"Where are we going, John?"

John started the SUV and turned down the radio he had been blasting earlier in the day.

"I already told you six times. It's… a… surprise." He turned and gave her an obnoxious grin.

Cameron frowned and folded her arms across her chest.

"Pouting is so not becoming of you, my dear," John teased.

"I do not pout."

John rolled his eyes and pulled up to a stoplight. He turned and tugged a strand of her hair playfully. "Will you please just trust me?"

"I do trust you. I just want to know where we are going. Am I dressed appropriately?"

John looked her up and down; from her white sneakers and tight blue jeans, to her form fitting white tank top. God how he loved that top; even with her right arm still looking like a patchwork ragdoll… for which she remembered to bring a sweater to cover in public. To John, she was perfect.

"Definitely… is that all you're worried about?"

Cameron did her own scan of John's clothes. "You're wearing a new black button down shirt and your best jeans. For you, that's a lot. I admit to some concern for my own attire."

John wasn't sure if he should be insulted, or pleased she noticed the extra effort he put into his current outfit. Checking the light was still red, he quickly unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a plain white undershirt. "There, does that make you feel better? A little less preppy?"

Watching John partially undress caused her CPU to automatically respond, and in turn, her body to react. The smirk on John's face told her he must have noticed somehow, even though she knew her face didn't move. "Yes, it makes me feel… better," she responded.

John's smirk grew as he continued towards his destination.

**********

They drove for another 45 minutes. Cameron noticed they backtracked a few times, and at first she thought John was simply being cautious, but he was starting to become visibly agitated. They had made their way in to the city. While not nearly the size of Los Angeles, it was still a bustling city, especially because of the holiday. They had yet to come here as a family, since it was much more difficult to spot enemies in a large crowd.

"Is everything all right, John?" Cameron asked. She didn't want to outright ask if they were lost, afraid he'd feel embarrassed.

"Yeah, I just… I know it's around here somewhere…" He muttered to himself and pulled into a large hotel parking lot. "Let's just go in and ask. I'm sure they know where it is."

Cameron still didn't know what 'it' was, but she went along with him. She climbed out of the car and followed him through the revolving front doors.

"Stay here for a moment… don't want you to overhear your surprise," John winked and smiled conspiratorially. "And don't use that superwoman hearing either," he warned.

Cameron gave him an exasperated look and walked across the lobby, feigning interest in some tourist brochures.

John spoke to the young receptionist for a few moments quietly before making his way back to Cameron's side.

"She said it's not far from here, but we're quite a bit early. I gave us some extra time to get some real food to eat that didn't taste like a Zippo lighter. Why don't we take a quick look around this place? It looks nice… and they have a restaurant on the top floor. We can just eat up there. What you say?"

Cameron nodded and followed John to the gold elevators. The lobby itself was fairly elaborate, with plush chairs and wooden tables. She'd never been in a high-quality hotel before. Most of the low-end motels they stayed in were shady to say the least.

John reached out and clasped her hand as the elevator began to lift. It stopped on the 8th floor and John lead her out into the hallway.

"The restaurant is three more floors up, John. There is nothing else on this floor."

John bit his cheek to keep from smiling. "You never know. Let's have a look."

He led her down the hallway all the way to the end, and stopped at the last room on the left. He nonchalantly leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest… and waited.

Cameron just stared at him confused. "What are you doing?"

John shrugged his shoulders. "Waiting for you to open the door."

Cameron furrowed her eyebrows and tried the door handle. "It's locked."

"Duh… of course it is."

"You want me to break down the door?"

John forced himself not to roll his eyes, and instead, smiled brightly. Only Cameron. "Noooo… I want you to unlock it."

Cameron tilted her head to the side. "But I do not have a key."

She stared at the door handle, wondering how she would unlock it without a key. It seemed to be a power lock, with no traditional keyhole. There was only a thin slot for what seemed to be a card to be inserted.

Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the size of the slot and her CPU suddenly made the connection. She glanced down and pulled the white plastic card John had given her out of her pocket. Without needing to confirm with John, she slid the card in and heard a soft click, accompanied by a tiny flashing green light on the lock. She turned the handle and stepped inside the room.

It wasn't a particularly large room… but it was plenty big enough. She assumed it was what hotels would call a "suite". It included a full, albeit small kitchen, a king sized bed and a sofa, on which lay two duffel bags she recognized as their own. She stood in the center of the room, taking it all in.

Everything was accented with gold, and the entire room was decorated with warm, inviting colors. On a small table nestled between the kitchen and bedroom space sat a large vase that held two dozen red, white, and purple roses. She walked over to the table and touched the velvety petals with her fingertips.

Turning around, she saw John leaning against the closed door, a somewhat smug grin on his face.

"You did all this?"

John shrugged. "I had some help. The girl at the desk was really helpful, and John Henry was the one who hacked in and switched us with an unfortunate businessman who so didn't need the awesome view that we have…" He nodded towards the back windows where the curtains had been pulled open to allow the day's last light to enter. "Even Dani helped."

Cameron didn't hide the surprise on her face.

"She packed the bags for us while we were cleaning."

Cameron eyed the bags suspiciously. If John didn't know any better, he'd have thought she was using some sort of X-ray vision to scan them.

"Relax… I doubt she put any poison snakes or time bombs in there."

"You never know…"

Cameron wandered over to the windows to realize they weren't just windows, they were doors… to a balcony.

She opened the door and stepped out, the cool breeze tangling her hair around her face. She idly brushed it away and leaned over the railing.

"It's not that spectacular of a view now, but you'll see later why it was worth it," John said, sneaking up behind her and placing his hands on her hips.

"It's worth it already. You didn't have to do this, you know. I don't have a real birthday... and I'm not even really mad at you anymore."

John wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Yes, I did have to… Our lives have never been our own. I've never had the luxury of just relaxing for a day, and letting it all go. And I know you haven't either. We will probably never get this chance again. After everything you have ever done for me… now, in the past, and in both futures… One night, away from everyone, away from it all… it's just one tiny thank you compared to what you deserve."

"Just you and me?"

"Yup, just you and me, sweetheart. No moms, no uncles, no kids, no terminators, no Dani." He made sure to specify the last one.

Cameron glanced down at their joined hands around her waist. "You got 4 out of the 5 right at least."

John poked her in the belly. "Hey… you might be a cyborg, but you're not a terminator anymore. Get it straight."

That brought a smile to Cameron's face. "Are we going upstairs to eat? You did not eat much at home."

"You tasted it… would you have eaten that crap?"

Cameron scrunched up her face in answer. "Then we should go."

John glanced at the rapidly darkening sky. They didn't have that much time. "Eh… I'm thinking I'm more in the mood for room service, what do you say?"

"I do not need to eat, so it is your choice."

John patted her behind and led her back into the room. "I'm going to go hunt us down some ice. Why don't you call down and order something from the menu… anything except pancakes… and I'll be right back?" He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left her alone in the room.

Cameron found the menu on the small table and looked over her choices. She knew what John liked, and ordered a few healthier choices as well. Unless she was cooking at home, the family didn't eat many vegetables.

She hung up the phone and looked around. Spotting the duffel bags on the sofa, she decided it would probably be a good idea to check that they had everything they needed.

She checked John's bag first, finding even his toothbrush and comb packed. It was slightly impressive that she thought that far.

In her own bag she found a decent outfit, and surprisingly, even her makeup kit and hair brush. What was more surprising though, was the lace lingerie she found folded at the bottom of the bag.

She pulled it out and unfolded it on the bed. It was something she wore only once before, and John never knew it existed. She kept it in a bottom drawer hidden away, and she figured Dani must've found it while packing. John barely folded his own clothes, so Cameron never had any worries that he'd find it.

