The Dirty Underground [Jerome Valeska] (sequel to YDMC)

5

Jack ran around the apartment as Jim talked with Rumer and Jerome about the plan. "We need you to make your way up. Don't go straight for Barbara, that'll be too risky and extremely obvious. We know the two of you will come up with something." Jerome smiled and pulled Rumer closer to his side, but before he could say anything, Jim reluctantly continued, "And... as long as you're productive, efficient, and don't target innocent civilians... you will have freedom from the GCPD."

Rumer grinned, "Let's pretend I'm a bit dull, Jim. Break that part down for me. You know, in case you change your mind, I'll have your word." Jim pulled his lips tight, "As long as things stay under control and mostly legal, the GCPD will not take you into captivity." Jerome laughed and kissed her cheek, "You hear that Sweetness? We're free!"

Rumer laughed throwing a fist in the air, "Yes! I didn't think you had it in you Jimmy boy, but you had it!" Rumer jumped up squeezed Jim in a hug, "You've got great gut instincts Jimmy. This has Gordon written all over it."

Releasing Jim, Rumer doubled over in a laugh. "I mean, who else would have thought to pull us out of Arkham Asylum to catch what used to be one of ours?" Rumer got close to Jerome's face, "Let dirt out to bring dirt back, right, Kid? And we're the dirtiest grime you can dig up in this town, and Jackie too. You did good Jim. You really did."

Jim groaned and stood, "There's a safe in the larger bedroom. There's twenty thousand in there for you to get yourselves in a good place. We will have eyes on the three of you. Don't try anything that you'd do." With that, he left Jerome and Rumer to dance and cheer in peace.

"What's going on Rumer?" The couple looked up to see Jack standing in the doorway. Jerome just smiled, "You wanna know what's going on, Jack? We're free! Me, my gorgeous  girlfriend over there, and against my better judgment, you." Before Rumer can do anything about Jack's steadily saddening face, Jerome laughed, "Cool off, Jacko, it's just a joke. We all know how much I want you here." His voice dropped as he finished his statement.

Rumer stood beside Jerome, "Quit scaring him Jerome!" He held his finger up at his girlfriend, "Now listen here, Neersal. You have Sweetness fooled, and that's okay, but let's keep one thing straight. Who's the boss?"

Jack looked to Rumer for help, but Jerome grabbed his face so he was looking at him, "Y-you-you're the boss." Jack stuttered, tears threatened to fall from his eyes. Jerome nodded, "I'm the boss. And we're loaded, so I have some money to count." Jerome let go of Jack's face and let him drop to the ground, hopping over his body to make his way to the bedroom.

Rumer was so mad she couldn't even say anything to Jerome. She dropped down to the ground and held Jack's head to her chest, rocking him back and forth the way she always did when he was crying. "Our first day out and he's already let it get to him. Hey, don't cry, okay Jack? I'm gonna take you shopping tomorrow and we can get you some clothes you actually like."

Jack's sobs began to settle as Rumer was talking, "We'll drive all around town. I can take you to meet Penguin. I've told you stories about him. We can even go picnic at the cemetery if you'd like." Jack looked up at Rumer in disbelief when she said this. She never agreed to eat at the cemetery with him before. Rumer nodded and kissed his forehead, "I'd never lie to you Jackie. We gotta stay together right?"

Jack nodded and hugged Rumer. She was always so good to him.