He anticipates the beat of resistance- after all, he'd had similar interactions with others through the years. Not simply Jim Gordon and Alfred, who had been powerful influences in his most formative years. But in Selina, who he had turned away a number of times, who he has hurt and been hurt by in turn. And by Dr Thompkins, who had tried to be kind and who had worried about his safety, but who Bruce would never truly be honest with.

It is, he finds, another thoughtful offer; you don't have to talk. And it's well noted, Bruce is very good at conversation, but mostly that means he's very good at directing it. At deciding where it goes, about talking without answering. He hinges however, on a more immediate concern. The trouble is whether or not he chooses to address it- because there's a degree of vulnerability that comes in acknowledging a weakness. A point at which this other person, a stranger, for all intents and purposes, already as the advantage. It is not in Bruce's nature to roll over, not for the sake of pride, but for sheer stubbornness.

In examining his alternatives however, what else is there?
Bruce hesitates, it's a visible tell and yet very small all the same. His eyes flick briefly to one side, to the lines of trees that separate them from everyone else in town, in the homes. Then they come back.

"I don't want anyone to know where I am."