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chapter nineteen ━ the valeska illness

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❝ we hurt people ❞

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thirty votes and forty comments for the next chapter!

and yes i am aware of the off timeline for this chapter. i changed it so it fits better!

SKYLAR VALESKA CONTINUED to sit up on the bed, glaring down at the person who still slept peacefully, snoring away with his mouth open, droll getting on his pillow. Every single inch of the blanket had been stolen by the redhead. She had woken up from a dead sleep from a shiver, a shiver. All because Jerome decided to steal the covers at seven in the morning. Last night she had slept the best she had in ages and it would've continued to about twelve in the afternoon if he hadn't woken her up. Rolling her eyes, her eyes went to the clock, then back to him. The brunette moved his face up so it faced the ceiling, and then lightly slapped his cheek. "Jerome." Her voice was a whisper at first. But then another snore sounded through the room. "Jerome!" She yelled that time.

He instantly sat up, nearly hitting her in the process, grabbing his gun that had miraculously got back under his pillow. Aiming it at her head, she gave him a look. Jerome lowered the gun and then flopped back on the covers. "Seriously, Sky? Why are you up so early?"

"Oh I don't know," she replied in an exaggerated deep voice. "My brother stole the covers and left me in the freezing snow to die." Her hand went to her forehead and then she fell beside him. Jerome smiled in his insane way, laughing slightly. Her voice went back to normal. "You're so mean." She shoved him playfully. "Quit laughing at me!"

Attempting to stifle his laughter, Skylar got back up, grabbing his arm and dragging him. Jerome fought back. "No. Let me sleep."

"I want breakfast!" she whined.

"No, stay." His tone held a bit of possessiveness because he knew what lurked in the penthouse. And that certain thing was Greenwood who was a cannibal. No doubt he would try and go after his sister. If something were to happen to her, he'd never forgive himself. But while the redhead didn't want her to complain, laying there for just a few more minutes sounded so nice. Shutting his eyes, he reached out, grabbed her, and pulled her so that her head laid on his chest as he faced the ceiling. "Only a bit longer m'kay?"

Her scowl withered away. This may just be the only quiet time she gets in days. So she decided to go with it. "Fine," she caved, laying her hands on his chest. "If we miss breakfast, I'm blaming you."

Jerome didn't move or open his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah."

They stayed there for about ten more minutes before they both realized neither of them was going to fall back asleep after enjoy the moment they had. Skylar lifted her up and rested her chin on his chest, looking up at him. "Jerome," she sang. No answer. "Jerome." Still no answer. "I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry."

"You trying to tell me that I'm fat?"

And that is exactly the sentence that got them out of the bedroom. Tabitha had supposedly put some clothes in a drawer since she figured Skylar would share a room with the ginger. So she took a shower, got dressed, basically her normal routine. Jerome had spoken lowly to her as they walked down the hallway to the main room. "You're not fat, Sky. Don't say that. Ever." She agreed, seeing the way his eyes darkened. He had never liked her talking bad about herself. Even if it was a joke. Now that he was different, he was definitely more protective.

Much to her disappointment, the only person in the main living room area was a man whom she assumed was Theo Galavan. None of the other inmates, Tabitha, or Barbara were in sight. The Valeska siblings stood there for a moment until Theo turned around, smiling widely. "Good morning, Jerome. And you must be Skylar. It is pleasure to finally meet you."

She didn't like him. But she forced her feeling away until she could tell her brother later and settled for a little wave. "Hi." She didn't even bother saying that it was nice to meet him too. That would be a lie anyway.

Jerome stood close to her, not saying anything as Theo addressed him next. "Jerome, I'm going to need you to catch up with the other inmates downstairs. I want a headline, a big one. I know that you will not disappoint." Her brother grinned at the thought but then looked at his sister. "Do not fret, Tabitha and Barbara will be here to keep her company while you are away."

The brunette looked over at him with a nervous smile. "I guess I'll see you later." Her heartbroken expression did not go unnoticed. Jerome knew how much it was breaking her to be separated with him. She wanted to make the best of their time together. "Be careful." Skylar gave him a hug and he returned it, pressing a single kiss to the top of her head. He had left the room with slow movements which only showed that he really didn't want to leave her.

