"When In Rome" By Arla

Title: When In Rome

Author: Arla

Rating: NC-17/R. There is also a PG-13 version of this story for those who wish to read it the story is same until and after page 8 but if you want to read it just email me and I'll send it to you offlist.

Classification: Sam/Jack Romance

Spoilers: None

Archive: Sam and Jack Relationship, Heliopolis, and my site everyone else please ask.

Summary: My answer to the Shirtless Challenge :0)

Disclaimer: Stargate SG1 and all it's characters belong to Gekko, Double Secret & MGM. This is a work of amateur fanfic only. I am not making any money off of this and I am only playing :0)

Notes: This story assumes that Jack and Sam have been secret lovers for some time. To my beta reader Miki, kudos and hugs. Thanks a bunch.

When In Rome

"Captain Carter do you have the info from the MALP yet?" General Hammond asked as he came up the stairs to the control room, followed closely by Jack.

"Yes, sir." Sam replied as she turned to face them. "P3X800 appears to be an ideal candidate for exploration. It's a planet with primarily a semi-tropical climate..."

"Oh, yippee, more heat and bugs." Jack quipped and this earned him reproving glares from both Sam and Hammond. "Sorry." he added, having the good sense to look chagrined and Sam continued.

"And although there don't appear to be any signs of civilization within the MALP's range, I do believe that this planet is worth checking out."

"Very well," Hammond nodded and then turned to face O'Neill. "This one's your's Colonel. Your team leaves within the hour."

"Yes, sir."

"Carry on." Hammond ordered as he turned away.

"I just knew he was going to do that." Jack muttered when the General had left.

Sam smiled and walked up to him. "That's what you get for being a smart ass." she quipped playfully.

"Well it beats bein a dumb ass." he grinned.

Sam merely shook her head and flashed him a tolerant smile. "Come on Colonel, we have a mission to prepare for." Sam said as she moved around him and headed for the stairs.

"As for you." Jack said as he moved up close behind her and dropped his voice to a whisper. "You have a cute ass." he murmured and reached out to caress the anatomy in question.

"Jack!" Sam hissed and swatted his hand away. "Behave yourself." she finished as she moved down the stairs.

*

An hour later all members of SG1 stood ready in the gate room. All were dressed for the warm weather in khaki shorts and light cotton shirts.

"Chevron 7 locked." the tech's voice came over the intercom and there was a loud whoosh as the wormhole appeared.

"Good luck SG1." General Hammond said from the control room. "See you in a couple of days."

Jack acknowledged the General's comment with a wave. "Alright campers, let's move out." he ordered as he strode up the ramp to the gate. He stepped through and was followed in turn by Sam, Daniel and Teal'c.

*

The MALP sat waiting for them like a silent guardian as SG1 stepped through the other side. The first thing that hit Jack was the heat, it was oppressive and nearly overpowering.

"Geez!" he muttered. "What's the temp, Carter?" he asked and waited while she consulted the readings on the MALP.

"A balmy 110 degrees, Colonel." she replied with a sly grin.

"Great." he murmured, almost to himself. "Okay, let's get to work and see what we can find."

They headed out in a direct line from the Stargate, cutting through the lush forest and after about thirty minutes of walking they had still found no sign of civilization. O'Neill called the team to a halt.

"Okay let's split up. Daniel, you and Teal'c head east. Carter and I will go west. Keep your radio active and holler if you find anything. If not, we'll meet back at the gate at 0900 hours tomorrow."

"Right." Daniel nodded.

"Good luck, O'Neill, Carter." Teal'c stated as he turned and followed Daniel.

"Ready to go?" Jack asked when Daniel and Teal'c had disappeared into the vegetation.

"Just a minute." Sam replied as she slipped off her pack. She slipped off the beige shirt she wore leaving on the white T-shirt underneath. After tying the shirt around her waist she unclasped her canteen and took a long drink of cool water.

Seeing that Sam had the right idea, Jack followed suit and several minutes later they were moving again.

*

They had been walking for nearly an hour when Sam stopped.

