This chapter has little plot – it just explores Jack and Sam's growing relationship. I hope you enjoy and PLEASE send me your comments and thoughts.

One or two have commented that they didn't see Sam as strong a character as I have made her. I always felt that her character grew in later seasons. I admired the strong, intelligent woman she was shown to be. I don't believe anyone who had saved the world and who had been promoted to a senior officer would be a wuss! I like my heroes – both male and female – tender but strong! I also don't believe someone like Jack would ever go for a weak woman! Just my take on things folks – your comments appreciated.

Thanks as always to the reviewers (I love you guys! – thanks dp for your lovely words – I wish I could reply directly) and those adding me to their alert list!

She couldn't believe how exhausted she felt. Getting everything wrapped up in Colorado, moving across the country to D.C. and starting a new job, all in a couple of weeks would take it out of anyone, she rationalized. Still, considering how young she was now(!) she was surprised at how tired the move had made her.

Oh well, it was a small price to pay, she thought, as she kicked off her shoes and settled back on her couch. Looking around she admired the small apartment she had rented for her stay in Washington. She had brought a few things with her, to make it more homey, but most of the stuff Jack had some how scrounged up for her. Even so, the place didn't look half bad. She expected she wasn't going to spend too much time here – at least she hoped not – but still, it was good to have her own small retreat.

Everything had gone extremely well at the SGC. Although a lot of people were sad she was leaving, notably Cam and Vala, most wished her well. Other than Daniel, Teal'c and General Landry, no one knew the real reason for her leave-of-absence. As far as the others were concerned they thought she just needed a break after all that had happened on Trelea. Mostly, she told people it was due to the startling change in her physical age – that she wanted a chance to re-examine her life. The explanation was accepted although there were one or two raised eyebrows (other than Teal'c's) when it was revealed she'd got a teaching job in D.C. Vala especially had given a knowing look. Well, actually, it was more than a look. She'd practically had to stuff a sock in Vala's mouth! The only thing that stopped her was she knew that Vala meant well and was happy for her.

So, here she was, a new life ahead of her. It was exciting and scary all at the same time. Thank heavens she had Jack, she mused. Although, unfortunately, he'd been able to spend less time helping her than he had wanted. He'd been extremely busy since Jumper was taking a few weeks off to be with his wife as she went through further testing. She really couldn't begrudge the man although the timing sucked!

She had started her first classes this week and so far was really enjoying teaching. She had decided to teach only part-time so as to free her schedule to spend time with Jack. She hadn't needed the money as she had quite a large nest egg saved. She was surprised, however, at how much work was entailed in teaching even a part-time load. Every night this week she had had to come home and prepare a lesson. What made things even harder was that she had to be careful not to talk about things that she knew were true, but which hadn't been released to the general population yet. The last thing she could do was reveal anything learned through the Stargate program.

She sighed deeply, realizing that she should get up and get some supper. Damn, she just felt so tired she didn't want to move. Man, who would have thought that this would have taken so much out of her?

Just then, the phone rang. Knowing that it would be Jack, finally home from a series of marathon meetings, she eagerly picked up the receiver.

"Hello. Hi Jack", she yawned.

"Heya Sam. How ya doin'? You sound kind of tired."

"Yeah, I am. The move and the teaching have made me feel exhausted. I was just sitting here contemplating whether or not to get up and make myself some supper. I'm so tired and not very hungry so I may just crash. How are you doing? How were the meetings?"

"Same old, same old. Just a lot of bureaucrats blowing a lot of hot air. God, get me back to Trelea for some good old-fashioned torture. I think it would be easier."

"Jack – that's horrible! Don't even mention that, it gives me nightmares."

"Sorry Sam. I'm tired too and frustrated. Really it wasn't that bad – just boring as hell. I almost fell asleep talking to the French Ambassador. Believe me that would have been a major international incident."

"Especially since Daniel wasn't there to smooth things over!"

He laughed. "Yeah, I think I should see if I can make him my assistant. He'd be invaluable at the Pentagon. So Sam, about this eating thing. I think you'd better get off your butt and make something for yourself. I can't have you wasting away, ya know! I have plans this weekend and I need you in top form."

"Oh, what kind of plans General Sir?"

"Hey – none of that now! I'm very happy to say that you don't have to call me General or Sir. There are no titles and no regs between us now Sam."

"Yeah – I know! It's just a term of affection you know. For a long time when I called you 'Sir' I was actually thinking something else."

"You were? Sweet! What were you thinking?"

"Well, Siiiirrrr", she drew the word out slowly and sensually, I thought how sexy you were and how I wanted to have my evil way with you …..Sir."

There was dead silence on the other end of the phone until, "Sam?"

"Yes."

"Can I come over?"

"Jack", she laughed. "I thought you were too tired, and don't you have an early morning meeting?"

"Please Carter. I promise to be good,"

"You do? Really?"

"Okay, no. I'd much rather be bad. But pleeeeeaasse Carter, can I, can I?", he whined

"See, now you're calling me Carter! That's just like 'Sir'."

