Beautifully Twisted - {A Jerome/Gotham Story}

The Big Crazy Mess Called Arkham

"Can you please just move! My god, can't anyone open a door around here?!" I rolled my eyes as my dad moved out of the way, his mind clearly not still in place as I easily opened the door in one try, sending Jerome a smirk from his earlier comment, stating he'd get it open before me.

Now he loves teasing me. So I tease him right back. Of course I'm met with a little glare. But it's a cute one none the less. I sent him an innocent smile as he rolled his eyes at me, running a hand through his ginger hair in an attempt to keep his cool, clearly not liking being upstaged by me.

But for crying out loud! They made it sound like opening a door was the hardest task ever given to them. Geez... But I didn't have time to think anything as I ran through the doorway, instantly bringing Bruce into my arms as I fell to my knees, seeing him thankfully still breathing.

The gas had knocked him and Mr. Fox out like lightening. It was fast! But thankfully it wasn't lethal. I can't imagine losing Bruce. I've already just thought I'd lost my ginger psycho here. But Bruce as well? I just can't.

"Ging! Help dad and I get Bruce and Mr. Fox to another room. We can't stay in one spot, otherwise Strange and his peacock will find us." Jerome suddenly lost it in laughter as my dad got a humored look on his face as well, seeming to be gaining back his old self really quick. Which made me feel lighter than air from happiness.

"Peacock doll...? Good one!" I rolled my eyes in humor as my dad laughed a little, instantly helping Jerome with Mr. Fox, while I slowly picked up Bruce in my arms, smiling a tad at his sleeping form. I haven't held Bruce like this since he was a toddler. Good memories.

"Oh my goodness. That's Bruce?? He's so tall!" My dads surprised face really made me smile more, just thinking of what Bruce's reaction would be once awake. A lot to explain. Even to myself. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My god! Can he get any heavier?! My fragile arms are falling apart." I laughed at Jerome's dramatic tone, hearing his chuckle echo through this seemingly deserted hall, finally reaching an open room with a bunch of equipment inside. Deadly it seemed. But I almost stumbled with Bruce as I realized that Jim was here.

Jim?! What on earth? I gently set Bruce down against a wall, resting his head as best as I could to make him comfortable, my gaze locking with a seemingly awake Jim, making me feel relieved. Not Jim to!

"Jim, what is going on??" I softly placed my hands on his as Jerome and my dad set Mr. Fox down next to Bruce, the both of them coming to look at Jim.

Jim's gaze went to all three of us, his eyes locking with my dads as they went wide, starting to blink rapidly. Oh no. He's clearly been drugged. He looks like he's been in space. And I already know Strange did this.

"Brian...? I'm so sorry. I... I tried so hard to help Ana and you. I tried..." My eyes went wide as I looked over at dad, seeing his surprised face as well, clearly confused, but starting to smile none the less as he lowered to his knees in front of Jim, seeming to be happy to see him.

Jim most likely thinks he's seeing a ghost. And frankly, that's how it feels. It's so odd to even be seeing my dad standing right here in front of us all.

"No no Jimbo. Don't go blaming yourself for anything. You couldn't have known what would happen. But I will say thank you for taking care of my princess." Jim's eyes went to me as my eyes welled up, Jerome's arm coming to rest around me as he kissed my cheek, making me giggle slightly from the little smirk showing on his lips.

"Dads right Jim. You've done a good job. There's only so much you can do. You've got a life of your own. And I'm happy with how I am. I've got Jerome. And you as my big brother. I've got Brucie. And now, I've got my dad back."

This honestly felt like one of those scenes from some movie where it's a big, happy family reunion. Now this is a weird one, involving coming back from the dead and all of that. But nothing in Gotham is ever normal.