Marius is gaping at Javert the whole time. He fails to suppress a tiny whimper, and he almost stumbles as he takes another step back. Javert's lips move, he is certain of it, but he fails to catch the words, and then his eyes settle on the former inspector's jaw and lingers there even when he wants to tear his gaze away.

Another backwards step. His breathing quickens, his face has grown pale, and it seems as if in grave danger of hyperventilating. "Monsieur..." His voice is trembling but he does not seem to care. "Your... your bruises are..."

This is not only Javert's nightmare but his own, now. He wants to run, to escape the horrifying scene, but his knees wobble and he is using all his strength to merely remain standing.