"Part of me would like to think you're right. The other part still thinks it means I've failed. I guess we'll just have to see as time goes on." There were too many things in his head, anyway. Things he still kept to himself, plans, schemes, contingencies for what they might find at home, none of which he shared with Derek or even Brian because that secretive nature in Future Connor was instilled in the younger version from the cradle. He'd share when he had to and if he didn't need to, if the game was too changed, it wouldn't matter anyway.
"I know you're trying, Brian." John's arms went around Brian as well, as though it would ward off the negativity and frustration. "Just like I know why you're doing it...and that's hard. I know it's hard. I was a kid when I learned most of this stuff. And, maybe it means I'm not the most normal kid ever. But, I still wanted to play and have fun like other kids and I didn't always understand why I couldn't do things. Pretty much every fight Mom and I got into the year before I arrived here was because I wanted to enjoy my life while I had time to do it. So, I get it. I do. I know there isn't much time, but we take what time we can to enjoy life, even if it's just in small ways. We'll make time. And in the next world, we'll make time. And in the next. We'll find the time wherever we can. I promise."
John raised an eyebrow. "I know I'll physically be fine, Brian. I'm not upset that I was high. I'm upset because the person I trust most drugged me and took away my ability to have his back if anything had happened. I went to you when I needed to know what it felt like because I knew you wouldn't let me do something stupid that could get us hurt or killed. And it was a safe, controlled environment in order to let my guard down with you. But, none of that applied last weekend."