Sunday

The alarm clock perched on the nightstand by his bed somehow seemed brighter in the early morning hours. It didn't help that he had been stirred from his sleep by the stinging pain in his right side. He groaned pressing the tender flesh with the palm of his hand for a few moments until it had subsided. Cursing the wound he'd received three weeks earlier for still giving him hell he rolled over and cast a glance at the clock 4:21am before trying to go back to sleep. Now here it was 30 minutes later and he still hadn't been able to catch a wink.

Sighing heavily he ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the already messy gray scruff that adorned his head. He made a mental note that he'd need a haircut by the time he was back on base. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and pushed himself up and grabbed a grey tee from the dresser drawer.

After his morning routine he was now standing in his kitchen waiting on the coffee pot. He'd already dressed for the day deciding to get started on cleaning up the yard after a cup of coffee. The coffee was hot but soothed his dry throat as he stood at the sink, cup in hand, staring out the window. The sky was just beginning to lighten over the trees but the stars were still visible. He smiled against the rim of his cup and stepped out on the deck to enjoy the sunrise before his work began.

…

Sam woke with a start as the rhythmic thump sound from outside her window filtered in with the sunshine. She squinted and rolled away from the offensive sound and light, maybe she could steal a few more minutes. The blanket made a good shield, promising protection from the bright light of morning as she pulled it over her head.

Thump…thump…thump…this time it was followed by a muffled curse and this reminded her she wasn't in her own bed. Her eyes snapped open and landed on the clock across from her 9:11am and she groaned, stretched and slung the covers from her body. When was the last time she had slept in like this?! Now sitting up she stretched her arms out over her head with a yawn and sighed as her muscles offered little resistance and her joints popped in all the right ways.

About 15 minutes later she had showered and dressed. That was still a decent time for someone with a bum leg she thought as she slid a crutch from under her arm to test her knee. It sent a tingle of pain up her leg but didn't offer to buckle as she put her weight on it. With a little more effort than normal she took a step and was pleased when it held. At least it was getting stronger. She noted the sounds from outside had subsided now.

The cool tile of the kitchen floor crept up her feet and she admired the feel of real tile. Sparing a look around the kitchen she smiled, the colonel had invited her here several times, to be fair he had invited the whole team, and she had always made excuses. The kitchen was quaint and cozy, much like the rest of the cabin. A large table took up the center of the space, its top was a slab that had been cut from a rather large log. The bark still adorned the worn edges. It had been treated and lacquered, it was likely as old as the cabin itself she noted. The chairs matched, each sturdy in their own right but as rugged as the table and home they resided in. Her fingers traced over a dull area on the table worn from years of use but still as elegant as the rest.

The sound of the sliding glass door caught her attention as Jack stepped into the space, he hadn't noticed her as he turned in the doorway kicking at his shoe which had refused to stay in place as he stepped out of it. She smiled at the sight and the frustrated sound he made as he finally slid the door shut. He still hadn't noticed his company as he grabbed the hem of his shirt and hauled it over his head, muttering as pieces of bark fell to the floor as he turned it inside out. The shirt now bunched around his hands, he raised it to wipe the sweat from his face as he turned around.

Sam's eyes widened as it dawned on her that he didn't know she was there. Allowing herself the chance to look over his muscled back as the grey material revealed him. He was quite the sight to behold, a few scars marked the smooth skin but did little to take away from his appearance. He was turning, his face covered as he studious scrubbed the sweat from his forehead. Her eyes fell from his hands and followed the sparse trail of silver hair over his abs, they weren't as toned as most of the officers on base but he still had a rather nice six pack she mused. The red splotch just above the waistband of his jeans caught her attention. It was a rather mad looking patch of skin, scarred and still healing she sighed, he had gotten that on their last mission. The same mission that had ruined her leg.

Jack jumped, suddenly aware he wasn't alone in the kitchen as he dared to peak from behind his shirt. Sam was unabashedly staring at him. He watched as her eyes studied the marred flesh above his right hip and he could see the gears turning in her head. She was thinking about that mission and how things had gone horribly wrong. Clearing his throat seemed to work as her eyes widened briefly in panic at being caught and she ducked her head turning towards the coffee pot, something to draw attention away from what he'd just caught her doing. He fought the urge to smile and instead made a sound that resembled an apology as he retreated to his room for a quick shower and clean clothes.

