LOCATIONS - Earth/Pegasus

DATE - July 2010 Onwards

LANGUAGE - UK English (Character dialogue will be written to reflect their individual dialects where appropriate and US English terms will be used as far as possible.)

Side note - SGU does not exist in this universe.

Changes in date/location are denoted by a heading in bold.

Original Authors note: This is my first attempt a Stargate fic so please be aware of that whilst reading and (hopefully) reviewing. I welcome constructive criticism and suggestions for improvements.

The title 'Bluebelles' is deliberately spelled that way and it will become clear why later on in the story.

Additional Authors note: - After a couple of recent reviews highlighting my incorrect and confusing manner of formatting dialogue I have decided to start reformatting the story from the beginning.

Guest - I was aware of the problems - I mentioned it in my A/N for Chapter 13 which you obviously didn't get far enough to read. I hope this version is easier to understand and read.

(For some reason I can't enter a line break so am using . to create them)


Chapter 1

.

Washington D.C - July 26 2010

Sam looked at herself in the mirror, she took a few deep breaths to try to calm herself; it didn't work. She was terrified, give her a Goa'uld, a Jaffa army, or a Wraith hive and she wouldn't bat an eyelid, but today, she had never felt so nervous.

She studied her dress for the hundredth time allowing her thoughts to drift from her resolute stance to the undetermined realm of 'what if?' What if its too short, or too revealing, or perhaps it wasn't revealing enough, she debated yet again about taking it off and pulling out something else from her wardrobe. Then she stopped and looked at herself again, she had bought this dress for a reason.

Cassie had told her she looked beautiful and Vala had told her he wouldn't take his eyes off her, whoever he was, the mystery man she had bought the dress for. Granted she trusted Cassie's opinion more than Vala's - the older woman had been known to dress entirely inappropriately, the tiny skirt and shirt tied below the breasts combo that Cam had described to Daniel in loving detail came to mind - but it was Vala that knew she wanted to look fabulous for a man.

It was like Vala could read her mind at times and although on rare occasion it was helpful, most days it was infuriating and required the aid of a gag, usually Daniel's hand clamped over her mouth to shut her up before she verbalized something inappropriate for the situation.

Sam smoothed the skirt of her dress and checked the tape holding her dress in place had not come unstuck or moved, it would be unbecoming of a decorated Colonel to fall out of her dress in front of the top brass. Happy she was secure she twisted a free curl around her fingers and tidied her fringe.

"Samantha, are you ready to party?" came the over excited voice of Vala through the door, before Sam could reply the woman burst in and bounced over to her – a feat in itself in 6 inch heels. Sam couldn't help but feel inferior to the dark haired beauty beside her, tanned skin, flowing hair tamed into a sleek side ponytail and a strapless red dress and matching lipstick. "You look stunning, Sam," see, there it was again, the mind reading.

"Let's go," Sam replied, still trying to ignore the thousand butterflies dancing in her stomach.

Jack irritably tied his tie, his boots glistened and his trousers had never had creases so sharp. His blue jacket was hanging on the wardrobe door and looked brand new. He checked his tie and sniffed his shoulders, he grabbed his aftershave and used a little more before drying his hands and putting on his jacket. He smiled to himself, he still had it, a few more wrinkles, a few more scars, a few more, yes, he would admit it, grey hairs but he thought he still cut a dashing figure. He looked at the dress uniform hanging on the wardrobe and had never felt so relieved. Tonight he was no longer, General Jonathon O'Neill, he was Jack, plain Jack, well after midnight he would be and then, well there would be nothing stopping him then, would there?

Five years ago they had sat outside his cabin fishing, waiting for Daniel and Teal'c to join them, it was then that they had decided that when he retired they would take a chance and see what happened. He'd had it all planned out in his head, he'd get retired, he'd go to her home and he'd kiss her like he had done in the time loop. He lost himself for a moment remembering the taste of her soft lips and how she had kissed him back without hesitation. If only it could be that good again. She however, had got in first and suggested they meet after the party, just a drink but perhaps with the promise of something more.

