Chapter Four: Now or Never

Jack fidgeted while Janet carefully removed his sling, instructing him to hold his left arm up with his right while she bound his ribs once more. His teeth were clenched in his efforts to block out the pain, dark bruising marring the left of his ribcage and shoulder, a slight deformity under the skin revealing the break in his collarbone.

"Please Colonel, I need you to keep still," Janet scolded as she finished up with his ribs and started on the sling.

"I'm trying," Jack hissed through gritted teeth. The bed was adjusted so that he could sit up, with several pillows stuffed around to make him comfortable as possible.

Once the straps on the sling were adjusted properly and all was set, Janet went about retrieving the new drug she'd been using for the Colonel's knees before the accident. She was confident it would help ease the pain in his badly bruised knees enough so Jack could move a bit more without being in agony.

"Doc," Jack mumbled, fighting the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him. "I still needta...talk..to Sam," he managed the words slowly.

"I know Sir," Janet smiled at him kindly after injecting the medication directly into his knees. "I've already called her, she's on her way,"

"Thanks," he murmured, slowly losing his hold on consciousness and not even noticing the needle piercing his skin. Jack's head bobbed up and down while he refused to give in.

"Rest awhile," gently pushing against his chest, Janet urged the Colonel to relax into the pillows cushioned all around him. "I promise I'll wake you when she gets here,"

Jack seemed reluctant for a moment, then finally gave a slight nod, letting his head fall back, eyes sliding shut.

-

Samantha Carter made her way determinedly to the infirmary level of the SGC, thoughts of Pete gone from her mind for the moment. There was just one man occupying her thoughts, and right now that was Jack. She smiled to herself when she found him sleeping, Janet sitting in the chair beside the bed and turning at her entrance.

"Hey," Janet smiled over at her friend and stood. She glanced down at her sleeping patient while Sam sidled over to the bed. "I promised I'd wake him once you were here." Her eyes shifted back to Sam, a knowing glint within the doctor's dark orbs. "Must be something important he wanted to talk to you about,"

Sam flushed with embarassment and smiled bashfully. "Uh, don't bother waking him just yet Janet. I'll do it in a sec," she assured the doctor gently. "Could you give us a minute?" She asked somewhat hesitantly, still feeling a bit embarassed.

Janet nodded with a wide smile. "I can give you ten," she said gently, patting Sam's shoulder as she passed.

Taking a seat at the right of the bed, Sam took Jack's hand in hers and just watched him silently for a few moments. She studied him carefully, commiting every feature to memory as if she hadn't already. Blinking back the stinging sensation of tears in her eyes, Sam took a steadying breath while gently squeezing Jack's hand, almost afraid to wake him. "Jack,"

His eyes fluttered immediately, the sound of her voice instantly rousing him. "Sam," Jack breathed, blinking to clear his vision and take her in.

The depth of emotion behind the simple utterance of her own name had Sam's heart beating rapidly. She smiled, her eyes still watery. "Hey,"

Jack swallowed, his foggy mind clearing as his vision had. He knew what had to be said, and he'd be damned if he didn't say it now. "My memory's better now...from the night of the accident," he clarified, hoping his thoughts and words coincided. Jack's deep brown eyes were entranced by Sam's brilliant blue ones. "I want you to know that..." He fumbled with the words and sighed, briefly closing his eyes. Not usually one to mince words, Jack found he was doing just that and decided to quit it right then and there and just be up front like he normally was. Normally, though, he wasn't voicing his feelings. That was something all-together different.

"It's okay," Sam urged reassuringly, still smiling brightly at him, boosting his confidence.

"Sam," Jack took a slow, deep breath, trying to ignore the twinge of pain in his ribs as he did so. "I..love you...and it would haunt me to the ends of the universe if I let you slip from my fingers and marry another man 'cause I was too damn proud to let you know how I felt." There, he'd said it. The words were out, the feelings were spoken aloud. Jack felt like a weight had been lifted, but he still tensely awaited Sam's response.

"I don't want to marry Pete, Jack," Sam admitted quietly, still squeezing his hand as a tear rolled silently down her pale cheek. Her eyes met his once more. "I can't do it because I love you. I've loved you for a long time, I just... I never thought you'd felt the same way, and I thought I could move on but I couldn't. I don't think I really ever truly loved Pete. I mean, I thought I did but-"

"Shh," Jack hushed her gently, offering an affectionate, caring smile. "C'mere," he tugged on her hand, and pulled her to him slowly.

