Title: Seven Days- The Return Home
Author: dietcokechic
Email: [email protected]
Dedicated to all you shippers out there. If you like it you had better tell me! Special exalted thanks to Kath and her superb beta reading.
Chapter 12
After dinner the trio headed back to the living room where Sam dramatically revealed the remaining film- Lord of the Rings.
"Hey! That has aliens in it." Jack groused. Although he adored the film and was looking forward to seeing it again, he didn't think it quite fit the criteria he had laid out.
"No it doesn't Jack." Daniel said as he eagerly took the DVD from Sam's hands and inserted it into the player. "It all takes place on Earth. Maybe not OUR Earth, but Earth none the less. All the characters are native earth peop..err.. inhabitants.
"Oh alright!" Jack said plopping himself on the other end of the couch. "You're just lucky I happen to like this film Carter." Jack said feigning anger. Sam just smiled and tried not to yawn. She gave herself 60 minutes max before she fell asleep. Knowing it probably wasn't the best idea she ever had, Sam sat down right next to the Colonel and began to help herself to the popcorn bowl on his left.
"My popcorn Carter!" Jack said playfully taking the bowl from his side and placing it in his lap protectively. Sam just moved closer, and continued to reach into the bowl while watching the film. Daniel rolled his eyes and turned up the volume.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack was conflicted. How the heck he could feel both incredibly comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time was confusing. Sam had fallen asleep with her head resting on his shoulder (the popcorn long since consumed) and that had been just fine. Friends, co-workers- heck even strangers on the plane occasionally did that. But now her head was resting on his jean-clad thighs and he could feel her warm breath every time she exhaled. He was enjoying this a little too much and was afraid his 'comfort' would begin to show if he didn't move her soon. But how could he? For the first time in over three weeks, Samantha Carter looked at peace. Her feet were curled up under the back cushions of the couch and one hand rested under her face while the other was tucked protectively against her side. She might still be sleeping in a semi-fetal position, but it was a relaxed one.
Jack sighed as Daniel walked in. He grinned toothfully at seeing Jack's predicament.
"Goodnight Jack." Daniel said giving Jack a small wave as he started up the stairs.
"Daniel!" Jack hissed. "Get over here and help me get Carter onto a comfortable bed."
"She looks comfortable to me Jack." Daniel quipped with a twinkle in his eye.
"Danny..."
Daniel held up his hands. "All right! I'll help. But I still think Sam would prefer to stay where she is." Jack shot him a dirty look and carefully lifted Carter's head so he could slip out from under her weight.
"I'll pick her up, you get the bed." Jack whispered trying not to notice the small frown that had formed on Carter's face after he had moved.
"Whatever you say Jack." Daniel said still sporting the ever-present grin.
Damn that man! Jack thought. *He KNOWS Carter and I can't be anything more than teammates and friends and yet he still needles us. This is all Anise's fault! She and her damn zarloft testing.. Right Jack. Like you are doing such a great job at maintaining your distance these days.. *
Sighing, he carefully picked Carter up and began walking with her towards the back bedroom. Intense déjà vu struck him as he walked through a cool draft. Shivering slightly he reminded himself that they were most definitely NOT in an un-named caved on a numbered planet with grievous injuries. Jack sighed. Would he ever get a chance to feel Sam in his arms when she wasn't injured? He shook his head to expel the image. *Don't go there O'Neill! *
Recognizing that he would be pushing his luck if he stayed, Daniel had pulled the bedding down on Sam's bed and quickly headed up the stairs to his own bedroom. If this strange détente that was Jack and Sam's relationship was to go any further, it was up to them.
Jack carefully laid Sam down on the bed and felt his heart clench at the small moan that escaped her lips as she turned over on her side. Sam was nowhere near healed and still had a fair ways to go with her PT and recovery. He covered her with the blankets and gently tucked them around her body. Jack couldn't resist brushing a stray piece of hair away from Sam's eyes and marveled once again at how thoroughly this Air Force Major, his 2IC had unknowingly wormed her way into his heart.
