Reed nudged Jessica as he saw the young girl approach the cell with a small plate of food on the tray. Silently they both rose to their feet. Reed stumbled a little before regaining his balance. There was a rattle of keys as the door unlocked and slid open. Carefully placing the tray down the girl stood and looked at them.

"You must knock me out, so it is believable."

Jessica cringed at the idea, "You can come with us."

She shook her head, "I thank you but no. My place is here just as your place is not. Now hurry."

Reed looked at Jessica as she sighed and stepped forward. His eyebrows raised as she directed a sharp blow to the side of the girls neck. Quickly Jessica grabbed the girl before she could hit the ground and gently lowered her the rest of the way.

"How?" He couldn't manage many more words, his mouth was too dry.

"Brachial stun. I'll show you when we're home." She looked on the tray and pulled the map out, roughly drawn but easily followed. Handing the glass of water to Reed as he stumbled again she asked, "Do you need help?"

Shaking his head slowly, the room spun when he did it too fast, he finished the drink and gestured her out the door as he followed. Quietly they made their way down the corridor, following the map to the left. Jessica had only been taken to the right when she'd left the cell block. Heading to the left must be away from the main parts of the building which was a good sign they hadn't been betrayed. Their pace was slow, trying not to tax the Lieutenant too much as his breathing got heavier. Another left, then a right. The corridors grew hotter as they went on and the lanterns less frequent.

Reed fell against the wall, gasping. His head was spinning and his whole body ached. His shirt had grown wet with sweat and his wound began to ooze more. Jessica slipped under his arm, pulling it around her shoulder.

"Look," she held the map up in the other hand, "We're almost there, two more turns and we're out. We can do it."

She wiped a hand across her head. The heat was getting to her too and she hadn't drunk anything since the day before. Standing straighter and carrying Reeds weight she moved forward. Just two more turns, she repeated to herself. The girl had been right, not a single guard and so far, no alarm had been raised.

They rounded the last corner and came to a standstill, the air stifling hot. A rusted ladder led to a manhole, high above them. A ring of light shone around the outside. They had been underground without even knowing it any lights they had seen through windows were just artificial. No wonder it had been so hard to keep track of time, Jessica thought, they hadn't seen the sun to orientate themselves.

Jessica nudged Reed forward, "Last little bit of strength from you now, Lieutenant."

Reed grunted as he gingerly pulled himself up, his teeth clenched together with the effort. It was a slow process, Jessica wasn't sure they'd actually make it as she followed him up, concerned he'd fall. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her, providing her with the energy she needed and knew it would be the same for him. Probably the only reason they were still going.

Finally he reached the top and weakly pushed against the hatch. It didn't move. Jessica crawled around the side of the ladder and made her way up to it. They didn't come this far to have to turn back. She gave it a push before inspecting the cover, there was a raised circle off to the side with a thin slit in it. Hoping it didn't need a special key she looked around for something, anything that may fit.

A glint of metal caught her eye, a small knife tucked in behind the ladder, hopefully just for this purpose. The thought that it may be for defense against something on the other side flitted into her mind, scaring her. She refused to dwell on it though, it wouldn't help the situation and could potentially make it worse. Now was not the time to get scared and freeze up, now they had to keep moving. Grabbing the knife she slid it into the hole and twisted. There was an audible click. Holding her breath she gave the hatch an almighty push, cringing as it fell back with a crash.

Pocketing the knife, the thought of freedom had her jumping out of the hole, blinded by the sudden light. Feeling around she grabbed Reeds hand and helped pull him out, once again placing his arm over her shoulder. Squinting at the map her face fell, it didn't show anywhere after the ladder. Which way were they supposed to go? Which way was the stargate?

Angrily Jessica threw the paper to the ground. They had come so far! Forcing herself to take a deep breath she looked around, absently aware of Reed murmuring shelter. The world around them was dry and oppressively hot, the sun blazing in the sky. The heat pressed down on them as if squeezing the moisture from their skin. In the distance she could see the hazy shape of a steep rise, maybe a cliff.

