A/n: I wrote this like forever ago. seriously, it's Ancient. (pun intended)
Vigil
The room was dark and quiet. The only light was provided by the monitor, its harsh green bathing the face of the sleeping form whose labored breathing was the only sound. The room's other occupant sat quietly in the uncomfortable chair, nursing a cold cup of bad coffee from the Commissary. A sigh escaped his lips.
"How many times has it been?" he asked quietly. "How often have I sat here, watching you, worrying that you might not wake up?" He shifted his weight uneasily, trying in vain to ease the discomfort in his back and wishing mightily for his own warm bed at home. Hell, he'd settle for the bunk beds in the duty quarters. And yet if anyone, least of all the Night Nurse, suggested that he leave and get some rest, he would vehemently refuse to leave his friend's side. "He needs someone here when he wakes up, someone to let him know he's safe." She knew better than to argue.
He sighed again, noting again the lines of fatigue and pain on the face of the man sleeping restlessly. "One of these days, Pal, your luck will run out. I won't be there to rescue you. And then where would I be? Hmm? I need you around. I need you to keep me centered, to be the voice of reason."
He leaned forward then, ignoring the back muscles that groaned in protest and lightly grasped his friend's hand. Squeezing ever so gently, he whispered "Please. Please wake up. Let me know you are still with us." The sleeping figure stirred a little, and minutely returned the squeeze. Barley felt, but the movement elicited a huge grin of relief.
The long hours of night passed slowly. The monitor continued to beat a steady rhythm in green lines that grew steadily more pronounced in their peaks, signaling that the patient's heart rate was growing stronger. His breathing grew quieter, less labored, while the other man began to snore.
Just before dawn, the patient awoke. Groggy, at first he panicked, not knowing exactly where he was or why his mouth and nose were covered by a mask. He knocked the IV line in his arm askew, setting off the alarm on the monitor. The other man woke with a start and immediately grasped his friend's shoulders, steadying him. Placing his face directly above his friend, he spoke "Easy there, slugger. It's okay. You are in the SGC. You're safe now."
"Safe." The word was mouthed, but no sound came. But the panicked look in his eyes faded, his breathing slowed, and he relaxed. "Safe." This time, it came out in a croak, but was accompanied by a very wan smile. The Duty Nurse came in, shooed the one man out of the way and began to take some readings. She was apparently satisfied with what she saw, and removed the oxygen mask with the admonishment that he take it easy for a while longer. "No exerting yourself for a good long while, Mister." This was said with a glare to the waiting figure impatient to get back within his friend's sight that faded to a gentle smile when she turned back to the man lying on the hospital bed.
"I called Sam and T. They'll be by later to see you." "You stayed all night?" came out in a weak whisper that Jack had to strain to hear. "Of course I did. I always do." He retorted, as if the very thought of not staying was out of the question. Daniel smiled again and reached for his friend's hand. "Thanks." "Always, Daniel. You know that. You will never be alone." And with that, Daniel drifted back into a restful slumber, still clasping Jack's hand and smiling faintly. Jack hooked his leg onto the legs of the chair and dragged it closer so that he could sit with his friend a while longer. The Duty Nurse brought him a hot cup of bad Commissary coffee and a pastry, which he ate quietly, still staring thoughtfully into space until Duty called. He left Daniel sleeping and went to report that once again, Daniel Jackson had beat the odds.