Regardless of whether he needed it or not, Clark looked visibly relieved.

"I'm glad you feel that way. More glad than I can say. I really do consider you a friend and I was hoping it would damage things between the two of us."

And he couldn't help a small, glowing little smile.

"I'm happier than I've been in years, honestly. And I think Bruce is too. In his own way."

Which also included being twitchy about most everything in the relationship, not knowing how to accept the more tender side of affection, and getting angry at him for anything complimentary he said to the man in a context outside of crimefighting.

...you know, the usual.