Pursing her lips she glanced at Reed. He was looking worse by the minute, especially out in the heat now. At least the cliffs might offer some shade from the blaring sun. Adjusting Reeds arm on her shoulder, she wrapped her arm around his waist and they silently trudged over the cracked dirt towards the cliff face.

Each step was painful. The heated dirt had started to burn through their socks, biting at their feet. Reed leaned heavily on Jessica, his feet dragging, close to the edge of consciousness. Every time the wind blew it felt like it was peeling their skin back, drying it and burning, throwing dirt into their faces.

Jessica wiped a hand across her forehead, straining to see the cliff face through the sand filled haze, but they weren't far. The sun was sinking behind them, though it didn't help the temperature drop. Maybe, once it disappeared behind the horizon it would give them a reprieve from the heat.

A small cave was dug into the side of the cliff, rocks piled near the entrance, as if dumped by a rock slide. Jessica doubted her choice for a moment, unwilling to be caught off guard by a potential cave in or falling rocks cutting off the entrance. Reed stumbled as they approached, dragging them both down. Breathing heavily Jessica struggled back up. Reed's breathing was quick and shallow. He needed shade and rest, she couldn't afford to second guess now. They had to stop and there was nowhere else. Grabbing under his shoulders she pulled him, dragging him slowly towards the cave. One foot after the other. Just one more step she told herself, again, and again, and again.

The sun dipped under the horizon and the reprieve from the heat was immediate. Jessica fell gasping into the cave, using her last bit of strength to tug the Lieutenant behind the rocks. She didn't know what they could do now. Reed was in bad shape. She didn't know where the stargate was, and if she did, probably didn't have the energy to get there. Pulling the knife back out of her pocket she wearily looked around, briefly wondering if anything lived in the cave. She couldn't hear anything, but then again, what would be mad enough to live with this sun.

Clutching the knife tightly her head rolled back against the cave wall. Her eyes drooped and she rapidly blinked, forcing her head upright, she couldn't fall asleep, she didn't know what was out there. But she didn't have a choice. Her body refused to listen and eventually closed the world out as she fell into a deep sleep.

There were mumbled voices, talking to her, calling her. She had to follow them, had to get home. They were so close. Just around the corner. Around the next corner, and the next. Forever, just out of reach. Falling to her knees, her legs were unable to carry her any longer. They had almost made it, but could never quite get there.

Jessica woke with a gasp. Lights blinded her, flicking everywhere. She couldn't understand what the people were saying. Holding the knife tightly she decided she wasn't going back. She had escaped. They had escaped. She needed to look after Reed, to get him home. She wasn't going to become their captive again. A body stood in front of her, shadowed by the light. They reached out to grab her. Jessica swung the knife wildly, hoping maybe she'd get a lucky shot in.

Swearing the person stumbled back as Jessica held the knife between them, almost daring them to try again.

The lights moved again, shining on the person face. Squinting as the familiar brown hair and blue eyes came into focus, Jessica slumped back. The fight drained out of her as she dropped the knife. Trying to speak she erupted in a coughing fit, her throat caked in dirt.

Crouching down in front of her, the bright blue eyes stared into hers. Their hand touched her cheek as they shouted at someone for water. They whispered reassuringly to her.

Someone shoved water into her hand. Shaking she raised it to her mouth and gulped greedily. Everything tasted like dirt.

She looked back at the steady blue eyes still watching her, "R-Reed. Help him. He needs help." She took a breath, talking seemed exhausting, "He, was shot. It's infected. Needs IV antibiotics, and, and-" She started coughing again and took another drink, slower this time.

"It's okay. Coughlin's got him. You can stop worrying."

He gently took her hands and pulled her up. Crying out she stumbled at the pain shooting through her feet. Catching her easily he paused a moment before slipping a hand behind her knees and lifting her. She was lighter than he remembered, much lighter. Without protest she leaned her head against his chest, she knew she didn't have the energy to walk.

