Hi everyone, I've got another oldie for you all to read. The good news is that I am getting on well with my 100th fic – I've got about 25 pages written already, but I'll need to wrote some more before I consider posting it here. And it's going to be a long one, that I do know for sure. So I hope you'll be content to read this while you wait. Oh, and I haven't forgotten the next chapter of Pride... either, that's coming soon.

So, here it is, unbeta'd, and more or less in its original state. Enjoy!

Valuable Assets.

By Lingren.

Category: Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Romance.

Pairings: Sam/Jack established.

Season: 6. After Metamorphosis.

Spoilers: Frozen, Abyss, Smoke & Mirrors, Paradise Lost, Metamorphosis.

Summary: Jack faces a life or death situation off world nearly every week. But during a simple trip to the Bank?

Disclaimer: Don't own Stargate SG-1. No copyright infringements intended. Just borrowing the Characters for a bit of fantasy and imagination.

Chapter 1 – Great Expectations.

The atmosphere in the briefing room was one of pending excitement. At least, Jonas Quinn was the one who sat at the table with the big smile of barely contained enthusiasm across his face. The other members of SG-1 who were gathered round the table in the room, had smiles of indulgence written over their features.

"I suppose this means you'll be off the minute I dismiss you." General George Hammond grinned, actually laughing when Jonas nodded vigorously. Hammond felt a certain amount of pleasure at having delivered the news Jonas had been eagerly awaiting for months for, now he was a permanent member of the team. "You have four days of down time as from now, people. Jonas, I'm sure you'll make the most of it. I gather the rest of you have volunteered to help get Jonas settled?" he asked, acknowledging the silent nods from his team. Teal'c and Sam seemed enthusiastic about it, but he wasn't so sure the Colonel was really doing this of his own free will. More like he had been coerced into it by the others. He grinned again to himself, wondering what they had promised him in exchange for his help. No doubt he'd find out later. "Have fun people. Dismissed."

The General stood up, quickly followed by the other two serving officers, as he left them to return to his office, allowing them free rein to discuss their next move.

"I think it's time we took that little trip to the Bank Jonas to finalise the details of that loan. Don't you?" Colonel Jack O'Neill stated resignedly. This was something he'd sooooo rather not be doing. He'd much prefer to take off to his cabin, and never more so, than with Sam tagging along for company. "It's too late to go there right now, but tomorrow sounds fine."

"Thank you Colonel. I really appreciate all your help. I can't believe it's happening at last. All I need now is to pass my driver's test, and I'll be all set."

"Ah...yeah...about that driving thing." Jack reluctantly recalled the last time he'd ventured to instruct Jonas in the art. "I think you need a few more lessons first. I believe it's Teal'c's turn, I still haven't gotten over that last heart attack yet."

Teal'c raised his eyebrow, and gave Jack an old fashioned questioning look.

"What?" Jack asked innocently.

"I believe it is still your turn O'Neill." Teal'c stated, raising an eyebrow. "I have already completed my quota." When he saw the look of almost panic cross his friend's face, he changed his mind. "However, I am willing to acquiesce for one more lesson in your stead."

"Thanks Teal'c. I owe ya one." Jack visibly relaxed.

"You do indeed O'Neill." Teal'c added curling his lips in a slight smile, causing Jack to frown now with worry, wondering what Teal'c would hold him to, in exchange for the favour. He decided to change the subject quickly.

"Ahem...how about we all meet up in Marcie's Diner at say...10:00hrs. Carter..." He turned to face his 2IC, Major Samantha Carter. "...I'll pick you up at 09:30hrs. No sense in us all taking our cars." Teal and Jonas looked at him knowingly, before Jack added hastily. "Parking might just be a problem."

"Yes Sir. Thanks." Sam smiled, pleased with his suggestion. It would at least give them a little time together on their own.

"Okay kids. I got some paperwork to finish up with. See ya tomorrow." Jack stood to go, gathering up his papers and left the others to chat over what they wanted to do the following day. He'd promised to take Jonas to the Bank. They had already arranged a loan, Jack offering to stand as surety for the alien, his own credit rating and reputation as well as being an Air Force Officer and a well established client, had been good enough to persuade the Bank Manager that it would be okay.

