Supporting Rumors - Part 73
Jack watched from the main entrance as his wife and Daniel left the building. He knew she was exhausted and he felt a little angry at himself, that his behavior had dragged her all the way over here when she should have been resting.
The guilty flush over both Daniel and Sam's faces when he had asked if she had been discharged had said it all.
Watching until they disappeared from his sight, Jack swung his chair around, intending to wander a little, get his thoughts together ... and plan his departure... He knew Friday just wouldn't come quick enough for him.
Downey blocked his way and Jack felt his temper rising.
The man obviously knew he was treading on thin ground and he held up a hand in a placating gesture. "I just want you to know, what I said... I had no idea that your wife... I saw how she ..." His voice died a little and he cleared his throat nervously. "I am sorry for what I said. I hope your wife is okay."
Jack's temper hovered. He eyed the man contemptuously and then swung his chair around, moving off in the opposite direction he had intended ... but it didn't matter – what mattered was that he got away from that creeping two faced son of a...
"Jack!"
Jack didn't hear the voice at first, he was so caught up inside…
"Jack, wait up!"
Jack halted, the squeal of the rubber on the tiled floor reverberating through the corridor.
"Jeez O'Neill, they shouldn't give you wheels!"
Jack's face broke into a smile. "Finney!"... Well the day was looking up already…
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jack sighed heavily. The night sky was calling to him and the sudden yearning he felt to be out there was strong. He had been home for over a week now, but settling into a routine just seemed to emphasis how much he had lost. To never go through the gate again, to never set foot on an alien planet…
The warm hand that gently grasped his shoulder gave it a comforting squeeze.
"Okay?"
Nodding, Jack brought his hand up to grasp the one on his shoulder, drawing it closer so that he could kiss it softly.
"Yeah, just thinking ..."
"Oh, now I know there's something wrong."
Jack managed a little laugh and playfully dragged at her good arm, pulling her around to bring her onto his lap.
"Nah, I'm okay, honestly."
"You miss it." There was no question, just a statement.
"Of course, who wouldn't? Hell, I missed it so much when I got the SGC command I felt like ordering every mission had to have a general in tow."
"Oh, the brass would have loved that ..." Sam rubbed her cast against his shoulder.
Jack grinned and gave her a mock grimace. "Itchy?"
"Youbetchya."
"I've got something for that, Mrs O'Neill."
Turning her head, Sam brought her face to his. "Oh?"
Jack nipped her lips gently. "It's very good ..." He ran his tongue over her lips before taking another nip. "It's very soothing ..."
Sam's breathing hitched a notch and he felt her writhe on his lap a little.
"Very ..." Nip... "Very ..." Lick... "Soothing."
"Bed?" she suggested breathily, her eyes darkening with desire.
Jack's grin was wicked, downright evil as he drew his head back to regard her face. "Uh, no actually, I was going to suggest you get that bottle of calamine out of the cupboard ..."
Sam pulled back and aimed a swipe at him, jumping to her feet. "You've got a count of ten to get out of here, before I take revenge!"
Jack's eyebrows danced in amusement. "Oh ... the revenge might just be worth hanging around for ..." He saw Sam's expression darken. "Uh, no, on second thoughts …" Jack unlocked his wheels and swung around to move inside, stopping when he was partway through the doorway, effectively blocking it. "Last one to the bedroom is a geek!"
xoxoxoxoxoxo
It was great to have him home, even greater to at last spend time with him. Since their marriage they hadn't actually had much free time together and even though it wasn't as she had quite expected it to happen one day, she was enjoying it, or rather him, immensely. The last few weeks, although not without problems, had continued to bring them even closer together.
Although Jack had continued to receive work, and he ploughed through it, she knew it bored him more than a little. The guest bedroom had become a study for him and she was a little amazed at times just how many documents were amassing. Another little gem he had managed to keep hidden - up until now that was - was his ability on the computer and she had often found him in the middle of something beyond her own capabilities. The encryptions he applied deftly, she had to admit would have take her some work to crack, and she was no slouch.
Although the work was not actually 'top secret' it was certainly not menial, and the alarm system had been upgraded accordingly, courtesy of the USAF. When she saw Jack so engrossed in his job, she often wondered how Maybourne was fairing. Although Jack hadn't shared anything further with her, she hadn't asked him anything either.
The cast had a while to go before she could lose it, but she had to admit, as much as it was inconvenient and very frustrating at times, it had a value. Because she was limited somewhat, she found that she had to ask Jack for help. She knew he was feeling somewhat useless and was in danger of losing his identity ... but in a way, her dependency on him at times seemed to help. It also hit her hard that if she felt this frustrated herself with just a broken arm … what the hell was he going through?
For the time being the physical therapy was being done by home visits, with Jack traveling up to the rehab unit twice a week for pool therapy and ongoing assessments. Sam accompanied him occasionally, although after the first visit she debated making an excuse not to go again. She had caught herself daydreaming, watching him carrying out a task, his movements sure and graceful. His upper body strength had developed, and his frame although still lean, showed off the muscles on his body, flexing as he pushed himself. He was keeping his promise ... giving one hundred and ten per cent ... and then some... His eyes had made contact with hers and she had blushed madly at the wicked thoughts that crept into her daydreams ... oh yes, that upper body strength had its uses…
In the end she decided to continue to go with him … what happened when they got home was too good to miss.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
TBC
