A/N: I wanted to write something just for fun… just for the good feeling of writing and making you smile… And you know that I like stories that could have actually happened on the show. Well at least the first part here could have… there will be second and third part (those were not part of the original plan… but you know me and what happens….) and those are not so realistic… but I've been feeling very romantic and you know me… sooo… yeah. I'm curious about what you're gonna think. Oh and I still have no beta so all mistakes are mine. I've got a headache with the size of Texas now... so i apologize in advance for all the mistakes... I'd be very grateful if you could just tell me when you find some. I will correct them of course. Thanks people :o) I think you all can understand :o)
Spoilers: None I think… If you know who is Samantha and who is Jack and that they like each other… ehm. Maybe something will appear – let's say till season 4.
Timeline: Doesn't matter. All that matters is that Jack and Sam are friends. That's all… I'm leaving the possibility of thinking more of the story and the situation to you…. And you can place wherever you want – probably season 4 or later on… We have Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, Samantha and George here in this story… as well as Janet. Or at least I plan to write it that way... we'll see.
LIVING AMONG THE STARS by ISOBEL
Daniel was with Janet in the infirmary. SG-1 just got back from a mission to P6K-798. The planet was amazingly calm. The most interesting thing was the night sky there. Three moons and lots of stars to see… Even after all those years Daniel wasn't used to seeing wonders like that.
Janet did her regular check-up after mission off-world. He seemed to be fine. Jack has already been cleared and Teal'c as well. He was the last one. Actually, recently he has always been the last one...
Sam wasn't on this mission. She had a small accident last week. So she was stuck here. And that was not that pleasant, yeah. Daniel didn't have time to stop by her lab to say hi yet.
"So, how is Sam?"
"Well… bored. You know her, Daniel."
"Yeah. She has never liked being stuck here on the base. Even with her lab full of technology to study, she would always rather be out there…"
"Well, you can try to describe the planet to her… how boring it was and things like that… Might help."
"Cannot do that, sorry."
Janet gave him a puzzled look. He looked guilty because of something. But why?
"Daniel?"
"You know that I am a very bad liar."
"The planet was not boring?"
"Not at all… well nothing happened, but the sky there Janet, the sky was amazing. And you know how she gets when it is about stars and space..."
"Oh…"
"Jack was in seventh heaven out there…"
"He knows a lot about stars and the space, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, he does… But as we know him, he likes to pretend to be a bit stupid… dumb maybe."
"I know…"
She sat down next to him on the infirmary bed. She was usually looking forward to this. Having him here, with her, it was easy to talk to him… she couldn't just march into his office. But he could always come to the infirmary… to talk of course.
Janet knew that there's been something about Daniel… she had a thing for him, yeah. She was slowly, oh so slowly falling for him, head over heels. And she suspected that he has known for some time now. But there were only mixed signals from his side. Or maybe she didn't know how to read them... it has been too long for her.
"You know, he does that just because of Sam."
"Do you think so?"
"You should see him out there, Janet. He likes to listen to her explanations and stories. He's happy when he can make her feel special."
"He has it bad…"
"Yeah, we all know."
Janet smiled at him. This guy was really … cute.
"Janet… do you think she knows?"
"Yes, she knows. She's enjoying that little game as much as him."
They laughed together. Those two… were so lost.
Janet was thinking about asking Daniel something… but she was interrupted. He picked her hand and caressed her knuckles with his fingers. She winced a bit. She had bruises there.
"What happened?"
"I… "
"Yes?"
"I stumbled yesterday. I don't even know how it happened, I just fell outside the base while walking…"
"You okay?"
"Don't worry, just some bruises… and hurt ego."
He smiled at her.
He liked the doc. She was pretty, smart, kind, with wide open arms and big heart with lots of space for all her people. She was caring and funny… At first she was a friend. Then slowly she has become a bit more to him. Recently he often found himself outside the infirmary, walking there without a reason. He just wanted to see her and talk to her.
Sometimes he brought food along, sometimes coffee. And sometimes he just turned around and walked away, afraid of the consequences.
