(A/N): This is a small scene set in Greater Good part 2, before the bench scene. Just a little imagining of Jack waking up properly for the first time. And of course our favourite pathologist was there too. I own nothing.
Hello Jack
The silence was deafening. Nikki shifted uncomfortably in the plastic chair, trying to get rid of the dull ache she had from sitting still too long. Silently though; everything was done as quietly as possible. It was just past two in the morning and ordinarily, visitors were kicked out after eight in the evening, but they were allowed to stay under the less than usual circumstances. Her eyes traced the still form in the hospital bed, the gentle rise and fall of his chest the only reason beyond the machines that proved he was still there. Jack was still there, slowly recovering from the nerve agent, according to the doctors.
Her gaze flickered over to the other side of the bed, a tiny smile lifting the corners of her mouth at the sight of Conor sat in the comfier visitor's chair, slumped and sleeping, with a blanket covering him to keep him warm. Nikki sighed, shifting again. Conor was meant to be at home, resting, but he'd insisted on staying at Jack's bedside as much as possible. She'd only managed to get the older man away when Conor's rescheduled operation had been due, and even then that hadn't been for very long, just long enough for the operation to be considered successful and for him to discharge himself. She'd been looking after him ever since, knowing that Jack would rest easier knowing his dad wasn't on his own. How she was juggling the Lyell, bedside visitations and looking after Conor, she didn't know, but she was keeping her head above water, just about. Clarissa was a big help, agreeing to stay on until Jack was fit to go back to work at least.
Nikki ran her fingers over Jack's knuckles gently, noting the tiny scars that she could feel from his fighting days and the unnatural stillness of the limb. It just wasn't Jack. Jack always had to be moving, had to be doing something. It was very rare he stayed so still. In fact, the last time she remembered him being anywhere near as still as this was when he was comforting her.
His fingers twitched slightly against hers and Nikki's head shot up, eyes searching his still features with the worry of a devoted spouse, squeezing his hand softly. "Come on, you can do it. I know you're there." She murmured, careful to keep her voice low enough that she wouldn't disturb Conor. The last thing she wanted was to give Jack's dad false hope on too little sleep.
Jack's eyelids flickered as his hand tightened round hers. Nikki felt her tears slip down her cheeks as his eyes finally flickered open, after nearly a month's wait. He was back, with her again, and she couldn't contain the emotions overwhelming her. "Hello Jack." She greeted softly, smiling widely as his eyes shot to her.
"… Hi." Jack managed to croak out in response, squeezing her hand again as he shot her the best smile he could in return. She nearly collapsed in sheer relief. He was back. Her Jack was back. His eyes flickered back shut, sleep overtaking him once more, but she didn't care, a wide smile adorning her features. He'd only spoken one word, but it was more than enough for her. He would wake up properly, and they'd be okay. They got through everything together, after all.