Re: Batcave: Cat & Bat
He tipped his head to the side. "Why wouldn't I have wanted you there?" They were all still mourning Damian. Stephanie and Eddie were struggling with their relationship on top of that, and yes, he'd noticed Eddie was different. They hadn't talked very much, not about anything of significance. Selina being there couldn't have made things any worse. In fact, he was certain he would have liked having her there, especially with Helena's absence. "Sometimes I get tired of it. Sometimes it gets exhausting. But I try." He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "I can't stop trying." As difficult as it became, Bruce would never give up on any of his family.
His expression became tinged with sadness. "Yes." He'd noticed. "I know they're both angry. Lucy reminds them of what they don't have, I think. What they wanted, but never got." He frowned a little. "Does it matter to you, what Ivy thinks? There are multiple Gothams out there. Numerous cats. She probably knew a different one."
The touch had been meant to be fleeting, but Bruce let his fingers linger against her skin before drawing them back. "I'm sorry, too," he admitted. He hadn't expected Helena to come, but still... As for Ivy, as for her poison, his expression darkened with concern. "What kind of game?" Even as he spoke, he tugged on her arm, drawing her away from rock and further into the cave where he could draw blood.