He picked up his key card and left his hotel room. He looked up and down the corridors; this place was more confusing than a pyramid when he needed to find a bathroom. He took a chance and turned right, thankfully when he turned the corner a sign indicated the stairs and he continued down to the ground floor.

As predicted the foyer was milling with arriving guests, top brass and stuffed shirts galore and dotted between were some familiar faces. He turned and tried to escape in the opposite direction.

"General O'Neill," damn, he turned back to the well-wisher and greeted them politely.

"Senator," he allowed himself to be guided into the ballroom and desperately looked around for an escape route.

Daniel waved to him, flanked by the veracious Vala, Cam smiled and Teal'c gave his trademark nod. Hank Landry was close by talking to a blonde woman with a six to rival Carter's. She was wearing a royal blue number that fell to floor and showed off her toned back. Where was Carter?

A booming voice filled the room, "Let us welcome our guest of honour, General Jack O'Neill!" the room was filled with applause and a few wolf whistles from SG1. He nodded and smiled politely and walked over to the podium where he was expected to give a speech. He still hadn't planned what to say but he was glad that all the guests had full security clearance, he could ad lib without worry; he opened his mouth to speak when the blonde turned around.

She was holding a glass of champagne and positively beaming. He was speechless, he was sure his mouth had dropped and he had reverted to goldfish impressions but his brain wasn't working. The dress was a halter neck with a v dropping between the breasts revealing enough flesh to tease and look classy at the same time. Her hair was twisted into curls and pinned up loosely. She looked; there was no other word for it, stunning.

Sam turned around at the announcement and applauded with the others. He nodded and the room fell silent but he didn't speak, he was staring, at her. She felt her cheeks redden slightly and Daniel coughed loudly. Jack jumped and looked around the room.

"Well, I'm not one for speeches and," he looked around comically, "usually the Asgard feel this is a great time to spirit me away, and, well, I wouldn't put anything past them and their skinny grey butts. The Stargate Programme and Homeworld Security have been my life for the past 13 years and I've seen and done stuff many of you can only imagine. I'm proud of the accomplishments of everyone involved, there have been some great times and along the way some really tough ones, we lost some good people and formed new alliances. Personally I made some of the best friends I have ever known, and for that alone I thank General Hammond for dragging me away from my telescope and kicking my ass through the 'gate. I'd love to say I'm sad to go but I'm just looking forward to spending all day fishing, all day every day, just fishing. I'd like to raise a toast, to fishing."

Sam grinned, she, along with everyone else, raised her glass and chanted, 'to fishing,' she could see many were confused but General Landry and the rest of SG1 along with others who knew Jack well were smiling and shaking their heads. He hurried out from behind and podium and across the room to her.

"Congratulations Sir,' she said. He smiled and looked the group up and down. "Makes a change from BDUs Carter," he jested.

She couldn't help it, she blushed and was certain she had turned the colour of beetroot.

Jack was secretly pleased he had made her blush. He turned to Daniel, "Daniel.'

He responded in the time-honoured way, "Jack."

"Enjoying yourself?" Jack asked, bored to tears.

"Yeah, you?" his friend replied.

Jack glanced at his watch, 8pm, "not really,"

"Fancy venue, champagne on tap, everyone here to celebrate your retirement, what's not to like?" Cam piped up.

"I like the quiet." Jack shrugged.

Sam shook her head, smiling to herself.

"And I'm not that big on getting dressed up, can't move in these things," he tugged at his collar and pulled a face.

"Oh come on, you don't wear a dress like that and expect to be ignored," Jack looked past the group at the offending speaker. His eyes narrowed.

"Somehow I don't think making you hot was top of her agenda,' a familiar voice chastised.

Jack sighed waiting for the petulant reply.

"I just wanna say hi," the Canadian whined.

"We are not going over there so you can perv on the Colonel!" Sheppard retorted a little too loudly.

