"Breathless" by Linz

TITLE: Breathless

CATEGORY: Sam and Jack romance, D/J.

SUMMARY: A song and dance and oh so much more ?

RATING: NC-17 (Sex)

SPOILERS: Very small ones for Solitudes and Message In A Bottle

SEASON: Four (ish)

ARCHIVE: SJArchive, SJAdult, Heliopolis, others only have to ask.

DISCLAIMER: Ok, don't own characters (wish I did) made this story up, didn't make any money out of it, yada yada, you know the rest.

NOTES: The song used is "Breathless" Sung by The Corrs and it is used without permission, so I hope they don't sue me either. As for you guys, just read and enjoy and Naked Jack's dipped in chocolate sauce to al those with feedback ?

THANKS: To all my "idea's crew" on AIM. You guys are great!

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"Daniel! For cryin' out loud! How long does it take you?" Jack accompanied his verbal assault with a swift kick to the foot of the closed bathroom door. Checking his watch again, he shook his head, they had planned on being out of the door fifteen minutes ago. Well, that was until Daniel had decided that he couldn't get his newly acquired catslick to be "perfect".

To Jack, who, even on a good day paid very little attention to his hair, waiting for his little Space Monkey was just about stretching his patience to its breaking point.

Banging on the door once more, Jack continued in a tone that had scared the living daylights out of many a raw recruit.

"Danny, so help me if you're not out of there in one minute flat…"

Without warning, Daniel emerged from the bathroom, all dressed up and ready to go. Without so much as looking at our now rather frazzled Colonel, Daniel picked up his coat and waited by the door.

Putting on a show of mock innocence he looked at his watch and then to the tall figure who was still stood outside the bathroom door.

"Jeez, Jack. Hurry up will you, we don't want to be late"

Well, the reply that our intrepid archaeologist was witness to is not something that could be typed for public consumption, but I guess you all get the idea.

Climbing into the waiting cab, Daniel couldn't help baiting Jack just a little more.

"A little impatient aren't we tonight Jack? I mean you would swear you where going out on a first date or something"

All credit to Daniel, he *almost nearly* held the smile off his face.

"Daniel, if that's the case, why did you spend more time than a girl getting your hair perfect? Little date of our own perhaps?"

Jack knew he had come out on top of that little rejoinder, basically due to the fact that Daniel now had his head down and Jack would have swore a blush had crept into his cheeks.

If the truth be known, both men where more than a little nervous about this evening, but for entirely different reasons.

Mentally Jack was still deciding if he had made the right decision in letting Daniel talk him into this, but when he thought of what he was going to see tonight, he decided that no matter what, it was gonna be worth it.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

"Janet, where did you put that lipstick?" Sam shouted though the closed bathroom door.

"It's on the dresser, next to that eye shadow you wanted" came the equally loud reply.

Sam quickly rifled through the contents of the dresser and came up with the lipstick she wanted. It was precisely the right shade that she wanted for this evening. Who would have thought that two women with colourings so different from each other would be able to basically wear the contents of the other's make up bag for the evening!

As Sam applied the finishing touch of the lipstick to her full mouth, Janet emerged from the bathroom. Catching her eye from the mirror, Sam smiled at her friend.

"Janet, I think we should put a warning out tonight… Lock up your Sons! You look stunning!" Sam smiled gently as she saw the blush creep into her friend's cheeks.

"Sam, you don't look so bad yourself. I can't wait to get there tonight, the general male population of the club aren't gonna know what hit 'em"

Janet smiled to herself. Although this evening had been arranged on such short notice over lunch in the commissary, both Sam and herself had jumped on the idea. It was just what they both needed, a night out, alcohol, dancing and the opportunity to dress like women and not just soldiers.

In truth Janet confided to herself as she finished her makeup, this was more for Sam's benefit than for her own. It must have been months since Sam had been to a "let you hair down and have fun" night, and after the hard work she had put in over the past few months she needed it. Besides, the best way to get your mind off the man of your dreams is to go find another! Or at least that's what she told Sam.

Finishing the half-empty glass of wine that stood by her, Janet took a long look at them both in the full-length mirror.

"Tonight, I think we're gonna own this town!"

"Or at least have some serious fun along the way" agreed Sam to her friend's reflection.

"Tonight, it's just you, me and however many men we bump into along the way"

Although Sam said the words with a conviction, both women knew that her eyes didn't quite match the bravado, but both wanted to at least try to forget "Mr. Right Except For Those Damn Regs" as he had now been christened on a drunken night a few months ago.

Hearing the sound of the cab's horn, Janet handed Sam her purse.

"Let's go!" and so they did.

^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*

As they entered the club, the atmosphere hit them straight away. It was hot, sweaty, loud and they couldn't wait to get to the bar and dance floor (in which order, they hadn't quite decided yet)

"Janet, this place is great!" Sam shouted over the music

"Didn't I tell you it was?" Janet shouted back.

Sam felt the music begin to work it's way into her brain, shutting out everything to do with work and the mountain and Jack O'Neill.

Janet watched her friend's face change and smiled to herself. Even if this didn't go exactly according to plan, well so be it, Sam was relaxed and away from the base.

With hand signals born out of need to communicate over music so loud that you could feel the base rhythm in your chest, Sam gestured towards the bar.