The President had finally granted Jonas permission to live outside the base now, and he was looking forward to finalising the details on the apartment which they'd found for him, but he'd needed a loan to pay for the furniture and everything else he might need. The Air Force could only do so much, the rest was up to Jonas.

Walking along the hallways, Jack was recalled from his thoughts by Sam's voice calling to him as he strode purposely towards his office.

"Colonel."

He stopped mid stride and turned to see her jog to catch up with him.

"What's up Carter?" he asked when she'd finally stood inches away, facing him. His heart beat faster with her nearness and suddenly he wanted to hold her right now, but had to resisted the temptation. He'd waited all day, another hour or so wouldn't hurt. Could it? He took a deep breath to quell his need, and push away the ache in his arms.

"Nothing Colonel. I just wanted to remind you of our Movie and Pizza night tonight. I thought you may have forgotten. I wouldn't want you to miss out on it Sir." She smiled up at him, making his task of fighting his desire for her more difficult. Her thinly veiled hint reminding him, that she needed his company too.

"Nope...I hadn't forgotten, Carter. I'll see you later. 19:30hrs. Your place. You got it. Bye." He grinned down at her, savouring the smile on her lips. His yearning climbed up another notch, but he turned away quickly and continued on his way, hoping he could last out for another three hours.

"Yes Sir. Bye." She watched him go, her heart light as she looked forward to being with him again, where they could both relax together. It was hard sometimes to quash the almost overwhelming feelings they'd tried to hide from those at work, but which had now bubbled to the surface after both of them had come so close to dying lately, so much so, that they could no longer ignore them. When they were away from the Mountain, and in private it was easier. Teal'c and Jonas were keeping their secret for them, allowing them to enjoy each other's company without the fear of being discovered. She inwardly purred at the thought of tonight. Oh yeah...she was really looking forward to holding him, and being enfolded safely within his arms again.

OoOoOoOoOoO

It was precisely at 09:15 hrs that Colonel Jack O'Neill pulled up in front of his 2IC's house the next morning. Earlier than originally arranged, but perfectly planned to spend a few rare minutes together before they left, he grinned, as he rang the doorbell.

Sam opened the door to his insistent ringing. She knew who it was instantly, she'd recognise that impatient ringing anywhere.

"Hi. You're early," she stated unnecessarily, grinning up at him.

"Yeah I know. You ready?"

"Yeah, almost." He stepped past her and walked into the lounge, while she shut the door and followed him. He turned to face her smiling.

"Good. Thought I'd come early, 'cos I missed you." He held his arms out towards her, capturing her hands in his, and pulling her towards him.

"Jack..." she laughed, walking willingly into his embrace. "...you only left here...what...eight hours ago...I..." Her words stopped abruptly as his lips covered hers in a wonderful heart-stopping kiss, and suddenly she didn't couldn't remember what she was going to say any more, or care for that matter. All that she was concerned with right now, was being in his arms and returning the loving gesture. A few minutes later, they pulled back, breathless, and he rested his forehead lightly against hers.

"Damn Jonas. We coulda had a couple of days up at the cabin. Instead we have to traipse around buying things for his new apartment," he growled. "This is just soooo not fair."

They both sighed, clinging to each other, reluctant to let go.

"We promised him," she stated half-heartedly, unwilling to move from the comfort of Jack's arms.

"Yeah...I know. Why the hell do I do these things?" he asked rhetorically, making the first move judiciously by pulling away from her, and already feeling bereft of her warmth.

She took a deep breath and sighed.

"I'll go get my things." He watched her as she hurried down the hallway. His eyes never leaving her until she'd disappeared from his view. He sighed deeply again and shook his head, wondering why he was torturing himself. When she returned, he was once more in control of his wayward thoughts, and started focusing all his attention on the day's errands.

"Okay then," he grinned, resignedly. "Let's hit the road."

TBC