That admission by Bruce all but broke his resolve. This confrontation had been hard enough for him to stomach, between his giving up the mantle and lying to Bruce, but hearing that from the man he looked up to in such a high regard made him feel physically sick with guilt. It proved a testament to all he had learned about controlling his emotions and concealing his true thoughts. Because right now he felt like he was about to break down, even though his facial features remained perfectly stoic.
"I..." he began, trying not to go too fast. Trying to think and consider his each and every word. "I appreciate that. But right now I do just need some time away." Which was true. He had to get away from Gotham to clear his head, and find some means through which to forge his own path. Even with that in mind though, the temptation to become a 'Wayne' was a strong one. Tim had always loved his parents, truly, but he could not deny that becoming the adopted son of the Batman was like a childhood dream of his.
...And a mere dream he wished it remained, given the circumstances.
Tim started to say something, thought better of it, and moved forward to embrace Bruce. The man who could never replace his Dad, but who indeed remained like a second father to him none the less.
"There is... one thing", he said taking a step back. He figured that in this situation there was not likely much in the way of anything that Bruce would deny him, but this had always been a sticking point with them, and he still felt awkward about saying it. But it was necessary.
"I'd like you to watch over Stephanie. I know you have a lot on your plate now already, and if that just meant allowing Cassie to continue to work with her as she has been while acting as an occasional shepherd, I would be more than grateful for that. She has a lot of potential, but needs proper guidance and besides that, well..."
He hesitated, because he did not want his next words to be the ones that persuaded Bruce. At the same time though, Tim felt that he should know, and so he added quietly, "I love her."