Marcus wrinkles his nose at the proximity, and gives him a wordless sneer when he nods — expression vanishing when Patricia asks him, "Is there — you know — is there anything that helps?"

They've had this conversation. He exhales, sad and sorry. "What I told you," he said. "Let her take her time. She knows what she needs."

"She's so young."

"Yeah. I know. Hey, listen. She's tough. So are you."

"Can you — are you staying in town? She already asked when you'll be back. And — you're always welcome here."

Half-glance to Batman. He's assuming that's permission, too, to kick around for a little longer. "I can stick around for a few days. I'll see you soon. Get some sleep."

"You too. God bless you."

That seems to surprise him, get to him, his eyebrows flicking up and a slightly more vulnerable expression crossing his features before he gets a handle on it and shuts it down. "Yeah. God bless," he says, automatic, touched, and hangs up. Raises his eyebrows at Batman.

At Batman.

Christ.