Note: I'm an idiot! Thanks to The Fiction Spider, I found out I completely forgot to post chapter TWELVE! YIKES! x-0; Well, I completely spoiled the ending for you all, but here's the missing scene anyhow. Really sorry.

TWELVE

Teal'c had been comfortably sitting on the floor in the living area by the couch, a few candles set atop the coffee table while he medatated peacefully into a state of kel-no-reem. As he finished up the ritual, the Jaffa rose to his feet and looked over at O'Neill, who was sleeping soundly on the recliner with his right leg propped up comfortably under a row of cushiony pillows. Satisfied that the Colonel would be fine for awhile, Teal'c blew out the candles from his meditation and began heading toward the kitchen. He paused with a raised eyebrow upon noticing a shadow outside the front door while he passed by the window.

Hackles now raised, and on full alert, Teal'c carefully unlocked the front door and pried it open to find Major Carter gasping softly in surprise and backpeddling slightly, dropping one arm that was prepared to knock. The Jaffa's brows knit together slightly in confusion. "Major Carter," he began lowly. "Is there something the matter?"

"Uh, no, it's just-" Sam faltered, her eyes shifting nervously as her head lowered.

Teal'c bowed his head slightly with a knowing smile. "You were concerned about Colonel O'Neill," He looked up to see that Major Carter's cheeks had reddened considerably.

Sam chewed her lower lip and smiled nervously. "Yeh...well, uh, I-"

"O'Neill is well Major Carter," Teal'c stepped aside with a faint smile, holding the door open. "Enter and see for yourself,"

"Thanks Teal'c," Sam smiled tightly and hurriedly stepped inside, warmth enveloping her as soon as she was within the comforting walls and Teal'c had closed the door from the chill night air. She looked to the Jaffa questioningly for a moment, and then headed into the living room when he gestured in that direction. Sam felt immediately calmed at the sight of Jack fast asleep on his recliner like he had been when she left earlier.

"It is rather late Major Carter," Teal'c began quietly.

"Oh!" Sam exclaimed as she glanced at her watch, discovering that it was nearly two in the morning. "God, Teal'c, I'm sorry." She nervously ran a hand through her hair, a sheepish look on her face. "I didn't even realize what time it was,"

"Think nothing of it Major Carter," Teal'c smiled, a glint of slyness in his eyes. "You should stay for the remainder of the night. There is no use driving such a way home when you are already exhausted."

"Hmph," Sam's eyebrows rose and fell briefly. "Is it that obvious?" She watched Teal'c smile, then dropped her chin. "I guess I could stay,"

Teal'c hid a grin when the Major gave in without much protest. He gestured toward the stairs. "There is a guest room upstairs, and I do not believe O'Neill would mind you sleeping there."

"Thanks Teal'c, really," Sam paused and wandered over to the couch before sinking into the cushions. "But if you don't mind, I'd really rather sleep close by," she drew up her legs and hugged her knees close to her chest, bright blue eyes fixated on the sleeping form of Colonel O'Neill.

"Of course," with an understanding nod, Teal'c stepped out of the room for a moment.

Sam dropped her feet to the floor before slowly kicking off her sneakers, eyes never leaving Jack. She stretched languidly across the couch cushions, still focused on the Colonel. It comforted her that he was right there and she could be close to him, knowing that he was alright. Soon her eyelids grew heavy, and as much as Sam wanted to keep watching Jack sleep, the lulling of the darkness was claiming her as well.

Teal'c returned to the room carrying a folded blanket and a pillow. Finding Major Carter asleep, he carefully positioned the pillow under her head and draped the quilted blanket over her. Making his way over to an armchair, he sat down quietly and leaned into the cushions, allowing himself to drift off into a state of kel-no-reem once more.

-

The night wore on slowly, and although Sam had been sleeping rather well, she found herself waking within a few hours of falling asleep. Yawning tiredly, she slowly sat up and allowed her eyes to adjust before looking toward the recliner where Jack was sleeping. His shoulders and head shifted from side to side in restless discomfort while his left leg jerked occasionally. Frowning in sympathy, Sam moved slowly over to him. She reached out to gently touch his forehead, then leaned back quickly to avoid a flailing arm.

