Between Stripes

T W E N T Y O N E

"Okay so would you rather kill Jimmy or torture him by killing his beloved Lee?" Jerome said with a smirk. He was laid on his front, on his bed. Hands under his chin. Feet swaying lazily in the air. Bum looking perky.

"Both. But I don't know this 'Lee'." I replied, turning round from the wardrobe holding a beautiful dress. It was white, short, puffy and had lovely black lace decorating the chest.

My baby Jerome was helping me choose an outfit for the upcoming party that Galavan had mentioned.

"She's his woman." Jerome explained as he shook his head at the dress.

"Never knew he had a love life. Would you rather fall into a vat of chemical or be ran over by a stampede?" I asked, turning back to the wardrobe. Jerome chuckled lightly.

"What's the stampede made of?"

"Bulls. Or horses. Whatever's more painful." I snickered, picking up a long blue dress and turning to face him.

"Chemicals. As I'd sink I'd laugh. Manically." Jerome grinned darkly and shook his head yet again. "Doll face, get a dress that matches my suit."

"Your silly waistcoat is a dark gold, your jacket is black with plum accents and I won't even mention about the stupid hat." I snapped, shoving the dress back.

"Don't deny the brilliance of my outfit." He frowned before sliding back to the lazy grin. "Would you live for me? Or would you die for me?"

"Both, you numskull. And I'd slaughter whoever killed you."

"Ever heard of natural deaths?" I could hear the frown in his voice.

"J, I can't imagine you dying peacefully in your sleep as an old man. I think we both know that." I snorted before selecting a tight-fitting plum dress with ruffles on the chest. It was simple but brilliant.

"That one! That's the one!" Jerome exclaimed as I held it to show him. An excited smile glazed his lips. I returned the smile.

"I'm gonna put this on, one second." I rushed the words out before dashing to the ensuite. My clothes left my body in a flurry. I tugged the dress on. Glancing at the mirror, I saw that it looked good. It hugged my figure in all the right places.

Right. Jerome.

I threw open the door and sauntered into our room. Jerome was tugged out a deep daydream and as he looked over, a bright light grew in his eyes. It was like admiration but more innocent. I guess.

"To say the least, it'll match my outfit." He grinned and rolled off the edge of the bed. Jerome bounced up and walked to me. His arms snaked round my waist.

"We're gonna be the best dressed there." I snickered but then added something in a serious tone.

"Don't get too close to Barbra, I know you love to make me jealous." I growled.

"You know she's doing her thing with Tabs? As the British would say, shagging." He snickered, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Golly gosh, you are such a daft twat!" I said, mimicking an English accent. Then I went back to normal and added. "Good but I know that you love to make me jealous."

"Shhh!" He hushed pressing lips against my cheek. "It's a secret."

I giggled and kissed him again.

***

"J, I don't need no training. You know how well I can slit a throat." I muttered as Jerome opened the rather large door to Galavan's weapons room. He'd probably just suggested it because he was sick to death of arguing then making up. Personally I found it funny. His reactions were absolutely priceless.

"Well, I've not seen that. Gotta keep ya on your feet." he turned and winked at me as the doors swung open. They revealed my personal heaven.

Weapons of all types lined the opposite wall. Guns galore. Quaint crossbows. Spectacular swords. Exciting explosives (which were hidden behind a thick glass case). Then my babies came into view. Dozens of pretty little swords, sharpened to perfection. Some, so sharp that if they touched the slightest bit of skin it would stain crimson.

As I gorged myself with the sight of the weapons, Jerome had dragged a mannequin and a few dummies into a neat line.

"Show me whatcha got, baby." Jerome sighed, leaning against the wall. A smug smile settled on his face. A similar smile grew on my own face as I walked to the wall which had knives mounted on it. I settled with a handful of short knives and the occasional larger knife.

Whizzing round I threw three knives, one by one, hitting the targets square in the chest. Two remained in my hand. A hunting knife and a small, twinkling blade. I walk towards the single, unscathed remaining dummy.

I could feel Jerome's eyes following me. It was as if he was right behind me.

With a grin, I suddenly plunged the hunting knife into the dummy. Hacking at it madly and silently. The only sound to be hear was the ripping of fabric. A small chuckle echoed behind me. It grew louder until Jerome was fully laughing. I whizzed round to face him.

"This, is what I've got." I said with a sly smile on my face. The small blade flew out my hand and slammed against the wall beside his head. A small trickle of blood flowed down the side of his ear.

"Pretty good. Spectacular if anything. But how are you with guns?" Jerome's smile didn't waver.

"They're my speciality, per say." I replied, playing it off. Guns were fun but not as good as knives.

"Try it." Jerome tossed one to me  which I managed to catch. It was small and black.

That's not the only thing that's small and black.

Buddy, that was a bad joke.

At least I tried.

Whatever.

I let my face drop as I pulled the trigger. A bullet pierced through the wall beside Jerome.

Pop! Idea.

Letting the bullets leave the gun, they decorated the wall. After a few shots there was a perfect and unfinished series of dots which circled Jerome's head. It was a great dot-to-dot pattern. Honestly it was flawless artwork.

A.N.

Hey my little cookies, I'm sorry about the lack of updates! Writer's block and procrastination hit me hard in the past week... Also the magnificent return of Jerome on Gotham had me shook. Not great excuses and I'm also sorry that this chapter sucks! Honestly it was hard to write this bad. Sorry! Next time it'll be better though. promise. Making it up to ya'll by adding the Arthur themetune to listen to. It's the purest thing ever!

Much love, se ya'll next time my little smarties!