Re: Derek/John/Anyone
John watched his uncle out of the corner of his eye. Talking about Cameron too often led to talk of the machines in general and Derek wouldn't budge on his opinions, while John's were more fluid and less damning. Still, he could hear that note in Derek's voice. "The frown wasn't what did it for me. She had a way of smiling when she said 'thank you for explaining' that could almost make me forget." He chuckled. "Of course, then she'd ask another question and I remembered again."
And he still kind of missed her.
"Honestly? I've always kind of thought it was a pretty basic choice. She's hot and my age. If you want a hormonal teenage boy to listen, send a pretty girl." Future him wasn't the only one who'd tried that tac either. But, John wasn't going to bring that up and really spoil the mood. "Right, a trip around the world in an afternoon. And no, Mexico doesn't count. It was better the first time, when I was little and we lived there. It was about the only time we ever celebrated Christmas. You probably would have loved the times we were in the jungles and rainforests."
The smile when Derek hugged him was automatic. Part of John still couldn't believe, despite all the time travel and changing things, that he got to have this second chance with his uncle. "I know she does. I didn't always. But, I do now." Grinning, he looked up at Derek. "Just between us. We can consider it payback for the girls always leaving the boys in the car while they went in and did the dirty work."