Author's note: Here's is the next chapter! I'm sorry that's it's been a while, it's taking me longer to write as I want to make sure that I'm 100% happy with it, that there are no typos, and that it makes sense. So, with that out of the way, I can't think of anything else to say other than I hope you enjoy.
The Fear Consumes, But The Flower Blooms – Chapter 2
Iris's point of view
After finishing my painting for Ivy, it didn't take too long for Lealand to get me another canvas, a gesture which I think is very sweet. It's been almost a week since I was taken off of my medication but they haven't put me on any new ones yet. I have no idea why, but I think I heard some of the orderlies mentioning that with my particular mix of pills, it can take a few weeks before they are out of my system completely, even though I have stopped taking them. Maybe I'll ask Jonathan about that…
O~O~O
Although I've had the new canvas for a while, I can't decide what to paint. As a result, Lealand seems to be getting worried. I've been examining the canvas in front of me all morning and I'm no closer to thinking of something to paint.
A guard knocks on my door, "Time for lunch" he says with a monotone.
I give the blank canvas on more look before leaving my cell. I end up trying to be as close to the guard as possible when the Blackgate inmates try and bug me again. The guard in question frowns, knowing that I still don't trust them after the incident with my arm, so that me being close is something to watch for.
I breathe a sigh of relief as we pass the last of the Blackgate cells and round the corner to the cafeteria. The guard lets me in without a word but I see him turn and head directly for Lealand's office. I try not to think about it as I'm given my tray of food and see Ivy discreetly waving at me. Heading over to them, I muster a small smile to both her and Jonathan before sitting down next to Ivy, but I know that it doesn't reach my eyes.
She strokes my hair, "Not feeling good sweetie?" she asks gently.
I shake my head, "I feel really flat" I reply, starting to eat before she has a chance to tell me to. Out the corner of my eye, I see her frown and glance at Jonathan but I can't see his response. Not wanting to talk about myself today I quickly ask, "Freeze and Edward still away?"
Jonathan answers, making me look up, "Freeze is still in isolation yes, but he should be back in his normal cell soon. As for Nygma, I've heard that he's regained much of his health, but he's just refusing to talk to anyone." I nod slowly but don't say anything more, not knowing what to add.
Ivy hums and the three of us eat quietly for a while until she softly murmurs, "I won't be at breakfast tomorrow, so I'll see you when I can okay?" I hear the underlying message and nod, sharing a hug with her as lunch ends and we're all sent back to our cells.
O~O~O
When I'm back in my cell, I don't have too much time by myself before Lealand appears and enters, catching my attention easily.
I frown, confused, "I thought we didn't have a session for another couple of days, it hasn't been a week yet" I say.
She gives me a kind look, "You're right, I'm just here to take you to the recreation room and was wondering if you wanted to take your paints?"
I can't stop the happy smile, although it's still small and she helps me gather everything. I'm able to carry everything by myself as the canvas itself is quite small.
As we walk, Lealand talks, "It will just be you and Jonathan today, I hope that will be alright. I know that the two of you get along and that's why I'm allowing you to take your paints as I know that it won't cause any conflict…" she keeps rambling until we rec the rec room and only ceases once she's closed the door behind me.
Jonathan comes to greet me and we sit on the couch together as he says, "New painting?"
Placing everything down and setting up the tiny easel, I reply, "Hopefully." He's brought the chess set with him and has started a game with himself as I continue to examine my painting.
He moves on of the chess pieces and comments, "I wasn't aware that you had a session this morning."
I look to him, watching him examine the chess board, "I didn't, Lealand was just bringing me here, but she rambled the entire time. Maybe she doesn't like that I'm so close to you and Ivy" I suggest.
He doesn't look from the chess board but says, "Tough."
I smile a little and bite my lip as I pick up a pencil and continue to think of painting ideas. After a while, Jonathan puts the chess set back where it was before and sits back down beside me.
"You have piqued my interest Iris" he comments, "What on Earth are you working on?"
I roll my eyes at him, "I don't know what to paint" I tell him, turning to face him, "Any ideas?"
He hums, taking note of the small A5 canvas that I've placed in a landscape format. His tone is careful and almost wary as he suggests, "What about your old home?"
I feel my eyes light up at the suggestion and my excitement build as I cease to twirl my pencil and begin to draw a rough sketch. My brow furrows and I bite my lip in concentration as I sketch the cottage, the stream that ran alongside it, and the garden. When I'm happy, I reach for my paints and allow myself to be overcome with the calming influence that painting provides for me. I don't think about Ivy leaving, or my attraction for Jonathan, or Lealand's weird behaviour, or the Blackgate pigs, or the fact that I'm in an insane asylum. I just let my thoughts go and paint.
