She was just about to shut her car's door, when she heard the call.
- Sam! Wait! – It was Janet, in her lab coat, running through the parking lot.
Sam stepped out of her beautiful '69 Corvette Stingray, stroking gently it's roof, and watching Frasier approaching her.
- Wass'up doc? – she joked
- Are you coming? – Janet ask, trying to catch her breath at the same time.
- Where? – Sam tried to remember any appointments she could have forgotten
- Hammond's ranch? He invited us last week for his retirement party…You know, weekend in Texas?
- Holly Hannah! – Sam face-palmed – I totally forgot! It's THIS weekend? You mean, like tomorrow?
- Yeah! And you said you'd be there! So I was wondering if you would give me a ride, 'cause colonel is already taking Daniel and Teal'c, and they will do all the "men on vacation" crap…
- I don't know if I'm gonna go…I promised Mark I would drop by this weekend to see him and kids. Haven't done that family stuff for a long time now… - Sam's face looked really confused.
Janet only smiled and shook her head.
- Family stuff, huh? Well, you better go and see your family then, major. You can always arrive later – it's not like we're gonna go anywhere.
- You're right! – Sam sighed relieved. – I'll see Mark and then drive to Hammond's rancho. Thanks, Janet!
- For a genius, you're not really good in planning things, are you?
- Hey, it's not like that...I'm just really…
- Nervous? Stressed? Freaked out?
- Come on! – both women laughed – But it's true. I haven't seen them in like 2 years!
- You'll be fine! – the Doctor turned around and started to walk back to the building. – See you in Texas!
Carter shook her head with a smile, and jumped back to her car.
Long, dusty road leading to general Hammond's ranch was wide and empty. Sam was close to 100 m/h, what, with the roof down, meant total destruction for her hairstyle, but she felt amazing! With a huge grin on her face, she pushed the engine a little more, crossing 110 and still speeding up. Wooden fence, barely visible from the top of the road, was getting bigger and closer with every second. Sam laughed loudly, but her laugh was muted by crazy wind.
The gate to the huge front yard was opened. Hammond's and O'Neill's cars were parked on the left side of the big house. Carter entered the property with 60 m/h on speedometer, turning the wheels at the last moment, blocking them with a handbrake and making a spectacular drift and 180 degrees turn to the last free parking spot.
She turned of the engine and sat comfortably in a sport- profiled seat.
Adrenaline and endorphines in her system made her feel like just after good sex.
It looked like a sand storm. The dust she moved with her show-off maneuver was slowly falling down.
Carter grabbed small sport bag she packed and opened the door.
- Nice one! – she heard general's voice behind her back.
- Good morning sir! Sorry for making a sand storm, but I couldn't resist…
- If I would have such a beauty, I wouldn't as well – Hammond laughed, coming closer and looking at the Corvette with real admiration – Glad you could make it, Sam – he said, shaking her hand.
- Thank you, sir! I'm happy to be here, sir! – Sam was just a little bit uncomfortable with Hammond calling her by name, shaking her hand, wearing civilian clothes, all loose and calm.
- For the weekend, I suggest you lose the "sir". We've been through enough together, and we know each other too well, to act all stiff and official on vacation. It's George. – he put his hand on her arm, very fatherly, and started to walk, leading her to the house.
Now Carter felt really awkward.
- It may be difficult, sir…George.
- Oh, I know you'll be awkward for a moment. But you'll get use to it – he smiled and opened the door. – After you, Sam.
Yup…so awkward – she said to herself, passing Hammond and entering the house.
She has always imagined that general's house would be very Spartan and military in style, so she was surprised to see how cozy and tasteful the inside was. Warm colors like yellow, dark latte, or pale green, comfortable couch and chairs, fireplace with some hunting trophies on it…
- Very nice place, sir. – she commented – sorry…George.
- Thank you, Sam. Everyone's in the backyard. We're barbequing. Jack is making his famous steaks.
- With beer sauce? – Sam raised her eyebrow.
- Yes, the one and only O'Neill's beer sauce.
Sam sighed.
- Looks like I'm gonna have to try them finally.
Hammond laughed, opening the screen door to the patio.
- Carter, you are just in time! – Jack said, trying to turn the meat over with one hand.
- As always, sir!
- Indeed – Teal'c said, standing behind him, observing Jack's actions with skepticism.
- Hello Teal'c! How are you?
- I'm very well, major Carter. How are you?
- Good, thanks. Where is Daniel and Janet?
- Daniel Jackson and doctor Frasier are trying to learn how to tame a horse. – Teal'c provided her with the needed information, not loosing the meat from his sight.
- Horse? You have horses here, sir? – Sam turned to Hammond.
- Carter! No-sir-weekend ! – Jack pointed at her with a bottle of beer in his hand.
