[Bruce nods, accepting the information, and Tim's wishes to remain anonymous to Damian. He doesn't exactly like it, but he can understand Tim's reasoning and respect it, inasmuch as he ever can.
He switches topics.]
Tim. I haven't had much of an opportunity yet to say this to you, in my time, but you did good work while I was away.
['Even the parts I didn't agree with'. He doesn't need to say it outloud, since he suspects that Tim's already perfectly aware. But it's still something he wants - needs - to say. He can see the White Casebook file he wrote on Tim not so very long ago in his mind's eye, crisp and clear as if he were looking at it now.
So my task with Tim is one I have to work hard for myself as well: never to forget you have allies in this war, that you need those allies and friends... and to try, just a little bit, to enjoy those ties a little more, because they're so fragile.
That task is hardly ended. It's something they'll both struggle with. Possibly for the rest of their lives.
Bruce doesn't like the shadows that Tim's wrapped himself in. Because although he's perfectly capable of seeing Tim as the man he's become - the next great Detective, the vigilante - when he looks at him he can't help but see that young boy who was so determined to save Batman from himself, and how many times he performed in that same capacity through the years.
And though he's tried to be there for Tim as well, the debt that he owes him, as Bruce and Batman both, isn't so easily repaid.
action;
He switches topics.]
Tim. I haven't had much of an opportunity yet to say this to you, in my time, but you did good work while I was away.
['Even the parts I didn't agree with'. He doesn't need to say it outloud, since he suspects that Tim's already perfectly aware. But it's still something he wants - needs - to say. He can see the White Casebook file he wrote on Tim not so very long ago in his mind's eye, crisp and clear as if he were looking at it now.
So my task with Tim is one I have to work hard for myself as well: never to forget you have allies in this war, that you need those allies and friends... and to try, just a little bit, to enjoy those ties a little more, because they're so fragile.
That task is hardly ended. It's something they'll both struggle with. Possibly for the rest of their lives.
Bruce doesn't like the shadows that Tim's wrapped himself in. Because although he's perfectly capable of seeing Tim as the man he's become - the next great Detective, the vigilante - when he looks at him he can't help but see that young boy who was so determined to save Batman from himself, and how many times he performed in that same capacity through the years.
And though he's tried to be there for Tim as well, the debt that he owes him, as Bruce and Batman both, isn't so easily repaid.
But that doesn't mean he isn't willing to try.]
I'm proud of you.