The words sting. They probably should. Like antiseptic in a healing wound. And maybe this is a healing wound, for both of them. Something red and ripped open. Clawmarks. Bulletholes.

Bruce's shoulder aches where he reduced the dislocation, the healing clawmarks he has - almost in the same spot as Stephanie - feel like they're crawling across his back with a sharp itch.

He takes a breath, looks away from her. Lets it out. "I know." Two words, but with the weight of worlds on them alone.