kept their hold on Bruce but didn't touch Jerome who was watching him with satisfaction.

"Good job, Bruce, but as you see, it's not that easy to take me down! Now, what shall you do if your behavior had unwanted consequences on your friends?"

"I won't let you hurt them."

"You're strong but not invincible, and if you fail, poor Jonathan will pay the price first."

That was a possibility, and Bruce knew that. He threw a dead look at Jerome but remained still and the guard released him after getting a nod from Jerome. The guards went to help his colleagues instead. Gesturing the seats, he kept his eyes on Bruce all the time. His expression was just dazzling: so fiery, so fierce and yet so desperate, so pained...He loved it!

"Come on, let's talk without fists. We spent an entire night together; we can have a civilized conversation. Seize the occasion; it's rare for me to suggest such a thing."

Bruce didn't make a move and looked at him silently, that intense stare still on him. He died to fight again but Jonathan and Marina would be in the middle of it, he already had a bleeding nose and she was holding her stomach in pain. She probably got punched here, he would have to ask her. Gordon wouldn't have wanted him to endanger someone. Jerome tsked as if he was a silly child and sat nonchalantly.

"You noticed I have my ways here and I have a lot of imagination. A guy like Johnnie here is such an easy target I could experiment many things on him. Even you, you're alone and you have your limits. But…I'll give you a chance to avoid the worst. After all, my brother likes you, and I don't want to hurt his feelings more than I already have. So, we can make this smooth"

The mention of Jeremiah raised Bruce's curiosity and took a part of his mind away from thoughts of Gordon. Breathing in deeply to try to cool his head, he sat down at Jonathan's side, to remind Jerome he wouldn't let anyone hurt him. Marina tried to help with his bleeding nose while Bruce was talking to Jerome.

"Your brother…So you like him?"

"I always did. We hated our mother, even though Jeremiah never wanted to admit it. But I'm not a complete insensitive monster as some would like me to be. You see, I'm able to love, I just chose not to. I chose to be a monster, because I realized how screwed up our society is. But people would rather think I'm the one who is sick, that it's not a choice, but a disease! But let me tell you…"

"Let me guess, you're going to tell me that it's this world which is sick, which is blind, which create monsters and all. You know that's an overused discourse, I'm pretty sure every guy like you used it. Maybe you could try some originality." He was surely not in the mood for such a discourse. Jerome made such a face at this that Bruce's frustration and anger lessened. It was so satisfying to make him shut up!

This just stunned Jerome: no one ever told him something like that! And his tormented expression had lessened, he was looking more composed again, confident. What the hell?! But now he had to admit that confidence and fire were very attractive too. Before he could reply something, the kid spoke again: "Didn't you fear to hurt Jeremiah by killing your mother?"

Oh, if the teen knew! Jeremiah had enjoyed killing their mother as much as he did. But well, no one could know.

"I told you, you stubborn mule, it was for the best, he didn't want to admit it, but Jeremiah couldn't bear mom anymore too. That's why he still loves me, and I won't ever let anything change that."

Bruce was pretty stunned: if Jerome was acting, he was one hell of an actor! But now, he didn't believe he did, after all, it was true Jerome never hurt his brother, even though he had killed their mother, tried to kill their uncle and attacked several people of their old circus. No, he surely loved his brother truly, and right now, he couldn't help but think of what Marina told him: he is handsome. When he wasn't smiling like crazy and speaking sincerely, Jerome was indeed…good-looking. Why did he think about that?

The lunatic tilted his head, confused: "What are you thinking about?"

Bruce shrugged: "Doesn't matter."

Jerome tightened his fist: he wanted to know! He huffed instead: "Come on, go ahead and speak: what's on your mind?"

"How about you tell me what's on your mind? We were talking about what you wanted in exchange of leaving my friends alone, I think."

"Ah, yes. I told you I would give you a chance to avoid the worst. It's pretty revealing to hear you speak about your friends' security. Not surprising but revealing. But, you're right, let's get to the point: I want you to spend your evenings with me and let me come in your room at night. I don't want you to protest when I sleep in your bed."

He could have laughed at the way Bruce's eyes widened. Marina had a little giggle and watched them with some excitement. The boy looked disgusted and he coughed before speaking once more: "You really are a pervert."

"Wow, you're jumping to conclusions, here! That's pretty revealing too. I just want to sleep in your bed. If there was anything happening between us, I would want you to be willing."

