20

Starting Over Part 3

The car's wheels screeched as she slammed on the brakes, jumped from the vehicle, not bothering to press the car's locking mechanism, and she raced up the wooden veranda steps into the cabin.

"Teal'c!" She ran into Jack's room and finding it empty dashed back out, just in time to see the silhouette of the large Jaffa appearing from the lake's side supporting a limping Colonel O'Neill.

Without realizing it she let out a strained breath, allowing her heart to return to some semblance of order before they reached her.

In the cover of darkness she felt able to scrutinize him as he approached her, and even though the lack of light hid much, she was quick to see his pain and the weariness which seemed to reach his inner core. He made no effort to relieve Teal'c of his weight until, at the last moment he looked up, possibly sensing another's presence, and saw her. Only then did he straighten himself, she noticed, attempting to regain that lost independence, tight lines appearing at his mouth and on his forehead as he fought to gain control over his pain and weakness.

Feeling him stiffen, Teal'c looked up and inclined his head in gentle greeting.

"I regret I had to disturb you, Dr. Carter," and hearing Jack snort the Jaffa continued, "As you can see, I was eventually able to locate O'Neill."

Sam felt Jack's eyes burning into her, his cold cynical glare cutting into her very soul.

"I hope you didn't interrupt Carter doing something vitally important, Teal'c." His sarcasm was bitingly heavy as he stared into Sam's guarded eyes.

"I am unaware of what Dr. Carter was doing."

"That's okay, Teal'c," Sam explained gently and then turning to Jack, "Nothing I can't continue at a later date."

She saw the pulse at his temple begin to throb and knew her barb had struck home and at that same moment she heard the mewling and realized Jack was cradling something against his chest.

"What on earth?"

For a second she saw Jack's features soften as his eyes dropped to what he held.

"Easy little fella, I've got you safe."

No longer fearing his acidic tone, Sam stepped forward, reaching out for what he held.

"Let me see….." and her eyes widened in disbelief. "A kitten!"

"Nice to know your powers of observation are still as sharp as ever, Carter."

"And you're soaking!"

"Sharper than sharp."

"I regret that O'Neill saw fit to jump in the lake to rescue this feline." Stated Teal'c critically. "He is suffering from the cold and has put some undue strain on his injury."

"Oh, for crying out loud, stop going into mother hen overdrive," he grumbled irritably. "Hey!" He jerked back as Sam's hand reached out to touch his forehead. Her eye's narrowed menacingly and before he could protest further she quickly relieved him of the mewling kitten, putting it against her own warm breast. Instantly the dry warmth elicited a weak cry and then a soft purring began to emanate from the tiny wet ball of fur. Ignoring Jack's dissent she turned to Teal'c.

"Get him out of those clothes and into a hot bath, Teal'c."

Attempting to remove himself from the larger man's grasp, Jack spluttered, "I think I know what's best for me and -----."

"And if you need any help," she continued as if Jack hadn't spoken, "just call and I'll give you a hand."

She was pleased to register the look of outrage on her former CO's handsome face then spun on her heels and preceded them both into the house.

She could hear Jack's complaints as she warmed up some milk and tempted the kitten, dipping her little finger in and then brushing its nose and tiny mouth, but nothing worked until she though to put a tiny amount of honey into the liquid. That certainly seemed to do the trick for in next to no time its little belly was full and it was lying contentedly on one of Sam's scarves, washing its tiny body from head to toe. Leaving it drowsing on the sofa, Sam entered Jack's bedroom.

She could hear the patient's muffled voice arguing from behind the closed bathroom door and Teal'c's deeper voice over that.

Shaking her head she rapped on the door. "Need any help in there, Teal'c?"

Instantly Jack's complaints were silenced. There was a pause and then slowly, confidently Teal'c spoke.

"That will not be necessary, Dr. Carter. Colonel O'Neill is acquiescent to your desires."

Sam heard a rather strong expletive and had to stifle her own laughter.

Returning to the kitchen she located a couple of ice packs and made a hot green tea, lacing it with honey.

"What's good for you kitty will do for the gander."

He was just exiting the bathroom, dressed in boxers and t-shirt when she returned to his bedroom and he looked as if he might be ready to vent his bad temper on her until his eyes alighted on the little ball of fur following at her heels. Sam enjoyed watching the transformation in his eyes from dark anger to a deep and warming chocolate brown.

"Hey little fella, whatcha doing?"