- Sorry…
- No worries. – Hammond said with a smile – And yes, Sam, we have horses here. After all, it's a rancho.
- Right…- Sam turned to O'Neill – How is it, that No-sir-weekend doesn't apply to Teal'c,… Jack? – she never felt more weird calling O'Neill by name.
- Well, you know…-Jack looked at Jaffa – He is…different.
- True – Sam laughed. – So where I should look for them? – she asked.
- Just over there – Hammond pointed her in the right direction.
- I'll go and say hi.
- You tell them, that the meat is almost ready – said Jack.
- I doubt that – Teal'c commented raising an eyebrow.
Sam walked away, leaving Jack and Teal'c stabbing the meat with the long fork.
The weather was beautiful – sunny, very warm, but a little bit windy. Sam took off her leather jacket, draping it over her arm. Hammond's ranch was absolutely amazing. Quiet, very private and well kept.
Sam saw the stable and paddock. Daniel was sitting on a beautiful brown horse, clearly trying not to fall down. He was wearing cowboy-style riding pants and checked shirt. When she came closer, she also noticed Janet, standing not far away from the horse, Daniel and the instructor, whoever he was, talking over the phone.
Sam had to clear her throat, and take control over her stomach, 'cause what she saw made crazy butterflies dance inside it and caused a knot in her throat.
Janet was wearing tight white riding-breeches, high black jackboots and a very tight white polo shirt. Sun showed clearly the golden reflections in her brown hair, which wind scattered around her face.
She turned around, saw Sam and waved friendly.
Carter waved back with a forced smile. She had no idea what is going on with her. It happened a few times before, in SGC. Once, she lost her train of thought in the middle of her sentence, while talking to Hammond, 'cause she noticed that amazing curve of Janet's neck when she was walking pass them at the corridor. The other time, she had the smell of her perfume and shower gel stuck in her nose for the whole day, while sitting in her lab.
Then, she blamed it on the lack of social life, and lack of a man in her life.
But that explanation just became useless.
She got seriously laid over the weekend.
And she still had this stupid crush on Janet.
Carter never considered the possibility of being attracted to another woman. She always thought she was straight. Never experimented with her friends, never noticed any signs of being interested in women.
- Hello Sam! – Daniel noticed her, and waved, losing the balance. The horse moved anxiously. Daniel very elegantly landed on his ass under the animal.
- Damn! Daniel! – Sam run up to him, so did Frasier, seeing Jackson on the ground. The instructor, a young guy, was laughing, but he led the horse away from Daniel.
- Daniel, are you ok? – she asked kneeling next to him.
- I'm ok, doc. My ass can't be in any more pain, though.
- I'm so sorry Daniel – Sam stood behind Janet. She smiled to him, and offered her hand to help him get up.
- It's not your fault. It's my stupidity. Well, looks like riding horses is just not my thing. – he smiled, grabbed her hand and stood up.
- You made it, Sam. – Janet smiled, making Sam blush a little, and without any warning, hugged her tightly.
- Ugh…Yup, I'm here – Carter hugged her as well, but she tried to be as gentle as possible…Frasier seemed to be so little and fragile. Her head fitted exactly under Sam's chin, and perfectly in to her arms. Suddenly she felt very relaxed and calm.
The hug lasted a little bit longer than it should, so when they had finally parted, Daniel looked at them suspiciously, but said nothing.
- Jack said, that the meat should be ready soon. We should probably head there. – Sam made a goofy face – Famous "beer sauce" awaits! We are so damn lucky!
- Yeah…we are – Daniel rolled his eyes. – Let's go then. Thanks Tim! I'll see you later! – He said to the kid who was teaching him.
They started to walk back to the patio.
- So Sam, how was your family reunion? – Janet asked.
- It was fine… of course they all think my job is just staring through a huge telescope all day long, and that's why I'm not visiting…But it was still great to spend some time with my brother. We had lots of catching up to do. And we did… kind of.
- That's great! – Janet smiled – We had a blast yesterday, fishing in a pond behind the house. You should have seen Jack's face when it turned out there actually ARE fish in that pond, and he caught one…
- Teal'c LAUGHED yesterday. Like for real – Daniel was still walking with his hand on his ass, like it would help.
- No way! – Sam smirked, trying not to make fun of him.
- Yup… It was right after Jack caught the fish…or was it the 27th beer he had? That guy is just amazing!
- Sounds like you had fun! – Sam felt that little pinch of jealousy.
- We did! – Janet agreed – But I missed your company… Being the only female among a general, a crazy colonel, a Jaffa and a nerd is quite exhausting.
- Both women laughed loudly.
- I can only imagine!
They smelled the meat before they saw the patio. Apparently, the colonel miscalculated the time the meat should be barbequed. Again.
