A big thanks to those who read and review!
kaotic2: Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the new John! And you'd notice, John would keep hardening up as the years passed as Cameron's a little 'occupied'. And maybe…but in this chapter, I'll reveal Cameron's secret to John! Thanks again for the review!
mshig11: First thing's first, T_T I haven't been out on a vacation in years…life's being troublesome as usual! Thanks! I'm glad the action (although small) is enjoyable! And nope, John killed Sarkissian in my story, in falling in the black. Although this story is AU, I still try to keep the important stuffs in it. Yup, first time or not, this shows John love her. And, Cameron would reveal the secret to John so his protection over Cameron would definitely be bigger and better. Thanks! I figured steaks work better than pancakes. Lols! You should go eat some steak for sure, I ate some and that gave me the idea of Cameron making them. And sorry this is such a long wait, like I said, been really busy before!
zahnfan23: Thanks and your wait is over!
Dc: Thank you so much!
jojobevco: Thanks so much! I really appreciate all the reviews!
TK-MR: Thanks! And don't worry, this series ain't over by a long shot!
Cptlatnok: I know what you mean about Cameron being weak and all but this is John's moment. Or at least I want it to be John's moment. I have been thinking how to not separate the pair but let John grow. The only way is for Cameron to be weak and John to take the protection spot. I'm sorry if this bothers you but I can't think of a better way other than to bring Cameron down. I'll still try to make her hard as nuclear nails though!
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Sorry for the long wait and I just want to clear this up in case any of you have doubts or queries about Cameron's 'wimpiness'.
This is John's time/moment or whatever you want to call it. This is a time when John grows into that leader and I think it'll be pretty interesting to explore that. And of course you can't have someone beside John who is stronger than him or how is he going to become a strong person? In my opinion, I think someone grows stronger when he face challenges and John need to be there to face them himself (to have Cameron gone or weak in other words). So he'll be the protector for now as Cameron is kind of 'occupied'. I hope this won't bother you readers out there too much!
Chapter 19: More than 'okay'
John gazed down at her lovingly. She looked so peaceful. He wished this was the life he could offer her, a peaceful life where they could live as a happy young couple forever till death. Secretly John wished to adopt a kid or two. They could raise them and really lead life like how they should be.
John habitually reached up and removed the strands of hair on her face. This was the only time she wasn't having a fitful or disturbed sleep: when she is hurt.
"Cameron, I'll be starting now," He whispered into her ear, though knowing full well she wouldn't hear him. John reached out a trembling hand to the scalpel and surgery tweezers, sucking in a nervous breath; he dug the scalpel into Cameron's chest. Red crimson blood oozed out immediately, bringing John's heart into painful throbs.
He pushed it deeper and continued cutting into the flesh until he could push in the tweezers and get the metal slug out.
John held the tweezers carefully and felt a hard object hitting against his tweezers. Relieved, he grasped around the round slug and gulped before plucking up the courage to pull it out, dropping it in the sink. His trembling hands dropped the tweezers and scalpel along with the slug. He dove for the stitch and needle, sewing up her wound, wincing to himself occasionally.
John grinded his teeth in hatred for that dead guard and pain for Cameron; it hurts her so much that I felt it…human suck.
The stitching was done quickly but not perfectly. John's trembling hands made it almost impossible for him to make the stitching precise. He couldn't calm his nerves down.
"Cameron…" He mumbled, cutting off the excess stitch and dropping it into the bin before pulling a chair and sitting down on it. John grasped her hand, feeling, for the first time, the rough wood of the table underneath his elbows, the smell of Cameron's presence. He stared at her sleeping form for about an hour before his eyelids started drooping and his head began to loll forward.
Finally, he gave in to sleep and laid down on Cameron's stomach tenderly, feeling the weak rise and fall of her breathing and her small hand in his.
*
Cameron stirred and instantly feeling a sharp pain striking her chest. She managed to hold the pain and resist the urge to wince. Her throat was parched and dry. She couldn't even make a noise. She lay there, relaxing herself.
CPU WORKING PERCENTAGE: 100 PERCENT
ANALYZING DAMAGE ON ENDO-SKELETON…ANALYZING...
2372194936432041…
DAMAGE ON TISSUE ABOVE RIGHT BREAST PLATE
3049329574523847…
WARNING!
UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT ON MIDDLE ABDOMEN…
ANAYLZING THREAT LEVELS…
DEDUCTION: JOHN CONNOR…CALCULATING…86 PERCENT POSSIBILITY.