Sam moved to sit at the edge of the bed, moving into his embrace gingerly, careful not to bother his slinged arm. Her emotions settled as his arm wound about her waist, and he made a great effort to sit up further, tucking her head just under his chin while his hand found it's way into her hair. She hugged him carefully in return and found herself sobbing with relief.

Jack smiled and kissed the top of her head, reveling in the warmth of her in his arms and shushing her gently.

-

Another day passed before Janet allowed Jack to go home, and it was two weeks after that before his left arm was out of a sling. During his recovery Sam had spent alot of time with him. She hadn't seen Pete since the night he'd asked her to marry him and she'd left to see Jack, but it didn't really bother her. If she were to see Pete Shanahan again, she decided it would be an awkward encounter to say the least.

Jack was still off the missions roster, and unfortunately for him, he'd had to endure the tortures of filling out unfinished paperwork and mission reports. The only thing that made the suffering of desk work worthwhile, was the fact that he and Sam had been spending a considerable amount of time together since they'd finally voiced their feelings. She'd spent a few days a week at his place, caring for him and helping with the tasks he couldn't yet do on his own. Mostly simple things anyone else would have taken for granted, such as putting on a shirt, or carrying a laundry basket. Despite the fact that Jack's arm was out of the sling, his collarbone still wasn't fully healed, making any two-armed tasks difficult. His ribs were still sore, limiting the things he was able to lift as well.

His teammates were all a great help since he'd been sent home. Daniel did some grocery shopping to stock Jack's ever-so-bare refrigerator, and collected the mail piling up and overflowing his friend's mailbox. Jack was grateful to find that Teal'c had shoveled the walkway up to his front door after all the snowfall that piled up. It had saved him from staggering through the deep snow when he'd first arrived home.

Hearing a knock at his front door, Jack stiffly sat up from where he'd been lounging on the couch to try and see who it was. Suddenly remembering that he hadn't bothered to lock the door, the Colonel called out loudly to his visitor, "It's open!" He listened for the slight creaking noise before footsteps entered the house and the door was shut. Jack's face was lit by a charming grin when his eyes locked onto Sam striding into the living room to join him. "Hey Sam, what'cha doin'?"

"Just thought I'd stop by to see how you were," Sam smiled warmly, taking a seat beside Jack on the couch as he lowered his legs gingerly to make room.

"Checkin' up on me are you?" Jack eyed her with a knowing smirk.

"Yep," she grinned cheekily before her expression sobered, eyes trailing over him with concern. Sam found him to be a bit pale and tired looking. "Are you feeling alright Jack?"

"Yeh, just a little stiff," he cleared his throat roughly, blinking and absently probing his ribs with his fingers. Jack suddenly regretted removing the bandages that bound his ribs, realizing they'd offered much needed support that eased the pain. The left side of his face was still bruised, but the coloration wasn't so livid, merely faded purple with lightly yellowed edges, and the gash above his eyebrow was already turning into a neat pink scar line. His knees were still sore from the bruising, and although his left arm no longer needed to be in a sling, Jack's collarbone was still somewhat tender.

"Have you had lunch?" Sam asked, standing.

"Nope. Sound's like a plan though," Jack struggled to rise to his feet and Sam grasped his right arm to pull him up. He swayed for a moment until he could get his legs under him properly.

Sam let go of his arm once she was sure his knees wouldn't buckle. She allowed Jack to go in front of her, wanting to see how he walked. His movements were stiff and obviously pained as he limped a bit. Moving swiftly beside him, Sam linked their arms and helped him up the few steps before they made their way to the kitchen. By the time they made it Jack seemed even more tired than before. Pulling out a chair, Sam had him sit while she prepared lunch. "What do you feel like having?"

Jack gave a passive one-shouldered shrug, then he smirked. "Something edible is preffered,"

Rolling her eyes, Sam laughed quietly and shook her head. "Okay, so that means nothing I have to cook," she shot back while opening the cupboards.

Jack chuckled with a hand to his left side. He winced slightly while Sam had her back to him.

"Hm," Sam hummed thoughtfully, pulling out some bread before closing the cupboards and moving to the fridge. She opened it up and leaned down to peer inside, finding something satisfactory. "How 'bout a sandwich?" She suggested, turning to peer back at Jack.

"That'll do," he nodded shortly with a partial grin. Leaning forward slightly in the chair, Jack bent to rub at his sore knees, trying to ease the stiffness out of his limbs. While Sam prepared the sandwiches he rose slowly and ambled toward the fridge for a drink. His movements were labored and unsteady, and he was unaware of the pair of blue eyes on him, watching carefully.

