TITLE: "He shoots, They Score"

AUTHOR: Brian/bkn179 (c) 2004

EMAIL: nunnally@tusco.net

RATING: NC-17

SUMMARY: Sam, Jack, basketball - answer to AF Academy in Final Four Challenge

CLASSIFICATION: Sam/Jack

SPOILERS: none

ARCHIVE: SJD and any other interested parties

DISCLAIMER: All Stargate SG-1 characters and references belong to their respective copyright holders.

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He knew it just as surely as he knew the inscriptions on the walls within the Great Pyramid at Giza. He knew it like he knew the DHD device address for Earth. He knew it like he knew 27 languages of his home planet and was conversant in at least half a dozen from off world. Never, under any circumstances, bet Jack O'Neill on anything.

Which explained why he, Daniel Jackson, along with Teal'c and Samantha Carter, were now obligated to spend a great deal of their leave time at Jack's house watching, not just television, but basketball. He still wasn't sure how Jack had goaded him into the bet, let alone getting the other team members to include themselves as part of the wager.

Jack was into hockey, that was common knowledge. Who knew he followed NCAA basketball on the side, at least the end of season competition?

Daniel could have blamed Siler. It was he after all who advised Daniel that, as much as Siler liked serving in the US Air Force, he didn't think the academy had a snowball's chance in hell of making post-season play. So the bet with Jack was made - and the academy won, and won, and won. When the post-season brackets were announced, there was the USAF Academy Falcons, in the NCAA playoffs for the first time in 42 years.

So now, Dr. Daniel Jackson was heading for Jack's front door with a case of Guiness in hand. Teal'c carried the other two. Sam's car was already out front. She must have come earlier with snacks. Jack had at least offered to provide the meat. The smoke rising from the back of Jack's house must signal his attempt at cooking. A half forgotten line of an ancient worship rite went through Daniel's mind, "...with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings." Maybe he could microwave a hot dog or something.

Teal'c seemed more agreeable to the whole thing. He was intrigued by many athletic competitions of the Tauri'. Most of them were relatively bloodless compared to those of his youth, hockey being the exception. Maybe that's why he watched so much of it with Jack. Some people watched NASCAR racing for the wrecks. Teal'c liked the game but watched even more closely if there was a fight. At the prospect of thousands of screaming fans urging on their respective basketball teams, Teal'c became more interested in seeing not only excellent competition but perhaps even some ritual blood-letting.

Carter, like O'Neill, was an academy grad. Her interest had always been more in the intramural sports and field activities than intercollegiate activities. They required too much time away from the lab. So she was here more out of loyalty to her alma mater than interest in sports. Loyalty to her school and, to be honest, loyalty to SG-1, the guys, her team, the gang. Oh, hell, if she was really honest with herself she was here because it was time legally spent with the colonel, chaperoned by two men who "brothered" her like Mark had done when she was in grade school. With all that had happened in the last few months, with their victories at such a terrible cost in lives, she had a new resolve to invest more time in the significant people in her life. Her "doohickeys" as the colonel called them could wait a while.

Entering the house they greeted Sam and Jack. It was Teal'c who first noticed O'Neill's attempts at decorating for the event. The sports section of some newspaper was tacked to the wall by Jack's television. Air Force was highlighted on its bracket with a line lightly tracing the path it would follow if it were to make the Final Four and the ultimate in collegiate basketball competition. Above this a huge sign was posted that read, "DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?" surrounded by what appeared to be Falcon emblems

After setting down the beer, Daniel stood looking at this display. With a push on his glasses he spoke, "Jack - didn't that phrase originate with the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team or perhaps New York Mets when they won the World Series back in the 60's?"

"Oh for crying out loud, Daniel. Can't you get in the spirit of the thing? Most people are rooting for schools like Duke or Oklahoma State. Even Gonzaga is rated higher than the academy. But they are there so let's have some fun and cheer them on. Right, Carter?" Turning from Daniel to his second command, Jack fixed her in his gaze with one eyebrow raised to emphasize his question.

