Title: Open Up and Breathe

Author: Lauren / Running Up Fawn

Rating: Eh, G, I suppose.

Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine. The song isn't either-this is Incubus's "Crowded Elevator".

Author's Note: Again with the songfic. I realize just how uncreative this is. The inspiration for this piece of fluff came solely from the song, so thanks to Incubus for awesome lyrics. Thanks also to Jordan, for your awesome beta-ing, and EOlivet, for your incredible encouragement.

"Fifteen minutes to six and fourteen floors to go

Thirteen suited strangers makes a crowded elevator slow

And I've got a million words and phrases on the tip of my tongue

For the only non stranger next to me, soon she'll know

So let them stare

If I could think of what you'll be and let you in on how I feel

Need to spill, let all of it out right now

And expose every inch in front of them.."

The elevator was uncomfortably warm and crowded, and Jack shifted restlessly as it moved at it's leisurely, unhurried pace. The small space was packed, and the right side of Jack's body was pressed against the left side of Samantha's. Not that this particular arrangement really bothered either of them. In fact, Jack was almost grateful for the lack of room in the elevator; it meant he didn't need to make up an excuse to be near Samantha this time. For all of it's occupants, the slow-moving elevator was silent, and Jack tried to think of something to say. However, Sam chose to look up and smile at him, and any coherent phrase he had been planning disappeared from his mind. He was amazed at the way she could reduce him to nothing more than a speechless teenager with a simple smile. It was the smile she reserved for him; playful and almost daring, it held evidence of everything they had shared just between them. He had seen it countless times, and yet the effect it had on him never seemed to wane. Jack was struck by the sudden urge to tell her, to run his hands through that glossy blonde hair and tell her how seeing her, seeing that smile every day had changed him, had lifted him up and taught him how to live again.



"Twelve more floors your eyes and mine are all I need to come clean

Or should I wait for the lobby, spare the lies of some 26 nervous eyes

And being occupied by little red numbers passing by

You help me to feel, see and know

All the while I've been so inquisitive

I can't go back cause now I know how it feels to open up and breathe.."

Because it wasn't enough for Jack anymore, just to be alive. He knew that, knew it every time he looked into her brown eyes, or touched her soft skin, or felt the warmth of her smile. Just being alive wasn't worth the effort it took to stay that way. There was so much beauty and wonder to experience, and it was because of her that Jack could reach beyond merely being alive, and appreciate the vitality and vibrance around him. Life was still a struggle, of course, but it was because of Samantha that Jack knew it was worth the struggle.

That was why he could never seem to give her up. It was Sam who breathed life back into him, through her persistent caring and gentle spirit. Without her, he would suffocate. Without her, he would be existing, existing but not really living. Which was to say, not living at all. It was a strange feeling, needing someone else in order to feel alive. But he did.

With a start, Jack realized that the elevator was slowing at their floor. She was looking at him with a kind of understanding amusement, and she winked as the door slid open, touching his hand gently. Together, they stepped out, leaving the crowded elevator behind. Till tomorrow, anyway.

"I can't go back cause now I know how it feels to open up and breathe.."

[end]