( He takes a moment — takes a breath for himself. It isn't his Alfred that Damian tells him about and yet, just the name is enough to nearly knock the wind out of him at the thought of losing him... at the thought that he could end up losing him back in his Gotham for not having been there — for not having figured out who the Riddler was targeting next until it was too late. Damian's told him that Alfred— that Pennyworth won't go out so easily and yet, to hear this from him...

Damian blames himself just as he blames himself for what happened to his Alfred back in his Gotham and he feels like he knows, this Alfred, along with his own, would rather it be him than either of them.

Gently, he raises a hand and places it on Damian's shoulder, squeezing then. )

Nothing I say can make it better, Damian. But if he's anything like the Alfred I know, he wouldn't want you to blame yourself. He would never think that of you.