The following days Sam made sure she visited her CO whenever possible. She would sit with him for a while, sometimes reporting to him the day's latest news, sometimes just keeping him company.

More and more he responded to her, still shy, but improving. He did listen to Dr. Fraiser, even answering her questions. But he still didn't react well to Daniel or Teal'c. In fact he didn't react to Daniel at all – and he seemed intimidated by Teal'c.

~o0o~

Sam was working in her lab when she noticed somebody at her open door. For a moment she expected the colonel, and that thought made her so sad she had to swallow once. Actually it was Janet. She usually didn't come to Sam's lab, so the major looked expectantly at the doc. Janet closed the door. Huh?

"Sam, I was thinking...since the colonel seems to respond best to you, do you think you could get him to eat some soup? I'd like to try putting on a diet. He needs to get off the IV."

Sam looked unsure but nodded.

"Well, of course. I'll try. But..."

"That might make a big difference, Sam. Just try, OK?"

So when it was time for a break Sam went to the cafeteria to get some soup for the colonel. After a moment of hesitating she decided to take another bowl for herself. It actually smelled quite good!

She entered Jack's room a bowl in each hand. From his frown it was very clear he didn't share Janet's eagerness concerning food. Sam smiled at him, sat one bowl down within his reach and settled into "her" chair with the other.

"Uh, Carter, I don't think that's such a good idea." It was soft, but it was a hint of the man he had been. She looked at him and decided to try a not so serious approach.

"Yeah, well, I know. Mess hall food and everything. But how about I go first, so if I don't die from it, you can try, too?"

Did he just smile? Really? She couldn't help but say it.

"Sir, did you just smile at me?"

Yep, he did. Oh god how she had missed that. Encouraged, she took a spoonful, swallowed and then gestured at him to do the same.

His face turned stern. It was obvious he didn't want to try. Sam put the bowl down and turned to fully look at him.

"Please, sir. I know it didn't go so well thus far, but wouldn't you like to get rid of these?" She indicated the IV needle in his arm. Resigned, even defeated he took up his spoon, like he knew there was no use in it, but anxious to please her. She tried not to stare but couldn't take her eyes off him. After one sip he closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing, fighting the nausea. Surprisingly, his stomach calmed down quickly and it even felt good - warm and soothing. Since he hadn't cared at all about the taste he took another sip and found out it was quite good. Sam smiled a real smile, one that made her eyes sparkle. Maybe there was some moisture in them. She blinked once to get rid of it and beamed at her CO.

"See? Both of us still alive...sir."

They finished the soup – well actually Sam finished hers, Jack didn't manage all of it – in silence. Afterwards they looked at each other. Jack still seemed to wait for disaster to happen, but he had to admit he felt good.

"Thank you, Carter", he said, still holding her gaze. She got up, collected the bowls and smiled at him.

"Always a pleasure to spend my lunch break with you, sir."

When she turned to leave, Janet entered the room. Noting the bowls she raised an eyebrow at Sam and then turned to Jack.

"How do you feel, sir?"

Clearly encouraged by his recent success he actually looked at Janet, albeit a little unsure.

"I think I'm OK, doc."

Janet turned to look at Sam once more before she asked the colonel about nausea and being sick. Still smiling, Sam left them to a doctor patient talk.

"So, colonel, if you still feel good in a few hours I'd like to talk to you about your diet. If you stick to it and things go well, I figure there might be cake in a couple of days. What do you think?"

TBC