Things seem to be really heating up for poor Delilah! But don't worry, she'll be safe. As safe as anyone can be while being targeted by the mob and left in the protection of some of Gotham's most infamous supervillains, anyway. Happy reading! :)

Chapter 5: A Sheep Among Wolves

Crane locked the door behind him as he stormed down the hallway. Thankfully it was the end of the workday so no one else was in the hospital, other than random security guards. There was no one here that would question him going down to the rogue gallery at this time of day. As he walked down the hallway his thoughts raced, quickly coming to the realization that hiding Delilah here would be the best way to keep her safe. There was no way Falcone wouldn't also be watching his apartment, particularly since it seemed as though Falcone disapproved of Delilah working with him. If he truly did put a hit on her then the homes of people close to her would be the first places he'd monitor. He just hoped his colleagues could behave with a new roommate.

As he approached the door to the rogue gallery hallway he took a deep breath in, out, then opened the door. He shut it quickly and walked to the center of the room so he could talk with everyone present. "Well it looks like we have a change of plans."

"What's goin' on Jonny? Did Delilah quit on us?" Joker questioned, smirking as he approached the bars of his cell.

"I would certainly hope not! I was beginning to enjoy our little sessions together." Nigma sighed.

"Of course you did, Eddy! I hear you mumbling in your cell about her, wanting to run away off into the sunset!" Joker dissolved into a fit of giggles as Edward stood up and glared at the clown.

"I -"

"QUIET! Both of you!" Crane barked out in a deep, raspy voice that they all knew too well.

"Can we be serious for two fucking seconds here? We have a dire situation here and we need to move quickly, so I would greatly appreciate it if you two morons could just listen for once in your lives."

The rest of the rogues looked up in shock at Jonathan. He never raised his tone like that to any of them, so that let them know he meant business.

You could just use the fear toxin on them all and be done with the nuisances, then we could figure this out ourselves.

I'm seriously tempted right now….

Jonathan took a second to calm down before continuing.

"As I was saying, we have a situation here. I know we had our set plan and that we weren't going to enact it for another two months, but things have changed. We need to start now. We need to move the breakout from then to now, preferably in the next three to four days."

"Three to four days? Do you have any idea what we'll have to do to get things moving that quickly? Why do we need to move it up anyway?" Joker looked quizzically at Jonathan.

"Well, things with Falcone have turned into a bit of a nightmare. We were going along with our arrangement just fine. I'm actually meeting with one of his associates tonight to sort out the distribution of the fear toxin. But a complication has arisen."

"What kinda complication?" Harley asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Delilah appears to be in danger. If we're interpreting the situation correctly, Carmine Falcone put a hit on her."

"What?" Each of the rogues gasped, coming closer to the bars of their cells to listen to Jonathan.

"How could that monster hurt my dear Alice?! Where is she?" Jervis shouted, shaking slightly.

"I think the better question is how someone like Delilah could've possibly gotten wrapped up with someone like Carmine Falcone. She seems too righteous and innocent for that." Edward said.

Jonathan recollected the story that Delilah told him to the rest of the rogues. As he spoke he saw them all become slightly concerned, except for Edward. Edward looked like he would rip Carmine Falcone's heart out if he could. Jonathan assumed Edward had some sort of feelings for Delilah, or at the very least he enjoyed toying with her. Edward also had difficulty sharing his toys.

"I had the idea of hiding her out at my place, but given the fact that Falcone doesn't trust me, or at least part of me, I have a feeling my place will be littered with Falcone's thugs as well. It wouldn't do to send her away, as I think that would raise too many flags. Besides, I don't like the idea of not being able to directly make sure she's safe. So that leaves one viable option; hiding her here, with all of you."

Jonathan paused as he surveyed the reactions of the others in the room. For the first time in a while, the Joker replied with a serious inquiry.

"Do you think she'll go along with it? I mean, as of now she has no idea what we all are, even as we've built some semblance of repoire with her."

