The look in Kon's eyes, the lack of emotion in his voice... It was enough to worry him. Really worry him. This wasn't his best friend, this was Luthor's lab experiment. Maybe he'd overestimated himself. Maybe the only person who stood a chance here really was Clark and then what? Because if that was the case, they were screwed. Oh, Connor believed Lois had the ability to reach the Kryptonian superhero. But what if it was too late for Kon by the time she did?
He was about to give up, to go for the tranq and just say to keep the kid sedated until they could get some backup, when he realized just how hurt and miserable Kon was. Yes, it was dangerous. He wasn't stupid. Connor Temple knew danger well enough. He'd dealt with a woman who was perfectly happy to wipe the human race off of the planet completely so it could go on thriving in its human free form. But he'd lost the person closest to him, the only father he'd ever really known and loved, to that person. He wouldn't lose Kon, too. And so, as he always did when there was danger, he faced it. He faced it with compassion and understanding and some guts and just a hint of idiocy.
Kon only wobbled for a moment before he was wrapped in Connor's arms, holding him tightly. It could backfire and he could easily be thrown into (or through) the wall, out the window, wherever Mr. Superstrength decided was appropriate. Or he could end up like the guilty little bird in question. But it was the only thing he knew to do. Talking wasn't helping. And he had to get through to him somehow.
He didn't say a word. The ordinarily chatty and rambly Connor felt helpless and worried and a little afraid but mostly for his friend and less so for himself. He wanted so much better for Kon than this. He'd worked hard convincing the clone-kid he was worth more than just this, this weapon of destruction. He'd get him back. He had to.