It's what no one would ever say to him before Asgard, before people like Oswin and Euri and now Connor and Sophie. The pieces of John can co-exist, be one - he can be good without always being good, be destructive without always being destructive, be cruel without always being cruel, be himself. Everything was a dichotomy back home, starting with mutants and humans, but there are shades here in which he can exist.

And be cared about. He can't forget that. There's no more hiding anything now (at all, he really is very naked), and they're both aware of that as they continue to offer that care.

Fortunately, the surface temperature of his skin is static, so he's able to reach out and grab Connor's hand before it drops away.

"If you change your mind -" That is a threat, but he can't finish it. He doesn't have to. And he doesn't really think it's a possibility anymore.