Once there, Janet got in the first of what they hoped would be many shots, flirting outrageously with the barman as she went.

"Janet, you're terrible!" shouted a smiling Sam as she was given her drink

"Oh yeah!" came the laughing reminder as on cue both women upended their glasses and made their way to the dance floor, causing several male eyes to twist and follow.

Noticing the shift in attention, the two women looked at each other knowingly and smiled, already moving in time to the music that surrounded them, they waited for the first guy who could summon up the courage to make a move.

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As they entered the club, the atmosphere hit them straight away. It was hot, sweaty, loud and they couldn't wait to get to the bar. They needed a drink and they needed one now! This was not the type of place that either man would have chose to come to, but they where here, albeit as a result of a certain Colonel and archaeologist overhearing the plans of a certain Major and CMO at lunch.

"Do you think they could turn it up a little, I can't quite hear it!" came the typically sarcastic comment from Jack.

"How do people hear themselves think in here?" Questioned Danny "Or is that the point?"

Danny didn't need to hear Jack say anything, he could tell by his expression that "ya think" had been spoken once again.

"You go stash the coats and I'll get some drinks. Keep you're eyes open Danny" Shouted Jack as he fought his way to the bar.

Man, he'd toughed it out with hoards of Jaffa guards, soldiers from every conceivable origin, but damn, if getting to the bar wasn't harder than that!

Realising that Daniel would have no chance getting through that crowd, Jack decided to take the drinks to where he could see Danny trying to make some inroads into what Jack could only describe as a mob.

"You seen 'em?" questioned the archaeologist

"Not yet, but I'd bet my ass that that little congregation of our fellow gender isn't gathered around those two bar stools because they want the seats"

As Jack directed Danny's gaze to the area he meant, he was suddenly consumed with the idea that perhaps this wasn't his best command decision ever. When they'd heard the girls planning the night out over lunch, he'd jumped in with both feet and had let Danny's enthusiasm lull him in.

Not that he took much lulling. He was tired of dancing round Sam and pretending that they didn't feel anything for each other. He had let Daniel convince him that all it would take would be for the girls to be at the club, see the guys across the clichéd crowded dance floor and then, magic… they would leave hand in hand.

Well that had been the plan. It was just a pity fate was rarely as kind as that.

"Jack, come on, that could be anyone" Argued Danny.

It was true, it could have been anyone, but Jack knew who it was. Between the gaps of male bodies, two wonderfully long tapered legs could be seen, legs that belonged to no other woman in the galaxy other than his 2IC.

Suddenly the congregation parted straight down the middle and two stunning creatures made their way laughing through the crowd and onto the dance floor. As Jack caught his first sight of Sam, unimpeded by anyone or anything, he thought his heart was gonna blow straight through his chest. He could feel his adrenaline level skyrocket as he just took in every detail of the woman he considered to be perfection in just about every way.

Wonderfully delicate heels, long, *long* legs clad in what Jack hoped where stockings, a short black skirt and wonderfully clingy, low cut red top that seemed to glitter in the light. Her face shone, not just because of the exquisite makeup or the lights of the club. She was laughing and smiling a smile that lit up her eyes and even without being able to see those eyes, he knew that they would be that colour of blue that belonged to her alone.

She left him breathless.

Danny smiled as he saw Jack's reaction to Sam; boy did he have it bad! Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. If it made Jack look like that, then it might just be worth it.

As he carried on laughing inwardly at Jack, his own attention was captured by the sight of a petite brunette making her own way towards the dance floor, man… now *that* was worth coming to this place for. Smiling to himself, he took in his wife's form. Damn he loved her in that dress!

Without speaking, both men moved themselves to the edge of the dance floor, to a place that neither would be handicapped in seeing the two women before them. Danny stole another quick glance at Jack, oh yeah… he *really* had it bad. Laughing to himself, he thought of Janet's description the day before they had concocted this plan: "Totally head over heels… Smitten".

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Sam had her eyes closed and was in her own world as the beat of the music had taken her to a place that she hadn't been to for a long time. It was a place called "fun" and the only requirement to enjoy it was relaxation.

Janet watched Sam; this really was the best thing that they could have chosen to do. She could see her friend had let go of everything that kept her tied to the mountain on a daily basis.

Looking up, Janet felt a familiar pair of eyes on her back. Finding them almost immediately, she smiled into her husband's eyes. It still felt a little strange hearing herself call Daniel that; but then again, it was still so new to them both. It had been a worldwind romance, and she loved every second of it.

Daniel smiled back, and with a subtle movement of eyebrows, directed her to the man who stood at his side, totally lost in the sight of the woman on the dance floor.

Janet winked and smiled, sending him an "I told you so" message. If this didn't work, then she had no idea what would. Talk about stubborn and blind… these two should have a medal in both events!

Dragging her mind back to her task at hand, she pulled Sam off to the side. Understandably puzzled Sam was just about to voice her question when Janet interrupted.

"Sam, Shhh… guess who's here?" Janet hid her grin… this should be worthy of an Oscar, talk about feigning surprise!

Sam merely drew her eyebrows together, asking the question without actually asking.

"Daniel, and he's brought Jack!"

Sam's face was a picture, although shock was the overriding emotion, Janet could see confusion and curiosity and not just a little bit of disbelief.

