"Martouf's Gift" by Tiffany Flowers

TITLE: Martouf’s Gift

AUTHOR: Tiffany Flowers

RATING: NC17 (Go figure! Calm down AQ! <vbg>)

SPOILERS: Divide And Conquer, Upgrades, Urgo and Window Of Opportunity

CATEGORY: S/J Romance, Post Episode fic for DAC and WOO

ARCHIVE: SJRA ONLY!! All others ask!!!

DISCLAIMER: The usual. Don’t own ‘em, just playing with their likenesses. Don’t sue me; no money was made from this.

AUTHOR’S NOTES: ~*~ Flashbacks \\// Thoughts After getting excited about DAC, I had to join the bandwagon of fic writers. The book in the story that is mentioned is real. It’s called, "The Handy Space Answer Book" written by, Phillis Englebert and Diane L. Dupuis. The radio station, KBUL, is a radio station in Reno, Nevada. This story is dedicated to the memory of Martouf. (Don’t look at me like that! He grew on me.) Sam’s POV.

WARNINGS: KIDDIES STAY AWAY!!!!

SEASON/SEQUEL INFO: Season 4. After DAC& WOO

STATUS: Complete!!!!

COPYRIGHT 2000 TIFFANY FLOWERS

________________________________________________________________________

Well here I sit. In the Gate Room, with Martouf in my arms. I try to hold back the tears that threaten to fall. I can’t believe I had to shoot him, but he begged me to. Oh God, the pain in his eyes. It’s etched into my memory. I look up at the colonel, my bottom lip quivering on the brink of an emotional breakdown.

"It’s okay, Carter." he says to me, putting an arm around my shoulders. I hadn’t even noticed he had walked over. Freya has Teal’c pick Martouf off the floor and take him to the morgue. I just sit there, stunned. I turn my head, to look at Colonel O’Neill, and can’t hold it anymore. I throw myself into his arms and sob.

He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight, as my body shakes uncontrollably. He tries to soothe me. I grasp onto him, not wanting to let go of him. Suddenly, I feel a sharp pinch on my upper right arm, and then slowly, I begin to fall asleep.

\\ Janet. // I think, before my world goes black.

**********************************

I wake up to a soft snore. Opening my eyes, I see that Jack is fast asleep, his head on his arms next to my right leg. I smile at his sleeping form.

"Hey," someone whispers. I look up to see it is Janet. "He hasn’t left." She informs me quietly. I raise my eyebrows at her. She only nods. It reminds me of his admittance hours before. No thanks to the Goa’uld. I knew that Jack liked me, but not that much.

~*~ "I care about her. A lot more than I’m supposed to. ~*~

I can’t get that out of my mind. And the look in his eyes, I wanted to kiss him so bad, but I held back. I mean it’s bad enough that Teal’c, Freya and Janet know. I hope that they don’t say anything to anyone.

"He’s been here for hours?" I ask, sounding amazed. Janet nods while checking my vitals, careful not to wake Jack.

"Just like on Apophis’s ship," she says. "When he wouldn’t leave you then." I nod. It’s all that I can do. I think back to the moment I looked at Jack on the ship and saw the love in his eyes. Too bad that force shield had been in the way.

"Janet," I say softly. "You and Teal’c can’t say anything about what you heard. Promise me." I beg softly, trying not to wake up Jack.

"I promise, Sam." She says, grabbing my right pinkie finger with hers. I laugh.

"I haven’t pinkie swore since I was twelve." I tell her, making her laugh loudly. I suddenly feel Jack’s head jerk. He looks around, trying to figure out what’s going on around him.

"What the…." Jack asks groggily. He looks at me and smiles his "O’Neill" smile. "Hey, how are ya?" He asks, finally awake. He is smoothing my blonde hair away from my face.

"I’m okay, I guess," I tell him. "A little tired. But that’s it." I smile forcefully at him. He keeps his dark brown eyes on me, not convinced. I can sense it. Janet walks away to give us time to talk, but I can’t find the words to begin.

"It’s not your fault, Carter," Jack says. I can only stare at him. "You’re not to blame. I think General Hammond was right when he said that the Goa’uld were ultimately responsible. Don’t put this on you." He says softly, making me feel better already.

"But I’m the one that killed Martouf," I say, tears flooding my eyes. "I SHOT HIM! NOT YOU, NOT TEAL’C! ME!" I shout with pent up anger at myself, tears falling down my cheeks.

"HEY!" He says, forcing my next set of words to evaporate. "He knew that. He forgave you the minute he said your name, Sam." He says, wiping the fallen tears away.

"But I blame myself, Sir." I say softly. I look down, away from Jack’s caring stare.

"Time will ease your pain, Carter," Jack says sweetly, as if from experience. "Trust me, I know. I was the same way with Charlie and Kawalsky. So, tell me about it."

"I can’t believe you stayed again," I say, changing the subject. "Why?" I ask, uncertain about the answer I’ll get from him.

"Because I care about you, Sam," he says. "A lot more than I’m supposed to, but I can’t’ help it." I look at him and smile. He smiles back.

"Janet won’t say anything about the re-test thing." I tell him, my right hand caressing his left hand. He nods. I’m about to reach up to bring his face to mine, when I hear the infirmary door open.

"Hey, Teal’c," I hear Daniel Jackson shout. "She’s awake!" He walks into the room and makes a B-line to the left side of the bed. He puts his hand on my shoulder and smiles. I look at him and smile back. At that moment, Teal’c and Freya walk into the room. Freya is still wearing that gawd awful silver outfit that makes her look like a Lara Croft reject. Sluty almost.