"Yup it is. You think you were the only one thinkin' things all those years Carter? So, can I come over?"

"Yes Jack of course. Just be warned that I really am tired. I don't know if I'll be much good for anything."

"Hey, maybe I shouldn't come. I know you need your sleep. I'd like to see you but it can wait. I want you to take care of yourself", he said softly to her.

"Jack – I'd really like you to come here. I miss you. Maybe we can order something in and just snuggle for a while."

"Snuggle eh? Sounds good Carter. Let me change and I'll be over in a jiffy." With that they said goodbye and each hung up the phone.

It had been good, she thought. Since she had been in D.C. she had begun to get to know a different Jack than she had seen all those years. Oh, in essential ways he was the same. He was certainly the man of honor and courage that she had fallen in love with. He still had his crazy sense of humor. But she was discovering new things about him all the time. Not the deep important things that had been revealed in the Joining. These were more the small, everyday things that you dealt with when in a relationship.

She hadn't realized how guarded Jack had always been in some ways. Oh he had let her and Teal'c and Daniel in to see the 'real' Jack many years ago – but still, it was the Air Force officer Jack, the good friend Jack, and the commander Jack. The Jack she was getting to know was the lover, the companion – the man who she knew would be a wonderful husband and father.

Although their time together through the week was limited, they had spent each weekend together. They had gone to a couple of hockey games - not her favorite but she loved to watch Jack get so excited – and she admitted that soon she was loudly cheering on their team – even getting a little hot under the collar at some penalty calls!

They had spent a wonderful afternoon skating. Jack was a wonderful skater. He even confessed that his dream had been to be a hockey player when he was young but an injury had meant an end to his hopes. He also confessed that he hadn't been able to skate for the last few years because of his knees. So, it was like watching a kid in a candy store to see Jack on the ice. She couldn't remember seeing him just having 'fun' like that ever. He raced around the ice with her, actually scaring her a couple of times. He even twirled her around until she had crashed into another skater. Fortunately no one was hurt but she scolded him for getting carried away (all in good fun of course).

Jack had taken her to the opera as well. She knew that he liked listening to it but was surprised to learn he had season's tickets. Now, with a desk job, he could actually plan to attend regular events. What she hadn't known, however, was that he had a wonderful singing voice. Returning from a Verdi opera he had begun to sing one of the arias. She was actually quite impressed. After a couple of minutes however, he had stopped. When she had asked him why he gave a little grin and shrugged, refusing to continue. She realized that he had opened himself up to her a bit and was actually embarrassed. She found it utterly charming!

They'd gone to a couple of movies as well. She had known, from movie nights at his place, that they had similar taste. What she hadn't known was his passion for classic cowboy movies. They had gone to see a Western Marathon one night with High Noon, The Magnificent Seven and Butch Cassiday and the Sundance Kid. She had fallen asleep near the end but again, it was great to see Jack having so much fun.

There were other, more intangible things she began to learn about him. When they would go out together he was always the consummate gentleman and was really quite refined. She actually felt a little guilty for being surprised. He was a three star general so he obviously knew how to behave in Washington – it's just that she had seen the irreverent, sarcastic man, the tough soldier, or the friend and lover. She had rarely seen him as a sophisticated man about town. She wasn't quite sure if she liked it that much. Oh, she didn't want him to act like a savage – but she preferred him more 'down to earth'.

She could tell that, little by little, he was letting her in – letting her see him, warts and all. She was doing the same. She had even confessed that she liked to binge on chocolate and chick flicks during 'that time of the month'! She had actually blushed when telling him – why she didn't know. It's not like he hadn't been married before!

The one thing they hadn't spoken of was Sara and his marriage to her. She wasn't worried; she knew she had his love and loyalty. She just wasn't quite sure what his relationship was with his ex-wife – or his feelings towards her. He had mentioned her once, briefly, that night on Trelea, but other than that nothing. She had asked once a couple of years ago if he still saw her but he'd refused to answer. The subject made her nervous, but she knew one day it would have to come out. She also knew it would have to be in Jack's own time.

If there was anything she'd learned about Jack O'Neill over the years, it was that you couldn't push him into anything. You had to let him make the decision as to how much of himself he would share. He had a lifetime of keeping things hidden, close to his chest, and he wasn't going to change over night.

The hopeful thing, however, is she could see his honest and hard-working attempt to open up, to share with her. Sometimes it was hard for him and he would suddenly stop in mid-sentence. At those times she usually just held him or showed him some small form of affection – she would never push him. Sometimes he'd continue, other times he wouldn't, but she knew he appreciated her patience.

As she sat waiting for him to arrive she contemplated their growing relationship. As yet they had taken things slowly, even though they were no longer bound by Air Force regulations. They had done nothing more than kiss (albeit very passionately) since their time on the planet. She admitted to herself that she was getting very impatient.

