The Chains That Bind - MLM (John Kramer X M!Reader)

Chapter 24: Echoes of the Past

The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft, muted rays across the room. You stirred awake, your body warm and pressed close to John's, his steady breathing a comfort beside you. For a moment, you simply lay there, the quiet intimacy of the morning wrapping around you like a blanket. It was a rare moment of peace, one you had grown to cherish more and more as John's health continued to deteriorate.

His breathing was a little heavier than usual, a subtle reminder of the cancer slowly taking its toll on him. You shifted slightly, turning toward him, and without thinking, pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek-a small, affectionate gesture that had become second nature in these private moments. John stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he glanced at you. There was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, a smile that was reserved only for you, though it carried the weight of everything unsaid between you.

"Good morning," you whispered softly, your voice barely above a murmur, not wanting to break the stillness of the moment.

John hummed in response, his voice gravelly from sleep but still carrying that familiar air of control. "Morning," he replied, his hand brushing lightly over your arm. The touch was brief but intimate, a quiet acknowledgment of your presence.

You sat up slowly, careful not to disturb him too much, and swung your legs over the edge of the bed. The day ahead would be like any other-filled with preparations, plans, and tests-but for now, you allowed yourself a brief moment to simply exist with him. The weight of the world, of the games, seemed distant in the early morning light.

As you stood, you glanced back at John, who remained lying in bed, watching you with a measured gaze. "I'll get your medication," you said quietly, knowing that his condition required constant care, a routine you had become well-acquainted with.

He didn't respond, but the slight nod of his head was enough. You made your way to the small table where his medication was stored, quickly preparing the pills and a glass of water. Returning to his side, you handed him the water, watching as he took the pills without complaint, his expression unreadable as always.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice soft but sincere, as he handed the glass back to you.

You nodded, your heart aching slightly at the sight of him like this-vulnerable, human. It was a side of John you rarely saw, the man behind the cold, calculated Jigsaw persona. But in these moments, it was just the two of you, and the weight of his condition was impossible to ignore.

The day moved forward as usual, and as John gathered his strength to work again, you followed closely behind, helping him as you always did. He refused to rest as much as he needed, his drive to continue his work overpowering his physical limitations. It was this determination that had drawn you to him in the first place, but now, watching him push himself, it filled you with a sense of worry you couldn't shake.

As you both descended into the workshop, the familiar sight of blueprints, machines, and traps greeted you. John moved with purpose, his mind clearly focused on the next test, but you couldn't help but notice the slight tremble in his hands as he worked.

"Maybe you should take a break," you suggested gently, watching as he adjusted one of the metal devices on the table. He didn't look up, his focus unwavering, but you could see the tension in his shoulders.

"I can't afford to rest," John replied, his tone firm, but you caught the edge of exhaustion in his voice. "There's too much at stake."

You sighed quietly, moving to stand beside him. "I know, but you need to take care of yourself too. If you push too hard-"

"I'm fine," he interrupted, though his hand shook as he placed a wrench down on the table. His eyes met yours briefly, a flicker of something softer in them before he turned back to his work. "There are people who need to be tested. People who need to learn."