SUBJECT JOHN CONNOR…2409839473209…
MISSION: NONE
ERROR…ERROR…
RUN CHECK-UP SCANS ON CPU…
DIRECTIVE: TRANSFER 20 PERCENT OF PROCESSORS FOR CHECK-UP.
PROCESSING DIRECTIVE…43094732434832…DIRECTIVE CONFIRMED…
0921830921730219…
UNIDENTIFIED COMPONENT REQUIRING POWER FROM PRIMARY POWER SOURCE…
ALLOW ACCESS? Y/N
Cameron frowned before allowing the access to her power source.
DETAILS CONFIRMED…
CURRENT POWER SOURCE RUNNING: 100 PERCENT CAPABILITY
CURRENT POWER SOURCE LIFESPAN: 97 YEARS…CURRENTLY DECREASING…
This turned out very surprising and puzzled Cameron. She stopped the check-up processes to conserve power and instead, strained herself to look at John. He was on her belly, lying on his left ear.
She had a clear view of his face. It was twisted in a frown which Cameron identified as worried and scared; one he had on often when they were back with Sarah and Derek.
Cameron raised her left hand, realizing John had her right hand in his firmly held. She gently ran her smooth fingers though his spiky hair. She realized they are longer now than when he cut them off by himself. They had been growing all these while without neither John nor Cameron's notice.
So has John himself. He is John Connor now and Cameron hadn't realized how much a leader he had become. She couldn't help but feel a dread in her stomach when she heard the gunshots from the guardhouse and when she saw John screaming at the guard's face and finally killing him.
However, Cameron was aware. This is not future John. This is her John; also a John that she had raised, in a way. He is kind-hearted and compassionate when he mixed with people, being with their colleagues already proved that point. She remembered the time he'd cried, begging her so hard that he never wanted to become that John who wanted to shoot his uncle down in cold blood. He was a John that did things only when he saw Cameron get hurt.
Although, Cameron had to admit, he was already straying off the path she wanted him to take, during the time she'd lost her memories. At that time, she was helpless and naïve and the only way John could protect her then was to be cruel to anyone who were hurting her. He had to be intimidating and fierce and thus he strayed off to that path unknowingly.
She's here now and she's confident, she'll be able to pull John back to path for sure. How hard could it be? This is John…not anyone else. She wondered if John felt the same way when he took care of her during her time of amnesia…
She began thinking about her behaviour these days. It'd been odd. Her priority has always been John, with or without her mission but she didn't move to protect him when he rushed to face the guard before. She didn't and put him into danger. She is damaged, she needs to find help, she needs to find someone to fix her because John wouldn't…he don't see that she's a security risk.
John stirred, bringing Cameron out of her thoughts. She stopped stroking his head and instead kept her hand at the back of his head, rubbing it gently. He blinked a few times, looking at her. He seemed a little bleary before a smile spread across his face.
"Hey Cam," John grinned blearily.
"Hey," She replied hoarsely.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay, John." Cameron assured him, "And you?"
"M'fine. You're more important. You're hurt," John mumbled, turning his head away from her. Cameron knew that look. It was the look he gave when he didn't want to talk about something or felt bad about. He always looked like that in the future after he reprimanded her; guilt.
"You know what I'm talking about," She probed him, knowing him well enough; if he didn't have this thing spoken to, he'll go crazy soon.
"I just want you to know," John reached behind his head gently, placing her hands in between both of his larger ones and leaned in, "I did all this for you." He kissed her on the forehead.
Cameron offered a weak smile to the love he's giving her, "I don't deserve this."
"You do, as much as any living human on this planet."
"You're becoming him," Cameron whispered weakly as a reminder. She could see that her reality statement slapped him hard. He froze, caught off guard with her reply. John seemed shell shocked and worried at the same time, "I may not have a mission but I remember my promise to you."
"Promise…" John muttered, frowning.
"That's why I'm here John. I'm here to keep my promise to keep you from being Future John," Cameron mumbled in reply barely audible. She was close to tears.
"Just for the promise? That's we're here?" John probed, eyes flooding with tears. He was almost afraid that the answer would drive him insane.
"No." Cameron assured and John heaved a sigh of relieve inwardly, "I'm here because I love you." The first tear rolled off to the pillow placed under her head on the table.
John paused for a moment before a smile appeared on his bitter face that initially was prepared to tear up. They didn't speak and left the silence as it is and neither did they disturb the precious eye contact that they had.