He bent low as if to scoop up his new friend, but found his balance going. In an instant Sam was at his side, lending her support even though it wasn't too well received. Once he'd regained his balance he shrugged out of her grip and watched the kitten scramble up the covers on his bed to gain the ultimate spot for comfort – his pillow. Immediate kneading with paws, accompanied by deep satisfying purring, attested to how the cat felt. Jack grinned openly.

"Well he sure knows what he wants."

"You're sure it's a male, Colonel?"

"Too young to tell just yet, but I'd bet on it."

"By the fact that he knows what he wants and goes and gets it?" Sam's tone was dry and slightly challenging.

Reading between the lines Jack's reply was instantaneous.

"Absolutely – nothing else to it."

Sam's eyes narrowed menacingly.

'Yes, you chose to go undercover letting me believe you'd turned traitor! And having gotten caught, retired to Edora and Laira. You did what you wanted and to hell with the rest of us.'

She could feel her cheeks flushing hot as these thoughts raced angrily round her brain. 'Egotistical bastard!' He deserved a good kick in the--.

Pulling herself up mentally Sam pointed to the mug on his bedside table.

"Hot tea."

"Tea?" He sounded aghast.

"Recommended for just such an occasion – it'll warm your insides."

He looked suitably unimpressed. "I'll pass."

"Do you ever choose to do anything that's good for you?" she demanded a little irritably.

He regarded her stonily for a moment and then chose to change the subject. 'So, did Teal'c interrupt anything important when he called?"

Sam smiled though it didn't reach her eyes.

"I got most of what I wanted done and took a rain check for the rest." 'Hah, let him think what he liked as to that,' she thought coldly.

By now Jack had lowered himself onto the bed and was kneading his thigh.

Reaching out with the ice packs, Sam advised, "You'll need these."

He ignored them. "I'll manage."

Snorting in exasperation, she grabbed one of his hands turning it palm upwards, slapping the packs into it.

"Stop being such a pain in the butt and apply these."

And before he could offer any retort she wheeled round and walked out of his room, just managing to resist the urge to slam the door as being too childish and much like something he would do.

She was back in an instant catching him tickling the kitten behind one of its ears, sending it into an ecstasy of purring.

Looking slightly ill at ease to be caught doing something so out of character he turned to applying the packs to his knee.

"How does it feel?"

"Fine."

"Liar."

She couldn't believe she'd said that aloud and by the look on Jack's face neither could he, she realized.

Teal'c fortuitously reappeared from the bathroom looking like he'd been under the shower himself.

"I will retire now and undertake my Kel no 'reem. If you would be so kind as to ensure O'Neill takes all his medication, Dr Carter, I would be most grateful."

Irritably, Jack glared at the Jaffa, "I know what I have to take, dammit. I don't need Carter to ----."

"And Dr. Fraiser advised doing a check to make sure it is actually consumed."

Sam grinned at the way Teal'c was observing Jack, oblivious to his indignant scowl.

"Don't worry Teal'c. You go and get out of your wet things; we don't want you catching a cold as well."

Jack's head shot up.

"I don't have a (he sneezed) cold!"

--------------------------

"Go 'way." Jack's voice, weak and irritable, was barely audible as he swatted feebly at the hand that held the cup to his lips.

"Just a little more," Sam coaxed, her voice persuasive and gentle as she cradled his head against her, holding him still as he tried to twist away from her restraining hold. She sighed softly, railing against fate. Couldn't he for once have escaped the consequences of his action? Didn't he deserve a break now and again? She shook her head, her eyes glued to the patient as she attempted to get him to drink. His persistence in being uncooperative over her attempts to help him was proving just as exasperating whether he was conscious or not!

Putting the cup of electrolytes down, Sam reached for the cloth in the bowl of water, wringing it out and wiping his face and neck. This time he leaned into the cooling comfort, mumbling something she couldn't quite catch. Allowing his head to settle back onto the pillow, she brought the cloth down to his chest feeling the heat from his dry skin radiating through the damp cotton.

Checking her watch, she nodded to herself, then reaching over took two tablets from one of the many bottles on the bedside cabinet, dropped them into the electrolyte mixture, swirled it around watching the tablets dissolve, then sniffed at the liquid. Her nose wrinkled in distaste.

Putting her left arm under Jack's naked shoulders she carefully raised him and settled herself on the bed, allowing him to settle back against her. Once more she brought the cup to his dry lips, prepared for his resistance.

