AN:This takes place any time after Sam's been put in charge of The Hammond. It's in two parts, Jack's POV and Sam's POV, you need to read both to get the whole story. The two POVs can be read in either order though. Sam's POV is in chapter two. I hope you enjoy.

Discalimer: I don't own Stargate or any of it's characters much to my annoyance.

Warnings: Contains some swearing.

Socializing isn't my strong point – Jack's POV

The sudden desire to talk to her overwhelmed him as soon as he saw her. He slowly made his way over: pausing to chat to friends and colleagues along the way. There were many brief conversations, but none of them could take his mind off his-once second.

Coming up behind her, he quickly interrupted. "Colonel?" he questioned. Damn, what are you doing you idiot!?! You just called her Colonel! At a party!

Hearing his voice, Samantha Carter turned around, face perfectly composed – hopefully like his own.

"General?" she countered.

Jack deliberated for a second, and then changed tact. "Sam." Can I call you that tonight?

She smiled slightly, and Jack felt his insides jump. He almost missed his name pronounced by her beautiful lips.

"Jack."

He breathed an internal sigh of relief.

Suddenly, unsure of exactly what took over him; he bowed briefly, and then straightened up, offering her his hand.

Sam did a Teal'c impersonation. Maybe he wasn't being clear enough.

"May I have this dance?" The first notes of a new song were just floating across the room.

Now both eyebrows were threatening her hairline.

"Ummm…" she seemed to dither for a moment. Then she nodded, beginning to blush a little. Uh oh, you've made her uncomfortable. Well what did you expect? He couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she looked though.

But it was too late to go back now, so he took hold of her outstretched arm.

He turned to lead her onto the dance floor, hearing her excuse herself behind him.

They soon joined the other couples already dancing, and Jack quickly pulled Sam closer to him, resting his free hand around her waist as she put hers on his shoulder.

He suddenly realised just how close they were. He wasn't the only one; Sam's heartbeat had gone up a notch.

It was a slow dance, and they began to sway lightly in time with the music, neither of them were the best dancers so they kept it simple.

"So…" He began. "How's being in command of a ship going for ya?"

He knew it wasn't exactly the best thing to start a conversation with, but he couldn't think of anything else and he'd be damned if he was going to let awkward silences win.

She replied after a moment. "It's..it's good."

Now it was Jack's turn to do a Teal'c impersonation.

She quickly amended herself. "Very good."

He chuckled, unable to help himself.

"Good? Very good. Honestly Carter. You and your big words and all you can say is 'good'!"

He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

Shit. You called her Carter! What the hell were you thinking! He wasn't the only one annoyed with him now.

But before he could redeem himself she was already speaking.

"Well sir," she began. He felt his heart sink a bit at her tone. "That's just what it is. Good."

He couldn't stop a small groan from escaping his mouth. He noticed Sam tense at that. Oh for crying out loud! Now you've pissed her off!

"I'm sorry sir," she began remorsefully, looking downwards. Jack was horrified. She was upset!?! No no no no no! "I shouldn't have…"

He cut her off before she could go any further.

"No Sam. Don't. It was my fault, my mistake, not yours." She was still avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry. Okay?"

Sam gave a small nod but didn't raise her head.

Jack sighed and slowly pulled their joined hand up to her face. "Sam?" Please look at me, forgive me?

She began to look up, and he opened himself up, trying to put across everything he felt with his eyes. As their gazes locked, he felt her almost start. And then she relaxed against him.

"You…I…" she seemed to struggle for a moment before plowing onwards. "It's okay…Jack."

She smiled at him, he smiled back.

Suddenly Jack knew that everything would be alright.

~Fin