A/N Sadly I do not own any of the Stargate franchise, If I did there would be more episodes. ;)
This Story is sequel to Happiness Unfounded but, could potentially stand alone for those who've read many Fan-Fics.
As always, hopefully plenty of Sam/Jack shipiness.
Set after threads and the end of season 8.
hope y'all enjoy.
Chapter One
Streams of light seeped through the wooden blinds hugging the windows. The sounds of children playing in the streets, screams of delight, the scratching of plastic hockey sticks. GOAL! Cheer some children as the puck hit the net. Outside the air smelled ever so fresh, as fresh as sun dried linen. Sweet scents of flowers, ice cream fill the air; summer in full bloom. Inside a large, beautiful military home, a striking young woman was watching the children play. Her luxurious ash blonde hair reaching just below her shoulders, luminous bright blue eyes, pale natural skin. She wore light blue denim jeans, olive green t-shirt covered by a frilly floral piny. She jumps as the timer pings; the young woman puts chequered oven gloves over her hands. Opening the oven door she released the fresh homely scent of newly baked sugar cookies. Walking over to the countertop, she slid the tray on the chopping board, leaving them to cool. While the cookies were cooling she, scrubbed and swept the dusty mess she created in the process.
Moments later she spread multi-coloured icing making intricate designs and patterns, transfixed in her extreme focus, briefly losing it as she heard a car pull into the driveway. Moving like the speed of light she grabbed a clean plate and quickly placed the cookies on to it. The front door opened, a man stepped through, his face hidden by his hat. A balding hairline could be seen clearly after the black military hat was removed. He was dressed in full military dress, one star laid over his shoulders and collar, a multitude of coloured ribbons and service medals, laid prominent against his breast.
"Sammy I'm home." the man shouts.
The young girl reaches for the plate of cookies, waiting in the kitchen door to greet him.
"Sammy, are you..." The distinctive starts to shout, his voice seemingly fading, until not one sound can be heard.
"Carter, wake up. Carter!" A strange voice spoke.
The image of the man started to fade, his face blurred out, like a mask.
"Ja-ck," Carter's eyes began to open, searching her surroundings, becoming aware of her surroundings. Her eyes stuck in a blurry haze, she furiously blinked, urging them to focus. "Jack, where am I?"
"Hey there, you had me worried for a second. You're at my cabin - well in the car." Jack mused, placing his hand on her arm. "Are you okay?"
"Er, yeah sorry, I guess I'm a bit tired."
"Wanna talk 'bout it?"
"No need to, it wasn't a bad dream – as such." Sam pulled herself upright, unbuckling her belt. "I dreamt of my dad. The day we had a big fight, the day he told me... my mother died." A croak formed in her throat, at the mere mention of her mother.
"Carter... I'm sorry, I..."
"Please Jack don't. It's not because of my father's – erm... I have this every so often." Jack looked into Sam's eyes intensely, the CO in him causing him to switch into protective mode. "Jack really I'm alright." Sam waved over sensing her former CO's mood.
"Are you sure? It's not long since we - er..." Jack paused tightening his grip on her arm.
"I'm sure. Really I'm fine."Breaking the eye contact, she looked around her. The sight took her breath away. Glorious hues of green trees and bushes, multitudes of colourful wild flowers like a colour wheel, surrounding the truck. It was the sounds that mostly stole her breath, thick with wildlife, the sounds of birds and squirrels, rustling in the trees, singing choruses to Mother Nature in perfect harmony. The air filled her nostrils causing her to breathe once more, clean, fresh, crisp air just like some countless beautiful planets. Just down the road, in eyesight, the lone cabin stood hiding under the canopy of trees. "It's beautiful here, sir. But, I thought you had a lake?" Sam continued.
"Yeah I do- hidden well behind the cabin. Bet you wish you'd taken my offer up years ago." Jack smirked. Sam, however, wasn't going to give him the satisfaction and just smiled.
O'Neill started the truck back up, slowly driving the short distance to the cabin. He got out of the car walking around to Sam's side taking her hand in his. He could really get used to this – he thought. Stopping briefly he turned to look at her, more for reassurance than anything, he didn't want to start something he couldn't finish. Sam sensed this she nodded confirming this is what she wanted to.
Opening the cabin door, she was shocked at how homely it was, it was nothing like his home, peaceful and tranquil. Everything was linked to nature in some way. The whole place smelt clean, like freshly cut pine. Not a speck of dust in sight.
"Er - how long has it been since you were last here?" Sam asked, wiping her fingers over a nearby console table.
"Erm, a couple of months at least... I have a cleaner that comes to look after the place while I'm not here, you know give it the once over before I come up."
"Ahh - that explains it then. It's beautiful Jack."
"What this, it's nothing. You wait until you see the backyard and rooms." He said as he placed a bag on the kitchen counter. Not hearing Sam's reply he bent through the serving hole, to see her blush a little. Then it dawned on him how that sounded. "Er, I didn't mean it like that. Erm unless you..." he coughed clearing his throat. "Erm, forget that, I wasn't..."