I can still fell Jonathan's eyes on me as I work, and I pick up a small brush and start on the stream, in order to prevent myself from blushing just in case he doesn't really have feelings for me despite what Ivy thinks and so there's no point in bringing myself any more embarrassment.
Pretty soon, I have the stream complete with the water looking fresh and crystal clear and the little pebbles that line it are visible and smooth. After that, the painting just comes together. The garden comes alive with colour and foliage, even in the small vegie patch that is near the stream. I switch brushes several times as I bring the brickwork of the cottage to life, making sure to get the texture just so and allowing the honeysuckle plants to sweep over the walls. Adding in the little pathway and the little family of birds that always nested in the small bushes makes it look a little magical and also completes the painting. Having been so excited to finally paint again, enabled me to work fast and efficient. I appraise my work and sign my name in the bottom right-hand corner before I hear Jonathan lowly chuckle.
Looking up from my canvas I ask, "Something wrong?" confusion evident in my tone.
With a half smirk on his face he comments, "You have paint on your nose again." I flush lightly and try to rub it off with my fingers but he stops my hands with a little smile, "Now you're just making it worse."
He uses a clean rag to wipe the paint off and I softly say, "Thanks" once he's done. As I wait for the canvas to dry, Jonathan gives me a chess lesson with very little success.
After he defeats me yet again I murmur, "I think I should stick to painting."
His eyes twinkle but he doesn't reply as the guards arrive to take us back to our cells. Luckily, my painting is almost completely dry so I can carry it easily with my other things.
O~O~O
As we near the Blackgate cells, I tense subconsciously, making the guards nod to each other once they see. I vaguely register that Jonathan is frowning as we round the corner and they see me. They jeer and catcall and a few try and grab me through the bars. The guards go into action as Jonathan pulls me out of the way and tucks me into his side and urges me to keep going. He whispers sweet nothings into my hair to comfort me and I focus on breathing evenly, not wanting to let myself have a panic attack in the middle of the corridor.
Finally we arrive back at my cell and I don't think I have ever been so relieved to see those bars.
O~O~O
Later on, Lealand comes by again, "Time for dinner Iris. Tonight, you'll be by yourself though, as Ivy has a follow up hearing and Jonathan is being contained as he attacked his doctor. So, are you ready to go?" she asks cheerfully.
I stare at her blankly, the blood drains from my face and I feel my heartbeat and breathing accelerate. I back away from the door, my eyes wide.
Lealand frowns at me, "What's wrong Iris?"
I shake my head, "No, I'm not going there without Ivy or Jonathan. Those Blackgate inmates are out to get me, I can see it in their eyes when I walk past them or they walk past me. They've tried to grab me on several occasions and I know that they'll be in the cafeteria tonight, I'm not going" I say firmly, fully pre-paired to throw a temper tantrum if I have to.
She huffs, "You're being ridiculous, nothing will happen to you, now come on" she says, her impatience clearly growing.
I channel my inner impression of Scarecrow as I glare, pronouncing every syllable clearly, "I'm not going in there without Ivy or Jonathan. I'd rather starve."
At this point Lealand looks ready to force me, when one of the Blackgate inmates happens to be lead past my cell, with a gaze that clearly shows what his thoughts are. I turn my glare to him, my disgust clear and only look back at the woman in front of me once the inmate has gone.
She sighs and relents, saying that she'll have my tray of food brought to my cell, adding on that she will be staying to make sure that I eat it all. I stay silent and nod, knowing that I've gotten my way this time but that it may not be the same case next time.
It doesn't take long for Lealand to return and hand me the food. Just as she said, she stays outside my cell, watching me. A few guards and some of the other doctors stop and talk to her, all humming thoughtfully when they find out why she's watching me like a stalker. I eat quickly, just wanting her to leave me alone and in no time at all I give her back the empty tray and drink the rest of my water in front of her before giving the water bottle back too.
She goes to speak to me but I turn away and lie down on my cot with my back facing her. It takes her a few minutes, but she eventually gets the hint and leaves me alone.
O~O~O
That night, I'm jolted awake by someone entering my cell. I nearly scream until I realise who it is. Sitting up on my bed, I hold my heart, exclaiming in a whisper, "Jonathan! Did you have to scare me half to death?"
He sits down beside me and uses his hand to gently turn my head to look at him. My mouth goes dry at his expression and his tone is deadly when he asks, "Is it true?"
I'm confused for a little bit but then I remember the inmate for earlier this evening. He drops his hand as I say slowly, "That I was looked at in a very disgusting way by a Blackgate prisoner again? Yes, that's true."
His expression doesn't waver and the anger in his tone increases, "And that Lealand was going to make you eat in the cafeteria alone, without me or Pamela there to protect you?"
