"Connor and I can deal with any awkwardness. Might not even be an issue, since we don't know what all might have been different to start with right?" he said, trying to be encouraging. "And as far as Helen goes, I had my own run-ins with her before. If she comes after you, she'll have me to deal with." And hopefully, this time he wouldn't utterly fail at it.

Connor looked over at Cutter and gave a soft, maybe slightly sad smile. "I've only finally just let myself get to this point. I am not going to let Helen ruin it... Not again," he said, that last bit almost whispered to himself.