Skylar exited the room quickly, venturing into the kitchen where she made herself a bagel before withdrawing her phone and calling Selina. Oswald had been kind enough to give them some just in case something happened that he needed to be informed about. And seeing as she had spent the last month alongside Cat, it was only fair that she explained her disappearance. The second she did, all was good between the two. Penguin had connected the dots considering that the news of the inmates breaking out was all over the news. She was in the clear to enjoy her time with two of her favorite people.

Barbara was standing by a window in the dining room when Skylar found her. Smiling wide, she approached. "Mom?" The blonde turned to her and instantly grinned, going over to embrace her daughter. Their hug was warm and gentle. And rather long because of their time apartment. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you." They pulled apart and Barbara sighed. "So I heard that you and Selina work for Oswald Cobblepot now."

The brunette's nose scrunched up. "Yeah, I guess even though the only things I care about is the clothes, my bedroom and my bathroom, and the free food. Selina and I stuff our faces with chips from the pantry all the time." Barbara laughed, happy to see her in such happy spirits. No doubt it was because of Jerome. He always did make happy despite him now being deemed a psychopath.

"I'm glad you made a good friend. Anyway, Tabitha has heard of your training and offered to help improve it."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

Barbara nodded to confirm it. "If you're up for it, of course."

---

Her back slammed onto the ground, making her groan in pain. Skylar looked up at the ceiling with tears in her eyes. Tabitha sighed, getting out of her fighting stance. For the past two hours, the two had trained with hand-to-hand combat. It was extremely difficult for the younger girl considering her age and height. Not to mention that she was missing one important aspect. A hand reached towards Skylar but she didn't take it, getting up on her own. "We're done for today," the Galavan announced.

"No. I want to go again." Her expression displayed just how determined she was. She wanted to show Jim how he didn't make her hurt. She wanted to show everyone that they couldn't hurt her anymore. No way would she stop until her goal was achieved.

"Yes. You're exhausted and you need something else to eat. Besides, there's no use in training you until you have some self-confidence."

The Valeska scoffed. "I do."

"No you don't," Tabitha told her with a straight face. "Confidence is key to training Skylar. And until you start believing in yourself, this is pointless." The teenage girl was left standing there with the tears glistening, her tongue hitting the inside of her cheek as she suppressed the urge to sob on the spot. How was she supposed to gain confidence when all the world did was show her that she'd never the capability to stick up for herself? She would forever live in the shadows.

The boys were back, eating some donuts on the table in the dining room once she arrived. Barbara and Tabitha were off torturing the Mayor so she didn't bother sticking around to watch. Her happy mood had disintegrating and the only thing she wanted to do was find her brother so he could make her smile.

Upon seeing his sister, Jerome stood up in his chair, following Theo's request for him to show him that he possessed stagecraft and could put on a show. "Ladies and gentlemen," he called out, throwing his arms out. Skylar stopped in her steps. "Good evening!" Jerome then bowed, sending her a grin.

She smiled slightly, forgetting her worries for just a moment. He sat back down and gave her a look that told her to go over to him. Theo nodded at the little performance. "Very good. Boyishly charming." Jerome laughed making Theo chuckle. "The laugh is fabulous. Use that."

The redhead pulled over the empty chair next to him and patted it. Skylar sat down, grabbing the uneaten donut he offered her. Greenwood licked his lips at the sight of her. Jerome sent a death glare in his direction. But the girl next to him didn't notice the stare from the cannibal since she was off in her own thoughts. And if he wasn't so keen on mentally killing Greenwood, he would've noticed immediately.

A whip echoed through the room and yet no one paid it any mind as Barbara and Tabitha entered with whips in their hands. Mayor James had a box on his head, yelping from the pain. They made their way past the table which is when everyone besides Skylar looked up at them. "I am so glad that you two are getting along," Theo mused, making both of the girls turn to him. "But we're a little busy here, so if you could leave the poor mayor alone."

His sister told him that they were bored. Barbara agreed. "Yeah. Why do the boys get to have all the fun?" She saw her daughter picking at her donut from the corner of her eye. She knew that look straight away and then saw that Jerome was still eyeing Greenwood with distaste.