Sam made herself busy with a fresh pot of coffee. Once it was brewing she opened the fridge to see what was inside. He didn't have much and she noted he must've stopped on the way up last night and picked up what they had had for dinner. She grabbed the butter from the door and let it close as she turned back to the counter and set about making toast.

She was seated at the table, cup of coffee in one hand and a piece of toast in the other as she looked over the newspaper. It was yesterdays but it was something to read.

"How'd you sleep?" Jack asked casually as he crossed the kitchen to the coffee pot now clean shaven and dressed in a blue plaid button tee. She smiled it was one of her favorites on him.

"Good, great even…" she scrunched her nose at the squeak in her voice, "I haven't slept in that late in forever though, I don't know what came over me!"

"Oh it was a long day yesterday, you needed it Carter." He plucked a piece of toast from the plate on the counter as he looked up at the clock 10:30 am. After polishing off the toast he finished his coffee and watched as she did the same.

"You up for a trip into town? I'm guessing you've discovered my lack of groceries?" this time he allowed a smile to grace his lips as he ran a hand through his damp hair not even concerned with the way it stuck up in every direction. "We could grab some actual food while we're there." he offered as he ate another piece of toast.

She smiled as she pushed back from the table and got up to place her plate and mug in the sink. She took a step and avoided eye contact as she limped to the counter. He noticed she must not have put her brace on as she had more of a limp than the night before.

"Sound good sir, I've just got to go put my brace on and some socks." She confirmed and he offered her a smile as she slid between him and the table towards the hall.

"Not chilly this morning so you won't need a jacket." He called to her as he turned back towards the sink trying to forget the way her arm had brushed his when she passed him.

A few minutes later he had cleaned their dishes and was waiting by the door, keys in hand. Sam came down the hall crutches in hand though she wasn't using them, her purse hung loosely from her shoulder as she moved much better than before with the assistance of the brace. She was wearing a nice peach colored blouse that hugged her shoulders but flowed freely around her waist. He took the crutches from her, trying to ignore the blush that crept up her face as she noticed his eyes on her.

"Figured I better bring them along." she commented as she let him take the crutches in hand.

"I knew you weren't that stubborn Carter." the corners of his mouth quirked as she rolled her eyes and stepped out the door he held open for her.

...

An hour later they pulled into the quaint little town of Bemidji, MN. It reminded her of Colorado Springs, small but busy. It had everything anyone needed. The only difference was the lack of military presence. Seemed no matter where you turned back home you would find someone from the base.

Jack pulled into the parking lot of a small diner and killed the engine, about the same time her stomach growled. He quirked an eyebrow in a fashion that would make Teal'c proud and she shook her head.

"A girl can't live off of toast all the time." She grinned opening her door before he had a chance to be all chivalrous as he had the night before. Jack smiled and swung himself from the truck, casually keeping an eye on her as she steadied herself outside the vehicle before coming to join him at the front.

They were seated in a corner booth awaiting their food. Jack absentmindedly swirled his tea with his straw before taking a sip. Sam concluded the straw was more for his amusement than it's actual use as she placed her glass on a napkin. He sat up slightly and acknowledged her actions by doing the same, she smiled knowing he'd never done it before.

"So how're you feeling sir?' She asked quietly gesturing across the table to his side.

"Hmm…oh that, uh it's still a little tender sometimes, likes to remind me it still exists…" he fidgeted pulling the edge of his shirt down slightly.

"It looked rather….mad this morning…" Sam spoke boldly which earned a squint from him as she lifted her glass for a drink of water.

"Yes well, doc's got me on antibiotics and stuff…" he motioned with his hand as if to explain further but didn't.

The waitress interrupted them at that moment setting a plate in front of each and smiling genuinely before retreating to take the order of the next table. Sam looked at her food and shook her head as Jack reached over and switched their plates.

"I believe that one's mine!" he noted the tomato he had ordered with his breakfast.

"Yes sir." she grinned accepting the plate and they ate in companionable silence.

