It had been a... short-sighted decision, Bruce could see that now. But at the time, it had really felt like the best thing to do. his partner's association with him - as Bruce and as Batman both - put them in danger. they'd been a target of villains who wished to hurt him, and criminals who wanted his money. It was just a fact of his life that his family had to deal with, but he'd thought he could still protect them - by separating.

And maybe there'd been more to it. Maybe he'd been... dealing poorly with his feelings. Maybe he'd been a little intimidated by how strong those feelings had gotten. But he'd made the decision, and no matter how much they plead or argued or protested, he'd stuck to it. It hadn't been easy, or clean, and he knew they'd been hurt. But he'd convinced himself it was for the best, and removed them from his life.

He'd thrown himself into his work, a distraction from the absence. He'd given the rest of the family all the platitudes and 'it's complicated' excuses, and generally refused to discuss the situation. And he'd told himself this was all protecting his love, and that they'd be so much better off, ultimately.

So when Alfred had informed him of their illness, he hadn't been entirely sure how to react at first. Hadn't been prepared to open that box that he'd stuffed all those feelings down into. It hadn't been the right response, but he'd waved off the information. Alfred could do as he liked - quietly, he'd been glad the man had continued to check in on them and deliver meals - but he didn't need to be involved, did he? They were his ex, after all.

Until Alfred had gotten insistent. Sowed some deeper seeds of worry. It had started to come out that this was serious, and... and that maybe said 'ex' wasn't handling it all as well as they could be. That maybe they were alone, and really in a condition where they should not be. That maybe this was the opposite of protecting, in this case.

So now here Bruce was, trying to tell himself he's not nervous as he knocks on the apartment door. Just a quick visit. That's all it is.