"How Janet? They don't like this type of place and Daniel had promised you that it would be a girl's night out? I mean the Colonel doesn't even like these types of places!" She was repeating herself, she knew she was, but she couldn't think straight. Suddenly her stomach was in knots and her brain wouldn't seem to kick into a gear that would allow her any type of rational thought.

"Janet, we have to go. I can't stay here now he's here"

"Sam, relax. To answer your first question, my guess is that they heard us planning this and Daniel couldn't resist." Patting herself on the back Janet continued "and I don't think leaving is the answer, if I know my hubby at all, he'd only follow us. Besides, I like this place and so did you, you're not really gonna leave just because Jack showed up are you?" the question was asked with innocence, but Janet had loaded it with a challenge that she knew Sam would not decline.

"But Janet…"

"No buts Sam, I say you just go out there and keep dancing, forget him. You'd been doing a good enough job up until now"

"But Janet…"

"Sam, you are the one that always said that you could handle anything he could handle, so prove it. Make him leave first" Janet's grin was impish, she really did deserve a medal for this. As she looked at her friend, she knew that she had just decided to herself that she was going to give Jack O'Neill a reason to leave first.

Sam's eye's had now taken on that determined look that had seen her through her fair share of battles, military and emotional.

"Janet, do me a favour? "

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"Where'd they disappear to Daniel?" asked Jack, his eyes darting around the club searching for the only woman that had succeeded in catching his attention all night.

"Don't know Jack, probably to the bathroom. You know women" Daniel attempted to be as non-committal as possible

"Well considering how long it took you to get ready tonight, we could be here a while!"

Even though Jack had tried his usual sarcasm, Daniel knew that there was something missing, what that was, was very soon evident as he watched the change on his best friends face.

Sam had returned to the dance floor, only this time she was alone. Daniel smiled at Jack who was immediately back in his trance.

Janet had been right all along!

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Jack couldn't have tore his eyes away from Sam at that moment if his life had depended upon it. She was stood all alone, in the middle of the dance floor and she was looking right at him, with a look in her eyes that Jack had only seldom seen before, but every time he had seen it, he had fallen ever more deeply.

Right at this very moment, he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. But the one thing he was sure of was that there was no force in this universe that could have made him turn his gaze away from the stunning woman on the dance floor.

Daniel looked on as he watched the "sparkage", it was a tangible force, so strong that even the casual dancers had seen it and where now taking notice.

They where both stood silent and still, letting the charged atmosphere speak for them both, neither looking away, neither capable of overcoming the magnetism of the other, neither really wanting to.

This was finally their time, and if Janet had anything to do with it, neither would waste it again.

Suddenly, Daniel's attention was removed from his two best friends as a very familiar arm encircled him.

"Any second now honey" came the whisper into his ear. To which he just smiled and turned his body to take a more substantial hold of his perceptive little wife. Just about to say something back, Daniel was cut off by the sound of the DJ

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special request tonight from the lovely Janet. She wants to dedicate "Breathless" to her two most favourite "stupid people"; her words not mine folks! So to Sam and Jack, here is The Corrs with "Breathless"

Jack was stunned… his brain had finally registered the "scheming" that had so obviously gone on. He and Sam had been royally set up! Looking back at her now, he could see that she had reached the same conclusion and he half smiled a bittersweet grin thinking that with the realisation would come the end to the spell. It wasn't until he heard the first strains of the melody did he realise that she wasn't going to run from him this time. At that precise moment he actually felt his heart burst straight through his ribs and land right in the hands of the woman stood facing him.

He watched mesmerised as she started to move to the music, swaying her and raising her arms above her head only to run them back down the length of her body hips in a way that stole both his words and his breath.

He watched on as she slowly closed her eyes for a moment. He could see the inner debate she was having, her logic versus her heart. Unknowingly Jack offered a prayer to whatever God was listening "Please Sam…Don't stop…"

This song, God when Sam had first heard it at Janet's on the same drunken night that Jack had been "Christened" she couldn't believe how perfectly it described their situation. From then on, whenever she heard it, the only thing that she could think of was those self- same chocolate velvet eyes that where now almost black as they stared back into her own.

"You want it Colonel? She thought to herself "Well you go it!"

Go on. Go on, leave me breathless! Come on.

Never moving his eyes, he watched on, looking at her, waiting for her to open her eyes. Suddenly he was once more gazing into a subtly darker blue as she answered his prayers. Quietly and erotically she began mouthing the words of the song to him, capturing his heart as her seductive movements captured his body.

The daylight's fading slowly, but time with you is standing still. I'm waiting for you only, the slightest touch and I feel weak.

He didn't know about Sam, but what *that* line did to his insides and the way she moved her arms around herself… well "weak" was one word he supposed as he stared on transfixed.

I cannot lie, from you I cannot hide and I'm losing the will to try. Can't hide it, can't fight it…

Sam realised as she looked into his eyes, that the battle of wills that Janet had suggested was no longer a viable plan. He wasn't going anywhere and suddenly she didn't want him to. This had changed from a battle of wills to a seduction and that understanding warmed her soul, because he wasn't running.

He made a move towards her, not being able to bear the sight of her swaying hips without touching her. He was no dancer, but tonight he cared not. The woman he loved and had fantasised about for years was dancing for him, in the middle of the proverbial crowded room, to a song that left him in no doubts as to her meaning.

