Sing for Absolution Chapter 1: Default Chapter, a stargate: sg-1 fanfic

Sing For Absolution

By Sam I Am –

Rating: PG-13 (can't honestly be any more than that)

Warnings: Sam/Jack (that's a warning for anyone who don't like that) Major Character death (and don't let that put you off it!)

Category: Character death, Sam/Jack Romance, Hurt/Comfort, probably AU fic as it couldn't happen in the series, Holiday (Valentines) and a little bit of SG-1 Humour thrown in for good measure. (If there's anything I missed out someone tell me!)

Spoilers: References to 'Emancipation', 'In the Line of Duty' and lots of little bits and pieces from Seasons 1-4.

Time frame: Sometime during Season 4(I think!)

Summary: Jack finally asks Sam on a date, but Sam's already booked for the evening! (Don't you just hate it when that happens!)

Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime / Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. No copyright infringement is intended. No money is being made. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Not to be archived without permission. The title of this story is taken from the Muse song 'Sing for Absolution'. No copyright intended. Also, the lyrics for all these songs were used without permission (Sorry!) No Copyright intended, it's just this story has to have songs! The songs are 'What can I do?' The Corrs, 'Against All Odds' Phil Collins, 'Wanna Dance with Somebody' Whitney Houston, 'How Can I Live?' Leanne Rimes, 'I Will Always Love you' Whitney Houston, 'Power of Love Celine Dion (a lot!)

If you want to archive my story TELL ME, or, to borrow a phrase from our beloved Colonel, I am SO gonna kick your ass!

Author's Notes: I began writing this at Valentines and haven't finished it until June... Just goes to show what I'm like! I'll be half way through something when an even more wonderful storyline pops into my conniving brain, a little light bulb lights up above my head and I start writing something else... leaving the previous story till a few months have past and I'm halfway through yet another wonderful storyline and another little light bulb flicks on and I have an idea to finish the original story! (Whew! That took a while to explain!)

Dedications: To my darling Best pal/Editor. You get me through the day, Sweetie! So Thank you. You're great! Also to another of my best pals, that poor innocent Year 7, Jesse. I've successfully converted him to the ways of the Stargate fan! Thanks for sitting next to me on the bus every morning, my Mini-Apophis! And yet another dedication! To all the S/J fans who sat through Season 7 thinking after every episode: 'Hey Wait a sec! There's another S/J moment! What's going on?' The writers suddenly seemed to have realised that if Sam and Jack don't get together in the end... a few hundred people will massacre them!

And so Ladies and Gentleman... Sing For Absolution!

February 14th. Valentine's day. A day of happiness, joy and love... or in Sam's case misery, sorrow and frustration!

Sam sighed. It was 5:30pm and the only card she'd had all day had been from Cassie and though Sam had thought it had been cute it hadn't been what she really wanted. Of course the only one she had wanted hadn't come and she had the distinct feeling it wouldn't. Hence the misery, sorrow and frustration!

She wondered if he even knew how she felt about him. It wouldn't be surprising if he did. He probably pitied her. At least he'd had a shot at marriage and having a family. Her engagement had barely begun before it finished and even then her fiancé had turned out to be an absolute psycho! Not to mention every relationship she'd had since then had ended in her new boyfriend dying! Her love life was a joke. Especially as the only guy she really loved, she couldn't have. She wondered if he...

"Carter! Wait up!"

Sam froze as the voice followed her down the corridor. It was him. She turned on the spot slowly to face Colonel O'Neill striding towards her in his familiar way.

She'd been on her way out of the complex and was only a few feet away from the elevators. She needed to go home and get changed before she met with Dominic at the bar. She'd already picked out her clothes for that evening. The dress was lying on her bed waiting to be put on.

The Colonel came up to her. He was agitated, she could always tell. There was always the tell tale sign. He couldn't keep his fingers still and always fidgeted when he was nervous. He pulled them through his short, greying hair. She couldn't understand why he hated his hair so much. Actually, she could, but she thought he looked quite... well, things that weren't supposed to be thought about your CO!

She guessed he was waiting for her to respond in some way, so she said quietly, "Sir?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. He'd changed into jeans and a black shirt. He'd pulled his leather jacket over that and his hands were now stuffed into the pockets. He spoke casually, trying to hide the soft shudder in his voice, "Going home?"

"Yes, Sir," she said knowing he was working up to something. Oh she hoped so!

"Me too," he said and then cleared his throat, "Um, Carter? I was wondering if you wanted to go get a beer or something? You know. If you're not busy or anything."

Sam heart seemed to have suddenly plunged all the way to her toes on a bungee line and had then hurtled all the way back into her throat. She was about to say 'Yes' when she remembered the dress lying on her bed at home, Dominic and the bar. She closed her eyes for a second in pure misery. Any other day and it had to be Saturday!

She stared at him imploringly trying to tell him she really wanted to go out with him as she said regretfully, "I'm sorry, but I'm busy."

"Oh, OK Carter," he said hurriedly, "See you on Monday." With that he turned and strode away, as fast as he could without jogging away from the lifts, the opposite direction to his home.

Sam turned in the opposite direction towards the lifts. She walked towards them cursing under her breath. Why did Valentine's have to be on a Saturday this year?

She left the base wishing that today hadn't been today, so she wouldn't be busy and could've gone and had a beer with the Colonel.

Man, did she wish!?!

Sam pulled into the car park, thanking god that her parking space around the back was still free. The car park was already packed and it was only 6:30. She'd made good time getting here. After washing her hair and getting changed, it hadn't taken her that long.

She sighed and switched off the car. She pulled the keys out and drooped for a moment over the steering wheel. She sighed again and lifted up the case propped on the passenger seat. She slammed the car door shut forcefully and locked it, shivering as a nippy breeze blew past. The chilled night's air stung her bare legs and face. She pulled her leather jacket around her tightly and trudged towards the brightly lit bar, with it's flashing neon lights.

She stepped up to the door and noticed the fluorescent pink flyer attached to the sandwich board placed strategically outside. She shook her head, "How did I get myself into this?" And then she remembered it was doing her Dad's friend a favour. She shivered again and realised she was still just stood outside the door. She muttered, "Damn job!" as she stepped inside.

She pushed past the mass of people swarming the bar. Many people greeted her warmly, but for once Sam didn't answer. The barman flashed her a smile and waved slightly. She just smiled back slightly; she owed it to him. He'd been very good to her Dad after Mom had died.

She pushed through the crowd and when she reached the edge of the throng, she looked out over a sea of tables and chairs. Behind them the stage shone from the lights aimed at it. On the stage, she could see Dominic. He'd already set up and was warming up. For a guy he was extremely organised. When he saw her, he grinned widely and gave her a drum roll.

She waded through the sea of dark wooden tables and scarlet cushioned chairs. For Valentine's, each table had a candle in a heart-shaped, glass holder. They shone the rosy-pink colour around the tables and left the room feeling very cosy and romantic.

She climbed up the wooden steps to the stage and balanced her case by the wall, as Dom greeted her with a cheeky smile, "Hey there, Gorgeous."

"Hey," Sam replied in a melancholy tone.

"Why the long face?" Dom said putting down his drumsticks and getting up. He planted a kiss on her cheek before adding, "What's up?"

Dominic James was 27 and had dark brown hair and baby blue eyes. He was very attractive, extremely talented, had a great personality...