I slowly nod, making his eyes blaze and his expression become completely murderous. I swallow thickly and gently touch his hand, "Jonathan, if you kill someone, then what? You reminded me yourself, I wouldn't last if I was considered fair game."
He huffs angrily at my words but appears to relent, giving a barely there nod. I release a sigh of relief and softly squeeze his hand. He's still pissed but I silently watch him talk to Scarecrow for a few minutes, not interrupting when the silence drags on.
After a little while, he looks back at me, his voice still angry, "If the opportunity arises, I'm leaving and I'm taking you with me" he says, leaving no room for argument. I nod and he continues, "But in order to keep you in the good books, you need to look as though you don't want to leave, for fear of getting into trouble but you change your mind when you see the Blackgate prisoners again. They will notice you and will try at get to you but they'll fail. That way, the cameras will show that you left with me out of fear for your safety, that you'd rather try your luck with me than stay here" he finishes.
I take a breath, "Okay Jonathan" I agree softly, not at all hiding my desire to leave the asylum from my words.
He gives me a barely there smile but he's still too tense for it to truly reach his eyes. I rack my brain for a way to help ease his mind, a way to escape at an earlier time. He watches me thinking, probably trying to determine what's going through my mind.
Finally I say, "Freeze."
He seems taken back, asking with confusion, "Excuse me?"
I'm glad that the confusion has melted away a little bit of his anger as I explain, "Freeze has been deliberately getting himself thrown into isolation, you know that and so do I. Didn't he say that he wanted to be alone for a week so that he could build another ice gun and escape? He's been in isolation for at least eleven days, surely he's built one by now."
The lightbulb in his head goes off and I watch as the gears of his mind turn, "I'll get a message to him, see if he'd be willing to make a bigger commotion so we can leave as well. In the panic that will no doubt erupt, we can go" he tells me.
I give him an honest grin, "I'll keep my eyes open just in case it's easier for him to slip a reply to me rather than you" I add. "You are after all, under extra security for attacking your doctor, although it seems like they're not doing too well of a job."
He hums, looking smug, "Very true" he says. "I do think that Lealand may be starting to realise just how important it is to keep you with either Pamela or myself or both of us, so should he send the reply to you, it should be easy for you to give it to me."
I nod quickly a few times, "I was thinking the same thing." My words cause a shine to enter his eyes and he presses a firm kiss to my forehead. I'm quiet for a moment before I steal his line and mutter, "Cheeky." This makes him chuckle once before he bids me goodnight and leaves my cell.
O~O~O
The next morning, I prepare myself, knowing that Ivy most likely left last night. I need to appear as though I had no idea so that they won't keep me from Jonathan. Sure enough, I hear the tell-tail noise of heels and I wait until Lealand softly calls to get my attention.
I roll over and sit on my bed, yawning and rubbing my eyes for effect, "Good morning Doctor Lealand, is everything alright?" I ask 'sleepily'.
The woman in question squares her shoulder and says, "It was discovered this morning that Poison Ivy escaped last night."
With perfect timing, my eyes widen instantly and I gape at her. I furrow my brow and my breaths become louder as I turn on the crocodile tears and sniff a little. My voice cracks as I physically shake and wrap my arms around myself, "W-what? She just left? S-s-she left? Oh my… c-c-can I see Jonathan? Please?" I ask, my tone pitiful.
Lealand's expression becomes alarmed and a few guards come to my door, having heard me and looked shocked to see me trying to hold myself together. To her credit, she composes herself and softly agrees, opening the door and leading me to Jonathan's cell. As we walk, I make my lower lip tremble and I gulp a few times, as though I'm desperately trying not to sob.
We arrive at his cell to see Jonathan already standing at his door. They open it and I immediately wrap my arms around him, burying my face as I do. He leads me backwards to sit on his cot and he wraps his arms around me, rubbing between my shoulders and I do the whole 'damsel in distress' routine. As Jonathan's doctor arrives with the director, both inquire as to why I'm here.
As Lealand explains, Jonathan murmurs into my hair, "I managed to get in touch with Freeze overnight and he's agreed with the plan. We leave tonight but I need you to keep this up for a little bit longer okay? This will add to the act that we have to put on when the ice bombs go off, alright?"
I make my breath hitch and subtly nod, before shaking again. He continues to rub my back quietly telling me that I'm doing a good job, that his former colleagues have no idea that I'm faking it.
Eventually I hear Lealand say, "Iris, why don't you come and have some breakfast?" I bite my lip quite hard and peak at her, shaking my head.
Jonathan plays his own part to perfection, "Come on Iris, you'll feel better with a full stomach. What do you think, hmm?"
