At his words her heart continued to race but for a different reason. She knew he loved her, it showed in everything he did for her. But he said it, he said it to her in a way that made her believe it beyond any doubt. She needed that solidification and her instant response was a breath of relief. Her eyes felt wet, far too moist.
"I love you too, Bruce," she managed. And then she smiled. Or rather, she radiated. To her core she knew she loved him. Over anything else, even a mask. He would be there for her when the mask was not. He knew her better than anyone. All of her secrets. Everything.
Her hands slid up his arms to his shoulders and then she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. Her lips found his own and she kissed him with all of the love and adoration she could give. All of the passion. Fate had brought them together; they had a second chance to make it and she was going to let either of them screw it up.