"I am happy to see you well, Major Carter." Teal’c says stoically. Freya is silent, but I see that her eyes are red.

\\ So, she has emotions. // I think sadly to myself. \\ She’s been crying. //

"I, too, am glad to see you well, Major." She says softly, barely above a whisper.

"Jack," I say. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "I’d like a minute with Freya." I tell him. Jack only nods and hustles Teal’c and Daniel out of the room, closing the door behind him.

"Freya," I begin, shifting into a better sitting position. "What’s the matter? Is it Martouf?" She can only nod. But then she speaks.

"I don’t know if I can live without his company," she tells me, wiping her tears away. "I loved him, Major Carter." She admits. All I can do is stare at her in complete surprise, if not shock.

________________________________________________________________________

After a minute or two, I gather the courage to speak to her. I mentally take back what I thought about her outfit and her emotions.

"You loved Martouf?" I ask, sounding unsure if I heard her correctly. She looks at me and I smile. She gives me a sad smile in return.

"Yes," she says. "Like how O’Neill loves you." I look down at the mention of the colonel’s name. She touches my left shoulder, making me look up. Her smile is bigger.

"What?" I ask, giving her a curious look.

"I will say nothing of O’Neill’s words," she says to me. "Nor yours, Major. It will remain our secret."

"Thank you, Freya," Jack says from the doorway. "I’ll hold you to that." He’s grinning now, but she only nods.

"What about Teal’c and Daniel, Colonel?" I ask, hoping that he talked to Teal’c and Daniel about it. But Jack only shrugs and smiles that "O’Neill" smile that I love so much.

"I will take my leave now, Major," Freya says, getting off the edge of the bed. "Perhaps I will visit later, if it is okay, Colonel." With that, Freya leaves, closing the door behind her. Jack sits in the chair he was in moments before, taking my hand in his.

"She loved him." I say simply, shocking Jack.

"Daniel?" he asks, surprised.

"No. Martouf." I reply.

"Oh," he says, making me smile at his utter confusion. "She kissed me. Twice." He sputters, causing me to be stunned, yet again.

"What!?" I all but scream. He holds up his hands in defense.

"I didn’t kiss her back though," he informs me. "I don’t like her like that. Not how I like you." I just stare at him, not sure if I hate him or love him more. I lean back against the pillows.

"I see," I say. "What led up to this?" I ask, suddenly curious.

"Ah, well," He says, trying to begin. Looking at me, I raise my eyebrows. "When we thought we were Zanex…."

"Zatarcs." I correct him. He nods slightly, and then continues.

"Right, Zatarcs," he amends. "Anyway, I asked Freya what if she was wrong and we talked a little, then she kissed me and I pushed her away…."

~*~ "Whatch ya doin’?" Jack asks Freya, obviously surprised.

"I originally came from a planet where the people were not afraid to show their affection for someone," Freya explains. "When we wanted to Walmasham…."

"Excuse me?" Jack asks, interrupting her.

"I believe you call it…." Freya says.

"Something else." Jack interrupts again.

"Anise, my symbiot, is far more interested in Doctor Jackson on an intellectual level, but she would have to suffer." Freya tells Jack.

"Look, there’s so many reasons why this is wrong and…." He pauses, finding the words. "Weird and…..wrong. Did I mention wrong?" Jack asks.

"Is it because I share my body with Anise?" Freya asks.

"For starters." Jack replies.

"Do you not find me attractive?" Freya asks, sounding disappointed.

"Uh….whew…." Freya then kisses Jack, but she is pushed away. "Hey, I could blow here any minute."

"If I were the target, your Zatarc programming would have triggered long ago." Freya explains to Jack.

"Good point." Jack admits.

"Is there someone else to whom you are loyal?" Freya asks.

"Uh….uh…." Jack stammers. "That’s not really the point here is it?" Jack asks getting frustrated. ~*~

"And that’s what happened." Jack finishes. I am smiling at him.

"Freya likes you, Anise likes Daniel, you like me, I like you, Martouf liked me," I tick off on my fingers, and then lay my head back. "Oh, boy." I say, beginning to laugh, Jack laughing with me.

"Okay, you two," Janet says, walking up to my bed. "Sam you are free to go. But I still want you to get some rest." I nod to her, hopping off the bed. Waving good-bye to Janet, Jack and I walk out of the infirmary, heading to my lab.

"How did I guess?" Jack asks, unable to hide his grin. I look up at him, confused.

"Sir?" I ask, voicing my confusion.

"How did I guess you were coming here to work?" Jack asks, sounding annoyed at this.

"I’m not working," I say, laughing as I grab my leather jacket. "I’m leaving." Jack looks at me and shakes his head in confusion.

"Oh," Jack replies. "Where ya goin’?" He asks, sounding like he wants to tag along.

"O’Malley’s," I say. "Wanna come? I’m buying." I offer. Jack smiles a big smile and takes my hand in his, heading for the elevator.

"Sam," he whispers. "I’d be honored to accompany you to O’Malley’s." Jack smiles at me.

"On one condition," I say, causing his brow to furrow. "No fights this time." I tell him with a smile. He smiles back sarcastically, obviously remembering the last time we went to O’Malley’s Bar and Grill. I’m surprised that we’re even allowed back in after that incident.