However, the beer sauce was very good. It tasted like a beer.
They spent the afternoon on a patio, exchanging stories, memories and recalling mutual adventures, sipping beer. General Hammond promised a big fire, with grilled sausages and marshmallows, so as soon as the sun began to set down, Sam and Janet went back to the house to change, and the men started the preparations.
Sam's room was vis-à-vis Janet's.
Sam unpacked her bag, and took off her blouse. Jeans could stay, but without sun shining, it could get chilly, so Sam decided to wear her AF Academy hoody. She was just about to put it on, when she heard knocking, and a second later Janet stuck her head round the door.
- Are you ready? – She asked.
- Not exactly – Sam blushed for an unknown reason. After all, Janet, as her physician, saw her undressed so many times. She quickly put her hoody on, not looking at the doctor.
When she finally did look at her friend, Janet had this enigmatic and a little bit rakish smile. That made her neck join her cheeks in a blush.
- Take your time – a cheeky note vibrated in Janet's voice.
- I'm pretty much ready now. – Sam headed to the door.
Janet sighed, smiling amused.
They stopped in the kitchen and prepared few snacks.
The fire was really big, as Hammond promised. They sat on wooden benches, grilled marshmallows and everything that one can put on a stick and eat, joked, and laughed. Sam felt very casual and free. She just finished another beer, and stood up to grab another one from the table few feet away.
- Grab one for me too, Carter! – O'Neill was just walking back from the house. Sam grabbed two bottles, and waited for him. He came closer, stopping few inches from her. He was buzzed, as was she.
- I have a name, you know, JACK?…Not a bad one… - Sam looked at him boldly.
- Right…Sorry. Just a force of habit. – he shrugged his arms.
- You think it's easy for me, calling you and Hammond by name? You could make some effort as well. – she poked him in the chest with her finger.
- Woohoo, ok! - He grabbed her hand, and put it away – Let's not go down that road now, ok?
- What road, Jack? Physical contact? Casual talk? – Sam was pissed a little.
- Come on Sam, we're both buzzed…Let's not do that here…
- Oh, so now I'm Sam? When you want to avoid talking, and get rid of me? Well, don't worry, Jack. I'm not gonna make you talk about what happened on P3X 236. As you said then, lets just forget about that, and be teammates again. Friends. Pals. – She was really angry now, but she didn't shout. Carter grabbed her combat knife, she had by her belt, with one move opened both beer bottles, cutting off the heads, and handed one to O'Neill. – Well then, let's drink to that, buddy! – she bumped her bottle with his, and took a huge sip.
Unfortunately, roughed beer started to buzz and spluttered all over her hoody. O'Neill, frozen with not really intelligent look on his face, suddenly jumped away.
Sam said nothing, just threw away, now empty, bottle, turned around and walked fast to the house.
Janet saw the whole situation from her place by the fire. She couldn't hear what they were talking about, but she was sure that it wasn't a very pleasant talk.
Jack came by the fire, with a bottle of beer Sam opened for him, looking concerned and confused.
- Where did Sam go? – Daniel asked, checking with his tongue if the marshmallow is ready.
- She spilled beer on herself. I think she went to change.
- Oh…Ok. So, Teal'c you were saying… - Daniel turned back to Jaffa.
Nobody except for Janet seemed to notice what happened.
- I'm gonna go and put some jacket on as well. It's getting chilly. – Janet walked after Sam.
Before she made it to the house, Sam was already in her room. The door was closed, and Janet heard only weird noises, like someone would…She couldn't find any comparison. She opened the door gently.
- Sam? Are you ok? – Janet walked in, and saw Sam sitting on bed and punching the pillow with an anger she had never thought the blonde had inside.
- No…I'm…not…ok – she answered between the punches.
Janet came closer, and put her hand on Sam's arm.
- Calm down, Sam. It won't help.
Carter punched the pillow for the last time, and with that last punch she broke the dam she put on her tears. They started to fall down her face, making her look miserable and vulnerable.
- Fucking bustard! It's just so not fair to make someone fall in love with you, give them one night, and ask to be friends after all that. You have no idea how much it costed me to forgive, forget and move on! And it costed him nothing. He just moved on, with this stupid smile of his, happy to "Carter" and "major" me all the time, like nothing happened. – She stood up, and started to walk around the room, wiping tears with fury. And it happened – not once, but 4 times. Why I am so stupid, and always fall for his cheap games? – She hit the wall with her fist, and regretted it right away – Ouch…
- Sam, please, calm down. You'll hurt yourself. – Janet was still sitting on a bed. After a few seconds of silence, when Sam was trying to get her breath to normal, Janet asked. – I assume you're talking about O'Neill?
- Yes. – She sat down heavily, next to Janet, and hid face in hands. – I slept wit him on a mission, few weeks ago.