"Your time is coming. I told you." Theo looked over at the fallen body of the Mayor. "You haven't killed him, have you?" His tone was so monotone that it was almost frightening. In a way, he sounded just like the Ogre. Good thing Skylar still wasn't paying much attention.

Tabitha looked down at James. "No, I don't think so." She hit him again to receive a muffled groan of pain in reply. "Nope. Hanging in there."

Barbara questioned Theo as to when her time would come. He told her soon and then proceed to ask her about Jim Gordon. She asked him what he wanted to know which led in the two left the room, Tabitha dragging the Mayor off into another room.

Greenwood licked his lips, leaning closer to the somewhat innocent girl. "Aren't you a tasty little thing." Skylar's head snapped up and Jerome stared hard.

"Hands off Greenwood," he spoke dangerously low. His voice scared her just a bit because she had never heard him talk like that before. Now there was nothing stopping him from tearing the psycho apart. There was no abusive adult standing in the way. He was free now and she shivered at the thought.

"Why? I just want a tiny bite." He grinned, showing off his sharp teeth. Skylar found herself being intimidated, shrinking away. A soft whimper escaped her throat without her being able to stop it. Tabitha was right, she couldn't protect herself. She had no confidence. Perhaps training to become stronger was pointless. She'd never be able to stand up to those who put her down.

Jerome saw her eyes wide with fear, her hands clenching at her sides. That made him beyond angry. Slowly, he turned to Greenwood with a fire burning in his eyes. No one was going to lay a hand on his sister. No one. He stood up from his chair fast and took two strides to the cannibal before he had him in a chokehold. Skylar watched, her fear simmering down.

Theo entered the room, alone, not even a few seconds later already. "Boys!" They all looked at him. "Jerome release him." The redhead gave a snarl, looking over at Skylar and seeing her uncertain expression, and then let Greenwood go with one last shove that sent him to the floor. "Thank you." Skylar narrowed her eyes at the man, no longer feeling the insecurities after Jerome went over to her. For some reason standing next to him made her feel strong, powerful. Maybe it was because her brother was strong. It was his aura. "Follow me please."

He left the room once more and it took a few seconds and a look between the Valeska siblings before they followed. Everyone else followed behind, Greenwood in the back. Theo led them into a room with a bunch of weapons, a few couches, and window lining one wall. Skylar surveyed the room, her eyes landing on a set of daggers. Jerome went off to another spot while she moved her hand to touch one of the knives. Right before she could, her brother snatched them away. "Ah ah, I don't think so. You could seriously hurt yourself."

She frowned at his words. "All have you know I held a gun once and a knife. I'm pretty badass."

"Skylar Rosemary that better not have been a curse word." His eyes darkened and she pretended not to hear him, looking around the room. The brunette saw a sword and then ran over to it. But then Greenwood beat her to it. She narrowed her eyes at him, Jerome coming up to stand next to her. Now he was definitely pissed. "Give it back to her." Though he didn't want her to hold a weapon, she was going for it first before the male and the way she looked upset when it was taken made him angry.

The cannibal only grinned. "I saw it first."

Jerome managed to stay calm. "No, you didn't, she did." Greenwood held it like a samurai sword. "I said give it back." He extended his hand toward him, a silent way of demanding him to give it back.

Greenwood spun to him and held it near his throat. "Make me, you little brat."

Skylar grabbed Jerome's hand softly. "It's okay J. I don't need it." She did not want her brother to go all psycho in front of her. Yes he had changed and he was much more protective, but that didn't mean she wanted to witness him killing someone with his bare hands in front of her. "He can have it." Her eyes looked up at him pleadingly.

But her brother wasn't about to give up. Sending her a tiny smile, rubbing the top of her hand with his thumb, he released his hold on her and focused on Greenwood. "Your samurai skills are excellent Greenwood San, but they are nothing compared to me." He picked up a chainsaw and turned it on. "Prepare to die!"

Instead of getting worried, the brunette rolled her eyes, facepalming, and sighing. Theo decided to stop them, going over. "That's enough! That's good." Dobkins told him that he tried to stop them but Skylar just scoffed.

"You tried to stop them my-" Jerome cut her a look and she changed the end of her sentence. "Nevermind."

