But I am faulty, Connor thinks. If I weren't, I would have either been able to be his son and avenge him or to be completely yours and do nothing but love you. I would have managed to save Harry in time. I would be in California today and Mom and Dad and Mere would still be alive because I would have remained as I was, memories or no memories.

Then Angel embraces him, and Connor goes completely still. He doesn't grow stiff, he just doesn't move, because he doesn't know whether he wants to return the hug too much or too little.

"I need you,"

he whispers, which is a reply to many things at once.