Cam looked around at the group. "Anyone got a lemon handy?"

"Sam, lovely to see you," McKay grinned as he joined the group.

"Rodney," she replied politely.

Sheppard nodded to Jack, "General," he turned to Landry, "General," and to Cam and Sam, "Colonels."

The four replied almost in unison, "Colonel."

McKay stared at them incredulously, "seriously? Every time, is it necessary?"

Sheppard glared at him, "to show some respect to your colleagues with the appropriate salutation, yeah, yeah, it is."

McKay glared at Sheppard before turning back to the group; he remained quiet whilst the others engaged in conversation.

Jack watched the little scrote as he openly ran his eyes up and down Sam's figure stopping on her chest. "McKay, I hear someone was stupid enough to date you," the man in question jumped.

"Yes, I am seeing someone," McKay told him proudly.

Jack raised his eyebrows in a 'tell more' expression.

"It's someone from the Atlantis expedition." McKay clarified.

"No, really?" Jack replied sarcastically.

Sheppard turned to the General, "Dr Jennifer Keller, don't know what she sees in him."

McKay puffed out his chest indignantly. "I'm a hero, I saved her life, I am the foremost expert on the Stargate and …"

"The most egotistical jack ass I've ever met," Cam finished for him.

"Didn't you nearly kill them several times in that mine? Surely saving their lives was redeeming your past actions and nothing to make a song and dance about," Daniel added.

McKay glowered at Sam, "You told them?"

Sam was the picture of innocence, "I didn't breathe a word."

Sheppard grinned, "Nope that was Keller, Ronan was impressed with your skills with a grappling hook Colonel, you showed McKay up royally."

Jack, Cam and Daniel sniggered, Teal'c's expression softened in amusement.

McKay was not impressed, "Did she mention anything else?"

Sheppard looked him directly in the eye, "Oh she did, but I'm sure it didn't get back to these guys."

McKay looked at him, "And what makes you sure?"

Sheppard blinked, "You're still breathing."

Jack raised his eyebrows wondering what on earth was so bad, "What did you do McKay?"

The younger man faltered, "Um, nothing in particular."

Jack knew it was bad for him to be trying to cover it up, "So why wouldn't you be breathing if we knew?"

McKay looked at Sheppard, "Just a little joke between colleagues."

Sheppard looked at him, "You want me to tell them what you said?"

Sam sipped her champagne, "Which time?" she asked.

"His suggestion for getting you out of the mine."

Sam nodded, "Right."

McKay looked horrified, his eyes falling on first Daniel, then Cam, then Hank, he gulped at Teal'c's expression and didn't dare look at Jack.

"What suggestion?" Jack asked furiously, he knew McKay had a thing for Sam and had made some low comments in the past, but he had thought that with her being his boss he'd stop or at least not say it to her face.

Sheppard turned to McKay, "Well?"

Jack felt a hand on his shoulder, an attractive woman in black he knew to be the wife of another general smiled at him, he sighed knowing he had to be sociable and was guided towards said general.

Sam looked at the clock, 11.50pm, it was nearly time. Their plan was carefully calculated, the party finished at 12pm and they both knew Jack couldn't get away before then. She could see Jack getting ready to leave and knew it wouldn't be long before she could follow. He nodded to other guests and then headed over to her and SG1. "I'm gonna hit the hay," he told them.

Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"What? It's been a long day," Jack continued, and its not over yet Sam thought to herself. Jack argued with Daniel for a few more minutes before saying goodnight and leaving. Sam looked at her watch, how long did she have to wait? She managed to give it nearly half an hour before following him up.

She hurried up the stairs to her room and grabbed the overnight bag she had packed earlier. She checked her appearance in the mirror and slipped from her room and up two floors. She walked along the corridor and turned a corner, the distance between her and her destination seemed to lengthen as she stood there. She stepped forward and followed the numbers on the doors until she reached room 426.

