[ Why does Bruce sit so stiffly? Some irrational part of Clark’s mind tells him perhaps it’s his fault, but he knows better than to blame himself for such things—it could very well just be the fact that this is a young man who punctuates questions with period marks, and stiffness is just part of who he is.

Doesn’t make it any less concerning, though.

The question of his health brings with it a brief look of surprise, but Clark’s expression softens as he nods his head in agreement. ] I’ve healed just f-fine, thank you. [ He certainly isn’t going about wincing any more, for one thing, which is as positive a sign as any compared to how he’d been faring all those nights ago at the museum. Healing hadn’t been the issue so much as adapting to the dark world had been. ]

I wouldn’t have without you, [ Clark mentions, because of course he does ] so thank you, again.

I’ve, um, been looking around a bit. Trying to memorise the map and settle in. So, uh… it’s good. I’ve been as good as I can get, afterlife-wise.

[ The corners of his eyes crinkling slightly, he makes a brief gesture Bruce’s way to address him. ] I bet you’ve been busy. [ And this is less because Clark suspects anything and more because Bruce just gives off the impression of being a busybody. It’s a good thing, mostly, especially given Clark has a fair assumption that Bruce is the type to do as much as he can with whatever he’s got to do it with. He’s helpful, and he’s got a good heart. It doesn’t take much to gain Clark’s approval, but he can say with confidence that he likes Bruce very much.

He won’t ask him to elaborate on his adventures. Bruce seems like the sort of person to like his privacy. ]

It really is nice to see you again. [ A sheepish smile. ] I’ve been hoping you were all right.