Comrades in Arms

~~~~~~~~~~~

The night had settled quickly but peacefully around them. The quiet seemed to soothe the tense atmosphere and they had sat out in the cool night air chatting about things of no concern. The night stars shone brightly above them and the moon had cast reflecting light onto the still lake waters. Sam yawned and strained her eyes to look at her watch. It wasn't that late but she felt so drowsy. She hoped she would sleep better here than she had at the base and that one night at home. She stretched out her legs and picked up her empty cup from beside her.

"Think I'll retire for the night"

She stifled another yawn and stood up.

"Night guys"

"Goodnight Major Carter"

"Night Sam"

"Sleep well Carter"

Sam walked through the kitchen setting her empty cup on the counter. She felt like she could sleep forever. After getting a quick wash and brushing her teeth she stepped into her room, a cool breeze came through the slightly ajar window. She closed it and pulled the curtains closed. She dressed for bed and climbed between the covers, snuggling into the crisp cool sheets. Within minutes, sleep took over her senses.

~~~~~~~

Jack, Tealc and Jonas sat in silence as Sam excused herself. A few minutes passed before Tealc spoke.

"Major Carter seems to be coping well, however her features betray her true state."

Jack silently agreed. However, she wasn't the only one hiding their feelings. They all were.

"She just needs time. We all do"

"Which is why were here"

Jonas added, running a hand over his temple.

"You ok?"

Jack asked concerned as the young man flinched as his fingers rubbed his temple softly.

"Headache, Doctor Frasier gave me some pain killers just in case they came back on again. Think I'll go take a few"

Jonas stood and entered the cabin; Jack looked over to Tealc.

"Again?"

"JonasQuinn has suffered from them over the time yourself and Samantha were gone. He had little sleep against all insistence from Janet and myself. Humans can be very stubborn"

Jack gave him a wan smile.

"She also said you tried to miss a few kelnoreems yourself and the ones you did take didn't last too long"

Tealc raised a brow to this but chose not too comment. Jonas rejoined them and settled himself on the step.

"I didn't realise Sam talked in her sleep"

Jack looked over to him curiously but Jonas said it as a passing statement rather than a question and didnt find it strange. Jack however did. In the seven years, he had known Sam Carter she had never talked in her sleep.

"You guys want another drink?"

"I am fine O'Neill"

"No thanks"

Jack stood and picked up his cup and it was his turn to head indoors. He flicked the kettle on and then padded softly across to the small passage leading to the bedrooms. He stood outside of Sam's room hearing mumbling's coming from inside. He pushed the door softly open and listened. He heard short sharp breaths and frowned. Looking round the door Sam had pushed the sheets from her body and was currently tossing and turning on the bed, a look of fear and pain on her face, her mouth spilling silent cries. Jack crossed the short space to the bed and laid a hand on her arm softly. She stopped her tossing and seemed to calm slightly. He sat on the side of the bed and lifted his hand from her arm to her face stroking her cheek softly, crooning small soft shushes. Her face started to relax and her mouth turned up slightly at the corners. Jack sat and stared down at her as her breathing calmed and stood, leaning over, as he pulled the sheets back up to cover her body his eyes met with tired blinking grey blues.

"Jack?"

Sam managed to mumble.

"Ssh go back to sleep Sam. You were having a bad dream. Everything's ok"

Sam's brow furrowed and tears welled softly in her eyes before she closed them once more. Jack looked down at her for a moment longer before turning to the door, he took a deep breath pushed all thoughts from his mind and closed it and crossed the floor once more to the bed, settling beside Sam putting and arm protectively around her. She twisted in his arms to face him sliding an arm around his waist as she curled up slightly and settled her forehead against his chest. They fell asleep and for the first time in days, their sleep was not haunted by nightmares of the past.