He flicked up her chin, "Had a bad day?"

"He asked me if I wanted to go for a beer and I had to say I couldn't because I was busy. He must think I've already got a date," Sam shook her head in disbelief, "He finally asked me on a date and I couldn't go because I was coming here!" She snorted, "Great timing!"

Dominic nodded then sighed, "I had a bad day as well. Tom split up with me. On Valentine's! Men can be such jerks!"

Sam laughed, "You're still a guy!"

"I know, but I was just saying. I'm just as much of a jerk sometimes!"

Sam shook her head smiling. Yeah, Dominic James was 27, very attractive, he had a great personality and lots of talent, but he was more interested in other guys.

"Matt and Lou here yet?" She asked him.

"There in the Hall of Mirrors," Dom said with a grin as he walked back to his drum kit. He sat on the stool, "Tell them they need to get their gear set up. We start in an hour. Do you want me to tune your guitar?"

Sam glanced over at the smooth black case beside her, "Nah. It'll give me something to do later."

Dom nodded and began to beat a rhythm with the drumsticks. He gave her a small smile as she walked out of the bright stage lighting and into the cool shadows off stage. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked off. The sound echoed eerily in the wings backstage.

She opened the backstage door and descended the icy stone steps. She was now beneath the stage and could still hear Dom's drum beat. She walked along the corridor until she reached another door. It was scary how much the corridors here reminded her of the ones in the SGC, except these corridors were quite dim and much narrower than the wide, brightly lit ones at work. She pushed open the door and stepped into the 'Hall of Mirrors'.

They had named it the 'Hall of Mirrors' because the walls in this small dressing room were lined with mirrors. So many that playing poker, or any other card game for that matter, was an extremely stupid idea as you could always see the other player's cards...

And playing poker was precisely what Louis and Matt were doing now. She felt herself smile as she saw the two men sat on stools playing the card game on a small table as they did every show.

When she entered they both looked up. That sat in a slightly stunned silence staring at her for a moment before Louis wolf whistled, "Well, hello Samantha!"

"Don't push it," Sam said with a grin, "And don't call me Samantha! You know I don't like it."

Louis was African-American in complexion and had short black hair that was slightly curly. He grinned at her with his sparkling white smile, "You look fantastic, Sam! How I wish I was single?"

Sam glared at him, but with a small smile. No matter how angry she got with him, which was never very much anyway, she couldn't help, but smile. He was such a lively and funny person that Sam didn't think anyone could stay mad with him!

Matt just gawped at her and choked, under his breath, "Wow!"

Lou's eyes rose to the ceiling at Matt's comment. Matt had been loopy over her since they'd met. Problem was he was at least a decade younger than her and he didn't really like her. She was just a diversion. Sam knew he fancied Rachel it was more than obvious, but for some reason he used her as a distraction, which was beginning to annoy her.

He pulled a hand through his floppy blonde hair. He had hair like one of those guys from that boy band Cassie liked. She reminded herself that was probably the idea and kept silent. His vivid green eyes continued to fix her by the door. The silence was both awkward and annoying as until someone spoke Matt would continue to stare at her as if he'd never seen another woman before.

Sam flung Louis a desperate glance. Louis nodded and then spoke, "It's gonna be a good night. It's packed out there already!"

Matt came back to the land of the living and turned to Louis, "Yeah. It's because it's Valentine's." Sam nodded and then moved to one of the mirrors. She pulled off her jacket and hung it off the back of a chair.

She looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The pale pink dress fell about her knees showing off her long and slightly tanned legs. It showed off all her curves wonderfully, but Sam would prefer to wear jeans and a t-shirt any day. It showed off her cleavage just enough and had thin straps that lay on her bare shoulders. She turned sideways on. The dress fell quite low on her back and showed off a good deal of skin. Her eyes lowered to the sparkly, strappy sandals on her feet. Come to think of it she preferred sneakers as well.

There was a gentle knock on the door as a woman slipped inside the room. Her short chestnut hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Her brown eyes stared out from behind her glasses, which she pushed further up her nose. She was wearing a denim jacket and black trousers. She smiled pleasantly as she said, "Hey guys!"

Sam smiled as Matt looked up a look of delight on his face, which he then hid as they all replied, "Hi Rachel."

She nodded and said quietly, "Dom said 'come and get your gear set up' and then you can all play a quick game of easy-cheat poker before you start."

Sam gave a small chuckle and then murmured, "Thanks. Tell him we'll be up in a sec."

Rachel nodded and then glanced at Matt who was ignoring her. She sighed softly and then sidled back out the door.

Louis stood up stretching, "You win!" Matt just smiled triumphantly as Louis said, "My wife's coming to watch tonight!"

"How are Anna and the boys?" Sam asked inquisitively, as they waited for Matt to pack away the cards before joining Dom up on the stage.

"Oh fine," Louis said smiling. Sam had never seen him without a smile pasted on his face before. He continued, "Will broke his arm playing football and has been moaning about not getting any Valentine's because his cast looks ugly and makes him clumsy and Darien won a prize for a science fair at his school. I think we have an aspiring Astrophysicist coming through our ranks!"

Sam smiled sadly realising how proud and happy Louis was. He was two months older than she was. He had a beautiful house, a loving wife and two sons. She still lived in a tiny bungalow, she hadn't had a boyfriend in a long time, well not one that hadn't ended up dead, and she had no children.

Matt got up, "OK. Let's go see why the Poof's fussing?" Sam glared at him before he said, "What?" Sam shook her head at him, still aiming daggers at him with her icy blue eyes and followed them out of the door and back up to the stage.

When she got out her guitar she stood and strummed it a few times. She adjusted the strings a little, trying to get it into the right key. She looked up at Matt and his electric guitar and then at Louis and his keyboard, "Lou, can you give me D major scale?"

He played the notes as Sam plucked the strings. A satisfied grin crossed her lips, "Perfect!"

Matt did the same. One string was wrong.

"Your F# is wrong," Sam said quietly. He nodded and flushed slightly before tuning his guitar accordingly. He was always embarrassed when she pointed out things like that, probably because it high lighted the fact she was much older than him.

He played it again and Sam nodded to confirm it was now fine. The guys began to warm up as Sam turned to the clock. Not long till they began.

She wondered what Jack was doing. He was probably sat at home, miserably drinking, because of her. Or even worse! He could've gone to a bar with someone else and was happily drinking with them, slowly forgetting she even existed! Oh for crying out loud! Damn this job! In fact damn BOTH jobs!

Every Saturday when she wasn't off world she came here to perform with the guys. It was a favour to Mick, the bar owner, it gave her some extra money to pay the rent with and it was also quite fun, but not tonight. Tonight there was somewhere else she'd rather be... or rather someone else she'd rather be with.

Jack pushed open the door and immediately felt much warmer. The warm light and the burble of voices seemed to make the place feel quite cosy compared to outside. Still, he pulled his leather jacket tighter and rubbed his hands on his jeans and black shirt as he entered, trying to get some warmth into his chilled limbs.

The cold, dark February night seemed to mirror his mood. Cold and Dark. The night seemed to flood his veins and creep through him. He shivered slightly and stepped further into the warmth.

