“John...we can’t...this is wrong...I’m your uncle and-“ John stopped Derek’s tormented reasoning with a finger over his lips.
“Pretend we’re strangers.” He whispered: “Pretend it’s 2021 and we just met for the first time. Pretend I’m just another guy that escaped with your brother.”
“I didn’t know you were Kyle’s son back then.” Derek tried to argue.
“Does that change your feelings for me?” Derek looked away from John:
“It should.”
“That wasn’t what I asked.” The steel in John’s voice reminded Derek so much of the John Connor he had met first that he felt his resolve crumble.
“Did I love you?”
“John-“ Derek began in a pained voice but John didn’t let him:
“Did you love me? Do you love me?” The steely demand in John’s voice was laced with concern, with fear, just like it had been when Derek had returned from his imprisonment.
“You know the answer to that.”
“Do I?”
“John, this wrong.” Derek tried a last time: “And you know that.”
“Yes, I know and I knew in the future, too and yet I still chose you.” John came closer and wrapped his arms around Derek’s neck.
“Just pretend we’re strangers.” He whispered again: “Just pretend it’s 2021.”