"Sweet dreams Sam." Jack whispered placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. He allowed himself to linger for just a few more moments before silently leaving the room and heading to his own bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack awoke the moment he heard her cry out. Rushing into her room, he wasn't surprised to find that Sam had kicked off all her covers and lay curled in a tight ball on the corner of the bed. She was shaking and crying softly, obviously trapped in the throes of a horrible nightmare. One Jack knew all too well.
Without giving it more than a moment's thought, Jack lay down next to her and wrapped his own sleep-warmed body around her chilled one and stroked her head as he attempted to ease her out of her dreams. Janet had told him that her nightmares had yet to ease up and both were starting to become worried.
"You're safe Sam." Jack whispered tenderly into her ear. "You're home and safe."
"I'm so cold." He heard her whisper shaking against him.
"Sleep Sam." Jack whispered holding her frightened form closer to him. He gently stroked her hair. "You're safe. Just sleep." Jack felt her body slowly relax against his and within moments she had drifted back to sleep. If only he could be so lucky.
Jack tried not to think about how really, really good it felt to hold her. Cuddling in life threatening situations held a certain physical and psychological comfort, but it was NOTHING compared to holding the woman you really, really cared about when she wasn't half dead. His arm draped naturally around the curb of her hips and it took a bit of self-control on his part not to move his hand up another few inches to the gap between her sweat bottoms and t-shirt. A part of Jack recognized that Sam had gained a little of the weight she had lost and he was glad. He resisted the urge to pull her closer than she already was. Jack sighed and tried not to breathe in the unique scent that was Samantha Carter. This whole comforting thing was probably a really bad idea. But damn if it didn't feel good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the first time in nearly three weeks, Sam didn't wake up cold and scared. It took her a moment to pinpoint the exact reason why the feeling of terror and pain that always accompanied her awakening every morning wasn't there. She felt a soft exhale against her neck and instantly guessed what it meant. Who it meant. Jack was behind her. Actually to be more accurate, Jack was all around her. His arm was wrapped protectively around her waist and was resting against her bare stomach. He had pulled her tightly against his body and one of his knees had wedged themselves between her legs. Sam could feel, quite intimately, how very masculine Colonel Jack O'Neill really was. No sidearms jokes would cover this one. The guy was still deep in sleep, so it might not have anything to do with her; guys would be guys, right? Sam didn't really believe that, but had she needed to defend her actions at this exact moment, that would be her defense.
God, it felt nice. She knew she should shift her body, but for the first time in ages she felt safe and warm and wouldn't give that up even if General Hammond himself walked into the room in the next 30 seconds. Smiling contentedly she drifted back to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daniel awoke to the sound of a telephone ringing. *Jack, get the damn phone!* He pulled the pillow tightly over his head to block out the unwanted noise.
The phone continued to ring. *Dammit Jack!* Against his will Daniel reached over and grabbed the phone off the cradle.
"Hello?"
"Colonel O'Neill?" a woman's voice asked.
"Oh, hey Janet." Daniel said allowing his eyes to close again as he pulled the phone closer to the mattress.
"Daniel?"
"That's me." Daniel paused glancing at the bedside clock. "Janet, do you have any idea what time it is?"
"0800. Come on Daniel, it's not THAT early."
"Hey, I'm still recovering remember? And my doctor told me to get plenty of rest."
Janet laughed. "Sorry to disturb your beauty-sleep Dr. Jackson. How'd Sam do last night?"
"I think getting away from the SGC was good for her Janet. No offense, but spending weeks on end in the infirmary isn't all that much fun."
"No offense taken. If you and the Colonel hadn't attempted to break Sam out, I was about to bring her home with me. She still needs medical care but I think we can do most of it off-base really soon."
"That's great Janet!"
"BUT, I do need to see her back here as soon as the roads clear." Janet paused. "How'd she sleep Daniel? Any nightmares?"
"I think I heard one, but judging from the sounds I heard down the hall, Jack handled it."
"Jack handled it, huh?"
"Janet..." Daniel could think and wish all he wanted for Jack and Sam, but Janet was a military doctor and the less she guessed about Jack and Sam's relationship, the better.
"Daniel, I'm not blind." Janet said exasperated. "I know that something is going on with Sam and the Colonel and while the military part of me thinks it's a very bad idea, the human part of me can't be more pleased. They care deeply about one another- any fool could see that. And something happened on that planet that intensified their feelings. So far they haven't let it affect their judgment in the field and as long as they continue to do that, I couldn't give a damn if they make hot monkey love on the briefing room table!"
