Life couldn't get boring for the young John Connor. He was lying on his bed, as usual, while his mother was out looking for a new temporary job. He wondered, what kind of a life he leads now? Sure they had stopped the world from burning, but it had cost him his happiness, a chance to lead a normal life like normal people.

He can't take admission in any school, for fear of being recognized. Sure, he is older now, still his face hasn't changed much. Anyone who saw the face of ten years old John, can easily recognize the sixteen year old John. His chance of creating a recognition for himself in the world, other than the future leader of mankind, was gone now, forever. He was getting both irritated and frustrated. It was getting almost impossible for him to continue this life day after day. He needed to think about an alternative.

But right now, he is going to go out and get some fresh air outside in the streets.

John locked the door, and stepped on the streets. He went straight to the pizza shop, to check on Morris. That guy was friendly and nice. But John was unlucky. He didn't find Morris in the shop, there was someone else, since it wasn't Morris' day to sit in the shop.

He sighed deeply. Then his eyes fell on the mall, and he suddenly got an idea. The money his mom gave him yesterday for the pizzas was not all spent. He still has some left in his pocket. Maybe he could get in the video game parlor and have some nice time, even if it is just for a day. Wasting no more time, John moved towards his destination.

Once John reached there, he found that the video game parlor wasn't too crowded. John would never admit to anyone, but his reason for visiting the mall was not only for the video games. He wanted to see that girl again, who was waving at him yesterday. He looked around for signs of her, but she was nowhere to be seen. He frowned a bit. He was being stupid yesterday. He could've easily talked with her yesterday, but no he just ran away like a fool.

Pushing the thought of the girl away from his mind, he approached one of the consoles and sat down. He has like two hours to use the console for the money he has spent. He began to check the games the console has, but at that moment his attention from the console got diverted by a voice from his left side.

"What's your name?" A female voice asked, John.

John turned towards his left and his eyes shone brightly. It was that very girl, from yesterday and the one he was looking for. She was sitting on the console to his left. John realized he was staring and he needed to answer her question.

"Ah…John." He said, with a small smile.

"Cameron." She replied, with a smile of her own.

John felt butterflies in his stomach seeing her smile like that towards him. John had no idea why. He had seen many beautiful girls before, sure he never had the chance to talk to them, but he never felt like this, what he feels whenever he looks at this girl.

"Nice name." She added, when John didn't reply.

"Yours too." John said, getting out of his thoughts.

"Never seen you here before, John. Did you just move in here?" She asked, sweetly.

"Yeah, I just moved in here yesterday with my mom."

"What about your dad?"

John tensed slightly at her question. It was a normal question, but talking about Kyle Reese was a sensitive subject for both him and his mom, especially his mom.

"He is dead." John replied and looked away.

Cameron's expression saddened slightly. "I am sorry."

John smiled slightly. "It's okay. I never knew my dad. He died before I was even born."

"Oh. Thank you for explaining."

"What about you? You've been here for a long time?"

"I have been staying here for a month. I got a nice job here, as a librarian. I'd spend my free hours here. It feels relaxing to divert my mind away from the cruel reality of this world."

John found it very easy to talk to this girl. She never made him uncomfortable in any way. "What about your parents? Don't you study?"

"I was born an orphan, John. Since I started to understand, my life has been a struggle, just to earn enough money to have a place to live and earn my everyday food."

"I am sorry. I didn't know." John apologized.

Cameron smiled. "Like you said, John, I never knew my parents. So, it is okay."

John couldn't help but smile again. She is really nice. "So…ah, do you have interest in these video games?"

"Yeah, I actually like them. In fact, whenever I am able to gather some extra cash, I come here and spend some time."

"Great. We can play together then." John offered.

"Sure. But John, can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Ah. Shoot? Why would I want to shoot you?"

John laughed at her, "I meant you can ask."

"Oh."

"What do you want to ask?"

"When I first saw you and waved at you, why did you run away yesterday?"

"Ah…" John's face turned red.

