Camping for Dummies, Part II
Season: Ten
Gen, J/S, OC Pairing
Summary: Sam takes the kids back to her house for a night in with the team.
"Alright, who's up for some pizza!" Cameron bellowed from the front door, two boxes of the third option for dinner in his hands.
Sam clucked her teeth – a habit she'd gotten from Cassie – and sighed. "Ah, Cam!" she chided. "I told you we already had dinner covered. The guys should be back any minute."
Cameron shrugged and set the pizzas on the island beside Vala's eager form. "I know, I know. But when I heard how many people were coming, I thought it might be good to have some options."
As she opened the box, swiped a piece and took a bite, Vala grinned. "We're having Thai and Italian."
"Yuck!" Cameron cried. "Whose idea was that?"
Sam rolled her eyes and closed the box back. "Not together. But we did want a variety."
"Mm, that's good, Cam," Vala crowed. "Good choice!"
Shooting Sam a victorious look, Cameron smiled and headed to the fridge. "You got any beer, Sam?"
"Whatever's in there," Sam replied. "I think there might be some - "
" – Guinness," Cameron finished with the aforementioned beverage in hand, his eyebrow raised suspiciously. "I thought you didn't like this stuff."
Sam opened her mouth to reply, but was promptly – and luckily – interrupted by Daniel and Teal'c's entrance.
"Hello!" Daniel called from the front door. "We come bearing dinner!"
Sam, Cameron and Vala met them at the door and grabbed what extra bags they could, while Daniel and Teal'c looked around. After scanning the room, Daniel turned to them. "Where are the kids?" he asked.
"Cassie's in my shower, Melissa's in the guest shower, the guys are on the porch," Sam answered.
"Avoiding you?" Daniel asked with a grin.
Sam nodded. "Avoiding me."
Setting his bags down on the counter, Teal'c glanced at the boxes of pizza and raised an eyebrow in contemplation. "I do not blame them for their discomfort," he said simply.
Daniel and Sam shared a look before staring back at Teal'c. Placing a hand on her hip, Sam tilted her head and frowned. "Are you defending them, Teal'c?"
Teal'c simply bowed his head and turned away from the counter. "I shall ascertain the source of their concerns," he said. "However, I would not recommend assuming that you are guiltless, Colonel Carter."
And with that, he proceeded to the backyard porch.
The others stared after him for a moment, before Cameron and Vala shrugged and went back to unpacking their dinner. Daniel smirked at Sam's perturbed expression. "Well, Teal'c is nothing if not loyal."
"Oh please," Sam scoffed. "He just likes Nyan because he saved his life."
"And ours," Daniel added.
"Yeah, yeah," she muttered cheekily as she fished out the pasta.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Cameron glanced around at the four of them and smiled as he set down a box of noodles. "This is nice," he said. "The five of us hanging out with four angsty, college kids warring with hormones and self-doubt. This is great, isn't it?"
"Define 'great,'" Daniel countered.
Not taken aback by the challenge, Cameron merely took out another box. "You know, there was a time when I thought we'd never be comfortable enough with each other to do this on a regular basis. You guys know what I mean?"
Sam surreptitiously glanced at Daniel and Vala before she turned back to Cameron and smiled tightly. "No, no we don't. What do you mean?"
"Well, I just mean there were some rough patches in the beginning. We weren't exactly, I dunno, gelling as much as I thought we should've been." Cameron waved his hand in the air dismissively. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."
Once more, before the others could reply, they were interrupted by Cassie and Melissa, who were looking much fresher and happier after their showers and a change into some sweatpants. Sam laughed and wrapped her arm around Cassie's shoulder. "Well, you look much better."
"Oh, thanks!" Cassie replied as she rolled her eyes.
"I don't know," Vala observed. "The Drowned Rat look is rather fetching."
Extending her hand out to touch Melissa on the shoulder, Sam began introductions, "Melissa, this is Cameron and Daniel. They work with Vala and me at Cheyenne Mountain as well. And Cameron, you've met Cassie before."