"Jack its okay, I think this is going to get some getting used to. I'm a little nervous as well."
"Yeah well" Jack couldn't find the right words to say.
"We've spent a long time being careful what we say to each other. Plus the last year we haven't exactly been as close..."
"Hey, I don't blame you, you know." Jack moved in closer towards her, drawing his eyes' to hers. Searching for the words in his head, hopping his eyes could do the talking for him. "You had a life too lead, you deserve to be happy, more so than anyone."
"Jack, I don't want to mess this up, Ive regretted suggesting leaving it in the room since the words escaped my mouth, not once but twice!" Sam replied walking into Jacks opening embrace. "After years of all secret stolen moments we shared. We can be somewhat open about it now. Thank you for not holding Pete against me." Sam shared, nuzzling her head into his chest.
"Never will... and me too, with the whole messing it up- thingy." Jack bent over kissing her forehead and squeezing her tight against him. "C'mon let's get unpacked."
Walking back to the truck, the familiar sound of pebbles crunching together under their feet, like crushing into a lollipop. Opening the trunk they picked up the duffle bags and some more grocery bags. Carter brought the groceries into the kitchen, placing them on the counter island. Meanwhile, Jack stood waiting down the hall, on his phone.
"So problems at the SGC, some new ruins have been found that Danny is just itching to see." Jack stated using air quotes at that statement. "So he's taking Teal'c and SG-3 for the next forty eight hours. They will be here Wednesday... Daniel said to convey his apologises."
"Classic Daniel timing that is." Sam laughed.
"Isn't it just! Well let's not dwell" Jack said sarcastically, fiddling with his phone. "So down this corridor to the left is the master bedroom, next is the bathroom and then the guest bedroom, its all made up ready. Shall I put your bags in there?"
"Yeah, that's fine Jack. I'll unpack later. I'm gunna make us some lunch, wha'do ya fancy?"
"Surprise me Carter."
He watched as Sam headed back down to the kitchen, hearing the paper bags and cupboards opening and closing. Jack turned the door knob into his bedroom. Throwing his duffle on the bed, he started to unpack. Putting his clothes in his drawers, his toiletries in the bathroom, he sat on his bed, taking a moment to gather his thought. 'Damn it why am I acting like a nervous teenager, for peat sake, I'm a General in the USAF, get a grip man.' He thought to himself stabbing at his head with the palm of his hand. All he wants to do is whisk her of her feet and passionately kiss her like it was his last meal. 'Right that's it Jack, you can do this. STOP ACTING LIKE A FOOL!'
Hearing Sam shout that lunch was ready, he snapped out of his thoughts went into the kitchen, opening his food storage draw pulling out two take out boxes. Grabbing a bag and Blanket along with a couple of sodas and beers, walking over to Sam he simply said. "Come, it's time we had a proper first date, let me show you around."
Without a sound Sam followed him. They walked through a small concealed path. She adorned the sights, although it being very familiar, giving the countless planets they ended up hiking for hours on end to find civilisation. Although, they were on their home planet, there was still calmness about it, as if the awkwardness of the last hour was put behind them.
It's been almost two weeks since her father passed on, two weeks since they confessed their love for each other, two weeks since they found they could be together. Yet during that time this is the first real day they have spent together.
It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks. Teal'c bouncing back and forth to Dakara, Daniel being pulled away for more ancient ruins, Teal'c had invited him to investigate.
Arranging, and all the paperwork it has taken to grant Jacob Carters wish of being buried next to his wife. Trying to sort out his replacement for the SGC and get things prepared for General Hammonds retirement. The most difficult thing was being allowed to pursue a romantic relationship with his favourite former subordinate. But not actually allowed to let anyone know, or see them.
During the funeral he just wanted to hold her, he had to let Daniel do his job for him. The secret touch of holding her arm was just not enough for him. After the wake had finished everyone starting to leave, saying their own personal goodbyes to Jacob he was able to take her home. Carter was exhausted, all she wanted to do was lay down. There first full night together of base, away from working conditions had been purely innocent. Laying there in her bed, spooning her rubbing lazy circles over her arms, holding her tightly nuzzling into her hair, breathing in her scent, until the sobs subsided and sleep overcame her.
Walking over fallen trees navigating through thick under bush and uneven terrain while holding hands, took some getting used to. Taking a slow leisurely stroll, they walked for at least thirty minutes. The spot Jack chose has a tree stump all around almost like a scouting club's camp would use. He placed the blanket down using the stool as a table and an adjacent one as a leaning post.
Sam sat down between the table and Jack, in the perfect view both of the man in-front of him and the eye watering sights of the lake. She opened the boxes and passed a sandwich over to Jack and one for herself.
"It's lovely here, rather breathtaking." Sam pointed with her arm; her sandwich held tightly in her grasp.
"It is. All that's missing is the Jaffa and impending doom." he replied sarcastically, opening a beer. "Oh and maybe cake."