[Peachy], though Carter. [Now he's taking lessons from Teal'c] "Yes, sir," she replied while sending Daniel a sympathetic glance. "Oh, and Colonel, the game is about to begin and whatever you are grilling is beginning to really smoke."

With a shout of "Oh, crap!" Jack shot out the door to rescue whatever he could from the grill. Teal'c finished putting the beer in the refrigerator. Daniel helped Carter set out the food and other items on the table.

Jack reentered the house with a platter of hamburgers and hotdogs, many with third degree burns but enough were still edible. Everyone filled their plates and poured a glass. As Daniel was pouring his Teal'c looked him in the eye while holding up a single finger. Daniel sheepishly nodded agreement as they both followed Sam and Jack into the living room to watch the game.

So it began. As long as the Air Force Falcon's won, the team was obligated to gather at Jack's house at the appointed day and time to cheer them on. Jack would cook, Carter would bring the side dishes and snacks, Daniel and Teal'c provided liquid refreshment.

No one could have anticipated the fun they would have together as the tournament progressed. Air Force was not always the first game televised. So while waiting they would talk or finish food preparations.

Teal'c quickly picked up game fundamentals, tactics, and strategies. Daniel admitted that to him the game had always seemed like people just running up and down the floor. Sam knew it was more than that but had never put forth the effort to understand. Jack revealed a more intimate knowledge of the sport than any of his team-mates might have guessed. He even began to give mini-tutorials during the first games, diagraming plays and such to help Daniel and Carter to follow along. Usually these were given with Jack sitting on the couch between Daniel and Carter. By some strange coincidence, when the Air Force game came on, Daniel moved to his own chair opposite Teal'c while Carter and Jack stayed on the couch.

By the time it was down to the Final Four, the entire group eagerly anticipated both their time together and the prospects of an academy victory. DO YOU BELIEVE had become their victory chant in the closing seconds of the previous victories. Their personal discipline, which often governed both their personal lives as well activities in the field for so many years, became less restrained.

Daniel kept forgetting his one beer limit so Teal'c by default often became the designated driver. Carter's analytical eye allowed her to become a fierce critic of the referees as well as suspect activities of the opposing team's players. Jack's competitive nature was in full swing and joined her in this, pleasantly surprised that their opinions were so closely aligned. Without realizing it, they both began sitting closer and closer together as the games continued. Teal'c was slightly disappointed there was not more fighting or bloodshed but still could appreciate the effort expended on the court. Even he had taken to "high-fiving" O'Neill, Carter, and the tipsy Daniel.

That the academy had made it to THE game, as they had taken to calling it, called for detailed planning such as they might give an assault on a system lord. Choice steaks were ordered and seasoned with care. Beer had been consumed sparingly in the early games. Now a supply was laid in as if the entire base might come. Carter had merely stopped at a convenience store for the first game, indiscriminately picking up whatever brand of chips and dip they happened to have. She took three days before the final game to prepare homemade dips and salads, hand selecting potatoes for baking with the requisite condiments. The final spread would have put O'Malley's to shame. Even Jack demonstrated extreme care in preparing the meat, resulting in steaks that were cooked to perfection rather than carbonized by extreme heat.

The meal began early so the serious eating could be completed prior to game time. Only determined munching and drinking, game commentary, and occasional bathroom breaks would be tolerated during the game. As the teams tipped off, all were seated around the television. The academy's progress was now boldly highlighted through the brackets posted on the wall.

If any neighbors had ventured close to the house they might have thought a riot was in progress within. Jack and Carter kept up a running dialogue, out pacing anything the announcers might have been saying, easily drowning them with their own loud comments. Teal'c sat stoically quiet. But his eyebrows were a blur of motion and his hands often had a white-knuckled hold on the arms of his chair during close plays and disputed calls. Daniel was in constant motion, up and down. He could never quite decide which position was appropriate for cheering Air Force performance or protesting the other team's efforts. Because he was up so much he was the one who kept the others supplied with food and drink. It just seemed logical if Daniel was getting a beer for the others he should get one for himself.