**********************************

We spend two hours at O’Malley’s, drinking our beers and eating dinner. We talk about what we liked doing as kids. After we finished on last game of pool, we decide to head out and go home. Out in the parking lot, Jack pulls on my arm, causing me to turn around.

"Follow me to my place," Jack says. "I want to show you something." I nod, and then follow him to his house.

When we get to his house, I help him set up his laptop and telescope. We spend hours looking at nebulas, red giants, black holes and other cosmic anomalies. When I get up to leave, Jack shuts off the laptop and puts it away, replaces the lens covers, and then follows me down.

"See ya tomorrow?" he asks, his hands on the top of my open car door. I nod and then get in my car. Suddenly, I stop, get out of my car and wrap my arms around Jack’s neck, bringing my body to his. He leans down and kisses me. I feel a tug, and the next thing I know, I’m in his house.

________________________________________________________________________

The next morning, I wake up to a soft touch on my left cheek. I open my eyes to see Jack lying on his left side, head on his hand, smiling at me. I feel his right hand move down the side of my neck to my collarbone. He lightly runs his fingers along the bone, making my skin get goose bumps.

"Morning," he says softly. "Sleep well?" He asks, continuing to run his fingers along the bone, then back up to my face. I smile at him tenderly.

"Yeah," I reply. "What about you?" I ask. He scrunches up his face and makes me laugh.

"The couch wasn’t all that comfortable," he replies. "Thanks for the memory." He obviously didn’t sleep well. After I kissed him last night, he and I had gone into the house to talk. By the end of our conversation, the hour was late. He refused to let me drive home and told me to sleep in his room, that he’d take the couch. I fought with him of course, telling him that I’d take the couch so he could have his room, but he wouldn’t have any of it. So, needless to say, I took his room, while he was utterly uncomfortable and in some pain.

"Sorry," I apologize. "I would have shared with ya." I say. He just looks at me with raised eyebrows.

"We agreed that…." He starts, but I hold up a hand, interrupting him.

"I know," I say. "I was just joking." I smile at him.

"Oh," he replies. "Knew that." He gets up and walks out of the room.

\\ Damn those jeans look good on him. // I think. \\ STOP IT! // I yell at myself. Looking at his clock, I too get up, dress and go to the kitchen.

"So," I say, announcing my arrival. "What’s for breakfast? Or do I dare ask?" I say, pretending to be cautious. I look around him to see what he’s fixing, but his handsome body blocks my every attempt, like he feels me moving behind him.

"Very funny," he retorts. "Sit down and you’ll find out very shortly."

I sit down at the table and wait. Looking around the table, I notice maple syrup, milk, orange juice, coffee, butter and two places nicely set. Linen napkins set to the right side, fork nearest my hand, followed by the butter knife and then the spoon.

"Here," Jack says, snapping me out of my observations. "Eat up." I look at the stack of pancakes before me. I count at least five on my plate, while Jack sits across from me, six pancakes on his plate. Before he sat down, however, he placed a plate with at least ten more between us. I give him a funny look.

"My world famous ‘whole wheat and banana’ pancakes," he informs me. "Hope you like ‘em." He pours maple syrup on his and begins to eat. I follow suit and take my first bite.

"Ohmygod!" I say with my mouth full. Like the time I had blue Jell-O in my mouth. Jack’s head shoots up and he looks at me. I think his statement reads as scared.

"My God, Jack. These are great." I say, after swallowing the bite. His statement melts into a smile and I can’t help but smile back.

"Thanks," he says. "There for a minute you had me worried." He tells me.

"Worried," I ask. "Why?" He just shrugs.

"I thought maybe," he pauses. "I dropped part of an eggshell in it." I can’t help but burst out laughing. Jack soon follows.

"I’m sorry," I say. "I didn’t mean to laugh. I didn’t mean to worry you either." I tell him, but he just waves it off. Just then the phone rings. Jack picks it up.

"O’Neill residence," Jack says into the receiver. "Sorry there’s no one here to take….Oh hi, Daniel." Jack says, sounding like his answering machine, only to be interrupted by Daniel.

"What’s up?" I mouth to Jack.

"Whatch ya need, Daniel?" Jack asks. I listen to Jack ‘uhhmm’ and ‘yeah’ into the receiver. After about two minutes, Jack finally hangs up the phone.

"What," I ask Jack. "What’s going on?" I ask, suddenly worried that something is wrong at the SGC.

"That was Daniel," Jack says. I nod, urging him to continue. "He said that General Hammond is giving us two weeks worth of downtime. But before we take it, he wants you, me and Fraiser in our blues for Martouf’s burial service." He looks at me. I look at him with tears in my eyes, but I blink them out of existence. I nod. I then grab my keys and head to my car. Jack stops me, as I’m about to get in.

"This will help you, Sam," he explains tenderly. "Trust me." He places both hands on my face and kisses me deeply, and then we part.

"See you at the base," I say. "My dress uniform is already there." I get in my car and drive off.

***********************************

SG-1, General Hammond and Doctor Fraiser are on Vorash for Martouf’s funeral. Per’sus is giving his speech in accordance to Martouf’s beliefs, but I’m not paying attention. I feel a hand on my left shoulder and look into Jack’s eyes, tears streaming down my pale face.

"We will miss him," Per’sus concludes. He bows his head at General Hammond. "Now the members of the Tau’ri will speak." General Hammond returns the bow.

"Thank you, Grand Council Per’sus," Hammond begins. "As leader of the SGC, you have my most sincere apologies for his death. Colonel O’Neill?" The general looks at the colonel, passing the ‘floor’ to Jack.