"Help me out here, Jack; it's this that's going to break your fever."

But although his eyes opened unexpectedly, they were bright with delirium as he tried yet again to push Sam away. Her own persistence, however, induced him to take some of the bitter tasting medication until, finally, she settled him back, watching as he drifted in and out of an uneasy sleep, occasionally muttering and mumbling under his breath.

--------------------

"Daniel!" He roared the name shooting bolt upright, hard, dark eyes glazed and glaring into nothing. "Where is she, goddammit?"

Half asleep in the armchair she had pulled up to his bed, Sam jumped up grabbing Jack's shoulders, pushing him back against the pillows.

"Where the hell is she?" He was blind to her presence.

"Easy, Colonel, lie still. Everything's okay; just rest now. I'm here."

It took all of her strength simply to push him back and hold him down as he continued to relive past memories.

She watched in misery as his head thrashed from side to side, garbled words mixing with some she understood, and as she heard him speak her name she felt burning heat suffuse her own features. The longing in his voice brought unwelcome tears springing to her eyes to be instantly brushed away as if she were afraid that even in his fever he would see her weakness.

His anger, when it came, was swift and brutal and in his fevered ravings he cursed her with such vitriolic fury that she hung her head, covering her face with her hands, aghast at what he now so obviously felt for her. It was so much worse than she'd imagined and now, now when she had made an official request to...

-------------------------------

"Hot."

Her hands flew from her face, her eyes seeking his which were observing her wearily. She gave him one of those brilliantly special smiles that, at one time, he had thought had been just for him. Now he knew better.

He groaned and felt the cool cloth moving down his neck and across his chest.

"Your temperature decided to take an uphill hike."

"More like ballistic," he whispered weakly.

She grinned at his attempt at a joke, just like she used to.

"Water."

She proffered the cup but his senses must have reminded him of the vile taste because before it reached his lips he had turned away.

"Hey." She reached out a gentle hand, taking hold of his chin, turning his face back to her. "This is what is keeping me from phoning Janet."

Even exhausted, his eyes widened in unease.

"You've got it loud and clear, Colonel. It doesn't bear thinking about if she knew what had happened here."

Jack grimaced in obvious understanding and resigned himself to drinking some more of the ghastly concoction. When Sam eventually allowed him to lie back, he wiped a hand across his mouth.

"Crap."

Sam smiled in agreement. "I reckon that just about sums up our future if Janet finds out about this."

"Our secret?"

His eyes were already closing of their own accord.

Sam smiled. "Only if you promise to get better."

"Working on it," he mumbled, and his body's demands could be resisted no longer as he sank into a deep, healing sleep.

------------------

By the following afternoon, Jack's fever had passed though he was still weak and, because of it, irritable.

When Teal'c had taken over the watch Sam was able to catch up on lost sleep and it had done wonders to restore her to her usual bright and bubbly self – or so she thought.

She had been attempting to go over a number of dos and a lot of don'ts to the bedridden invalid to ensure there was no possibility of a repeat of the last few hours.

"Been taking lessons?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're beginning to sound a little too much like Janet."

Sam's eyes narrowed and she could feel the good humour within her start to diminish. "I'll take that as a compliment," she answered and before Jack could remonstrate she speared him with a piercing look whilst asking innocently, "So tell me, how's my successor getting on?"

"Fine." Jack knew as soon as he'd opened his mouth that he'd been too hasty, but it was too late to backtrack.

Sam smiled sweetly - she'd already been filled in by Janet and to a certain extent by Teal'c too.

"So, who's the lucky person, anyone I know?"

Jack had dropped his gaze and concentrated on stroking the kitten which was lying on his lap.

Yea---, I mean no, nobody you know." A guardedness appeared in his eyes and Sam was all attention.

"Really?"

His irritation growing by the second, still he tried to hide it for all his worth but his discomfort was so obvious that Sam had to smother her own smile with difficulty.

'So you had no trouble filling my position?"

He looked at her then, an inkling of suspicion tickling his senses.

"Why would you think that?" he demanded gruffly. "There are scores of people queuing up to get onto SG-1!"

Unable to contain her hilarity further, Sam's eyes widened incredulously as she gave an unladylike snort.

"It's odd you should say that, Colonel when Teal'c happened to mention - just in passing - the difficulties experienced in finding someone to take over from me." Her large, blue eyes sparkled in the afternoon light. "How many did he mention?" She tipped her head to the side pretending she was having difficulty recalling the number. "Six?...Eight?... Ah, now I remember – eleven. You've been through eleven scientists," she crowed jubilantly.

