Supporting Rumors - Part 52

Despite his best intentions, Jack began to fall into a light sleep. He hung where the cobwebs were vague, the brushing across his memories thankfully light enough to only give him a slight restlessness.

As he brushed away from the webs, he became aware of his surroundings, and once more he made the effort to return to reality. He hovered slightly, unsure he wanted to face the hurt, the feeling of betrayal ... why wouldn't anyone listen to him? What hurt most of all was Sam's steadfast hold on the belief that he would remain crippled.

His body seemed to make the effort of its own accord and as his lids flickered open, the dark face of his friend awaited him.

"O'Neill."

Teal'c's voice was unusually quiet and the man's demeanor was almost ... almost apologetic.

"Hey, big guy, what's hangin?" murmured Jack, turning his head to cough lightly, trying to clear his throat. The oxygen cannula was a huge improvement on the mask, but it still made his throat dry.

Teal'c quickly and without fuss, passed him a drink and waited until Jack had finished, before returning the glass to the bedside cabinet, refilling it part way again.

"Thanks. Uh, you okay, T?"

"Indeed, and nothing is hanging."

Jack smiled, but as the usual glint was missing from his friend's eyes, he knew something was not quite …

"I must confess to you O'Neill."

… right!

Both of Jack's eyebrows rose together.

"Confess? Hey, you confess to priests, not generals ..." Jack tried for a light approach, but the darkness of Teal'c's eyes quickly dispelled that urge. "What's up, T?" He frowned, a sudden thought hitting him, and then even as he tried to push himself up, the large hand of his friend held him still.

"No, it is nothing that you should be alarmed of O'Neill."

"Sam? Daniel?" Jack relaxed slightly, but the serious face that regarded him didn't disperse his doubts.

"Everyone is fine. They are deeply troubled, but other than that ..."

Jack waved a hand at him to hurry him up. God knows Daniel was bad enough at getting to a point, but for Teal'c to suddenly start a narrative – it was killing him. They were troubled huh? Big deal ... if they were lying here like this - then that would be troubled!

Teal'c inclined his head, acknowledging his friend's impatience.

"I am sorry I did not tell you sooner, however it was in your best interest that I ..."

"Teal'c! ... cryin' out loud," burst in Jack, a little breathlessly, unable to contain himself. The Jaffa cast him a 'shut up and listen' look and Jack sank back wearily, well aware that his wheezing had worsened.

"I witnessed the same movement of your foot as you did and I did not inform you. I conceded with much trouble that it was best you did not get your hopes on high."

Jack was lost for words. He felt a surge of anger that Teal'c had not said anything to him. "Was that why everyone was fascinated with the bottom of the bed?"

"I found myself accepting that it was in your best of interest, O'Neill, in that you may refuse to undertake rehabilitation if you were to think it unnecessary."

"Huh, I don't need three guesses to know who the hell called that one – do I? I thought I could trust you Teal'c – out of everyone I know, I always thought I could rely on you to be honest with me."

Teal'c bowed deeply, clearly disturbed. "I am sorry O'Neill. You are my brother and the last person I would ever wish to hurt or betray. My life is yours O'Neill. You must believe that none of us sought to deceive you, only to protect, and if this was misguided then I can only beg forgiveness of you."

Jack slowly absorbed what Teal'c was saying, the somber expression the Jaffa wore was so revealing that the anger began to fizzle slowly. The tide of betrayal he had been feeling began to recede, just a little and a tiny vestige of understanding began to seep back to replace it. "You're worried I ... that I would want to just get up and walk huh?"

Teal'c inclined his head. "It is my belief that you will not allow yourself to settle for less than it is possible for you to attain. However, you will need much assistance, O'Neill, and I do not want you to eat the hand of those that would offer sustenance."

Jack couldn't help the small smile that escaped his lips. He relaxed slightly. "So ... you saw it move huh?"

"Indeed, twice."

"Twice huh? Well, waddaya know then."

Someone finally believed in him and it was such a good feeling. He shrugged the insidious daggers of despair of his wife's betrayal that had cut him to the quick to one side and gave Teal'c a tight smile, offering his hand to his brother.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

TBC