The score was see-sawing back and forth in a continuing tie. Jack declared the game a "barn-burner" as it entered its final minutes. Teal'c started to ask for an explanation but was interrupted by the referee's whistle. This caused Sam to shout and Daniel to jump up, spilling his beer on both her and Jack. No one paid attention to the mess as the Air Force guard took his foul shots, once again putting the Falcons in a tie game. During the commercial break the beers were replaced from the greatly diminished stockpile.

Jack started to chant "Do you believe" as the last 30 seconds were played without interruption. Sam joined in as the Air Force came back shot for shot. Daniel couldn't have sat still if he tried. So he resorted to jumping up and down in time with the chant. Teal'c was still silent but his friends enthusiasm was contagious. His one hand held the chair arm in an iron grip while the other thumped his glass of Guiness to keep up with Daniel's jumping to the chant.

"Three, two, one." The buzzer sounded just after the last Air Force shot went through the hoop, sealing their victory.

After one last jump Daniel downed his beer in a single gulp. He then grabbed Teal'c in an effort to spin him around but only succeeded in revealing his own inebriation. The ensuing dizziness caused him to sit down with a thump at Teal'cs feet. In an effort to stop the room from spinning Daniel grabbed Teal'cs leg and leaned his head against the chair.

Jack and Carter were both on their feet. At the buzzer their chant was interrupted. Jack succeeded where Daniel failed. Only his target was Carter. As she was easily within arm's reach, it seemed only natural to take her in his arms. Holding her body within inches of his he swung her around in a circle. Almost without thinking he pressed his lips to hers in a celebratory kiss.

He caught her as she was at the word "Do" so her lips were in a perfect pucker. Her eyes went wide at first. But her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they encircled Jack and pulled him closer. Her eyes shut as she gave herself over to the unexpected bliss of this first public kiss. The roaring in her ears was only partially created by the crowd noise broadcast from the basketball arena. She knew her heart was still physically in her chest but it felt like it had risen to her throat. Desperately she sucked in air through her nose as she would not for anything break the seal of his lips pressed to hers. What had begun as celebration was awakening the long denied passion within them both. As her tongue delicately traced Jack's lips seeking admittance, he pulled back, still holding her but now looking deeply - almost fiercely - into her eyes.

For a moment they could only look at each other before remembering they weren't alone. Daniel may have missed it. His head was leaning against the chair in which Teal'c sat. If his eyes were even opened, let alone focused, Daniel would be looking at the floor.

For his part, Teal'c still sat quietly. But on his face was a rare smile. Not his usual smile, with the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. This was the equivalent of a full-fledged jaffa grin.

Still holding on to Carter, Jack managed to speak. "T - glad they won?"

"Indeed, O'Neill. I am most pleased the Falcons have been victorious. It seems to be a day of great joy for Air Force personnel." As he said this, one eye brow went up in addition to his continuing to smile broadly. "Now, if you will excuse me from assisting with the after-party clean up, I will return DanielJackson to his quarters where he may recover from today's festivities." Having said this, he unceremoniously slung the unconscious archeologist over his shoulder and walked out the front door, closing it behind him.

"Well," Carter began, still holding on to O'Neill and becoming very aware that he was still holding on to her. "That was some game." Becoming self-conscious she loosened her grip and made to back away.

Jack hung his head as he felt her slide from his grasp. His earlier exuberance disappeared beneath a childlike shyness. "Well, I guess I've been hanging around too many Aggies of late. You know they have this tradition of kissing every time their football team scores..." His voice trailed. Mentally he chided himself [That was so lame.]

"Sir, this was basketball, not football. Texas A&M wasn't even in competition. Besides the tradition..."

Facing Sam he silenced her recitation of all the details with a single finger placed on her lips. "Carter, I know. It was a dumb excuse. I'm embarrassed. Okay? Not because I kissed you but because I did it in front of Daniel and Teal'c. Well, sort of." His speech done he again dipped his head. Jamming his hands in his pockets he made to turn away.