It wasn't fair. For all those years he used to envy Jack. Although he couldn't be with the woman he loved, he had somebody in his life. After losing Sha're he wasn't sure if he'd be able to love again. And then this amazing woman made her way into his heart. And he was afraid. And suddenly he realized that there was nothing to envy Jack. His best friend had very little chance of being with his love. They couldn't hold their hands, couldn't kiss, couldn't do anything… Those stupid rules were there for a reason, yeah, sure, but he doubted that while making them the army has been thinking about the possibility of projects like the Stargate Program has become.
He was covering for them, as well as Janet and Teal'c… and even Hammond. Sometimes they slipped a bit. Sometimes it was too much for them. While being hurt or unsure they shared looks and hugs and sometimes just silent sitting next to each other a bit closer than usually. They could communicate without words… they were forced to confess their feelings in order to survive… but they just couldn't act upon them.
Daniel was sure that there was not a single person on the base that would try to press charges against them in case something should happen. But he couldn't be sure. Sam was a General's daughter and Jack was her CO. There were people that would gladly use their honest and pure feelings against them.
Daniel suddenly realized how lucky he has been. There was not a single thing that could actually stop him from caring for Janet. He wasn't sure if it was love… but whatever it was, it was deep. And the only thing stopping him was fear. And maybe the fact the she was a close friend and he didn't want to screw this up.
She was sitting next to him, a bit nervous, with her bruised hand.
He looked at her and then suddenly couldn't help himself. He brought her hand closer to his face and kissed her knuckles gently. She shivered with that sudden contact.
He has been spending lots of time with her lately, yeah. But she didn't even dare to hope that he could… and here he was, talking to her, making her feel happy and content… and what more, he was kissing her bruised hand.
"Be careful…"
He wasn't sure if it was a whisper or not.
She touched his cheek with her other hand. He smiled at her. There was that warm feeling spreading through her veins.
"When's your debrief?"
"In an hour. Should be short because we didn't have any equipment for watching the stars… soo… nothing much to say."
"Okay…"
"Why?"
"Would you… want to have dinner with me, Daniel?"
And there it was. She said it. She asked him. It could have been just dinner between friends… or maybe more.
His heart skipped few beats before he could think again. He jumped from the bed and looked into her eyes again.
"I'll pick you up at six, okay?"
"Sure."
"Do you…. Want to go out or should we just order in and have a nice evening with Cassie?"
"She's staying at her friend's place tonight…"
She sounded so nervous! He just smiled at her. He nodded, leaned closer, kissed her forehead and then walked away.
She was sitting there on the bed for another ten minutes before she could even realize what has just happened. She couldn't believe it. She was so scared… and yet this felt like the right thing to do… She felt dizzy though.
Daniel had to sit down in his office. His heart was beating fast and he couldn't breathe. He was going out with Janet Fraiser. He was nervous. He was… afraid. It has been ages since … oh. He took some deep breaths. He had to take put together the rest of his report and then go to the meeting.
Jack was sitting in the briefing room for an hour. Fraiser has cleared him to go. Well, that was a surprise. Nothing happened on that planet so… yeah.
He was bored out there. He could always enjoy watching the night sky. But where was the point of watching when they didn't have any telescope with them… and besides Carter had to stay on Earth. That was just not fair. She would love it out there. He could see it clearly. They would be talking and she would start explaining things and he would play dumb to let her talk and smile at him and then he would say something smart and surprise her…
Well, she didn't get the chance to come along. And it was his fault. He was supposed to secure her properly… but something went wrong and she fell down and hit her head… when she woke up in the infirmary she smiled at him.
"It was not your fault, so stop looking at me like that."
"Carter come on…"
"No just listen. I was supposed to check it, okay? It was not the first time I went climbing… I didn't check it, I slipped, I fell. I'm alive. Stop worrying."
"Yeah… but still I was the one that failed. I'm sorry… Carter."
"All right, Sir. We make a deal."
"A deal?"
"Yeah… you stop with the apologizing and with that guilty face of yours. And I will stop telling you that it was not your fault."
"Doesn't seem fair to me, Sam."
"All right. We can add something. You can do me a favor, maybe?"
"Sure. What would that be?"¨
"I don't know yet… can I save it for later?"
He grinned at her. That was promising…
"Sure, Carter."
She smiled at him. Yeah, those sentences with double meanings have always been something to use on him. She liked that grin.
