Jack cupped the back of her head lightly, his other hand rubbing her back. Just a hug, maybe a little on the long side, but nothing inappropriate. Not after over a week of ignoring each other and Carter damn near trying to kill herself researching their involuntary vacations.

"You mean a lot to me, Carter. I take it for granted sometimes that you know when I'm guessing I'm probably not the most vocal person when it comes to all this touchy feely stuff."

The words stuck in his throat. Dammit. Out with it.

"Take care of yourself? I'll do anything you ask me to do, but I'm shit at formulas, so all I can do is try to give you moral support. I'm not so good at that stuff."