FREAKS || Jerome Valeska¹

15 || Ladies & Gentlemen

* I forgot this chapter was supposed to be between Breakout & Oh No! So enjoy. Next chapters are still scheduled for Thursday! *

The next morning, I woke up to smooth fingers tracing lines on my face. My eyes slowly peered open, meeting bright light. I blinked rapidly, the light bothering me until his silhouette covered it. Upon adjusting, my eyes met his, twinkling in the dim morning light.

Green eyes met my brown ones, letting his lips curl softly. "Good morning, gorgeous." He greeted adoringly.

I placed my hand against his cheek with a slight smirk, heat rising on my face. "Good morning, Jerome," my voice whispered, making him grin wider before he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine — the same tingles formed in the pit of my gut.

He pulled away gently, his eyes still closed, yet a smile remained. I couldn't help but admire this attentive and caring side of Jerome - It was bizarre, but I could get used to it. Last night, he had the marvelous idea of sleeping in my room. I didn't contradict and agreed. We talked for hours. The sky was turning dark blue when our eyes closed. My head lying on his chest, hearing the sound of his heart beating rhythmically, a languid tempo.

I woke up to find I hadn't dreamt a thing and had cuddled him. It truly had been the perfect night.

"I could get used to this." He whispered, humming pleased, letting a tiny giggle escape me. "Mind if I room with you?"

A snort escaped, "You are getting way ahead of yourself, troublemaker." I pat his chest lightly before toying with the strand of hair on his face

He laughed quietly, "Am I?"

"Yup."

Instantly, I was attacked with kisses, spreading from my cheeks to my neck. Soft laughter left me. He pulled and grinned, "I can't help myself." Embarrassed, I avoided his eyes to calm myself down. Soon, I felt his fingers raise my chin, making my eyes and his meet. The blissful expression remained in its place, "Baby, you've become so shy around me."

I smiled softly, "Sorry, it's just new for me."

"Can I tell you a secret?" He whispered.

"Hm?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"It's new for me, too." He replied bashfully. I envied how much calmer he was about it because I felt my embarrassment would kill me. I leaned in and pecked his lips tenderly, making him hum, "I'm never gonna get used to that." Laughter left our lips. He rested his face into the crook of my neck, not speaking. It wasn't weird. In a way, it was comforting to feel his warmth with mine.

The moment of silence was interrupted when my stomach growled. A snort escaped him, causing me to blush again. I quickly pushed him off, getting up, "No, why'd you leave? Stay." He whined, letting himself fall onto his back on the bed.

I beamed at him, "I'm hungry, Valeska."

"Clearly." He giggled, his hand placed over his stomach. I rolled my eyes at him, "Oh, alright, Nygma, but promise you'll cuddle with me later." That single sentence and his puppy eyes were all it took for me to burst into laughter. Confusion crossed his expression, yet a smirk etched on his lips. "What are you laughing at?"

Once my short laughter died, I breathed in fresh air, "I can't believe Jerome Valeska, the same one that committed matricide, likes cuddling."

He snorted amusedly before cackling and shaking his head, "Doll, let us not fuse the two. Yes, I murdered that old, drunken whore, but I'm still eighteen, and I do want to be cuddled, especially by you." Teased the ginger, sending me a tiny wink, yet I could see pink creeping up his face. He sat himself at the edge of the bed.