Connor's distress eases; John's thumb is right over his and he can't help twitching his own up to barely-stroke it before he catches himself with a wry smile. Just stay -- they can do that. Connor can do that, he's no stranger to disappointment and this one isn't so bad because John isn't running. He does settle a little closer, a little more comfortably, tethered by their hands but not all up in John's space or cuddled against his side. Not yet. He has to be careful.

"Staying." He's finally brave enough to meet John's eyes again, as well, and now there's hope back instead of just the shame of rejection. "It was's going to be anything you didn't want, anyway. We're still best friends, right?"