I pretend to think about it before I 'give in' and nod. He helps me up but I refuse to move from his side. I make a few tears fall and he keeps at least one arm around me at all times as we leave his cell. I rest my head on his chest as we walk, not being able to reach his shoulder unless we're both sitting down, and the guards lead us to the cafeteria. Lealand, Jonathan's doctor and the Director walk behind us and we hear them say that Jonathan and I can't be separated lest I recede back into my mind on a more permanent basis now that Ivy has apparently 'abandoned' me. It takes some effort not to snort at that comment but I manage. Lealand goes on to express her concern that she'll never gain the level of trust with me that I clearly have for Ivy and Jonathan but the only thing the others say is for her to persevere.
O~O~O
Once we enter the cafeteria and sit down with our food, I make it obvious that I wasn't going to move from my spot next to Jonathan.
The doctors leave us alone and Jonathan begins to talk, "You're doing brilliant Iris. I want to know if you mind coming to my current hideout once we escape."
Being able to reach now, I keep my head leaning on his shoulder as I swallow my food, "I don't mind" I reply simply.
We eat in silence and I begin to notice that Jonathan is making metal notes and sending cold blank stares to numerous Blackgate inmates.
I sip my water and quietly say, "You're going to gas them aren't you?" He goes still as I eat another bite of food and rest my head on his shoulder again. "That's sweet of you Jonathan, thanks for looking out for me."
I hear him chuckle before he asks bemused, "You don't mind?"
I hum, "I probably should but this is Gotham and the rules are different here. I know that they would never help me, so why should I help them? It's petty I know and it doesn't make me any better than they are but like I said, the rules are different in Gotham." I eat some more and finish my water.
Jonathan, whose only gone through half of his water, pushes the remains of his drink to me, "You are better than they are Iris. I doubt that you would even consider doing some of the things that they have."
I sigh and take a sip from his water bottle as I keep eating. He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer, making me relax easily. I don't look at anyone but I know that he's on the lookout for anyone who might even think about looking my way.
We've nearly finished eating when he says lowly, "Judging from the folders being passes around, it seems as though they're extremely concerned about your mental state and it looks like they're going to let Freeze in the rec room with us."
I turn my face into his shoulder but I know that he still feels me smile. With my face still in the fabric of his jumpsuit I say loud enough for him to hear, "I guess I'm a better actress than I realised." As the doctors in question head towards us, the only response that he can risk is a hum.
O~O~O
Jonathan and I are immediately taken to the rec room, despite the fact that Jonathan is meant to be in a session instead. As we enter the room, we see Freeze immediately and he stands to come and greet us.
He and Jonathan share a nod before he asks me, "How are you Iris?"
I give him a gentle smile at the genuine concern in his voice, "Some days and nights are better than others but I've been allowed to paint more often and that really helps me to relax" I reply softly, still keeping up my act.
Freeze looks behind me, at those in the doorway and then briefly glancing at an area on the wall before looking back to me. He tilts his head inside his dome and raises his eyebrows ever so slightly. When Jonathan gives me a reassuring squeeze I give Freeze a wink, to let him know that I'm faking. He nods in understanding and motions to the couch, joining in on the act as he gives me a concerned look.
That the one definitely positive thing about the majority of the supervillains in Arkham, they can smell a lie anywhere and know how to react in the best possible way. I didn't even have to say anything or do anything to try and tell him that I wasn't really upset but he still knew something was up. Jonathan was the one who recognised that Freeze had looked to the camera and so gave me a signal that it was safe to let him in on the performance. All it took was that one little wink, for him to understand and now he's playing along as though we rehearsed this whole thing.
Jonathan and I sit on the couch and I curl my feet up and snuggle into his side a little more. Freeze sits directly in front of me…blocking the camera. I send him just a quick smile of gratitude as our entourage is still at the door and no one says anything until the door is closed and we hear the lock click.
I try to move my lips as least as I can why still speaking clearly, "So what's the plan?"
Freeze leans forward slightly and Jonathan allows him to explain, "We managed to plant several ice bombs in the asylum, a couple of big ones that won't make too much noise and a few little, almost harmless ones that will make a lot of noise. The 'harmless' ones will be placed in maximum security, near my cell, Jonathan's and a few others, which will cause my cell to open instantly and Jonathan's will open once he pushes against the door, so that it will seem as though he's making the most of the opportunity, which he is. That way, the bulk of the security guards will be in maximum security or heading that way once they see the two of us escape."
He gives me a few minutes to follow his train of thought, "Open your cells while the others are just a distraction. Trick all the guards to head to maximum security to prevent anymore breakouts, got it" I say.
He nods and continues, "By the time that happens, Jonathan will be halfway to your cell by that time, using the old corridors, while I will set off the other two bombs. One right near the front door and one right near your cell. Now this is where it gets important, the second you hear the alarms, go to the darkest part of your cell and curl up into a ball, protecting you head and neck. Your cell will be badly damaged during the blast but you shouldn't move until Jonathan gets there, he'll be wearing his mask so you can listen for the breathing apparatus."