"Colonel," she whispered softly, brows knit together in concern. Sam wanted nothing more than to help him escape his torment, whatever it may be. "Jack, wake up," she tried again in a stronger whisper, daring to lean in close once more.

His head tilted in her general direction before hazy brown eyes snapped open, trying to focus on the face now hovering inches from his own. "Carter?" Jack croaked somewhat hoarsely. He squinted, raising both eyebrows.

"It's me Sir," Sam answered, leaning back with a faint smile.

"What're you doin' here?" He mumbled, still in the process of waking.

The Major smiled somewhat sheepishly, hoping Jack was too tired and drugged up to put much thought into it. "Just thought I'd check up on you and Teal'c," she finally answered, then changed the subject. "Need anything Sir?"

Jack grunted, then cleared his throat. "Water?"

Sam immediately went for the cup on the end table beside the recliner and handed it to him. "Here you are Colonel,"

"Thanks," he nodded appreciatively, then sipped the cool liquid through the straw to hydrate his dry mouth. Blinking tiredly as his consciousness faltered again, Jack locked eyes with Sam. "It's good..that you're here," he whispered weakly, unexpectedly.

Her eyes widened a fraction at the simple, hazy statement. Brows furrowing slightly in confusion, Sam had to wonder if he'd said that because there was something wrong. "Are you okay Colonel?" she prodded gently, leaning closer as Jack's eyes slid shut and his head lolled to one side alarmingly. "Colonel?"

No response.

Deeply concerned all of a sudden, Sam lurched forward and carefully pressed her fingers to the Colonel's neck. "Jack,"

His head jerked up and heavy-hooded eyes shifted to Sam with an attempt at focusing. "Huh? I'm here," he mumbled sleepily. "I'm okay,"

Sam smiled briefly and leaned back. "I'll let you get back to sleep Sir,"

"Uh, Carter," Jack cleared his throat, blinking back the wearyness and trying to sit up slightly. "Actually, I could use a little help getting up," he admitted with a faint grimace, voice a bit clearer.

Her brows knit together and she eyed him seriously. "Sir, I really don't think you should-"

"Bathroom Carter," Jack interrupted, letting her know he didn't just want to get up for the sake of getting up. He smiled faintly and waved a hand in gesture, still trying to adjust the recliner so he could sit up. "Gotta go,"

"Oh!" Sam's eyes widened in realization, and she caught a glimpse of the brief smirk on her superior's face while her cheeks flushed with embarassment. "What me to get Teal'c up?" Her eyes shifted toward the Jaffa, still perched in a nearby armchair in a state of kel-no-reem.

"Nah," Jack waved a hand dismissively. "Just help me outta this chair, I can handle the rest." He smirked half-heartedly, still fighting the effects of the drugs in his system that seemed to want to put him right back to sleep. "Besides, if he doesn't get a full kel-no-reem in he'll be grouchy all morning,"

Laughing softly, Sam carefully helped the Colonel out of the recliner, then offered him the set of crutches nearby. She reached out to grip his shoulders while he swayed unsteadily, trying to position his right leg carefully, not putting any weight on it. The brace he currently wore didn't offer much movement. "You okay Sir?"

"Uh, yeh, mostly," Jack mumbled in response with a faint grimace as he briefly squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to fight off the sudden wave of dizziness. Once he had pretty much gained his bearings, Jack began hobbling toward the bathroom. There was no way of course, that he would admit that each step with the crutches jarred his aching chest terribly.

Sam's brows furrowed slightly and she quickly fell into step beside him without a word.

-

After waiting for the Colonel in the hall, Sam guided him back toward the living room once he was ready. It seemed the short trip down the hall had seriously used up what little strength he had, and he was readily fading back into the warmth of oblivion. Sam had quickly helped Jack settle back into the recliner with his right knee cushioned by several pillows. She'd barely had him laying back and covered with a blanket before his eyes had closed.