Not that he would be anywhere near disappointed of course. It would just be the lie she would have to tell him if he asked when she bought it.

Because she bought it a long time ago; before they were "together", before they went to the future…

Before Riley died…

Before they went to Mexico.

Cameron had known John had feelings for her, and in her own way, she had loved him too. The lingerie was meant to seduce him… away from Riley. She had hoped to play on his feelings for her, and his obvious attraction to her. She thought that was all he had wanted.

Everything was logical to her. She had offered John friendship, and at one time they were best friends. But as much as she tried, he hadn't wanted it anymore. He didn't want to be her friend.

So Cameron concluded he didn't want a friend. He wanted a girlfriend.

And she was willing to offer him that. She knew he didn't trust her, but he didn't trust Riley either. In that sense, logically, she and Riley had an equal chance.

Cameron had actually calculated that she had a better chance of winning John over, due to his already existing feelings for her. That night when she crawled into bed with him, she thought she had won. He seemed so sincere… and he was obviously uncomfortable with his physical attraction to her. That was the night she planned to wear it for him.

And she did. But he wasn't there when she returned to his room long after Sarah had gone to bed.

Cameron had actually been upset. Although she didn't fully understand it at the time, looking back now, she understood it for what it was. She had gone back to her bedroom and changed into her regular clothes, and hid the lace number in the back of a drawer. She sat in her room the rest of the night, not even caring where John had gone. She knew who he was with. Cameron had lost.

Of course, when she got the phone call and arrived in Mexico to find John missing, she felt true guilt for the very first time. She should have gone looking for him, instead of skulking in her room all night… and lying to Sarah about his whereabouts.

Cameron stared at the black see-through lace camisole and matching boy-short panties. It wasn't anything real risqué, as at the time, it probably would have freaked John out more than attract him. But…

She tucked the outfit back into her bag, this time on top. Perhaps this time, John would get to see it.

She glanced up as she heard the door lock click open again, and quickly zipped her bag.

"Hey," John said, carrying in the bucket of ice. "Did you order?"

"Yes."

John quirked an eyebrow at her short answer. "That means you ordered me broccoli, doesn't it?"

Cameron smirked. "I ordered it with cheese."

*************************

The broccoli wasn't all that bad. It was covered in real cheese, not the crap that comes in a jar at the gas station. His steak was cooked perfectly too. Cameron only nibbled on the cheesecake dessert, though.

Then again, maybe "nibbled" wasn't exactly the correct word.

"Are you going to leave me any?" John asked, taking his last bite of steak and chasing it with a long drink of water.

Cameron stared at the half-eaten chocolate cheesecake seriously. "Maybe."

John smiled and shook his head. "Whatever, it's your birthday. I have no idea where you put all that chocolate junk you consume."

Cameron tilted her head. Was he really that dense? "How exactly do you think I sustain my organic tissues?"

John really had no idea, and wasn't sure he wanted to know. For that reason he had never asked. For all he knew, they used some sort of flesh colored photosynthesis, or special terminator lotion…

"Well, um…"

He was interrupted by a loud explosion. Cameron jumped out of her seat and pulled her gun out of her waistband.

"GET DOWN, JOHN!"

She grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him out of his chair, shoving him to the floor.

"Whoa, Cam, it's okay!"

There was another explosion. John had managed to get halfway to his feet before he was pushed back down to the floor.

"CAMERON! It's okay!" He got to his knees and grabbed her arm. "It's okay! They're not bombs, they're fireworks!"

Cameron quickly processed what he said. Fireworks. It was Independence Day, traditionally celebrated with fireworks.

"I'm very sorry, John. Did I hurt you?" She pulled John to his feet and did a quick scan, not meeting his eyes.

"I'm fine, Cameron. I should've warned you, but I wasn't thinking. I wanted it to be a surprise."

Cameron finally met his gaze. "It was not a very fun surprise."