I nod and repeat the words again to show I understand, "As the guards try not to act like headless chooks, you two will split up and run in different directions. The alarms will be sounding by this stage so I become a ball to protect myself and wait for the other two bombs to go off. I don't move until I hear or see Jonathan and then we act out our little show which won't be hard seeing as the quickest way out will be the hole near the front door which means we'll have to go past the Blackgate goons. We do a show for the cameras and hightail it out of there, maybe give you a discreet signal to let you know we got out and then scram before bat-freak rocks up."
Freeze chuckles quietly, "Exactly. Now do you have any questions?"
I let out a breath, "What am I going to do about my paintings? I don't want the asylum to destroy them" I admit softly.
Freeze doesn't respond but gestures to Jonathan. I look up at him and he rubs my shoulder, "I've already taken care of that, hidden everything in the greenhouse so that if we can't take them with us, they're safe. Freeze won't leave his behind and Pamela hid hers before she left."
I give him a grateful expression, "Thanks."
He gives me a half smile and I move my head to look at something safer, not wanting to seem like a fangirling teenager.
Freeze saves me, "Can you play chess Iris?"
I look up, "Jonathan gave me my first lesson yesterday but I'm not too good" I tell him sheepishly.
He gives a small smile, "Why not team up with Jonathan and play against me, to take your mind of off Ivy leaving."
I let out a tiny giggle and look at Jonathan again, "That sounds like fun, what do you think?" He gives me a nod as Freeze moves the chess board over to us.
O~O~O
We manage to keep up the act easily enough and I find myself getting pleasantly distracted by the chess game (you know, as 'planned') but that doesn't mean that I'm any good at chess. Although I now know the names of all the pieces, I don't know how they're allowed to move. I end up just letting the two of them play, content to watch.
They play until we're taken to lunch, sharing looks as we go our separate ways, knowing that we'll see each other quite soon.
They let Jonathan and I eat together at lunch, despite a few guards that want to see him in isolation, before I'm taken back to my cell and he has to go to a session. Arriving at my cell, I notice that the things that I would want to take with me are already gone and a string of burlap is left in their places. I let myself smile quickly before I put the act back on and decide to take a nap.
O~O~O
By the time I wake up again, I have about an hour before dinner. Good, that means I've slept for about four hours, so I should have plenty of energy and a nice clear head for tonight. I take a few deep breaths, trying out a little meditation and doing some stretches, sighing when I feel my back pop. As I go through several stretches, I go over the plan in my head again, making sure to keep my face neutral just in case anyone comes along.
I let my mind wander to Ivy and I wonder how she's going in the Amazon. Is she even in the Amazon yet? I hope she makes it there and back safely, I mean I know that she's really tough, but still…
Listening carefully, I hear faint footsteps and a guard walks up to my door. He doesn't say anything but gestures for me to exit and takes me to the cafeteria.
Jonathan arrives at the same time as me and we walk in together, the guards not bothering to tell us what to do, which is a little stupid but hey, who am I to tell them how to do their jobs?
We sit down and eat as I ask, "How was your session?"
He pushes his glasses up a bit, "Just as irritating as they have all been. And how was your afternoon?"
I smile, "Wonderful, I had a nap."
He chuckles, "Good, I've been wanting to apologise for waking you last night and I didn't mean to scare you."
I steal a forkful of his mashed potatoes, "Apology accepted. Although there are nicer ways to wake a girl up, I know that you were about ready to kill someone. So in the end, I'm glad that you woke me up instead of possibly getting yourself into isolation."
In retaliation he steals a couple of my carrots, "I'll remember that and see if I can wake you up in a nicer fashion next time" he playfully teases.
My cheeks turn a light pink and I roll my eyes and mumble, "Don't make promises that you don't plan to keep."
I see his eyes flash but I don't comment as I drink some water. He hums and we quickly recap the plan.
After that, time seems to speed up. Dinner is over and done with quickly, I'm back in my cell in what feels like the blink of an eye.
BUT…then it all seems to slow down. I as well as those near me, vaguely hear something that does sound like an explosion, and then the alarms go off. Just as planned I curl up in the darkest corner of my cell and pretend to be a ball, hearing bomb after bomb, after bomb…and then a big one goes off, the one right near my cell. I can't help the flinches and crying out when it does. It's one thing to know a bomb is about to go off, but it's another to know what it's going to feel like. And I doubt that any amount of descriptions would be able to prepare me for that.
My ears are still ringing a little when a hand is suddenly on my shoulder. My head snaps up and I feel like crying with pure relief at seeing Jonathan wearing his burlap mask. I take his hand and he helps me up, leading me out of my clearly ruined cell.
