"Basking" by Ootie

Title: Basking

Author: Ootie

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Window of Opportunity

Summary: A 'Loop-Tale'--one of those possible scenarios behind that secret smile.

Archive: First one! Right here! This is it!

Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 is owned by Showtime Networks, MGM/UA, Double Secret, Gekko, et. al.

Feedback: Yeah, sure, you-betcha.

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There was a crisp knock at his door, a pause, then Carter's voice.

"Sir ? . . . you asked me to stop by . . .?"

He was seated at his desk: chair tilted, feet up, hands behind his head--his back to the door.

"C'mon in."

The door opened and she registered mild surprise before entering--expecting him to be working on the present problem--but his desk was clear. She shut the door behind her and stood a few steps inside, waiting. When he failed to move or speak she took the initiative.

"Colonel ?"

Without changing his posture he asked,

"So . . . do you believe me?"

It was a simple question that caught her off guard. She wondered if this was why he had asked her to stop by his quarters-a simple confirmation from a friend that he wasn't crazy. Childlike amazement filled her face as she replied credulously,

"How could I not, sir?! "

Now moving towards him she emphasized her words with hand gestures and continued.

"You knew about SG-12 . . the P4X639 briefing . . you're using phrases like 'sub-space fields', and thanks to you and Teal'c most of the altar stones have been translated."

He brought his arms down and removed his feet from the desk while slowly lowering his chair from it's inclined position. Turning around he stopped to straddle his seat--his hands gripping it's back. With his chin now resting on his clinched fingers he shot her an intense look and asked,

"So . . . do you believe me?"

His face was so serious, she was forced to smile as she moved closer, and stopped. She knew he wasn't asking for a response, but perhaps some sympathy. A few moments passed.

He turned his wrist and looked casually at his watch. With raised eyebrows he said slowly,

"Then you know, that in . . oh, about an hour, the gate will be activated and this WHOLE DAMN THING will start all over again!?"

She faltered a bit, not only were the implications still a wonder to her, but she was unsure of his emotional state.

"I . . I know what you've told me . . . but it's so incredible . . it's hard to accept that I'll have no memory of all this ."

"Ah!", he said, somewhat forcefully, as he raised his arm with extended index finger to make a point.

He stood up and swung his right leg over the back of the chair to stand a couple of feet in front of her. He stuck his hands in his pockets and locking eyes he leaned in and said in a low tone,

"Which brings me to an important point ."

Her face was one of innocent curiosity, waiting for him to finish.

Postponing his conclusion, he leisurely stepped around her. She turned--her eyes following him as he walked over to the door . . .and locked it. Then he turned to face her. His face was matter-of-fact.

"We have an hour . . . Sam. "

Nothing registered for a couple of heart beats. Then he saw the flush, the pupils dilate, her mouth open slightly.

He didn't give her a chance to speak. Instantly it seemed, he was before her . His hands pressed her face and he kissed her passionately--just as he had in that previous loop in the gateroom, and just like before, her shock faded and she responded warmly.

And now, he was remembering . . . and savoring . . . all that followed: the sight of her--every inch of her finally revealed to him . . . the incredible passion and pleasure . . . the consummation of years of mutual desire . . . and the food for his soul-- the look in her eyes, afterwards. Now, he was basking in the memory of a delectable secret that was his . . and his alone . . .

"What are you smiling at ?" she asked.

" . . . . Nothin' . . .", he replied.

THE END