Clark's eyes were gentle and it was clear that he was utterly touched by Jim's worry, but he shook his head even as he hugged him back.

"It's... entirely necessary. Because of who I am and what I've chosen to do..." he swallowed a little.

"I can't wear a mask then. So I wear a mask now. And thankfully, the people I really care about..." and he looked at Jim and Lois pointedly, "I don't need the mask for."