For me, the subtle context between Jack and Sam shifted after The Light and Prodigy episodes. Entity was such an emotional and raw episode, especially Jack's reactions. I can only imagine that he would pull back—whether or not they were "together" at this point. It was easier for me to write this one assuming they had already started something.

Quick note: I never intended these one-shots and extended scenes to serve as a cohesive story. I'm just writing what I think/feel as I rewatch the series. Obviously, some of them are flowing together, but not all.

Jack shuffled back and forth in agitation as he waited for Sam to open her door. He shouldn't be here, she needed to rest. Just a few days ago, she'd died. At his hands. It didn't matter that her mind had been separated from her body or that his actions had possibly saved the world. All he knew was that he'd killed the woman he loved.

He couldn't make that decision again. He wasn't strong enough.

The image of her body collapsing from the second impact of his zat was seared into his memory. Every time he looked at her that was all he saw. Her dead because of his actions.

"Hi, sir," she opened the door, greeting him with what he liked to think of as the smile she reserved only for him. A smile that lit up her entire face, that made her eyes bright despite the exhaustion he saw there. That made what he had to do so much harder.

"Hey, Carter," he jammed his hands into his pockets to keep from pulling her into his arms. All he wanted to do was clasp her to him and never let go, but she deserved more than that. She deserved more than someone who would choose to sacrifice her life.

"Come on in," she stepped back for him to enter, but he stayed rooted to her front porch.

"I just need—" he caught the crack in his voice before it escaped; swallowed down the self-hatred at what he was about to do.

"Jack?" Sam looked at him, concern suddenly marring her face. "What's going on?"

"I can't do this any more," he forced the words past his lips, watched as she registered his meaning.

"Come in and let's talk," she reached for him, but he backed up quickly, his rejection clearly stinging her. But he knew if she touched him, his resolve would vanish.

"I made the choice to kill you," he spoke the words in a harsh whisper.

"I know," she said softly, her eyes filling with sympathy.

"You should hate me," he said the thought aloud, his eyes widening as soon as the words left his mouth.

"I don't," she replied and he could see the truth in her words. She didn't hate him for killing her and that was part of the problem. She always trusted him, even when it cost her her life.

"I can't be with you and have both of us serve on SG-1 anymore," he said, knowing he was using her worst fear against her. But this was the only way he knew to make her walk away.

"What are you saying, sir?" She asked, her tone suddenly wary. When they'd started this, the only thing she'd asked for was a promise their actions wouldn't affect the team.

"I let myself get too involved, so I'm ending this now before either one of us gets hurt," he squeezed his eyes shut like a coward, unwilling to watch her reaction.

"I could request a transfer," her words made his eyes snap open. Why would she even offer such a thing? He knew how much SG-1 meant to her.

"Transfer?" He parroted. "God, no," the incredulity of the idea in his tone. What was she thinking? "SG-1 needs you, the planet needs you," I need you he silently added.

"I understand," Sam said softly, her eyes not meeting his as she focused on a point over his shoulder. Her face was emotionless, a mask of indifference betrayed by the gentle trembling of her chin.

Jack had the terrible realization that she could be misinterpreting his words. She had to know he was doing this because he cared about her, right?

"Carter—"

"It's late, sir," she retreated back into her house, closing the door part way. "If you don't mind, I need to rest. I'll see you back on base."

"Sam—," he tried again. This is not the reaction he'd expected. She didn't understand. How could she not understand?

"Goodnight, sir," she interrupted and closed the door.

As he heard the lock click into place, Jack couldn't help but wonder if he'd just made the biggest mistake of his life.