"Oh yeah!" Cameron nodded as he shook both of their hands. "I think it must've been a few months ago or so."
Cassie smiled and nodded. "Yep."
"Well, it's nice to meet you," Daniel said to Melissa. "How did you get mixed up with this motley crew?"
Melissa chuckled. "You know, Sam asked me the same question! Is there something about these guys I don't know? Other than the fact that they seem to have a knack for getting into trouble?"
Vala nodded vigorously and placed a hand on Melissa's shoulder. "Oh, I'm sure there's loads of stuff you don't know about those three."
That earned her four simultaneous glares and a kick in the ankle from Cameron. Melissa, oblivious to the expressions, merely laughed again. "I think I definitely have a lot to learn. But Cassie and the guys have been really great, so I'm willing to get into more trouble if it's necessary."
"Well, you might want to wait a while before you make that kinda commitment," Cassie quipped.
At that, the two young men who'd been conspicuously absent from all socializing, made their way back into the house, with Teal'c right on their heels. By the look on his face and the speed at which the guys were walking, it looked like he was poking them with a cattle prod.
"It appears the showers have been vacated," Teal'c announced.
"Yep, so it does," John replied with a roll of his eyes. The two guys nodded to the group, before heading back to the guest bathroom with their backpacks.
"Hurry back though!" Sam called despite her ire with them. "You don't want your food to get cold!"
Cameron smirked and gently elbowed Sam in the side. "You are such a mom."
"Am not," Sam returned without looking at him.
"Are too," Cameron and Cassie replied in unison.
Shooting them a look, Sam glanced up at Teal'c. "Murray, this is Melissa. Melissa, this is Murray."
"Nice to meet you," Melissa greeted with a nod.
"Likewise," Teal'c said with a bow. "It is a pleasure to meet a friend of Cassandra Frasier's."
"Oh, and by the way," Sam noted cryptically, "we accidentally let your call sign from the Academy slip."
Teal'c blinked once as the information clicked, and nodded towards Melissa with another serene smile. "I see."
Melissa grinned as she and Cassie grabbed a piece of pizza and some Thai. "Don't worry! I won't ask you what it means!"
Nodding, Teal'c intoned as sincerely and seriously as he could muster, "Of that I am most grateful."
The rain had picked up again outside, coming down harder and faster than it had that afternoon. Teal'c, Daniel and Cameron had made it a point of spending some time with John and Nyan, who had made a notable effort to be more sociable. As a result, the five of them had gathered some chairs, and broken camp on the porch.
On the other hand, Vala and Cassie were being subjected to Scientific Torture, after Melissa had mentioned a test she had to study for the following week. Sam had casually asked what kind of test in passing, and as soon as she heard the words, "Hertzprung-Russell diagram," the conversation quickly evolved (or fell apart, in Cassie and Vala's opinion) from there.
Finally, having had enough of the technospeak, Vala turned to Cassie, placed a hand lightly on her arm, and beckoned her into the kitchen. Once they were safe there, out of earshot, she grinned. "So, about you and Nyan…"
"Oh no." Cassie slapped her head and winced. "Not you, too!"
"No, not me!" Vala assured. "Listen, Sam told me all about the little… talk… that she had with Nyan last weekend. She said it went well?"
"If by 'well', you mean, 'she scared the pants off of him with her line of questioning,' then yes! Yes, it went well!" Cassie sighed. "We honestly were not even… I mean, I hadn't even thought of him like… And then Daniel and Teal'c started making a big deal about it, Jack egged Sam on, and… Well, let's just say that Sunday brunch with Nyan was memorable, to say the least." Cassie rolled her eyes. "The guys certainly thought it was funny. I just don't know why she bothered, ya know? I've dated a few guys since I started college, and they never got that kind of treatment."
After a brief pause, Vala said, "Listen, I don't know much about your relationship with Sam, but I do know that there are times when we're off duty on the base, and she can't stop talking about you: 'Cassie's graduating in a year,' 'Cassie's volunteering at that hospital,' 'Oh, that reminds me, I need to call Cassie tonight!'"
