Clark's head lowered slightly when she finished speaking. "Then you're a better person than I am, Lois," he said, quietly. "You still see the good in him. You see the potential. After everything that maniac has done over the years to the people I care about, my friends, and even my family, I can't forgive him."
He took her hands again. "And I always try to forgive and see the potential for good. But you can, with Lex and ..." Clark sighed, wishing she was still in his arms, "I'm glad you do give a damn, honey. Because it makes me want to give one. And I can't be that jaded, I'd ... I'd be Batman."
Swallowing hard, he looked into her eyes again. "I know that ... it's complicated with you and him. It's complicated because of him, and not at all you. But I love you. And I will never stop loving you. And as always, I trust you more than I trust anyone I know. So ... I trust you to keep seeing that good and to keep being his friend." His expression became worried again. "I'm just trying to tell you that ... I'm not angry with you, Lois. I think you're angry with you, but I'm not. I love you."