Kryptonite

It was the middle of the night. Cassie was listening to some music to ease the boredom of cramming for exams and a memory, such a strong clear memory, flashed through her mind. It was a night at her mom's house, her home with Janet, when the gang was together and for some reason they were razzing Jack. Daniel told an absolutely hysterical and greatly embellished story that had them laughing till tears ran down their faces. It seems Jack got sick on some nameless planet and barfed all over Sam's boots. They had noticed that he was turning green but he did his usual "I'm fine" routine. When he finally admitted that he didn't feel good it was with a very graphic display, and then barely made it into the bushes to drop his drawers.

Later that night Cassie heard Janet and Sam talking in the kitchen. Sam seemed upset, telling Janet how scared she had been. It was the first time she had seen the 'invincible' O'Neill get so sick. Before they could get him to the gate his cold sweaty skin was ashen, his vomit was streaked with blood and finally he passed out trying to keep on his feet. She wished her memories were as funny as Daniel's. They agreed that laughter kept the terror and pain at bay, lest it overwhelm them all.

Jack O'Neill was, in Cassie's opinion, as about 'superhero' as they came. The man was strong, not just physically but in character as well. And so was Sam. Was this avoidance of personal issues between them a strength or a weakness? Was it protection from possible rejection? Why did they keep this 'thing' between them at arms length; was it protection from pain or ignition? Would they, could they be friends in the end? Maybe they really were each others Kryptonite. Maybe it they got together the universe would break down into chaos. Like that could happen!

It occurred to Cassie, too, that Sam no longer had someone like Janet in her life to confide in. Maybe more than anything Sam needed a friend. Cassie thought that Sam would view her as too young and inexperienced. Daniel was just a guy – very sweet but just a guy. Teal'c - too alien? And Jack, the one Sam should talk to, was probably the last person on earth she would open up to.

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Three Doors Down – "Kryptonite"