I do not own anything. If you recognize it, it is not mine.

Sorry for the delay, but as I have already written it's time of the exams and I started some hardcore procrastinating…

Thank you for your reviews. Please write many more.

Carter fell asleep soon after he pulled the blanket over her body, tucking the corners underneath her shoulders and her legs. Laura mentioned that warmth is helping the body breaking down the poison, so he wanted to make sure Carter doesn't get cold during the night.

Thankfully Laura left after she finished with Gracie, so he didn't have to argue the case for him to sleep in the infirmary. His brain was still struggling with the inputs of the last hour. At the time he tried very hard to shut it in his mind drawer where he kept everything he couldn't deal with. But it kept popping up into his thoughts anyway.

He had held her so close before, but that was when he comforted her after a nightmare. This time she was fully awake, participating in the little touches. He sucked in a deep breath, remembering how she felt in his arms. How strongly she grabbed at him after she tripped, locking her arms around his neck. Her hair was pushed into his face for a moment, smelling faintly of the flowery shampoo Laura gave them.

He knew she was disappointed with the way today's session went. The problem with military personnel getting through therapy was that they were taught to push through the difficulties at any price, which wasn't really helpful mindset to get the best recovery. She needed to listen to her body and take it at a manageable pace.

She came close to tears more than once. He knew her too well to overlook the signs. But be that as it may, she soldiered on as always. He wished there was more he could do to help.

"Mmmm?" Sounded in the room, as Carter turned onto her side, shrugging off the blanket a little.

O'Neill sighed and got up to cover her again. Before he was able to do that, she moved again to lie on the other side.

"No…" She whispered again, but this time with anger, letting the blanket fall down to the floor. "The samples…"

"Oh, Sam. Let the doohickies alone for now and rest." He threw the blanket over her again, but before he could arrange it nicely, her hands snatched it again. "Uh…"

Her head was turned away from him, but he couldn't help but hear a strangled cry. His heart leapt into his throat at that sound.

"Sam?"

She stirred a little, but didn't wake up. Her plump lips were slightly apart, quivering as he watched her. After another heart-wrenching sob, she spoke very clearly. "Goodbyes really suck."

"Huh?" Again he draped the blanket around her, only to see her grimace in pain and start fussing. "Carter, stop! You'll hurt yourself."

At that remark, she blinked and opened her eyes, which only resulted in a desperate exhale. She sat up quickly, almost crushing into his body.

"Carter, do you hear me? You're safe." He pushed a chair closer and sat down, not taking his eyes off his blind teammate.

"S-sir?" A mirthless smile appeared on her face as she settled into the sitting position. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"Yes, Carter, it's me."

"But… You, you have…" Her hand searched the edge of the bed and then gripped it tightly. Then she raised the hand and felt around the air, trying to locate him. "Where...?"

He took the hand, lightly, knowing she probably experienced a nightmare or a flashback. "I'm here."

She turned towards his voice. "But after Kynthia… I remember you were infected with nanites. And General Hammond ordered me to destroy all the samples. Without them it was impossible to find the cure. I… I-I don't understand."

"Carter." He interrupted her panic and laid his other hand on hers as well. "No worries. You figured it out in the end. I'm fine."

She was shaking as she ran her fingers slowly up his arms, all the way to his broad shoulders. His pulse sped up as her hands went over the hem of his shirt and onto his neck, where she traced a scar. Her touch was gentle, light and very hesitant.

Continuing with her exploration, she left one hand on his shoulder and caressed his cheek with the other. With all that was happening, he didn't have time to shave as often, so her hands encountered some very rough stubble. She didn't stop, though. He felt her hand playing with his short hair next, lightly tugging at them at times. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. She froze for a moment.

As her hands slid down his forehead, he closed his eyes. The tips of her fingers timidly explored every inch of his face, from his temples to his chin and everywhere in between. Her touch was light like a feather, sometimes he wondered if she was even touching him at all. But then she moved her fingers and he got his answer.

His jaw was clenched, in fact his whole body tensed under her touch. It felt heavenly, but she still showed much agitation for him to enjoy the moment.

"I'm sorry." Her hands left his body. He saw her biting her lower lip, struggling for words. "I just – I needed to see, well, feel your face."

"Don't apologize." He now understood she interpreted his tension differently. He didn't need an explanation. He knew what she was doing. "I'm okay. Are you?"

She nodded, but her face showed signs of the great inner turmoil happening under the surface.

"Come here." He put his arms around her, bringing her finally closer. Despite all the touches, she kept her distance before.

He hated seeing her suffering, going through all heart-wrenching things SG-1 had been through all over again, but this time alone. As much as he wanted to be there for her, the memories seemed to be coming to her during the nights. Laura had said to him that it was probably because sleep plays an important role in long-term memory forming or something. But whatever the reason was, it meant more anguish for Carter. And that really sucked!