It is abundantly clear, in that moment, that Zerxus has no idea where he is; he flinches from that touch like it burns, and when his head swings towards Bruce his eyes are wide, confused, horrified.

There are tears on his cheeks, and he can still taste blood - oh. Oh, he bit through his lip.

Somehow, that's the thing that jerks him into something like clarity.

"Bruce." His voice is hoarse, aching, and desperately relieved in a way that doesn't make sense, not even to him.