The bar was almost empty except for some guys in suits. It was then he realised that almost everyone was sat at tables, which stood before a stage. There had been a board outside. Jack hadn't read it, but realised it must have been something to do with the entertainment. On the stage stood some instruments and a microphone.

He glanced at the decorated tables, themed in celebration of today, only reminding him of his rejection! Great! Absolutely Great! Not only had he looked like a complete and utter moron, but he'd only run straight back to his office, completely forgetting that he'd already told Carter he was heading home. He knew she must have realised his mistake. She probably pitied him.

He slid onto a bar stool and pulled a hand through his greying hair. She was probably thinking, 'Aww! Bless the old timer' or 'Ugh! I can't believe he asked me out! He could be my father!' Well, actually he couldn't, but from her perspective... he might look like 100 or something!

The barman walked over to Jack, "Whoa! Talk about miserable!" The barman gave a small laugh, "What could make anyone this low on Valentine's?" Jack looked up and glared at him and then sighed to himself. He really didn't need this. What he needed was alcohol and lots of it. In fact, what he needed was so much alcohol that it would make him forget what happened earlier. Sounded like a good plan.

"Let me guess," the bartender said, "You forget to get your wife something? Oh I know! You were put down for a date?"

Jack glared at him again and said quite fiercely, "Shut up. Give beer. Now."

The barman's smile faded quickly as he grabbed a bottle of Budweiser. He pulled off the lid and gave it to him. Jack paid him for the beer. The bartender then went over to talk to the guys in suits at the other end of the bar. Jack sighed and downed ½ the bottle in one go.

He listened to the conversation to his right, out of curiosity. The suited men were speaking to the bartender, "Mr Callaghan, can't you persuade her? Ten thousand dollars is too much money to throw away and she'll get that if she just agrees to sign a contract with us!"

Jack glanced over and saw the barkeeper shake his head; "She wouldn't do it for all the riches in the world. And she'll never leave her job."

Another guy spoke, "Her voice is... astounding! Even at her age we could make her famous. Why would she still want to have her job?"

"I've known that woman, since she was 10 years old," the barman said, "She hates to sing."

"How can someone with a voice like hers hate to sing? It's what she does on that stage!"

The bartender shook his head and for the first time Jack saw the man wasn't smiling, "She's doing it as a favour for me. Her father and me are good friends. She only sings because she thinks she can never repay me for how I helped her Father."

One of the men spoke again, "You still have not told us why she doesn't want 10 thousand dollars or to become famous. Everyone wants to be famous like celebrities."

The barman pursed his lips; "Well, she doesn't. She holds a lot of contempt for those people. She'd hate to be famous for the wrong reason."

One man snorted, "A beautiful voice and a beautiful body are the wrong reason to be famous?"

"To her, yes. She'd want to be famous for having a beautiful heart and a beautiful mind. She doesn't give two cents about her voice or what she looks like."

"Mr Callaghan," one of the men said, all of them obviously getting slightly irritated, "People come from all over the country to hear her sing. Why on Earth would she not want to make money from it? Surely it's better than that dead end job she landed herself with!"

"As I said, she sings as a favour to me and she gets paid. She does it so she can always pay the rent and have cash left over. She doesn't want to be famous. Now stop badgering me and stop calling her at all hours of the day to try and get her to change her mind. She won't. End of story."

With that the barman walked away from them. He gave Jack a small, strained smile, as he passed and began to sort out the empty glasses lying on the bar, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like, "Keep your slimy corporate hands off my girl, yer hear!"

Jack heard one of the Men in Black say, "Look. They're on."

Jack heard a small cheer come from the crowd behind him. A man's voice came through the speakers placed around the bar, "Hey there, everyone! We'd like to thank you for coming here tonight. Today's Valentine's day and so we've got a lot of those old love songs in store for you tonight," the man cleared his throat slightly, "OK. I'll introduce the band to all you folks who don't already know who we are. We have Dominic..." There was a small cheer from the crowd. The man continued, "Matt..." Another small cheer, "Myself, Louis..." An identical cheer arose. There was a small pause as the man took a small breath, "And the beautiful, the lovely, the talented... Samantha!"

The minute the name was spoken a roar erupted from the people. Jack shook his head. He took another swig of beer. It couldn't be? No way! He just had her name on the brain! If Carter could sing, he'd have known about it. She always insisted she couldn't sing a note and if they ever sang, for some reason or another, she'd sing so quiet you couldn't hear her or so out of tune you wouldn't want to!

There was a small feminine cough and then another voice came to the microphone, "God, I hate it when he calls me that!"

Jack froze. He didn't even dare turn around. He just listened to her voice as she said, "Thank you all for coming here tonight. Hope you enjoy the show," she spoke, "So what are we playing first?"

Jack heard as another male voice spoke up, "We could always do 'What can I do?'! The audience seem to like it when you do that one!"

Jack heard Sam sigh with fake irritation as the crowd cheered loudly at the mention of the song, "Alright! Alright!"

He heard the electric guitar start up and could hear the drums and keyboard come in. Jack recognised the song by that Irish band that were all in one family. Didn't know their name, but he knew the song.

I haven't slept at all in days

It's been so long since we've talked.

And I have been here many times,

I just don't know what I'm doing wrong.

What can I do to make you love me?

What can I do to make you care?

What can I say to make you feel this?

What can I do to get you there?

Jack couldn't believe the beautiful voice that travelled across the room to him. It couldn't be her, could it? Before he could stop himself, he swivelled around on the barstool.

His jaw dropped as he saw the woman stood with the microphone clasped in her hand. A stunning pink dress covering her showed her off a lot more than anything Jack had ever thought he'd see her wear. Her hair flicked out slightly at the bottom and surrounded her beautiful face like a golden halo.

Jack just gawped. It was her. He'd never seen her look so... girly. I mean he'd seen her in dress blues and in that blue dress she'd been made to wear on that Mongol planet, but he'd never really seen her in a dress. Carter was a jeans, t-shirt and sneakers kinda girl. He knew that, but did she look good in that dress or what!

He just gazed at her face as she sung. Her voice pierced through the darkness and seemed to make her glow. He was speechless. This was why she'd turned him down. Well maybe part of it. Jack had the feeling she really wouldn't have said yes anyway if she'd been free. There was no way she'd go out for a beer with him. He'd seen the look of pity and apology in her eyes as she'd told him she couldn't come. She would never feel the same way about him as he felt about her. Never.

As the song finished everyone began to clap and Jack watched as Sam blushed slightly. Jack loved her. He'd known it for a long time now and watching her stood there made Jack realise all over again.

"She's fantastic, isn't she?"

Jack was shaken from his reverie and turned around to the barman, "Yes," he said quietly, "Yes, she is."

"I'm warning you. Sam is not as she appears," the bartender gave a small laugh, "Oh no!"

"What does that mean?"

The barman smiled, "She's beautiful as a princess, but as fierce as a soldier," the man coughed awkwardly and then continued, "Besides this is the first time I've seen her in a dress since she was a little girl."

"How do you know her?"

"Me and her Dad are friends. Have been for a long time. After her Mother died, I just about managed to keep her Dad sane. She says she can never pay me back for what I did for him. Except for her Dad and the band, I don't think anyone she knows has ever heard her sing."

Jack just turned to stare at her as she began to sing another song. He knew that one as well. Against All Odds by Phil Collins. Jack wondered why he knew all of these songs. Mainly because whenever he heard them his thoughts floated off to the woman who was singing on the stage. So, the songs had stuck in his head.