She felt the wetness behind her knees, before remembering she had hurt him. Touching his arm gently she apologized.

He smiled down at her, "It's barely a scratch. Don't worry about it. Just rest now. I've got you."

Jessica saw the lights sweep through the puddle jumper as she was carried carefully inside. Sighing she wrapped her arms around his neck, vaguely remembering how good he smelled. Her head against his chest she relaxed and let the darkness take her. They were going home.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

The constant beeping was the first thing Jessica noticed before she became aware of the ache that filled her entire body. Her feet radiated pain. It felt as though someone had baked her in a scorching oven. She felt dry, her skin stretched tight.

Trying to take a breath the air caught in her throat, forcing a cough out her mouth. There was movement beside her. The chair squeaked as someone climbed out of it. She cracked her eyes open, just a slit. The light was blinding and she squeezed them shut again.

There was mumbling and a rustle beside her. She tried opening her eyes again. There was more success this time, the person had turned the light above her off. Blinking a few times she let her eyes wander as they came into focus.

The Atlantis infirmary. She racked her brain trying to remember how she got here, nothing stood out. Was she dreaming? Was it real? She wasn't sure.

Her eyes landed on the person beside her. Blue eyes calmly stared down at her though his face seemed more drawn, more weary than normal. She must be dreaming. Why else would Evan be here, standing over her, looking concerned, like he cared. She scolded herself. Of course he cared, he always had, it was just who he was. But to look as he did now, a five o'clock shadow lining his face, circles under his eyes. That wasn't him. She started to push herself up and felt his arms slip behind her, helping her sit as he adjusted the bed.

She licked her lips before trying to speak, her throat dry, "Is, is this a dream?"

The corner of his mouth pulled up a little, "Why? Do you dream of me often?"

Almost snorting she muttered, "No. Dream Evan would be less mouthy." Her eyes flicked him over, "And less clothes."

That made him chuckle, "Dr. Beckett's got you on the good stuff obviously."

Dr. Beckett. That sounded familiar. Jessica briefly wondered what the good stuff was before it all started to click together. She really was home. They had made it. Tears began to well up in her eyes as her face reddened at her previous comment. She looked around, unable to see the other beds.

Her throat felt tight as she asked in a coarse whisper, "Reed?"

"He's alive," Lorne said quietly, "It was, close. He's sedated still."

Jessica felt a tear run down her cheek and quickly looked away from Lorne, hoping he didn't notice. After holding it together for the past two weeks it felt like everything she felt was bubbling to the surface, overflowing and she couldn't stop it.

Lorne rested a hand on her shoulder, her face tugging at his heart strings. He had only seen her break down once before, when she had turned up on his doorstep after her brothers death. It was late at night and she was the last person he'd expected when he opened the door, standing there with that lost look on her face. She admitted to him that she'd been living on base, unable to face the house she'd shared with her brother. Immediately he'd invited her in and once they sat on the couch, told her she was welcome to stay as long as she needed. That was when she'd broken down, releasing all the bottled up emotions she'd carefully kept control of. All he could do that night was wrap her in his arms and comfort her while she let it all out.

Now he wasn't sure what to do. Would she accept him comforting her again? She was constantly shying away from him whenever they got too close. Yet, all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and hold her close.

Her shoulders shaking undid him and he sat beside her. Enveloping her in his arms, he was surprised when her head turned to rest against his chest, "You did good, Jess. You're okay." He murmured to her, one hand running over her hair.

Slowly her breathing began to even out and her head started to lift. Almost reluctantly he pulled his arms away as she sat back up, mumbling an apology.

He waved her off, the moment passed leaving an awkward silence as he stood, "I should probably let Dr. Beckett know you're awake."

Giving a stiff nod as he walked off, she couldn't help but notice him sigh a little.

Soon after, Carson arrived, Lorne a few steps behind. Jessica felt a smile break onto her face as they approached.

"You're a sight for sore eyes." She quietly commented.

"We missed you 'round here, lass." Carson replied, smiling warmly, "How are ye feeling?"