"It's just that my mother is kind of uptight. She doesn't want me to spend time with an unknown person. She is just, you know, concerned." John paused. "And paranoid."

"She loves you. Isn't it?"

"Yeah. I have all she got. She was really hurt when my father died."

"I understand. Losing a loved one is not easy."

"And…" John hesitated.

"You can tell me, John." She whispered and placed her hand over his. "It will be our secret." She smiled at him.

John was really surprised at her behavior and forwardness.

"It's kind of embarrassing. Actually I am not used to talking to girls, especially a beautiful girl like you Cameron. I got nervous, when I realized you wanted to talk to me, on your own accord."

Cameron's smile grew at John's answer. "You think I am beautiful?"

John let out an embarrassing smile. "Of course, you are Cameron. Don't you know that?"

"No one has ever said something like this to me, ever. Everyone I met always hated me, except one person. Then he sent me away."

John placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Don't you remember the words of those assholes, Cameron. You are a great person. Trust me."

Cameron looked at him with her chocolate eyes. John's green eyes met her chocolate ones. None of them gave any indication to look away, but Cameron reacted first. "Your eyes are a nice shade of green."

John was taken aback at her sudden comment. "What? Oh. My eyes. Yeah. Maybe."

"Not maybe." Cameron protested. "Your eyes are really pretty. I like them."

John was now blushing. "So… who was this person who sent you away even though he cared about you? Your boyfriend?" John asked the question curiously, but inside his heart he felt jealousy. He gets to talk to her only for a few minutes and he is already feeling possessive about her.

"Boyfriend? No. He was my mentor. He explained things to me when no else would, he would answer my questions which everyone ignored, he was the only one who would listen to my suggestions, also he was the only one who trusted me most." Cameron explained.

John felt an insane surge of relief when he heard that Cameron never had a boyfriend. He knew it was ridiculous that he felt that way about someone only after a short meeting, but he just couldn't help it. Cameron is really like no other girl. She is different. John knew what he felt for Cameron was not something as simple as attraction, it was much more complex.

"If this person cared for you so much, why did he send you away?" John asked.

"It was necessary. He had no other choice."

John was angry now. Why did this man hurt her? "We always have a choice, Cameron."

"Maybe. But he said this is my fate."

John disagreed instantly. "My mom always tells me, there is no fate but what we make. I believe these words."

"He also said, I would understand one day, why he'd sent me away. Maybe, I am beginning to understand now." She said, while looking at John.

Under her intent stare John flushed. "Um…do you want to game now?" John asked, trying to divert the topic.

It worked. "Yes." She agreed with a small smile.

After an hour, John was walking outside the mall with Cameron at his side. They both played video games competing against each other. John won the first two games, beating Cameron easily. But from the third game, she just destroyed him. But John was not angry that he lost to her, he was happy because after a long time, he really had a good time. And he was looking forward to doing this again, with her of course.

"You fooled me, Cameron." John said, looking at Cameron.

Cameron's smile instantly vanished with his statement. "What do you mean?"

"You acted like a novice back there, and then proceeded to destroy me completely?" John laughed.

"Oh. Are you mad that I defeated you repeatedly? I can let you win next time." She asked with a cute expression on her face, which John didn't fail to notice.

"No. No." He protested immediately. "I am not mad and I don't want you to let me win, next time. You are better than me and I have learnt some new tricks from you, which I will not hesitate to use on you next time. So be ready to get your ass kicked next time." John wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She laughed, "Is that a challenge, John?"

John stopped and stood face to face with her. "Are you up for the challen…" John couldn't finish his sentence, as someone collided with his back. He couldn't keep his balance against the collision and fell right on Cameron. Surprising him completely she stopped him from falling right on top of her completely by placing her hands over his chest, but it was not good enough, as their lips collided, against each other.

John was in heaven. This is what he had wanted secretly, but couldn't do it. Neither he or her, pulled back from the kiss. John wondered, whether she wanted for this to happen too? Knowing he was being inappropriate, John pulled back, mastering all his self-control, and looked at Cameron's face.