How can I just let you walk away?

Just let you leave without a trace.

When I stand here taking every breath

With you.

You're the only one who really knew me at all.

How can you just walk away from me?

When all I can do is watch you leave.

'Cos we've shared the laughter and the pain

And even shared the tears.

You're the only one who really knew me at all.

So take a look at me now,

There's just an empty space.

There's nothing left here to remind me,

Just the memory of your face.

Take a look at me now,

There's just an empty space.

And you coming back to me is against the odds

And that's what I've gotta face.

Jack turned back to the barman, "Her voice is..." Jack couldn't even think of a word.

"You can say that again! What those producers said was true. People come from all over to hear her sing. In fact she's famous already. Even after so many years she can still take my breath away," he smiled. "Anyway, you've cheered up."

Jack glanced at Sam as she repeated the chorus higher. He gave a small smile, "Carter's smile is pretty infectious."

"Yeah, she has that... what? How do you know her surname?"

Jack just sighed, "We work together."

The barman stared at him, jaw dropping with a guilty look as if he'd told him too much, "You're in the air force?"

"Yeah," Jack said quietly.

The barman just nodded, "Just don't let her find out you were here. You are probably the only person she knows that has actually heard her sing." He spoke seriously and then went back to cleaning glasses. Jack sighed and turned back to face her.

He'd watched her sing another five songs and play the guitar and sing to another two before she spoke into the microphone, "Here's our last song of this half and then we're having a break so I hope you all enjoy." She made a small cough as she spoke, "I want to see you all dancing to this and if you don't I'm gonna come down there and make you!"

Everyone laughed gently and Jack watched as those couples that weren't already stood up dancing, moved to the clear space before the stage to dance. The tables were now deserted and not a single chair in the room was being used, except for the bar stools him and the Producers were sat on.

She began to sing 'Dance with somebody' by Whitney Houston and for some unknown reason Jack felt himself turn back to the bar. As Sam sung, Jack felt himself praying, 'Don't let her see me! She'd be so embarrassed I'd heard her that she'd never speak to me again!'

He could hear her voice drawing nearer...

Oh wanna dance with somebody,

I wanna feel the heat with somebody.

Yeah wanna dance with somebody,

With somebody who loves me.

Oh wanna dance with somebody,

I wanna feel the heat with somebody.

Yeah wanna dance with somebody,

With somebody who loves me.

I've been in love and lost my senses,

Spinning through the town.

Sooner or later the fever ends,

And I wind up feeling down.

I need a man who'll take a chance,

On a love that burns hot enough to last,

So when the night falls,

My lonely heart calls.

A hand fell on his shoulder. He spun around and Sam gave a small gasp. She stood a few feet away and just gawped. Jack knew everyone was watching. Sam just whispered, "I'm sorry..."

"For what?" he whispered back as the barman watched on in confusion. Sam licked her lips slightly, looking awkward.

She stared into his eyes and murmured, "For this." She then began to dance with him still singing.

Somebody oo Somebody oo,

Somebody who loves me yeah,

Somebody oo Somebody oo,

To hold me in his arms oh.

I need a man who'll take a chance,

On a love that burns hot enough to last,

So when the night falls,

My lonely heart calls.

Jack couldn't believe it. She broke away and gave him a small smile before making her way back to the stage. She hit a high note and almost everyone watched in awe as she finished.

Roars of applause came from the tables as Jack gazed at her. Her eyes were fixed in his direction. She gave a small bow and continued to watch him. Jack noticed that for the first time that evening she was actually smiling.

Jack grabbed his jacket knowing what he had to do. The look of distress was obvious on her face as he got up and left the bar, a plan already formulating in his mind.

Dominic walked into the Hall of Mirrors to find Sam sat staring at the floor. She looked depressed and Dominic felt himself get worried. Sam was never that depressed. He spoke softly, "Hey Gorgeous." She looked up and then looked back down at the floor. She was silent. "Who was the guy?"

Sam looked up shocked, "What guy?"

"The one who almost made you forget your words," Dom said crouching down in front of her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Sam said blushing slightly and avoiding his gaze.

Dominic sighed, "I don't mind you lying to me, but don't lie to yourself, Sam." He gave a small sigh as he stood up. Sam looked up at him. He grinned, "But if you ask me, he was pretty gorgeous." He whistled and said, "So if you've not got a thing with him..."

"Dominic!" Sam snorted slightly and then said, "Will you buy me a drink?"

"If Matt or Cute Guy doesn't get there first," Dominic said teasingly as Sam slapped him on the arm playfully and the two of them left the room.

Sam had a quick drink and walked back to the stage. She grabbed her guitar. She'd used it for two songs in the first half. She was planning for three in the next.

She picked it up and sat off stage in the dark and began to play softly. whenever she was angry or sad or overjoyed, she'd always sit in a room in her house and switch all the lights off and play. It made her relax. Today she didn't know how she felt. She guessed sad by the way her heart ached at the thought that Jack had left. He probably still didn't forgive her for turning him down. Ah Crap!

She sat there for almost five minutes before she felt Rachel walk up beside her, "Sam?"

"Hey Rach," she looked at the woman biting her lips with a smile and staring at her expectantly. Sam spoke anxiously, "What?"

"Hall of Mirrors." She said and then took the guitar off her. Sam frowned at her in confusion before Rachel squealed, "Happy Valentines." She was grinning as she shooed Sam out of the door. She was literally prodded and poked down the stairs by Rachel who was giggling not unlike a teenager. They walked down the freezing concrete corridors, Rachel placing a hand on her back, propelling her towards the Hall of Mirrors. Sam slowly opened the door...

The first thing she saw in every mirror was colour. The usually dull room had colour. She stepped inside and finally saw what Rachel had sent her down here to see. She gasped and put a hand to her mouth.

A bouquet of red and white roses lay on the small table. She walked over and touched them gently. They were so beautiful and smelt like a garden covered in dew. The roses were fantastic and made Sam's breath catch in her throat. As she stared at them in amazement, she saw the envelope nestled amongst the delicate flowers.

She pulled it out. The envelope was blank. She opened it gently and pulled out a deep scarlet card. It wasn't decorated in anyway. It was just red.

Her hand trembled slightly as she gently opened it. She stared at the familiar writing and felt her heart stop for a moment.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

I know it's a cliché,

But I'm doing this for you!

Sam felt a grin on her lips. She knew he was no poet and could almost predict what the others said. The card was filled with poems all in the same handwriting she knew so well. She read another one.

Roses are red,

Some of these are white.

When you danced with me

It felt so damn right.

Roses are red,

Man, you look great in that dress!

But you always look great

I've gotta confess.

Roses are red,

And boy, don't I know it!

Who would've guess

This dumb ass was a poet.

Roses are red,

Oh for crying out loud!

You sing so beautifully,

God, am I proud!

Sam laughed softly as she read the verses. She felt a shiver move up her spine. Suddenly her eyes were drawn to the last verse. She let out a small gasp, as her eyes read the words.

Roses are red,

Your eyes are so blue.

One last thing,

Sam, I love you.

Sam looked behind her and saw Rachel in the corridor, "Who gave these to you, Rachel?"

