Clark watches him as he talks and he waits until he's done. Then, moving very slowly, very deliberately, he puts his hands around Bruce's raised arms and brings each hand to his lips, one at a time. Each gets kissed before he steps in closer and shakes his head.

"I'll stop apologizing," he says, seemingly contradictory, "but you're not a monster, Bruce. I meant everything I said. Every word. When I say I love you..." he breathes in slow and breathes out in a bit of a rush, "I love you. Maybe we started with that foundation from our own worlds. But you're the one I've kissed and made love to and curled up on the couch with. You're the one who gave me hope again, who filled my heart again. You're the one who let me in."

He lets go, drawing away with obvious reluctance.

"There's no deserving about it. But even if there was... you would. You always have."