After a brief argument over her reluctance to use the crutches Jack had relented. He did however insist she push the cart as they made their way around the grocery store. He picked out the cereal and she rolled her eyes as it had to have the highest sugar content out of everything he could've chosen. She opted for a mildly flavored oatmeal. They discussed turkey bacon vs. real bacon. Jack pointing out you could not get bacon from a turkey, Sam described the manner in which turkey bacon was made and it killed any desire she had for the food as she dropped it back in the cooler and picked up the pack of bacon he had replaced a moment earlier. He smiled triumphantly and she laughed in defeat as she wouldn't want it again until she managed to forget how it was made every time she looked at it.

What seemed like forever later they stood in the check out line, cart full of groceries of every kind, most of which they had fussed over in a casual way as she tried to curtail SOME of his bad habits. She allowed him the beer despite the fact he really shouldn't be drinking it with his medication but he had agreed to not over indulge until he finished the course. Conveniently he would be done by the time the guys arrive on Thursday which meant Sam was going to have to put up with a house full of her drunken teammates over the weekend. She sighed at that.

Her sigh caught his attention and he cast a questioning glance in her direction. A minute shake of her head and he turned back to unloading the cart. She started unloading the items she has acquired and placed a divider between them as she placed them behind his. Grabbing the oranges from the cart she turned around the find the divider missing and Jack placing a case of diet coke on the counter. She eyed him and he ignored the glare trying not to smile as he set the last of the canned goods on belt.

He paid for everything, of course he did, that was a very Jack O'Neill thing to do. She recalled the times they'd had team nights or all gone out for dinner and drinks, more often than not he had picked up the tabs and argued the point on the nights he hadn't; except for the nights she swept the floor on O'Malley's with the guys at the pool table, he would let her pay those nights. She handed him bags as he piled them into the back of the truck, refrigerated products went into the cooler he'd strapped in behind the cab. They worked quietly, the task at hand requiring no communication as he turned taking bags and placing then in the 'right' spot in the bed of the truck.

Sam pushed the cart to the closest terminal as Jack finished tidying up their load of spoils. He closed the tailgate as she reached the back of the truck and fell into step beside her. Her knee had been hurting for a while but she hadn't said anything, ever the soldier, but it finally had had enough and buckled ever so slightly. He caught her arm, steadying her on her feet as she leaned into his side a little.

"You alright?" concern flashed over his eyes as she locked her arm around his.

"Yeah, just think I'm pushing it a little." She smiled weakly at him and he huffed a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"You're hardheaded Sam, I told you to take the crutches." he cleared his throat hoping she didn't mention the use of her name and to her credit she took it in stride allowing the slip as she was currently plastered to his side after all.

"JACK?!" an excited voice called from the front of the truck and both heads snapped in the general direction. She heard him groan and felt his grip tighten just a little on her arm.

"How have you been?! My god it's been ages since I've seen you, and who is this lovely lady?!" The overexcited woman asked nearly bounding up to them and motioning to Sam.

"Hi Julie, I'm good. This is a friend of mine Sam…" Jack smiled at the woman. Sam extended her free hand in greeting and shook the brunette's hand, a soft smile gracing her lips.

The woman's eyes lit up as she examined the couple before her. To her Jack's words seemed to betray the gentle way he held the woman's arm and the way she leaned into his side. She shook Sam's hand vigorously, a wide grin on her face.

"It's about time he found a nice lady friend." she remarked and Sam ducked her head a deep blush filling her cheeks.

Oh god Julie, did you really just say that?! Jack cleared his throat and ignored the blushing major at his side, though any other time he would have enjoyed watching her skin flush. He turned her towards the passenger door.

"We've been friends for a long time." he filled the silence with a small explanation and Julie's grin seemed to grow bigger.

"Oh so he's finally swept you away to his cabin by the lake huh?" she winked at Jack and he wished that Thor or the Tok'ra or any alien anywhere would choose this moment to beam him away.

"Yeah something like that, he's been asking me for years…" Sam fell right in stride with the other woman's comment, Jack's sudden speechlessness not lost on her. She was now fighting the urge to laugh at the man who stood beside her a look of stupor on his face.

"Oh you played hard to get, good girl. He can be quite debonair in his ways." Julie smiled at them. Jack was hoping he could just disappear.

"Is that so?" Sam raised an eyebrow at the now apparently annoyed man standing next to her.

