Headcanon that Jim Gordon used to think Dick’s real name was just Robin. It’s not an unusual name honestly, and there’s nothing particularly bird about his outfit, so Gordon thought nothing more about it when they first met.
Gordon: “Uh, kid, this is a crime scene-“
Dick, hands on his hips (and no pants):“My name is Robin!”
Gordon catches Batman’s frown and assumes it’s because Robin isn’t being careful enough about his name.
But time goes on and no one finds out where the kid lives, so Gordon lets it slide. He’s a cute kid, if a little intense, but it’s fun to watch him grow up with Barbara (yes, he knows about batgirl. Yes, he chewed Batman out for it but decided to ultimately ignore it like everything else).
But then a new Robin comes in. This is a kid again, not a full adult like he was a year ago.
Gordon: “Hey, Batman? What happened to Robin?”
Batman: “This is Robin.” He sounds so unbothered, like he doesn’t realize this is a completely different kid!
Gordon’s concern for this half-mad vigilante skyrockets. Batman has convinced himself that this kid is the same as the first. He’s going through it and the mental gymnastics are more than Gordon can take.
But then that Robin disappears and Batman’s acting up. Nightwing shows up a few times and it never really helps things. Gordon’s getting more headaches than smoke breaks and at this point, he’s really to pull the plug on this whole bat business.
But then Robin comes back again and Gordon’s has it. He confronts this kid, fully prepared to push through whatever gaslighting’s been happening, only for Tim to look at him like he’s stupid.
Gordon: “Kid, who are you really? Because the Robin I met graduated collage years ago and the one after that is dead!”
Tim, with the most judge mental look physically possible: “Commissioner…Robin’s my hero name.”
Gordon: “…Your hero name?”
Tim: “Yeah. I’m Robin, like the bird. Batman and Robin. Heroes. Why would I go around using my real name? That would be stupid and dangerous.”
And Gordon has to call off for the rest of the day, he’s so pissed.