"Jack, are you still taking that medicine Janet gave you?" Sam asked him softly, spreading mayonaise on her sandwich.

"Uh," he froze momentarily, grabbing two beers from the fridge and grimacing. "No, not really," Jack admitted, taking the bottles of Guinness back to the table.

"Jack," Sam said in a scolding tone. "You're still supposed to be taking it until Janet says otherwise," she told him firmly while watching him slowly take a seat and uncap the beers.

"Hmph," Jack scoffed and took a long pull from his beer bottle.

Frowning, Sam strode determinedly over to the table and snatched the beer from his hand, taking hold of the other one, presumably meant for her, as well. Taking both toward the sink, she poured the copper-colored liquid down the drain. "No alcohol while you're on medication either," She frowned, eyeing him steadily and unwavering to Jack's glare.

"C'mon Sam, you're turnin' into ole' Doc Fraiser on me," he muttered, but Sam just ignored him, taking the finished sandwiches from the counter and bringing the plates over to the table. Jack's eyes were still on her as she reached into the fridge and pulled out two cans of soda before returning and taking a seat.

"I'm not taking any chances Jack," Sam produced a small bottle of pills from her pocket. She dumped two into her palm before sliding them across the table toward him. "I asked Janet for an extra bottle just in case you conveniently lost the other one,"

"Oh, you're good," Jack smiled wryly as he snatched up the pills and quickly downed them.

Sam began on her sandwich while still keeping a close eye on Jack. She couldn't help being worried about him. He seemed a little off today, and by the way he was picking at his food, didn't have much of an appetite either. Setting down her sandwich, Sam leaned forward on the table. "Jack, you sure you're feeling alright?" Reaching toward him, she pressed the back of her hand to the side of his face. "You're a little warm,"

Jack sighed. "I'm okay Sam, just a little tired." He hung his head.

Smiling tightly, Sam got up from her seat and moved to stand beside Jack. She laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you go upstairs to bed, get some rest. I'll stick around awhile," she assured him with a warm smile.

"Got nothin' better to do than play nursemaid to me?" Jack grunted with a tired smirk as Sam helped him to his feet.

"Actually, no," Sam just grinned, guiding Jack toward the stairs. "I've finished analyzing the data on an artifact SG-11 brought back from P3X-199 before giving it to Daniel to translate the writings, so really I had nothing else to do for the day," She shrugged, wrapping an arm around Jack's waist to steady him as he staggered up the stairs.

-

Sam wasn't surprised when Jack crawled onto the bed, already half asleep. She gave him a hand as he began to strip off his black t-shirt with difficulty, his left shoulder not as mobile as his right. Brows furrowing as she examined the faded bruising along Jack's ribcage, Sam looked around the room until she'd spotted the Ace wrap on the nightstand.

"What're ya doin'?" Jack mumbled tiredly, sitting up barechested, one hand clutching at his side protectively.

"I'm going to re-wrap your ribs for you," Sam explained gently, bringing the bandage over to him and taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

Jack blinked slowly, shifting as Sam went to work, trying not to grimace at the pressure placed on his tender ribs.

"Sorry," Sam quickly apologized, grimacing in sympathy.

Grunting softly, Jack clenched his jaw and gave a short nod, waiting for Sam to be finished. He closed his eyes once she was done, then laid back as she gently pressed her hand to the center of his chest.

"Okay, rest now," Sam didn't have to say anything though, because Jack was already out of it, snoring softly. She smiled gently, reaching out to his forehead once more. A frown briefly crossed her face, his skin very warm beneath her hand. Getting up from the edge of the bed, Sam grabbed for the rumpled blankets nearly falling to the floor and pulled them over Jack.

Sighing wistfully, Sam smiled at Jack's unconscious form before quietly exiting the room. She left the door open and crept down the stairs silently, making her way into the living room.

-

Sam had been sitting on the couch relaxing and reading the newspaper for a little over an hour when she heard a faint knocking at the door. Unaware if Jack was expecting company, and highly doubting it all the same, she rose to her feet suspiciously and peered out the window. Finding her friend and collegue, Dr. Janet Fraiser, standing patiently on the front step, Sam opened the door with a quiet, friendly greeting as she ushered the woman inside.

"Hey Sam, I figured you'd be here." Janet sent her friend a smile, brows knitting together slightly as she looked around, closing the door behind her. "Where's the Colonel?"

"Uh, Jack's sleeping actually," Sam gave a brief smile. "I had him go up about an hour ago. He was tired and felt a bit warm," she explained quietly.