- I'm surprised it happened so late!
- What? – Sam looked at her surprised.
- You heard…- Janet looked at the blonde and brushed hair from her forehead. – You care about each other, you feel good in each others' company, you are both very attractive…And you spend a lot of time together. It was obvious, for me at least, that it will happen. And I knew it would be hard for you.
- You find me attractive? – Sam had trouble breathing 'cause of Janet's hand stroking her hair gently.
- Yeah – Janet smiled – I would say even more. You are hot. But what really matters is that that's your problem. You don't know that. Or you don't want to know. And, God, you're the most sexually awkward person I know! – the Doctor laughed. – Even a tiny little tease, or flirt, and you are so uncomfortable…
- It's not true! – Sam was dumbfounded – I'm not sexually awkward! – she moved Janet's hand away
- You are – Janet was still smiling cheekily – the best example we've had this afternoon, when I walked in, and you were not fully dressed. You blushed, like I've never seen you undressed. Come on! Don't be such a saint!
- It is not because I am sexually awkward, Janet! – Sam jumped of the bed and turned to the brunette with anger in her eyes – And I can prove it to you!
- Oh really? – Janet stood up as well, making Sam crazy furious with that bold smile – How are you gonna do that?
Sam looked like she was about to blow up. She whispered through clenched teeth.
- Maybe this will convince you.
Carter grabbed Janet's shirt, pulled her closer and kissed.
The kiss was filled with anger, as Sam really tried to show Janet she's not joking. But the second Janet responded, kissing her back, Sam lost her confidentiality. Anger turned into passion, that she held back so long. Furious fight of lips and tongues yielded to gentle dance, as both of them yielded to overwhelming desire.
Janet took over for a minute, just to withdraw when Sam felt too comfortably.
- I was right – she said, breaking the kiss brutally, and holding Sam's face back. The blonde covered Janet's hand on her chick with her own hand trying to catch a breath. – You are uncomfortable with your sexuality.
- No…It's just that ridiculous crush I have on you… - Sam whispered, daring to look in Janet's eyes. – Can't explain it… You just make me blush, and drool…
Both women laughed.
- I certainly never expected that confession – Frasier smiled gently. – We can get rid of it…
- Of what?
- Of your crush.
- Oh really? How are you gonna do that? – Sam marked her.
Janet only nodded her head, turned Sam around and pushed her on bed.
This time Sam was the one to break the kiss, after a few minutes of struggling with Janet's bra.
- It is really not that easy from this side – She said surprised.
- I have no way of knowing… Never done it with another woman… - Janet helped her, undoing the bra by herself.
- Me neither… - Sam kissed Janet's neck, and went down, turning the small brunette on her back – but…I…like…it.
- Me too – Janet moaned, getting rid of Sam's dog tags and bra.
As soon as their jeans and the rest of underwear joined the bras somewhere on the floor, both of them begun a fascinating journey, discovering each others bodies – so gentle, so different from what they knew. Maybe it was alcohol, maybe it was the atmosphere, but whatever it was, it let Sam be so curious and brave, like she had never suspected she could be. She kissed, stroked and touched every part of Janet's body, and every sigh or moan was making her more curious.
Finally, Janet rolled them around, taking over the control.
- Now it's my turn, Sammy… - she whispered to her ear, gently caressing Sam's skin with her breath.
- Yes ma'am! – Sam was already turned on like hell, and she had trouble breathing.
Janet's touch only made it worse. She was finding all her sensitive places, like she had a freaking map!
- Come on, Janet! Stop torturing me! – Sam was close to orgasm four times, and Janet never let her come.
Brunette came back up and faced Sam with a big grin.
- I'm just paying you back… - she locked her eyes on Sam's and slowly put her hand between them.
- Oh my… - Janet's kiss muted Sam's scream. If she wouldn't do that, probably the whole rancho would found out that Sam Carter just came…
It took them few minutes to calm down after this incredible adventure.
- It was… - Sam started
- Fun? Interesting? Amazing?
- Indeed. All three. – they both laughed.
Silence between them, that filled the room was not awkward anymore. Janet waited until both were breathing calm and even, and looked at Sam.
She was asleep.
Janet only sighed, covered her with a blanket, picked up her clothes, dressed up and left the room.
As she was gently closing the door behind her, she saw Jack approaching her. He was drunk.
- Where were you? – he asked, stopping by the door and trying to grab the knob.
- She is not feeling well… Too much beer and marshmallows, I think. Let her sleep. She should be fine by tomorrow.
Jack run his hand through his hair.
- Ok, I guess we can talk tomorrow…
- You should. Good night Jack.
Janet closed her room's door, leaving O'Neill with very unhappy face in the middle of dark corridor.