Chapter 11
After dinner they relaxed in the living area watching TV and chatting about what things might be like at the SGC with Sam in a civilian post until it was quite late and they both began yawning. It was then Sam realised they would have to sort out sleeping arrangements; the cabin only had one bedroom. Sam was interrupted from her thoughts when Jack addressed the self same subject directly "When you're ready, you can take my bed and I'll take the couch"
"No!" Sam exclaimed startled, then continued more calmly "No, I can't take your bed. I'll have the couch"
"Really Sam, I want you to take my room"
"No, this is your place plus I'm shorter and my back's in better condition, it makes sense."
"Sam, I don't want to argue I'm not gonna let you sleep on the couch"
"Fine" Sam said exasperated "then we'll have to share, because I'm not gonna let you sleep on the couch either!" Only once it was too late did Sam realise the implication of what she had just blurted out, and her eyes went wide and she gaped at Jack as he just replied
"Fine" in an equally determined voice "You can use the bathroom first"
Still in shock at what she had just suggested and that Jack had agreed Sam went quietly into the bathroom. It wasn't as if they hadn't slept in close quarters off world before, and she had just resigned so it wasn't illegal or anything she rationalised, it was just … she puffed out a breath, she didn't know what was bothering her, apart from the fact this was something she had been dreaming of for 6 years, she was actually going to be in Jack O'Neill's bed with Jack O'Neill!
She couldn't hide out in the bathroom all night she decided so headed out and then went into the only bedroom at Jack's gesturing. She headed straight for the bed and got in before she could lose her nerve, and was overwhelmed by the scent of Jack that surrounded her. She was starting to enjoy the comfort of being in Jack's bed wondering what side he preferred to sleep on when he entered the room.
Sam was facing away from the door on her right side when he came in so she could only hear not see him. When she heard the zip of his jeans being undone she froze and stared at the wall, she had half expected Jack to go to the couch instead. But no, she felt the mattress give and he had gotten in beside her. "You still okay with this?" Jack whispered aware of the tension in Sam's body as she lay with her back to him.
Trying to sound confident, this was her idea after all Sam said "Yeah, this isn't the first time we've slept this close together" They had always gravitated towards each other in tents off world and there were certain missions when they had had to sleep very closely to conserve body heat, or because they had been imprisoned in a very small space, that kind of thing but never actually in a bed.
"This is bit nicer than in Antarctica though huh?"
"Definitely, there's no risk of us freezing to death in here" Sam started to relax and turned onto her back towards Jack and smiled at him shyly.
"No" Jack agreed smirking back at her "Now go to sleep Sam" Jack whispered and gave her a light kiss on the forehead.
"Yes sir" Sam replied closing her eyes and relaxing fully into the mattress a small smile still on her face. The comfort of being surrounded by Jack and the soft sound of his breathing lulled Sam to sleep.
It didn't take long for Sam to unconsciously snuggle up to the warmth of Jack's body. She rolled from her back to her left side resting her head against his shoulder and throwing her arm across his chest. She sighed contentedly at her new position and Jack allowed himself an indulgent smile as he put an arm around Sam.
Jack was awake for some time after Sam had fallen asleep just thinking. He felt like his luck was finally changing, from his awful experiences something good had somehow emerged. Sam wanted him and she seemed willing to accept whatever little he could offer her while offering all of her self to him. He knew that he had a lot to deal with before he would be able to give himself fully to Sam, but he knew that was what he wanted to do. He had never been able to give himself fully to Sarah, but he knew he could to Sam, and that thought didn't scare him like he expected it would. Feeling more at peace than he had in a long time, Jack fell asleep his arms tightening around Sam.