I let him half drag me by my wrist and I just remember to play my part and sure enough, when we pass the Blackgate inmates, they try to get me and then Jonathan is no longer dragging me, I move my wrist to grip his just like he's gripping mine and I do my best to run beside him rather than behind him.
Everything is going according to plan, we don't encounter anyone and we find the hole in the wall easy enough, considering that we were literally looking for a massive hole in the wall. Jonathan helps me step through and we give a nod to Freeze, who returns the nod before darting off. Jonathan and I run in the opposite direction, hiding behind the greenhouse to allow ourselves to catch our breaths.
Despite things going so well, I'm still worried so I say to Jonathan, "The paintings are well hidden right? And no one bothers the greenhouse, and I'm sure that no one would be able to even find the place where you've hidden them, so why don't we leave them?" He watches me, clearly not liking the idea. A real tear escapes my eye, "Jonathan, I'm scared" I confess to him.
He takes a breath and draws me into a hug, "Do you trust me Iris?" he asks, his lips next to my ear. I nod and his grip tightens momentarily, "Then please trust this choice. Both canvases are small, have been protectively wrapped in waterproof material and are in a small bag. All I have to do is get the bag…okay?"
I bite my lip and nod, "Be quick?" This time he nods.
I hide behind one of the bushes as he darts into the greenhouse. The force of my bite on my bottom lip increases as I feel like the spotlight has gone over me and only a second later, do I taste my own blood as the skin breaks.
Jonathan appears, just as quick as he promised and takes my hand, leading me down to the water's edge. We climb into a little boat and travel in the shadows of the water, right under the bridge and abandon the boat once we reach the other side. He makes sure to grab the bag and helps me out of the boat before we dash up the bank.
He takes his mask off and puts it in the bag with the paintings and asks me, "Are you opposed to grand theft auto?"
With the adrenaline in my system I reply straightforwardly, "Not today."
He hands me the bag and I cradle it like a newborn baby as I follow him to the first car we see. I hear him snort when the keys are in the ignition.
"You'd be amazed at the amount of people who don't take their keys with them when they hide under the bridge and do drugs" he muses loud enough for me to hear. He gestures for me to get in, so I jump into shotgun once I've checked the seat for needles.
He jumps in the driver's seat after doing the same and I breathlessly laugh at our luck when the car starts, revealing a full tank. He wastes no time in driving off, not bothering with a seatbelt so neither do I. He drives through the backstreets with clear practised ease and stops outside an old factory. We get out and he moves me to stand underneath an old fire escape before he picks up an old brick and throws it on the car's accelerator through the open window, sending it speeding towards a wall.
He holds his hand out to me and I take it without thinking and run with him as we head through an alley. We make to the other end just as a huge crash is heard, I suppose that the car has hit the wall. We keep running for another couple of blocks before we duck into an abandoned building (there's plenty around) and stop for a bit.
As I catch my breath I ask, "Now what?"
He does his best to catch his own breath as he replies, "Right now we need to be able to breathe like normal people and then we need to think of how to change our clothes so we look a little less obvious."
I lean against the wall and think, looking down at myself. To better see what I'm dealing with, I hand Jonathan the bag again and unzip the jumpsuit, leaving me in my white tank top and panties. I shake out the jumpsuit and inspect it, noting how the inside lining is a more reserved blue in colour.
I look up, "Is your jumpsuit blue on the inside?" I ask, ignoring the fact that I'm practically naked in front of him. He unzips the top part of his jumpsuit and turns it inside out to show that it is in fact blue. I nod, a plan forming.
I see some broken glass and use it to rip the material so that I have a big enough strip separated from the original outfit. I hold it up and nod, satisfied that it's how I want it. So, with the orange facing outwards, I wrap it around my hips using smaller strips of fabric to tie it together, forming a makeshift mini skirt. I cut a super long strip of fabric from the remaining material with the same shard of glass and use it as a belt, tying it good and tight. I walk around a bit and it doesn't move, which is good. To be safe, I rip out my hair tie and use it to tie the belt to the skirt in a sort of slip knot and fluffing my long hair out. The end result on the skirt almost looks like a flower, almost looks deliberate.
I let out a breath, "I'll be showing some thigh but I can't worry about that now, let's do you" I say.
He gently places the bag down and opens his arms, "How do I help?" he asks.
I sigh and swallow, "You can help by not moving" I say, holding the glass.
He nods and I swallow again, moving towards him. I unzip the top part of the jumpsuit, noting the white undershirt, until the zip sits just below his belly button. I motion for him to remove his arms, which he does, before I use small dragging motions with the glass in order to cut through the zip. It takes several swipes but it does eventually work. I do the same of the other side, happy when the hardest part it over. Walking around him, I try and keep the cut as straight as possible, catching the fabric when I cute through it all. Flipping it inside out I give it back to him to put on.
