"No!"

At that moment, I knew why he wouldn't leave me.

God. He'd…he'd die…for me? For something that couldn't be because of the regulations?

I lifted my hand and gently grazed the force shield; the blue energy crackled and hid half his face.

"Jack…" I whispered, trying to ignore the treacherous thundering of Jaffa stomping our way.

A tear slipped from my eye.

I couldn't pretend anymore.

The dread in his eyes increased, as I assume the sadness in mine did.

"I love you."

A sickening, single shot from a staff weapon rang out, and I felt a burning, deathly sensation torture my back with pain. I could practically feel my eyes popping out of their sockets, and I squeezed them shut as I fell.

I didn't want Jack to see my lifeless, crystal eyes.