"What is it?" Jack questioned as he turned his head to look at her.

"Do you hear that?" she asked and Jack listened more intently.

"Music." he responded "Sounds like it is coming from over in that direction." he added pointing off to his left. "Maybe there's life here after all."

"Yah, the question is, what kind of life?"

Just then there came a distinctive rustling from the forest followed by the sound of voices. Jack and Sam's hands went instinctively to their side arms as they prepared themselves incase of hostility.

A minute or so more passed and then a small group stepped from the woods. They appeared to be a family, a man, a woman and a girl child of about 6 Earth years. Their skins were deeply tanned and all three had dark hair and green eyes. They were all clothed similarly, in nothing more than a brightly colored piece of cloth tied around their waists like a sarong. The woman and girl each wore a flower tucked behind their right ears

There were several tense moments of silence as each group sized up the other in order to judge intent. Finally Sam broke tension. Taking the initiative she stepped forward and held out her hands. "I am Sam and this is Jack. We are peaceful travelers and have come to your world through the Stargate."

The woman's brow furrowed in confusion and then she smiled. "Oh you mean the Ring of the Gods." she said in a voice that was strangely accented and musical.

"Yes." Jack nodded.

"It has been a long time, many lifetimes since anyone has come through the ring." the man stated quietly.

"Myeh, why are they dressed like that?" the young girl asked her mother.

"Because they are strangers, my daughter and do not know our ways." the mother explained tolerantly and then turned back to Jack and Sam. "You must forgive Tia, she is young." the woman smiled. "I am called Tala and this is my lifemate Zoren. We would like to welcome you to our world. It would be an honor, if you would join us this evening for our celebration."

"What kind of celebration?" Sam asked curiously.

"For Li, the goddess of life, lovers and fertility. Tonight we are having a special feast in her honor. Through out this day we go about as we are," Tala explained and indicated her state of undress. "To honor her. Please, we would consider it a great honor if you would join us tonight. You may remain clothed if you would feel more comfortable. You will not offend the goddess by doing so."

Sam thought for a moment and then slipped off her pack. Jack knew something was up when she reached for her T-shirt and pulled it out of the waistband of her shorts.

"Sam!" he hissed. "What do you think you are doing?" he asked as she grasped the hem and pulled the T-shirt over her head.

"When in Rome, Jack." Sam quipped with a mischievous grin as she reached for the clasp of her bra. She unfastened it, slipping it off and tossed both it and the T-shirt at him. Sam gave him a saucy wink and a grin before turning back to the small family.

"We would be honored to join you." Sam told them.

"Wonderful." Tala smiled.

Jack scowled and shot Zoren a glare. Anger and jealousy reared their ugly heads when he saw the appreciative glance the native gave Sam. "I swear, the next man that looks at you like that, I'm gonna personally throttle." he muttered.

Sam chuckled and turned back to him. "I appreciate the sentiment Jack. " Sam smiled softly and then leaned forward to press a tender kiss to his lips. "You're cute when you're jealous." she added with a playful giggle.

"I'm not..." he began to protest but then closed his mouth when he realized that she had found him out.

"Let them look Jack," Sam said softly. "It doesn't matter. It's a celebration and you can't tell me that the first thing you noticed about Tala were her eyes."

Jack had the good sense to blush at her statement. "I thought so." Sam grinned. "This is their way Jack. It's what they are used to. And, when it comes right down to it, when I go to sleep at night it's you I want beside me, it's your arms I want around me. You and no one else." she finished softly.

Jack smiled, then reached out to brush her cheek with gentle fingers. He then slipped off his pack and removed his T-shirt. Grasping Sam's hand, he interlaced their fingers and they both turned back to Tala and Zoren.

"We're ready." Jack told them.

"Good, our village is just a little further." Tala stated and started to move through the dense vegetation in the direction of the music.

Sam and Jack picked up their packs and followed the small family. They were just nearing the village when Jack's radio sounded.

"Team 2 to team 1, do you copy?"

Jack unclasped his radio. "We read you Danny, what's up?"

