LUNATICS || Gotham²

11 || Don't Flatter Yourself!

That night, I lay against Jerome's bare chest, tracing a myriad of shapes over his pale skin. The cell was cold that night, and all we had for warmth was a thin, useless sheet, but none of that mattered while in his arms. He was warm enough for the both of us, the steady beat of his heart lulling me.

"Penny for your thoughts, gorgeous?" He murmured against my forehead, his breath raising goosebumps along my exposed skin. I shivered. He chuckled and pulled the thin sheet to cover me better. His fingers lifted my chin, guiding me to meet his gaze. "What's wrong?"

I studied his face, noticing the exhaustion that settled along the corners of his eyes. Day by day, he seemed to look more worn out. Judith was doing a number on him, tormenting him in ways I couldn't even fathom. I couldn't wait till I killed her. My head shook. "Nothing. Why?"

"Because you're awfully quiet." His thumb brushed softly over my cheek as he hummed thoughtfully.

I chuckled, meeting his gaze. "I love you and your presence. That's just it."

He stared me down with an intensity that made my heart race - a look that melted me every single time. One I feared to ever lose. "And I love you." His voice softened as he nuzzled his face into my neck, his warmth seeping into me. I grinned softly. "I can't wait to get the hell out of this place. Finish what I've wanted to do for a long time."

"And what's that, my love?"

A mischievous glint lit his eyes. "You'll know at the right time." He teased, smirking at me.

"Oh, okay, mysterious as always." I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "I get it. I'll let you keep your little secret."

"Oh, thank you." He chuckled with a playful tone.

"You're welcome." I giggled, relaxing in his embrace.

He pulled me in for a deep kiss, his hand cradling the back of my neck. When he pulled away, his gaze was soft and unwavering. My cheeks burned with rushing hot blood, and he chuckled, skimming his fingers along my skin. His expression turned more thoughtful.

"You know," He began quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wonder sometimes... how things would be if you weren't around."

I frowned softly. "Why?"

There was hesitation present. Silence.

"Because... you broke me." He whispered, his voice carrying a rare vulnerability and the look in his eyes... he meant it. Guilt simmered in my belly. "I went into Arkham thinking everyone would fear me and that I'd be in complete control. And then you walked in and... took control of me."

I swallowed. "I'm sorry." The words escaped before I could stop them.

His eyes softened, and a small smile curled up his lips. "Reese, I'm not mad. Falling for you is the only good thing that's happened to me."

My heart pounded ferociously inside my chest, and my face burned. I caressed his cheek, my fingers brushing over the white scars covering his face. "Really?"

He nodded, his gaze unrelenting. "You're the only person I've ever truly loved."

• ▪ •

The next night pretty much resembled the last. I was back in the recreational room with Jerome, who was still hell-bent on his new obsession: making Oswald 'better' by having him make him laugh. How? I'm not entirely sure. What I do know is that it would consist of riling Oswald up to the point of fury. Knowing Jerome, he wouldn't cease until he got what he wanted.

As I entered the giant room, I found Jerome standing atop a metal table and in front of a ton of inmates. A broad smirk on his face. He held a thick brown rope, tying it into what looked suspiciously like a noose.