Her eyes were wide with surprise.

Okay, she didn't want this to happen. John quickly realized.

"I am sorry." He apologized immediately. "I really am."

But she didn't respond. She was still staring at him with wide eyes. Seeing this John felt guilty.

"Cameron. I am really sorry. I didn't do it on purpose. I swear." John was now panicking. He didn't want to lose her friendship.

After several seconds, she seemed to realize what was happening. She smiled slightly. "It's okay, John. I am not upset with you. I know you didn't want to do it intentionally." She accepted his apology.

John let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks for not being mad at me."

"There was nothing to be upset about, John. You don't have to apologize to me."

"Sure there was. I should've been more careful." John said, sadly.

"Hey, drop it." She said, cheerfully.

John agreed and smiled apologetically. They went their rest of the way to the gate of the mall quietly, since John was still too embarrassed, excited and aroused to speak. He may have apologized to her, but he couldn't get his mind off that kiss. He couldn't forget the softness and taste of her lips against his. It felt much better than he expected it to be. It was perfect.

"I should go now." John said.

"Wait. There's something I have to tell…" Without finishing her words, Cameron tackled John to the ground at lighting speed, just before John felt a bullet miss his head, by inches and the glass of the mall door shattered. People screamed. John also realized that Cameron just saved his life. Showing a great display of strength, Cameron immediately pulled John on his feet and rushed him behind the solid walls of the mall. Cameron peaked from cover once, then looked back at John who looked both confused and tense.

"Come with me." She said, hoping that he'd understand. And he did.

"Where are we going?" He asked, as she led him further inside the mall.

"You are not safe here." That's all she said.

She led him inside a clothing store and bought a jacket with hoodie, new jeans, a mask that covers the lower portion of people's face, a cap and goggles. John had no idea what she was doing. She placed all the pieces of clothing in John's hand.

"Get changed."

John nodded and headed towards the changing room. It was right there, but as John was walking away he saw that Cameron was paying everything in cash. John came out after changing, wearing the jacket and jeans. Cameron immediately came to him and handed him the mask. He wore it wordlessly. Then she pulled the hoodie over his head gently, and placed the cap over his head.

"Here, wear this." She handed him the goggles that she bought for him.

John did so wordlessly. He then checked his reflection in the mirror. No one would recognize him now. His face was completely covered by the cap, mask and glasses. He understood what Cameron was doing. But there are a lot of questions which he needs answered.

Who was that shooter? Why would he try to kill him? John was sure that it was not the police, they would try to arrest him, not kill him. There was only one enemy who wanted to end John's life, but it was not possible. John could tell that this shooter was a man, not a Terminator. No terminator would hide and try to snipe him. If it wanted him dead, he'd probably be dead by now. It would not care about spectators, or prying eyes. It would carry out its objectives against all odds. Then who?

And what about Cameron? Her behavior was odd to John. No normal would be able to react the way she did. Also, in the midst of the shooting she remained calm and composed. Never losing her cool. She knew exactly what to do in that situation. Any other girl in her place would've panicked and ran off. Something doesn't add up.

"We have to go now." Cameron said urgently, appearing beside him.

"Wait." John stopped her. "Who are you really?"

"This is not the time, John. The police will be here anytime now. We have to go now." She said, looking in John's eyes.

John dragged her to a corner and hissed angrily. "I am not going anywhere unless you tell me the truth. I want to know what the hell is going on. Also why are you so concerned about the police?"

Cameron knew John was being stubborn. If he made up his mind about doing something no one would be able to make him think otherwise. That's one of his traits, she liked. She also knew that this is not the place nor the time for explanation. She chose the fastest way to make him understand. She looked at him and her eyes glowed blue.

John staggered back on his feet and leaned against the wall behind him. His heart was breaking, and at the same time he felt sad. He understands now.

"I am here to protect you, John." Cameron said.