Daniel and Janet watched on as Jack made a move forward, only to be stopped by a raised hand and a smirk from the lady on the dance floor. Her eyes giving him the clear message, "Not yet".

Daniel tightened his arm around his wife and Janet snuggled into the wonderfully familiar chest. They had done it, this time they really had! Jack was mesmerised and Sam loved every second of seeing her CO completely under her spell.

Jack stopped in his tracks as he saw the raised hand, he knew how goofy the expression on his face must have been, but the passion and desire that clouded his eyes, left him completely unaware of anyone else except *his* Major. Her hands roaming in places he had only ever dreamed of touching, her hips swaying in ways he had never really *let* himself dream about. Her long legs captivating him as they moved her gracefully around the centre of the floor. It was a slow and sweet torture that he gladly allowed himself to succumb to as she kept singing words straight into his heart.

So go on, go on, leave me breathless. <Oh, I am Sammie> Tempt me; tease me… until I can't deny this loving feeling, <Oh not after this sweetheart) Make me long for your kiss. <You know I do> Go on; go on <No more waiting>

She saw the look in his eyes and not for the first time since she had known him, she read his thoughts so easily. She wanted to feel him around her, to sway with him, to be so close that she could smell that unique scent of "Jack". She wanted to cling to his shoulders when she herself felt weak and smile into those eyes as she sent them both Breathless.

Smiling to herself, she raised her hand again and slowly extended her first finger, crooking it, she finally beckoned him over in time to music.

Come on…

<Oh I'm coming sweetheart> and so he did.

Walking over to her slowly with purposeful movements. It was almost as if the world had stopped moving, neither heard the cheer from the engrossed onlookers, they could only see each other as Jack stood in front of Sam, deliberately not touching her.

He heard the words begin again but he was solely focussed on her mouth as it shaped the words to him personally.

And if there's no tomorrow, and all we have is here and now, I'm happy just to have you; you're all the love I need somehow.

At precisely the same time, they both stepped forward, Jack's arms immediately going around her back, pulling her so close, so tight. While Sam's arms entwined gratefully around his neck, lowering his head so that she could feel his breath on her lips and then she moved her hips against him and pulled him into the erotic movements she had previously been creating herself.

She carried on singing into his eyes as he moved his arms, letting his hands run a trail of fire down her sides.

It's like a dream, although I'm not asleep Don't lose it, don't leave it

Leaving one hand tangled in the short hair at the nape of his neck, she let her other hand wander across his shoulder and onto his chest, placing her hand firmly across his heart. She felt his involuntary shudder as she continued to sing softly to him; their forehead's now resting softly against the other.

So go on, go on, leave me breathless. Tempt me; tease me… until I can't deny this loving feeling Make me long for your kiss. Go on; go on… yeah… come on.

Sam was suddenly aware of the swift change in the dynamic between them. The seducer had become the seduced as his hands grabbed hers, interlocked their fingers and then he raised both of her arms with his above her head. She felt herself pulled sharply against his tall, lean body, feeling herself mould to his length, their faces now only millimetres apart. She felt his breath on her lips once more as she continued to stare into bottomless and lidded dark brown eyes.

Just as she was about to lean into the kiss that she knew they both wanted, the kiss that his smouldering eyes promised, he unlocked their fingers and traced a path of fire slowly and suggestively from finger tip to hips, causing her arms to weaken at the touch. She knew he had felt her shiver because of the immediate "look what I did" smile that crossed his face. Finally, one of his exploring hands came to rest on her ribcage splaying across the flesh with total mastery, while the other traced a lazy and erotic pattern in a spot at the base of her spine that did seriously amazing things to her insides.

Smiling into her eyes, Jack felt like he was in heaven after being granted is deepest wish. Never letting his eyes break the gaze between them, he moved both of his hands to those wonderfully swaying hips, and pulled her closer, letting her feel his desire. Watching the awareness strike, he smiled again as she lowered her own arms from where they had fallen across his shoulders to his hips, circling them until they cupped his butt. She answered his gesture and once again began moving him in time to the beat as the instrumental segment of the song took over.

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Janet and Danny watched on, impressed by what they had seen so far.

"Is it getting hotter in here Janet?" asked Daniel with a raised eyebrow

"Hmmm, who'd have thought the Colonel could move like *that*!"

"Hey Janet, honey…" Daniel waved his hand in front of his wife's eyes. "Hello, husband calling…" Daniel's tone of mock hurt made Janet smile as she caught his attention in a way that left him in no doubt as to whom she was thinking about.

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Back on the dance floor smiles had become serious as desire and passion ignited once more. Only this time it was Sam who was stunned as Jack took over in the words department. He didn't sing, but he knew this song too, so keeping her eyes spellbound to his, he spoke the words of the song, low and husky, slow and deliberately emphasising every inch of his feelings.

I cannot lie, from you I cannot hide. I've lost the will to try. Can't hide it, can't fight it.

Taking her somewhat unawares, Jack altered his hold of her and dipped her, long and sweet relishing in the expanse of flesh before him, unable to resist placing a hand on the exposed lower neck, he pulled her up hard and set her once again against his aching body…

So go on, leave me breathless.

And so she did.

The kiss was slow, sweet and deep. Showing both everything they had been dreaming about, leaving both weak, leaving both "breathless" as the song finished.

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"I think that that is our cue to leave quietly honey" whispered Daniel into his wife's ear.