As Jack's hand banged down on the bed, his anger and frustration clear as the sunlight streaming into the room, the kitten jumped in the air yowling in fright, scrambling from the bed, its ears laid back flat in fear as it raced for the door and escape.

"What the hell is this? If you know so much, why the f--." He stopped, his face growing red with rage, swallowing the expletive just in time. Sam raised an eyebrow imitating Teal'c for all she was worth.

"I just thought I'd get your side of the story, Colonel. After all, it sounds to me as if you're the one putting all the obstacles in the way of getting a permanent replacement."

Her words, spoken softly, still had the ability to pierce Jack's tough skin and crimson flushed his pale cheeks.

"Not that it's any of your business now, Carter," his words were heavy with sarcasm, "but it so happens another replacement is ready and will be waiting when I return to the mountain. I'm told on good authority that the person is highly qualified and will fit into the team without any difficulty." Jack couldn't help sounding supercilious though he did fail to mention that General Hammond had basically given him a final warning on the way he was handling the matter and if he screwed up again the general would make his own choice and Jack would just have to lump it.

He grimaced at the memory of that blistering conversation, still remembering how the older man had threatened to metaphorically kick some sense into him if he had the audacity to refuse another specially chosen officer. Jack had slunk away from the general's room, tail well and truly tucked between his legs, bewildered that his superior could find fault with his careful sorting of the wheat from the chaff.

"Well I'm glad to hear that, Colonel. I wasn't too happy about leaving SG-1 in the lurch but---."

"Bullshit!"

"I suppose that's one way of ending a meaningful conversation." And before Jack could protest further Sam had spun lightly on her heel and exited his room.

--------------------

"What are you doing, O'Neill?" Teal'c had halted in the doorway of the bedroom, a tray in his hands. His voice conveyed his misgivings, earning him a dark scowl from Jack.

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you are leaving your bed when Dr. Carter has expressly forbidden---."

"Excuse me!" He growled through gritted teeth, his eyes expressing his disdain. "Tell me I misheard what you just said, Teal'c."

Expression unchanged, Teal'c continued, "Your hearing was not affected by your injuries, O'Neill, I believe you heard me correctly."

"I don't recall Doc Fraiser making any such rule."

Teal'c nodded in agreement.

"There you are then."

Jack's self-satisfied grin vanished as Teal'c bore down on him in a no-nonsense manner, placing the tray on the bedside table and blocking his way.

"I do not believe Dr. Fraiser would disagree with Dr. Carter's decision."

Jack's eyebrows shot up as well as his temper but he understood all too well that arguing with this very large Jaffa would be of no value. He shrugged and gave a conspiratorial grin.

"C'mon T, we guys need to stick together."

Teal'c's manner remained as stone.

"I do not understand the need for adhesive, O'Neill, in this situation."

"Unless we use it on the seat of your boxers to keep you in bed."

Startled, Jack realized that Sam, standing in the doorway with arms crossed, had heard the whole 'guys' thing conversation.

"I sometimes wonder," Sam spoke dryly addressing Teal'c, "how the Colonel here ever made the rank he has when he so obviously finds following the simplest orders difficult."

Turning to Jack, she gave him a sickly sweet smile then nodded to the bed.

"Tell me," and Jack's heart plummeted, "what part of the 'complete bed rest' didn't you understand?"

Jack eyed her narrowly from beneath dark brows just wishing she was still part of the Air Force and under his command. He would kick her butt into touch before she knew what was happening.

As if reading his thoughts, Sam's own mouth tightened and her chin angled up.

"If you'd be so kind Teal'c, please make sure Colonel O'Neill returns to bed immediately – use whatever force you see fit." Turning to leave she paused as she had another thought. Turning her head she spoke softly over her shoulder but with an unmistakable warning. "Colonel, if I find you out of bed for any reason other than a bathroom stop for the next twenty-four hours, you'll find yourself divest of your boxers and t-shirt."

She saw the disbelief in his eyes followed by indignant outrage and she smiled wickedly as he gasped, "You wouldn't---."

"I wouldn't recommend you putting me to the test," she interrupted ominously. "You might find you've bitten off more than you can chew."

Mouth agape, eyes positively bulging with impotent fury, Jack watched her walk out of his room muttering about ungrateful, mule-headed men she'd had the misfortune to know.