John smiled sheepishly. "Well, don't judge yet. Come on." He took her hand and led her out onto the balcony. "This is why I picked this room…"

Another explosion, and the sky lit up with red and green sparkles.

Cameron stood quite still in the center of the balcony, watching the array of colors seemingly shatter across the night sky. Explosions were bright, and she'd seen many of those. But fireworks were different. There were so many colors and they somehow exploded in perfect shapes. Some even whistled or crackled as they fell to the ground, sparkling like glitter.

John sat quietly in a chair behind her, watching her watch the fireworks display. She stood unnaturally still, but her face twitched with delight at her favorites.

He reached out and tugged her hand, and she turned as if noticing him for the first time. He smiled and patted his lap, but a doubtful look crossed her face.

"I don't think…"

"I know how heavy you are, and you're not as heavy as you think."

Cameron looked at the plastic chair skeptically. "It will be uncomfortable for you. I'll squish you."

"I've never complained," John grinned. Not giving her any more time to decide on her own, he tugged her harder and guided her on to his lap. She was heavy, but it wasn't unbearable. With her weight distributed across both of his thighs, it was more of a pleasant discomfort, if that existed. He pulled her body closer to his so that she was leaning against him, and wrapped his arms around her tight.

"How do they make them explode in shapes?"

John watched a red white and blue star appear in the sky. "I have absolutely no idea. That's definitely one for a real rocket scientist."

"Why do you celebrate with fireworks? It's loud, and smells like sulfur."

John shrugged and leaned his head against the wall. "Because they're pretty? I think my junior high teacher once told us it had something to do with John Adams."

They watched the fireworks in amiable silence, enjoying the display of bright colors, and the comfort of each other's company.

John wasn't paying too much attention to the fireworks, though. He was too concerned with the object hidden in his pocket.

And the possibilities.

He still wasn't sure when the perfect time to give it to her would be. He still didn't know what he was going to say. He didn't know what she would say. What if she said no? It was a possibility. She might not want to. She might think it's unnecessary or stupid. She might even say he's 'too young'.

That's what Sarah had said. He told his mom of his vague plans ahead of time, not really wanting to surprise a few years out of her. She never once told him no, but she did lecture him about being young, being sure, being responsible, thinking clearly… basically, everything she could say that wasn't flat out "John, you're an idiot."

Oh well. Technically, he was 24. And technically, they were supposed to be playing the part anyway.

More importantly, it was something they both needed. Deep down, he understood there was a fear and insecurity on both ends that one day it would all disappear.

"I hear music."

Cameron's voice interrupted his thoughts, and John strained his ears to hear over the explosive noise. He could hear the Star Spangled Banner playing in the distance, and it brought a smile to his face. Something about the song always struck a chord in him.

The grand finale left John's ears ringing as they sat there watching the leftover smoke waft through the air. Instead of getting up and heading back inside, Cameron snuggled closer to John, enjoying his arms wrapped around her and the quiet peace that surrounded them.

"Thank you, John," she muttered softly.

John placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and nuzzled her hair. "No, thank you."

"For what?"

"For coming back," he whispered.

Cameron tilted her head up and kissed him on softly over his jugular, feeling his pulse quicken against her sensitive lips. "I never left."

"Well," John heard the catch in his voice and cleared his throat. "Wherever you were hiding, it wasn't with me. And those were three very long, lonely days… and nights without you."

He had gotten used to their time together at night, and the empty bed beside him hurt more than anything. It wasn't the sex, because in fact, it was a rare night that Cameron didn't spend the majority of the evening on patrol. It was the comfort they both took in each other's arms at night; the ear that was always willing to listen; the whispered encouragement and teasing caresses.

"I kept an eye on you at all times."

John sighed. "Yeah, I know. I… felt you there. I'd sometimes wake up to hear the shower at 3 am. I hoped every night you would just come downstairs to me, but… God I'm so sorry."