"Hmm… I think you could be right" She smiled back in to his clear blue eyes as he offered her his arm and led her from the noisy sweaty club, both allowing themselves one final look over their shoulders at the couple who where rooted to the spot. Sam and Jack where still staring intently into the others eyes, arm's still clinging to the other as if afraid that if they let go it would all vanish.

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Sam couldn't voice her thoughts; she just couldn't find the words to show him how she felt. Smiling inwardly to herself she knew that Jack knew that particular sensation well. Not once in the past four years had she ever truly believed that this could happen, that either of them would allow it to happen, but now it had there was no way in hell that she was going to give it up.

Smiling into her passion darkened eyes, he understood the emotions playing across their crystal blues depths. He felt the same, four years of wishing and dreaming and they had finally taken that step. Part of him couldn't believe that it was really real, that soon she was going to vanish with the stars as she had on too many occasions before. Yet the part of him that held her tight and close and the part of him that knew her on a level that he had never known anyone before was totally assured that she couldn't walk away from him, any more than he couldn't walk away from her.

He wanted to say something to her; to somehow convey all that he had held brutally held inside for far too long a time. But for the life of him, any and all words he thought of seemed woefully inadequate when faced with the woman before him, but he began anyway.

"Sam, I think…"

He was silenced with a passion-laced kiss that came on the back of a playful smile.

"Jack, you think too much" And as her lips locked onto his, he knew that he did.

Pulling away from her momentarily, he braved the words he would have died a million times over to say to her.

"Sam, I want you" he breathed and his lips parted hers once more for a deep, violently sensual kiss that left them both shaken, slightly weak-kneed, but in zero doubt as to whether this was too much, too soon.

"You can have me" was her only answer as she looked ardently into his hypnotic stare.

Without another word, both left the club and made their way to the closet home.

During the entire cab ride to Sam's neither gave a second thought to regulations, careers or Daniel or Janet, whom neither had even noticed leaving. Both where too preoccupied in the study of the others eye's, noticing the unique hues and sparkles that passion and desire brought.

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As the walked hand in hand towards Sam's door, Jack couldn't believe his own emotions. In a moment of pure clarity he realised that he was more than just a little nervous. A grown man, with his fair share of experience was virtually trembling with a nervous energy that he just couldn't control.

Sam held tightly to the hand that enclosed hers, she didn't know how or when her emotions had changed from an all encompassing desire to… not fear, oh god no, not fear… just apprehension and nerves. She had wished for this scenario for more years that she cared to admit and now that it was actually here, she couldn't quite believe it.

Reaching into her purse she took out her keys, but before she could shape her hand to open the door, Jack's free hand covered hers, taking the keys gently away from her. He smiled into her eyes once more and traced his forefinger across her cheek and down the angle of her perfectly shaped jawbone.

"Jesus you're beautiful"

It wasn't the most eloquent of lines he had ever spoken, but it expressed his thoughts more succinctly than any flowery speech. Mentally he cursed himself; he wanted to be the romantic lover that she could count on to say the perfect thing at the perfect time.

Little did he know that in Sam's eyes, he just had.

She couldn't stop the sheen of tears that welled in her eyes, *this* was the man she wanted, the man she loved. He wasn't flowery, he wasn't a poet, but he was "Jack". He said what he felt and he felt deeply. He didn't care about rules when it came to people and he would never ever let her stop knowing in small ways just how deeply he cared for her.

He didn't have to say the words; she knew already what he held within his heart, because he had been showing her in all those small ways for the last four years.

"Open the door Jack" she smiled.

"Is that an order?" he responded as only he could.

"Damn right it is Flyboy"

Needing no further encouragement he turned quickly to turn the key in the lock, but before he could either open the door fully or turn back around, he felt arms wrap once more around his neck and a pair of wondrously full lips lock to his.

Smiling onto her lips he locked his arms underneath her arms and lifted her until she was a few inches above his head, thereby altering the original angle of their kiss in a way that surprised and enthralled Sam.

She was only dimly aware of him kicking out at the still open door and even less conscious of the loud slam as the door swung back into its fitting. She was however *very* mindful of him as he lowered her back to the floor never letting her body lose contact with his as he walked her back against the door, pushing her body against it with his.

At that precise moment, her only coherent thought was that they where both wearing far too many clothes. Pulling her mouth slightly away from his, she bit down on his lower lip, making his head and mouth follow her movement. She was rewarded by a low moan that no one on the entire planet would have labelled as "pain".

"God… Sam…" he managed between ragged breaths to which she only smiled, her nerves banished as soon as he had spoken to her earlier. She said nothing however; she let her actions speak for her.

Running her hands languorously over his shoulders and down his chest, she once more felt his muscles flex spontaneously as she let her hands trail lower until she reached his belt. Gently tugging the black cotton from the offending bond, she ran her hands underneath the material and along the slightly rippled surface of his stomach, nipping his ear gently as she went, her hands carried on their blind exploration of chest and shoulders. Just the sensation of his red-hot skin against her was already sending her to places that did not include reason or logic.

Not for the first time that evening Jack thought he had truly died. Well if he had known death would bring this, he would have walked right upto Apophis years ago and handed him a staff weapon.