"Why can't I believe that?" Bruce coughed again after saying those words. Was it Jerome's baffling proposition or the disease which made his head ache?

"But it's true. If I just wanted fuck you, believe me, I would have gotten my ways already. After all, it would be so simple to have one of the doctors give you some drugs which would just make you all limp and defenseless…"

Bruce imagined that and something suddenly tilted. A shiver ran through him and he took a big breath as it dawned on him: that night…

"I was feeling even worse after taking my medicine last night! I couldn't move as usual! You…"

Jerome's face lightened in satisfaction: "I asked for a light dosage, I still wanted a bit of a struggle. At least I thought so, until you did."

Seriously?! The doctor did that? Or maybe Jerome was lying, maybe it was he who mixed up the pills…But he had to be sure. The redhead licked his lips: "So you see? Maybe I could do it again, but with a stronger dose…Haha! Brucie don't make such a face, I'm kidding! I told you, I want you to be willing. I love challenges after all."

Bruce didn't say a word, stood up and took Jonathan's arm to lead him toward the nursery and the Marina girl followed. Jerome watched them leave. The little tiger was really not gonna give in easily! Didn't matter, he would entertain some of his inmates around; he had to give that to Arkham's residents: they were a good audience. His fun was cut off though, when Hugo Strange called him over.

Once in the office, Jerome laid on the couch nonchalantly, as if he was home and not in an asylum. This made Strange grin, Jerome's attitude wasn't to displease him, it was more interesting than twitching and scared patients.

"How are you today, doc?"

"I'm doing well, what about you?"

"Pretty fine! Things are getting more exciting."

"I heard of it; another fight occurred."

"You know how I can be: I don't like to do things half-way. And neither does Bruce it seems."

"How did it start?"

"I was teasing Jonathan Crane and he went ballistic."

"What were you teasing him about?"

"That stupid scarecrow obsession of his."

"Are you sure you just intended to simply tease him?" That wasn't really a question. Jerome smirked: "I might have wanted Bruce's attention. I did get it, but I don't get why he wants to protect that guy so much; same with that girl, he doesn't even screw her! I'd understand if they were fuck buddies, but no!"

"Language."

That made Jerome laugh before raising his hands in a fake apologetic gesture. Strange went on: "Maybe he was upset about last night?"

"Oh so you know about it too? Well, I guess you don't mind that much."

"You're not a rapist, at least, that's not your kind of enjoyment. But I'm intrigued about your motivation."

Titling his head, Jerome replied: "I wanted to stay with him. I'm easily bored and…I don't know, but there is something about him which I just crave."

"You want him sexually, but not only."

"Don't reduce me to one of those low pervs with no class, doc. I'm much more ambitious. You see, there is one thing I enjoy as much as sex and it's getting someone addicted to me. I love to make them beg for more, while I remind them I can ditch them easily. Raping? Any idiot can do that, but total dominance over someone…Now you have to admit that's more impressive."

"I cannot disagree. And you want Bruce Wayne to be addicted to you?"

"Yes."

They continued to talk and Strange was pretty sure Jerome wouldn't try to sexually abuse Wayne. He would have put a stop to it if he had suspicions, but no. Anyway, he was too curious, he wanted to see how things would evolve between the two of them. Jerome was developing an obsession toward Bruce Wayne, it was clear, he had never been really interested in anyone else of the hospital like this before. He also wanted to see how Bruce would handle things. They both had dominant personalities and were in a conflict. That could only be entertaining.

O o O

After the fight, Bruce had been to the nursery and while Jonathan had been taken care of, he had confronted the doctor who gave the pills. Of course, the man denied everything and told Bruce he was probably being paranoid. That's when it hit: he was officially crazy and whatever he would say could be interpreted as some creation of his mind. He had no credibility anymore!

This just made him even more enraged, what Jerome did, what those doctors did, the loss of control over his life, and Jim Gordon…He had returned to his cell instead of the common room and cried out of rage and sadness when he had been in, smothering the sounds in the pillow. He could hear Alfred telling to keep his head up and not cry, but he would have been a monster if he hadn't shed a tear for Jim. He could see the cop again, when he would try to reassure him, when he would tell him to keep courage, and when he was happy with Dr Thompkins, kissing each other in the police station…The memory of Gordon's happy face made him cry even more.

