Chapter 10

Threats and Traps

And here it comes! Hope you will enjoy it! As usual if you spot mistakes, point those out!

When Jerome awoke, he smiled thinking about last night. Now, he definitely had someting to keep a hold on Bruce. He was pretty sure the kid wouldn't want him to tell anyone what happened between them last night. Oh sure, the billionaire boy could deny everything, say that he was crazy, and it could indeed work. But it would spread the seeds of doubts in some people, and Bruce knew it. He looked at the dark-haired boy who was still sleeping. He shook his shoulder quite brutally to wake him up.

"Wha…"

"Wake up! I know usually people would wake their new lover with a nice kiss but I like to be unconventional!"

Sleepy and tired, Bruce growled: "You're annoying…"

"I like being annoying too. Come on, Brucie, how about an encore?"

"No."

He sighed in the pillow. God, what did he do? It had felt good, really good, for a moment he had forgotten everything, he had felt alive and all…But now he was ashamed, he shouldn't have done that with Jerome. It had been his first time and he regretted it. But he couldn't show Jerome anything, otherwise he would use it. Yet the redhead wasn't blind.

"You wished nothing happened, isn't it?"

"I just slept with the guy who tried to kill me and murdered people. I feel quite weird."

Jerome hugged him from behind, but it wasn't a nice hug, more like a possessive hold. "Why would you feel guilty? You didn't kill anyone, you didn't rape me. Or would feel better if had forced me?"

This horrified him: "No! Why would I?"

"Because you could, and it would have hurt me. Then it would have been good vengeance."

Bruce got free of his hold and turned to face him. "I don't want to inflict that kind of revenge! I'm not a rapist!"

"Then don't regret, and you see that we have a common point! We don't rape. You needed that, and you full-filled that need with someone very willing. Are you afraid that 'good people' will judge you? Maybe they should get in here first, and we'll see whether or not they don't get in someone's bed. But unlike you, they'd be someone's bitch."

"What am I to you?"

"My lover. I like that word, it sounds better than boyfriend, more mature and even classy."

Bruce looked down. He knew Jerome was just trying to manipulate him to continue to have sex but one thing was true: the people who never went through that couldn't judge him. Arkham was hell if you didn't know how to defend yourself. Jonathan had told him that some inmates had tried to rape him, he had only been saved by a guard who had taken pity on him, but otherwise he would have been taken by force. The fact he had often been in solitary confinement had helped too. Bruce knew that of he didn't know how to defend himself, he would be half-dead already. And he had to admit it, if Jerome hadn't forbid other inmates to touch him, things would be harder.

Yet he didn't want Alfred or Selina to know. Even Jeremiah, he wouldn't be able to look at him in the eyes. Jerome put back a strand of hair in place.

"People judge and judge, but all of them had done shameful things, it's hypocritic all those morals. Just do what your body wants, since you don't hurt anyone, why should you feel like it's such a big deal."

Because I'm basically insulting everyone you hurt. And because I don't love you, my first time should have been different. But he wouldn't tell him that, it's not like Jerome could understand and it wasn't like Jerome could understand. Some people had heard them, and the news had spread. People didn't care much in here, it was just the usual gossip. Jerome left Bruce on his own, after all, he said would make the guard who knew Adrian Bates talk, and he intended to show Bruce what he could do. The boy just went to his friends, glad to be away from Jerome a bit. Marina was pretty excited when Bruce came and joined them.

"I heard something happened between you and Jerome! Some noises from your cell…" She trailed in a sultry voice.

"News travel fast," the boy sighed moodily.

"So you did sleep with him?! Wow, that's hot!"

"Could you be a bit more discreet about it?"

"Why? Everyone will know anyway. How about a three-way between you, me and him?"

Bruce refused and felt uneasy as he felt people staring at him. He hoped it wouldn't spread much out of Arkham. Jonathan looked at him intensely: he was pretty sure his friend was making a wrong choice, Bruce was too good for Jerome Valeska, yesterday hen his friend had told him about his relationship, he hadn't realized immediately how dangerous it was. After all Bruce knew how to handle himself, and he had also told him that he and Jerome didn't have sex. But overnight, he had thought of it and now he feared for Bruce. The fact he and Jerome finally did it only made him feel more concerned and also bad. The boy deserved better, definitely better.