"Teal'c and I ran into some natives and they've invited us back to their village for a celebration. Apparently it's a feast in honor of the Goddess..." He didn't get time to finish.

"We know, Carter and I ran into some natives too and are on the way back to their village for the same celebration. So my orders are, have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do and we'll meet back at the Stargate at noon tomorrow. Team 1 out." O'Neill finished and turned off the radio.

"Don't do anything you wouldn't do, huh?" Sam questioned with a grin. "Some advice. Poor Daniel, he doesn't even know that you'll do anything." she teased.

"Heh, that's not true!" Jack said trying to sound hurt. "There are some things that EVEN I won't do."

"Yah, like what?" Sam countered playfully.

"I don't know, but if I think of some you'll be the first to know." he told her with a playful grin.

Sam chuckled and squeezed his fingers affectionately.

Several minutes later they emerged from the forest. The village before them was quite large and the buildings were sturdy and well made.

"We have guests." Tala called and Sam and Jack were warmly greeted by the rest of the village.

Once the introductions and welcomes were over Tala said. "Follow me and I'll show you where you can put your things."

She led them to a small building at the end of a row of dwellings. Tala turned on the light as Jack and Sam followed her inside.

"We keep this for guests. I hope it is adequate?"

"Oh, it's fine." Sam said as she looked around the single room that contained only a large bed pushed up against the wall in one corner, a sofa-like piece of furniture just in front of the door and a fireplace on the other wall.

"Good." Tala replied with a smile. "I'm sure you will both be quite comfortable. Our celebration will begin shortly." she explained and then turned to face Sam. "If you would come with me for a moment Sam, I have something for you."

"Alright." she nodded. "Be right back." she told Jack and he gave her a nod as she followed Tala out.

They stepped into Tala's house. "Wait one moment." Tala told her and then disappeared into another room. She returned carrying two neatly folded, brightly colored pieces of cloth, nearly identical to the one she wore around her waist. Tala held them out to Sam. "For you and Jack to wear to the celebration tonight."

"Oh, Tala we couldn't possibly take these..." Sam protested quietly.

"Yes you can, please. It would make me very happy if you would accept these."

"Very well." Sam replied with a smile and took the clothing from Tala "Thank you."

*

"I feel ridiculous!" Jack groused as he looked down at the sarong tied around his waist.

"Aw, I think it looks cute." Sam giggled. "It's very... you." She added with a playful grin as she finished tying the sarong around her hips. Jack returned her grin and was about to reply when there was a knock on the door.

"Enter." Sam called out and Tala stepped inside.

"Oh good, you are ready. I have one more thing for you Sam." Tala said as she held out a beautiful, fragrant purple flower. "It's for your hair. It is the sign of a mated woman. Children wear yellow flowers and unmated women wear red flowers."

"Thank you." Sam said as she took the flower and inhaled its delicate fragrance before tucking it behind her ear.

"Now, it is time." Tala said and motioned for them to follow her.

Jack and Sam followed the woman outside and as they walked Sam asked. "Just what exactly happens at this celebration?"

"Well, the whole village joins together for a feast and story-telling and then after the children are put to bed, the dancing will begin."

"What kind of dancing?" Jack asked curiously.

"Well, as I told you, this is a celebration in honor of the goddess of life, fertility and lovers. So tonight at the dance those women who are not already mated will dance and choose a mate. Those who are already mated will share with their mates the ultimate gift of the goddess." Tala explained.

Jack looked a little confused with this last bit and Sam smiled. "Think Jack." she told him "Think, really hard." she added and playfully stressed the last word.

"Oh!" he grinned as the light dawned.

"Those children who are conceived on this night are considered to be the blessed of the Goddess. My Tia was conceived on such a night and it is Zoren's and my wish that the Goddess will bless us again this night." Tala finished as they approached the area set aside for the celebration.

The entire village sat in what appeared to be family groups around a huge roaring bonfire.

"Please sit," Tala said and indicated a woven mat on the ground next to where Zoren and Tia were sitting. "We will bring your food." she continued and when Sam looked about to protest, gave her a smile. "You are our guests and it is an honor to serve you." she finished and moved away.

