Note: Set immediately after 6x15, goes AU after that point. Usual disclaimers apply, I own nothing, I promise to play nice and put them back when I'm done. :D

Sam paced anxiously as they awaited the Tok'ra's signal.

"Something the matter, Major?" General Hammond asked.

"No Sir. Sorry." Sam said, forcing herself to remain still. The Tok'ra were due any minute. Suddenly, the huge ring began to activate.

"Code coming in, Sir, it's the Tok'ra."

"Open the iris."

Sam, Teal'c, Jonas, and General Hammond moved quickly down into the Gate Room as the iris finished swirling open, revealing the blue wormhole beneath. Seconds later, Jack walked through accompanied by Jacob Carter. Sam broke from the line, walking towards her dad but staring over his shoulder directly at Jack.

"Dad." She said, giving Jacob a hug.

"Hi, Sam. Brought someone back." Sam grinned.

"Thank you for bringing him home," she said softly as she hugged him. Jacob raised an eyebrow as he hugged his daughter, noting the tone of her voice. Sam stepped back.

"Welcome home, Sir," she said, looking at Jack carefully, as if to make sure he was unharmed. "We've...all missed you." There was a slight catch in her voice after the first word as she recalled her earlier breakdown in Teal'c's arms.

"Thanks, Carter. Glad to be back." Jack's voice was casual but there was relief written all over his face. Everyone else approached.

"Welcome back, Colonel," said General Hammond. "Jacob. Thanks for picking him up."

"Glad we could help. I've got to get going." Jacob said, smiling at them all before turning to make a quick departure through the gate.

"Colonel, I think you've been through quite enough recently. Get some rest. We'll debrief in the morning and then you'll be off duty for at least three days."

"I really don't think-" Jack started.

"That's an order, Colonel." Hammond said in his most no-nonsense voice.

"Yes, Sir." Jack said.

"SG-1, you're all dismissed." They nodded and left the gate room.

Sam paced her quarters for an hour before throwing a sweatshirt over the jogging pants and tank top that served as her pyjamas and heading for Jack's. Their quarters were not far apart and less than five minutes from the time she'd made her decision, she was standing in front of his door. Now that she was there, she was starting to regret it, but she felt compelled. She had to know for herself that he was really okay. She raised her hand and knocked lightly, hoping he wasn't asleep yet. He answered quickly, wearing the flannel pants and t-shirt he kept on base as pyjamas in case he decided to stay there instead of going home.

"Carter," he said. Sam looked at him carefully.

"Sir," she said softly, taking him in. His hair was mussed from being towel-dried after his shower. "Sorry for coming by so late. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"It's not late, Carter. C'mon in." He pulled the door open further and stepped aside to allow her entry. Sam followed him in and he closed the door behind her.

"How are you?" she asked, feeling awkward now that she was there.

"I'm okay." Jack said. "Really," he added, noticing the look of concern still causing Sam's brow to furrow.

"You were gone so long." The words slipped out before Sam could stop them.

"But I'm back. And I'm ok, Carter. Sam. I'm okay." Her head snapped up when she heard him use her first name. He was standing a few feet away from her and she crossed over to him quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. She buried her face in his neck as he returned her hug, holding her tightly against his chest.

"I was so worried," she said. "I know. I'm not allowed to be. I shouldn't have been. But..." she trailed off as she clung to him, gripping the back of his t-shirt.

"I missed you too." Jack pulled her tighter. "God, I missed you." Sam looked up at his face. Her eyes were damp. Jack swiped below her eye gently with the pad of a thumb. "Don't cry." The words seemed hollow but he didn't know what else to say. His hand stayed on her cheek, gently cupping her face in his hands as they stood there for a full minute simply holding each other.

"Sir, I..."

"Don't. Sam. Please." Jack's voice was ragged. "Don't 'Sir' me. I think we both know that we are way beyond that at this point."

"Jack." His first name crossed her lips slowly, reluctantly. She was so unaccustomed to using it. He was staring into her eyes and Sam was sure he was going to see straight into her, his gaze was so intense. Almost unconsciously, her hand slid from his shoulder up the back of his neck to grip his short hair. The hand still on her back tangled in her top and Jack bent his head down to kiss her. The kiss was brief but intense, a desperate plea made by them both. When they broke apart, they stayed in the same position, just holding each other, until Sam's face dropped into Jack's chest again.

"Stay with me." Jack murmured, his voice low and rough. "I swear, I'm not coming on to you. I just...stay. Please, Sam." His voice was pleading in her ear. "In the morning we can be Carter and Sir again if you want. But for tonight...stay. Be Sam. Let me be Jack." Sam clung to his shirt as though he was going to vanish from within her arms if she didn't hold on tightly enough. A month had been far, far too long.

"I'll stay." Sam said. "I don't think I could go if I tried." She looked up at him and their lips met again, much more slowly this time.

The alarm went off too early. Jack groaned and reached behind him to slap it off impatiently before rolling back to retake Sam in his arms. She rolled over to face him, glancing over his shoulder at the time to confirm she'd gotten up early enough. Her hand stroked his cheek lightly.

"I have to go. If I don't leave now, people will be starting to move around base."

"Screw 'em." Jack said, eyes still closed as he pulled her closer. Sam smiled.

"I have to go." Her voice was gentle and very reluctant. Jack opened his eyes.

"You'll be at the briefing," it wasn't a question.

"I'll be there." she nodded. "I'll see you in a couple of hours. " She pressed her lips to his forehead before meeting his in one more kiss. They pressed their foreheads together, Sam fighting against herself to roll over and leave the bed.

"I love you." Jack said. "I know I can't tell you this. But I do. And I'm not risking something like this last month again without you knowing it."

"I know." Sam replied softly, her hand grazing his cheek again. "I knew. I...love you too." She kissed him softly, briefly, one more time before rolling herself out of the bed and forcing her body to leave Jack's quarters.