"Maybe you shouldn't push things with him. You know how he can get."

"I know it cannot go anywhere. For now it's just…I don't know."

Something urged Jonathan to tell him to stop, but then he remembered he had slept with Marina already, he couldn't judge Bruce.

"Don't worry for me, I'll be fine."

"You defended me many times," Jonathan replied. "Of course I should worry about you. Since you're here this place became bearable…"

The boy smiled to him. If he could prove his innocence and get out, he would do everything to help Jonathan, find him a better place and a better doctor. He saw Adrian's ex-girlfriend's from afar, Emily. Maybe he could talk to her again, it would help him to focus on his mission.

Meanwhile, Jerome was taking action. He had influence over some of the guards, and one of them told him the guard who befriended Bates was Randall Cartwright, and he had a nice little wife named Stacy. Apparently, Randall was very happy because they would have a baby in a few months. Sometimes, it was so easy it was a joke. Jerome and a few of his followers went to him, he was sitting in the hall, watching the lunatics around, looking bored. Well, he would fix that. Jerome took a chair and put it to be sit face to face with Randall. The guard was surprised when Jerome Valeska sat before him with one of his minions behind him.

"Hi! How are you?"

"...What do you want?"

"Not a 'hello'?"

"...What is it you want, Mr Valeska?"

Titling his head to the side, his eyes narrowed and he sighed dramatically. "I need you to tell me a few things."

"I don't have to answer any of your questions." The man sounded brave, but he could see some wariness in him. He stood up but Jerome wasn't about to let him go like that.

"Too bad! And me, who also came to congratulate you! I heard about your future baby, how is Stacy by the way?"

Jerome smirked as he saw the man stopping right in his track, looking fully scared this time. He leaned back against the chair in a nonchalant pose and simply murmured: "I can ask some of my people outside to go to her and visit her for me. Oh, of course they are a bit unpredictable, so I guess Stacy could have her neck simply broken, or be cut in pieces. Who knows? Life is full of possibilities to die!"

The horror in the guy's eyes was enough to tell him he had succeeded already. "Okay, I'll tell you whatever you want, just don't touch her!"

"It's very simple, you'll see: Adrian Bates, or Peter Tobias, whatever: I want to know where he is."

"Well...He didn't tell me. I was just paid by someone unknown to give informations."

"A black woman?"

The guy was stunned: "How do you know?" Jerome simply shurgged, letting him known he wasn't the one giving answers. The man sighed and went on: "Yes. I had to give him some instructions, he asked me for help when he decided to change his name. Apparently that woman had a work for him, but I don't know what it was exactly, I just had to give him messages..."

Jerome suddenly hit the table hard, making the man jump in fright: "Did I fucking ask you that?! No! I want to know where he is, and you'd rather have something for me..."

"Wait, please! I'm sorry, he didn't tell me where he lived but..." The man searched and finally uttered: "He told me that he had a friend, a guy who had a gun shop. He said that because he wanted to look badass or something, told me that his friend showed him how to handle a knife and a gun...He also spoke of that guy who was dealing drugs, but he didn't say anything else."

Jerome slowly nodded. This should be already good for a genius like Miah, if he knew where Adrian used to live, he could find a gun shop nearby. Now, he had to tell him and it would be all, but first, he would play a bit with Bruce. He found the boy talking to that Emily again. He took him by the arm and told him to follow him and Bruce complied for once. The girl seemed angry but she didn't dare to protest against Jerome.

"What do you want?" Bruce asked as they were walking away.

"Play a bit."

Bruce freed himself: "Seriously, Jerome! I was..."

"There is a prize for you in the end. You get what I mean?"

Intrigued, the teen followed him again. They went back in Bruce's room and Jerome pushed him in gently but firmly. The boy crossed his arm, obviously not happy with that, and Jerome gave him a huge smile.

"What if I told you I had some infos you want?"

"About Adrian Bates?! What is it?"

"Huhu...Do you think it will be that easy?"

Of course, the redhead was horny again. "Jerome, stop playing around! I know you love that, but..."

"Precisely, and you owe me!"

"Owe you?"

"Yeah. You couldn't have discovered that by your own means, that guard wouldn't have told you anything."

