May 08th – Bunk room 32-B, under Cheyenne Mountain.
Jack entered the bunk room and, barely believing what his eyes were showing him, walked over to the lump hidden under thin sheets. Jack poked Daniel in, what he assumed was his side, and waited none too patiently for a reaction. When no movement was forthcoming he tried again, a little harder this time, and managed to entice a small moan that reminded Jack of himself the morning after having one too many.
“Jack, why are you poking me?” Daniel asked, feeling extremely agitated at being woken.
How, with his head so deep under the covers even a flashlight couldn’t penetrate it, Daniel knew it was him was an understanding beyond Jack’s ability.
“Not that I’m not pleased to see you’ve finally taken my advise and finished work at a reasonable hour, but why are you here?”
“Sleeping.”
Jack sat down heavily on the bed. “It’s 7:30 in the evening, Daniel. A little early for bedtime yet don’t you think?”
Daniel made a choking noise, Jack couldn’t tell if he was laughing or coughing, and rolled over to face Jack.
“I’m really tired.”
Daniel had pushed the cover away from his face and lay flat out, staring at the bunk above him. Jack leaned over a little more and instinctually lay his palm against Daniel’s cheek, besides the bare smattering of stubble Jack felt intense heat. It hurt his hand so he was damn sure it wasn’t doing Daniel any good.
“What?” Daniel rasped, his throat not only dry, but painfully sore.
“Nothing,” Jack smiled wanly. “Close your eyes.”
Daniel looked puzzled but didn’t have the required energy to argue with Jack right now. So Daniel, very uncharacteristically, did as he was told and rolled back onto his side, taking the covers with him.
Jack patted the back of Daniel’s head very gently before leaving the bunkroom, heading for the infirmary at a slight jog.