With just the little Trish had said before, Bruce was already prepared for something pretty bad. Still, despite not too shocking, it leaves a sour taste in his mouth, almost like acid being poured down his throat - he's familiar with the sensation. But there's no point getting angry about this, even if he can control it. It's in the past, and as much as he already hates Trish's mother for what she did to her, he can't really change it.

The only thing he can do is show that it doesn't matter to him, and that he's here for her. For whatever she might need of him.

His fingers curl around her hands, thumbs brushing over her knuckles, and he tugs her closer, inviting her to take a seat on his lap if she wants to.

"I'm sorry, Patricia. That's... I'm glad you escaped that, but I know how those things just-- linger."

Even after years, decades, an entire life.