Alleyways ⇀ Jerome Valeska Imagine

03: cinemas

"Did you hear about that crazy guy being broken out of jail?"

You almost spat directly at the man's face. His body was angled towards his friend, as they nonchalantly chatted whilst waiting for their tickets.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" You interrupted, practically hanging out of the ticket booth you were sat in. The man turned his head to address you with a frown.

"Uh - I don't know much about it. Some guy who used be an inmate at Arkham was broken out of jail. They say the cops can't find him anywhere."

You swallowed. Hard. With shaking hands, you gave the man his tickets and he wandered down the cinema to the screen rooms. If what he said was true... That meant Jerome was out there somewhere, wandering the streets of Gotham. Your heart rate was increasing, but you tried to calm down. Even if he was out there, why would he come after you? You laughed nervously, earning a few strange looks from customers, and shook your head in disbelief. You exhaled deeply, but the sinking feeling in your stomach just wouldn't leave.

I need to cool down. That's all. You reassured yourself, brushing stray hairs away from your face.

Exiting the cramped ticket booth, you called Sarah over and waited for her to approach you. She dragged the broom she was sweeping the floor with over, and propped her elbow against the wooden beam.

"What's up, buddy?" She asked, the usual crooked grin on her face. A crease formed between her eyebrows as she saw your face. "Jeez, y/n. You look like you've just seen a ghost!" Sarah reached forward to hold a hand to your forehead, but you swatted it away, smiling faintly.

"I need you to cover the ticket booth for me." You said, bluntly. As soon as Sarah heard the word "ticket", her smile drooped. "C'mon, Sar, only for a few minutes." You pleaded.

"You said 'a few minutes' last time, and then I ended up stuck in that little box for twenty minutes!" Sarah grumbled, dragging her hand down her chubby cheeks. You made a sad face, and Sarah sighed. "Fine, but only because you look pale as hell and I'm worried for your health."

You thanked her, gratefully making your way to the toilets whilst wondering what you'd have to do to make it up for her. A break away from all the heat of the stuffy ticket booth would prevent you from going hysteric. You heard the ongoing movies as you passed the different screens, but once you reached the bathroom it was particularly quiet. Bracing your hands on the cold sink, you watched yourself in the mirror. You turned on the squeaky faucet, splashing your face with the cold water. It was refreshing, and you were already feeling calmer. Sure, Jerome wasn't in jail, but he also wasn't coming for you.

You dried your face with a paper towel, and walked out of the toilets. You were finally relaxed. Of course, that was until you heard the voice.

"One ticket to see y/n, please!"

You stopped dead in your tracks.

"Uh, I - She - We don't sell that here." Sarah laughed awkwardly. You tread carefully on the carpet, coming to a corner, where you peeked your head around. You stifled a gasp and your eyes bugled out from your head. "Y/n is in the bathroom."

"Would you be a doll and go get her for me?" Jerome asked, smiling sweetly. He rested one elbow on the booth, his ankles crossed as he grinned at the passerbys exiting the cinema. Your heart was racing in your chest as you watched in horror.

"Sure," Sarah nodded, leaving the booth to walk towards the corner you were using to hide behind. As she neared the corner, you grabbed her arm and yanked her behind you.

"Oh h-"

You smothered your hand over her mouth, and held a finger to your lips.

"Sorry, ladies. Am I interrupting something?"