Jack took Sam's hand and led her over to the mat, pulling her down beside him. "Relax." he told her with a grin.

Several minutes later Tala and another woman returned with a large platter of food and something to drink. "Enjoy." Tala smiled as the food was placed before them. She stepped away only to return minutes later with food for her own family and sat down with them.

*

The meal was a happy and boisterous affair. Conversations and laughter drifted around the circle as everyone enjoyed their meal.

Once everyone was finished, the remnants were cleared away and the story-telling began.

"Sam." Jack said quietly and she turned to look at him. "C'mere." he added and motioned her closer. Sam moved, sitting between the spread of his thighs and he pulled her back against him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Sam rested her head back against his shoulder and crossed her arms over his.

As the story-telling continued, night descended and one-by-one the children fell asleep and were carried off to bed. While they waited for the next part of the celebration to begin, Sam tilted her head back to look at the night sky.

It was a beautiful sight with stars twinkling like diamonds on a drape of black velvet and twin moons shining brightly.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" Jack ‘s voice rumbled warmly in her ear.

"The stars, and you?" she asked with a soft smile.

"Me? I'm lookin' at you." he replied as his lips brushed across her ear. Sam turned her head so that she could meet his gaze and smiled as his mouth descended to hers.

They broke apart when the music started anew signaling the onset of the dancing. The music was primal and sensual, a harmonious counterpoint to the movements of the dancers.

Sam watched mesmerized and with something akin to awe, at the beauty and eroticism of the dance. It was graceful and at the same time, sensual and designed to arouse those watching.

Jack pulled his eyes away from the dance and scanned around the circle, across the fire, and what he saw brought a smile to his lips.

"Ah, Sam." he whispered warmly, huskily in her ear.

"Hmmm?"

"It looks like we're the only ones at this party who aren't makin' out." he said with a chuckle.

Sam's eyes left the dancers to scan the rest of the group and she smiled.

"Jack!" she gasped as his hands slid up her torso to cup her breasts, his thumbs gently teasing the nipples.

"When in Rome, Sam." he murmured huskily in her ear. Sam smiled and tilted her head back. Wrapping an arm around his neck, she drew his mouth down to hers. Her tongue darted boldly between his teeth, stoking and teasing.

"Why don't we move this to some place just a little more private." Jack whispered against her lips. "Not that they'd mind, but I really don't want an audience right now."

"Me neither." Sam replied and pressed another light kiss to his lips.

Reluctantly they parted and Jack got to his feet. He reached down to take her hand, helping her up and hand in hand they crossed the compound to the building that had been set aside for their use.

They entered and saw that someone had thoughtfully lit a fire in the fireplace. The room was warm and cozy and lit only by the soft golden glow of the fire. Jack closed the door and turned to face Sam.

"Now, where were we?" he questioned with a grin.

Sam reached out to grasp his hand and led him across the room to the bed. "I think we were about here." she whispered huskily as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself close, her naked breasts pressing erotically against his chest. Through the light fabric of the sarongs around their waists, Sam could feel his erection fluttering against her belly.

Threading her fingers through his hair she pulled his mouth to hers, her tongue tangling hungrily with his.

Jack shifted, pulling them both down onto the softness of the mattress and rolled until Sam was beneath him. His lips left hers to trail lightly over her cheek and down her throat.

"I've been wanting to do this all day." he muttered huskily as his lips descended to caress one breast while his hand played gently with the other.

"Jack!" Sam moaned at the delicious sensations his caresses were causing. Jack smiled and began to trail butterfly light kisses back up her body until he reached her ear. His tongue flicked out to trace the shell of her ear and Sam shivered.

"Tell me what you want Sam." he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

"I want you Jack." she moaned softly.

"Where do you want me?" was his answering whisper.

"Inside me, deep inside me. Now, Jack."

Jack sat back, kneeling over her as he reached for the knot at his waist and freed it, pulling the sarong from his body. He dropped it to the floor and Sam's soon followed, falling silently to land with his. She reached for him and pulled him between the spread of her thighs.