Rachel smiled, "A guy. The one from the bar," she grinned wider, "The one who made you gasp and go all swoony all of a sudden."

"I did not go all swoony!" Sam denied as she felt colour rush to her cheeks. She'd known they'd been from him, but she'd needed someone else to tell her. Now she was so shocked she couldn't believe it.

Rachel spoke again, "Go up on stage. The guys will come up when they see you."

Sam nodded and slowly made her way back to the stage.

Jack sat on the barstool. He took a swig from his new bottle and looked around. No matter where he was his military tactics always kicked in and he'd start glancing at his surrounding, secretly analysing any possible enemies and the best escape routes! He knew it was sad, but he couldn't stop himself. His scanning eyes fell on the band members and Jack began looking over them checking for hostiles.

Louis, the keyboard guy, was talking with a woman who he assumed was his wife. So, Louis was clear! The drummer, Dominic was sat talking with the other guy, Matt, who kept looking up at Jack and glaring. Dominic seemed nice and was pretty attractive (one possible threat) and that Matt kid was giving him such daggers with his green eyes that Jack got the distinct feeling the guy really didn't like him!

He shook his head in confusion and looked to the stage. Sam came... no, floated out onto the stage, her beauty more than just emanating from her. Her cheeks were flushed slightly, the pink hue matching the delicate tone of her dress, and she was grinning like a maniac, her white, even teeth dazzling him instantly. Jack felt a smile of his own come to his lips at the thought that maybe he had... well, made her grin like that.

He'd left the bar and driven down the road to the nearest gas station. He'd bought the flowers and got the usual, 'Forget to buy your wife something?' from the man behind the till. Jack had just grinned and murmured, 'Not exactly.' He filled in the card and he'd been quite pleased. Jack knew he was less of a poet than Daniel was a soldier, but he'd done quite well.

The other band members saw her and immediately got up and moved back to the stage, Matt obviously unable to dissuade the urge of giving him one final glare of suspicion, jealousy and over all animosity! Everyone else vacated the bar and went back to their seats, as the lights around the bar went out again and the soft glow of the candles and the bright lighting of the stage became prominent.

He could see Sam's eyes searching for him, her grinning expression falling with every second she couldn't see him. After a few seconds, she sighed gently and then picked up her guitar.

The band began to play again and Jack felt himself drawn to her as she smiled. He picked up his beer and moved forward to an empty table nearer the stage, as she began to sing 'How can I live'. Her eyes locked on him and he smiled at her. The look on her face made Jack's heart somersault in his chest. The look of delight in her blue eyes was almost unbelievable.

She began singing that beautiful song and Jack felt the words connecting with him. He'd realised quite a while ago that he couldn't live without her... his Carter. He couldn't even describe the feeling that surged through him whenever something bad was happening to her. The Jolinar incident, her pleading with him in that cell, it had broken his heart and he'd known.

And tell me now,

How do I live without you?

I want to know,

How do I breathe without you?

If you ever go how do I ever, ever survive?

How do I? How do I?

Oh, how do I live?

Without you, there would be no sun in my sky,

There would be no love in my life,

There would be no world left for me,

And I....Baby, I don't know what I would do,

I'd be lost if I lost you,

If you ever leave,

Baby, you would take away everything real in my life.

God! Jack felt his heart constricting painfully, the words really striking home. Without her, there might as well be no sun. She was his sunshine. Without her, he'd never love or feel loved again. She was his Love. Without her, there would be no Earth left for him to save every day. She was his Earth. His everything.

If he ever lost her... he'd be lost too. He couldn't even think of it without feeling the absurd pressure of tears at the back of his eyes. He hurriedly wiped his eyes, pretending there was something painful in there.

His eyes rose back to the stage as Sam finished. He couldn't pretend not to notice that people in the audience surrounding him were crying. His eyes met hers again and he realised her mystic azure eyes fixed on him the entire time. She looked at him worried for a second. Jack felt a smile come to his face as he gave her two thumbs up and she let out a soft laugh.

Sam gave a small cough and nodded to Rachel backstage. The woman passed her a bottle of water. She took a few sips, then spoke into the microphone; "Here's another song for you all. I think everyone knows this one." She felt herself grin again as she said, "I'd like to dedicate this to my poet," she glanced at Jack who almost spat out a mouthful of beer. She smiled fondly as she whispered, "Thank you."

He'd been sat there since the beginning of the second half and Sam couldn't help, but feel a thrill shoot through her. He'd come back. He'd bought her flowers. He'd written poetry!!! And he was sat there smiling at her lovingly. During 'How can I Live', Sam had been worried something was wrong, his gaze had fell from hers to the candle in the centre of his table and if she wasn't completely mistaken his eyes had been glistening. He'd wiped at them quite furiously giving the usual excuse that he'd gotten something in there. He'd looked up at the end given her a true smile and held two thumbs up in approval.

The worry had gone... well, not entirely, but it had been pushed to the back of her mind. She stared at him as he met her gaze again, the embarrassed blush on his cheeks not being missed. She gave him one of her special 'Sam Carter Super-Dooper electricity' smiles as she began to sing. As he heard the words she saw his face freeze in a look of surprise and shock his eyebrows almost completely receding into his hair. Sam could feel another grin tug at the sides of her mouth as the words rang out clearly around the room.

If I should stay

I would only be in your way.

So I'll go, but I know

I'll think of you every step of the way.

The band came in as Sam found herself singing to him. Everyone else seemed to disappear. As far as she was concerned, her and Jack were the only people in the universe.

And I will always love you

I will always love you.

You, my darling You.

Bittersweet memories

That is all I'm taking with me.

So goodbye, please don't cry

We both know I'm not what you need.

And I will always love you

I will always love you.

She continued to sing and all the time she stared at him. Dominic watched her staring at the gorgeous bloke from the bar as he stared back at her dumbstruck. He wondered who he was. He'd seen the guy walk up to the side door and give the flowers to Rachel and assumed they were for Sam. The thing about him being 'her poet' was totally new to him and to Dom he didn't look like the poetic type. Anyway, who was he? How did he know her?

There was a drumbeat and Sam changed key. Dominic watched in amazement. She didn't even blink. She hit those high notes without even trying and even though he'd heard her sing that song a thousand times he'd never heard her sing it like that.

Suddenly, without warning, she hit a fantastically high note. It had been totally unrehearsed and Dominic watched as the crowd gasped and Matt almost dropped his guitar.

Her voice came down to a soft whisper as she sung the last line:

I will always love you...

The room went into a shocked silence for a moment and then exploded with applause and Dom saw the man clapping slowly in a state of absolute shock. His eyes were fixed on her and he was shaking his head in disbelief, his mouth gawping making him look like a fish. An absolutely Super-hunky, gorgeous fish albeit. Dominic pulled himself into check. He was most definitely straight... Dammit!

She smiled brightly at him, giving him a smile of about 10000 watts, and Dom watched as he almost fell straight off his chair. Sam gave a soft giggle before she turned to them with a bemused grin on her lips. She looked at Lou and whispered in shock, "How high was that?"

Lou just stammered, "Top TOP C. You've never hit that before."

Sam gave a small choke, "Well, I have now!"

Dom grinned at her, "Time for the last song. What's it going to be?"

Louis nodded, before saying in what Sam referred to as his 'Love man' tone, "Something... Slow!"