"That's a good point, but I'm out of other options. Having her in my office isn't safe enough, and not even Falcone's goons would be foolish enough to come here. There is a spare cell, and I can work it out so only certain people come in here. I have the influence of specific guards that I would trust to keep her as safe as she can be. We need to move the breakout, not only so police are too distracted by catching you all to notice the movement of the fear toxin, but also so it'll distract Falcone's men. If we remove the heat then over time we can fully incorporate Delilah into everything else. Cobblepot, you'll remain here during the breakout. You're our best connection to Maroni and others, in case it resorts to that. We need your Iceberg Lounge for the sake of appearances."

"As you wish, Jonathan, as long as you can assure me that I'll be safe during the breakout." Oswald said, thankful the change in plans didn't drastically affect him.

"Of course Oswald. Once the doors open you immediately shut yours and hold tight. Even during a breakout the genuine crazies won't be able to break in here. Perhaps I can persuade Dr. Arkham to let you out a little bit earlier if you show that you wouldn't take advantage of the breakout. As for the rest of us, Joker and Harley will proceed with their takeover as previously planned. Jervis, once the breakout happens you run like hell. Edward, you and I will be having a 'session' with Delilah at the time of the breakout. I have the feeling you and I will be able to do the best job of protecting her. We'll keep her safe, make sure she doesn't freak out, and bring her to the hideout. From there we'll have to reveal everything to her and hope she doesn't lose it. Is everyone on board?" Jonathan studied the other rogues, hoping they would all cooperate.

"Aye aye captain! I've been itching to get out anyway, can't wait to breathe in that good Gotham air!" Joker exclaimed as a wide grin overtook his face.

"Whateva my puddin' wants, I'm on board!" Harley squealed, jumping up and down.

"Yes Mister Hare, sir, I've been itching for a good tea party!" Jervis smiled, the excitement evident in his voice.

Lastly, it was Edward's turn to speak. He took a second, weighing out what was being proposed. Here's a chance to spend more time with Delilah, really get inside her head, and show her my true nature at the end of all this? What could be better?

He smirked, looking Jonathan straight in the eye. "I'm in."

፧

Jonathan breathed a sigh of relief as he exited the row of cells that housed the rogues. That went much better than he thought it would. Tonight he would make the necessary arrangements to have Delilah move into the spare cell in the rogue gallery, although having one of his men sneak in to get things she may need from her apartment may prove to be difficult if he did not act quickly. He walked back to his office quickly and let himself in.

"Hello, Delilah. Are you feeling any better?" He asked, sitting down next to her. He could tell she had been crying again, and the thought of her suffering made his heart soften. He held her hand as she looked up at him, a shocked look on her face.

"I'm okay, thank you so much Dr. Crane. What were you able to work out?" She asked, trying to put on a brave front. She immediately knew it was obvious that she was still crying, and tried to decipher how Dr. Crane was feeling. Even though she knew he was sympathetic, his constantly neutral expression made it difficult to understand his true feelings.

"So I have an idea. I know it's outlandish, but please trust me. It will all make sense in time, and I would not do anything that I thought would put you in danger. Do you trust me, child?"

"Yes sir, I do." Delilah replied, even more curious about what Dr. Crane had in mind. Will I be staying with him? Did he find somewhere for me to go outside of Gotham? Am I going to have to just stay put?

"Good, that's exactly what I needed to hear. Now, listen completely before saying anything. For the time being, I've arranged for you to stay in an open cell in the rogue gallery."

"Wa-wait, what? How will I be safe there?" Delilah's face paled and her heart raced, fear instantly overtaking her.

Jonathan took a deep breath, anticipating this sort of reaction. God, her fear is so overwhelming….