Bruce sighed. "I don't even know what that is. So honestly, how do I know, this isn't just a trick?"

"True...But you chose to trust me until now."

"I don't trust you one hundred percent." Weirdly, Jerome didn't like that, even though the kid was technically right. But he wanted Bruce to be devoted to him, to trust him entirely, to be ready to die for him, just like his followers. But Bruce wasn't meant to be a follower, it would make him loose his fire. Fuck! For once Jerome had no idea what he wanted, he wanted Bruce but he didn't even know how, he wanted to keep him but he also wanted resistance!

Bruce sighed, unaware of Jerome's internal conflict. The redhead pushed him toward the bed and kissed him, but Bruce pushed him away firmly: "You seriously think I will sleep with you to have those informations?"

"According to what happened last night, I don't need to resort to that. It's a game, Bruce, I want you to seduce me. Until now I'm the one who did everything to seduce you, except for that time when you kissed me."

You have to give him what he wants. But he doesn't want anything easy, that's what he told me, he despised the easy girls and guys he slept with. "I already seduced you Jerome, somehow. Otherwise, you wouldn't have pursued me like that," he leaned closer to the redhead's lips, and embraced him. Bruce could see excitement in his eyes, his body tensing slightly in excitement at his action and the ghost of a grin appearing. He was starting to feel some excitement too, it was wrong but it was growing. Seducing him was weirdly nice. "I'm not the kind to sleep just to obtain a little something like that. If you don't help me, I'll get things done on my own. Maybe I should just step away from you, leave you hanging there to think about me…"

With that, he let his arm drop and stepped away from Jerome to go toward the door. He felt a hand seizing his arm roughly and Jerome pulled him and pinned him on the bed. The redhead's breathing was more ragged already and he kissed him with hunger, holding him tight. "Oh you're not going anywhere!"

"Are you going to stop me? Do you think you can?"

This was like a whiplash for Jerome, and the kind he liked. He kissed him again, taking off his clothes and Bruce laid there. He should have resisted, he should have said no. But a part of him really desired this. He didn't know why he wanted that, once again he felt shame doing it with that killer, but he couldn't help it. This time though, he wouldn't be able to do it like last time, he just stayed under the redhead, it was as if this internal conflict forbad him to take action. Jerome smirked and murmured at his ear "Seems like it's my turn."

Bruce was unsure. It would be good to just lay there and have someone pleasure him, but on the other hand it was oh so shameful. Jerome was continuing and Bruce didn't stop him, in spite of all his moral dilemmas he found himself yielding to his needs. It didn't last long but it was intense, he didn't like being under him that much, but it wasn't that bad either. Once it was over, they lay panting and Jerome looked at Bruce: "You were supposed to seduce me may I remind you of that?"

"But I did."

The redhead looked at him and laughed. It was true indeed! Little bastard was definitely not innocent! That reaction brought a smile to Bruce, and he realized he didn't smile at all during their intercourse. Jerome told him what he discovered, and Bruce knew he had to go to Lee and tell her everything. He kissed him again, almost as a thank you and also because he wanted to regain control. He should never abandon it when he was with Jerome. To think this was the guy who almost killed him! But that was maybe also the excitement, flirting with danger and death. He was still gentle in his touch, and it was still making the redhead melt a bit. He looked at Bruce with burning eyes.

"I think I could lock you away so you would never go anywhere, and I would share you..."

He stopped immediately when the dark-haired boy frowned. He laughed at this: "It was a joke Bruce! Calm down! I won't share you!"

"You're crazy…"

"Of course!" He kissed his neck and saw a slight scar. It was faint, not really big, but you could see it if you paid attention. He had noticed it once, but it was only now he realized: "I made it, didn't I? It was that day, when I put a knife under your neck."

"Indeed. Happy?"

"Yeah! I didn't kill you but I left a mark on you. It's perfect!"

The dark-haired boy rolled his eyes, rubbed his neck and pushed him away. "Well, good times are over, I have to go."

"You're going to see that girl?" Jerome asked

"Which girl?"

"Bates's girlfriend."

"Emily? No, not yet," Bruce murmured.

"Lee Thompkins, then? It's a wonder she doesn't hate you."

Bruce wondered how he knew. "She believes me."

