[ The hug is unexpected and for a moment, Bruce doesn't seem to know what to do with himself. It feels like it is happening too fast, but it's been such a long time coming. Maybe it shouldn't have taken them this long to get here, but they are here now.
Bruce drops the grappling gun and wraps his arms around Jason. ]
I know I've let you down. But, you're still my son. I hope that still means something to you.
[He just holds him for a long moment, his eyes shut tight. He thinks that his whole (current) life he wanted Bruce to kill the Joker, but right now he realizes that was never true.
Those words mean more than that. I know I've let you down, the closest that Bruce can get to an apology without actually saying the words.]
[ He knows. He's not an easy man to love or to even get along with. Alfred is always encouraging him to be more open with the kids, to stop shutting out the people who love him. But Batman is solitary, even when he's surrounded by affection and warmth. It's easier to push it away than it is to embrace it. ]
I know.
[ His laugh is quiet, a puff of air that disappears into the night sky. He wants to ask what happens now. If they'll go up or down or stay right here in this limbo. Had they finally reached the end of the spiral? He lets Jason go and bends to pick up his grapple. ]
[Jason doesnโt take that as offensive, which he might have an hour ago, when he was prickly and unhappy and ready to fight. Now he just dips his head a little.]
Itโs my home.
[Jason has been Gotham his whole life; he and this city are linked in ways that even Bruce isnโt, he thinks. Leaving has happened but he doesnโt really like to leave. He has to be pushed. Or pulled.
[ No where. Bruce would never have sent him away anywhere. If Jason ever leaves, he tells himself it's always Jason's choice. Never mind that Bruce might be the one pushing him. Especially if he feels like Jason isn't following his rules.
But we're not going down that line of thought. They're not fighting and Bruce would like to keep it that way. ]
Good. [ A pause and then: ] Hungry? There's a Big Belly Burger nearby.
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theknightshift) wrote2024-11-12 08:56 pm
no subject
Bruce drops the grappling gun and wraps his arms around Jason. ]
I know I've let you down. But, you're still my son. I hope that still means something to you.
thank u for your patience ;;
Those words mean more than that. I know I've let you down, the closest that Bruce can get to an apology without actually saying the words.]
You're an asshole.
[Which means: yes, that means a lot, thanks dad.]
of course <3!
I know.
[ His laugh is quiet, a puff of air that disappears into the night sky. He wants to ask what happens now. If they'll go up or down or stay right here in this limbo. Had they finally reached the end of the spiral? He lets Jason go and bends to pick up his grapple. ]
Are you staying in Gotham?
no subject
Itโs my home.
[Jason has been Gotham his whole life; he and this city are linked in ways that even Bruce isnโt, he thinks. Leaving has happened but he doesnโt really like to leave. He has to be pushed. Or pulled.
He shrugs.]
Where else would I go?
no subject
But we're not going down that line of thought. They're not fighting and Bruce would like to keep it that way. ]
Good. [ A pause and then: ] Hungry? There's a Big Belly Burger nearby.