Sam giggled slightly at the low, sexy voice before she spoke quietly, "Celine Dion..."

"Which one?" Matt said. He'd been so surprised by the note, but now Dominic noticed he kept glancing off stage, a look of hatred in his eyes. That was shot at Cute Guy. When Matt met Dominic's gaze, Dom gave him a piercing look.

He and Matt had often had arguments. Matt was really uncomfortable with the fact Dominic was gay and even though Dom had expected as much it still ticked him off! Matt and him got on alright except when Matt said something offensive and he came up for the bait.

Dom glared at matt giving him a look that said 'Leave Sam's Cute guy alone or I'm gonna whoop your little N'Sync ass all the way to Hell!'

"Power of Love?" Sam suggested with a small smile at Louis, breaking Dom from his private stand off with the Boy Band wannabe.

"Yep. My wife's favourite," Louis said glancing at the stunning black woman sat at one of the tables.

Sam nodded and turned back to the microphone. She removed it from the stand again and held it in her hand as she said, "It's time for the last song everybody. We've chosen one of the all time greats. This is a dedication by Louis to his lovely wife," Sam smiled at the woman sat a few tables to Jack's right. She was smiling from ear to ear, "OK everyone it's the last dance."

She watched as everyone stood up and moved to the dance floor with their partners. Sam turned to Lou who was still watching his wife slightly sadly.

Sam said gently, placing her hand on his arm, "Lou?"

"Yeah?"

Sam spoke seriously, but couldn't help breaking into a grin as she said, "Go down there."

He looked surprised as he blinked and began motioning towards his beloved instrument, "But... But... But who's going to play my keyboard?"

"I will," Sam said with a smile.

"You can't play and sing at the same tim..."

"You've been teaching me for years, Lou. You know this song is my speciality!" She put on a fake angry frown, "Now go before I change my mind!"

After a second of further gawping and various mouth shapes to show he was trying to form an argument, he grinned again and gave a small salute, "Yes, Ma'am." She chuckled as he sped off stage. He grabbed his wife's hand and pulled her to the dance floor.

Sam sat on the stool and adjusted her microphone stand so she could play and sing at the same time. She nodded to the others and began to press the keys as she sang.

Jack was the only one left sat at the tables, but he didn't care. He just stared at her. She felt the same way. He couldn't believe it. She was still glancing at him as she played the song.

The whispers in the morning

Of lovers sleeping tight

Are rolling by like thunder now

As I look in your eyes.

I hold on to your body

And I feel each move you make

Your voice is warm and tender

A love I could not forsake.

She reached the chorus and Jack sat in a stunned silence as she fixed him with a penetrating gaze and a loving smile that he couldn't believe.

Cos I'm your lady

And you are my man.

Whenever you reach for me

I'll do all that I can.

Lust is how I'm feeling

Lying in your arms

When the world outside is too much to take

That all ends when I'm with you.

All though there may be highs

It feels like I'm falling away.

I never wonder where I am

Cos I'm always by your side.

Jack could see the truth in the words and memories flashed in his mind as he watched her. She always was by his side. She was always fighting along side him, always there to save him, in more than just saving his ass from being kicked by some Goa'uld big shot or from being frozen in Antarctica. She saved him every day just by being there to give him a smile. God, if anything happened to her...

Cos I'm your lady

And you are my man.

Whenever you reach for me

I'll do all that I can.

We're heading for something

Somewhere I've never been.

Sometimes I am frightened but I'm ready to love

For the Power of Love.

The sound of your heart beating

Made it clear suddenly

The feeling that I can't go on

Is light years away.

Cos I'm your lady

And you are my man.

Whenever you reach for me

I'm gonna do all that I can.

We're heading for something

Somewhere I've never been.

Sometimes I am frightened but I'm ready to love

For the Power of Love.

The Power of Love.

Sometimes I am frightened, but I'm ready to love.

For the Power of Love!

On the last word she hit a long, high note. Jack glanced back the guys in suits who were all gawping mesmerized by her voice. Jack felt a small smirk on his lips, as he thought, 'Ha Ha! Carter doesn't want your dead end job! She wants to stay with me in the Air Force!'

That made him wince. There would be no staying with him in the Air Force...

She spoke softly as she finished the song, "The Power of Love."

If it was possible the people applauded louder than they had all evening. Jack watched as Sam stood and took a small bow before nodding to the rest of her band. She went up to Matt and gave him a hug. Louis, who was now back on stage, also got a hug from Sam. Dominic put his hand on her shoulder. She spun around and grinned she hugged him and he lifted her up. He kissed her softly on the cheek and Jack felt himself glaring. To his surprise, she kissed Dominic back and he pulled her into a tighter hug. Yep, definite threat there!

Everyone was still applauding, as Louis stepped up to the microphone, "Thank you all for coming tonight. Can you please give a warm, round of applause to Mike, who's stood behind the bar and has been serving drinks all night."

Everyone clapped politely. Louis smiled, "The band say 'Thanks Mike.'" He turned to the other three, "Can I hear a cheer for Matt on the guitar and Dominic on the drums?"

A louder applause as the two men grinned happily. Dominic grabbed the microphone, "And a cheer for our keyboardist, Louis!"

Everyone cheered again and Jack waited with anticipation, as Louis took the microphone, "And finally, I'd like you to give a big cheer for Colorado's very own Celine, Whitney and Mariah rolled into one. Samantha Carter!"

Jack watched as tear glistened in Sam's stunning eyes as the roof was blown off the bar again. People whooped and whistled, as Sam just stood there smiling meekly.

That smile would've made him fall hopelessly in love with her if he hadn't been already. In a split second he made a decision. His stomach writhed as he stared at the woman, his choice clear in his mind. If there was ever a choice between him or her... he would be the one to die. No doubt in his mind. And if the choice was her... he'd make whoever was doing the choosing reconsider or at least kill him too. There was no way he would ever let someone so full of life lose it when he could've been the one in their place.

The cheers continued even after they'd walked off stage. Jack walked over to the side entrance to backstage and waited for her, as some love songs were put on and couples continued to dance on the dance floor. One thought reigned in his mind. Come what may, nothing would happen to her. Or God help him.

Sam reached the Hall of Mirrors and almost collapsed into a fit of shocked, but happy tears. Matt and Dominic stepped inside. Louis had already left to find his wife.

"Gorgeous, can I tell you something?"

Sam looked up at Dom, a grin spreading across her lips, "What?"

"You were... Fantastic!" He smiled kindly as he hugged her again.

Matt stood there looking at her. He looked serious as he said, "Who's the old man?" Sam frowned at him confused, "The old guy sat at the front that didn't take his eyes off you all evening. I swear to God, I'm going out there and I'm gonna knock the pervert's lights right out!"

Sam's frown deepened as she said, "That man is the man I'm in love with."

Dominic winced at the words as Matt's face hardened. Dominic glanced at them both, licked his lips awkwardly and slipped out of the door, almost walking straight into Rachel. He put a finger to his mouth silencing her from speaking and they listened quietly to the conversation.

"How can you say that like that? You know how I feel about you," Matt said quietly, his hurt clear in his voice.

Sam sighed, "That's exactly it. Matt, you don't."

"I do and you know it," Matt mumbled defensively.

"All I know is that for some reason you're using me as a distraction so you can hide from your real feelings."

"I've loved you since the day I met you, Sam."

