The cozy cabin was nestled deep in the woods, away from the bustle of the outside world. Inside, a warm fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a gentle glow that bathed the living room in a comforting ambiance. The scent of burning wood filled the air, adding to the sense of tranquility.
Sam was seated on the soft, cushioned couch, her emotions still raw from the loss of her father. She had been crying in his arms for more than an hour, soaking his t-shirt. Not that Jack minded. He didn't care at all. He cared about her, about her pain. So he just held her and let her cry. Daniel and Teal'c had discretely retired to their room, closing the door. Leaving them alone in Jack's living room. The fire still creeping. Sam was so exhausted from her crying that she was slowly drifting to sleep, her head closely rested next to his neck.
Jack, understanding her need for comfort, had wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her close. He couldn't hear her crying anymore so he suspected she was now sleeping from sheer exhaustion. He still didn't let her go. They had arrived at his cabin the day before, the mood still depressed from Jacob's death. The day had passed with small talks. But mostly long silences from Sam. Until one innocent comment from Daniel broke the dam and she fell completely apart.
Jack was there to pick her up. Understanding, both Daniel and Teal'c gave them the room. That had been more than one hour ago. For now, he was just glad to have her in his arms. He knew she was near the edge as soon as the funeral ceremonies ended and Mark's family went back to San Diego. That was when Sam Carter's strong façade had started to crumble; she had resisted until then. In fact, she had resisted until they got to the cabin. Her strength was simply amazing. Like everything else about her.
After the funeral, Daniel had quietly told Jack about the broken engagement and the real reason why the exasperating Pete had not been present. Jack was both glad and sad simultaneously. Glad because it was about time she got rid of the annoying cop, and sad because now she had no one to hold and support her in such a difficult time. Her brother had come to the funeral but had barely exchange two words with her. If it wasn't for SG-1 and her friends from SGC, she might as well be all alone in this dark hour.
So Jack had come up with the invitation to his cabin to get her out of there; give her some room to breathe. At least now she appeared to be having some well-deserved rest, in his arms.
"Oh…I'm sorry", she says, waking up.
"It's okay, Carter", he says, adjusting his body to hers.
Sam, realizing his soaking t-shirt, tried to move away despite feeling so good and warm in his arms.
"Your shirt", she says. Putting one hand on his wet chest and sending shivers through him without realizing.
"It's just a shirt", he states with a smile.
She looks around, realizing they are alone.
"Where are the guys?", she asks.
"Asleep, I guess", Jack says. He only has eyes for her.
"Again I am…" She starts to apologize but he interrupts her.
"Ah…". Jack says, raising a finger. "No more apologizes, Carter. You needed to get that out of your chest. I'm here. Are we understood?", he asks.
She rests her face against his chest and closes her eyes.
"Yes", she simply says.
"Good", Jack says, caressing her hair.
They hadn't been so close since they had been Thera and Jonas, and that had been years ago.
"Feeling better?", he asks.
"Not really", she answers, her eyes still closed.
"You need to sleep", he says.
"I know. I've been having some problems with that lately", she confesses.
Jack stops his caresses.
"You haven't been sleeping?", he asks, concerned.
"Not much", she admits.
"Why haven't you said anything? The doctor could have given you something to sleep, Carter", he says, resuming his caresses.
"By brain won't stop with sleeping pills, Sir", she says with a sad voice.
"But maybe will give it some rest", he tries.
Sam makes a half smile but doesn't say anything. They continue in the same position, neither wiling to move. They sit in silence for a while, the only sounds being the soft crackling of the fire and Sam's occasional sniffles. Jack knows that words won't be enough to ease her pain, so he simply holds her, allowing her to cry and continue to mourn if she wants.
"I miss him so much," Sam whispers, her voice choked with emotion.
"I know, Carter," Jack responds softly, stroking her hair again gently. "Your father was a great man, and he loved you so much."
Tears continue to flow down Sam's cheeks, and Jack continues to hold her, offering silent support. He knows that grief is a process, and sometimes, the best thing a person can do is just be there for one who grieves.
After a while, Sam's tears begin to subside, but the weight of her loss still lingers. She looks up at Jack, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude.
"Thank you for being here," she says, her voice trembling.
"Always," Jack replies, his voice tender. "I'll always be here for you, Carter, no matter what."
Sam gives him a small smile, appreciating his unwavering support. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she admits.
"You won't have to," Jack says. "I'm here, and I'll always be here."
They sit together in the warm glow of the fire, finding comfort in each other's presence. The silence between them feels peaceful, filled with unspoken understanding and love. Jack's arms around her provide a sense of security and reassurance that helps Sam begin to find some semblance of peace amid the pain.
As the fire continues to burn and the night stretches on, their connection deepens. They may not have all the answers or solutions to life's challenges, but they have each other, and that is enough. In the comfort of the cabin's living room, Sam and Jack find strength in their bond, knowing that together, they can face whatever comes their way.