"I guess she is smarter than most." He knew now that the kid didn't kill Gordon, and he was genuinely curious to know what was going on. It was more entertaining than toying with the other inmates.

"Why were you talking to that Emily again?"

"She could tell me more. But you interrupted me too soon."

He watched the kid leave and smirked thinking of what they did. Bruce quickly thought of what Jerome told him while going to Lee. It wasn't what he learned about Adrian Bates which bothered him, it was those words: 'share you…' Jerome had told him it was a joke but…It didn't sound like a joke at all, in fact, it seemed to him that Jerome had let something slip and then tried to hide it. But who, then? Other cultists? No, clearly Jerome didn't want them to touch him. There was only one person who was worthy enough in Jerome's eyes and that was Jeremiah…

Bruce had started to feel that something was weird about it already. He remembered what Jerome told him once: "You don't have siblings. You don't imagine what it's like to have a twin. It's like having a part of you out of your body, with its own flesh and bones. And it's as if there was a bit of them in you, a bit which doesn't really belong to you. We understand each other deeply. I was ready to do anything to protect him against those who would hurt him, and they were numerous."

Bruce frowned. Something in what Jerome sounded…Strange.

He remembered that time and what seemed strange to him was this: if the twins could understand each other deeply, how was it that Jeremiah never knew that Jerome was a psycho? Jeremiah always told him he thought his brother was good inside, that their toxic environment was the only reason why he could be violent at times. But Miah also told him that he and Jerome would spend a lot of times together since they were outcasts in the circus. He had remained a bit evasive about that but Bruce couldn't help but start to think that Jeremiah might have known more than he pretended. But now, maybe Jeremiah had been blinded by love. Or maybe Jerome was deluded and thought Jeremiah understood him more than he pretended. He stopped thinking about this as he reached the nursery and found Lee in here.

He told her about that friend Adrian Bates and who had a gun shop, it was thin thread but it was still something. She nodded: "Alright, I will tell Alfred everything as soon as possible. Bruce…I heard something weird, two patients talking…They said something about you and Jerome. It was weird."

Bruce blushed and looked down and Lee was baffled to understand it was true indeed. "Hum…Okay, if it really happened, I need you to talk to me about it, did he force you?"

"No.

"Did he coerce you? Threatened to hurt you or someone else?"

He shook his head. As much as he felt ashamed, he didn't want to lie to her: "No, I was consentient. Listen…I don't really know why, but…I was fine with it. I know he is despicable, and I do despise him but there is something that did…Attract me. Please, don't tell Alfred."

"I won't, it's up to you whether or not you want him to know. But Bruce, even if you agreed, you must realize he is a manipulator and he is surely making you think things and feels things that you wouldn't in normal times."

Buce rubbed his neck again. Jerome had given him that scar indeed, but he had also kissed his skin almost like he worshipped it. "I don't feel normal since Jim's death. And since I'm here. When I'm with Jerome, I stop thinking about it. There is something that makes me feel better."

Lee bit her lip. Maybe it was that: some sense of auto-destruction, the will to soil himself because he felt like he needed to be punished. Since his parents' death, the boy had some guilt complex. Jim's death was somehow linked to Bruce, so the boy felt responsible deep down.

"Bruce, you have to stop this. If you need it, I could try to have Jerome be put in confinement…"

"No, it's okay. He doesn't want to force me. Don't worry about that, if I do need help, I promise I will ask you, but for now it's better if Jerome is around."

Lee didn't like it one bit but she considered one thing: Jerome was somehow protecting Bruce here; she knew how dangerous Arkham could be. She was conflicted, but for now, she had to tell Alfred about what Jerome discovered. She went to her office, she had to text Alfred in a place where no one would see her. her conversation with Bruce were already dangerous, someone could have heard them.

As she walked, she heard voices in Strange's office. "I knew something went on. It wasn't normal."

"How will you punish Crane?"

What? Lee froze as she heard that: what were they talking about?! That was Strange and Peabody, she recognized their voices.

"I need to know why he did that first."

"Some trick?"

"It could be, but Jonathan Crane isn't the kind to do those things on his own. Jerome Valeska could have played that trick on us and made the boy participate, he loves to think this hospital belongs to him. If it's only that, it wouldn't really matter, after all I can only encourage creativity. But my keys disappeared at that moment...It's no coincidence to me."