For a few glorious moments he allowed himself to be completely swept up in the sensations Sam was creating as she gently eased his shirt from his shoulders. He was woken up suddenly by the cool air on his heated skin. No Fair! He wanted to touch too! So he did.

Once more Sam quickly became aware of the fact that the power balance had shifted discreetly once again as his hands came to the waistband of her skirt, tugging very insistently at the stretchy red material of her top until she was relinquished of it completely.

Stood within the circle of his arms with only her delicate lace bra separating their top halves, she shivered once more. He felt it, and once again that evening that involuntary response ignited the passions that both had tried for so long to keep reigned in.

What had begun by unspoken mutual communication as slow and exploratory became wild and frantic within seconds.

Bringing his mouth down on hers with a ferocity she welcomed and openly encouraged, he divested her of her silky fabric, immediately bringing his hands to her breasts, fingers toying with nipples as tongues duelled a time-honoured dance. Her back arched into him as she ground her thighs into his legs and scraped her nails down his bare back.

Lowering his head, he trailed hot biting kisses along her jaw and collarbone, relishing in the feel of her increased weight as she all but collapsed into him. Holding her tightly around her lower back, he leaned her backwards slightly as he took one nipple into his mouth, alternately flicking his tongue across the sensitised peak and drawing it fully into his mouth. Hearing her low, throaty moan, he belated remembered that special little spot at the base of her spine and began kneading it in an insistent rhythm and pressure.

He was driving her insane, in the most pleasurable way possible. Everything he did sent her shooting further into the stars, but she wanted a more equal balance and she wanted that more equal balance now.

So retaking the initiative back from him she reached for his belt buckle while simultaneously re-igniting the violent sensuality of the kiss they shared.

He got her message loud and clear and started fumbling for her zipper, trying to locate the small fastening while trying to negotiate blindly through a tangle of arms as mouths remained locked in a primitive, feral battle.

Jesus, he wanted her, so badly he was aching.

God she wanted him, so intensely that she was shaking.

He beat her in the race to remove the final layers of clothing. Before she knew where she was she felt him push her skirt and underwear impatiently from her hips and finish pushing them down to the floor with a now shoeless foot. He was only slightly disappointed to realise that it wasn't stockings beneath her skirt, it was just her.

With strength of will he didn't know that he possessed he moved away from her.

He caught the momentary look of confusion that skirted across her face, but her body captured his attention. Her naked body.

He had to forcibly remind himself to breathe. Her graceful neck tapered down to shoulders that defined both strength and pose, arms that had only seconds before been scrambling around his neck, her breasts where in his opinion the most perfectly formed and seductive that he had ever seen.

As his gaze travelled ever lower, Sam felt shards of pure lust course through her very being. Her previous intentions of evening up the balance had now completely gone from her mind as she felt his eyes pin her back to the door.

Without another seconds hesitation he was against her, revelling in the feel of her nakedness against him. Yet before he allowed himself the pleasure to touch her in the way they both knew they wanted, he helped her remove his pants, well at least as far as his ankles.

Finally given free access to his achingly hard length, Sam didn't waste the opportunity and taking him less than gently in her hand she began ministrations that she could tell sent him to the same place she was.

Jack fought with every ounce of his being against the urge to abandon himself to her playful hands, the alternating pressures and speed. This was for her too and he'd be damned if she was going to get as much out of this as he was.

Suddenly and without warning Sam felt a hand pull her chin roughly away from his collarbone and meet her lips in a fiercely possessive kiss of a man and woman both only just holding onto self control. The same instant his tongue dived into her mouth his fingers found her pulsating centre. Crying out into his mouth with the sheer sensation that he caused within her deepest reaches, her own stroke pattern was lost, as she became incoherent as soon as his thumb brushed against her nub.

"Oh God Jack… Now… it has to be… Now!" She managed to stumble the words out of her mouth.

"I know baby, I know"

Removing his hand, he heard her disappointment, but saw that she understood and so pushing her hard against the door, he squashed her between it and his weight. He had wanted their first time to take place in a more "suitable" arena, but seeing the mirrored glaze in *his* Major's eyes, he knew that for this time at least they weren't going anywhere.

Unable to shackle the need of his… her… *their* bodies any longer, he placed his hands under her arms and lifted her the needed distance, lowering her less than gently to the place he wanted her. As she wrapped her legs instinctively around his back and dug her nails into his back, he was almost overcome by the sensation of finally being buried so deeply inside her.

Feeling her reflexive tightening around him and nails raking down his back, only served to spur him further. Strokes that he had intended to be slow and controlled, became less than rhythmic, but together they were in undeniable unison.

As he lowered his head to taste her breasts once more, he was only dimly aware of her moans, but he was more than aware of the waves that where threatening to take him over the edge. He knew that she was close too, he could feel her around him. He could smell her and taste her at one in the same time.

Sam was riding a tidal wave over a mountain, she had never imagined being able to feel these things in such emphasised detail. The man she loved was buried so deep inside her; she could feel every thrust, every minute change in angle and speed. She could feel his strong and hard thrusts jarring her body, she could feel his hands holding her above the floor and she knew that from this moment on, they would never be the same again.

He could feel the delicious burn in his arms from the pressure of keeping her above the ground, he could see the sheen of sweat as a testament to her passion, imperceptibly he twisted inside her, hitting that spot that he just knew was there. Again and again with accuracy he didn't know he possessed outside a shooting range he hit that elusive spot that some men swore didn't exist, until suddenly he felt her climax rip through her with a force that made him proud. He managed to open his eyes and watch as she came because of him.

