None of Stargate belongs to me, it belongs to lots of others but unfortunately not me so you no the drill, this is not written for profit etc, etc,etc.

"Hi, sir have you got a minute?" Carter was stood in O'Neill's doorway, on hearing her voice O'Neill looked up and indicated that she should have a seat. Carter sat down looking completely at home in O'Neill's presence, no one else but Carter could sit down in his office without any fear of him, even his infamous stare didn't have any effect on her and that was the reason she was his best friend.

"For you Carter? Always." he smiled, and she gave him a small smile in return.

"Sir, I was wondering, these last few days, you've seemed rather on edge, airmen are going out of their way more than normal just to make sure they don't run in to you. With all respect sir, what's the matter?" O'Neill looked at his most trusted and closest friend, the truth was the inner turmoil of the past week was nothing unusual, he had been unaware that his outward behavior was portraying more of his inner anguish than normal, he would have to try and change that.

"Carter, i'm fine really." O'Neill said, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder, Carter looked unconvinced.

"General, can I ask you a question?" Sam asked some what more hesitant than usual.

"How many times have people let you down sir?" O'Neill started at this question.

"A couple Carter, why?"

"I was just wondering sir...how do you deal with it sir?"

"What's that Carter?"

"Do you bottle it up sir, shut it away?" O'Neill stared at Carter, attempting to figure out where this was going..

"Carter...you know that i'm a man of few words, I don't really do all these feelings and everything." O'Neill said shifting uncomfortably. "But the answer is yes, I do." Carter looked at him in surprise at his admission.

"And if I was doing that then you would tell me to..." Carter began hopefully.

"Talk to me Carter, you shouldn't bottle it up, not when i'm here for you, Carter."

"Thanks sir, same stands for you of course."

"Yes, well." O'Neill said again becoming uncomfortable.

"Sir?"

"I just, well all my friends are leaving me Carter, you're off to Area 51 in a few months, Teal'c's going to be going back to the Jaffa council and Danny's well Danny's still getting over his semi-ascension."

"You're bottling it up sir." O'Neill looked at her realising the truth of her words.

"Yes Carter, I am, now go and play with your doo-hickeys, I have work too do."

"But Sir..."

"Dismissed Carter." Carter turned and walked out curing she had almost got him to open up to her, maybe next time, she mused.