"But you're office was the same, wasn't it?"

"Indeed, nothing was taken. It could be someone who wanted to look through the files, there are a lot of paranoid patients who would love to know what is written about them. We'll have to interrogate Crane anyway. But for now, I want to show you something…"

Hell! It was going down! Hugo knew that the electricity had been cut off by Jonathan! She had to think of something, quickly, or the three teens would pay the price of it!

O o O

That evening, Jeremiah was in his flat again with a blond girl, but this time it wasn't Ecco. He checked on his computer, he would launch a virus on Galavan's computer, he was pretty sure it would be effective, but for now he had to wait for a program to encrypt his secret codes to get access to it. He didn't know how long it would take but he would have some time to take care of his guest. He looked at the girl who seemed wary and smiled reassuringly.

"Do you want some tea?"

"Hum…No, it's okay."

"I won't poison it," he said jokingly, although the girl was probably really scared. "Listen, you don't need to be afraid, Silver."

She wasn't sure of that. The woman from yesterday (apparently her name was Ecco), had appeared before her school and urged her to follow her. Though Silver first refused, Ecco had told her that Theo had discovered about what she did. She didn't know what to do, and the woman had just pulled her into the car, and seeing that she had a gun on her belt, Silver hadn't dared to resist. Then, she had led her to this flat with that scientist named Jeremiah.

"You're that guy's twin."

"Jerome Valeska? Yeah, he is my brother, so you can be sure I know what it's like to deal with a difficult family." He sat facing her. She was twitching nervously. "We're friends of Bruce, didn't he talk about me?"

"I think he did mention you once," she murmured, a bit more reassured now that she remembered it. "Why? You're trying to help him?"

"Yes."

"You know you're taking big risks?"

"I do. But I can't leave him in Arkham. Have you ever felt alone?" She nodded, since she was with her uncle, she had felt lonely. "I did after my brother killed my mother. "I imagine Bruce made you feel less lonely since you also took a risk for him?" She nodded again. "I know it because that's how I feel too. Only Ecco was here for me, and then Bruce. I can't just let something happen to any of them. If it was only me I would let Ecco get involved, but when she wants to do something…" He just smiled at this, letting his words do their effect before adding: "We have to stick together, that's why you don't have to fear me: I have no interest and no desire to hurt you."

She nodded, not sure whether or not he was sincere. But after all, that friend of his had been with this Selina girl who was also a friend of Bruce and it seemed like their goal was really to help him. If this guy knew already about her uncle's plan, maybe it was important to make him understand how things went for her. "My uncle only wanted me to manipulate him so he would sell his company."

"Ecco told me he threatened to sell you to a brothel," he gently admitted. She nodded and he snorted, genuinely disgusted at Galavan. That guy made him think of Uncle Zack in some ways, they were both horrible uncle who would have hurt and killed their nephews/nieces without giving a damn. "How did you feel?"

"Well…I was scared and I thought it was better to play along, he was a monster and that's how he got everything he wanted. I didn't know where to go, my parents had always been protective, it was completely different with them. So I thought I had to toughen myself to survive among people like him. I tried to be roughless, but Bruce was really nice. Anyway, he discovered everything eventually. I felt guilty, I still do and that's also why I gave him the names. I guess I'm just some looser," she sighed.

"Not everyone has to be a merciless psychopath. The importance is to know what you want, what your best assets are, and to be aware of your weaknesses. You're just young."

She didn't know, but she was glad she could talk about it. Bruce had spoke about Jeremiah once, and told her he was nothing like his twin. It seemed to be true. She still had to be wary of him but she felt like she could relax. If he wanted to kill her, he would have done it already.

"How will you help me? Even if you manage to take down my uncle, what will happen to me?"

"Ecco has taken a liking on you, we're both willing to help, and Bruce will not let you down either. You will not end up in the streets."

"And…My aunt? She isn't as bad as my uncle."

"She was nicer with you?" Silver nodded. "But did she ever protect you? When your uncle made those threats to you, did she protest, did she told you that she wouldn't let that happen?"

