Thanks for the wonderful reviews! I am glad that you like the story so far. To answer a question: Cassie is in like her 2nd year of college. She goes to school in colorado. And replying to areview: Sam is really silly. Don't you think she would do something like that (her counter acrobatics).
Also...Sam is a strong person. And always thinking of others before herself. Sometimes she gets upset when she can't solve a problem. Keep that in mind when you read this next chapter. Thanks.
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"I'm home." Cassie yelled from the doorway. She pulled her bag inside and shut the door.
Jack was watching TV in the living room. "Hey Cass."
Cassie dumped her bags by the stairs and proceeded to the living room.
When she saw just Jack, she asked. "Where's Sam?"
"Sam was practicing her base jumping…off the counter top earlier today. So she is confined to bed. The doctor came and fixed her up about an hour ago." Jack paused and looked at his watch. "She's been sleeping since then. Don't worry, we're in radio contact." Jack said, holding up the radio next to him.
Cassie nodded. "So how long does she have to stay in bed?"
"She can only get up to pee. Probably two days."
"She's gonna go insane."
"Or drive us there. I had the doctor bring her laptop from the base. 'Give her a chance to do some paperwork." Jack said smiling.
"Okay. Have you eaten?" Cassie asked.
"Nope."
"Okay, I was thinking of making spaghetti."
"Sounds good to me."
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Jack walked into Sam's room holding a tray of food. He set it down on her dresser and turned her lamp on. "Sam."
Sam slowly opened her eyes. It took her a minute to focus. "Jack."
"Suppertime." He said, gesturing to the spaghetti.
She smiled.
Jack helped her roll onto her back and propped her up with pillows. He set the plate in her lap.
"The doctor said there was some new bruising."
"Yeah, well I wasn't too graceful when I tried to catch myself with my bad arm." Sam said smirking.
Jack nodded. "How's the spaghetti? Cass made it."
"Good, hits the spot. How's Cassie?"
"She's cleaning up dinner; she'll be up in a few minutes."
Sam put her fork down. "Jack."
"Uh huh."
"I'm sorry."
"For?"
Sam sighed. "For making myself harder to take care of."
"Pshaw. No big deal. If you hadn't tried to do something on your own, you wouldn't be Carter." Jack said smiling. "Besides, this way you're easier to keep track of."
Sam snorted. "Glad I could help out."
"You're right were I want you." Jack said, and then realizing what he'd said, followed up. "That didn't come out right."
Sam smiled and shook her head. "Confined to bed is where you want me?"
Jack sighed, frustrated. "No, I mean you have to stay in bed so it makes it harder for you to get into trouble."
Sam smiled.
Cassie knocked on the door frame. "Hey."
"Hey Cass." Sam said, looking up at the doorway..
"How are you feeling after your adventure?" Cassie said, smiling.
"Okay." Sam said, taking a bite of her dinner.
"Sam, Cassie's gonna stay with you while I make a run to the base. I have a meeting with the General." Jack said.
Sam looked up at Cassie and she nodded. "When will you be back?"
"I don't know. Hopefully it won't take too long. One of the airmen from the base will be posted outside." Jack looked into Sam's eyes. "Is that okay?"
Sam closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing. 'What if they come back? I won't be able to protect her.' She thought.
Jack put his hand on Sam's cheek. He looked up at Cassie. "Hey Cass, you wanna give us a minute?"
Cassie nodded and headed to her room, shutting the door behind her.
Jack turned his attention back to Sam. "Sam."
Sam's breathing became more rapid, her lips forming a frown.
Jack saw it coming. "Hey," He said drawing her in close. Sam was trying to hold it all in, but she couldn't. She started to sob into Jack's chest. He stroked her cheek and smoothed down her hair.
"Cassie…I can't…what if…" Sam choked.
Jack closed his eyes. Sam was afraid to be alone with Cassie. She knew that her ability to protect Cassie was compromised. Not that she would have to do a lot of protecting. That's why he was going to see the General. He believed they had caught most of the people involved in the failed abduction. But, there were a few still at large.
"Sam, you won't be alone. Someone from the SGC will be right outside."
She nodded.
"You don't want me to go."
Sam buried her face further into his chest. "You have to."
Jack shook his head. "No. I'm staying put. I will call the General."
Sam didn't protest.
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After Sam had calmed down, Jack got up to go check on Cassie. She had just about settled in for the night.
"Is Sam ok?" She asked.
Jack nodded. "She's just worried."
Cassie nodded. "So am I." She leaned into Jack and he put his arms around her.
"I'm not going anywhere tonight." Jack said softly.
Cassie nodded.
Jack called the General and let him know the change of plans. By the time he had shut everything down for the night and headed back upstairs, Sam was dozing. She opened her eyes as he came in.
Jack was going to ask her if she wanted him to stay with her again, but the look in her eyes gave him the answer.
He shut the door and stripped down to his boxers and pulled off his shirt. He shut off the lamp and slid in under the covers next to Sam. She snuggled up next to him the best she could. Jack managed to position them both so she could lay her head on his chest.
Jack closed his eyes as he felt Sam relax against him.
"Jack."
"Mmmhh?"
Sam slowly began kissing Jack's chest. She stretched so she could trail kisses along his neck.
Jack touched her cheek. "Sam."
Sam pulled back. She managed to push herself up on her good elbow and look down at Jack.
Jack's eyes were questioning; Sam leaned down and kissed him gently at first, but soon let feelings flow. Years of repression slowly fading.
Jack was returning her fierce kisses and began kissing her ear and neck. Abruptly he shifted his weight, rolling onto his back and sighed.
Sam slowly moved to him. "Jack?"
Jack was taking deep breaths, trying to relax. "You need to get some sleep."
"I'm not tired."
"Fine, then I need to get some sleep."
Sam ran her hand across his chest. Jack caught her hand and looked over at her. "You have a chest wound, that you've already broken open once today. I will not be responsible for any other injury. I'm tired of getting yelled at by doctors."
Sam nodded against his chest.
Jack kissed her forehead. "Okay. Now, let's get some sleep. You getting yourself into trouble makes me tired."
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