"Julie! Come on we've got 10 minutes to get in and get out, lord woman you can find anyone to talk to!" a female voice called from a car across from them. Julie smiled and turned back to them.

"Nice to see you again Jack and nice to meet you Sam! I've got to run, can't keep a bunch of 6yr olds waiting on cake! Maybe we can meet up for dinner while you're here?!" she spoke as she dismissed herself, offering another gleeful smile at them.

"Ah yes cake! Maybe... Say hi to Tommy for me!" Jack called after her before turning to the amused blonde at his side.

"Debonair…" she whispered unable to hide the megawatt smile that she reserved just for him. He groaned and helped her into the truck before closing the door to as she chuckled behind it.

"Debonair…" he mocked Sam as he got into the driver's side and started the truck. She giggled again and buckled her seat belt.

"No giggling Major…" he couldn't hide the blush that had taken over his face as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

She stifled another laugh but her lips refused to stop smiling and she watched his cheeks turn a lovely shade of red. He was watching the road with a whole new level of concentration trying not to steal a glance at her.

"So….who's Julie?" Sam asked channeling the woman's excited tone at seeing Jack. He rolled his eyes.

"I met her just before joining the SGC. It was after the trip to Abydos, I came back to the cabin to get away. Met her at the diner up the road and we spent a couple days together. Neither of us really…" he trailed off not really sure why he was divulging this much information. The smile left Sam's eyes but still graced her face and daring to look in her direction he could see she was blushing again. She didn't realize the answer would be so personal.

The truck slowed as they came to a red light and he allowed himself to watch the blush that spread down her neck and disappeared halfway down her chest beneath the v-neck of her blouse. Sam bit her lip and leaned back against her seat, not sure if she was sorry she had asked or because he had answered. A honk from the car behind them startled them and he hit the accelerator perhaps a little harder than he should've and drove away from the light.

"Seems like the woman always has a blind date set up for me when I come up here. It's like she's got a sixth sense or something, she KNOWS when I'm here." he broke the silence hoping to ease the tension that had fallen between them.

"Well I guess you don't have to worry about that this time." Sam smiled back at him and he swore his heart missed about three beats.

"Yes well all of them together could never measure up to you…" he turned his gaze back to the road and gripped the steering wheel in a manner that would kill a system lord. Mentally kicking himself he cleared his throat and reached over clicking the radio on.

It felt like her skin was on fire, surely it wasn't healthy to blush this much! Sam chose to leave his comment hanging in the air. She watched him flick the radio on and then turned in her seat to look out the window as the world passed by.

...

Once they arrived back at the cabin Jack insisted on her using the crutches, she didn't argue much and retreated to the kitchen. He would bring in a few bag and she would put items away while he went for more. Again they worked in companionable silence and she guessed where some things went and he didn't correct her if she was wrong.

"I'm going to go change, I need to get this brace off for a little bit." she nodded towards her room.

"Sure, hey you want a snack or anything?" he asked as he pulled a bag of chips from the cupboard.

"I'll take a diet coke over ice." she offered a smile before disappearing.

Moments later she returned now in a pair of sweat pants and a light tee. Her leg feeling much better with the brace off. She perched on the crutches looking towards the living room but didn't hear anything so she made her way out the sliding glass door to the deck where her coke sat on the table beside his glass of water and forgotten bag of chips while he finished stacking the wood he had chopped that morning. She took a seat in one of the chair and nodded in recognition that that was the sound that had woken her that morning. Stealing a glance at her watch 1540, she nearly choked on her drink and he cast a curious look in her direction as he reached over snagging the chips from beside her drink and took a seat at the corner of the table, sitting cattycorner to her.

"Wow I didn't realize we'd spent that long in town!" she explained setting her glass back on the table.

"Well it's a bit of a drive and we did buy enough groceries to feed a small army." he commented not looking up from the bag of chips as he shook them around studying the contents closely.

"We'll have to make another trip after the guys get here." she chuckled and leaned forward confiscating the bag from him as he took way too long to pick through them.

He feigned a look of hurt for a moment then took a long swig of his water. She plopped a chip in her mouth and then took a handful before handing the bag back to him and sitting back in her seat. He watched her a moment then turned his attention back to the chips quite content to sit in silence with her. His leg twitched as she nudged him with her foot and he looked up to see her holding the largest folded chip he had ever seen.

