Chapter 16

Jack sighed and started pacing. It had been two days since Aaron went to see Snake. He was getting worried.

"Jack will you stop that!" Theta said. Jack grunted, but sat down on his bed.

"I'm worried about her Doc. She's been gone two days."

Theta put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "I know Jack, we all are." Silence followed as they prayed to see Aaron alive.

"Are you the one called Jack?" Jack head shot up and scanned the room for the source of the voice. When his eyes finally found the source, his eyes widened.

"I got her here as fast as I could." Paolo stood at the entrance of their home. He was carefully cradling Aaron in his powerful arms, and she was looking very much the worse for wear. She wasn't awake, but there was a definite look of intenseness in her features that told Jack immediately that she was hurting. Her face was bloody and scratched, and she was dirty and mussed. God only knew what else was wrong with her, or she'd never had allowed him to just pick her up and carry her.

"Hurry set her on the bed." Jack said and guided him to one of the beds and Paolo gently set her down. She groaned and opened her eyes.

"Ja... Jack?"

"Yes, I'm here."

" 'Onic."

"What?"

"Sonic screwdriver." she said and opened her hand to revel the sonic screwdriver.

"Aaron you a genius!" Jack said and kissed her on the forehead. After what seemed like an eternity, Jack managed to heal most of her wounds.

"Thanks Paolo," Jack said. Paolo nodded and left them to be. Theta went to his and Rose's bed to leave the couple alone.

"How ya feeling?" Jack asked and sat down beside the bed. He grabbed her hand and absent mindedly stroked it.

"I'm scared Jack. This is the worst Snake has done to me. If it wasn't for Paolo…" She didn't continue, but Jack understood. Seeing her beautiful brown eyes fill with tears, he couldn't help himself. He pulled her against his chest and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Shhh... I've got you." He could feel her shaking and stroked her hair and back trying to calm her down, rocking her like a baby.

When her sobs quieted down a little she lifted her head and gave him a smile. "Thanks."

Jack smiled and let go of her. She laid back down on the bed and yawned. Jack laughed.

"Get some sleep," but he was too late, she was already fast asleep. He smiled and moved a stray hair out of her face. "Don't worry, I will protect you, even if I die in the process."


Wow…is Jack having feelings for Aaron? Will he come out and say it? Will they ever go free?