"Um…" John spoke softly, "You want me to bring you to the bed?" He asked, gripping her hand tighter.
Cameron thought about it, "Alright but are you-" Before she can finish, John scooped her up and walked all the way to the bedroom. He placed her on the bed and tugged the blanket over her. He was quiet throughout and before he left the bedroom, Cameron asked, "Are you mad at me?"
John spun around, expression unreadable. He walked to Cameron's side, kneeling down by her and held her hand, "No." he replied, kissing her palm gently, "I could never be. Not at you." John smiled.
"That's good." Cameron said wearily.
"I'll be calling in sick tomorrow." John explained.
"No." Cameron objected, "Aiden's house just got robbed and the police would figure out the guard's gun has missing bullets. They'll assume the robbers got shot and if we don't turn up, we'll be the prime suspects."
"I won't let walk around much less go to work in this condition," John frowned.
"I will." Cameron mumbled, sitting up. She winced out as her wound stretched but did not tear.
"Cameron!" John gritted his teeth in annoyance as his wife slowly stood up.
"I'm fine," She turned to him and offered him a pale smile but that made it all worst for John. He held her by her elbow as she made her way to the dining.
"Cameron you can barely walk without wobbling!"
"It's whatever you gave me before. I'll be fine,"
"Why are you so persistent about this?!" John growled in frustration as Cameron sat down on the wooden chair at the dining table. She looked up at him, a little taken aback by his forceful tone.
"John…there is just-" Cameron paused, avoiding eye contact with difficulty, "Now there's something, something I found worth fighting for."
"Cameron, I get it-"
"No, John. You don't. You don't know anything about it." Cameron mumbled, resisting the urge to touch her belly.
John frowned and his eyes narrowed in suspicion, "There's something you're not telling me. Cameron, we promised, no secrets." He knelt in front of her, placing his hand on her knees. She didn't reply nor look at him. The squirm was back to John's stomach. Is she sick? Did she find out something that is critical to Skynet? Is the end of the world tomorrow?
John's thoughts ran wild as he began to speculate the possibilities. Each one brought a new wave of dread to him.
"John," Cameron spoke, "I don't know what to do."
"Tell me what is wrong. I'll help you."
"You can't. You'll be mad at me." Cameron whimpered, eyes swimming with tears.
"Whatever it is I won't. Not even if you told me you fell in love with someone else and want to leave me." John croaked.
"No!" Cameron jumped, startled and hurt at John's speculation. Her eyes met his by accident. The plead in his eyes was unbearable. Cameron screwed her eyes shut and took John's hand. She opened her eyes and found him frowning curiously. She pinched her lips into a thin line and prepared herself for the worst.
Slowly, she brought John's palm to her small bulge in her belly. Cameron's hand left John's and expected an eruption from him as she screwed her eyes shut in dread and even guilt.
For a moment, they could even hear a pin drop. The warm sensation of John's hand on her belly brought a pleasurable tingling feel to her skin. He didn't remove his hand and Cameron daren't open her eyes but she had to find out. She opened her eyes by a small crack and slowly to stare at John.
He was wide eyed and his lips are parted. Cameron could tell he was shocked and could barely move. She began to worry as a minute passed. She was about to touch him when she felt his fingers moving around and almost exploring the small bulge growing.
Cameron's stomach muscles tensed as she felt John's hand shifted slightly. His frown vanished, replaced by curiosity and to her surprise, a smile spread across his parted lips.
"Cam-Cameron. This…" John struggled to find the words. He gave up soon and instead threw his arms around her neck, pulling in her for a hug.
She winced as pain seared up her chest. John loosened his grip but did not let go of the hug. She felt a wet kiss on her temple before she was released from the hug.
John's face was written in pure joy and not what Cameron had expected, "How long have you-"
"16 weeks, 5 days, 11 hours, 46 minutes and 29 seconds," Cameron replied flatly.
John grinned, "Why didn't you tell me?" He demanded playfully.
"I didn't want you to get mad at me."
"Mad at you?" John raised an eyebrow, "Why would I be? I told you I could never be mad at you."
Cameron looked at him shyly, returning his smile.
"So that explains the puking and dizziness." John concluded, holding her hands in his as Cameron nodded, "And the bug…? So my kid is just a bug?" John raised an eyebrow. She laughed and so did he.
"Kind of."
The laughing died down as John leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers. They stared at each other for a while before he spoke, "Now that I think about it. It's so dangerous for you to go to Aiden's house with me."