"I heard that!"

A faint but positive "Good!" was heard followed by the slamming of the outside door.

"Who the hell does she think she is?"

"She is---"

"I know who she is goddammit!" Jack snapped. He glowered hard at Teal'c who was chivvying him back to his bed. "She's worse than Doc in triplicate on a bad day," he growled, grabbing the bedclothes off the Jaffa who was attempting to straighten the bedding.

"I believe, O'Neill, that Dr. Carter has your interests at heart."

"That's crap, Teal'c, out and out crap."

"If that is true, why did she drive to the service station to get you those?"

He was pointing to the tray which contained a bowl of fruit loops.

Trying to mask his surprise, Jack grumbled, "She got them for herself."

Teal'c eyed him with disdain, refusing to discuss the matter further, placing the tray on his lap and watching him.

"This isn't feeding time at the zoo, you know," he complained

"I am aware of that, but Dr. Carter asked me to ensure you consumed this meal. I have read that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and ----."

"Can it, Teal'c." Jack was not in the mood for a lesson on home economics.

"As you wish." Yet the large warrior stood over the patient and made sure the cereal and orange juice were eaten. To his surprise, Jack devoured it all then looked around expectantly.

"So, where's the coffee?"

"That was one on the list of forbidden items."

'Damn, if Daniel were here he'd take pity on me. And if Daniel were here I wouldn't be in all this sh--.'

----------------------------

Having walked to the lake to cool off, Sam now retreated to the kitchen and tiredly made herself fresh coffee, enjoying the aroma and hoping it would give her that extra boost she felt sure she'd need to deal with a sick, bored Air Force colonel with the temper of an irritated rhinoceros and the patience of a termite.

She sighed heavily but had to smile when she remembered his look of horror when she'd threatened to carry out her threat to keep him in his bed. 'He could hardly believe his ears,' she thought. 'Sweet, amenable Sam who's always backed you to the hilt no matter the situation. Well, you pissed me off once too often and you're going to have to learn one way or the other that there are consequences to certain acts.'

----------------------

The scratching noise caught her attention and she wandered back into the living room, her eyes alighting on the kitten scratching away at Jack's bedroom door.

'Definitely female,' she thought wryly, 'can't keep away from him.' And then more soberly, 'Well I have. I've cracked six months – or maybe I'm the one who's cracked.' She smiled self-consciously trying to figure just what it was – the enigma that was Colonel Jack O'Neill – that had her heart racing at the mere mention of his name, had her mind in turmoil, her emotions shot to hell and which had her battling to prevent herself from allowing the palm of her right hand making very firm and satisfying contact with his arrogant face whilst wanting to throw herself with total abandon into his arms and, cliché or not, make wild, passionate love to him. She shook her head, annoyed with herself.

'Get a grip, Sam. You've got a job to do. Just do it and worry later about what happens when the proverbial stuff hits the fan.'

The kitten was beginning to mewl now as she tried to still gain entrance.

"I know what you feel like, kitty,' she muttered sympathetically, bending and scooping the furry ball into her arms. For a moment the kitten allowed itself to be distracted but just as swiftly it jumped down and commenced its scratching.

Shaking her head in amusement she opened the door, leaving it slightly ajar in case of ablutions. Just at that moment Jack could be heard demanding coffee. She smiled grimly and returned to the kitchen heating water and filling a mug.

Back in the bedroom, Jack eyed her approvingly when he saw the mug she was carrying, that is until she held it out to him.

"What's that?"

"Green tea."

He eyed her mirthlessly and she returned his look, stare for stare. "Don't you ever give up?"

She frowned. 'You should know.' "Drink it."

"I'll pass."

"It's good for you."

"Then you drink it, Carter."

Sam rolled her eyes in annoyance. "When are you going to get it into your head that I'm trying to help you?" She couldn't prevent the exasperation in her voice.

Jack simply stared at her through veiled eyes, purposely remaining silent.

"You really are impossible!" she snapped before marching from the room.

"So they tell me," he replied dryly, smiling as he watched her stiff back retreat to a safer part of the cabin.

------------------------

The next few days passed with Sam battling against Jack's ill humour and yet she had to admit that, at times, it appeared that he accepted her presence, or at least, she thought wryly, he tolerated her. There were even moments, she barely dared to admit, when they were almost back to being what they used to be.

