Maybe that's not Bruce's aim, but maybe it's the Soldier's now: distract Bruce into having a little fun and not worrying, for a couple seconds at least. Since the Soldier can't help the kid in his usual ways, they'll try this way. If even they know how to relax for brief moments at a time, Bruce should get to, as well. They might not be able to manage it, but dammit, they can try.

"If there is something in the middle," they say, "the game can continue. We just can't add more. Usually people play with more than just two coins or candies or-- buttons." They pause, an almost-picture flitting across their thoughts: using buttons one year when money was scarce. It falls away too quickly to get more than that. They continue with a blink. "--or whatever they're playing with. So it lasts a little longer."