Thanks for the reviews :)

Title: Shadow Play
Author: Cindy Ryan
Category: Xover SGA SG1, AU
Timeline: AU after AHBL pt.2, SG1/SGA--AU
Notes: Many thanks to Kari for the beta

"Doc's going to have to move fast," Ronon replied to Weir's earlier question as he stepped into the infirmary, Sam's limp form in his arms.

"Put him on that bed," Beckett ordered as he motioned to the empty one between Dean and John.

Ronon gently placed the younger Winchester down on the bed before stepping back to lean against the left wall.

Elizabeth, Rodney, and Daniel moved to stand back by Teyla, out of the way. Their anxious gazes remained locked on the flurry of activity around them.

*********

Sam felt like the darkness was choking him.
Smothering.

Like being under a vast ocean, Sam struggled.
All he knew was that he had to hang on.
He couldn't give up.

Sam clawed at the darkness… desperately searching for any way out.

*********

"That's it," Carson instructed, relief causing his Scottish brogue to thicken. "Easy, deep breaths, Sam... you're alright now."

Finally the pain in his chest lessened enough for Sam to crack his eyes open. He peered up into the seven concerned faces surrounding him.

Elizabeth squeezed Sam's left shoulder gently. "Just rest, Sam. Everything's okay."

Before his eyes drifted closed again, Sam asked, "Dean?"

Daniel nodded. "Was close, Sam, but it worked."

The darkness closed in again but this time Sam welcomed it.

*********

Dean woke with a startled gasp as he sat straight up. As he glanced around the infirmary, it took him a long moment to remember where he was.
Once his breathing calmed, Dean looked down at himself and turned his hands over. All his wounds were gone... No trace of them.

Dean looked to his left once more and cursed, seeing Sam's still form lying in the infirmary bed next to him.

"Don't worry," a familiar voice stated from farther down the room. "He'll be fine."

Dean looked at John Sheppard who occupied the bed next to Sam. White bandages wrapped tight around his ribs, bandages on his forehead and chin.

"Looks like you lost a fight," Dean commented as he wobbily got to his feet.

John laughed then winced. "Apparently not, since you're standing and breathing."

"Thanks," Dean acknowledged softly as he looked down at his baby brother.

"All in a day's work," John replied as he gingerly shifted himself so he was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What happened?" Dean asked as he pulled the blanket up to Sam's shoulders.

John shook his head. The infirmary was deserted this early in the morning but he still double checked to make sure nobody was within earshot.

"You're not going to like it."

Dean glanced up. "I already don't."

John watched them for a long moment, still amazed at the bond between the two brothers. "He said his blood would break your deal... Something about demons with yellow eyes."

Dean's hands curled around the edge of Sam's blanket. "Damn it, Sammy. I always knew that something happened in Cold Oak that he didn't tell me. He never could lie to me."

"I wouldn't be too hard on him," John stated softly. "He took a huge risk to get you back."

"I know," Dean whispered.

"What was it like?" John asked after a few minutes of silence.

Dean met the Colonel's gaze then shook his head. "Don't remember."

John eased himself back onto the pillows. "Probably best that way."

"Yeah," Dean acknowledged, his gaze drifting back to Sam's sleeping form. Truth was, he remembered every second but didn't want to dwell on it now.
All that mattered was Sam and getting them home.

After a moment, Dean sat back on the edge of his bed and looked over at Sheppard. "What time is it?"

"Early, about five."

"How long was I out?"

"Couple days."

Dean scooted back against his pillow, suddenly very tired. "How about that ticket home?"

"Elizabeth's been working on it. Lots of red tape to cut through since you two don't have security clearance."

Dean's stomach rumbled, overriding his tiredness. "How's the food around here?"

John grinned. "Probably better than you're used to."

Dean smirked. "I'll have you know Sammy and I have eaten in the best hole-in-the-walls in the US."

"You two could more than likely tell me every diner menu from Maine to L.A.?"

"Damn straight. Nothin' better than diner food."

John laughed and then cringed as pain shot up his injured rib cage. "I'll have the Doc order you something."

"Thanks."