"It'll be itchy but it'll work" I explain to him as he nods. "I'm going to cut you a belt from the rest of my jumpsuit so you should turn your new pants inside out. You'll look like you rocking double denim but if anyone asks, we'll just make up some shit about being at a 90's themed party" I add, focusing on the fabric to give him a bit of privacy.
He does and squats down beside me just as I finish a belt, I hold it out for him and he ties it similar to me helping me up when he's done.
Looking at him and looking down at me, it hits that we're out and I hug him tightly, "Thanks for getting us out Jonathan and for not punching me when I freaked" I add on half-jokingly.
He hugs me back, "Of course Iris and thank you for coming up with a change of clothes so quickly."
I close my eyes before reluctantly pulling away, "Should we head to your hideout now?"
He nods and I pick up the bag as he says, "Shall we act a little more? So that we're ignored?"
I hum, "You keep the thugs and petty thieves away and I'll scare away the hookers, kay?"
He laughs at my brash words, offering me his arm. I take it and we pretend to be a couple as we walk out of the building and down the street. Whether or not we're pretending to be a couple of friends or a romantic couple, I'm going to leave to him.
O~O~O
We make it four blocks and then we come across other people. Thankfully it's just some rowdy teens who sound like they've finished a party.
Without taking my eyes off of the oncoming teens I ask, "What do we do?"
He easily replies, "Make them uncomfortable of course."
"Oh jeez" I mutter, "Dare I ask?" I say, wondering what he could possibly have up his sleeve.
He hums, "You said you trust me."
I nod, "That I did, do I follow your lead and hope for the best?" I offer with mock cheer.
He chuckles, leading me to the nearest wall, "Put the bag behind you so that they don't see or try and take it" he instructs in a near doctor type tone.
I do as he says anyway, but I squeeze my eyes shut when I see one of the teens. I quietly say, "How good are your reflexes?"
He tenses slightly, "What kind of weapon?" he asks, all business.
I sneak another peak and look back to him, "Looks like a flip knife and I only see one, he's showing it off." He hums and gently urges me back so I'm leaning against the wall, my bag securely behind my ankles.
He looks for himself and scoffs, "Idiots" he whispers and hovers over me. "Willing to do another show?" he asks, placing one hand by my head.
I give him a half smirk, and reach up with my arms to bring his head down, "With the amount of acting I've been doing in the past twenty-four hours, I should win an Oscar."
He chuckles and puts his other hand on my hip, lowering his head the rest of the way and captures my lips with his. I tangle my fingers in his hair and let myself melt under his touch. His thumb rubs circles on my hip but his other hand stays where it is. I feel his shoulders tense and hear his feet shift so I release his hair and rest my hands on his chest as I wait for his next move.
Five kisses later (yes I counted) Jonathan pulls away and swings around, effectively trapping the kids wrist, ripping the flip knife out of his hand and chucking it on to the ground before twisting the kids arm around his back and pinning the other wrist with his free hand. I snap up the knife, close it and tuck it into my bra, it might come in handy later and keep my back flush to the wall, hoping that they don't notice the bag as I listen.
The kid starts, "Hey! Hey! Hey! It was just a joke, jeez. Come on man."
I can't see his face from here but I can here in his voice that it's not Jonathan right now, it's Scarecrow.
"A joke?" He asks menacingly, making all the kids shiver in fear, "I was unaware that I looked like the Joker, or that she" he says, motioning to me with his head, "Looked like Harley Quinn."
All the kids take a step back and I manage to discreetly push the bag behind a nearby bin with my foot. Internally, I give myself a pep talk and channel Ivy, stepping towards them and coming to stand beside Jonathan. I place my hand on my hip and my other hand on Jonathan's shoulder.
I try and mimic Ivy's voice when she wants something from a man, "I can't believe this little punk thought he could try and hit you baby" I coo to Jonathan.
He looks at me and smirks, "Neither can I" he comments before asking with mock-seriousness, "Do I really look like the Joker?"
I sniff disdainfully and run my fingers through his hair, "Course not baby, the Joker is in Arkham and is probably dying from that rooftop thing that he did, with Batman remember?"
He hums, "I think I do, they cancelled the game so they could do a live coverage" he muses, his eye revealing how much fun he's having scaring these kids.
I play along, grinning and nodding, "That's the one" I agree before pouting and rubbing my arms, "Is it cold around here, or it that just me?"
Jonathan breathes in through his nose and slowly turns his head back to the kid, looking more pissed than before, "Now look what you've gone and done, she's gotten cold and we were meant to be home by now."
The kid looks as though he's gonna wet himself and I think one of the girls has already thrown up. I watch Jonathan and see that the kid's hand is losing circulation. Jonathan seems to want to break his arm but this has gone on long enough, he's made his point.
