'The Lazarus Phenomenon', Jack and Daniel, double drabble, rated PG-13

[sid]

This takes place quite early in Season One, before Cold Lazarus. It could be considered a companion piece to Nightscape, but this story comes earlier in the canon timeline, and is distinctly gen in nature.  200 words, PG-13.  

Thank you to my betas, tejasand ivorygates.

Warnings:  Charlie

THE LAZARUS PHENOMENON

Charlie had the croup. He wheezed, and cried, and fussed. He squirmed in Jack’s arms and hit Jack’s nose with his little fist, and Sara laughed and cooed. Jack rocked him in the steamy bathroom and sang to him softly, but Charlie would not, could not be comforted.

And then his labored breathing grew louder and deeper, and Jack cradled him in his arms and felt him slipping away and cried aloud in anguish while Sara screamed.

Blood. Blood on his hands.

~~

Jack woke; trembling, sweating. Listening. He rolled over and hit Daniel on the arm. Hard.

“What?” Daniel sat straight up.

“Let me ask you, how the hell am I supposed to sleep when you sound like you’re about to take your last breath?” 

“I...I’m sorry.”

Jack fell back onto his sleeping bag. “See the doc. Your allergy meds aren’t doing the job.” He could hear his voice shake.

Daniel sagged back down. “Okay. Remind me. Because I’m not really awake.” His breathing grew heavy again within seconds.

Jack gaped first at Daniel, and then at the ceiling of the tent. Fond exasperation slowly replaced terror.

~~

Jack watched, fascinated, as Charlie slept, his tiny chest rising and falling peacefully.

Author's Note: The Lazarus phenomenon refers to an event in which a person spontaneously returns to life (the heart starts beating again) after resuscitation has been given up.

Comments

[sid]

I figured "Charlie" was all the warning necessary. His name says so much about Jack, especially this early in the series.

Thank you.

(Jack thanks you, too.)