She was a bit pissed though. Because of this accident she couldn't come to P6K-798. At first it looked okay but then they got back. And she heard two airmen talking about the amazing night sky the SG-1 has seen out there. That hurt.
They would have their debriefing soon. Then maybe she would be able to talk them into having dinner or something. She missed them. It was strange… at first they were all trying to get away from each other as much as possible. But during the time things… changed. And now after just a few days without them, she could honestly say that she has missed them.
She had to go and see Janet. She should clear her for active duty today.
When she arrived to the infirmary she has seen something rather strange. Janet was sitting there, staring into nowhere and smiling. She has never seen her like that.
She approached her and sat down onto the bed next to her.
"Hey…"
"Huh?"
"What were you thinking about, hm?"
"Oh. Nothing."
"Yeah, sure."
"Not convincing, huh?"
"Sorry, Janet. Wanna share the secret?"
"I'm not sure."
"Oh come on…"
Janet just smiled at her and then stood up and walked away. She got her kit to examine her. Sam was curious but Janet seemed to be somehow lost in thoughts.
"Something's going on… I have never seen you like this."
"Sam…"
She sat down next to her again. She was her best friend. She deserved to know… but… was there even something to tell? Sam realized that her friend was just… confused a bit. Something about the situation didn't seem right. But she was smiling so broadly, eyes full of hope.
"Okay… don't tell me now."
"I will tell you, later… all right?"
"Sure, Jan. Whenever you want to…"
"Thanks."
"Just one thing. Is this about someone rather than something?"
And Janet blushed.
"I knew it! You have a date!"
And Janet blushed even more.
"All right, I won't ask any questions. But I want all the details later… You're going out, that's amazing."
"I know… It's been so long."
"After all those years there's finally someone. I'm happy for you."
"I'm not sure about what's gonna happen… I don't know what to do. I mean…"
"Don't worry. It will be fine. And if not, just gently remind him that you have some very good friends in the military…"
She was teasing her. But it worked. Part of the tension left Janet's shoulders. She smiled at her. Sam knew about her sad love-life. It was even worse than hers. It was one of the things that have brought them to being so good friends. They could understand each other completely.
"Do you know him? Or is it just…. "
She didn't know how to express herself. Ouch.
"He's a friend…"
"And that is good or bad?"
"Both…"
"Janet…"
"It's good because he knows me and I already know he cares… but it's bad because if it goes wrong… it's gonna be very hard and painful."
"Is he a good friend?"
"Yes."
"Then don't worry. If it works out, it's gonna be great. Amazing even… And if it doesn't, you know each other well and that means you should be able to make the friendship work again…"
"You really think so?"
"I think you worry too much."
"I don't wanna lose him."
"Janet… is he worth the risk? I mean… is he worth all the risks?"
Janet smiled at her with tears glistering in her eyes.
"Yeah... I think ... He is."
And Sam could only hug her. It was obvious that Janet cared for this man. She was just surprised that she hasn't noticed anything before.
"I'm sorry, Jan. I should have noticed before…"
"It's okay, really."
"I was so… "
"Hey, it's okay, really. I know what you have to deal with. And I wasn't actually ready to share this… besides there's nothing to share. Yet..."
"I hope it will work out, really."
"Me too."
And they understood completely. It was not just about Janet and her mystery date. It was also about Sam and her CO.
Janet knew about her feeling for O'Neill. She was there when they were forced to confess. She has never said a thing about it though. She was helpful though. Sometimes when something was wrong she just pretended to be deaf and blind… she let them be together in the infirmary, she allowed them to be close when they needed the most.
Sam was just hoping that one day Janet would find herself a good guy. She envied her actually. She would give anything … and everything for the possibility of one date with the man she loved. But there was not a chance. They had just some stolen moments and silent promises of better future for them.
The checkup was okay. She was cleared for active duty. And curious about Janet's date. She actually managed to keep it from her. There was a man, a very close friend and she has fallen for him obviously. Who was he?
She was really curious. Well, she would get to know soon anyway.
She walked into her lab. It was late and she just wanted to finish few things there before heading home.
She opened the door and immediately noticed something on her table. It wasn't there before. And it didn't look like something to be examined. It was actually a present.