"Thank you, General," he starts. "Martouf was not only a Tok’ra, but a valued friend," he looks at me, and then continues. "A friend that will be missed. He made us smile, laugh, and even think. But when you were in trouble, he was there to help. Have a safe trip Marty. Major Carter?" He turns to me, but I can’t do it. I shake my head no. He only mouths okay and stands next to me like he was before.

"Aten-hut!" General Hammond orders. The general, Colonel O’Neill, Janet and I stand at attention.

"Present, Arms!" the general says and we salute a fallen soldier.

"Order, Arms!" Hammond says. We then each grab a stick with rags on them and light them. Each one of us, in turn, lights a spot on Martouf’s pyre. I’m the last. I feel a hand on my right shoulder. Looking, I see Teal’c bow his head, silently giving me the strength to light the pyre. I do, then throw the torch into the fire and run away towards the Stargate.

________________________________________________________________________

"Carter!" I hear Jack yell. I can’t stop to face him. "Damn it, Sam! STOP!" he yells louder, making me stop. He catches up to me and puts both hands on my shoulders, turning me around to face him.

"I didn’t want to," I say, trying not to sob. "I couldn’t." He pulls me to him and I wrap my arms around his waist, like I did in the Gate Room.

"I know," he says, his voice only a whisper. "But you did what was right. It’s not your fault, Sam." I look at him, tears running down my already tear stained face.

"I’m going to miss him," I say. Jack nods, wiping my face with his thumbs. "He helped me under who Jolinar was."

"Come ‘ere," Jack says, pulling me tighter against him. "Let it out, Sam. It won’t do you any good to lock it up. Cry all you want." His words are kind and soft. I put my arms under his, my hands on his back, and I just let go. I put my face against his chest and sob. He puts his arms around my shaking form and holds me tight. I feel one hand rub my back, while the other hand smoothes my hair. After what seems like an eternity, I pull back away from Jack and take a deep breath.

"Thanks," I say. "I needed that." I look up at Jack, and again, he wipes my cheek with his thumbs. He leans his face to mine and kisses my right cheek.

"Whoops," we hear. "Hope I’m not interrupting anything, Jack." Daniel says. Jack turns to face Daniel.

"Nope," Jack sighs. "Just comforting a friend, a peck on the cheek. That’s it." Jack says. Daniel nods and walks forward.

"General Hammond’s looking for you, Jack." Daniel tells him, wiping his glasses with his shirt.

"Thanks, Daniel," Jack replies. "Carter, you gonna be okay?"

"Yeah," I report. "Thanks, Jack….I mean, Colonel." I say quickly. Jack goes and tries to find General Hammond.

"How you doing, Sam?" Daniel asks, putting his glasses back on his sad face.

"I think I’ll be okay, Daniel," I tell him. "I won’t let Martouf’s death be in vain. I’m not blaming myself for it anymore." I say, repeating Jack’s words from our two-hour conversation.

"That’s good, Sam," Daniel says. "Just wish Jack could understand that sometimes." He says softly.

"Jack told me that." I reply to Daniel, who looks surprised.

"He what?" Daniel asks, voicing his surprise.

"Jack said that I shouldn’t blame myself," I say. "He also said that he knows that his son and Kawalsky’s deaths weren’t his fault." I can’t help but smile at Daniel’s shocked statement.

"What brought this on?" he asks. I tell him about last night, but I don’t tell him the detail about the kiss. Daniel is surprised that Jack realizes it after four years.

"Okay, campers," Jack says happily. "Time to go." We follow him to the Stargate. Daniel dials, and as soon as the event horizon stabilizes, I enter SG-1’s IDC into the GDO.

When we get to the other side, General Hammond turns to SG-1.

"SG-1," he begins. "As of right now, you have two weeks of downtime. Dismissed." Then the general walks out of the Gate Room.

"Jack, Sam," Daniel calls out. "I was thinking about taking Teal’c to O’Malley’s. Wanna come?" Daniel offers.

"No thanks, Daniel," Jack says. "I think I’m gonna call it a night and go home."

"Okay," Daniel replies. "Sam, what about you?" he asks me.

"Sorry, Daniel," I say laughing. "I’m all O’Malleyed out. Try asking me next year." I say following Jack to the locker room. The last thing I hear from the Gate Room is Daniel asking Janet to go with them.

*************************************

It’s now 2315, and I’m sitting on my couch, reading a new book about space. I hear a knock at the door and wonder who it could be at this hour. I mark my spot, lay the book on the coffee table and answer the door.

"Colonel O’Neill," I say, surprised. "Come in. Please." He comes in and I close the door. Jack takes a seat on the couch and puts his hands in his lap. I just look at him with a strange look.

"Something to drink, Sir?" I ask. He nods at me and I go to the kitchen. When I come out, he’s got my book in his hands. He looks up at me and grins.

"’The Handy Space Answer Book’," he says. "I don’t think I want to know, do I?" I just shake my head no, while trying not to laugh.

"I found it at Waldenbooks," I state in my defense. "It was a bargain book. At five ninety-nine, I couldn’t pass it up." Jack puts the book back on the coffee table and then sits back. I hand him the soda that I got from the fridge.

"Dr. Pepper?" he asks, eyeing me. I shrug.

"It’s all I have. Sorry," I say, sitting next to him in my original spot. "Thanks for today. What you said about Martouf was really nice."

"Sure," he says. "Why didn’t you go with Teal’c and Danny Boy?" Jack asks, changing the subject.