She supposed it had, in part, to do with the episode which occurred the day following Jack's confinement to bed. As the morning passed and the afternoon wore on, the

patient's tolerance level was stretched taut to snapping and even more so was Sam's. For what seemed like the thousandth time she heard Jack's voice complaining that he should be allowed out of bed to at least shower and shave. She and Teal'c had vetoed this request as many times as it was asked but still the Colonel insisted on repeating the demand.

Working at a desk in the living room, she had read and reread a paragraph she was writing for a science article for what seemed to her the twenty-sixth time and felt she was just about making inroads into the concept she was attempting to clarify, when Jack's belligerent voice interrupted her train of thought yet again. Slamming closed her notepad, she closed her eyes, breathing deeply, willing a shred of peace and calmness to enter her despairing soul. He had asked just once too often. Gritting her teeth and screwing up her bloodshot eyes she fought her temper. The battle swayed back and forth until, finally, there was a truce of sorts.

Calmly she stood and went about her work.

----------------------

He watched her guardedly as she carried a tray in, walking straight into his bathroom without so much as a 'by your leave'. He could hear the sound of running water and frowned.

'What the hell was going on?'

Teal'c appeared at his side nodding genially. "It is time for a change, O'Neill." And before he could protest, Jack found himself divest of his t-shirt.

"So where's the fresh one?"

Sam reappeared. "Thanks Teal'c."

"You are welcome, Dr. Carter."

"Hey, what about my t-shirt?"

Teal'c paused at the doorway to the bedroom. "Once Dr. Carter has completed her undertaking, you will be provided with one."

"Undertaking? What undertaking? What are you talking about?" he demanded, clearly annoyed. He turned to face Sam allowing the Jaffa the opportunity to leave without further hindrance. "What's going on, Carter?" he growled, slightly alarmed when Sam laid a large towel over his lap, placed another at the side and put two small bowls of water on the bedside table. His eyes widened as he noticed his razor and shaving foam on the tray.

Smiling sweetly, Sam picked up the foam and depressed the plunger allowing a small handful into her left palm.

"You're cranky, Colonel. I thought a shave would --."

"No way, Carter!" He lunged up only to find Sam's right hand pressed firmly against his bare chest, pushing him back against the pillows.

"Oh yes, sir." Deceptively gentle, her tone still managed to convey a determination Jack clearly recognised and before he could do anything to prevent it, Sam had slapped white foam to his stubbled jaw. He stiffened at her touch and Sam paused for an instant, looking him straight in the eye, but the moment eye contact was made Jack dropped his gaze. "This isn't going to be as bad as you imagine, Colonel," she uttered confidently, trying to break through the invisible barrier Jack had erected against her. And then without further hesitation she applied more foam to both his cheeks, smoothing it over his chin and up each side of his face. With a small look of contrition, she smoothed the foam over his mouth and under his nose, using a finger to wipe away most of the stuff from his lips.

"Think of it as a beauty treatment. Just lie back and enjoy it."

He snorted in disgust, eyes widening in alarm as she checked his razor and brought it towards him. He stiffened, pressing himself back into the pillows not liking the twinkle in Sam's blue eyes.

"Relax, Colonel – I do know how to use one of these. If you stay still, I promise not to cause too much damage."

Sam found herself actually enjoying the task as she cut clean swathes through the thick snowy foam revealing smooth pink skin beneath; her mathematical mind approved of the order revealed out of the chaos and she smiled in pleasure at her handiwork.

"What's so funny?"

She hesitated, about to use the towel to remove the excess foam.

"You."

Ugh oh – he didn't like that answer she realized but she wasn't about to back down now. She watched him carefully as she finished with the razor, cleaning his face gently.

I'll just change the water."

"Don't bother."

"It's no bother."

Jack's eyes narrowed menacingly. "Let me make myself clear." His voice had definitely dropped in temperature to glacial levels, his eyes burning holes in her.

Refusing to acknowledge this, she chattered on, "You'll feel a whole lot better when ---."

"I'll feel a whole lot better when you stop treating me like a little kid!"

Battling to bite her tongue on the scalding words which cried out to be spoken, the effort proved too much and her whiplash answer had him blinking in astonishment.

"Then I suggest you stop acting like a spoilt five year old!"

He froze before dark colour suffused his newly shaved jaw. Shifting restlessly, he mumbled something inaudible.

"What was that?" she snapped quite sure he was cursing her. And for a moment she thought he'd ignore her until, his voice heavy with sarcasm, he exploded, "I said, I'm too old for a spanking!"

