Jerome hadn't originally planned to stay as long as he did, the conversation continued for hours. It started with fun 'what have you been up to?' but Autumn learned Jerome had came from the station after the cops had questioned him.
"Will I have to be questioned?"
Autumn panicked for a minute, could she be brought into this investigation even though she hadn't even witnessed the crime?
Jerome shook his head, placing a hand on her shoulder that he sat beside on the couch.
"Don't worry, remember Greg? The man sleeping at the circus? When they interviewed him you were seen by many witnesses, including him, so your location at the time of death has been confirmed enough for you to not be a prime suspect. Me on the other hand-" Jerome tilted his head, "Prime suspect numero uno".
Autumn leaned into the human contact and sighed, "Are you worried you'll be caught?"
Jerome shrugged, "I think they'll figure out sooner or later it was me. That detective is a smart one, he's not like the other pushovers".
Autumn frowned, she didn't want Jerome to go to jail, she was just starting to know him properly and he says that he's maybe, probably, going to be arrested?
Jerome sensed the frown from Autumn was something to do with what he said and he moved his hand from her shoulder to her face, cupping it and rubbing his thumb over her cheek.
"Don't worry about me love, I won't be in there for long. If the catch me. Anyway, I have something for you but you need to follow me."
"Why didn't you tell me this earlier, I've got no intention of getting off this couch for a while." Autumn lay back into the couch, spun her feet around onto the seat so her feet were beside Jerome's leg.
Jerome smiled and jumped up off the couch holding out a hand, "come on, they had meetings in the morning but I squeezed you to meet them in about 30 minutes."
Autumn sat up, "What?"
"Come on!"
Jerome grabbed Autumns hand and pulled her up, pointing to the paintings, "can I take pictures of these?"
Autumn was confused, "Yes? Jerome what is this for-"
"Ok I already snuck some photos when you weren't looking, I've left this all a bit late but if we run we can make it. Take my hand?"
Autumn looked at the man in front of her smiling wildly and outstretching his hand to her. Autumn intertwined her hand into his but had no time to process as she was whisked out the living room, down the hall and out the door. She barely had time to lock the door before Jerome began to lead the way to the mysterious destination.
***
Jerome let go of Autumn five minutes before their arrival at their destination. He instead had closed her eyes and guided her to the secret place so it could be a semi surprise. Autumn had seen the richer part of Gotham but rarely stepped a foot in it. Jerome wasn't taking any chances as they crossed roads and turned corners to a small set of shops.
"Ok so, remember how we talked about fashion at the circus, for a long time?"
Autumn did, it was one of the topics they had covered about her life.
"Remember how you said you've always wanted to do fashion as an actual job?"
Autumn finally clicked. She stopped, eyes still closed but looked down at the ground
"Jerome, please don't tell me-"
"I did get you a job in fashion. Well, sort of. Open up!"
Autumn opened her eyes to see the most cutest, most adorable shop she had ever seen. It was black on the outside, fitting into Gotham's aesthetic nicely but the two ceiling to floor windows that displayed 2 models on either side of the doors were donned head to toe in sequins and designer Gotham wear. Autumn had to contain herself as she moved closer to the pin striped suit on one of the models. It was a French navy blue colour and she immediately took interest to the choice of shoes and hat to go with the outfit. She didn't agree but saw where the designer was trying to get at.
Autumn stared a few more minutes before Jerome tapped her on the shoulder "Instead of looking outside we can look inside."
Jerome held her hand as they walked into the store, a small ding announcing their entrance.
"Valeska? I'd recognise that ginger hair anywhere."
A heavily accented woman came walking into Autumn's few... barely. The woman just about came up to Autumns waist, her eyes looking directly upwards at the tall ginger. Her fashion sense herself didn't make her seem like the boss of the place. It was the many pins in her hair, the measuring tape belt and patches on her skirt that made her look even more intriguing to Autumn as she took everything in. The room heavily smelt of lavender, Autumn recognised it for various treatments she had tried for her Grandma, the soft flowery scent making the dimly lit room even more cosy. She forgot she was even in grimy Gotham for a moment.
Jerome hugged the small woman, letting go to introduce his companion.
"Helena, this is Autumn. She's the girl we talked about." Jerome beamed at Autumn and quickly got out his phone.
"These are some of her works she showed me today. Didn't believe my eyes when I seen them."
Autumn began sweating at the thought of a person who knew something about fashion looking at her attempts to create some dresses, she looked down to avoid eye contact but realised the woman was actually to small not to avoid unless she looked upwards.
"My dear, this is a striking outfit. The purples, the blue. Very nice. Are these feathers? It looks very nice with the ombre colouring. good. Huh. Jerome when you said knew a thing or two I didn't realise this was the case. Dear, you have an eye for style."
Helena held out her hand for Autumn to shake and after a moment of stunned silence, Autumn shook it. Compared to Autumn's light shake Helena made Autumn believe her wrist could be broken if someone shook it hard enough.
"Thank you miss. I didn't expect this to be Jerome's surprise."
Autumn looked over at Jerome who had slipped off to give them chance to talk. He was looking at the various suits Helena had on hangers and was eyeing a rather fetching tailcoat. When he heard Autumns comment he smiled and gave Autumn a shrug.
"Least I could do. Me and Helena go way back don't we?"
Helena rolled her eyes but smiled at Autumn. "This buggers circus get there costumes from me. Never have I seen so many people in tights and the wrong body parts if you know what I mean." Helena looked disgusted.
"Jerome phoned me and said you're looking for a job? A extra pair of hands wouldn't hurt my business. Lot's of people come here for orders but not a lot come for jobs."
Autumn asked why.
"The rich part of Gotham has better food but is known for the high profile gangs and criminals that continually come in and out of the various crack-dens they call home. I happened to set up on shop on the very same street as Fish Mooney."
"Who's Fish Mooney?" Jerome asked
"Oh you don't want to know. She gives me lots of time though, so she's just another client like the rest of them. Scary as shit though. A good payer can still be a bitch".
Autumn looked around and did start to realise a lot of the clothing around her she could see in mafia's and gangs. The detailed jackets signifying groups.
"Would you seriously take me on?" Autumn asked, still slightly in shock.
Helena nodded, "But of course! A lot of people come in and I need an extra pair of hands. I'm getting old too, my ass never got married so I want someone to keep this business going and unfortunately gingernut cant tie a bow to save himself."
"I can tie a perfectly good bow-"
"Who's the one with 30 years of fashion under her belt? oh yes me, shut it carrot stick."
Autumn stifled a laugh as Jerome pretended to be offended and huff on over into the corner.
"I would love to work for you! How many days a week?"
"Why don't I put on the kettle and we discuss this over tea? Jerome get your hands off my silks!"
Autumn had never been so happy to see an older face treating her with respect. She wondered if her Gran could be more like this. Unfortunately, she thought, this wouldn't be possible in her Grandmas case.
YOU ARE READING
Circus Act (Joker Valeska)
Fanfiction"The joker doesn't love anyone but himself" Why? Because his heart got taken away with a girl. Yanno?
