Connor's words make him stiffen up even more, but then Sophie's fingertips brush his stomach over his t-shirt and he can't hold back a shiver. Oh, how long has it been since he's been touched like that? Aside from some very basic physical needs, it also fills those same hollows he was thinking about earlier. Affection.

But there is still Connor to deal with. John can't tell if he's sad or hopeful, and Sophie's words suggest that they've talked about this before - does Connor really have feelings for him? How long has this been going on? And how does John begin to figure out how he feels about it? He's not - he's never been into a guy. Ever. Not in that way, even with the closest friends he's had. Connor is a whole level above even Bobby, so profoundly close and important that he can't put a name to it, but that doesn't mean he's ready to make it physical. Or that he wants to. Why would he suddenly want to?

"Tell me what." He's still so, so very on his guard. But he's yet to turn anything down verbally, which actually says a good deal more than words could.