"Jack?" Sam whispered somewhat tentatively. She gave a sigh of relief when he began breathing heavily in restful sleep. Now satisfied that the Colonel would be able to sleep the rest of the night through, Sam felt more at ease. She slowly reached out a hand to gently stroke his hair. If she'd been caught in the act, Major Samantha Carter would have been mortified, but at the moment she didn't care. It comforted her to be so close, being in physical contact with the one man that meant more to her than anything in the universe; the one man she couldn't have.

-

Morning had soon arrived, and it was now Daniel's turn to look after Jack. As he strode up to the house with a bag of his stuff, the archaeologist went up to the door. Not bothering to knock, he let himself in and tentatively looked around with raised brows. "Ah, hello? Jack? Teal'c?" He dropped his bag on the floor against the wall, then turned toward the kitchen when he heard voices. Daniel held a look of confusion as he tentatively walked along the hall. Did I just hear Sam's voice?

In the kitchen he found Sam and Teal'c by the stove, and it looked as though Sam was trying to show Teal'c how to cook something. Daniel's blue eyes shifted toward the table where Jack sat with his right leg propped up on a chair that was covered by a soft pillow. His friend's dark eyes drifted in his direction before he could say anything.

"Mornin' Danny-boy," Jack grinned and waved lazily at his friend who stood seemingly dumbfounded in the doorway.

"Daniel, I didn't even hear you come in," Sam greeted, glancing over to him with a warm smile.

Teal'c sent a nod the archaeologist's way. "It is good to see you Daniel Jackson," The Jaffa even smiled slightly.

"Uh, hey," Daniel mumbled, still a bit confused. His brows knit together and he held a hand out, waving faintly in gesture. He couldn't help wondering why Sam appeared to be in her pajamas. "Did I - uh - miss...something here?"

Teal'c seemed to be the first to pick up on Daniel's confusion, even though he misread it. "Major Carter was showing me how to make an...omlette,"

"Yeh, trying being the key word here," Jack quipped from his seat with a smirk.

Sam glared at him with mock-offense. She saw that Daniel seemed still bewildered, and realized that she was the reason. "I stopped by last night to check up on Teal'c and the Colonel, then I just fell asleep on the couch," she answered casually, smiling toward him.

"Oh...kay," Daniel smiled tightly, then pulled out a chair at the table and sat down across from Jack.

"Want some breakfast?" Jack asked him suddenly, grimacing at the smell of burnt food as a bit of smoke rose from the pan on the stove where Teal'c and Sam were still trying to come up with something edible. "I think there's some frozen waffles in the fridge. Might be safer,"

Daniel's nose crinkled at the unwelcome smell of burnt egg and other substances. "Yeh..."

Jack started to get up, lowering his leg carefully from where it rested on another chair. He reached for the crutches leaning against the same chair, then slowly stood, balancing for a moment before hobbling toward the refrigerator.

"I can get it Jack," Daniel started, hopping to his feet quickly.

"Nah, I got it." Jack paused, waving a hand dismissively. He smirked back at the concerned-looking archaeologist. "Don't worry,"

Daniel was eyeing him skeptically. He glanced over at Sam, who sent him a reassuring smile. Apparently she was fine with Jack moving on his own, so Daniel guessed his friend must have been doing better. Hesitantly, he sat back down, keeping his eyes on Jack while he pulled the box of frozen waffles from the freezer.

Sam laughed suddenly and patted Teal'c's shoulder. "C'mon, I think it's time we give it up Teal'c, before we burn the Colonel's house down."

Teal'c rose a brow at her and nodded, turning off the stove and removing the smoking pan.

"Yeh please, don't burn my house down," Jack muttered a little breathlessly as he maneuvered toward the toaster with the frozen waffles.

