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The smile is genuine, though. And genuine in it's warmth.

"That's what I mean by context. It's not really about me, so... it bothers me less than it could, I guess." He considered it for a moment longer before he continued.

"I also figure it's a difference in upbringing. East Coast values versus Midwestern. Part of manners where I'm from is keeping an even keel. You assume I don't react, I don't care. Whereas I was raised that spending your energy to keep your peace is how you show someone respect and care."

He spreads his hands.

"Different cultures."

Jason shrugs, because in the end there's really nothing either of them can do to fix that upbringing. Jason does his best not to test Clark, or at least not as much as he used to. But he'll always feel that pang of worry that he doesn't give a damn, just like Clark will find Jason's behavior... aggressive.

To-may-to, to-mah-to.

"I guess. Bruce said it means a lot, that you're risking a lot by talking to me. Because I could make you angry."

He considers that for a moment, not really agreeing or disagreeing as he takes another nibble from the cookie in his hand. Then, he shrugs.

"I can't say it's easy all the time. But it's something I want to do. And every relationship comes with risks, emotional or otherwise."

He runs a hand through his hair.

"I wouldn't put it like Bruce did. Because whatever risk I'm taking is not something that you should have to worry about. Definitely not something you should feel responsible for."

"I don't."

Abrasive? Maybe. But he's never been one to hide the truth because it's hurtful. And the truth is that if Clark puts himself in front of Jason knowing he will get angry then that's on Clark, not him. Jason isn't going to change who he is because he rubs him the wrong way.

(And he wonders why people prefer Dick...)

"But I can't say I get it either. If I don't like someone then I don't talk to them."

He looks genuinely puzzled at that.

"What gave you the idea that I don't like you?"

Jason looks surprised in return.

“You just called me 'acquired taste'?”

"And you thought I was insulting you?"

He still looks confused.

"An acquired taste is just something that just takes more time, more effort, to appreciate. Not something less. It's more special."

Jason lets out a growl, reaching to rub his forehead because this is turning to be too much. He just wanted... advice, on how to handle jealousy. On how not to die a little inside every time he could tell Dick and Loki had been together, or whatever was going on between his Twin and Dick. And... well, Bruce, but that's always been a lost cause.

“Thank you, I guess.” And then he looks up. It seems ridiculous to say it, and he almost doesn't for a second. But if he's right, if he has the right hunch then it'd be even more ridiculous not to say it. “You know I like you too, right? I was basically your fan since I was 15 and that hasn't changed.

I'm the one that changed, because Gotham needed someone like me. But the world needs people like you.”

He smiles at that, genuinely touched, and it maintains until that last sentence. Then it's a smile that Jason might recognize from the mirror. It says just how much he appreciates those words, how sweet and kind it is that the speaker believes it... but that the listener knows that it's clearly, unfortunately, not true.

It doesn't stay for long, though. Clark's always been excellent at hiding his feelings. He's so damn genuine it's hard to remember, at times, that he spends most of his life acting a part.

"And here I thought your favorite was Diana. Not that I don't approve..."

Jason is usually good at reading people, even if the walls only crumble down for less than an instant. He was trained for it- but it's more. He's always been quick at knowing what makes people tick. So he should have been able to tell something was off with the way Clark's smile wavered. And usually he would have.

But usually he isn't dealing with this mess of emotions in his chest. So he misses it, and simply grins back at Clark.

“I said I liked you, never said you were my favorite. Nº1 Wonder fan, right here.”

That earns him a snort.

"Get in line, kiddo."

"I'd say I'd kick your ass for the title but I don't want to break my leg trying just that. I'm happy being the co-president of the fan club."

"To be fair, she'd kick both of us for fighting over it," he points out with a warmer sort of smile.

Jason snorts.

"Yeah, but then I'd get to brag about it. like 'Hey Grayson, bet she never kicked your ass.'." And then, after a pause. "Maybe I should go. I'm okay but- I always leave in a hurry, when I'm about to explode.

We could have a cool good bye for once."

"Gives me something to look forward to next time."

And he throws off a little salute before pushing himself up to go grab a small tied box.

"For the road," he says, holding them out to Jason as he makes his way over.

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