"Who else did you meet on that day?" Sam said gently, "You love Rachel. I can see it. The way you watch her as if she were an angel. You grin like a maniac whenever she enters a room and then you hide it by gazing at me. You love her, not me."

Rachel's eyes widened. Dominic listened carefully as there was a long silence.

"Well, am I right?" Sam said almost angrily, "It's so annoying when you goggle at me! I want to know if you love her or you don't, 'cos otherwise I think I might just lose my mind with all the complications in my life!"

"I guess... I do love her," Matt said quietly.

"So was I a distraction?"

"Yeah, I guess you were."

Dominic could hear her grinning, "So isn't there two other people we should be talking to?"

"You're not mad at me?"

Sam gave an exasperated sigh, "Will you just go already?"

Matt gave a small chuckle, "Still friends?"

"Still friends," Sam said gently, "Well, what are you waiting for?" Sam laughed, "Like all love stories, it's Valentine's Day, you've just realised you're in love and now's the time to go get the girl! Shoo!"

Matt almost burst out of the door. Dominic grinned as he came face to face with Rachel. He stopped dead eyes widening as if he'd only just seen her for the first time. He gulped, "Rachel?"

Dom grabbed Sam's hand and whispered in her ear, "Come on, Gorgeous. I believe now's the time to be leaving him to get the girl."

He pulled Sam up the stairs. She yanked her hand free of his grasp and quickly peered back around the corner at the two people making out passionately in the narrow corridor.

"Astrophysicist, soldier, singer and matchmaker! Do your talents end?"

"I build motorcycles for a hobby and I pick locks like an expert!"

"Well, there's something I never knew!" Dominic said with a smile as they left through the door. He turned to her, "See ya soon, Gorgeous."

She smiled at him, "Night, Hon."

Dominic gave a small cough and whispered, "He's behind you."

Sam frowned slightly and then turned slowly on the spot. Jack stood there looking at them with what she could only describe as hurt.

Sam nodded slightly to Dom, "Night."

He gave Sam a small smile and then helped Mike to unload his gear from the stage. After a hesitant second Sam turned back to look at the man stood, hands shoved deeply into his leather jacket pockets, staring at the floor wretchedly. Sam took a few steps towards him as he looked up, obviously, by the expression on his face, feeling really stupid.

He sighed before he murmured, "Who?"

"Dominic."

Jack just looked at his shoes as he went to leave, trying to make a quick getaway, "Looks like I'll see you on Monday, Carter."

"What?"

Jack closed his eyes, his jaw gritted, "You kissed him and he called you 'Gorgeous'!" She gave a small snort. Jack glared, "And what's so funny, Major?"

"You think we have a thing?" Sam gave a small chuckle at the affirmative look of both annoyance and embarrassment on his face, "Jack, he was more interested in you than me. In fact, he thinks you're very gorgeous and he said if you were available...!"

Jack's eyebrow rose in a very Teal'c-like way that made her smile. After a few moments of uncomfortable and confused silence, Jack kicked a bottle cap that was on the carpet. He then smiled and spoke quietly, "So... Carter's a Karaoke Queen."

She gave him a small glare, as she said threateningly, "Only on Saturdays, if I'm not blowing up some Jaffa on a planet somewhere and you tell anyone and it won't only be Jaffa!!!"

Jack held his hands up in mock submission, "My lips are sealed!"

All the couples were still dancing on the dance floor to the music that had been put on through the speakers. The only light was from the candles in their glass holders and the fuzzy feeling inside Sam made her blush. Way too romantic! This was not good! Well, actually it was beyond brilliant, but equally dangerous!

Jack looked uncertain, glancing up at her a couple of times before he cleared his throat, "Uh... Sam?" He held out his hand tentatively, "We didn't finish our dance earlier."

She whispered, "No, we didn't. Jack...?"

"No buts," he said with an uncertain smile, as if worried she was about to completely reject him and go into one of those pathetic 'it's-not-you-it's-me' speeches.

She grinned, firmly putting his doubts to rest, "Can I PLEASE put some sneakers on first? These shoes are killing me!"

Jack shook his head fondly, his eyes betraying his utter relief, "How long will you be?"

"Not long at all," said a voice behind her.

Sam turned to see Dom grinning with a pair of sneakers in his hand. He wiggled his eyebrows comically and made Sam giggle. She beamed at him and mouthed 'Thank you.' He just nodded and picked up the last of his gear. He winked at Jack with a quirky grin and stood and looked him up and down before murmuring, "Uh uhn! You sure have good taste in men, Sam! I am so taking you with me next time I'm looking for a boyfriend!" Sam had to bite her lip and force herself not to laugh at the flabbergasted look on Jack's face as Dom took a final look at them and stepped outside into the blustery February night.

Jack seemed to blush embarrassed and stared at the patterned carpet, completely and utterly self-conscious. Sam pulled her sneakers on quickly and she'd barely stood up before Jack had grabbed her hand and pulled her into the midst of the couples.

They stood in the middle for a second, stationary as if neither were quite sure what to do now they'd reached the dance floor. Sam moved closer to him slowly and took a small gulp. She let go of his hand as he pulled it around. She threaded her arms around the back of his neck. She felt his hands come to rest at the base of her back sending a small shiver up her spine, which he obviously felt because he looked quite surprised by her positive reaction.

A song started up as they swayed slowly. She stared into his eyes, feeling as if she could be walking, or more precisely, dancing on air. She took another step closer until she was pressed against him, the warmth of his strong, comforting body seeping through his shirt and leather jacket making her quiver again with the sensation. She laid her head against his chest almost hesitantly, as his arms wrapped further around her. She could feel his heart beating and closed her eyes. The soft drumming of his heart, seemed to fill her senses and it seemed that Sam could feel her own heart beating in time with his.

They were stood there still dancing slowly three songs later. Suddenly, Sam looked up and began to stare into his eyes again, "Jack?"

"Yeah," he said quietly, obviously quite worried because she'd looked up so suddenly.

"The poetry?"

Sam saw Jack smile ever so slightly, "I am SO sorry! I never was any good at English! In fact, I was down right crap... when I bothered to show up that is!"

Sam smiled back, but whispered anxiously, "Did you mean what you said? In the last one."

"I did," he murmured equally worried by her tone, "Do you believe me?"

Sam smile widened, "Yes."

She watched his cheeks flush slightly as he mumbled softly, his eyes not meeting her bashfully, "And did you mean it? Those words you sung."

"I did," she murmured back, trying to control her heart that now seemed to want to burst out of her ribcage, it was beating so hard. Her face drew closer to his, as she chuckled softly, "Do you believe me?"

"Not really sure," she glowered at him, narrowing her eyes and pouting her lips, as he continued to smile softly, "It's just so damn hard to believe that you feel like that about me!"

Sam grinned, as she pulled even closer to him, almost without thinking. He just stared into her eyes, feeling like he was drowning, his breath catching in his lungs. Her beautiful blue eyes stared back as her warm smile disappeared and she stared at him, a look of slight indecision in her eyes as she whispered, "Jack?"

"Uh huh," Jack hummed.

"I'm sorry..."

Jack frowned confused, "For what?"

"For this..."