Now her hands moved . She placed one on his arm gently to hold him in place. With the other she lifted his face and placed her lips on his. Softly at first, their lips soon pressed hard together as the passion rose more quickly this time. They embraced and gave in to their desire. Tongues met and explored in a slippery dance of sensual delight. Arms held the bodies firmly together while hands slid in soft massage over back and hip, neck and arm.

"Carter - Sam . . . I" Jack spoke so hesitantly that Sam became a bit fearful. It was almost out in the open. For years they had denied their feelings, hidden their feelings, suppressed what they felt for the other. She was almost certain it would come out now. She felt ready. Why wasn't he?

"Sam," he began again, "... my pants are wet and so is your shirt. We both smell like beer. As much as I want to continue this, I feel kind of uncomfortable and little bit silly. Let's go change and we can talk about what just happened. Come on, I've got some extra shirts you can choose from and I'll get a clean pair of jeans."

Silently she nodded her head in consent. Taking her by the hand he led her through his house back toward the bedroom. Her eyes widened at first, wondering how fast and how far they were going. But he stopped at a hall closet, opening it to reveal a row of civilian shirts in varying colors. "There's the bath," he pointed out. "I'll be in here changing pants. Holler when you're ready."

He turned the corner to enter the bedroom. Opening a dresser drawer he pulled out a pair of jeans and began to empty his pockets. Almost as an after thought he reached behind himself to push the door closed.

With that motion Sam absentmindedly pulled a shirt from the closet and went into the bath. At the corner of the hall, she realized the mirror showed her a view directly into the bedroom. Jack's efforts had moved the door but it had bounced off the latch. Sam had an unobstructed view of Jack as he removed his shoes and then stood to remove his beer-soaked pants. His boxers appeared to be damp as well. In her mind she heard a voice (her mother's? her own? Janet Frasier's?) that told her she really shouldn't be looking but who can pass up a chance like this?

Jack did indeed remove his boxers, standing there with his backside exposed to her. That caused a catch in her breathing and which reminded her to remove her own soaked t-shirt. Her bra was also uncomfortably wet so off it came as well. Turning back to the mirror she reached for the borrowed shirt only to have her breathing stop.

For there in the mirror, if she moved her head to look in just the right spot, was a vision she had heretofore seen only in her dreams. Jack was standing in a side view, still naked from the waist down, and apparently his penis was becoming quite erect. He seemed to be watching something very intensely.

Like a mouse caught in a cat's sight, Sam paused her motion. At her feet lay the wet shirt and bra. On the door knob hung the shirt she had intended to wear. Aware she still smelled of beer, she tore her eyes away from the sight of Jack's naked male form and picked up a wash cloth. Carefully she wet it and began to wipe off her chest. Sam used warm water yet her nipples crinkled upright. She moaned slightly as she moved her hand over them, closing her eyes to remember Jack's nakedness and to have a short fantasy of what might happen next. While one hand moved the cloth, her other hand softly massage her nipple, sending a wave of pleasure through her.

Suddenly she stopped. Her senses had alerted her to something. What was it? Silence. She should have heard some noise as Jack finished changing and moved back to the living room. Slowly she moved her head so she could once again see the bedroom reflected in the mirror.

It was as if Jack were a marble statue of the ideal Greek male his muscled form so reminded her. But no statue she could ever recall seeing had a penis like that. And what was he looking at that caused him to stand so still? As she reached for the borrowed shirt she heard him speak.

"Sam, two things: 1) that's a plaid shirt and you're wearing stripped pants. Don't go there. 2) I've seen every move you've made since you entered the bathroom. If we don't make love now and for the rest of our lives I think I'm gonna die."

[So much for a calm, rational discussion between two adult professionals] Jack thought. With that he dropped the jeans from his hand and made to remove his shirt as well. Sam took a deep breath, turned, and walked from bath, across the hall and into the bedroom with Jack.

She stood beside him, looking in the bedroom mirror as he had. There was a view of the bath; her wet clothes on the floor, the shirt hanging on the knob, the wash cloth on the sink where she had left it.