Momentarily shocked beyond words, the young college girl's mouth fell open slightly. She knew that Sam loved her, there was no doubt about that. But she hadn't realized the depths… Or maybe she hadn't acknowledged them. Sighing, Cassie closed her eyes.
"I always thought that Sam felt obligated to protect me, to watch over me after my mom died." She looked up at the slim brunette and shrugged. "I don't know why I didn't believe that she did those things because she actually cares. I think I must've been in denial. She always said that she could and would never try to replace my mom…"
Vala glanced into the living room while Sam spoke animatedly with the younger blonde. "But you want her to?"
"No! No…" Cassie shook her head and shrugged again. "I just… I really need her in my life. I always have. But I know she's really busy right now, what with everything that's going on at the SGC - "
"No." Vala shook her head and held up her hand. "Nothing is more important to Sam than you. Surely you must know that?"
"I don't know." Cassie gazed at Sam, catching her quick, curious glance in their direction. "The SGC is her life. It's what's always satisfied her, made her complete… I've never felt right asking her to choose me over that. I did it last year, and… I just felt so bad."
"I don't think Sam would feel right if she knew you needed her again and didn't ask, Cassandra," Vala replied.
"I'm sure she just wanted to make sure she'd done her part with Nyan," Cassie said, abruptly bringing it back to a safer subject. "I half-expected Jack to do it, but he was just sitting there, grinning the whole time like Daniel. Teal'c, oddly enough, was the only one who wasn't amused."
"I'm sure Sam just wants to know that you're gonna be OK," Vala offered. "And I'm sure she won't do that again. The guys gave her quite a bit of grief for it! As for Nyan, well he seems like a good guy. I'm sure he'll understand why she gave him the third grade, given time."
Cassie chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Vala's misspeak. "You mean, 'third degree?'"
"Yes, that's what I said," Vala responded with a smirk. As she looked into the living room, she caught Sam's glance once more lingering on the two of them, and she smiled brightly. Sam smiled back, not sure what to think.
"So you'd really come and speak to my class?" Melissa asked Sam eagerly. "I'm sure my professor would love it!"
Bringing her attention back to the bright young woman before her, Sam nodded. "I'd love to. I just have to clear it with my superiors first."
"Oh, of course!" Melissa nodded and looked around the room. Catching sight of the pictures on the mantle, she suddenly jumped up to take a closer peek.
Sam remembered having that boundless amount of energy, but she was pretty sure she'd lost it along the way about five years ago. The truth was, she was seriously considering recommending Melissa for a job at the SGC once she graduated, but something was nagging at her to never mention the girl's name.
Though she hated to admit it, the SGC was a soul-sucker, and while she had experienced the happiest times of her life because of it, she couldn't in her right mind subject any more bright, talented individuals to its deadly, albeit incredibly satisfying, clutches. It was bad enough Cassie had expressed an interest in working there.
Sad really. Sam felt almost traitorous with her line of thinking, but she couldn't help it.
"Wow!" Melissa said as she picked up a frame with a large group of people in it. "He looks just like John!"
Sam was up in a flash, her eyes wide as she approached Melissa at the mantle. "Oh…" she began tensely. "That's… John's dad."
"Spitting image," Melissa muttered. "John could be his younger clone!"
"Yep, that's what we always say!" Sam gently took the frame as Melissa offered it, and looked at the people in the picture. It had been taken at an awards ceremony six months prior, and SG-1 had brought along Jack and Cassie. Glancing at the hodge-podge group of seven people, Sam shook her head. Who knew they actually fit together? She certainly hadn't predicted it.
"Is this the whole 'motley crew?'" Melissa inquired with a grin. Sam looked up at her and nodded with a matching smile.
"It is. And, to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way." With that, she set the frame down. "You know, looking at you and Cassie, I think I'm gonna change into some comfier clothes, too. I'll be right back."
Sam headed into the direction of her bedroom, leaving Melissa to observe the other photos. There were at least 15 pictures in all, each depicting a memorable moment or one of the unique individuals she'd met that evening. All at once, Melissa knew she was drawn to these people. She'd believed in kindred spirits, but she didn't realize that it was possible to feel such a connection to such a group. It was… oddly gratifying.