Sam pulled herself closer still and began to kiss him. She felt uncertainty flying around with the butterflies that were in her stomach. Her heart beat quickly and her lips tingled, as she closed her eyes slowly. She pulled away and bit her lip slightly. When she opened her eyes again he was staring at her with surprise. She felt herself hoping to God that he wasn't surprised in a bad way.

They stopped swaying and he continued to stare at her, eyebrows raised high as she stared back anxiously. Suddenly, he pulled her much closer and began to kiss her zealously. Sam's heart went straight into her throat as her stomach clenched pleasurably. She began kissing back, deciding she had no choice. Yeah, like she would've taken it if she'd had one! Definitely not! Especially, if she'd be missing out on this kiss!

He pulled back when both of them had become slightly breathless. He stared at her smiling as Sam felt a suddenly unexplainable urge to scream 'WHOOPEEE!' and jump for joy, but she couldn't move. She just stared at him in surprise and bemused smile coming to her now swollen lips as he growled into her ear, "Why the heck did you apologise!"

Daniel sat in the commissary sipping coffee. He'd spent most of yesterday in bed with a serious hangover from Saturday night after he'd gotten so drunk he couldn't remember most of it! Daniel knew one bottle of beer was enough to make him tipsy, but surely 4 was not enough to give him the hangover of a lifetime! It was unbelievable!

He watched as Sam walked into the commissary. She looked so bright-eyed and happy this morning; Daniel couldn't help but wonder why. Monday was Sam's least favourite day of the week and yet she was smiling like crazy. Daniel was jealous and rather pissed that someone could be so happy when he was still suffering from the after effects of having a heavy-duty drill boring into his skull all of yesterday!

She spotted him and almost skipped over, sitting down across the table from him, as she said cheerfully, "Morning!"

Daniel gave an inward groan before he grumbled, "You're unusually... smiley this morning."

Sam looked at him still grinning like a Cheshire cat, "Why shouldn't I be?"

"It's Monday. You hate Mondays," Daniel muttered rubbing his temples slightly. Make that two Heavy-Duty Drills!

Sam continued to smile gleefully, "You're right. I do hate Mondays."

"That's why you shouldn't be so smiley," Daniel explained, wondering why on Earth Sam was so... bouncy this morning, and yet, was so slow on the uptake about this!

"Really?"

Daniel stared at her as if she had totally lost her mind. Daniel then realised she had, but not in the 'mental institution' way. She'd lost her mind in the 'lovey-dovey' way... wait a sec... was she humming?!? Daniel could pick out a tune... Power of Love. Celine Dion. It was officially. Samantha Carter was in Love.

"So... have a nice weekend?" Daniel asked innocently, feeling enthusiasm suddenly appear within his droopy, tired and overall miserable body.

A slight blush came to Sam's cheeks as a quirky grin appeared on her lips, "Oh... it was alright."

Daniel's eyebrows rose at her none-to-innocent tone. OK, this was starting to scare him now. She was singing. Albeit quietly, but... her voice...

Sometimes I am frightened, but I'm ready to learn,

For the Power of Love.

Daniel gawped at her as she looked at him confused, her eyes flicking from left to right as if wondering if he was staring at her, "What?"

"You were singing, Sam."

"Was I?" Sam looked rather worried for a moment, but then the lopsided smile came back onto her face, "I didn't know I was singing. Hmm. How odd?"

Daniel watched her confused, "Sam, you have a great voice. You said you couldn't sing!"

"I can't," she looked at him anxiously, but Daniel could tell she was acting, "Are you alright, Daniel? Maybe you've had too much coffee. Not to mention you look a bit ill. Did you drink too much beer last night or something?"

It was at that moment that another person swaggered into the commissary. Daniel couldn't believe it! Jack was also smiling like a love struck teenager. Oh, this mission they were going on today was going to be SO interesting.

Sam shifted along slightly as Jack sat down beside her grinning as he said cheerfully, "Morning."

"I guess you had a good Valentine's too then?" Daniel asked, slightly infuriated.

Jack's lips twisted into an unusual coy smile as he said, "Oh. It opened my eyes slightly!"

Daniel looked at the two people in disbelief, "Not BOTH of you! Are me and Teal'c the only ones who didn't find love on Valentine's D...?"

Yet another figure strode into the commissary also smiling slightly. He strolled over and sat beside Daniel. Daniel felt like banging his head on the table, although deciding it would not help his already aching head if he did! Jack smiled at Teal'c, in his goofy way, telling Daniel that Jack had found the woman of his dreams and would be married to her within the month, "How was Chulak?"

"Most pleasant," the Jaffa said still smiling slightly, his eyebrows rising meaningfully.

Daniel's jaw dropped. He gave into his previous urge and thumped his head on the table, regretting it immediately, as he grumbled, "Am I the only one on this team who had a crap Valentine's?"

"Quite possibly," Jack said with a grin, "Let me, guess! You drunk too much, right?"

Daniel let out a grunt meaning 'Yes!' before he said sarcastically, his voice muffled by the table, "Oh great! Just great! My team all found love on Valentine's day not to mention had, by the looks of thinking, bloody good sex and I was in bed, throwing up after drinking 4 beers!"

His team looked at each other all of them, even Teal'c going bright red before Jack broke the awkward silence with his usual banter, as he waggled his eyebrows teasingly, "Just 4?!?"

The other three smiled at each other with amusement as Daniel looked up and fixed them with an angry glare. He spoke, "Well, I don't want to hear any of you talking about what you did!"

Sam pulled an imaginary zip across her lips as Jack just pointed to her and muttered, "What she said!"

Teal'c spoke as his face returned to its usual stoic expression, "I will refrain from discussing my... 'exploits' on Chulak."

Daniel just glowered at the Jaffa and the unusual smug smile pasted on his face before he glanced at his watch, getting up, "Time to get to our briefing."

Daniel's annoyance increased in the briefing when not only were his team all smiling like idiots, so was General Hammond! Daniel collapsed in his chair with an audible sigh and "Oy..." as the General began.

The briefing was extremely quick. L9Y 576 was the usual. Forest terrain, old mining colony still inhabited the planet and lots of Naquidah in the ground for Sam to bring home.

General Hammond still smiling said, "Alright SG-1. You leave at 1000 hrs. Dismissed." Jack, Sam and Teal'c left as Daniel got up. General Hammond spoke, "Uh, Dr. Jackson?"

"Yes, General?"

Daniel turned to look at General Hammond. The man spoke again, "Are you alright? You didn't seem your usual self during the briefing."

Daniel's jaw opened outraged, "Me?!? General, my team is wandering around like Valentine's Day has never happened before! I wouldn't be surprised if Jack started giving everyone he passed candy, Teal'c hugged complete strangers in the corridors and Sam sang every verse of every love song she's ever heard in the middle of the Mess hall!"

General Hammond chuckled, "You didn't have a good weekend, did you, Dr. Jackson."

It was a statement rather than a question and Daniel began to wonder if Janet had told everyone about his little fiasco at the weekend! He spoke, scuffing his boot on the shiny polished floor, "Well... no."

Hammond chuckled and patted the man on the shoulder as they left, "Just remember, none of them have probably had a good Valentine's for a long time, Son. This time Cupid got 'em!"

Daniel nodded, as Hammond walked off down the corridor with a definite spring in his step. Daniel stood in silence for a moment and then sighed, "Problem is, General, he got you too!"

Read on in 'Sing for Absolution (Part Two)'