"Baby?" I ask and he looks at me. "I know you're having fun, but can we go home soon? It's getting super cold and I don't want either of us to get sick." I bite my lip for effect, being mindful to not re-open the cut that my teeth made earlier.
Jonathan looks at the kid, then to me and shrugs, suddenly letting him go and making him lose balance in the process. "You little kids run along now" he threatens. The girls actually do, leaving the boys with no choice but to run after them.
I watch them go, taking his hand in mine and leading him back into the shadows so I can get the bag before I take his arm and we start walking again.
I let out a breath, surprisingly relaxed, "Did you have fun?" I ask, sending him a sideways glance.
He stops us and grins, "Yes I did."
I hum, "And what about Scarecrow? I thought you were going to do some sort of dance there for a moment, you were that excited" I tease gently.
He tilts his head and cups my jaw, "Almost but not quite" he replies before frowning and softly swiping his thumb over my lip, noting the cut. "When did you bite your lip so hard that it bled?"
I shrug, "When I freaked before we got in the boat" I tell him. "I had sucked away most of the blood by the time you got back from the greenhouse. I was hoping you wouldn't notice."
He tucks some of my hair behind my ear, "I did notice" he murmurs. "And then I was reminded when I tasted the blood on your lips."
I slowly nod a few times, "Well it was just a small cut and the bleeding has stopped now" I comment, feeling the butterflies gather in my stomach at his expression.
He nods too, "That it has, let's get to the hideout and get some sleep. I'll check on it in the morning to see how it is" he says as we start to walk again.
I lean my head on his arm as we walk, "Sounds good" I tell him, sleepiness starting to creep in.
He chuckles again, frees the arm I was leaning on, only to pull my into his side, "Did you happen to get the knife?"
I nod and pull it out of my bra, holding it out for him, "It might be better if you take it, I have no idea how to use it."
He takes it from me, "I'll teach you" he tells me.
I chuckle, "Okay then." I try and picture him teaching me how to use a flip knife but I just can't.
He watches me giggle and muses, "Doubting my teaching ability?"
Through my giggles, I manage to get out, "No, but I do doubt my ability as a student. I have no incentive to try and stab you with a flip knife, yet you're going to teach me just that. I mean can you imagine me trying to take on you?"
I try and suppress my giggles but it just causes me to snort in a very undignified way and start properly laughing. To his credit, Jonathan lets out a few chuckles himself and smiles as he watches me just totally lose it at the thought I had.
It takes a couple of minutes until I calm down enough for him to talk, "I'm glad that you're more like yourself again."
I smile, wiping away a few tears that escaped during my laughing fit, "Oh wow that was funny."
He shakes his head at me, "I suppose I should thank you for the compliment on my fighting abilities" he says, hilarity lacing his tone.
With my palms facing upwards I shrug causing him to actually roll his eyes before moving me into another alley and opening up a door. Walking in, he closes it behind us, setting up an elaborate lock system. I look around and guess that we're in a studio apartment, and judging from how solid the walls are, maybe it was built with metal sculptors in mind.
I note the amount of sheets covering the furniture, "I take it that you haven't been here for a while?" I ask gently, not wanting to disturb the quiet of the building.
He comes up to me and nods, "Edward found this for me when I first moved to Gotham, it was annoying to not be able to pay it off straight away as that would be cause for suspicion. So I just kept this in the back of my mind so to speak as I paid it off over the years. By the time they figured out what I was doing, it was paid off and was mine, under an alias of course so it was one thing that they couldn't take from me, since they didn't know it existed in the first place" he explains.
I cover my mouth as I yawn, "Excuse me, I'm not being rude, I am listening."
The half smirk appears again, "It's alright, we're both due for some sleep."
He shows me around the studio quickly and lets me have the pick of the rooms. I don't want to impose so I let him have the master bedroom while I take a smaller secondary bedroom, just wanting to crash onto the sheets. He helps me remove the white sheet, to reveal the emerald green covers of the bed. There's hardly any dust thanks to the cover and although the room feels a little stale, I open the window by half a centimetre to allow the fresh air to come in. Jonathan and I talk for a little while longer before he wishes me sweet dreams and leaves the room.
In no time at all, I've removed my makeshift skirt, have crawled under the covers and am out like a light.
Author's note: Alrighty then, a bit longer than I was originally planning but I like it. as I said in my other author's note, I'm taking extra time on my chapters so that I can triple check them for mistakes. I have to say that it's really fun to write the little romance moments between Jonathan and Iris, and I hope that you guys won't mind if there's a couple dotted in throughout the chapters and if you do mind... well then I'll have to cut them out and who knows what little goodies you'll miss out on ;) Please drop me a review and let me know what you think! Until next time, Bye!