PART 2
A/N: Welcome to Part 2 of Offspring! Please note: There are TWs for flashbacks and nightmares regarding the medical sexual assault both Sam and Jack experienced at the beginning of this story.
To all you readers - Thank you so much for all your amazing comments and support!
Chapter 22
From the outside, Sam and Jack's temporary home looked simple, blending in with the surrounding woods seamlessly. Inside, the space was rustic but cozy, a perfect combination of Nox nature mixed with some of Earth's comforts.
A large bed with a traditional mattress was situated on the far side of the open room and looked much more appealing than the cot they had slept on. There was also a makeshift couch and table, complete with four moss-covered chairs, by the main door. A traditional Nox kitchen rounded out the main area. Thankfully, they could see a small bathroom quite close to the bed. A fireplace, their only source of heat, was along one wall. From where she stood, Sam noted the indoor plumbing despite the lack of electricity, but decided not to ask how that would work, accepting that the Nox were simply technologically superior.
"I hope you will be comfortable here," Lya said to Sam, drawing her away from Anteaus and Jack for a more private conversation. "Are you alright, Samantha?"
"Hmm, yes," Sam replied automatically, wrapping her arms around herself. How could she even begin to explain feeling whole and broken all at the same time?
Lya pulled her in for an awkward hug. "Let the life inside you shine; happiness will follow," she whispered before releasing Sam. Smiling, Lya bowed her head and backed away. "Come, Anteaus," she called, "we must let them settle in."
"Of course," Anteaus replied, handing Jack a small device. "Use this only in the event of an emergency. Once the time dilation field is deactivated, we will be unable to reestablish the stasis field."
"Understood," Jack nodded, placing the device on the mantle above the fireplace.
"Food is plentiful here. The field is large enough for you to take walks outside, gather firewood, and fetch water, but do not attempt to go beyond the trees on the outer edge of the meadow," he pointed to a tree line in the near distance that surrounded the immediate vicinity. "The dilation field will be hidden, unseen by anyone who may search for you."
"Thank you," Jack replied sincerely, offering his hand to the Nox man. "I don't know how we'll ever repay you."
Anteaus awkwardly shook Jack's hand. "Live well, my friend," he said simply before following Lya out the door.
They both disappeared with a light shimmer before a silvery glow flashed encircling the perimeter Anteaus had pointed out to Jack, effectively sealing them inside.
"Home sweet home," Jack said, turning to find Sam staring out the window. She looked so lost. Unsure what to say or do, Jack shrugged off his BDU top, revealing his black t-shirt underneath. "I'm going to go gather some wood, build a fire," he said, rubbing his hands over his head anxiously. "I remember it can get rather cold here at night."
Sam nodded, still staring out the window.
"Carter—"
"Yes, sir," Sam snapped around, "firewood makes sense."
Jack watched as she shoved whatever emotions she was feeling away, forcing her soldier side to take over.
"Carter—" he started to say again, but she wouldn't let him speak.
"I'll gather some berries, sir, maybe find some of those roots Lya served us the last time we were here," she moved to the kitchen and rummaged around until she found a small wooden bowl. "I'll meet you back here."
Jack wanted to tell her to stay inside and rest but held his tongue. It was obvious she needed some space, so instead he nodded and refrained from ordering her to stay close by. Because close by was all they had for the foreseeable future.
Lya smiled at her mate, enjoying the way the setting sun sparkled against his skin. Life was simple here. It wasn't easy but it was pure. And it was what she wanted for their friends to experience.
"You looked troubled, my beloved," Anteaus said, using the endearment he saved for when they were alone.
"I miss Nafrayu," she replied. "It is good he will be home soon."
"It is," Anteaus agreed, "but that is not what troubles you."
"You know me too well," she smiled almost coyly. "I fear for our friends. They have much to work through and not much time."
"They have all the time they need," Anteaus countered.
"They do, but they don't," Lya sighed. "Why do they fight so hard against the one basic truth?"
Anteaus shrugged, not knowing what to say. To him, O'Neill and Samantha would either realize the power they shared together, or they would turn away from each other. His beloved, however, felt deeply for those she considered friends.
"Samantha's soul calls for her mate, yet he does not heed the call," she said sadly.
"He will, beloved," Anteaus replied, needing her to retain hope. "He will."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because," he hugged her gently, kissing her lips, "we males are forever bound to those we love."