Bruce pretended to be Kara.

Bruce was in no state to decipher the true reasons behind Clark’s words or even determine if she was speaking to the real Clark Kent or some imposter. Fleeing to a safer location crossed her mind, but she was much less experienced with both the layout of the Fortress of Solitude and with these powers when compared to Superman, and so any attempt would be unlikely to succeed and if anything, just alarm him.

She soon decided pretending she was indeed this “Kara" was the best and most realistic option given her current situation. Not trusting herself to keep up a consistent poker face at the moment, she averted her gaze and crossed her arms. The recent subliminal conditioning ensured whatever posture she adopted became unconsciously girlish and unassuming, especially compared to the authority and terror she once radiated as the Batman.

“Thank you, Cl… Kal. Arriving here on… Earth… has been an exciting and exhausting experience. But it's good to have you here with me… cousin…”

She made a point to use Clark’s Kryptonian name, as she reasoned it would make more sense for her character to do so. The subliminal messaging certainly helped push her subtly to that conclusion as well.

“I’d prefer it if you call me Clark, but please use whatever name makes you most comfortable.”

“I’ll stick with Kal for now…”

She was almost tempted to take the excuse she had been handed to use Clark’s human name, but a combination of the conditioning plus fear that adapting to Earth customs too quickly would be suspicious meant Bruce was set on acting the role of a confused alien girl, for now at least. Clark, for his part, simply smiled his consent and gave a nod. Clark gave her a calming smile.

“Of course. At least you seem healthy and injured despite your rough landing. If you’re feeling up to it, I can show you Metropolis soon.”

“Metropolis?” she asked, her confusion and curiosity were mostly an act but she was genuinely surprised, and annoyed, that Superman would allow ‘Kara’ out of the Fortress so soon. It might work well for her in the moment, but if she was someone with malicious intention then this nativity would have costed him.

“I haven’t mentioned it yet? Sorry, I guess this has been an overwhelming situation for the both of us. Metropolis is a city, here on Earth. It is where I live, and is a fine city for you to get accustomed to Human society in.”

“I see… Thank you, Kal. I… am looking forward to that.”

She allowed Clark to guide her through the halls of the Fortress, still concerned and on-guard against any foul play.

“Of course, we’ll have to make sure you got a decent understanding of English first before you go out anywhere. Luckily, I have some books and translators to get you started.”

Wait, learn English? Bruce thought back and realized she had been speaking in an alien language with Clark the entire time, without even realizing it. Her concern grew as she wondered if that meant the part of her brain designated for language processors had been affected by the transformation. Was she speaking Kryptonian the entire time or was that just an **** response to Clark using the language? She knew multilingual people naturally responded in the language they were spoken to if they were fluent in it. Her thoughts were interrupted as Clark continued.

“I had a room prepared here for you to rest in, since I’m sure you’re tired after everything that’s happened. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make you more comfortable, Kara.”

Every time she’s referred to as ‘Kara’ fills Bruce with an odd fuzzy feeling at the back of her head. Another point of concern to add to her growing list, she supposed. Soon they arrived in a fairly large bedroom, although admittedly not even half the size of his own back at Wayne Manor, which in contrast to the waiting room was designed completely in Kryptonian style.

“I’m afraid I need to return looking over your ship. And I might have to answer questions from the Justice League, friends of mine, about your arrival. Please, get some rest. We will speak more in the morning.”

Clark left her alone in the bedroom. Looking around, she found a closet full of a mixture of Earth-like and Kryptonian fashions tailored to fit her. Clark must have used his costume machines to give his ‘cousin’ a wardrobe. Deciding she had had enough of flying around in a needlessly revealing skirt, she chose the tamest outfit she could find at a glance.

That was some jeans, and a purple t-shirt which unfortunately did not cover her midriff any more than her first outfit. Was Clark under the impression this was her fashion preference now? That would be another complication, although one of less priority was working out why Clark was treating her like his cousin.

Along with the bed, closet and utilities, the room also contained a sleek console which Bruce presumed was where Clark expected her to 'learn' English.