"I love you" The power of that thought came across him as forcefully as his own release.

It was only when he saw her eyes fly open in shock as she rode out the continuation of her climax and the powerful explosion of his own release, that he realised that his thoughts had actually been articulated as a hoarse cry torn from his very soul.

She couldn't quite believe that she had heard him correctly, so pushing away the millions of tiny dots of lights that had clogged her vision for the past few minutes, she caught and locked his gaze, looking into passion darkened black eyes now, she knew that it was true. Given to her in a way that was just uniquely "Jack O'Neill".

As he lowered her to the floor, he kept his arm locked around her back, keeping her body fused to his, not wanting for one moment to be out of physical contact with her, feeling ridiculously vulnerable.

He had wanted to say those three words in a manner befitting his feelings, not to just blurt them out in the Oh so hot heat of their passion.

He had wanted to go slowly, to have taken her up and down and back again, but he had done neither. Somehow, despite the sheer amazement he felt he was afraid that the woman who had begun and who had just participated in the most sensuous act of his life was disappointed in him.

As Sam felt her feet hit ground still on a pillow of clouds, she clung desperately to him, completely overwhelmed with her feelings.

Her head was buried in his chest, filling her senses with his smell and shape. He loved her, he had just taken her to places she had never dreamed of and if that wasn't mind-altering enough, he had said those three words that she would have sold her soul to any System Lord to hear.

He rested his chin on her tousled hair, feeling her breathing finally regulate against his own barely sustained breathing. He knew that he had to say something and just as he had made his mind up as to what that would be, she looked up, smiled in that unique way she had, the one that lit his soul from the inside.

"I love you too, Jack"

She felt rather than saw his shiver, because as soon as the last syllable had been spoken his lips seized hers in a sweetly gentle kiss that spoke more than anything he could say did; but Jack being Jack, had something to say anyway.

"This time, we go slow"

"Promise?" She couldn't keep the playful smirk from her lips as he read the thoughts in her eyes.

"Yasureyabetcha" His own grin answered.

With that he picked her up and kicking off long forgotten black pants from around his ankles he carried her to her bedroom and began to make good on his promise.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Waking up slowly from a tranquil and sated sleep, Sam watched the lights of early morning play across Jack's relaxed face. "Good looking" was the understatement of the twenty-first century.

His face was content, losing its battle-hardened quality. His chest rose steadily against her hands and cheek and his legs remained firmly and securely wrapped around her own.

He was, in her eyes, the most perfect example of what a man should be, tough talking, no nonsense and just slightly insane. A Colonel with an irreverently sarcastic streak that annoyed the living hell out of most of his colleagues and superiors, those same people to whom he would be loyal to the point of his own death if they earned his respect.

Yet within that carefully erected and lifelong exterior of tough military training dwelled a man who had seen more than his fair share of pain and suffering. A man who she knew had deeper scars on his soul than on his body, but a man of infinite tenderness and strength, whom she knew, loved as deeply as he hated. Knowing first hand how deeply this man could hate filled her with a sense of contentment in knowing that it was in that diametric opposite where his feelings for her sheltered, warm and safe.

Running her hand lightly across the light dusting of hair on his chest, she felt him shiver slightly in his sleep and was suddenly conscious of her playful side taking over once more.

She wondered just how extensive his Black Ops training had been, how long would he be able to last with just a little bit of "torture"?

As she began swirling patterns across his chest and along his flanks, she saw and felt his almost immediate response, yet he remained still, his eyes resolutely closed. Smiling to herself, she accepted his almost telepathic challenge.

Moving fully on top of him, she lightly moved her hips against him in a manner reminiscent of a certain song that they had shared. Leaving his carefully masked face untouched she bent her head and while continuing to trace patterns across his sides and the tops of his thighs, she flicked her tongue across the small nipple.

Looking through the top of her eyes from any kind of reaction, but she saw none. She had to give him credit; he really was good at this Black Ops stuff. Upping the stakes she changed her plan, and bit slightly on the previously neglected nipple, smirking at the involuntary jump and gasp she had won from him, yet he still kept his eyes closed.

That was until she played her ace card and blowing lightly on the wet skin, she moved and began to trail hot wet kisses down the centre of his chest, across his stomach and down further. Just as she reached her goal, she felt him move agilely under her, drawing her into his arms and rolling her so quickly that she was somewhat disorientated. Now as she looked into his face she was met by passion clouded eyes as he settled on top of her allowing her to adjust to his weight. Pushing into her without preamble or ceremony, he began a rhythm that spoke of dazed awakening, moody passion and deep, deep love.

It was slow and sweet and it drove her over the edge with him again and again.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

When next she awoke, she was taken over by momentary confusion. She could have sworn that she had spent the most amazing night in the arms of Jack O'Neill, but as she looked across the pillow, there was no one there. The strength of that pre-emptive disappointment stunned her, and it was only as she raised her head and her nose activated with the smell of breakfast that she came to an understanding.

Pulling on her robe quickly she made her way to the kitchen quickly and stealthily. When she peered around the door, she lost her heart all over again. For there stood in front of her, dressed in only his casual pants from the night before, stood Jack O'Neill and he was cooking eggs.