She took a moment to think about it before replying, trying to ignore the hitch in her voice "Glad to be home. When can I get out of here?"

Carson raised his eyebrow at her, "You're staying at least one more night. You were suffering dehydration and heat stroke with burns on your feet. Your blood sugars were low and you've got numerous micro-nutrient deficiencies."

Jessica nodded before asking about Reed again, hoping Carson could give her more information about his condition.

"We're not out of the woods yet. He's in a medically induced coma for now. We'll know more when we try and bring him out of it. For now, you need to rest, we'll get you some food, eat if you feel up to it, and drink, a lot." Carson smiled softly at her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder, "It's good to have you back."

Jessica nodded not trusting her voice to respond. She hadn't missed Beckett saying 'try and bring him out' as if they may not be able to bring him out of the coma. She grew angry at herself, thinking about what she could have done differently to not end up in this state, not end up with Reed in a coma.

"I know that face." Lorne's voice startled her from her thoughts, she'd almost forgotten he was there. His eyes met hers knowingly. She could see the understanding in them and momentarily hated how he still managed to read her. "There's nothing else you could have done, Jess."

She turned away, "You don't know that." He hadn't been there, he didn't know what had happened.

Lorne sighed, "No, I don't know that."

That wasn't what Jessica had expected, causing her to turn back to him with questioning eyes.

His hand slipped into hers as he carried on, "But I do know you. And I know you would have done whatever you could."

He may have been right but that didn't stop the guilt Jessica felt. Only Reed waking up and being okay would even start to lessen that. Jessica's eyes dropped and she noticed the white bandage poking out from under his top. Warily she lifted his sleeve, aware of his eyes watching her.

Her eyes flicked up to meet his before back down to his arm as she remembered the knife in the cave, "I'm sorry." She whispered, her voice breaking again.

Lorne pulled her hand away from his arm and gently grabbed her chin, making her look at him, "It's fine. It was barely a scratch." His thumb slowly skimmed over her cheek, "I, I thought that-"

"I know." She interrupted, as she turned her face away, almost scared of where the conversation may go if she let him finish that sentence.

"Jess!"

Jessica held back a sigh of relief at the interruption as Lorne quickly took a step back from the bed and their heads turned towards the door. Dr. Cole strolled in with a tray full of food, closely followed by Cadman and Emily.

"We ran into Marie getting you food and offered to do it." Cole explained passing the tray over.

The women gathered chairs to sit around the bed as they bombarded Jessica with conversation. Lorne slowly slipped out. Her eyes watched him go, lingering on the door long after he'd gone.

Eventually Carson came over and tried to shoo everyone out of his infirmary, telling them his patient needed rest.

Cole smiled, "Actually Carson, I believe your shift finishes in about ten minutes, then it becomes my infirmary."

Carson started to protest before Cole led him away to discuss the hand over. Laura looked back at Jessica, a sigh escaping her.

"The Major thought it'd be a great idea to get in a whole lot of extra training." Laura informed her, "I might have dropped him on the mat to convince him to stop sending people to the infirmary."

Jessica raised her eyebrows, "Major Lorne?" She asked to confirm. It didn't sound like him.

"Ah, yeah," Emily replied, her tone implying it was obvious, "Why? Is there another Major with a protective streak over you?"

"There should be no Major with a protective streak over me." Jessica replied curtly.

Emily and Laura exchanged looks as the doctors returned, saving Jessica from the conversation. Saying their goodbyes the group left, leaving Cole beside the bed. A yawn escaped Jessica causing Cole to raise her eyebrows.

"Drink. Then sleep." Cole ordered, "How's your pain?"

"Would you believe me if I said it's fine?"

"No. You're due for pain relief in an hour but I'll see if I can find something else to tide you over."

Jessica nodded, leaning back, suddenly feeling very weary. She took the pills offered by Cole quietly declining the offer for sleeping tablets. Cole inclined her head knowingly before leaving Jessica alone. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and let sleep take her.

A/N Only a couple of chapters left now! Drop me a review, let me know what you think!