Smiling at his rubbish attempt of dry humour, yet somehow it made her relax a bit more. "Here you go." Sam laughed taking the packet cake out of the bag.
"You read my mind Carter. So tell me, how you doing with this?"
"I'm alright, how 'bout you?"
"Erm okay, I asked first."
"Sir?"
"Jack... Sam, listen I know there's been a lot of changes lately. But please, I beg you; don't be different with me okay. I'm not your CO and quite frankly. You haven't been a subordinate to me in a long time."
"Jack, you were always my CO, even when you let me get away with disobeying your orders or speaking out of line. You were and always will be my CO. Nothing you do or say will change that. You've let me see you for you, not just the General you are, I love both versions..."
"There's a but, isn't there, there is always a but." Jack moved closer.
"Not for me."
"Sam, you will still always be my Carter. Nothing will change that, just please when we are alone, or with the guys you treat me, just as a man, not a general. We've done well in the past to keep our hearts professional. Hell even crossed those lines a few times but still. Don't consider me as your CO Sam. I never want to take advantage of you."
"As if you could, Jack." She grinned using Jacks own attempt at dry humour, "just so we are clear on that I don't want you to stop being my CO. I think it best to take things slow; we already know a lot about each other."
"We do?"
"Now, now Jack I know you haven't forgotten all those years spent around the camp fire, chatting away while off-world, while we should of been keeping watch."
"Never" he finished smiling as though his eyes sparkled fire, remembering some of their in depth conversations about each others' past.
The Atmosphere fell silent, nothing else needed to be said. Jack offered his shoulder for Sam to lean on. They sat silently, just watching the birds, the life that the lake has to offer. Blissfully content.
Jack started to shuffle his bum, as it was becoming rather numb in his current position. Sensing his situation Sam stood up and started to pack the lunch away. Jack took longer to stand trying to shake feeling back into his bum and legs. He looked like a dog shaking the water off his fur coat. Sam couldn't help but shed a slight giggle; she tried her best to contain it.
Hand in hand they slowly strolled back to the cabin. A much slower pace at first until Jack regained feeling his buttocks. Overstepping the fallen branches, they navigated their way through nature's naturally overgrown obstacle course. In no time the pair arrived back at the cabin, leaving their muddy boots outside.
"So what do you have in mind for tonight?" Carter asked.
"Well I have no idea." Jack said looking dumbfounded.
"Movie night?" Carter asked.
"Yeah sure, grab your coat Carter. Let's head into town."
Sam obeyed grabbing her coat and her clean trainers. Thanking her lucky stars she brought a spare pair just in case. Within a short few minutes they were in his truck heading into a small quaint little town about thirty miles west of the cabin.
The night sky fast approached them, dusk settled in fast. It wasn't long before they pulled up in front of a rental store. Perhaps the one of a handful of private rental stores left in the country. They walked into the store, not hand in hand but close together that any person should recognise them would see their normal behaviour. After choosing a handful of movies, including a 'The Simpson special feature' Jack has yet to see. They walked over to a cafe. Immediately upon entering the cafe the owner approached Jack and greeted him. Although for a small cafe this elderly gentlemen was dressed proudly. He wore a sharp uniform and apron, similar to what you'd find, in a five star restaurant, with the subtle difference of a name tag that read 'Jimmy Walter'.
"General O'Neill, I wondered how long it would be until you showed up, I trust everything was okay with your cabin. Jason spent the whole day preparing it for you." Giving Jack an welcoming manly hug.
"Thank you Jimmy, yes, yes all outstanding as always, Jason has done a fine job. I have his payment here for you. Could you pass it to him?" Jack handed over the envelope.
"Thank you sir, I shall do just that. Are you after your usual? I see you have a lady friend?" Jimmy eyed up, Sam smiling curtly at her.
"Ah yes Jimmy, I'd like you to meet Colonel Samantha Carter."
"THE-Colonel Samantha Carter?" Looking over at Jack he saw his subtle nod as to shush, "Er forgive me ma'am, a pleasure to finally meet you."
"A pleasure to meet you too Jimmy, you have a lovely cafe."
"Thank you, Thank you. So what can I get for you?" Jimmy smiled, releasing her hand. "Jack the usual, Steak with all the trimmings Mrs Walters - famous cake and beer?"
"Nothing wrong with your memory is there Jim. That sounds like it will hit the spot. Carter?"
"Erm yeah, that sounds rather lovely I'd like the same please."
"Now that is a woman, two steaks coming right up." Jimmy disappeared behind the counter after patting Jack on the back.
Sam looked at Jack and could see him shifting uncomfortably; she decided not to mention the 'The Colonel Samantha Carter' just this minute. She wouldn't want to put him further on the spot in present company and so publicly. This particular shade of red was definitely not normal.
Thanks for reading. I will try and update as much as I can. Although, I can't make any promises, I am very, very busy just lately. Ive got a few days down time, so thought I'd actually relax for once. Hope you enjoyed, more to come.
Any reviews more than welcome, especially constructive criticism.