Name: inmyownlittlecorner (Signed) · Date: 16 Oct 2022 04:36 PM · For: grab my hand I'm drowning

Hi Jerri! I’m here for the Monster Speed Dating event to woo a Cyclops :D

 

This story is heartbreaking. Seeing this moment through Jason’s eyes, seeing the way he views himself as unworthy, and how he can count up betrayal and abandonment after betrayal and abandonment is wrenching for the reader. I want to give him a big hug and tell him that he is worthy, whether or not he is Robin, and he is loved. But I get the feeing that he wouldn’t believe me if I did.

 

I think you nailed both Jason’s PoV, and the way that Bruce can come off as cold and distant. Like, I believe that Bruce is doing this because he believes it’s the right thing to do—that he doesn’t want Jason to endanger himself by continuing on as Robin at this point. And I also believe Bruce that he loves Jason. And of course I feel that Jason is more than Robin. But the way that Bruce deals with feelings is to shut them out and pretend like he doesn’t have them (and create an alter ego to fight crime, lmao). And so of course he doesn’t do a great job in this moment of explaining things to Jason, or making Jason feel like a valid human being.

 

It’s easy to see how things are going to spiral out badly from here for Jason. He’s got his whole sense of self-worth wrapped up in being Robin, and in all this external validation. And Leslie would tell him that he’s got to learn to grow that feeling of self-worth from inside. 

 

Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s going to listen to her anymore.

 

Great job on this!

 

Yours,

Noelle

Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 11 Sep 2022 08:56 AM · For: grab my hand I'm drowning

Hi, Jerri! Here for our non-swap! :P

I decided to give this a try, even if I'm not into the fandom, so I'm probably losing a bit of context... I could still clearly picture this scene and feel all the emotions so strongly. Your writing is always incredibly powerful and emotional, and this one-shot is no exception. So well done!

Poor Jason... he's feeling rejected, and rightly so... I don't know what's the actual reason behind Bruce's decision, but I like to read this as generational miscommunication, and that Bruce is just trying to protect Jason, but doesn't really know how to express that? (After all, Batman isn't famous for expressing his emotions, is he?) But that "You don't need to wear a costume to be my son." makes me think that he truly cares... I don't know if I'm reading this wrong, I just like to think that.

But that's not how Jason sees it, and I can understand why, especially if he's felt rejected his whole life, constantly betrayed by those who should've loved and protected him... and that's so heartbreaking... :/ he thinks he's a disappointment. Worse, he thinks he ruins everything around him... that's obviously not true, but it's a kind of mindset that's so hard to escape. And even if I'm convinced that this is not what Bruce was trying to say, I'm a bit angry at him for not seeing how this is affecting Jason, for not trying to offer comfort, or at the very least being honest about his reasons. Unless he does think that Jason is not worth? Either way, he could've shown a bit of sympathy... :/

I can only hope that Jason won't do anything too stupid to prove Bruce wrong... (but obviously he will, won't he? :/)

Great job on this, as always! And thank you again for your review offer! <3

Big snowball hug,

Chiara

Author's Response:

Chiara!! 

Thank you so much for your review, what a lovely surprise to wake up to! 

 

I absolutely squealed with joy when you mentioned miscommunication as that is exactly what is happening! Bruce wants to help Jason heal from his PTSD (and even sent him to therapy because he cares!) but because he can't express his emotions properly in the way Jason needs him to, Jason takes it all the wrong way and only sees his value to Bruce through being Robin rather than his son. Jason is so used to people letting him down he berates himself for ever having the hope/belief that things could be any better. It hurts in the best way (I love the angst!!). 

 

Yeah it doesn't end well as he ends up seeking out one of Batman's villains to get a quick-fix to stop his PTSD and it ends exactly how you'd imagine it would, all because he is so desperate to prove himself. It's very sad but I love the layers it adds to Jason's character and I adore writing him! Red Hood is one of my favourite DC characters, even this show's adaptation! 

 

Thanks again!

Jerri x