"Looking for one of these?" she teased a grin threatening to spread over her face.

"Oh that chip could be a god." he smiled back at her and reached for it. Before he could get close enough she popped it into her mouth and crunched victoriously.

"You're evil Carter…" he grumped before eating a few more chips then closing the bag and setting it on the table.

She snickered and threw a chip at him, it landed on his lap. He raised a brow and plucked the chip from it's destination and into his mouth chewing loudly. Sam scrunched her nose finishing off her handful of chips and then her coke. The ice clinked as she placed the glass back on the table and looked past him to the lake.

The water rippled as a small breeze disturbed the surface. She smiled fondly as it reminded her of the event horizon. Her eyes fell on Jack who had stretched out, propping his feet on the bottom rung of her chair and folding his hands behind his head. He was facing the sky, his eyes closed as he relaxed in a way she rarely saw. The worry lines on his forehead almost non-existent as he was completely at ease. She stretched her leg allowing it to lean casually against his, small contact that neither acknowledged but both were all too aware of.

Maybe a week wouldn't be so bad here. She inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling her lungs. The breeze picked up and whipped the chip bag across the table. Jack jumped forward snagging it before it got out of reach. The action broke their contact and she was ashamed to admit she instantly missed it. His attention had been cast to the sky once more as neither seemed to have noticed the clouds move in.

"Gonna rain." he stated pushing his chair back in after standing. Sam didn't question him, she could smell the rain on the breeze and she stood propping her crutches under her arms before heading towards the door while he grabbed their drinks.

Jack moved quickly throwing a tarp over the firewood before finally coming inside. Sam was seated on the couch the news playing on the TV. Something about a nasty thunderstorm moving over the area. He had felt the chill in the air as they retreated inside. He kneeled in front of the fire place, stacking a few logs inside for later.

"Looks like we've got some ugly weather headed our way." Sam stated from her seat on the couch.

"Yeah I heard there was a pretty big system moving through tonight." he pushed himself up and headed towards the kitchen. "I'm going to go ahead and make some supper in case we lose power, any suggestions?"

"How about one of those family meals we bought?" she had joined him, leaning against the counter beside the stove but out of his way.

He looked in the freezer and pulled out a large bag reading the label, then returned it and found the one he wanted.

"Chicken and broccoli alfredo?" he questioned and she nodded, watching him prepare the pot and pouring the contents of the bag into it. He covered the pot with the lid and set the timer for 20 minutes.

An hour later they had eaten and she was propped up by the sink finishing the dishes. He had bought groceries and cooked, least she could do was to wash the dishes. He insisted on helping and stood next to her rinsing and drying them as she handed them over. Neither remarked on the way their shoulders touched as they worked closely. Sam rather enjoyed the domesticity of their actions and she really enjoyed the way his body brushed against hers. He was looking out the window as the rain started, one moment it was quiet and the next it moved in like a wall. Heavy drops pounded on the window.

Sam jumped at the sound and he held back a laugh as her body pressed against his. She didn't move away immediately and he was thankful for that. The side of her hip rested against his and they stayed that way as they finished the dishes. When she handed him the last plate the lights flickered a couple of times before finally fading away leaving them in the dark.

"Talk about timing." he placed the plate in the rack and laid the towel on the edge of the sink, still taking a mental note of her body against his.

"We have a knack for it." she smiled as she took the towel and dried her hands.

She could feel the hum start where their hips and shoulders met and she closed her eyes. Maybe if she ignored it they could stay like this a little longer. He seemed to think the same as they stood in silence his eyes watching the rain beat down on the tarp he'd covered the wood with not long before. He was vaguely aware of the moment her breathing got heavier and he had to admit his sudden need for oxygen had increased as well.

He suddenly felt hot and it seemed to be caused by the way their bodies touched. Jack dropped his hand from the sink reveling in the feel of her skin on his as his arm brushed hers. She didn't pull away as he expected, instead opting to move her arm in a manner that allowed more skin to skin contact. God he felt like he would spontaneously combust. He closed his eyes as a flash of lightning lit the room briefly in an eerie blue glow. The thunder that crashed after caused her to jump and his lips quirked into a smile. His fingers twitched and touched the back of her hand and he heard her inhale sharply.

