The soft music began a familiar tune. All bodies in the audience turned toward the back, where several figures stood waiting in the archway of the garden. Vala, clad in an exuberant red dress, marched down the aisle, grinning all the way. Daniel and Cam couldn't help but catch her excitement and smiled as they watched her approach. The groom stood stoicly, nervously wringing his hands. A young woman followed and took her place next to Vala. Soon a small ring bearer and then a flower girl made their way forward.
The music picked up. A light breeze rustled and the sun shone perfectly. Sam held on tight to Teal'c, who unabashadly grinned as he walked her down the aisle. He'd been waiting over 50 years for this moment, and now it was finally coming to fruition. She smiled nervously at first, but her butterflies ceased once she caught sight of her groom. Jack O'Neill couldn't help but flash her a cooky grin.
The ceremony was short and sweet, just the way Jack liked his speeches. The crowd hooted and hollered for the happy couple once they were wed. Jack and Sam strolled back down the aisle, well wishers blowing bubbles. Daniel hooked arms with Vala, happy that for once, all was well with SG-1. Cam grabbed a hold of Cassie, the younger bridesmaid, and the rest of the small wedding party followed suit.
They took their photos while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour. Jack held on to Sam for dear life, lest some unnatural force whisk her away. Vala rather enjoyed this event. Everyone was all smiles, including Teal'c. And as an added bonus, she had an excuse to hang on to Daniel, one of her favorite people in the galaxy. He didn't mind either, seeing as it was his duty as best man to escort the maid of honor everywhere.
The pair watched as Jack and Sam posed for yet another shot among the garden flowers and trees. Vala sighed. "They look so perfect together." She leaned her head on Daniel's shoulder. He made no move to remove her today.
"They do. I'm happy for them." He might have been smiling, but the moment was bittersweet for Daniel. An occasion like this couldn't stop him from thinking of his dead wife. He directed his thoughts away from the possibility that their dangerous work ran the risk of cutting Jack and Sam's happiness short. Perhaps 'settling down' would encourage both of them to lead quieter, less hazardous lives.
Before he knew it, Vala was hastily leading him toward the happy couple. Apparently it was their turn for pictures. They posed with the bride and groom in various combinations, the boys both exasperated with the sheer amount of photos the photographer felt the need to take. Sam took it in all in stride, and Vala was simply glowing with the extra attention. Daniel shook his head in amusement.
The photographer shooed everyone away when it was time for just Daniel and Vala's photo op. At the professional's direction, Vala leaned back into Daniel's arms. They both turned toward the camera, and for a few moments, Vala got to pretend that he was holding her of his own free will. She liked the feel of him forming a protective cocoon around her slightly smaller frame. She was just as excited about Sam getting married as getting the chance to act this way with Daniel. When the photographer instructed Daniel to lean his head into hers, she could just melt.
While the two pairings' photo ops were sweet, the rest of the gang's were fun. Cam was much older than his partner. Rather than regard the match as awkward, he and Cassie took the opportunity to take a multitude of silly pics. There were the necessary poses, but none without grins and giggles. Teal'c posed with the two young children, creating a stark juxtaposition of short and tall. He effortlessly balanced them both on his back in a few shots. Initially afraid of this huge man, the children now clung to him as their newest teddy bear.
After what seemed forever, the reception finally started. Introductions were made and food was served. Glasses clinked and clanked constantly, the crowd roaring whenever Jack and Sam obliged them with a kiss.
"I've known Sam for a little while now. She and I have formed a special bond, being two of the few females at our workplace. Sam, I want to thank you for indulging me in mochachinos, pedicures, and the venerable Victoria's Secret." Vala said the last bit with a sultry tone, provoking whistles and hoots from the men in the crowd, Cam being one of them. He ignored the good-natured glares from Jack and Daniel. "You've been nothing but a great friend. And you," she said as she pointed dramatically at Jack. He gestured to himself innocently. The crowd chuckled. "…are one of the most delightful Generals I have ever had the pleasure to meet, you being one of two Generals I've met, and I'm pleased to approve this union. I want you to know, Jack, that we just had a girl's day out not too long ago." She paused and drew a slow smirk on her face. In a low voice, "Enjoy the Victoria's Secret tonight." The crowd hollered in response, causing Sam to bow her head in slight embarassment. Jack grinned. Vala raised her glass to them and the audience did the same.
After being handed the mic, Daniel stood for his turn. "Sam, Jack, you are two of the very best friends I've ever had. We've all known each other for over 10 years now. Now in all that time, I realize I've talked… a lot… so I'll keep this short since, Jack, I know you're not too big on speeches." Jack had to raise his glass for that one, earning a slight glare from his best man. "We've all been through plenty of ups and downs together, but through it all, you two always watch each other's backs, be you inches or many, many, many miles apart. I know you'll continue to do the same and so much more as husband and wife. I'm so happy for you; I truly am. It's just…" Daniel sighed and donned a serious look. "…I just have this one nagging problem with your relationship." He scanned the crowd, ensuring that they were fully engaged and even a little worried that he might already be drunk. "What the Hell took you so damn long!?" At this, every single member of the SGC who was present broke out in laughter. Daniel raised his glass. "To Jack and Sam!"
"Here here!" the crowd murmured. Glasses clinked once more, prompting the couple to share a lingering kiss. The emcee soon announced that dinner would be served and a live band began to play music in the background.
Daniel took his seat next to Vala. "Nice," she commented.
He smiled crookedly in response. "You too. Of course you had to mention the Victoria's Secret."
"Of course."