Lingerings Chapter 1

"That sweet little tank top number…I remember feelings…I care about her, a lot more than I should…"

"Major, are you listening to me? Major!" Carter's eyes darted to everyone at the briefing room table before settling upon General Hammond. She lowered her gaze and cleared her throat.

"Sir?"

"We were discussing your last mission to P3x-564," the general stated flatly. He was getting too old for this, and suddenly felt very weary. "Did you have anything you wished to discuss regarding this subject matter?"

"Yes, sir." Sam's eyes brightened and looked around to see if anyone noticed her inattentiveness. Daniel's eyebrows were up, but his eyes were tactfully glued to his briefing notes. Teal'c wore his usual arched eyebrow, but the Colonel's eyes were sparkling with mirth and fixated on her from across the table. She blushed, ducked her head, and began her oration of the facts and figures sent back from the M.A.L.P. She added her own speculations and recommendations for other teams to follow, due to her findings in the soil surrounding the area that had been examined. Techno-babble.

"Very well, Major," General Hammond stated after she had finished. "I will forward your approbations to SG teams six and seven." Then, widening his attention to include Dr. Jackson, Hammond drawled, "As you may be well aware, the M.A.L.P. sent to P3x-268 has supplied us with more samples for analyzing. You will find in your briefing packets information regarding your next mission." The general fixed his eyes on Colonel O'Neill, "I trust you will read this in full, and will bring any concerns back to this table at oh-nine-hundred hours. Dismissed."

O'Neill was the first to jump up from the table and stretch, as Hammond headed towards his office. "Commissary anyone? I hear there's cake."

"That would be a negative, O'Neill," Teal'c rose from his chair with the grace of a swan, "for my presence has been requested in the infirmary by Dr. Frasier."

"Fer cryin' out loud! More tests?"

"Indeed. Doctor Frasier wants to examine my body for any long term effects of the Tretonin," he said as he escaped through the door.

"Yeah, Jack," Dr. Daniel Jackson was already walking towards the door. "I've got some...stuff," he mumbled and pointed at his folder and then towards the corridor, then absent-mindlessly left.

"Fine then." O'Neill looked pointedly at Carter before motioning for her to go first through the door. "I suppose your Majorness is also too busy for cake."

"Actually, sir...," Jack stopped and raised his eyebrows at her. "I could use some Jell-O." He shot her an appreciative smile.

They walked side by side down the corridor. Major Carter babbled on unceasingly about atmospheric variances and new configurations for the dialing computer. She even mentioned her latest alien thingie she had been working on; she said it would be something he might like. Jack couldn't even begin to keep up with her, though she did seem to like it when he tried. Sometimes the pretending came easy, sometimes, not so much. Today, he was resigned to enjoy the pretending; to enjoy the slow meandering walk. His hands clasped behind his back, holding his rolled up briefing packet; he found it completely blissful just to listen to the melodic sound of her voice. He could tell she was excited about something. This was enough for now. He couldn't lie to himself. There would have to be some decision eventually, whether to act or to walk away; but for now, this was as close to her as he could allow himself, with teasing, witty banter, and the pretending.

After reaching their destination, and grabbing themselves some cake and blue Jell-O, they sat down at an empty table. Sam was enjoying their amicable, dessert filled silence, until O'Neill interrupted.

"So, Carter..." he waited for her blue eyes to meet his, her spoon of Jell-O frozen in midair, mouth agape. Gracefully, she proceeded to place the blue glob-like substance in her mouth. "What was up with you in that briefing?"

Sam nearly choked. Some airmen sitting at the next table looked over and stared at them. Carter turned a magnificent shade of vermillion, cleared her throat, and then composed herself. She gave him her most innocent look, and said, "Well, this paper work isn't going to finish itself. I'll see you later, Colonel." She stood up, picked up her tray, and left him smirking at his cake.