"I'll still protect you!" Cameron objected.
"With a little one in the crossfire?" John countered, kissing her gently on the lips before pulling away.
"You're more important."
"No. She's more important." John touched her belly gently.
"Might be a he considering the-"
"No, Cam, no biology lessons today. You need rest."
"No rest. Where are the papers?" Cameron gently shoved his hand away from her arm and walked wobbly to the duffel bag sitting on the couch.
"Cameron!" John growled, "This is ridiculous!"
"I'll be alright. Now sort out the papers. I need to get something to eat. I'm starving." Cameron told him well mannerly.
"I'll get the food. You stay here." John decided, standing up from the couch, "What'd you want to eat?"
"Real food." Cameron smiled, standing up and walking pass John. He thought about her statement and concluded it as an insult to his cooking.
"Hey!" He snapped but Cameron already started bringing out food from the fridge. John sighed, sitting down and doing as she says. Often, John took glances at her, afraid she might pass out.
John opened the duffel bag and poured out the documents they have, glancing at Cameron before continuing to open the envelope. He took out a stack of papers and flip through them, finding names.
He turned the paper and realized this was the company employees' list and background information. In the invention department, John found his and Cameron's names and fake address. He threw the paper on the far end of the coffee table that is classified as 'rubbish' and worked on opening the next envelope after making sure Cameron's alright by herself.
The next few envelopes are either documents about the company's profit and losses or it is about employees, transactions and proposal blueprints inventions. John decided to record all these down, not wanting all their effort go down the drain.
He took his laptop and typed the information down; the company's profits and losses, the companies they worked or have contact with.
"John?" Cameron walked out from the kitchen, holding a plate of food steaming hot.
"Steak again?"
"No." Cameron chuckled, "Pancakes."
"In the middle of the night?" John asked incredously, walking to the table.
"Supper." Cameron replied, "I'd thought you'll like it." She smiled sheepishly. John felt a small tinch of realization entered his head and he rounded the table, embracing her warmly.
"You're more than mom will ever be to me." John mumbled, pecking her gently on the top of her head, "But thanks so much."
"You're welcome." Cameron grinned, "Eat." John nodded and sat down to dig into the pancakes while she watched. He cut it open, excited to taste Cameron's hand at making pancakes. He choked when the familiar plain pancake filled his mouth. He took the warm milk extended to him and drank it.
"Cam?" John gulped, looking up at her.
"Making it of a similar taste might help you lessen your pain of being away from her." Cameron shrugged in innocence.
John narrowed his eyes, "You know I hate mom's pancakes!" He groaned, shifting in his seat. He went in for another bite, not wanting to disappoint Cameron by rejecting her cooking before she chuckled.
He turned to her expectantly, "You're playin' with me!" John growled playfully, jolting up in his chair and went after Cameron. The chair fell back and onto the floor with a slight crash but neither of them bothered to pick it up. John ran after Cameron through the dining to the living room.
There, she was trapped by the couch where John embraced her into his arms. Cameron screamed out only to be hushed by John. She whimpered softly in a laugh before John gently kissed the tender skin on her neck, enough to make her knees go weak.
He made his way down to her shoulder and gently removed her leather jacket and dropping it on the couch. John kissed her shoulder, stumbling upon her bandage around her wound. He hesitated, feeling the dread swimming around in his stomach.
"John…it's alright." Cameron's assuring voice soothed out his hesitation and in an instant; she was in his arm, on the way to the bedroom.
"You gained a little weight now that I think about it." He commented with a smile.
Cameron nodded, "I gained about-"
"Shhhhh." John hushed her as they entered their bedroom. There, he continued undressing her.
John gently pulled her spaghetti strip over her head, careful not to touch her wound. He leaned over, kissing her just above her left breast as his hands worked on removing her bra. Cameron wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the ecstasy surge through her body.
"John," She breathed into his ear, sending warm breath down his neck as she pressed her now naked body to his.
"Give me a minute," John panted, leaving her for a while just to struggle with his shirt and jeans. Cameron smiled; amused but before she can tease him for long, their bodies crashed together.
He could feel the slight bulge in her belly against his well toned one as her hips pressed against his.
"You sure this is okay for the baby?" John asked.
"More than okay," Cameron replied and that was enough said before she felt herself lowered on the bed gently in John's arms…
To be continued…
Next chapter: John and Cameron found a target list in the stack of papers they stole, moving on to protect the targets meanwhile another familiar face is pulled back into the story.