Daniel burst out laughing. "Hot monkey love?!"
"You know what I mean." Janet said peevishly.
"Hot monkey love?!"
"Good-bye Daniel. Have Jack or Sam call me when they get up."
"Will do." Daniel said continuing to chuckle as he hung up. *Wait a second! When they get up? Does Janet know something I don't?*
Groaning slightly Daniel eased himself out of bed and padded down the hall towards the master bedroom. "Jack?" Daniel said softly knocking on the door. It was partially open and Daniel felt no guilt at all as he stuck his head into the room. The bed had indeed been slept in, but no Jack O'Neill.
Next he headed down the stairs to the kitchen. No sign of Jack on the couch or in the kitchen. The coffee had most definitely NOT been started. Daniel frowned at that unpleasant image. He took another look around and after ascertaining that Jack was most definitely not in any of the other rooms, quietly headed towards the only room unexplored; the guest bedroom. Hearing no noise from inside, he silently opened her door and was pleasantly surprised at the sight before him. Jack and Sam were in bed together. Fully clothed, but spooned tightly against one another. Damn if they didn't look content. Daniel whistled softly under his breath and couldn't resist breaking out into a huge grin.
Jack opened one eye and glared at his friend lingering in the doorway. "Quit staring Danny and go make some coffee." Jack whispered closing his eye again and cuddling back up to his 2IC. Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Samantha Carter (and the rest of SG-1) had saved the planet on several occasions- Earth owed them. Regulations would still be there in the morning- as for the moment? Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter were sleeping in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The End! And you all had better have a big ass smile on your faces!!
I haven't a clue what you call an epilogue to an epilogue, but I'm thinking of doing one. Or not-I'm really conflicted on this. Let me know what you think. Time permitting I think I'll work on another story in this Seven Days universe of mine (cause I like it!) as well as something entirely different. With my stories you can always count on angst and a healthy dose of UST.
Thank you so much for all the positive feedback- you guys are the reason I publish!!
Author: dietcokechic
Email: [email protected]
Dedicated to all you shippers out there. If you like it you had better tell me! Special exalted thanks to Kath and her superb beta reading.
Chapter 12
After dinner the trio headed back to the living room where Sam dramatically revealed the remaining film- Lord of the Rings.
"Hey! That has aliens in it." Jack groused. Although he adored the film and was looking forward to seeing it again, he didn't think it quite fit the criteria he had laid out.
"No it doesn't Jack." Daniel said as he eagerly took the DVD from Sam's hands and inserted it into the player. "It all takes place on Earth. Maybe not OUR Earth, but Earth none the less. All the characters are native earth peop..err.. inhabitants.
"Oh alright!" Jack said plopping himself on the other end of the couch. "You're just lucky I happen to like this film Carter." Jack said feigning anger. Sam just smiled and tried not to yawn. She gave herself 60 minutes max before she fell asleep. Knowing it probably wasn't the best idea she ever had, Sam sat down right next to the Colonel and began to help herself to the popcorn bowl on his left.
"My popcorn Carter!" Jack said playfully taking the bowl from his side and placing it in his lap protectively. Sam just moved closer, and continued to reach into the bowl while watching the film. Daniel rolled his eyes and turned up the volume.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack was conflicted. How the heck he could feel both incredibly comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time was confusing. Sam had fallen asleep with her head resting on his shoulder (the popcorn long since consumed) and that had been just fine. Friends, co-workers- heck even strangers on the plane occasionally did that. But now her head was resting on his jean-clad thighs and he could feel her warm breath every time she exhaled. He was enjoying this a little too much and was afraid his 'comfort' would begin to show if he didn't move her soon. But how could he? For the first time in over three weeks, Samantha Carter looked at peace. Her feet were curled up under the back cushions of the couch and one hand rested under her face while the other was tucked protectively against her side. She might still be sleeping in a semi-fetal position, but it was a relaxed one.
Jack sighed as Daniel walked in. He grinned toothfully at seeing Jack's predicament.
"Goodnight Jack." Daniel said giving Jack a small wave as he started up the stairs.