"Why didn’t you?" I ask, answering his question with one of my own.

"Didn’t feel like it," he tells me. "You?"

"Same," I say simply, then sigh heavily. "One can only handle O’Malley’s for so long.

"I know." Jack says. I look at him and see that he’s sitting sideways on the couch, he soda on the table. He’s tucking my hair behind my right ear. I feel my cheeks flush, but he continues his action. I close my eyes, feeling his lips on my left cheek, then my lips. I open my mouth, feeling his tongue taste my mouth, as I do the same. He deepens the kiss, and as I’m getting into it, he pulls away.

"I want you, Sam." He says breathlessly.

________________________________________________________________________

I stare at him, unsure if I heard him right. He looks at me, grinning with mischief in his eyes.

"What," I say after gathering my senses. "What did you say?" He takes my face in his hands, placing his thumbs on my cheeks, leans down and kisses me deeper than before. And again, we part, disappointment filling my body.

"I want you, Sam," he repeats. "Don’t you want me?" I stare at him, thinking of the many regulations we’re breaking. I try not to think about the consequences.

"Yes, Jack," I breathe. "I want you, too. I just don’t want to ruin our careers for this. The regulations and all." I remind him.

"Screw the regs," Jack snaps. "I’ve never been big on ‘em. The worst that could happen is that one of us has to resign." He tells me seriously. I can’t imagine the SGC, let alone SG-1, without Jack.

After about twenty minutes of arguing the pro’s and con’s of what will, or won’t happen, we finally decide that we want to do this. I pull Jack to me, causing him to lay over my body, put my fingers in his short, grey hair and bring his face to mine. I trace his lips with my tongue, asking him to open his mouth so I can taste him again. He complies with my request. He also tastes me, filling my mouth with his tongue. I run my hands down his chest to his belt, tugging at it with raised passion. He, in turn, pulls my shirt free of my sweat shorts.

I get his belt loose and pull his black T-shirt free. I pull it over his head and throw it to the floor, my shirt following soon after, leaving both of us bare chested. I run my fingers through the sparse hair that lightly dusts his firm, slightly muscled chest. He lightly runs his fingers over my chest, causing not only my skin to prickle into goose bumps, but my nipples to harden into little peaks of excited flesh. He grins at this reaction. I trace the slight muscularness of his chest, and then run my fingers to his stomach, feeling the grooves between the muscles.

Jack’s hands have wandered south to the string of my sweat shorts, making the elastic loosen. I look into his eyes and see that they are heavy lidded, glazed and a very dark shade of brown. Darker than usual. My eyes, probably reflect the same thing, are bluer than normal. He gets off the couch and proceeds to pick me up into his arms. I don’t fight back. I’m enjoying this too much. He takes me to my bedroom and gently lays me on my bed. He straddles my feet, lightly runs his fingers to my waist, and pulls off my shorts. He throws them to the side, and then removes his shoes, socks and jeans, leaving only his black boxer shorts.

I have since turned down the bed and am now in the spot where Jack had laid me down. He lays beside me, on my right side, and begins to run his fingers over my body. He stops just inches from my clitoris, lightly playing with my curls of hair.

I can’t help but gasp at the sudden feeling, as he softly caresses my clitoris, trying to bring me to the edge of full pledged ecstasy. But I hold onto the moment by biting my lips together. Jack lowers his face to mine, consuming my lips with his, his tongue invading my mouth once again. I return the action, wrapping my arms around his neck. He removes his hand and lays over me. I feel his hardness against me. I can’t wait, but something tells me to take it one step at a time.

"Sam," Jack whispers sweetly. "I want to be with you. Inside you." He says, placing his arms alongside my head, bracing on his elbows.

"Jack," I say, passion in my voice. "I love you. I want you inside me, too." I tell him, consenting to his actions.

He sits up and removes his boxers, showing me his body at last. I am amazed at how well built he is. Jack lays on top of me once again, placing his erection between my thighs. I feel the tip against me, throbbing with growing excitement. I put my arms under his, rubbing my hands down his back. He begins his hypnotic movements, I feel him begging for entrance and I don’t deny him access. His motions begin to pick up speed, but they are gentle and full of promise. I arch my back, giving him more pleasure. He kisses me frantically, but gently. I tighten around him as I fall over that edge, screaming his name. He does the same as he climaxes with me, falling alongside me. Ecstasy fills us at last.

He rolls off me, pulling me to his side, and tucking my hair behind my left ear. His heartbeat is thumping loudly and quickly against his chest, his breathing also rapid. I know I am doing the same. I feel so complete. I look up at him and see that he’s smiling at me again.

"What are you smiling at?" I ask, my body and mind sated and content. He just continues to push my hair away from my sweat-covered forehead.

"Nothin’." He says, trying to sound innocent, but I’m not buying it. I don’t say anything about it. I hope this never ends. I look at him again and find that he is sleeping peacefully. I kiss his lips softly and fall asleep soon after, knowing that dreams of Martouf won’t come tonight.

**********************************

It is now 0800, and SG-1, Doctor Fraiser and General Hammond have finished our briefing about P4H 642 that SG-1 will be on after our downtime is over. As we leave, Janet pulls me aside.

"You okay, Sam," she asks worriedly. "You seem happier today." I just look at her and smile.

"I’m fine, Janet," I report. "I’m just fine." I glance at Jack, who smiles at Janet and me.

"What’s with him?" Janet asks, pulling me out of the Briefing Room towards her office in the infirmary. Jack heads off to Daniel’s lab, I’m guessing.