Instantly he sensed he was being watched, he turned already grinning, as he admonished none too seriously.

"You should be in bed, you're spoiling my 'Romantic Notions'"

She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her

"I thought you couldn't cook" she pondered as she went over to him, circling her arms around his bare chest from behind.

"When I'm trapped on some ice planet with a broken leg, frostbite and cracked ribs, no I can't. But when I have just spent the night with the woman I have been dreaming about since then, well yes I can"

Her heart gave her another jolt of electricity at his words. Did he have any knowledge how much they meant to her?

"I haven't tasted them yet" she answered in a manner far too much like Jack's. He was rubbing off on her already; she smiled inwardly at the thought and the innuendo.

"Smart-ass! Just sit down will ya"

"That an order Sir?"

Her tone was still playful and it was only when she realised what she had inadvertently brought up that she cursed herself. Last night had been better than her wildest dreams, but both had conveniently forgotten the one thing that had kept them apart for so long.

"Sam, we need to talk about that" For once her Colonel was deadly serious as she sat down he joined her.

He could see by the look in her clear eyes that she was worried that he was going to tell her it was all a mistake, that they had to walk away. But surely she must understand that after last night there was no force on this galaxy that could make him do that. So taking her hand in his, he caught her flighty gaze with his eyes as he spoke.

"Sam, I know we broke so many regs last night. But if it's ok with you, I'd kinda like to carry on breaking them."

The shock was visible on her face, and he fought so hard to stop the grin that spread over his face at her words.

"Jack? What are you saying to me?" she had to be sure.

"And they say you're smart? HA!" He grinned but recognised that she hadn't fully understood his implication, she hadn't let herself.

"Sam, I'm saying that I'm not walking away from you or from this. Not unless you ask me to" he unknowingly rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand, bringing memories back from another time and place when she thought she had lost him. Only this time, it signalled not loosing him, but keeping him. Forever.

"Good, because I'll never ask you too"

As he took her lips once again in a powerfully searing kiss, he knew that they had finally taken that step to its fulfilment. An understanding, they *both* recognised, and that left them both with no thoughts of eggs or breakfast, although hunger still played a lead role.

As he pulled her up from the seat, and began to walk them both back to the bedroom a sound invaded their hormone-clogged world.

The doorbell.

"Ignore it" he spoke into her mouth as he loosened her robe.

"Mmm" she replied.

A knock.

"Ignore it" she spoke into his mouth as she unzipped his pants.

"Mmm" he replied.

"SAM OPEN THE DOOR! WE KNOW YOU'RE BOTH IN THERE!" Shouted Danny's disembodied voice from outside.

"OR DO I JUST USE MY KEY!" shouted Janet's equally disembodied voice

"Damn it" cursed Sam.

"Daniel, Janet… you know how much I love you both, and how much I…we… owe you, but please… GO AWAY!" Jack finished.

Too late by far, Janet was already turning the key in the lock.

"Damn it!" cursed Jack, as two of their best friends walked into a scene of Jack and Sam still in each other's arms, both half dressed and obviously on the way to being less than half dressed.

"Good morning to you too Colonel" smiled Danny.

"We just came to see if everything is Ok Sam, and I can see that it is. So we'll be on our way" grinned his wife

"Good" muttered Jack, making no move to move and making absolutely no apologies for the scene before them.

"Well, I must say that after our little attempt of playing Cupid (successfully I might add) you're gratitude is just too effusive" Grumbled Danny in mock hurt.

"Space Monkey… and Dr. Space Monkey. Thank you, we love you. But we happen to love each other far more. Now if you don't mind, I would like to remind Sam just how much!"

Sam hid her blush in his shoulder. Had he no shame?

No, he hadn't, he was happy and in love and she knew he didn't care who knew it.

"Well I that case you won't want to see this then will you Colonel?" asked Janet innocently enough, but Sam saw the unmistakable glimmer in her eye.

"No I d…" started Jack, only to be interrupted by Sam.

"See what Janet?" she queried her friend.

Handing over a plain white sealed envelope Janet and Daniel both smiled. Sam opened the letter with shaking fingers and gasped when she saw the letterhead.

On hearing her gasp Jack looked down puzzled. That feeling grew as he too noticed the White House Letterhead.

Both read in silence and when they had finished, Jack calmly took the letter from Sam, carefully folded it and replaced it into the envelope. Turing fully to face his friends, he said quite casually.

"Hammond knows about this?"

Daniel and Janet both nodded.

"Ok, good. Daniel?"

"Yeah Jack?"

"Wanna be a best man?"

Jack couldn't tell whose expression was the funniest, Daniel or Janet's. But as so as he turned to face Sam that answer was upon him.

Speechless. Utterly and beautifully speechless.

Turning her back to fully face him and tilting her chin up so her eyes met his, he said simply, without shame, fear and no longer a need to hide.

"Marry me Sweetheart?"

His answer was tears, vigorous nodding and a kiss that gave him his answer.

Coughing lightly to hopefully alert the newly affianced pair to their presence, Daniel had the grace to blush at the scene before him, as he realised that neither cared.

"I think that that is our cue to leave Honey" whispered Janet as she pulled her husband out of the door.

"Ya think?" Came the automatic answer from the intrepid little archaeologist as his wife shoved him out the door.

THE END! Tell me what you think!