"Daniel!" Jack hissed. "Get over here and help me get Carter onto a comfortable bed."
"She looks comfortable to me Jack." Daniel quipped with a twinkle in his eye.
"Danny..."
Daniel held up his hands. "All right! I'll help. But I still think Sam would prefer to stay where she is." Jack shot him a dirty look and carefully lifted Carter's head so he could slip out from under her weight.
"I'll pick her up, you get the bed." Jack whispered trying not to notice the small frown that had formed on Carter's face after he had moved.
"Whatever you say Jack." Daniel said still sporting the ever-present grin.
Damn that man! Jack thought. *He KNOWS Carter and I can't be anything more than teammates and friends and yet he still needles us. This is all Anise's fault! She and her damn zarloft testing.. Right Jack. Like you are doing such a great job at maintaining your distance these days.. *
Sighing, he carefully picked Carter up and began walking with her towards the back bedroom. Intense déjà vu struck him as he walked through a cool draft. Shivering slightly he reminded himself that they were most definitely NOT in an un-named caved on a numbered planet with grievous injuries. Jack sighed. Would he ever get a chance to feel Sam in his arms when she wasn't injured? He shook his head to expel the image. *Don't go there O'Neill! *
Recognizing that he would be pushing his luck if he stayed, Daniel had pulled the bedding down on Sam's bed and quickly headed up the stairs to his own bedroom. If this strange détente that was Jack and Sam's relationship was to go any further, it was up to them.
Jack carefully laid Sam down on the bed and felt his heart clench at the small moan that escaped her lips as she turned over on her side. Sam was nowhere near healed and still had a fair ways to go with her PT and recovery. He covered her with the blankets and gently tucked them around her body. Jack couldn't resist brushing a stray piece of hair away from Sam's eyes and marveled once again at how thoroughly this Air Force Major, his 2IC had unknowingly wormed her way into his heart.
"Sweet dreams Sam." Jack whispered placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. He allowed himself to linger for just a few more moments before silently leaving the room and heading to his own bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack awoke the moment he heard her cry out. Rushing into her room, he wasn't surprised to find that Sam had kicked off all her covers and lay curled in a tight ball on the corner of the bed. She was shaking and crying softly, obviously trapped in the throes of a horrible nightmare. One Jack knew all too well.
Without giving it more than a moment's thought, Jack lay down next to her and wrapped his own sleep-warmed body around her chilled one and stroked her head as he attempted to ease her out of her dreams. Janet had told him that her nightmares had yet to ease up and both were starting to become worried.
"You're safe Sam." Jack whispered tenderly into her ear. "You're home and safe."
"I'm so cold." He heard her whisper shaking against him.
"Sleep Sam." Jack whispered holding her frightened form closer to him. He gently stroked her hair. "You're safe. Just sleep." Jack felt her body slowly relax against his and within moments she had drifted back to sleep. If only he could be so lucky.
Jack tried not to think about how really, really good it felt to hold her. Cuddling in life threatening situations held a certain physical and psychological comfort, but it was NOTHING compared to holding the woman you really, really cared about when she wasn't half dead. His arm draped naturally around the curb of her hips and it took a bit of self-control on his part not to move his hand up another few inches to the gap between her sweat bottoms and t-shirt. A part of Jack recognized that Sam had gained a little of the weight she had lost and he was glad. He resisted the urge to pull her closer than she already was. Jack sighed and tried not to breathe in the unique scent that was Samantha Carter. This whole comforting thing was probably a really bad idea. But damn if it didn't feel good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the first time in nearly three weeks, Sam didn't wake up cold and scared. It took her a moment to pinpoint the exact reason why the feeling of terror and pain that always accompanied her awakening every morning wasn't there. She felt a soft exhale against her neck and instantly guessed what it meant. Who it meant. Jack was behind her. Actually to be more accurate, Jack was all around her. His arm was wrapped protectively around her waist and was resting against her bare stomach. He had pulled her tightly against his body and one of his knees had wedged themselves between her legs. Sam could feel, quite intimately, how very masculine Colonel Jack O'Neill really was. No sidearms jokes would cover this one. The guy was still deep in sleep, so it might not have anything to do with her; guys would be guys, right? Sam didn't really believe that, but had she needed to defend her actions at this exact moment, that would be her defense.