"Janet," I begin, as I sit in the chair in front of her desk. "I need to tell you something that has to stay between us." She nods, so I continue on, taking a deep breath.

"I slept with Jack last night." I blurt out, watching Janet’s worried statement change to complete and utter shock.

________________________________________________________________________

"You did what!?" Janet exclaims. I’m not sure if she’s happy or angry. I just look at her and nod my blonde head excitedly.

"I know," I explain. "But, Janet, he was amazing. He made me feel that I could love again. I mean the whole Jonas thing was a mistake, but…." I stop as Janet waves her hands to stop me.

"Do you realize what will happen if General Hammond finds out," she says. "Not to mention your father, too." She looks at me and I only stare.

"Yes," I say simply. "Jack and I both thought it through first. Janet, I love him. You know that." Janet is staring at me in sheer bewilderment.

"I hope so," she replies finally. "Otherwise, you and Colonel O’Neill are in deep shit. Understand?" I nod my understanding to her, knowing I can trust her not to tell anyone. I get up to leave, but I stop to answer her.

"Yeah," I reply. "I understand." I’m about to leave the room, when Janet stops me.

"I want details," she says, smiling her big smile. "Got it?" I nod and walk out of Janet’s office. I head to the Control Room to run my bi-weekly diagnostic on the SGC’s computer mainframe. I come up with no detectable problems. I turn to leave, only to have Sergeant Siler next to me. I look at him, confused.

"Is there a problem, Sergeant?" I ask, suddenly worried that the computers missed something in the diagnostic.

"General Hammond would like to see you in his office." Siler tells me, and then turns and walks away.

\\ Gee, thanks, Siler. // I think to myself. \\ Now what? // I can’t imagine why the general might want to see me. Unless he knows about Colonel O’Neill and me, who is also in General Hammond’s office.

"Major Carter," General Hammond greets. "I take it your downtime is going well?" He asks, sounding suspicious to me. I nod my head a few times and see Jack’s uncomfortable of the situation.

"Yes, Sir," I say. "Going fine. If I may ask, General. What’s the meeting between the three of us for?" I ask, voicing my apparent concern.

"I just wanted to know," Hammond says, continuing. "If there’s something that either of you want to tell me." Hammond asks, voicing his worried suspicions. I shake my head no, as does Jack. General Hammond dismisses us with a wave of his hand. I head to my lab to work on what’s left of my book about wormhole physics, Jack follows me. I sit down and begin to type a theory that I have. Jack just watches, confusion evident on his face. Suddenly, he closes the screen of my laptop and pushes it aside. I sigh heavily, being that I’ve been working on it since the whole armband situation.

"Whatch ya doin’," he asks, making me smile. The same smile I had when we returned from P3X 234. "You need sleep." He informs me, exasperated at my stubbornness.

"I know," I tell him. "But I want to finish this book I started and possibly the Naquahdah reactor." I look at him and notice the stern look in his eyes. He turns my stool away from the table and stands in front of me. His hands, which are on my knees, open my legs and stands between them, hands now on my hips. His head leans down and I capture his lips with mine, thrusting my tongue into his mouth, forcing him to return the action full force. We deepen the kiss with passion filled urgency. I love how I’m feeling with him.

He grabs me around the waist with his strong left arm, clears a spot with a brush of his right arm, and places me in the clear spot, returning his hands to my face. His fingers entangle in my hair, as my fingers entangle in his.

I slide myself forward, desperately seeking his erection. I feel his hands move to the belt on my fatigues, as my fingers play with the hairs on the nape of his neck. I feel him shiver against me, while tugging at my belt. He pulls the belt free and throws it to the floor, grabs my black T-shirt and pulls it over my head, discarding it on the floor. He runs his hands over my back, making me throw my head back. I feel his lips on my chest, trailing kisses between my breasts and down my stomach to my navel. I gasp in pleasure and ecstasy, not wanting him to stop. I pull his shirt over his head, discarding it with mine.

I run my fingers over his heated flesh, and then I trail kisses from his lips down his neck to his right shoulder. I then make my way back up to his lips again and over to the other shoulder, causing his breathing to quicken, becoming shallow and rapid. He undoes the buttons on my pants and pulls them down to my ankle, leaving me naked, with the exception of my bra, socks and boots. He hurriedly undoes his, and then looks at me. I don’t have to say anything, being that he knows what I’m thinking.

He pushes more of my tools, projects and other stuff out of his way and lays me flat on my table, covering me with his body. I feel the heat from his body and cock. I can feel the thumping of his heart against my chest. He begins his slow, rhythmic movements, making sure not to hurt me. His thrusts begin to pick up speed and urgency, but at the same time, he wants to treasure this moment and record it to his memory. I dig my nails into the flesh on his back, causing him to hiss with extreme pleasure. He take my mouth with his, mimicking the movements of his cock with his tongue. I moan into his mouth and he does the same. He quickens his pace, nearing his climax. I once again tighten around him, making him grunt my name, as I moan his.

Suddenly, the door to my lab slides open, not giving me or Jack enough time to get our clothes back on and in order. We turn our heads to stare into the eyes of General Hammond and my father, Jacob Carter.

________________________________________________________________________

"COLONEL O’NEILL!" General Hammond roars. "Care to explain what the HELL you’re doing?" Jack can only hang his head and close his eyes. I close my eyes, wishing the floor would open up under me. But as luck would have it, it didn’t. I open my eyes, staring at the disappointment in my father’s disapproving face.