"Enough already O'Neill! Come on! She was definitely ready to move to the next step but she was afraid to push too hard. She knew it had to be a decision both of them were ready for – even if they had already gone there once. She just hoped it wouldn't be too long or she'd be in some serious trouble. As it was, she found her mind wandering into forbidden territory at the most awkward times!

Just then, the bell rang. She jumped up to get the door and suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. Grabbing on to the back of the couch she paused for a second until she felt well enough to get the door. When she opened it she was shocked to find Jack leaning up against the wall, looking quite pale.

"What is it Jack? What's wrong? Are you okay?" She grabbed him and helped him in. After a couple of seconds he stood up, looking much better.

"I'm fine Sam. I just got a little dizzy there for a second but it's passed. Must be just tired."

"That's strange", she said, sounding perplexed.

"What? It's strange that I'm tired or that I was dizzy?"

"No – I mean just after you knocked I stood up and got real dizzy myself. Do you think it's the Joining? Are we somehow connected physically as well?"

"Maybe – I hadn't thought about it. You say it was after I knocked?"

"Yeah, right after. When did you feel dizzy?"

"Same – just after I'd knocked on the door. I was feeling perfectly fine – it came over me suddenly. Uh oh, I wonder what this means? Hey – how are you feeling now? Are you okay? Is this the first time you've felt this way?"

"Yes, I'm fine. It passed quickly. I think maybe I stood up too quickly is all. – and I haven't eaten anything."

"That's probably it. Good thing I brought some food. I hope Thai is okay?"

It was only then that she noticed that Jack was holding a bag with "Thai Satay" written on the side.

"That sounds great. Let me get some plates."

"Okay, but before you do that." he reached out and drew her to him slowly and deliberately. Just for a second he looked down at her and then slowly bent his head and kissed her lips.

"Oh yeah! That's better. Now we can eat."

Once they'd eaten they both felt much better. Sitting down on the couch they sat quietly for a few moments, curled up together. Having no need to speak, they simply sat with their arms around each other, Jack gently stroking her back.

After a few minutes, however, the stroking changed. It was no longer a gentle, affectionate touch; rather it began to change to one charged with passion. Soon, their kisses began to deepen. Sam could feel herself grow weak and hot, all at the same time. Suddenly, however, Jack stopped and pulled back.

Breathing deeply, he rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed.

"What's wrong Jack? Why did you stop?"

"Because if I didn't stop now I wouldn't have been able to stop at all." He said quietly, his eyes still closed.

"But Jack, what if I don't want you to stop?"

At that he opened his eyes and drew his head back, looking at her closely.

"Really? Are you sure? Sam, we said we'd go slow – it's only been a few weeks."

"Jack, it's been years, not weeks! Plus, we've already, uh, you know, so I know what I'm missing and this is getting really hard. I love you Jack – and it's killing me that we aren't together, together.

"So – you're telling me you want to 'you know?'" he grinned at her. "I'm not quite sure what you mean Dr. Carter. Can you explain 'you know' to me?"

"Jack! You know darn well what I mean." She swatted him on the arm. "But if I need to spell it out to you, you poor man, I want you to make love to me, right here, right now!"

"Oh – that 'you know'. Well, I guess I can handle that! But ya know, I don't think it's fair that I have to do all the work. What if I want you to make love to me?"

"That could certainly be arranged flyboy!" Sam stood up from the couch and walked to the door to her bedroom. She looked back at Jack, still sitting on the couch and made a beckoning gesture with her finger.

"Come on Sir!"

With a very pleased smirk Jack jumped up from the couch and followed Sam. He could hardly wait – a 20 year old body, a gorgeous woman that he loved passionately and no regulations! Could life get any better!

So often, reality does not meet expectation. That was often the case when it came to fantasies, especially sexual ones. Disappointment, disillusionment and regret were often the outcome of too much anticipation.

Jack and Sam were pleased to agree, however, that their reality far exceeded expectation. They were neither disappointed nor disillusioned and they certainly felt no regret!

Maybe it was the Joining, maybe it was because they were mature adults with years of experiences and wisdom in young bodies, maybe it was because they were kindred souls – whatever the reason, their night together was …. beyond words!

After a long session of passionate lovemaking, the two – in fact – lovers both fell into a deep, restful sleep. They didn't know it, but their dreams were the same – both wonderful, joyous dreams of the future.

In the morning they woke up together, bodies intertwined. Jack looked over at Sam and smiled, a gentle smile of love and affection.

"Well Carter – I gotta say – that was fantastic! Wanna do it again?" he waggled his eyebrows.

She smiled in return and leaned forward to kiss him when …

"Oh God", she grabbed her mouth and sprang up out of bed, quickly running to the bathroom where she made it just in time. After losing last night's Thai food, she rinsed her mouth and said to Jack,

"I'm sorry Jack, I don't know what's wrong. I must have caught a flu bug or something." She turned to speak to him when he suddenly raced by her, pushing her out of the way. He then bent over the toilet and emptied his stomach as well.

When he had finished, and rinsed his mouth out, he looked at Sam and said,

"I think I've got it too Sam!"