Biting on her lower lip to prevent the well-deserved response to that comment, Sam fought to maintain a passive appearance as she replaced his shaving gear. Returning to his side, she found him lying face down on the bed. However, ignoring his ill humour she chose to put on a light voice saying, "You must feel a lot better without all that growth on your face."

Silence.

'Okay, suit yourself.' She shrugged and turned to leave him to his own scintillating company when his next words froze her to the spot.

"Why did you leave?"

Had she imagined the words? Unable to see his face she wasn't altogether sure her own emotions were playing tricks but his complete and utter stillness, the tautness of his body, were enough to convince her the question was real, spoken softly, no hint of feeling to show her, one way or the other, what was behind the question.

She realized she was twisting one of the towels in her restless hands, her nerves jittery. How many times had she asked herself the same question, only imagining herself putting it to him?

"I never thought you'd ask" she whispered softly.

"I am now." His voice was muffled.

She watched the back of his head intently. His forehead rested on his folded arms, his face completely hidden. Without need to compose her features, Sam knew her eyes reflected the pain she felt deep inside, and as it rose to the surface so too did the anger which simmered even deeper within.

No, no! She couldn't allow that out – it was all consuming, a ferocious entity with a will of its own. Struggling to rein it in, she heard her own voice trembling and wasn't surprised to find her hands shaking. She forced a short, bitter laugh past the huge lump in her throat.

"You heard me tell Teal'c – everything was screwed up ….." She tried controlling her breathing "I...I decided I needed a change."

Unable to stay still any longer she grabbed the bowls and emptied them in the bathroom failing to hear Jack's muttered "Bullshit."

He felt the warm drops on his bare back and started, half turning, unsure what it was he could feel.

"Relax, Colonel. It's a little oil."

"What the hell."

"You're too tense; I'm just going to give you a back rub."

"I don't think ----."

Her firm hands began to knead his back cutting off his protest as her capable hands knew just where to find the tightest knots.

"So tell me," her voice was a little breathless from her exertions, "how was Edora?"

There, she'd managed to broach the subject without feeling the need to hit him; though she had to admit the pummelling she was giving his shoulders at that minute was rather severe.

Was he going to answer?

"I didn't hang around long enough to find out – I gated straight off."

"Ahh….. It must have been pretty satisfying when you brought back all those traitors?"

She could feel him begin to tense beneath her hands.

"What's your point, Carter?" His voice reflected the same apprehension.

"No point, Colonel. Just making an observation."

Silence again. Slowly, was it almost reluctantly she wondered, she felt him relax. She heard the faintest of sighs as she kneaded the back of his neck and gradually, carefully, she moved down his spine, lower, lower.

A wicked thought sprang to mind and she carefully started to lower the covers.

He lunged for them as best he could, hindered by being on his stomach, stiffening at the intrusion.

"Carter?" It was a warning, a definite 'hands off, don't go there.'

Smiling broadly she put on her most innocent voice. "Colonel?"

"I think you've finished," he growled.

"But I was just going to ---."

"You've finished!" he snapped peremptorily.

Using her sweetest, most grovelling tone she said, "Whatever you say, Colonel."

---------------------

He was still seething when Teal'c entered his room, approaching with what he considered was good news.

"O'Neill – you are in for a treat," but getting no response, the large man's head inclined to the side. "This does not appear to be raising your spirits. I was under the impression that treats were enjoyable."

Jack's scowl deepened the more the larger man spoke.

"I do not understand, O'Neill. You have been whining to be ----"

"I don't whine, for crying out loud!" he snapped indignantly.

"I agree you do not use a high-pitched voice, O'Neill, but you are most certainly repetitive in your demands, much like a trying child. However, it would seem Dr. Carter has listened to your w--." Here he paused seeking a diplomatic way out, aware of Jack's continued glare. "...wishes, and she has decided that if you do not overtax yourself, you may be allowed out of bed to join us for dinner."

He tried hiding his surprise, the fact that he was euphoric at the prospect of leaving his bed.

"That's fine," he murmured expressionlessly.

"Shall I run a bath for you?"

"I'll have a shower." Then seeing the look Teal'c was giving him, he shrugged. "Hey, it was worth a try. Whatever, I've got to get this blasted oil off me anyway." And he sniffed suspiciously at a shoulder, unsure whether it was a feminine scent or not. Still, he decided to take no chances and soak for a long, long time.

---------------------------

Go to Part 4