Summary: Cameron is responsible for the protection of John Connor. Sometimes that requires methods more subtle than a 9mm. Implied Derek/Allison and maybe John/Cameron. Originally posted to livejournal 5.6.09

Manipulation

Glitch. Malfunction. System error. Failure.

It's more than her hand now and maybe there's something about the past that's making them weak because she's pushing the parameters with John, and Derek doesn't wake when she slips into his bedroom at night.

His sleep is restless and Allison tells her that that at least has not changed. He shifts in the narrow bed, his brow furrowed and slick with sweat. Breathing is erratic and heart rate has increased, Cameron notes. Tension. Nightmare.

Warm fingers dab away the dampness with a gentleness that is not hers. "Derek." It comes out in a whisper.

He wakes at the sound but isn't alert in the darkness, slowly releasing the fear that drew his muscles tight and aching. It's a bad habit but there are a few years left and she likes getting to see him this way. She's soft in the shadows and the walls are bare and time is a variable. "Allison."

She doesn't lie because sometimes she is. Her thumb brushes his eyelids; it's easier to not see when your eyes are closed.

"Weird dreams," he mumbles, his drowsy mind building a different world and time around them, gifting her with a soul that isn't hers. Different hands stroke damp hair. "Gotta mission tomorrow."

"I know. Maybe Connor'll give you a day or two of leave and we can...stay in for a little while."

He snorts half-heartedly, fatigue and the haze of half-consciousness dulling his reactions. "Uh huh."

She laughs because he'll hear it; he'll feel the exhalation of air against his hot skin and remember. "Go back to sleep."

He's already halfway there, his body slowing, falling into the rhythms of sleep. "You comin' to bed?"

"Soon," she promises, pressing her lips to his. He smiles because it isn't her he's kissing as slumber takes him captive.

Cameron waits until Derek is snoring again before retreating, shutting the door with a click behind herself. Her posture straightens and her face is blank as she releases Allison Young with a quiet sigh. The probability that Derek Reese will perform at adequate levels during tomorrow's mission is now within an acceptable range.

She resumes her patrol, her bare feet padding down the hall to John's room.