"I understand your hesitation, I really do. I can assure you that the gallery is constantly monitored, the rogues are not able to get out of their cells, and even if they did none of them would have any reason to hurt you. I've discussed this with them and they expressed an interest in wanting to help you. I'm sure you know this, but they don't act without reason, and they don't approve of the senseless violence of the mob as much as you don't. You will be safer under their protection than anyone else. Leaving Gotham would only increase the amount of time it'd take Falcone and his men to find you. Staying with your parents or at your apartment, as well as other people you know, is entirely too risky. I'm certain my apartment will be under surveillance, so I will be likely staying here in my office. But even that isn't completely safe for you. Too many people come in and out of here to hide you here, and even if Falcone did have the idea to check Arkham he'd never be foolish enough to send anyone past this office area. It's the best option that we have. Do you still trust me?" Jonathan questioned, looking deeply into Delilah's eyes. If she didn't trust him then the plan he'd been working so hard on would be in shambles.

After a long pause, Delilah looked back at Dr. Crane. "Yes, I trust you. I'm terrified, but I trust you."

"Good. What's your address? I'll have an associate of mine pick up necessary things that you may need. It's already too risky for you to go home now. We'll wait here until your things arrive then bring you down."

Delilah gave Jonathan her address and watched as he made a quick phone call. She truly hoped he knew what he was doing. As he got off the phone he sat back down with her, looking at her again.

"I wanted to thank you again for trusting me with this information, Delilah. You don't realize it yet, but you're incredibly important to me. You have a brilliant mind, you're empathetic, and you've surpassed all expectations I could've ever had for a worthy assistant. Your safety is paramount to me, please don't forget that." Jonathan said, watching as a light blush spread across Delilah's cheek.

"Thank you, Dr. -"

"Jonathan. Please call me Jonathan from now on, at least when we're in private like this. I think we've gotten to that point, and if not we certainly arrived there today."

"Of course, Jonathan. Thank you. I can't even explain how much this means to me. I've always enjoyed working with you and I've always trusted you, so I'm glad you're a good person to trust."

"As am I, Delilah."

Delilah froze as she looked up at Jonathan. He seemed to mean everything he said, but she couldn't shake the idea that she wasn't worthy. Why would she be? She was just his student, and he was out of her league in every sense of the term. She felt her heart rate accelerate as they continued to look at each other, some sort of mysterious gravity pulling them closer and closer to each other. She'd be blind if she didn't admit she was attracted to him, lots of women were. But their relationship had to be as it was for the sake of her assistantship and future. Besides, he couldn't possibly feel that sort of way towards her. Could he?

Her thoughts raced as their faces were soon mere inches apart, their noses barely touching. They got slightly closer, about to kiss, when they heard a loud knocking on the door. Delilah ripped herself away from Jonathan with such force that she almost fell over, and let out a loud gasp. Jonathan cursed under his breath, wanting to murder whoever was at the door.

Sorry Jonny boy, better luck next time!

Shut it!

"I'll be right over!" Dr. Crane called out, still muttering curses under his breath. He walked over to the door and barely cracked it open, seeing one of his goons with a bag from Delilah's apartment.

"Thank you, now get out. Wait until you hear from me again."

With that Jonathan slammed the door and went back over to Delilah, handing her the bag.

"Well, now that your things are here, it's time to go down. Are you sure you still trust me?" Jonathan asked, looking her straight in the eye.

Delilah let out a shaky breath and met his eye. "Yes, Jonathan, more than ever before."

፧

Delilah did her best to keep up with Jonathan's quick pace as he nearly sprinted down the hallway with her. She had never seen this side of him before, but was reassured that he was the one she chose to go to. She was also still freaking out a bit at the fact that they almost kissed.

What the hell was that? Has he had some sort of feelings for me this whole time? I know we've always worked well together, and we've been friendly with each other, but this….I….I never expected it. I didn't think someone like him would ever go for someone like me. We'll definitely have to discuss that once all of this chaos dies down.