"Now Jack." she whispered again and his mouth captured hers as he slid slowly into her. She took him fully into her body until they were pressed pelvis to pelvis.

Jack began to move his hips, slowly at first and then faster, increasing his tempo as arousal built. Sam's hands slid down his back to cup the taut muscles of his buttocks and gently aid his thrusts.

Sam cried her release into the flesh of Jack's shoulder and her orgasm was the catalyst for his own and a deep moan of pleasure escaped his lips as he came.

As the sweet after shocks shook her body, Sam wrapped her arms around her lover, holding him close to her as she pressed her lips to his forehead.

"You okay?" she murmured softly against his temple.

"Just fine." Jack replied as he lifted his head and smiled down into her eyes. "Fine enough to go again." he added with a feral grin.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Sam teased softly.

"You tell me." Jack murmured and rocked his hips against her. Feeling him growing and lengthening inside her, Sam smiled and rolled until he was beneath her. She reached out to take his hands in hers, interlacing their fingers.

"I love you Jack." she whispered softly as she looked down into his soft brown eyes.

"I love you Sam." he replied in a tender whisper. Sam smiled and leaned forward, pulling their linked hands up near his head, the process stretching her upper body over his. Her tongue slipped into his mouth as she began to rock back and forth, setting the rhythm.

Their orgasms hit simultaneously, with tidal wave force and their voices blended together in a long drawn out song of pleasure.

Sam rolled off of him and Jack tucked her into the crook of his arm. She snuggled close welcoming the strength and comfort of his embrace.

Exhausted and sated, bodies intimately entwined they shared slow languid kisses as their soft murmurings became drowsy carrying them both into sleep.

*

It was early but Jack found that he couldn't sleep any longer. He rolled over onto his side to face Sam. Propping his head on his hand he smiled softly as he watched her sleep.

Jack loved to watch Sam sleep. Even before they had become lovers, in the early hours of the morning when everyone was still asleep he would lay in his sleeping bag and just watch her.

Sam stirred in her sleep, breathing a contented sigh, then she instinctively turned and rolled into his arms. Jack shifted and her head came to rest on his shoulder. He pulled her closer as his hand tenderly stroked her back.

"Mmm, how long have you been awake?" she murmured softly against the warm flesh of his shoulder.

"Not very long." Jack replied and tilted his head down to meet her smiling eyes. Rolling onto his side once again, he pulled Sam close until the length of their bodies touched.

Sam smiled when she felt the obvious evidence of his arousal pressing against her abdomen.

"Ignore it, it'll go away... eventually." Jack muttered with a grin.

"But I don't want it to go away." Sam purred as she draped as slender leg over his hip. "Not yet." she finished in a seductive whisper, her eyes full of mischief.

"Oh, so we want to play, do we?" Jack replied with a light chuckle.

"We do."

Smiling, Jack lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was meant to tease as he placed gentle, biting kisses to her lips. Sam quickly ended his teasing by catching his lower lip between her teeth and exerting gentle pressure. Jack's tongue flicked out to brush against her lips and she opened her mouth to receive it.

The sound of a knock on the door broke through the haze of their passion.

"Uhn!" Sam groaned in disappointment and dropped her head to his chest. She heard Jack's light chuckle as he pressed a kiss to her head and rolled her off of him.

"One minute." he called out as he climbed from the bed. Picking up the sarong from the floor, he wrapped it around his waist. When he was done, he turned around to see that Sam had done the same. He flashed her a wink before turning to face the door.

"Come in." he called and the door opened to reveal Tala. The woman was wearing clothes of a similar design to the sarong she had been wearing the other day the only difference was in the color and the fact that this one had a top piece knotted over one shoulder.

"Good morning." she smiled. "I trust you slept well."

"We did, thank you Tala." Jack replied with a smile.

"Good, and the celebration, did you enjoy yourselves?"

"Yes, very much. It was a lovely evening." Sam told her.

"I'm glad. Now, I thought that before we share the morning meal you would like to use the showers."