John berated himself as a fool mentally. He should've understood that he never had a chance to get a beautiful girl like Cameron to show interest towards him, with just a mere glance. Turned out she was not even human, but a machine. He should've known that the Judgment Day was not over. It's starting all over again. They didn't stop Skynet, Cameron is the proof. He had no idea what lies ahead in his future, but for now he agreed to follow Cameron.


SOMETIME LATER AT CAMERON'S SAFEHOUSE

John was sitting in a chair, facing Cameron who stood in front of him, watching him intently.

"Now tell me, everything." John demanded.

"I was sent here to protect you." Cameron deadpanned.

"How is it possible? We destroyed Cyberdyne along with everything that was tied to Skynet." John asked. "You shouldn't exist."

"Yes. But you only delayed Judgment Day. Miles Dyson's plans for the revolutionary chip were already stolen before you destroyed Cyberdyne." Cameron revealed.

"Who would steal Dyson's work?"

"When Skynet sent two Terminators back in time, to kill Sarah Connor and you, it also sent back several of his agents through TDE. The Resistance weren't able to track them as they were sent to different times and places."

"Agents? What agents? Are they machines?"

"No. They are humans. In the future, many humans have joined Skynet because of the luxury and life Skynet offered to them. We call them Grays."

"I don't understand. I thought Skynet wanted to destroy all of humanity. Why would it recruit humans at its side?"

"Because there are some things which Skynet's terminators won't be able to accomplish. It needed humans to take care of such tasks and also to learn more about human psychology. If Skynet knew how a human mind works in certain situations, it would have a great advantage. Near the end of the war, Skynet knew it was losing, that's why it created the TDE, sent Terminators back to eliminate you from existence. But Skynet also had another plan to make sure its existence remains intact, because it knew in the future you would send someone back to protect you and Sarah Connor. Also it predicted that there's a chance that you will also try to stop Skynet from ever being created. It wanted to make sure that its existence would remain intact, and the Grays were chosen." Cameron explained.

"Why humans? It could've sent more machines back in time."

"Skynet wanted to but the Skynet central core was destroyed before it could send more terminators back in time through TDE. Humans don't require control like machines."

"Who was that shooter back at the mall?"

"It was a Gray."

"But how did he recognize me? We destroyed every link to the past."

"I don't know, John. But someone may have betrayed you. Someone who knew you or your mother."

John nodded in understanding. "So you are here to save me from whom? Those Grays?"

"Yes. I also have another mission."

"Another mission? What mission?"

"To stop Judgment Day."

That surprised John. He thought she was here just to protect him. "Do you know where Skynet would get created?"

"No. Skynet has already been created. It is actively hunting for you now, because it has learnt all about you from the Grays."

John sighed. "So, you have no idea how to stop this, do you?"

"I have already halted some of Skynet's plans. It was not permanent, it will find another way."

John was surprised again, by her. "What plans? What was it trying to do?"

"It had ordered several shipments of titanium alloy through black market. I have stopped it. But…"

"It will find another way." John completed. "What do you think it's trying to do? Create terminator armies?"

"Unlikely." Cameron disagreed. "Terminators were created in automated factories. Skynet won't be able to hide such activities from prying eyes."

"Maybe, you are right. But I am sure it is planning for something else. Do you have any ideas?" John asked, looking at Cameron.

"No."

"Great. So what will we do next?"

"We must leave this city at once. Skynet has already tracked you here. It is not safe anymore."

John shook his head. "Nowhere is ever safe, unless Skynet is gone. Still, you are right. We should disappear and plan our next course of action."

"You will make plans. I will make sure they succeed." Cameron offered.

"No. I can't just sit inside a house while you risk yourself trying to get to Skynet. I will come with you." Cameron immediately opened her mouth in protest, but John stopped her. "I am done running around. Now it is time to take the fight to Skynet."

Cameron smiled slightly at him, as she saw glimpses of the future leader in young John. "We cannot do this alone. We will require help."