God, it felt nice. She knew she should shift her body, but for the first time in ages she felt safe and warm and wouldn't give that up even if General Hammond himself walked into the room in the next 30 seconds. Smiling contentedly she drifted back to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daniel awoke to the sound of a telephone ringing. *Jack, get the damn phone!* He pulled the pillow tightly over his head to block out the unwanted noise.
The phone continued to ring. *Dammit Jack!* Against his will Daniel reached over and grabbed the phone off the cradle.
"Hello?"
"Colonel O'Neill?" a woman's voice asked.
"Oh, hey Janet." Daniel said allowing his eyes to close again as he pulled the phone closer to the mattress.
"Daniel?"
"That's me." Daniel paused glancing at the bedside clock. "Janet, do you have any idea what time it is?"
"0800. Come on Daniel, it's not THAT early."
"Hey, I'm still recovering remember? And my doctor told me to get plenty of rest."
Janet laughed. "Sorry to disturb your beauty-sleep Dr. Jackson. How'd Sam do last night?"
"I think getting away from the SGC was good for her Janet. No offense, but spending weeks on end in the infirmary isn't all that much fun."
"No offense taken. If you and the Colonel hadn't attempted to break Sam out, I was about to bring her home with me. She still needs medical care but I think we can do most of it off-base really soon."
"That's great Janet!"
"BUT, I do need to see her back here as soon as the roads clear." Janet paused. "How'd she sleep Daniel? Any nightmares?"
"I think I heard one, but judging from the sounds I heard down the hall, Jack handled it."
"Jack handled it, huh?"
"Janet..." Daniel could think and wish all he wanted for Jack and Sam, but Janet was a military doctor and the less she guessed about Jack and Sam's relationship, the better.
"Daniel, I'm not blind." Janet said exasperated. "I know that something is going on with Sam and the Colonel and while the military part of me thinks it's a very bad idea, the human part of me can't be more pleased. They care deeply about one another- any fool could see that. And something happened on that planet that intensified their feelings. So far they haven't let it affect their judgment in the field and as long as they continue to do that, I couldn't give a damn if they make hot monkey love on the briefing room table!"
Daniel burst out laughing. "Hot monkey love?!"
"You know what I mean." Janet said peevishly.
"Hot monkey love?!"
"Good-bye Daniel. Have Jack or Sam call me when they get up."
"Will do." Daniel said continuing to chuckle as he hung up. *Wait a second! When they get up? Does Janet know something I don't?*
Groaning slightly Daniel eased himself out of bed and padded down the hall towards the master bedroom. "Jack?" Daniel said softly knocking on the door. It was partially open and Daniel felt no guilt at all as he stuck his head into the room. The bed had indeed been slept in, but no Jack O'Neill.
Next he headed down the stairs to the kitchen. No sign of Jack on the couch or in the kitchen. The coffee had most definitely NOT been started. Daniel frowned at that unpleasant image. He took another look around and after ascertaining that Jack was most definitely not in any of the other rooms, quietly headed towards the only room unexplored; the guest bedroom. Hearing no noise from inside, he silently opened her door and was pleasantly surprised at the sight before him. Jack and Sam were in bed together. Fully clothed, but spooned tightly against one another. Damn if they didn't look content. Daniel whistled softly under his breath and couldn't resist breaking out into a huge grin.
Jack opened one eye and glared at his friend lingering in the doorway. "Quit staring Danny and go make some coffee." Jack whispered closing his eye again and cuddling back up to his 2IC. Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Samantha Carter (and the rest of SG-1) had saved the planet on several occasions- Earth owed them. Regulations would still be there in the morning- as for the moment? Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter were sleeping in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The End! And you all had better have a big ass smile on your faces!!
I haven't a clue what you call an epilogue to an epilogue, but I'm thinking of doing one. Or not-I'm really conflicted on this. Let me know what you think. Time permitting I think I'll work on another story in this Seven Days universe of mine (cause I like it!) as well as something entirely different. With my stories you can always count on angst and a healthy dose of UST.
Thank you so much for all the positive feedback- you guys are the reason I publish!!