Clark wants to hold on until Bruce does in return, at least properly, but he can recognise that the touch in return, this stillness, is a sharp difference to turned backs and twitched reactions. As Bruce speaks, he doesn't let go, a canine lean-in that's only heavy in a human kind of way, even if Bruce is probably both hyperaware enough and hyperfamiliar enough to sense the way any hold from Clark comes with practiced restraint.

"Okay," he says, finally, head still on shoulder until he finally lifts it, then. "But you have to ask for it."

As in, that has to be a thing that ever happens, says insistent tone. Not just a loophole of avoidance. He's only backed off enough for a semi-dignified speaking distance, arms looped around broad shoulders. "When you need it, you ask me."