"Help? Who would help us, Cameron?"

"Future you should have sent Resistance soldiers after me, back in time, to help us prevent Judgment Day. We need to find them."

"One last question. Before you, my future self sent protectors back in time, to protect me, not to prevent the war. Why did he send you with this specific mission?"

"In the future after the humans won the war against Skynet, it was soon discovered that the world was unfit for human survival. Too much radiation has destroyed the fertility and life of the planet. The only solution was to prevent Judgment Day." Cameron explained.

John nodded in understanding. His expression is grave. Cameron noticed this, and she knew why. What John thought had ended permanently, is starting all over again. But she also knew there was another reason for him to be in a bad mood.

"I am sorry, John."

John looked at her curiously. "Sorry? For what?"

"For not revealing to you who I was before, when we first started conversation." She said, and seemed genuinely sorry.

"It's okay. I understand that you had to get close to me." John accepted her apology. He showed that he didn't care much, but actually he cared a lot. The friendship that was building between them, was really valuable to him, when she seemed so genuine, while talking to him. It hurt. It had hurt a lot when the truth was revealed. He thought there was something special building between him and Cameron and that kiss, even if it was unintentional and happened accidentally, it meant a lot to him. He couldn't forget about it, no matter how hard he tried. So, he understood why she did what she did, but it didn't mean that it didn't hurt.

"I wanted to tell you, back at the mall but I got interrupted." Cameron said, truthfully. "I know I have hurt you, John. But I have never lied to you. I will be your friend if you want me to be." Cameron offered, but she seemed hesitant.

John noticed her hesitancy. It was so unlike a terminator, it seemed human. He had seen advanced terminators like the T-1000, which were able to mimic human emotions to some extent, but not like this, not like her. Her reactions, her movements, expressions, everything is so different. And she was right, she had never lied to him, all those times about her past she was talking about, she had meant the future timeline and John's future self. It seemed that she was actually capable of feeling like a human. John knew it was impossible, no matter how advanced model terminator she is.

"Except one thing. I don't like video games." Cameron added.

John laughed even at this grave situation. Although he can't have what he wanted to have with her, at least he would be able to have her as his friend. "I would like that. I will be your friend, Cameron."

She immediately returned his smile.

"I have to get back home, get my things and contact my mom. She needs to know this." John said, his expression turning serious again.

"It is extremely dangerous, John. The Grays are likely waiting for you there." Cameron warned.

John's eyes widened in shock. "What? I have to alert my mom, immediately."

Cameron remained silent.

John immediately dialed his mother's number but the line didn't connect. He tried again and again, but still it didn't work.

"Stupid phone!" John spat, with frustration. He looked at Cameron, "What time is it now?"

"It is 05.07 P.M."

"Shit!" John cursed. "This means she is already home."

"And she is probably being held hostage by the Grays at your home. They are waiting for you." Cameron completed for him.

"We have to go now." John said, getting up and moving towards the door.

But Cameron didn't move. He looked at her questioningly. "You coming?"

"This is extremely dangerous, John." Cameron protested.

John looked at Cameron, his eyes were burning with anger. "I have already told you, I am done running around. They want John Connor, they will have him."

Cameron nodded. "Very well. Take this." She threw her nine millimeter at him which he caught easily.

John nodded at her with determination in his eyes.

They are doing this.


A/N - So yeah, John seems a bit different here. He has already accepted that he will never have a normal life, and from what Cameron revealed to him, he have to do his best to stop Judgment Day. He has no other option. Also Cameron is not emotionless here. She may not be able to understand everything, but she understands a few things, like John's emotions.

This story will follow the show, but in a different way. This is a Jameron story but slow burn.

So do you like the kiss scene between John and Cameron? Please share your thoughts about this. :P

Let me know your thoughts about this chapter by reviews. Your reviews really helps me to understand what readers want, like/dislike and I will try to improve them to my best. If you really dislike this and want me to discontinue, you can mention that too. I am not a great writer, but I try my best.

Thanks.