Theo placed a hand on Jerome's shoulder. "Boys, we're a team. We don't fight amongst ourselves." Skylar raised an eyebrow at his words, tilting her head to the side to study him. She still didn't like the man, getting an off feeling anytime he was in the room. It was almost if he had something to hide, something he wouldn't tell any of them.

"And I'm the captain," Greenwood added, grinning at Jerome.

Now the Valeska was down, dropping the chainsaw harshly on the floor. "Captain of my foot," he childishly replied. The brunette went to go sit on the couch, curling her legs underneath her and watching the scene with her eyes gleaming. She decided that she was going to calm down and not worry about her brother so much. He could take care of himself, knowing what he was doing.

Greenwood swung the sword over his shoulder, holding it there. "I've murdered a dozen women. Terrorized the city." Jerome gestured for him to continue though he was clearly annoyed. "What have you done? Chop up your mommy?" The only female in the room narrowed her eyes, clearly also getting sick of his attitude. Why didn't the redhead just kill him?

Theo placed his hand back on Jerome's shoulder when the teen began to speak, trying to keep calm. "Everybody has to start somewhere. See, I have vision and ambition and brains. You're just a nutty old cannibal." His hand extended to emphasize his point. "How many people can you eat before that shtick gets old?" His lips curved up into a malicious grin, Skylar not seeing it from where she sat.

"I could eat one more," was the answer, the cannibal looking over at the younger girl. Jerome was about to move but Theo held him back.

He sighed, removing his hand before making sure that the boy would not go after Greenwood for the threat. Skylar watched, peering closer as the Galavan withdrew a gun from his pocket. "I can see we're gonna have to resolve this one once and for all. You all know this game, right?"

Russian Roulette. Almost as if he sensed her uncertainty, Jerome looked back at his sister and sent her another gentle smile before turning back to the two. "Oh, love it." Theo held out the gun in-between the two former inmates, asking who wanted to be boss. "Ladies first."

So Greenwood took the gun, placing it to his head before pulling the trigger. Nothing happened, it passing to Jerome. Skylar felt her anxiety settle down on her skin but she breathed in and out, telling her that her brother would be fine. The second he had the gun, he twisted it as if he were examining it. "Hey, Greenwood, what's the secret to good comedy?" He put the gun to his head, pulling the trigger. "Timing. And what's courage?" The gun clicked again. "Grace under pressure. And... who's the boss?" Skylar watched with childlike awe, leaning forward with her mouth open slightly. The gun clicked one last time. "I'm the boss." Jerome laughed darkly, lowering the gun down. Greenwood did not look happy.

Theo nodded, taking the gun back. "I believe you are, Jerome. I believe you are."

He only smiled in response, snatching the sword. "Arigato, sensei. Whoo! Hee!" Skipping over, the redhead held out the sword to his sister. "Better not hurt yourself." The brunette smiled back grabbed it and jumping up from her spot. Grabbing his hand, she led him out of the room, throwing Greenwood a victorious smirk before exiting.

---

Jerome allowing Skylar to go along with him and the rest of the Maniax gang on their next mission was a surprising and yet touching thing for him to do. She figured it was because of Greenwood and how he didn't want to waste any more time away from her. Because he was quickly realizing that no matter what he did, his sister still loved him the same. Which led them to sitting in a Hest Oil co truck, waiting for the right time to strike. The brunette was sitting in between her brother, who was using his hands as binoculars, and Aaron who kept smelling her hair.

She was texting Selina because she was bored, asking her how things with Oswald were going and how Bruce was doing. Apparently, the billionaire boy hadn't been in touch with Selina for a while, doing his own thing. When Jerome spoke, she looked up. "I spy with my little eye something that is... yellow." Sure enough school bus full of cheerleaders rounded the corner.

The girl scoffed, scowling. "I hate cheerleaders." And with, Jerome ordered Aaron to follow the bus. So they did and soon arrived at where they were in front of it. Aaron went out first, Greenwood going out the other door while Dobkins jumped down from the ledge outside of the truck and held the door open for Jerome. Skylar was last, the redhead holding out a hand for her which she took a jumped down

With three strides, Jerome got to the bus door and knocked on it, smiling wide with a gun in hand. The cheerleaders screamed in reply. Skylar sat down on the steps to the door to get into the truck, watching from her place so she didn't get in the way. He put on his little show, making them spell out 'oh no' before he sprayed them with gasoline. Once he finished he hopped out of the bus, waving at his sister who waved back, smiling at his giddiness. He withdrew a lighter. "Ready? Okay!" They all watched as he tried to light the bus on fire, but failed. He turned back up to face them. "This is so embarrassing." He stepped back onto the bus, calling out, "Anyone got a lighter?"