"Oh yes, please." Sam replied.

"Alright, if you would just follow me I will show you where they are."

Sam and Jack pulled some clean clothes from their packs and followed Tala to the large shower house in the center of the village.

"Take all the time that you need and the morning meal shall be ready when you are finished."

"Thank you Tala." Sam smiled and the woman nodded, watching until the couple had disappeared inside before moving away.

*

An hour later, Jack and Sam stepped from the shower house dressed once again in khaki shorts and white T-shirts. When they returned, Tala had breakfast waiting for them. It was a simple fare consisting of a wide variety of fruits and a tangy juice to drink.

"Must you go?" Tala asked when Jack and Sam announced that it was time for them to be leaving.

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Jack told her. "We have to meet up with the rest of our team and return through the Stargate."

"Then Zoren and I will accompany you to the Ring."

"You don't have to do that, it's such a long way." Sam said in mild protest.

"I know, but we will go with you anyway. " Tala said and went to get Zoren.

*

They emerged from the forest to find Daniel and Teal'c already waiting for them.

"Morning Jack. Morning Sam." Daniel smiled as the group approached.

"Morning." Jack replied.

"Morning Daniel. Good morning Teal'c." Sam said with a smile. "I'd like you to meet our hosts. This is Tala and Zoren."

"I am pleased to meet you." Tala gave Daniel a smile and then frowned when she saw the mark on Teal'c's forehead. "You bear the mark of those who help the evil ones." she said and then stepped back casting accusing glares at Jack and Sam. "You never mentioned that you had one of them in your midst."

Before either Sam or Jack could answer Teal'c stepped forward.

"Yes, I am a Jaffa, born to serve the Goa'uld. But I do so no longer. I have given up my home and my family to join these warriors in their fight with the Goa'uld so that I may free my people."

Zoren stepped forward and placed an arm around Tala's shoulder. "We are sorry. Those you call the Goa'uld caused much death and destruction here before our ancestors drove them from our world. Even after all this time they are still hated among our people."

"I am sorry." Tala apologized. "Please forgive me. If you are against the evil ones, then you will always be welcome here."

"Thank you." Teal'c said and gave the woman a nod.

"Dial us home Danny." Jack ordered and as the young archeologist headed for the DHD, Sam crossed to the MALP and took from it an ornately decorated box.

"This is for you." Sam said as she held out the box. "There's a device inside that will send us a signal. If you ever need us, for anything, just activate the Stargate and send the signal. We will be here. The symbols for our world are written on the top." Sam explained. "Just punch them in as Daniel is doing."

"Thank you." Tala said and took the box.

"No, thank you for sharing with us the hospitality of your world. I hope that someday we can return."

"It is our wish also." Zoren said with a smile.

"Sam." Jack called quietly as he came to stand beside her. "Time to go."

"Okay." she said and then turned back to their new friends.

"Goodbye." she said and gave Tala a smile.

"May the Goddess bless you." Tala returned and then looked at Jack. "Goodbye and safe journey."

"Goodbye Tala," Jack told her with a smile. "Zoren, thank you."

"You and your friends shall always be welcome among us."

Jack nodded and then took Sam's hand, leading her to the gate. Sam cast one last glance over her shoulder and waved before stepping through. Jack gave Tala and Zoren a nod and a wave before following Sam.

*

"Welcome back SG1," Hammond smiled as they moved down the ramp. "Your debriefing begins in one hour."

"Aye sir." Jack replied.

O'Neill watched as everyone but he and Sam filed out of the gate room. He turned back to find her gazing fondly at the now inactive Stargate.

"We'll go back someday, Sam." he told her with a tender smile.

Sam turned to look at him and returned his smile. She closed the distance between them. "In time for next years celebration?" she asked with a playful grin.

Jack laughed. "Maybe. Look at it this way." he began as they headed for the door. "We still have those sarongs that Tala gave us so we can have a party anytime we wish." he finished and Sam's delighted laughter rang in his ears as they stepped from the gate room.

~~~~~FIN~~~~~~~