canon is gotham, probably spoilers in the comments

[saintjames]

It's too early to call his motive. I wasn't expecting things to go this way but trust me, I'll take care of it.

Which means whatever you're thinking, I'm not game. Cobblepot aside nobody else is going to be following up on these cases so that still falls to me.

[ And it's not like he can count on anyone else to help him. ]

I'm not going anywhere until I figure it out.

Comments

[saintjames]

With any luck it'll get me out of trouble before any starts.

[ But his luck hasn't been all that stellar as of late. ]

[attemptable]

Do you doubt yourself?

[ there's a lot of that going around. ]

[saintjames]

[ Sometimes. ]

I think this is more a battle of wills.

[attemptable]

Then, look at this as a test of strength. Of character.

[saintjames]

And if I fail?

[ Would you think less of him, Bruce? ]

[attemptable]

We learn from our mistakes.

[ he thinks of his father, of the words he would speak to him in times of fear. he glances up at jim with earnest. ]

We try again.

[ because we have to. because we must. ]

[saintjames]

[ He nods. ]

I don't plan on giving up.

[ Here, or in Gotham. ]

[attemptable]

Then you won't fail.

oops no smiling icons

[saintjames]

[ His mouth pulls up into a crooked smile. ]

What about you?

shh, it's the thought that counts

[attemptable]

[ he won't tell gordon about the promise he's made or the reason he's doing all that he is to conquer his fears. he doesn't speak on the nightmares or the thoughts that paralyze him late at night, before he tries closing his eyes.

instead, bruce smiles that gentle, convincing smile that comes as second-nature. ]

I'm not giving up, either.

[saintjames]

Okay.

[ He says it like they've just made an agreement. And maybe they have. ]