Title: Who Will Pick You Up When You Fall Down

Summary: When pushed too far even the strongest warrior may break. And when Jack is pushed to the brink how will he react and how will those who care most for him reach out to him.

Featured: Sam/Jack

Disclaimer: They're not mine, no infringement intended, no profit made, and no payment requested but reviews. :o)

A/N: Okay, so I tried to get this chapter out as quick as possible since the previous one ended kind of mid action. My computer got hit with a virus and it took a bit to get things straightened out, but it's back up and running. Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I got a number of reviews and comments from people about the first thing Jack says being Carter instead of Sam. I promise there is a reason for it, and that will hopefully become clear in the next couple chapters. :o)

Previously:

"I feel so useless. I don't know what else to do to help you. I wish… I wish you would talk to me, Sir," she admitted softly. There was a change to the look in his eyes, as if he was trying to make himself do something he really didn't want to. Eventually Sam let it go and turned toward the door.

"Carter."

Sam whipped around so quickly she almost lost her balance. His voice was rough, scratchy, and quiet but it was music to her ears.

Chapter 8

"Sir?" Sam's eyes couldn't have gotten much wider, but neither could her smile. She saw his hesitation before he gave her an almost imperceptible nod. "I need to tell Janet and the guys. I promise I won't let anyone bombard you with questions until you're ready," she added when she saw the apprehension in his eyes. He swallowed hard before giving her another tiny nod before she put her hand on his arm reassuringly. "I'm not going to disappear on you, Sir. I do, however, need to go talk to the others. I'll be back as fast as I can."

Practically running from the infirmary, Sam paused at the door long enough to smile back at Jack for a second. The trip to Daniel's office only took a moment, since he wasn't there at the time. Quickly making her way up to the General's office, Sam found three of the four people she was looking for. Both Daniel and Janet were in the office talking to the General, most likely about Jack. The instant that the General motioned her in the others gave her their undivided attention.

"Major, is something wrong?" The General was worried as he took in the slight flush of her features, she definitely looked as if she'd been running.

"No, Sir. In fact things are finally starting to go right." With a big smile she explained, "The Colonel spoke to me!"

Her enthusiasm was easy to catch as Janet saw the delight in her friend's eyes. "What did he say?"

"Carter. That's all, but when I turned around I said 'Sir?' and he nodded. He actually nodded, to two different questions! I promised him that he wouldn't get bombarded with questions until he's ready though." Sam was practically bouncing on her feet she was so relieved and ecstatic.

"Alright, Major, you can head back down there. Keep working on getting him to talk. We'll do a briefing on the situation tomorrow morning." The General dismissed her with a nod and had to hide his smile when Sam nearly ran for the door again.

Sam only stopped off long enough to grab some food for the two of them. By the time she reached the infirmary Jack was leaning back against the raised head of his bed. As soon as she stepped over though, he sat up and looked at her expectantly. "Hi, Sir. I brought food for us. Is tuna salad okay today?" She held her breath as she waited for him to respond. He gave her a suspicious look before he nodded. Dangit, he knew she was trying to get him to talk again. Half of her suspected that's why he'd nodded instead. Ornery and sneaky, some things just never change, she thought fondly.

Taking a seat next to him she handed over his sandwich and they both ate in relative silence. After several minutes Janet entered the infirmary, but made no attempt to talk to Jack. She simply watched him from across the room until he finished his sandwich. Once he was through, she made her way over. "Alright, Colonel, I need to take a listen for a moment," she said as she pulled out her stethoscope. To her surprise he lifted his shirt for her. After making a quick note on his chart Janet added, "I'm sure Sam told you that you can go to your quarters tomorrow night, if you keep eating regularly." She was shocked but pleased when he looked her in the face, something he had only done with Sam before now. A smile broke out on her face. "Nice to have you back, Colonel," she said as she lightly patted his leg. Sharing a relieved look with Sam, Janet turned toward her office.

Once Janet was out of earshot, Sam looked over at Jack and studied him. "Sir?" When he turned to look at her she continued. "You were afraid that if you spoke, somehow this would prove to be a trick or another dream, weren't you?" His jaw tightened and she knew his answer. "I'm sorry. If we'd been with you maybe…" She was shocked to have him interrupt her.

"No."

Seeing the look on his face she remembered the threats and lewd suggestions his captor had made about her. She hung her head. If she'd been with him they still would have used her against him, and he would likely be blaming himself for her getting hurt. Regardless of the situation, he had finally talked to her. It only amounted to two words, but it was a start. At this point she would take it, even if it wasn't much. Moving her laptop back over onto his tray she started it up, "Would you like to watch some more Simpsons?" He grinned. That was good enough, so she started the show up and turned the tray his way.

While he watched his favorite little yellow people, Sam watched him. His frame was still tense and there was a wariness in his eyes whenever he glanced her way. Oh my gosh, why hadn't she realized it before? To him, speaking was like giving in, if this was some reality made to trick him. His words were careful and hesitant, because if this wasn't real his captors would yank the rug out from under him any second and use their knowledge that he was still in there against him. All the torture he'd gone through would start over again. They would know it was an act, a form of self preservation, and they would put an end to it for him. Speaking was his ultimate test. That was why he seemed to be trying to force himself to do it earlier, and why he seemed so wary of everything now. He'd spoken one word, which his captors could have seen as a fluke, but now he'd spoken more than once and interacted with someone besides her. He had just been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Realizing that she'd been lost in thought for a few minutes Sam refocused on the man in front of her only to find that he was staring at her intently. Tears welled in her eyes as she returned his gaze. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you about talking. I didn't even realize how much of a leap of faith that would be now. I'm…I'm really glad it was me you spoke to, Sir. I really missed you," she added softly as she ducked her head. Only a few seconds went by before his hand gently lifted her chin. She looked into his searching eyes and gave him a small smile. So softly that she almost didn't hear it he said, "Missed you." Releasing her chin, he returned to the episode he was watching. Deep down, Sam knew how much trust he was putting in her, believing her when she promised him this was reality. She just hoped that he would start putting that trust in the others around them as well.

Sorry this update is short, but I didn't want to leave it hanging. Please review if you are so inclined. Oh who am I kidding, Pleeeeaaaseeeeee review. ;o)

Oz Lovi