She knocked gently. She could hear footsteps crossing the room and her breath caught as he opened the door. He had taken his jacket of, loosened his tie, and undone his collar. She preferred him this way, relaxed and a little scruffy. He smiled and guided her in.

"Quick, before anyone sees you." He stuck his head out of the door and looked up and down the corridor before clicking the door shut.

Sam put her bag on a chair and looked around the room, no, suite, and what a suite it was. There were a table and chairs and sofa in the room complete with mini-bar. A bucket was sat on the table containing a bottle of champagne, with two glasses and a red rose beside it.

She raised an eyebrow, "I didn't have you down as sappy."

He shrugged his shoulders, "Wanted to do it right." She nodded and smiled at the sentiment. They stood in silence for a few moments before he felt the need to speak, "Well this is kinda awkward."

She laughed a little and nodded. "It's getting that way Sir."

He stepped towards her, and shook his head, "Its not Sir anymore Carter, its Jack."

She smiled. "Then its Sam, not Carter."

He grinned. "You'll always be Carter to me."

They stared at each other for a few moments; Jack turned to the champagne and lifted it from the ice. He opened it, poured two glasses and held one out to her,

"To retirement?" she asked.

He shook his head. "To us, and seeing what happens."

They sipped their champagne in silence, he caught her eyes and she found herself lost in the deep brown, he carefully placed his champagne flute down on the table and took her glass from her.

He stepped closer and reached out. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the sudden contact made her gasp. He ran his finger down her jaw line and across her collarbone; he gulped and withdrew his hand quickly. He didn't need to say it, she knew what he was thinking; it still felt wrong, against the rules, forbidden. She closed the gap and found herself licking her bottom lip, she shifted her face closer to him. She could feel his warm breath against her skin. Her eyes traced the curves of his lips for a few moments before he finally closed the gap.

He pressed his lips against hers and ran his fingers through her hair; he deepened the kiss and savoured her taste. When they broke apart, their breathing quick and shallow, he quickly nipped her neck and collar gently.

"Mmm, you taste better than I remember," he whispered into her skin.

She stepped back, "Remember?' He met her eyes with his and grinned cheekily.

"That damn virus." He explained huskily. She smiled and hooked her fingers around his tie pulling him back to her.

He gladly obliged and began a sensual assault on the tender skin of her neck, the deep moan she tried to stifle brought a smile to his face. He allowed his hands to trace her curves for the first time, her hips, her bottom and then he lightly grazed his fingertips across her breast as he returned to her hair. His fingers found the clasp at the back of her neck and he played with it for a few moments. Willing to take the next step, he started to undo it but she grabbed his arm gently. Her face telling him what words never needed to, this time, meaning not yet, he nodded and kissed her deeply letting his hands drop back to her hips, not rushing things, just enjoying the moment.

They stayed like that for a while; he didn't care how long it was, just holding her in his arms was like a dream come true. He felt her hands around his tie and was aware of it being flung off him before she started unbuttoning his shirt, 'I thought we were taking it slow,' her eyes flashed and her lips crashed down onto his momentarily, 'that was too slow,' she opened his shirt and ran her fingers over his chest and stomach. He took a chance and unfastened the clasp on her dress and let the material fall down her front, or rather he thought it had.

She stopped caressing him realizing he was staring at her in confusion.

"How is it staying up like that?" he asked playing with one of the straps somehow stuck to her chest. She looked down and carefully peeled part of the dress off.

"Tape," she replied, she went to remove another piece but he gently pushed her hand away,

"That's my job. Sam."

Sam breathed deeply and sighed, she ran her fingers over his chest and snuggled her head beside his, their legs were still entwined and his arms wrapped around hers. She couldn't believe it had finally happened, after all this time and all the waiting, all those years longing and here he was, in her arms and even more than she had ever dared imagine. She laid her arm around him and closed her eyes; she thought she might just get the best nights sleep she had had in years.


A/N 2 - Any comments on the new formatting or any problems greatly appreciated. I am constantly looking to improve my writing and I can only do that from the feedback of those that read my work.