aipens

[aipens]

Every Robin has a Batgirl.

It first started with Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon. However briefly, Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown followed, as did Damien Wayne and Cassandra Cain.

But where does that leave the second Robin? He, too, deserves someone that gets him. Because, though he tries so hard to do well in school, none of his peers are anyone he can call his friends. He’s simply too different from them.

As exciting as this new life is, both as Jason and as Robin, it is also lonely.

So why not give him some reprieve?

Allow Batman to cross ways with a spunky, fiery brat. Someone that doesn’t cower before him, even as he looks down at her, menacing as ever. Maybe she was engaging in some petty crime, bumping into all sorts of Gothamites and clearing their pockets of anything of value without them noticing. It’s probably an entirely too common sight— for all the good Bruce Wayne tries to do for his city, not everyone gets enough.

But playing thief puts food on the table. The motions are smooth and practiced, like she’s been doing this for months, at least. Maybe she has.

Any other time, perhaps he might’ve been more strict. But the unfazed look in her eyes, even as the city’s Dark Knight himself corners her is telling enough of her character, and a man like him can see beyond the raggedy clothes and the grime on her cheek— if nothing else, there’s potential for growth and, in their field, that is everything.

Let the news be dumped on Jason. Let initial skepticism at the prospect of a partner evolve into cautious interest, then competitive enthusiasm. He’s always been an independent, headstrong guy. Why is there a need for another sidekick? Is this some half-assed attempt to replace him?

Or maybe, it is more of a challenge. A means to prove himself to Bruce, outperforming her and establishing himself as the better choice.

And, above all, let her match that energy. Allow that feeling of being undermined to make way for camaraderie. He, too, can recognize that if Grayson had a batgirl, it’s only right he gets one, too. Allow his forced partner to become his ally, even if reluctantly. And from there, let him earn a dear friend.

Let them grow together, as vigilantes and as people. Let them share their backgrounds, and bond over common experiences.

As he grows from an ever-happy boy to one far more critical of Batman and his methods, keep Batgirl as this constant source of lightheartedness to balance his own brooding nature. Let their banter and jokes help them both cope with the darkness of their work.

Let him have someone to reach out to about fears and vulnerabilities. Because, for as grateful as he is to Bruce, he is often the object of his grievances. In cases like those, her presence is always welcome. In turn, let him feel relied on when she returns the favor and seeks him out for comfort. He’s hardly anyone’s first choice, and he knows that much.

But also, let him realize some special sort of feelings may be starting to flourish. Let him grapple with whether or not it’s best to remain silent as the idea of a crush settles in. As he sorts himself out, let him question if saying anything will be worth it at all.

It’s innocent and has that juvenile quality to it. Let him become hyper-aware of her presence. Let the familiar closeness make him bashful, but not enough to deter him from looking for any and every opportunity to spend time with her. He’s not unlike a peacock, sometimes, showing off his feather to impress her. Grand movements during a fight during patrol together, followed by undertones of self-consciousness if she calls him out on being a show-off. Toning it up with the wit and the charm, and always checking to see if he’s at least earned a small laugh. Perhaps he’ll even try to play the act of the chivalrous gentleman… to an extent. Not pulling out a chair for her, or anything. That seems too obvious. More like prioritizing her safety, and readily offering support.

He tries hard to put himself in a favorable light. To someone like Batman or Alfred, the flashy behavior might be entirely too conspicuous. But indeed, he does well in showcasing himself and catching her eye. For as long as they’ve worked together, she’s known him to be rather fearless. (Although, when it comes to him, that’s pretty synonymous with reckless). He’s a reliable, quick thinker, and can be charismatic when he’s not being broody. Let her return those feelings.

And, lastly, let him resolve to be true to himself and tell her soon, but not soon enough.

Let him fall into the Joker’s grasp before he can try to do anything. Have him endure great suffering at the hands of his captor, and isolate him from the world. Let him grow frustrated at his situation, and have him long for home. Even as he lies beaten and broken, allow him some solace in his memories of before. He deserves that small comfort.

On her end, allow her to remain hopeful of finding him, no matter how long’s passed. And, even if her mentor has accepted Robin’s death, let her hold on to the possibility that that might not be the case. In consequence, however, let her grow resentful of Bruce and his apparent lack of compassion for his own son. Let Bruce shield her from the recordings of his Robin getting beaten down. He knows how much those two care for each other. Let him try to protect at least one of them.

Let her assume that the appearance of the small Tim Drake is Bruce’s quick acceptance of the absurd idea that Jason isn’t coming back to them— to her. Let her grow angry. Let her snap at Bruce for failing them both, and let their relationship forever remain severed.

Even as months pass, she will do her best to find him. But then again, if the world’s best detective failed, what can you expect this Batgirl to do?

Let the first real interaction in months between Batgirl and Batman to occur upon receiving news of Robin’s whereabouts. Let them both rush off to that damned warehouse, and let Jason’s final thought be that he hears a familiar call of his name as everything explodes around him.

Let Bruce return home, having lost two members of his family. One to death’s hands, and one to grief and anger. Let her run and vow to never return, blaming Batman for having failed them both, and let Batman be powerless before his own losses.