She opened the box and found a sheet of paper and a very strange large ball.
She took it from the box and placed it on the table. Then there was the list.
"Missed you out there. It's no fun watching the stars without you. It was still pretty cool. So till the next time you can practice your techno-speeches. Just put the ball on the mark and press the button on the bottom. Oh and Carter? Better close the door."
It was from O'Neill. She knew his handwriting. The letter really surprised her. He admitted something personal. Well, that was new. He has missed her out there. And he had a present for her. It was actually cute.
She closed the door and put the ball on the mark that has been made on her table. It was a picture of small smiling star. She had to smile. It was really sweet. She turned the thing on.
And she lost her breath for a moment.
It was amazing!
The ball was projecting small dots all over her lab. It looked like a night sky. She was near to tears.
This tough big guy obviously still had a soft spot for her. He knew how much she has always liked being with him out there, watching the night sky.
She sat down in the corner of her lab. She had the whole night sky to watch…
After the accident on Edora she had some troubles with the night sky. She was afraid of it. It was a constant reminder of what happened there... of how close she came to losing him forever.
They were on a mission not so long after that. And it was her turn to have the watch. And she was sitting there, not quite trusting herself. O'Neill woke up and found her there. She looked scared. And of course, he had to ask.
"I'm okay, Sir."
"Yeah, sure, I can see that, Carter. Come on, tell me… what's wrong…?"
"Sir…"
"Look I know those months were pretty hard on you. And we didn't have many chances to talk since then… so… if there's something you wanna tell me, then do it. Sam, just do it."
She looked at him. And he regretted his decision. She was angry and confused and it looked like she would cry soon.
"I am afraid you know? Every damn time I look up at the stars. And pissed as well."
"Why?"
"Because!"
"Yeah, good. Can you be even less specific?"
He was pushing her. He knew. He just needed her to cross the damn line and be honest with him.
"I thought you died. I couldn't accept it though. And all because of the night sky… The damned night sky..."
She wasn't ready to confess to anything else. She wasn't ready to talk about the time back then. And truth to be told, neither was he.
He looked into her eyes and saw the pain there. And he hated himself for doing that to her. It wasn't all his fault… but it didn't stop him from blaming himself. He wanted to talk to her and explain, to make her understand, to know everything about her and her time back then... but he couldn't ask. Not yet.
"Come with me, Carter."
"What?"
He just took her hand and made her walk with him. They were near by the camp but not as close as before.
"I know I'm asking a lot… but do you trust me, Sam?"
And she nodded. She didn't trust her voice. But... she trusted her CO.
He sat down and made her do the same. And suddenly they were lying on the ground. He pointed out to the sky and started to talk… He was making up stories about the stars and constellations. He was just enjoying the view. And then she tried to explain some things about stars to him. And he kept smiling at her. She suspected that he has already known those things… but she couldn't care less. It was just the two of them and the beautiful night sky. She wasn't afraid of it anymore. That fear was a ridiculous thing anyway... she felt so stupid.
He wanted to show her the beauty of it. And he made it... she believed him.
They knew that there would be some explaining and talking later, about Edora, about stars and about fears. But not now.
It was getting cold after few hours. They were sitting together, he was holding her close, trying to persuade her to get some sleep. But she wanted to watch the sunrise.
"Why?"
"It means there's a new day, Sir."
"Yeah…so… why?"
She looked at him. And she didn't get it.
"I don't like the sunrise."
"Why?"
"Stealing my questions, Carter?"
And she laughed. He dared to caress her cheek for a second or two.
"It means we have to go… it means… I have to… let you go…"
The rest was left unsaid. She understood. She dared to hug him back then. They couldn't talk and they couldn't do anything else. But there was the silent understanding. And again that silent promise... And then she walked back to the camp.
And now, in her lab, she was smiling while looking at those dots on her walls. She felt special again... because of him... again.
It has become something precious to them. They couldn't share anything during the day… but while being out there, watching the night sky together… they could at least pretend that they were like any other normal couple. With some differences, of course. They were not a couple, they were not normal, they were not on Earth… but all they had were those short moments before dawn and after the sunset…
And because she couldn't share them with him this time he has brought the skies to her lab. Which woman wouldn't feel special?
