At that, Bruce nods with certainty.

"Yes. I can stay." The words, finally uttered, cause a hitch in his breathing and that shadow behind him stirs. He can't see it, but he feels it. He sets his jaw, choking down a small lump in his throat. "We have all the time we want now." There's something both freeing and terrifying in those words, and he takes a deep breath, reaching out and setting his hand on the side of her face. She's his anchor, his stability, and that contact gives him the strength he needs to continue in his convictions.