"Maybe I should have a look at him," Janet suggested, gesturing toward the medical bag she'd brought along.

Finding herself smirking slightly, Sam waved a hand at the stairs before leading the doctor up. "You came prepared," she commented as they ascended the stairs.

Janet just smiled. "We don't have to wake him Sam," she assured her softly as they approached the open door to Jack's bedroom. "I can look him over quickly without even bothering him."

Nodding simply, Sam headed over to the bed with Janet. Jack was curled up on his right side, head half buried beneath a pillow. His breathing was slow and heavy, and Sam noticed that his right arm was protectively wrapped about his ribs. The blankets she'd covered him with had slid down to his waist, exposing Jack's bare upper torso.

Reaching out a hand to his forehead, Janet found his flesh to be unnaturally warm. "He's certainly got a temperature," she clarified with a slight frown, drawing her hand back and looking to Sam for an explanation. "Has the Colonel been taking the medication I prescribed for him?"

"Not consistently, no, I don't think so," Sam sighed with an apprehensive frown. "I asked him about it earlier when I noticed he didn't seem to be feeling all that great, and he admitted he hadn't really been taking the pills, so I took out the spare bottle you gave me and had him take those."

Janet frowned, glancing down at Jack again. "The fever could be a reaction from the lack of medication in his system. I warned the Colonel that he needed to take the pills regularly until I said so," she sighed softly, slightly frustrated.

"Hmph," Sam shrugged a bit. "Well, Janet, you know Jack,"

"Unfortunately, yes, I do," Janet rolled her eyes slightly. "Atleast he's consistent with not listening," she smirked half-heartedly.

Sam carefully sat herself on the bed and edged closer to Jack, folding her legs and lightly stroking a hand through his hair. "What can we do?" She asked Janet softly.

"There's not much we can do," the doctor answered regrettably with a gentle sigh. She watched as Sam affectionately stroked the side of Jack's face, her eyes soft and loving. Janet was glad the two had finally started outwardly expressing their feelings for one another after so long repressing them. "Since you've already given the Colonel his pills today, and it won't do any good giving him more, we'll just have to let him ride this out."

Smiling tightly, Sam nodded in compliance, her focus still on Jack. She gave a frown at the noticeable lines of pain etched into his face.

"Do you want me to stay and help you look after him?" Janet asked out of courtesy, already knowing what the response would be.

"No, it's alright Janet. I think I can manage," Looking up briefly, Sam smiled reassuringly at her friend. "Thanks, though,"

"Alright then," the doctor began going through her medical supplies for a moment, taking out a few things and setting them down on the night table. "I'll leave these with you, just in case the Colonel needs anything." Janet nodded toward Sam before heading for the door. "Just let him rest, and try to keep his temperature down. Don't let him take anymore of the prescribed medication until tomorrow, but you can give him some of the mild pain pills if he needs them. And if anything happens that you're not sure you can handle, don't hesitate to call me,"

"Don't worry, I won't," Sam's eyes showed the truth of her words. There was no way she'd put Jack's health at risk. She'd be sure to know when or if it was the right time to give the doctor a call.

"Give me a call later and let me know how he's doing," Janet waved slightly, a partial smile gracing her lips before she went out into the hall and headed downstairs.

Shifting on the bed once more, Sam gazed down at Jack reflectively for several moments. As his breathing became quick and shallow, more lines of pain written across his face, she frowned with concern and watched helplessly as he struggled to wake.

Jack groaned in his fevered sleep, jerking weakly and curling up tighter before straightening his legs a bit when the position bothered his ribs. "Sam," He called out in a faint, feeble voice. "Duh...do..n't...m..rry..." He jerked again with a pained grunt, the words unfinished.

Sam's brows quivered faintly as she cast a dismal gaze over him. "It's okay Jack, I'm here," she soothed, touching his face gingerly. "I'm not marrying Pete, it's alright," Smoothing her hand over his heated brow, Sam sighed as he groaned and slowly rolled onto his back.

Eyelids flickering open to reveal hazy brown orbs, Jack's right hand lifted slightly. "Sam...wait," he called out in his delirium, a heartfelt expression of loss on his sweat-dampened face.

She grasped his reaching hand with both of her own, squeezing affectionately. "Shh, don't worry Jack, I'm not going anywhere," Sam leaned down and kissed his forehead affectionately. Studying him for a few more moments, she watched as his eyes fluttered closed once again, breathing slowing into a peaceful rhythm. Good, he's gone back to sleep, Sam thought to herself, thankful that Jack seemed temporarily relieved of his delirium.

-