Cameron glanced away, feeling quite a bit of guilt herself for the way she overreacted to the whole situation. "So am I…"

"Well, we survived our first major fight…" John shifted his weight slightly to get more comfortable and changed the subject. "And here we are. I hope you enjoyed your birthday."

A genuine smile appeared on Cameron's lips. "I did. The iPod was a really tight present," she smirked. She idly played with the homemade bracelet tied around her wrist. "The whole day was perfect," she muttered softly.

"Well it's not over yet…" John said. "I, um…" He cleared his throat. Might as well get this over with. It's as good a time as any. He could feel his heart beat pick up, and his palms started sweating. He tried not to show how nervous he was, but with an advanced cyborg in his lap, he knew it was pointless. Cameron was gazing at him with some concern, which only served to make him more nervous. He swallowed hard and reached into his pocket.

"I have one more present for you."

He pulled out the small velvet box and held it up between them. Time seemed to almost freeze as he held his breath and watched her open the box slowly.

A small gasp escaped her lips.

John watched her gently remove the ring from the box to examine it more closely. Her face showed an almost child-like wonder as she watched it sparkle in the light through the window.

"Do you like it?" he asked hesitantly.

Cameron just nodded, not being able to find any words to describe how much she loved it.

"I'm glad," John spoke quietly. "Because I'd like to ask you to marry me."

She turned her head and gazed at him in shock.

Taking a deep breath, John prepared himself for what came next. "Derek said we weren't really married in the future. I'd like to change that. I don't know how, but… someday… This is the first step."

Cameron's eyes trailed back to her hand, now enclosed in John's own hand, still clutching the ring between her fingers.

"I love you… I always have," John continued. "I just… I want you to know that I'll never leave you. I'll never choose anyone… and I mean anyone… over you." He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. "I know the risks, and I understand the complications… they don't matter to me. I'll do my best to be this messianic hero I'm supposed to be. I'll do everything in my power to fight Skynet… but not without you. I need you, Cameron."

Cameron slowly looked back up and met John's gaze shyly. This was something she had never expected. She knew they would play the part, just as they had done in Derek's future, but mostly out of necessity. The way he behaved so uncomfortably when he found out, she assumed it was something he didn't really want, and she understood why. At least she thought she did.

John saw the uncertainty in her expression, and though his nerves threatened to make him faint, he gave her his best reassuring smile.

"Cameron… Will you marry me?" He held his breath and awaited her answer.

Which didn't take long, as her decision was made so long ago.

"Yes."

John let out his breath, releasing all his worries with it. An uncontrollable smile found its way on his face, mirrored by the one on Cameron's. Taking the ring from her, he carefully slid it on to her finger. It fit perfectly.

Cameron brought her hand closer to her face to examine the sparkle more closely. The rose colored gold made the crystal clear stone stand out even more. Out of curiosity, she scanned the stone's clarity… and was surprised when her HUD flashed with a match.

"This is my diamond," she stated with some surprise.

John nodded. "I hope you don't mind. I found it while I was looking for my iPod in the duffel bag that day. I was surprised at how you kept it… like it meant a lot to you, even though I had only given it to you shortly after you first found us. I thought if it meant that much to you, then it would be perfect for this." He was rambling, and he knew it. He wasn't sure if she'd be upset that he had gone through her secret stuff, took something, then had it slightly physically altered.

"It is perfect," Cameron agreed. "Thank you…" She leaned over and brushed her lips over his.

It was a feather-light touch, but John thought he felt the earth shake. Or maybe that was just him shaking. He hadn't felt her lips on his in days. He managed to convince her to stay with him the night before, but she only offered comfort, nothing else.

Still, he wasn't quite sure how such soft, brief contact could turn his world upside down. All he knew was that it left him wanting more; and from the look on her face, she was in the same boat.

He reached up and laid his hand against her cheek, his thumb caressing her slightly parted lips. He leaned forward, sliding his hand through her hair and pulling her closer.

