[For maybe the first time, Steph actually likes Brandon's mother for something, for keeping him safe even if it meant more of a media parade, even if he looks a little embarrassed. She hates that it was necessary, but if she ever did meet Brandon's mom, she'd hug her just for that.

Everything else he says just makes her angry, but she swallows it down, because, well, anger is as useless as wishing. Brandon doesn't need it, it doesn't help the people who are being killed for something they can't control.]

People are awful. [It's all she can really say at first. They are awful, she's seen too many hate crimes and abuse and senseless violence to think otherwise, even if she still tries to have faith in the world to be better.]

I'm not-- I don't know if this is what you want to hear, but I think it's okay for you to talk about it, or feel, like it's affected you. You've still got powers and they're still your friends and it's... [she trails off with a frown, not sure what more she wants to say, so she ust decides to sum it up with:] You're not heartless, of course it's going to affect you.

[She doesn't quite smile, but her expression softens]

I have, he's got a hell of a right hook. [She's sparred with Steve a couple of times, occasionally he gets a hit in.]