Delilah's hands shook as they got to the rogue gallery. She had never actually been down here before, but it was labelled, and through the glass door she could see Harley leaning against the bars of her cell, jumping up and down and waving once Delilah came into view. Delilah giggled and waved back, happy to see that at least one of them was happy about her being their new roommate. She always enjoyed talking to Harley, and hopefully being there with them meant she could keep a closer eye on how Joker treated her. She was just glad Jervis was kept safe in his cell.

Jonathan glanced at Delilah before opening the door and quickly bringing her inside.

"Oh Alice, are you alright? I'm so sorry that wicked man spoke to you in such a way!" Jervis rushed to see Delilah, but a death glare from Jonathan reminded him to not get too excited.

"Remember Jervis, I'm Delilah. And I'm fine, thank you for your concern!" Delilah replied sheepishly, her anxiety clearly showing.

"Don't worry Delilah, he's no real threat. You have us on your side." Oswald said.

"Thank you, Oswald, that means a lot." Delilah smiled, reaching out to shake his hand. He smiled as they shook hands.

"Once I get out of here and open the Iceberg Lounge you'll be welcome any time. That'll be one other place where you'll always be safe."

"Again, thank you, I appreciate it."

"Aww, how sweet! If I would've known we were giving gifts I would've gotten ya something!" Joker chuckled from his cell.

"Oh, I don't mind, thank you! I don't think I need laughing gas, or guns, or bombs, but if I ever do I'll keep you in mind." Delilah and the rest of the rogues chuckled as Jonathan brought Delilah to the empty cell. Luckily for her, or unluckily, the cell was directly across from Edward's.

"Finally, a room with a view!" Edward smirked, watching as Delilah bent down to put her bag down. She immediately stood up with a gasp and spun around to face Edward, flipping him off.

"Well, if you insist my dear." He chuckled as Delilah's face turned crimson red.

"Do I need to bring you to general population? Did you already forget the agreement we made?"

Jonathan walked over to Edward and glared at him. Edward walked up to the bars of his cell and glared at Jonathan as well, still keeping the smirk on his face.

"I'm no animal, Jonathan. I just figured a good joke would alleviate some of Delilah's anxieties."

The men continued to stare each other down, both knowing the hidden meaning in their words. It was obvious to them both that each of them had feelings for Delilah. However, at the moment, they both had more important things to worry about.

"I apologize for my crass comments, love, I guess my joke wasn't received the way I'd hoped." Edward apologized, genuinely hoping he didn't upset the girl.

"Oh I'm fine, it takes more than that to upset me. Although I think it'd do well for you to look up the definition of a joke. Maybe Joker could help you with that one!" Delilah said sweetly, grinning at Edward. He and Jonathan both looked at her, slightly shocked.

"Well, if you're all settled in I need to get going. You have my number if anything happens and you need me. Unfortunately I do need to keep your cell doors closed, for more reasons than one. There's a curtain that allows you to close off the restroom portion of the cell in case you need privacy. Now please, just hold tight." Jonathan said, looking down at Delilah.

"Thank you again, Jon - Dr. Crane. I greatly appreciate it." Delilah replied with a smile, feeling significantly better than she did before.

"By the way, before I go, please send me a picture of your father. I want to make sure I know what he looks like, and make sure if anything happens he is not harmed."

"Of course, I'll do that right now." Delilah immediately pulled out her phone and sent a picture of both of her parents to Jonathan.

"Good." Jonathan closed and locked the doors to her cell, making sure it was secure before making his way to the door.

"Now, to the rest of you, remember what we talked about earlier. Understood?" Jonathan asked in a deep voice Delilah had never heard before. It sent a shiver down her spine.

"Yes sir!" The rogues rolled their eyes as Jonathan addressed them, knowing that voice all too well. He soon left the room, leaving Delilah alone with the rogues. She absorbed the gravity of the situation as she sat down on her cot, letting out a shaky breath.

What on earth is going to happen to me?