A knock on the door made them both jump. Reaching for guns, they both ran into the room. Cameron motioned for him to hide off to the side as she positioned herself in front of the door.

She called out, "Who is it?"

"Room service!"

John clicked off his safety.

"We didn't order room service!" Cameron called out again.

"Someone by the name of John Henry did." It sounded like a young woman, obviously confused.

Cameron glanced at John, who shrugged his shoulders. She tucked her 9 mm into her waistband and opened the door cautiously.

It was a young woman about sixteen, standing next to a cart laden with a bucket, bottle, and two glasses.

"I'm sorry to bother you…"

"It's all right, we just weren't expecting anything," Cameron said, forcing a smile and stepping away from the door to let the woman in.

John quickly tucked his own gun away and feigned nonchalance. He didn't want to make it obvious that he had actually been hiding while his girlfriend opened the door.

The young woman set the bucket and tray of glasses on the table and smiled shyly at them. She pushed her cart back out the door, glancing at John as she passed. As she shut the door behind her, they heard a clear Scottish accent. "Have a good evening, Mr. Connor."

John's jaw dropped. What was she doing there? Did they really need a babysitter?

"After the attack, it's probably a very good idea to have backup," Cameron said, as if she had read his mind.

"I just hope that girl is still alive somewhere," he mumbled, still staring at the closed door.

Cameron wandered over to the table to inspect the tray. "There's a note with the champagne."

John's mind barely registered the note, rather it focused in on the alcohol. He walked up beside Cameron and lifted the bottle out of the bucket. "Nice, it's thoroughly chilled."

"He's meeting with us tomorrow afternoon."

"Can you hand me a glass?"

"John…"

"He's meeting with us tomorrow. I got it. Glass, please?"

Cameron ignored him. "It says 'he knows who sent it'."

John groaned. "Buzz kill, Cam " He plucked the note from her hand. "I figured as much. No other reason he'd be leaving the Bat Cave. Let's deal with it tomorrow, okay?" He tossed the paper back onto the tray and grabbed a glass.

Cameron rolled her eyes and grabbed the bottle out of his hand.

"Hey!" John whined.

Taking hold of the top, she yanked out the cork and handed the bottle back to him. "That might help."

John stared at the now opened bottle, having not even noticed the cork before. "Um, thanks."

"You're welcome."

She grabbed her duffle bag from off the sofa and headed for the bathroom. "I'm going to change." She shut the door behind her with a soft click.

John stared at the door, his glass halfway to his lips. Well… that was odd.

Shrugging, he walked over to the bed and grabbed the TV remote from the nightstand. He flicked through the channels, not really paying attention to anything on the screen.

He mostly thought about how well the evening had gone. Cameron seemed to have enjoyed herself, and by God… she said yes. John couldn't help but smile.

He heard the bathroom door open and turned his head to see Cameron walk out… and almost dropped his champagne.

Clad… rather barely clad… in nothing but black lace, she strolled confidently over to the bed and stole the remote. Clicking off the TV and tossing the remote aside, she grabbed the precariously tilting glass from John's hand.

John just stared… and stared… and drooled a little bit… and stared some more. She had touched up her makeup, adding a little more than usual. Her hair was teased into sexy tousles, and he could smell the Victoria's Secret perfume he bought her. It was pretty much, hands down, the hottest thing he'd ever seen in his life.

"Something the matter, John?" Cameron asked, grinning evilly. She tilted the flute back and finished off his champagne, the new ring on her finger sparkling in the soft light of the room.

John tried to answer, but only managed to croak. He gave up when she climbed onto the bed and straddled him

She leaned forward and kissed him, a little harder than before. John parted his lips invitingly, and was surprised to feel the last sip of champagne trickle into his mouth. Holy hell, where did she learn that?

Caressing his tongue one last time with her own, Cameron pulled away and reached for the lamp, covering them with darkness.

"Happy Independence Day," she whispered, before starting her sensual attack.