His tears were abundant but short-lived. After that, he felt hardly better. Sure, it had been good to let something out, but the pain was still here. And his head hurt, crying had intensified the headache and he was feverish. He had medicine but he didn't want to take any after what happened. What if it was true that he was paranoid, though? No, it wasn't the moment to question himself like that, he had to be strong dammit! He had to stop being so weak! He felt like when his parents died, stripped of any power, vulnerable, when someone he loved had been killed! He hated that, and he hated what had been done to Jim, he hated whoever did this, and got away with it! Jim never deserved that! He deserved recognition and a good life!

He clenched his teeth. It was all unfair. He remained like that, between rage, sadness and loss for a long time until he heard someone unlocking his door. He opened his eyes and Jerome entered and smirked at the way the kid's eyes widened. Bruce was even more stunned when he heard the door being locked by the security guard.

"What the hell…" The sudden situation took him away from dark and gloomy thoughts.

"Remember our agreement, Tiger."

"I never agreed to anything," Bruce reminded him, standing in spite of his fever and sore body. He was still down, but he didn't want Jerome to see it. Jerome stopped before him, his eyebrows raised. "Oh, then which one do you chose, Bruce? Marina or Jonathan? Which one will get a nice electroshock session?"

A punch in the face was the only answer he got from the teen. Bruce grabbed him by the collar: "That's for the beating!"

A scalpel was suddenly under his neck and Bruce had to stop moving: "What you call a beating was a mere warning. You should remember who is Boss, here. And I was targeting Crane, you could have stayed out of it."

"Please, as if I'd do that."

"But I know, that why I went to him: I knew you would take me more seriously."

Bruce was speechless at this. He shouldn't have been surprised, this was Jerome after all. The redhead smirked and embraced his waist, drawing them closer. "Come on, you still need to lie down."

Bruce turned his head away. The lights were dim but his eyes were probably still red and he didn't want Jerome to see. Releasing himself from his hold, the teen pushed him away while replying: "I'm not drugged this time."

He laid down under the covers and tensed when he felt Jerome slipping under those as well. Bruce his back to him, refusing to look at him.

"No, and that's why I won't make any stupid move. Believe it or not, I just want to know you. But you won't let me in, so I have to resort to other ways. And if it means hurting other people, well, you should know it doesn't scare me, Tiger."

Bruce closed his eyes: "That's not the only thing you want."

Embracing him again, Jerome pressed the boy's back against his chest and this time Bruce didn't push him away although he was unresponsive.

"There is one thing I wonder: you remember when we met?"

"…Yes."

"I thought you were a street kid. You really looked like one of those little rats. Why were you living in the streets? How is it you could adapt in here?"

"…I had a friend who showed the ropes."

"That girl I saw you with? That's not enough, Bruce. To survive in the streets, you need more than someone showing you the ropes. For anyone, it's a tough life, so for a little rich kid…How old were you? Thirteen?"

"Why do you care?"

"I want to know what Bruce Wayne was doing in the streets. How did you manage to survive, and how is it no one ever unmasked you before me?"

"…I will only tell you this: I wanted to know more about some things. Myself for one."

Jerome smirked. "You went to live in the streets just to test your limits. Pretty crazy and bold! I can respect that. What else?"

"I won't tell you anything else."

"Come on…Here, one little gesture from me, I'll show you some of my secrets if you tell me a bit more."

Bruce thought of it. He didn't want to open up to Jerome, and yet he would have to give him something, for Jonathan and Marina's sake, but also to manipulate him. He was also curious to know those secrets.

"You want to know how I didn't get recognized? Simple: people see only what they expect to see."

"Now that's true," Jerome declared with contempt.

"Even you."

The redhead's eyes narrowed at this. He didn't like being compared to 'normal' people, not at all! Maybe he was oblivious to Jerome's vexation or maybe he didn't care, but Bruce went on:

"No one, including you, expected to see Bruce Wayne in the streets. So you didn't see him. You saw only 'Kyle', that kid I created and who lost his parents and ran away from a gloomy foster home. As for the rest well…You just observe in silence and then you mimick."

Jerome's hold around him tightened, still a bit angry, but also eager to learn more. What kind of kid did that? He embraced him tighter and let his head rest against his black hair. Tomorrow would be an interesting day, he was sure of that.

It's official, Bruce's room is somehow Jerome's too!

Review, please!