Room 406, evening

[izzyalienqueen]

It had been a very quiet Sunday for Isabel. After being up half the night, she finally fell into a deep sleep after the sun rose. After a visit to the gym, she returned to find a voicemail waiting for her. Shaking her head, she hoped Alec was doing okay.

At some point she was going to have to go out and spend some time in the common rooms, Isabel realized. But for now it's easier to stay in her room and read and think. Settling down on her bed, she started reading through her notes for Revolutions.

The door was open.

Comments

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I know you won't," he said to the closed door and sat on the bed to pull off his socks. He was going to have to start keeping clothes in Isabel's room if this kept up, but for now, he'd sleep in jeans.

Jack pulled back the covers, waiting for Isabel to come back so he could lie between her and the door, and sighed as he realised that was something he'd learned from Sam.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

The door opened and Isabel stepped out wearing her penguin pajamas. "Me first?" she asked sitting on the edge of the bed and eyeing his jeans. "You've got something on under them?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"You first, and yeah, the usual," he replied, nudging her to lie down.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"Then be comfortable," she said, sliding under the covers. "I'll even close my eyes."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Like that would bother me," he laughed, but slipped out of his jeans. "Lights?"

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

Isabel reached up and turned the nightlight on and then turned the room light off leaving them bathed in the soft light from the star lamp. "That's been a big help."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack nodded and climbed into bed next to her, slipping an arm around her waist. "I'm glad."

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

Reaching down, she laced her fingers with his and held on tightly. "Can I ask a question?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Anything," he replied, closing his eyes as he let his head rest against hers.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

Just because he said she could ask didn't mean Isabel believed he would answer. But she had to try. "What's wrong?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Apart from you not sleeping properly?" he asked, tucking her a little bit closer against him.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"It's not about me. It's about you." She rolled over then, turning and pushing Jack just a bit until she could rest her chin on her hands on his chest as she looked down at him. "You've just spent the weekend with Cedric, River's away. So why aren't you with Sam? Is something wrong?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He opened his eyes, staring up at the ceiling, hands reflexively stroking her back. "Not wrong, no," he finally answered, tilting his head to smile at her. "Everything's fine."

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"Are you sure?" Isabel asked, not really believing him and pressing just a bit. "You know you can talk to me."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

As Jack met her eyes, he thought about explaining. Would have, maybe, if he had any idea what the hell had happened. And if it wouldn't have felt like betraying Sam. "I'm sure." Whatever was wrong, they'd have to figure it out themselves. "Thanks, Izzy." He bent his head and kissed her forehead. "I don't deserve you."

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

So he wasn't going to talk. Shaking her head at his stubborness, she stretched a bit and kissed the tip of his nose. "Yes you do."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack was suddenly aware of just how close she was, lying across his mostly naked self, her mouth above his, and his fingers curled against her back. He craved distraction, something to make him forget, even if it was just for a night. It was that which made him smile and hug her, denying the temptation as he said, "I know better than to argue with you."

This was Isabel, she could never be just a distraction.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

Isabel curled into him and closed her eyes, slowly relaxing. "You're very smart that way," she said before she yawned.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Go to sleep, Isabel," he whispered, slowly stroking her back.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

She was already drifting off, warm and safe. "Love you," she murmured.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I love you, too," he murmured, knowing he wasn't going to sleep, not after what had happened with Sam, but with Isabel curled so trustingly against him, he could finally relax.