"Get yourselves dressed and in my office in ten minutes." General Hammond says, looking at Jack the whole time. I look at my dad, but he just turns and walks away with General Hammond. I look at Jack, wishing I could make things right, or even undo the previous events. He looks back at me and runs the back of his fingers against my right cheek, obviously reading the statement on my face.

"It’ll be okay, Sam," he says, trying to make me feel better. "I know it will be." He tells me, sounding sure about it. I nod, hoping he’s right this time. He helps me off the table and fixes his clothes. I fix my own clothes and run my fingers through my hair. Just then, Daniel and Teal’c enter the lab, a perplexed look on Daniel’s face.

"What’s going on," Daniel asks. "I just saw General Hammond and Jacob storming down the hall." Jack shakes his head and I stare at the floor.

"Has something transpired, O’Neill?" Teal’c asks stoically. Jack can’t answer and I remain silent as well, hoping Daniel won’t pursue the issue.

"Daniel," Jack snaps. "Carter and I have to go see Hammond." Jack pushes past Daniel and Teal’c and leaves the lab, heading to the general’s office. After Jack leaves, Daniel turns to me for answers. Answers I can’t give him right now.

"I’ll tell you later, Daniel," I say. "Just give us a while." I pat Daniel on the shoulder on my way out, while glancing at Teal’c. Daniel nods and Teal’c bows his head. I turn and walk out of my lab, leaving Daniel confused.

********************************

I walk into the Briefing Room to enter the general’s office, but Jack stops me with a raised finger.

"He’s not ready yet." He says, putting his hand down on the tabletop. I notice that he’s sitting in his usual spot, so I take the seat next to him. I usually sit next to him, wherever that is.

"Who’s he talking to?" I ask when I see that General Hammond is on the phone.

\\ Probably arranging our court-martials. // I think, suddenly worried that our careers are finished. I watch as the general puts the phone back, says something to my dad, then stands up and heads into the Briefing Room. I stand at attention, as does Jack, when General Hammond enters the room, my father behind him, both seem upset.

"Have a seat," the general says, his tone softer than earlier. "I just spoke with a contact of mine, but he said that he’d get back to me on what to do with you two." Jack and I can only stare at the tabletop, like two children in the principal’s office, staying quiet.

"Sam," the voice of my father says. "To say that I’m angry is way off. I’m furious! You should know better. As should you, Colonel O’Neill!"

"Yes, Sir," Jack says softly. "I can explain, Generals." I snap my head around to look at him, wondering what he’ll say.

"Well, I hope you can," my dad tells him. "For your sake, O’Neill, it better be damn good. And no alien viruses this time." I look at my dad and notice a twinkle in his eyes that’s only there when he’s up to something.

"General Carter, Sir," Jack begins. "The reason for my earlier behavior have no excuse, except for the fact that…." He pauses just like he did with the Zatarc detector, and then continues.

"That I care about her. A lot more than I’m supposed to," he says, repeating his earlier words. "If anyone should be punished, let it be me. Samantha is far more important to the SGC than me." Jack looks up at my father, daring to face anger full force. I see a smile threatening to break my dad’s face, causing me to grin slightly.

"Excuse me," General Hammond says when one of the phones in his office rings. He gets up and enters his office, picking up the red phone. I throw a look at Jack, who shrugs a shoulder. "Colonel O’Neill, Major Carter, get in here." General Hammond calls to us. We get up and walk into his office, my dad bringing up the rear, grinning.

"Sir," Jack says simply, the word alone asking a few questions. General Hammond hands the phone to Jack, who replies with a few ‘yes, sir’s and ‘understood’s, then hands the phone to me. I look at him with a questioning look. "He wants to talk to you." Jack tells me. I take the phone and place it to my left ear.

"Hello," I say, unsure as to whom I’m speaking to. The reply came and I shoot a look at the general. I am talking to the President. "Yes, Sir. This is Major Samantha Carter."

"First off," he starts. "Let me personally thank you for saving Earth, yet again."

"Thank you, Sir," I say. He tells me that he’s proud of SG-1’s bravery. "Thank you, Sir." I say again.

"Let me tell you, Major," the President says. "General Hammond told me about you and Colonel O’Neill. I must admit that normally the UCMJ says that the both of you should be given court-martials. But I am willing to let this go under one given condition."

"What would that condition be, Sir?" I ask, wondering why the President is doing this.

"That condition is," he continues. "You have to promise General Hammond that any actions in this relationship stay off base and away from your work. You cannot allow your personal frame of mind with O’Neill distract your work, understand?" He asks me.

"Yes, Sir," I reply. "I understand." After a few more words, I hand the phone back to General Hammond and turn to my dad, who is now smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

\\ I knew he was up to something. // I think to myself. \\ Damn him. //

"What did you do, Dad?" I ask, finally wanting to know what scheme he’s plotted. He just shakes his head and tells Jack and I that he pulled a few strings, with General Hammond’s help, of course. I give my dad a big hug and whisper ‘thank you’ in his ear. General Hammond has hung up the phone and I hug him too.

"You better make her happy, O’Neill." My dad says. I look at Jack, who pulls me into his embrace and kisses me in front of the generals.

"I don’t think that’s going to be a problem, old friend." General Hammond says for Jack.

________________________________________________________________________

It’s been several months now, and I couldn’t be happier. Jack and Teal’c say they experienced a time loop, in which they spent over three months repeating the same day over and over again. Jack says he’s never eating Fruit Loops again. I’ll have to ask him about that.

