Hurtful words.

His heart felt torn to shreds. Deep down he knew that Abby didn't mean them. She was upset and scared. And Abby fought back against her fears with anger and harsh words.

Her brother was lost. They had come through an anomaly to find the worst possible future – London in ruins, humanity wiped out. And future predators... everywhere.

Like the large and very dangerous looking one that was now approaching, its sites set on Abby and Danny.

He had only been trying to be sensible when he had agreed with Becker and Danny. They did need help, backup, if they were going to find Abby's brother and get back out alive. Four humans, only two armed, against uncountable numbers of predators was not an equation for survival.

But when he had agreed, cast his lot with the other two instead of with her, she had turned on him. Accused him of hating her brother and wanting him dead. Words that had cut like a knife, leaving him speechless and almost breathless.

And so he stood there, with his wounded, bleeding heart still loving Abby, and realizing that if he didn't do something, didn't act quickly, she would be dead. He couldn't let that happen.

"Oi... you!"

The future predator's head snapped sharply in his direction. The cold hand of terror gripped his heart, almost numbing the pain. He turned his eyes from the predator's approach and looked over at Abby, one last time.

She stared at him, stricken.

His eyes betrayed his pain and defeat, even as he set his jaw. Everything in him wanted just one more minute – one more minute to set things right. Tell Abby that it was going to be okay. Hold her one last time. Kiss her and damn the consequences.

But there was no time. There was only time for one word. "Go." It came out wavering, spoken around a growing lump in his throat.

The predator let out a snarl, and bounded over a wall toward him, effectively blocking Abby from his sight. He took a step backward, barely containing the tremors that rocked his core, as he watched certain death coming ever closer. Another step back. And another.

The predator leapt forward again, as he backed into the darkness of the building. He knew that Becker had been somewhere behind him. And he clung to the tiniest shred of hope that Becker might be able to kill the predator before it killed both of them.

His eyes met Becker's for a split second. The soldier was standing just inside the door, his gun drawn and aimed.

The predator grasped the edge of the doorway, and lunged forward with a snarl. Becker hesitated for a second that seemed like an eternity. Then he fired – two quick shots and the predator fell dead at Connor's feet.

He took a long ragged breath, for a moment, unable to believe he was still alive. Tears of relief prickled the backs of his eyes. "Next time, don't leave it so long," he gasped out to Becker.

Then he took a single, steadying breath.

"Abby."

AN: Let me know what you think. Reviews make my day. Constructive criticism always welcome! :)