There a few times when Tabitha vaguely told Theo to leave her alone but it was true she had always obeyed her brother in the end. She didn't know if her aunt would have saved her from her uncle honestly. She looked down, obviously thinking over it and Jeremiah smiled inside: he had put the finger on something. The girl wasn't that scared by her aunt but it didn't mean she trusted her. He didn't show anything, he just kept the concerned mask on and just continued gently: "She won't leave us alone if we take down your uncle I fear. She will have to end up in jail as well."

She will end up in the river, just like your uncle, he thought, but Silver didn't need to know that. He preferred to keep the image of the nice scientist for now. Ecco had indeed taken an interest on that girl, she thought she could do something out of her. Maybe it would be the case, anyway if she wanted to try Jeremiah would lend a hand. After all, Ecco was so devoted she deserved a reward. Making Silver warm up to him wasn't that difficult, and she eventually accepted a tea.

While Jeremiah was taking care of that, Ecco had an appointment. She had hired Tabitha Galavan to kill some annoying businessman in order to met with her some time ago, and had already given her half of the money. Yesterday, she had contacted her again and urged her to kill the man. She found her moody, although she obliged, the assassin didn't like the way Ecco had insisted.

"Hi!"

"Hi. You have the money?"

"Of course! Here it is!" She showed a wallet.

"I must tell you I don't appreciate being called to do things faster! How did you even get that number?"

"The bar when we met…Someone gave me your number."

Of course, the bar-tender probably, he had her number since he was a middle-man between her and some clients. Tabitha got closer.

"Don't ever do that again."

"I'm sorry, really, I just panicked."

It was surely the first time this girl would hire an assassin, Tabitha thought, and she could forgive a mistake like this. She had spent a good part of her afternoon searching for that annoying clone of Bruce Wayne and she was tired. She looked at the girl all over. Maybe she could have some fun with that one. It wasn't really professional but it wouldn't be the first time. She wasn't sure if this blondie liked girls but there was only one way to know.

"Maybe we should spend a bit more time together. After all, you need to get familiar with the way assassins works."

Ecco lowered her head as if she was blushing and looked up at her again with an embarrassed smile: "But I do."

Tabitha suddenly felt something stinging in her neck and realized it was a dart. Hell! It was a trap! Immediately, she took out her gun but Ecco kicked it away from her hand so fast Tabitha didn't see it coming. The blond girl tried to kick her too but Tabitha blocked it and punched the girl in the face before kicking her again. It wasn't enough to take down Ecco who attacked again, faking a punch only to kick her right in the solar plexus. Tabitha coughed but didn't let that take her down. Ecco then went for her neck but Tabitha grabbed her arm and twisted it behind the woman's back. She took out a knife and Ecco reacted quickly.

"If you kill me, you'll never know where your niece is!"

Tabitha's eyes widened, Ecco couldn't see it and wondered whether or not it would be effective. Tabitha's grip tightened painfully. "What are you talking about?!"

"Didn't anyone tell you? She didn't come back from school. Sweet Silver…Your brother threatened to sell her to a brothel, well now it could happen…"

"If you touch my niece…"

"What you'll kill me? Then you'll never know." Tabitha was so focused on her words she didn't notice that Ecco was taking a knife out of her pocket.

"I have my ways!"

"So do I!" She went plant the blade in Tabitha's leg. The woman reacted in time to dodge but as she did that, her hold lessened. Ecco pulled herself from her graspand kicked her hard again in a swift move. This time Tabitha fell and when she tried to get up, she stumbled. The blond girl smirked: "Seems like the drug is getting effective."

Everything was blurry around Tabitha, and her head turned so much she felt nauseous. Soon, she was on the ground, unconscious.

"Well, she was a tough one!"

Ecco looked up as she heard Jeri coming. The girl had been the one who shot the dart from a rooftop. "I came to help you, but you ended her in time, that was pretty impressive."

"You made a good shot. Now, let's put her in the car."

The two women carried the drugged one quickly, and Ecco was satisfied. Things would go well, very well. Jeri looked at her: "Ecco? Will Jerome be free soon?"

"Oh yes. Jeremiah is also working on that."

The crazy bar-tender smirked at this. The cult had been waiting for so long!

I know its shorter than most chapters, we'll see Alfred and Selina too! It's a bit hard to describe Bruce's feelings, I hope it was well-described.

Don't hesitate to review!