Sam watched the Colonel with irresolution while he struggled to hang on to the crutches while sticking a few waffles in the toaster. She strolled over casually and began taking a few plates from the cupboard before looking around for the syrup and setting it down nearby. "Colonel, why don't you sit back down. I'll take out the waffles when they're done," she smiled encouragingly at him, and Jack nodded, somewhat reluctantly.

Teal'c followed O'Neill back to his seat while he hobbled along slowly. The big Jaffa hovered at his friend's side in case he were to falter.

Jack settled into the hard chair, easing his leg up onto the awaiting cushions with a slight grimace of pain. He was breathing a little heavy from the effort of walking back and forth, surprised that he had such little strength. Just a little lightheaded, he leaned back and momentarily closed his eyes.

"O'Neill," Teal'c's voice boomed suddenly, breaking the quietness that had developed. He checked the medication schedule on the fridge that Janet had left him with, then handed the Colonel a set of two different-colored pills. "I believe it is time you had your medication."

Making a face, Jack groaned before taking the pills from Teal'c and downing them with the orange juice that was offered afterwards. He grunted, then looked at Teal'c's expectant face. "What?" He muttered as the Jaffa continued to stare him down. Suddenly Jack rolled his eyes and sighed loudly. "Oh, for cryin'-" he cut himself off, then opened his mouth wide and stuck out his tongue before staring back at Teal'c. "They're gone, satisfied?"

"I am," Teal'c nodded with a smug grin on his face.

Again Jack rolled his eyes. "The Doc tell ya to do that?"

Teal'c turned to him again. "Dr. Fraiser expressed to me that you are not fond of taking medication O'Neill. She urged me to make sure you consumed your pills."

"Yeh, yeh," Jack rolled his eyes. Turning his attention to Daniel, he rose both eyebrows. "So, Danny, you come to be my babysitter for the day?"

"Yep," Daniel just smirked and crossed his arms. He was glad to hear Jack joking around, having thought he'd be a little more upset about having to be watched over. Daniel had to guess it was only because his pal was probably just more than happy to be out of the SGC's infirmary.

Sam had finished up putting the frozen waffles on a few plates once they were done, then made her way toward the table while Teal'c carried a few coffee mugs. "Breakfast is ready," she announced cheerfully while passing out the dishes. She then hurried back to the kitchen to grab a few forks and some butter before settling in the seat beside Jack.

Daniel dug in hungrily, having a bit more of an appetite than he originally thought. He sipped at his coffee while consciously noting the change in Jack's posture. His friend seemed to be slumping more in the seat, and he was picking at the remains of the waffle with little interest and glazed, unfocused brown eyes. Daniel slowed down eating and shared a look with Sam, gesturing with his eyes for her to look toward the Colonel.

"Sir, are you alright?" Sam questioned gently, touching his arm.

Jack blinked, frowning down at the mostly uneaten food in front of him. "Yeh. Just...not so hungry," he murmured, trying to focus.

"Colonel, with the medication you're on, Janet says you need to eat something," Sam insisted, trying to hide a worried frown.

"I did," he exclaimed with raised brows, an innocent look on his face. "See, I ate some," Jack gestured down to his plate. Only about a quarter of the frozen waffle had been eaten, the rest was mangled.

Sam released an exasperated sigh. "Colonel, please,"

He groaned quietly and lifted his head, rolling his eyes.

"Jack," Daniel put in sternly. If he was to be watching over Jack today he would be sure to follow Janet's instructions to the letter.

Jack shot him a frustrated look. "Daniel, look, I'm not hungry." His patience was quickly dissipating.

"Okay," Daniel said before Sam could say anything. He was willing to compromise. "How 'bout I help you upstairs to get cleaned up and changed, then maybe you'll feel like eating something. Hm?"

Sam watched the Colonel studiously, uncertain of what his answer may be.

"Fine," Jack grumbled, exasperated. He didn't feel much like arguing anymore. Carefully setting his leg down once more, he grimaced slightly before using the crutches to haul himself to his feet.

Daniel stepped beside him, hovering close by while Jack hobbled out of the kitchen and toward the stairs.

-