I’m sitting in my lab, working on my Naquahdah reactor once again. I look up at the clock, which reads 2349. Jack should be showing up in 3,2,1. 2350.

"Carter!" he exclaims happily.

\\ Right on time. // I think. \\ Just as I thought. //

"What do ya say," he says. "We get out of here and go home?" I spin my stool around to look at him. He’s smiling, his hands behind his back.

"What’s behind your back?" I ask, trying to sound cautious. He just looks at me with faked innocence. I can’t help but smile. He pulls his hands from behind his back and I see that he’s been holding for red roses tied with a teal ribbon. He walks forward, lays the roses next to the reactor and puts his hands on my hips. I look up at him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his lips consuming mine. His tongue begins to dance with mine, tasting every inch of my mouth. He pulls back to breathe, as do I.

"Let’s get out of here," I say, shutting down my equipment and lights, and then head to SG-1’s locker room. Jack just watches me with an amazed look. "What?" I ask, as I begin to jog down the corridor, speeding up only when Jack gives chase, causing me to laugh.

When Jack enters the locker room, he is panting for air. I am already changed out of my fatigues and into the outfit that I first wore to O’Malley’s. Black shoes, black pants, red turtleneck sweater and my black leather jacket. Daniel and Teal’c enter a few minutes later with curious glances.

"Daniel," Jack greets, amused at his friend’s timing. "Carter and I thought about going to O’Malley’s. Wanna go?" He asks. I mentally cross my fingers in hope that Daniel says no.

"Well," Daniel says. I wish harder. "You know what, I have those pictures of the alter from P4X 639 that I want to translate. So I’ll pass. Thanks anyway though." Daniel explains.

\\ YES!! // I think. \\ Thank you, Daniel. I owe you a beer for this. // I promise myself that Daniel will be rewarded. Jack turns to Teal’c.

"Teal’c," Jack says. "What about you? Want to sample O’Malley’s steaks again?" I glance at Teal’c, who looks at me.

"Perhaps next time, O’Neill," Teal’c replies. "You and Major Carter should enjoy this night alone."

\\ Ten points for the Jaffa!! // My mind yells. I smile at Teal’c, who simply bows and walks out of the room, Daniel in tow. I look at Jack, who grabs my keys out of my hand and throws them into his locker, then tells me that we’re taking his Jeep. I don’t complain. He holds my hand the whole way up to the surface and politely opens the passenger door to the Jeep so that I can get in, and then he hops in the Jeep, heading to O’Malley’s for dinner and a few games of pool.

After dinner, we head back to Jack’s place and sit cuddled on his couch, listening to the local country station. KBUL, I think it is. We’re listening to the song by Alabama called, "When We Make Love," and I’m listening to the words intently.

"I love you, Sam." Jack says, bringing me back to reality. He smiles as he caresses my face with his hand.

"I love you, too, Jack." I tell him. It’s truly amazing that I can admit it so easily. I guess after the whole Zatarc thing, admitting how I feel about him is a lot easier. I run my fingers down the ever-present line that seems to have dug itself between his eyebrows, then down to the tip of his nose. I cup my left hand against his right cheek, running my thumb over his lips. I can feel his lips kiss my thumb, so I position my right hand the same way. He leans down, taking my mouth in his, our tongues beginning their dance.

I feel his hand moving to my jeans and its belt. I do the same. We mimic each other’s moves until we are completely undressed and laying on the floor in front of the fireplace. He gently lays over me, covering us with the large blanket from the back of his couch. He begins to kiss my neck and I can’t hold back the moan that escapes my lips as he runs his tongue along my neck. He captures my lips once more, as he begins rocking against me, filling me with a fire of his own, making mine explode into a burning blaze. As I reach my breaking point, I scream his name and tighten around him. He reaches his climax seconds later, yelling my name, then slowly rolls off me. I stare at him as he caresses my shoulder with the slightest touch. I run my fingers along his lightly sweat covered chest.

"Jack," I whisper. "I love you so much." I tell him softly. He adjusts his head to look into my eyes. As I look into his passion sated eyes, I see my words reflected back by the glow of the fire in the fireplace.

"Likewise, Sam," he says, confirming my thoughts. "Marry me?" He blurts out, making me sit up slightly.

"What?" I ask, not sure if I heard him correctly. He grins his "O’Neill" grin.

"Samantha Carter," he says. "Will you marry me?" I can only stare at him with wide eyes, totally shocked. He raises his eyebrows in a ‘Well?’ statement.

"Jack O’Neill," I say, shaken. "I would be honored." I say, smiling. He grabs my face, yanking me towards him, and gives me a long, earth-shattering, tongue filled kiss. I give into the passion behind his kiss and find myself under his control. He rolls us over and I feel his body move into another lovemaking motion. I run my hands over his body as we climax together.

\\ If this is heaven, I’m never leaving. // I swear to myself. \\ This is bliss. //

Jack and I fall asleep after one more round of lovemaking. He’s holding me close to his body, as I blink sleepily. I am fully awake now, as I look at a figure in the doorway. It’s Martouf. I gasp, but it doesn’t wake Jack up at all. Not even a movement from him.

"Be happy, Samantha," Martouf says. "This is my gift to you. Thank you for being a friend." He smiles at me and I return it.

"Thank you, Martouf," I say as he nods, and then vanishes. "I will be." Then I go back to sleep, knowing that if Martouf doesn’t blame me, neither should I.

THE END