Slowly she slid her hand into his and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. They stood for a long moment in silence, both refusing to look at the other and break the moment as they stared out the window at the storm raging outside. Another flash of lightning and the loud crack that followed finally pulled them back to reality. Sam turned away from him, breaking contact and grabbing her crutches as she made a hasty retreat to the living room.

Jack took a moment to get his breathing under control, what was he thinking?! He gripped the edge of the counter much the same way he had the steering wheel earlier in the day. He was certain now more than ever this had not been the wisest decision he'd ever made. They'd only been alone together for 2 days, how the hell were they going to make it the rest of the week?

Sam sunk onto the couch, the heavy feeling in her chest threatening to suffocate her. She wanted to scream and at the same time wanted to cry. What the hell had just happened? She was thankful for the darkness of the living room, at least she could hide in it's depths for now. How was she going to survive a week alone with him. She dropped her head back against the couch. Would it look bad if she made an excuse, had someone call from the base with an important ground breaking discovery that she absolutely had to have a look at?

He cleared his throat as he entered the living room, lit candle in hand. The warm light cast a soft yellow glow up the front of his shirt and highlighted his face. Sam sat up rubbing a hand over her face to hide the tears that had slipped from her eyes. He didn't acknowledge the action and simply sat the candle on the table in front of her then took his seat on the opposite end of the couch.

"Could go on for a while, power company up here is kinda small and we're pretty close to the end of their service area so we'll likely be in the dark for a while." he spoke quietly attempting to break the awkward silence that had fallen over them. He saw her visibly relax, her shoulder's slumping slightly.

"Right…" she didn't offer much more as she snuggled down into the corner of the couch and pulled her legs up beside her.

She shifted, unable to get her left leg comfortable and finally ended up having to stretch it out between them. Jack had sunk down, his feet propped on the table and hands clasped over his stomach.

"So…" she nudged him with her toes, letting them stay in contact with his thigh. "Julie likes to send you on blind dates huh…" she smiled as she heard him sigh rather loudly.

"Not what I want to talk about Carter." he closed his eyes, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.

"Sam…" she countered, digging her toes against his thigh for emphasis.

"Jack…" he responded and turned his head to meet her gaze. She smiled as they both conceded to dropping their military personas for now.

"It's always some doe-eyed, over the top affectionate woman." he continued "Don't get me wrong, I like affection as much as the next guy but you gotta get to know a person first, y'know?" he had dropped his hand letting it rest on her ankle.

"Yeah…" she smiled at the contact, her arms now crossed over her stomach.

"Tommy is her little boy. I introduced her to Dave, he used to own the house about a mile up the road before you turn down my lane. He's a good guy, we spent many evenings out on the dock bullshitting and drinking beer. Great skeet shooter. She had Tommy when we were trapped in Antarctica…" he rubbed his thumb over the inside of her ankle.

"I spent a week up here after Janet released us. Uncle Jack…" he grinned over at her.

Her heart thumped heavily in her chest. The man loved kids, maybe it was their youth, their innocence or maybe it was just the pure way they could make you feel alive. Children were full of wonder and hope. She felt her eyes brimming with tears at that thought. He had lost that prior to them meeting, he had been filled with so much torment that he wanted to end it all. Watching him mention the boy brought a spark to his eyes. He was such a good man.

"He's almost six now. I gave Dave a key to the cabin so they could come up whenever they wanted. Now that they live in Bemidji it's a bit of an escape. I usually get a voicemail or text when they're heading this way. Tommy likes to fish, I may have had a hand in that." the smile was evident in his words.

"Sounds like a great kid. Why didn't things work out between you and Julie?" she wondered if she was pushing for too much as his thumb paused briefly before he smoothed over her ankle once more.

"I woke up one night in a nightmare induced rage. Scared the life out of her. Poor woman didn't know what to do. I didn't hurt her, never touched her or threatened her but it was more than she could handle. I don't blame her, I told her I had a lot of demons that followed me. She took it in stride though and stayed with me the rest of that week. I still think that was ultimately what ended it before it ever started. We remained friends though, obviously." Sam's brow furrowed, she could see how a normal girl like Julie would have a hard time dealing with Jack's demons. He had married Sara early in his career so she had learned of nightmares as they were new to both of them. It was something she had learned to live and love with. Losing Charlie had opened a whole new level of hell for them and Sara had had her own battles to fight and he wasn't in a position to help her because he couldn't even help himself.