In the morning O'Neill came in early. He had a report to finish.
When he opened his locker he had to smile. There was a post-it note inside.
"Thank you"
There was nothing more. But this was… more than enough. The only question he could think of was 'how the hell did she manage to break into my locker and why I didn't notice?'. But it was Carter, so... better not to ask.
He peeled the note away only to find a sheet of paper among his things.
"Tuesday evening, next week. Get the telescope ready, I've been practicing the speech. As ordered. I'll be there at eight. Oh and Sir? I won't tell you how I managed to break into you locker. Keep wondering what else I can do..."
And he had to smile. The morning looked even better now!
He was so happy. Then he noticed Daniel walking in. He was early as well. He looked relaxed and strangely… happy. Well Daniel always looked kind of happy but this time it was different.
"Good morning, Jack."
"Hey…"
"It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?"
And he sounded really … like he was … high on something!
"Yeah, it is."
And the Jack realized one thing. He sounded equally as happy. Jack was a bit surprised. Daniel didn't mention anything about going out or something… and he didn't even mention anything about some new projects…. Hmm, strange things happen. But that look on his face? That was the look he had while being with his wife... it was the look Jack knew and haven't seen in ages.
"Hey Danny, she's amazing, isn't she?"
"She is, oh yeah, she is."
And then he looked at him. There was shock visible in their eyes. They were not talking about the same woman. So much they knew. But they were both in it head over heels… and it felt pretty good.
"Breakfast?"
"Yep."
They walked away together, smiling. Life could be a bitch sometimes... but then... sometimes... life could be beautiful.
Sam entered the infirmary early in the morning. She was curious about Janet and her date. And yet she couldn't stop thinking about the stars... all those lovely stars.
Janet was sitting in her office, writing something. She looked relaxed and happy.
"Hi, good morning."
"Hey, Sam… come on in."
"I've got breakfast."
She had some rolls and jam on a tray, along with coffee. She sat down and made herself comfortable.
Janet noticed how she looked. Like... being really cheerful.
"Had a nice evening?"
"Actually… yes. Could have been better... but... I'm working on that."
And it must have been something special because she forgot to ask about the date.
"Sam?"
"Yes?"
"Things will be just fine, you know? Everything…. will be just fine."
"Yeah, it will."
And she smiled at her friend. They both looked content. They were having breakfast together, chatting about Cassandra and about small things. Both knowing about the love spreading through their veins.
This was a very nice morning. And it didn't matter that they've been having secrets. They couldn't care less… with hope in their hearts and with joy in their eyes, there was nothing more to ask for in that moment. Maybe later, yeah... but now? Life seemed to be enjoyable once again.
Yeah, what a beautiful night sky could do to people… amazing, huh?
A/N: All right. I wasn't planning this :oD I wanted to write only about Jack and his present and about Sam saying thank you. But you know me… my stories are never as I planned them. God! :oD
So there will be two more chapters… You don't have to read them, this story can stand on its own. But I have them in my head so I will write them down. Both relating to this one.
And it's my first attempt to write about something between Daniel and Janet… so I guess there will be two couples to fantasize about … hehe… what do you think? I think I will have Samantha and Jack as the main one here in this story and just fill the gaps with Daniel and Janet. They were not even supposed to be there :oD
But there will probably be a story only about Daniel and Janet – I already have some ideas... I think they would be good together. I really wanted them to end up together... They would make a perfect couple... gentle and caring and ... oh my... :o) I'm not saying that Vala was bad or anything and they had chemistry with Daniel... but in those series Daniel was resembling Jack more and more and yeah, that development made sense... but still - I liked the old Daniel better. The cute clumsy, gentle, kind, funny guy with glasses, worst timing ever, with his jokes... and that Daniel would make good couple with Janet. And there was the chemistry, don't try to tell me otherwise :o)) Hehe... :o))
And there will also be a story about Edora. I have that episode in my head and cannot get it out. We'll see. Actually… there's a lot in my head just waiting to be written… wish I had the time to do so... :o( And there's also the promised sequel I know I know… I've been busy, sorry people. I will try to do my best to write a bit more if you are still interested in reading... Funny stories, sad stories, cute stories... you know me :o))