Dobkins did and handed it to him once the teenager came back. But once they did, the sirens went off. Skylar gasped and Jerome looked over at her. "Sky, get in the truck, do not come out." She saw his expression, deciding not to argue and got back into the seat, closing the door and watching through the window as Jim arrived with some other cops. "Stand your ground, boys. They can't shoot at a bus." The boys shot at the cops and Skylar made eye contact with her dad. "Aaron, Greenwood, get the truck started. We're gonna blow this barbecue." The two joined her in the truck and Jerome kept shooting at Jim, doing a little spin before he ran out of ammo. "Oh." He dropped the gun and spun his finger around in a circle motion. "Light 'em up!"

While the redhead ran back to the truck, Dobkins tried to light up the bus. Jerome jumped onto the ledge on the outside, laugh maniacally as Aaron drove away. Skylar stayed quiet, not liking this idea of fun one bit. She wanted to go back home, to Barbara, to Selina, to Bruce, hell, even to Ed whom she hadn't spoken to in so long. She missed the riddles, she missed the laughs, she missed the way things were normal, the best they could be at least. Because sitting there as they traveled back, the brunette felt no rush, no ounce of pleasure.

They pulled off after a little while, the boys changing into outfits that fit the GCPD uniform, them all jumping back in a taking off for the department. Jerome was too high off the adrenaline to pay any attention to the way his sister frowned, wanting so desperately to go home. Skylar exited the truck with the rest of them, following inside. Babara was distracting Jim so they could fill the next part of the plan. While Jerome went up the stairs, Skylar turned around and left.

---

It was easy to tell when they all got back because she could hear Jerome's laughs and victorious yells from down the hall. She quickly wiped her tears on her sleeve, sniffling, and turning her head away so when he did walk in, he wouldn't be able to see her face. Sure enough, he walked into the room, his uniform bloody but he had covered it up the best he could with his black jacket. "Hey, sis! You missed the fun!" He smiled widely but then stopped when he sensed her off behavior. "What's wrong?"

She looked at him and shook her head. "Nothing, I'm fine. Just tired." The brunette sat criss-cross on the bed, her fingers playing the helm of her shirt. "Today was a busy day."

Jerome frowned, quickly going over to the dresser and switching out his bloody shirt for a new one, dropping the jacket on the floor before going back over and sitting in front of her. "I made you upset didn't I?"

"You killed her didn't you," she whispered to him, looking up at him through her watery lashes. "You killed the Commissioner. You made cops turn on their friends and shoot each other. Aaron beat Jim, you killed Greenwood. Dobkins is dead." She shook her head. "I love you, I love my mom, and even though he has done things that hurt me, I love my dad because he is trying to protect me. But this... this isn't what I wanted. I wanted to have my brother back, have him move back in with my mom and my dad, and want to forget him."

The redhead shook his head. "No, don't mention him, Sky. He was never our brother." Licking his lips, he looked down at the sheets and then back up at her. "Yes, the Commissioner is dead, innocent cops are dead, Jim was beaten by Aaron, I killed Greenwood, Dobkins is dead, and believe me, I want to forget him too." He took a deep breath, feeling sane for the moment. "I want to be able to have actual parents and be normal. But we aren't. We never were."

She knew he was right and nodded. "I know." The girl reached over and grabbed his hand. "Something bad is going to happen, J. I can't lose you, you can't leave me. And am I mad that you killed innocent people but you're right, we are Valeskas. We are doomed with an illness where we hurt people. But I still love you. I'll always love you." His sister wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Jerome hugged her back. "I'll always love you too, little fox."

---

School is back in session which means slow updates! But I managed to get this one in and I'm really happy with it! I'm too lazy to think of questions right now so just let me know your thoughts on Skylar's development and your thoughts of the Jylar relationship. I hope you guys have a great day/night and don't forget to vote on this chapter, comment your thoughts, and follow me for updates!