Sam had been privy to his nightmares, she'd calmed him on several occasions off world. Though she could count on one hand how many times it had ever happened; it always seemed to occur on the easier missions, when he had a chance to relax. She could see the torment in his eyes at the thought of his past.

"Things must've gotten better for her to be introducing you to friends." Sam prodded.

"Yeah after I was reinstated and started up at the SGC I guess you could say I changed a bit. I dunno maybe it was the having purpose again. I think Dave really won her over for me though. He's been a friend for forever." he patted her ankle gently before getting up and heading over to light the fireplace.

A comfortable silence fell between them. She stretched out down the couch and tucked a pillow under her head as she watched him get the fireplace roaring. He came back over, killing the flame of the candle as he tapped her legs to reclaim his seat. Sam curled her legs up to allowing him to sit and she clinched her jaw as the action tweaked her knee a bit.

"Your knee bothering you?" he asked having noticed the discomfort. She nodded stretching her left leg out and off the couch so as not to be on him.

He caught her ankle and pulled her leg over onto his lap, letting his hands slide the leg of her sweats up to her knee. She sat up but didn't pulled her leg from him. He ran is fingers over the angry purple flesh and the scars where she'd had surgery. He gently rubbed small circles under and around her kneecap then down her leg.

Her skin tingled under his hands and when he refused to meet her gaze she laid back allowing him to continue. He was massaging her lower leg in a way to increase blood flow and boy was it ever. She could feel the heat pooling in her stomach as his hands slid down her calf, light pressure being applied so as not to hurt her. Once he got to her ankle he repeated the actions and drug his fingers down her foot, working over each toe carefully before pressing his thumbs on either side of her shin and pushing back up her leg. He rubbed gently up just a little past her knee and under the pants leg now bunched up around her thigh.

Sam inhaled sharply.

"Sorry…" he murmured thinking it had hurt. She didn't tell him that wasn't the reason she couldn't breathe right now.

"It's okay…" was her only response, barely a audible whisper.

He focused on her knee a few more minutes before pulling her other leg onto his lap and repeating the process. He was certain the moan that escaped her this time was not of pain, that was a sound he was going to tuck away in the back of his mind. She was thankful he didn't look up, having ignored her little indescretion as his fingers continued to move magically over her skin. Once he finished with that leg he slowly pulled her pants legs back down, allowing the tips of his fingers to trail along the smooth skin of her leg once more.

"Better?" he asked, clearing his throat as he squeezed her foot gently before resting his hands across her shins.

"Yes… thank you." she breathed trying to regain control of her senses. She didn't dare look at him as she feared it would be her undoing.

A loud crash outside made them both jump and then came the fit of laughter. They couldn't contain themselves. Sam threw herself back into the couch laughing heartily as Jack covered his face his body shaking with amusement. She sat up and pulled her legs from his lap letting her feet rest on the floor.

"I think I'm going to head to bed now…" she huffed and let her hand land on his knee giving a light squeeze before she pushed herself up and grabbed her crutches.

"I'll probably do the same in a few." he smiled at her closing his eyes at her contact. He watched her get up then disappear around the corner.

She peaked back in at him, smiling sweetly.

"Good night, Jack." and then she was gone. His heart leapt in his chest as she said his name, oh this week was definitely a bad idea…

"Good night Sam!" he called back to her, just before hearing her door click shut.

Sam leaned against her door a moment, sighing into the darkness of her room. The steady sound of rain beating on the window seemed to take the edge off as she finally laid in bed. She wasn't sure what this week held in store for them but it was going to be a heck of a ride. She pulled the blanket up over her shoulders as the room was illuminated by a flash of lightning. She closed her eyes content to let the storm lull her to sleep.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

AN: So this went way off on a tangent but I'm ok with how it ended up. I decided to drop the time breaks that I had in the first chapter. I do mention times within the story just to give us a sign of how the day has progressed. The next chapter is going to deal with some suppressed feelings…