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Clark thinks Batman knows who he is, who he truly is. Batman keeps glancing at him, like he's studying Clark. It's a little bit unsettling. Clark trusts Batman but he still doesn't know what he'll do if Batman knows his civilian identity. They've always had this barrier between them and the barrier feels safe. In the field they are Batman and Superman, fighting crime. They trust each other with their lives. They are friends, Clark would say.
Clark doesn't know who Batman is when he takes off the suit. Clark's certainly not a fool but he is well aware that his detecting abilities are not on Batman's level. He's okay with that, usually. In this case, though, he wishes he knew a little more. That they were equals in this. It doesn't seem fair that Batman knows more about Clark than Clark knows about him.
Clark decides to push his luck, to ask Batman if he knows.
"You've been observing me," Clark starts.
"That is correct," Batman says. "I observe the people I work with closely."
"You know my civilian identity," Clark says.
Batman is visibly surprised. "I have an idea," he says after a few moments.
"Maybe we can tell each other," Clark says. "I confirm who I am and you tell me who you are."
Batman hesitates. Clark can tell by the way his heart skips a beat.
"I'll keep your secret safe, just like I know you'll keep my safe," Clark says.
"I'm not worried about that," Batman says. "I just doubt you would like my civilian identity much."
"You're one of my best friends and I care about you a great deal… why would I dislike the man underneath the mask?" Clark asks.
"It's an inkling," Batman responds. "But if you insist…"
Clark gives him a quick nod. Then they both take off their masks.
"Clark Kent. Just as I thought."
"Bruce Wayne," Clark says.
That is… that is quite a surprise but not something Clark minds at all. It's just a little awkward, considering the crush Clark has on Bruce Wayne. Apparently he has hid that better than his secret identity.
"Are you disappointed?" Bruce asks, sounding oddly vulnerable.
"No, not at all," Clark says. His cheeks heat up. "Um. I actually like you quite a lot. As Batman and as Bruce Wayne."
"You do?"
"I do, Bruce," Clark assures him.
They stand in silence for a few moments, just looking at each other. Studying each other's faces. Seeing each other like they have never seen each other before.
"Would you like to go on a date?" Clark asks, deciding to take a chance again.
"I would," Bruce says.
Clark reaches out and touches Bruce's cheek. He can hear Bruce's heartbeat speed up.
"That makes me very happy," Clark says.
"Me too," Bruce says. He pauses. "I can't believe I didn't figure out you like me."
"You can't be perceptive about everything," Clark says, smiling.
Bruce smiles and kisses him.
Clark thinks this is going to go wonderfully.