So They Say

Chapter 1 – Planning Ahead

"Why me?"

Sam scolded herself inwardly for talking to herself again, provoking the attention of the half-asleep black Labrador lounging on the sofa opposite. She'd not had the energy to shoo him off the cushions, preferring to stay lying down. A headache was one thing, but full on flu was just the world's way of getting back at her. For what, she had no idea.

She'd been feeling progressively worse over the last week or so, but that day was only her second away from work. She had her over-protective fiancé to thank for that. Had it been up to her, she'd be at the SGC working as normal. A little dizzy spell here and there wasn't so bad really. Of course the lab technician who had witnessed her near-collapse hadn't thought so. Her limbs still had the weak, almost numb feeling now, but it was coupled with a big headache and occasional nausea that Doctor Peterson had informed her was a nasty bout of flu. It was all Jack had needed to convince General Hammond to make her go home, after spending half his time checking up on her during the week while she was in her lab, then taking care of her when they got away from the base.

The front door opened and closed quietly, a minute before Jack appeared at the lounge door, obviously expecting her to be asleep.

"Hey gorgeous." He greeted her tenderly, kneeling in front of her. "You any better?"

"Think so." Sam smiled tiredly back at him, enjoying the feel of his touch on her face as he gently pushed golden strands from her forehead affectionately.

"Did you eat anything?"

She shook her head slightly in answer. "Not hungry."

Jack leaned forward, brushing his lips over hers before rising. "Don't move."

He returned with the duvet from the guest room, draping it over her. If she'd had the energy, Sam would've laughed at him, but she was just thankful for his company after such a long day feeling rotten. Jack left the room again, coming back with a mug of hot tea, which he set down on the little table beside the sofa Sam was occupying.

"What am I missing at the base?" She asked as Jack moved her gently so he could sit down with her across his lap. The brief upright position seemed to provoke a sneeze, causing her to groan at the effect the force of it had on her headache.

"Nothing exciting." He watched her, concern clearly written on his face. "You want some Paracetamol?"

She shook her head as best she could, not wanting to aggravate her headache further. "I don't want you to catch this, Jack. You shouldn't sit so close."

"You trying to get rid of me, Carter?"

Sam shot him a weary look. "I'm trying to save those poor medical staff from having to treat you when you catch this. They already draw straws to see who has to look after you."

"I'm the model patient." Jack insisted indignantly.

"Yes, Jack."

He kissed her forehead, making a move to get up again. "I think I'd better cancel the flights."

"I'll be fine by Monday. We can't miss your brother's anniversary celebration." Sam assured him as she caught his arm to stop him standing. "And I can't meet all your family for the first time at our wedding."

"Dave won't mind."

"We're going." Sam told him; disappointed her voice didn't hold the conviction she meant it to. "I've got three days to get better."

"You're not to go back on base 'til after our vacation time, Doctor's orders." Jack informed her decisively, resting an arm on the armrest to stroke her hair from her face idly. "I'm being let out early tomorrow 'cause apparently they're missing their resident expert and there's not a lot SG-1 can do without her."  

"I could still go in, or at least do some work whilst I'm home."

"Not gunna happen, Carter."

She pouted alluringly at him, only to receive a defiant stare in return. Sighing, she shifted uncomfortably, finally setting herself against the crook of Jack's arm. "What are we going to get them as a gift?"

"My brother? Maybe a medal for dealing with Alison for twenty-five years." He quipped with a grin.

"She can't be that bad."

"I want you at full strength before you face her, Sam." He said seriously, managing to keep his face straight.

Her glare was disapproving as he smiled. "I hope you don't say anything like that to your sister-in-law."

"Hey, Tom isn't too crazy about her either. It's not just me."

"Tom's older, Dave's younger, right?" She asked, the conversation only being visited for the second time since they'd got together. His family wasn't close, the occasional phone calls to his brothers being the sole contact since he'd joined the Stargate programme.

"Yep. Dave's married, Tom's not."

"Has he ever been?"

"Not unless you count beer." Jack grinned, his fingers moving gently over her forehead.

A cheeky smile crossed her face as she looked up at him. "It runs in the family then?"

"If you weren't ill I'd get you for that."

Sam reached up to pull his head down in to a kiss. "It's the only perk to being sick."

"Did you take Jasper out this morning?"

Her flu-laden mind wasn't quick enough to lie, nodding her head without thinking.

"You went out?"

Sam cringed, mentally kicking herself. "Sort've."

"Why, exactly?" Jack asked, sounding annoyed.

"I felt like some fresh air, and Jasper needed the exercise."

"Doc said bed rest. Not walk the dog and pretend you feel okay."

"I was sick of sitting around doing nothing."

Jack watched her, his fingers touching her forehead registering the over-warmth of her skin. "If we go to Florida for Dave's shindig will you promise me you won't do anything but sleep, eat and watch TV for the next three days?"

"As long as its not Simpsons."

"Sam, is that a deal?" He pushed, recognising her attempt to avoid agreeing to anything.

She rolled her eyes, sitting up slowly and taking the duvet with her. "Fine. But if I feel better before Monday, I'm going to get some work done."

"I'll be the judge of the feeling better-ness."

She gave him an irritated glare over her shoulder, moving herself to the other side of the couch with the duvet wrapped tightly around her shoulders.

"Don't get mad at me," Jack said gently, realising just how much not being able to work was getting to her. "I just want you to get rid of this flu." He stood up and brought her tea over to the coffee table, crouching in front of her. "You want me to leave you alone, let you sleep for a bit?"

Sam looked at him miserably, chiding herself for getting annoyed so easily. "Can you stay with me? Watch TV or something?"

He smiled, finding one of the complicated romantic comedies she liked so much and popping it in the player. Settling himself on the sofa with his arms around her, he watched her drink the rest of her tea and shift around to get comfortable again.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, looking up at him.

"Just relax." Jack assured her quietly, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. She fell into an exhausted sleep in his arms almost instantly.