Without a word she turned to him. Looking him in the eye and holding his gaze, she moved her hands to unbutton his shirt. Undoing the last button she slid it off his shoulders and ran her fingers slowly down his arms until her hands took hold of his. She raised his hands to her chest, held them there for a moment, and then lowered her hands to her side.

Still with his brown eyes locked on her blue eyes, he tenderly explored the curve of her breasts. With his thumbs he circled her nipples causing her again to softly moan. As if they were reluctant to leave these new found delights, he carefully moved his fingers around to her ribs. Delicately they traced patterns from side to front and down to her navel. Brushing the soft down on her stomach, he undid snap and zipper.

Still looking her in the eye, he knelt before her as he lowered her pants and underwear. Leaning into her he pressed his face to her sex. His hands held her to him, gripping her thighs. Sam lifted her hands to his head and ran her finger through his hair. She gasped as he began to nuzzle her with nose, then cheek, and tongue. The lips of his mouth sought out her vaginal lips. His tongue caressed her opening, parting her enough that her clitoris was now accessible. Gently, deliberately, he repeatedly caressed the bud with his tongue.

"Oh, Jack" she breathed. The was no direction given to her hands as they roamed through his scalp. Her attention was drawn almost completely to her mid-section where she could feel her pleasure building to release.

Stretching she could just reach his shoulders. Taking him in her hands she pulled him with her as she fell backwards onto the bed.

Jack landed beside her. But as the bed recoiled from their weight Sam reached to take his erection in her hand. Grasping him firmly she began a shallow stroke. First she pulled up then pushed down. First slowly, then a little faster. His pulse beat beneath her fingers as she stroked him. As Sam did this, she evaluated her technique by the effect it was having on Jack's breathing. What had once been steady was now coming in gasps of pleasure. Occasionally she would stop her hand motion so she could rub the head of his penis between thumb and forefinger, spreading his natural lubricant. As her stroking resumed he began to thrust his hips to meet her hand.

Knowing he was close to his own climax, Sam released the hold she had on his penis. As Jack muttered a disappointed, "What?" she rolled onto her back.

"Now, Jack. Please?" Her eyes were wet with passion. Her lips trembled slightly.

Moving his knees between hers, Jack raised up to move his penis towards her. As he moved, Sam once again took hold to guide him. As his erection filled her, they both sighed. It was relief. It was pleasure. It was satisfaction. It was anticipation.

Withdrawing slightly, Jack paused then began to thrust. Slowly, deliberately, enjoying the sensation of flesh against flesh. The tingle of sensation streamed through their most sensitive parts.

"Look at me, Sam," Jack gasped out.

" Look in my eyes," he spoke in rhythm with their motions

"I know you can tell how I feel - ," he continued,

"if you look at my eyes," he finished.

Again, blue eyes locked on brown. Each searching deeply within the other. Together the motion increased in speed, in urgency. Sam lifted her legs to lock them behind Jack's back. Anchored to him, she moved her hips in rhythm with his thrusts. Her moans became cries as she began to peak. Their gaze was broken as she pushed her head back against the pillows

"Oh Jack, Oh Jack, Ohhhhhhhhhh Jack!" As she climaxed her legs unlocked and fell back to the bed. Jack's thrusts continued but became more urgent and less rhythmic.

Within, Jack could feel the pressure build within his testicles even thought they were drawn tight against his body. His muscles began their almost painful contractions. His penis, already tight and hard, swelled even more as the semen traveled up its path to spill out within Sam. Jack groaned deeply with the release, closing his own eyes as his senses overloaded.

He laid his head down on Sam's shoulder and buried his face in her hair. She turned to kiss his cheek. With a hand weak from passionate exhaustion she lightly stroked his hair.

After their breathing slowed and became more regular, Jack lifted his head to once more look into Sam's eyes. She returned his look but continued to run her fingers through his hair.

"Sam..."

"Jack..."

"We didn't talk."

"No, we didn't."

"How about over breakfast?"

"You gotta deal, sir."

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the end