She turned around just as Vala and Cassie were making their way back into the living room. "Sam went to change into some more comfortable clothes."
Cassie turned to Vala. "You should, too, Vala. You know, make yourself at home."
Vala glanced down at her form-fitting attire and frowned. "But these i are /i my comfortable clothes."
Melissa nodded slowly, her eyes wide. "Oh."
Suddenly, gentle shuffling could be heard at the front door as something jostled near the door handle. The three women turned to the noise worriedly.
"Is Sam expecting anyone else?" Cassie asked quietly.
"No," Vala answered, suddenly on alert. "I think everyone who's supposed to be here i is /i here."
"Damn it," someone cursed loudly from outside, causing the women to jump slightly.
Clenching her fists, Vala slowly approached the door.
"What are you guys looking at?" John asked as he and the others filed inside from the backyard.
"Ssshhh!" The three of them ordered. John frowned and glanced back at the others.
"Vala!" Cameron hissed. "What's going on?"
"Someone's outside," Vala whispered as she pointed to the door.
"Oh for crying…" the muffled voice muttered. Then, "Guys! A little help? I can't find the damn key in the dark!"
Realization dawned on everyone but Melissa, as Vala quickly opened the door and Daniel rushed to greet the newcomer.
"Hey Jack!" Daniel said with a smile and a wave.
Peeking around their shoulders at the full house in front of him, Jack's face was a mixture of surprise and well-masked disappointment.
"Someone's havin' a party," he exclaimed jovially as he walked inside, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "I can see now why you guys were so insistent that I come."
"We weren't insistent," Daniel corrected. "We just - "
"We didn't want you to be left out!" Vala provided.
John was rolling his eyes as Jack smugly looked around the group, when his gaze fell on Melissa's somewhat shocked gaze. She was looking from Jack to John in amazement, and John felt his heartbeat quicken. Oh crap…
"Melissa, this is… Uncle Jack."
Melissa frowned and turned back to John, the spell broken. "Uncle? But Sam said he was your dad."
Teal'c cleared his throat and Nyan coughed. Wildly, John whipped his gaze from Melissa to Jack. "Uh…"
Sam chose that moment to appear, having found a T-shirt and some sweats to change into. As soon as she stepped back into the living room and saw what was going on, she knew there was going to be trouble.
Jack raised his head to meet her gaze, causing the rest to follow suit. Melissa, as oblivious as she'd been all afternoon, was beginning to realize that something was off.
"Carter," John uttered through gritted teeth, "Melissa says you told her that Uncle Jack here is my… i father /i ."
Sam had but a split second to react.
"Oh, John…" she feigned embarrassment and sympathy. "I'm so sorry. You weren't supposed to find out this way." She turned to Melissa. "It's my fault, really. I never should've said anything before I discussed it with John first. And Jack, of course."
Cameron groaned and plopped down on the couch. Vala slowly followed, enraptured by the show before her.
"But they look nearly identical," Melissa noted of Jack and John's likeness incredulously. "How could you i not /i know that he's your father, John?"
"Well, it turns out I have a brother," Jack stepped in, taking the absurd to a whole new level. "His name is Joe. But he… died several years ago. Sadly."
Teal'c raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sam, who merely shrugged. They really needed to work on a better cover story...
"Joe?" Melissa asked John. "You mean, your dad's name is Joe?"
John nodded weakly. "I… thought so…"
"Oh, dear God," Vala muttered. She'd seen enough soap operas to know that this was going dreadfully.
Mistaking Vala's skepticism for shock, Melissa nodded in understanding. "Oh… I see… I think."
"It was one night of passion," Daniel added, his eyes twinkling with barely contained glee. "Jack and John's mom didn't realize what they were doing - "
"John," Jack quickly cut off Daniel's description as he stiffly outstretched his arms, "It's true: I'm…your father."
John just stood there, not sure how he was supposed to react to such "news," and more than ready to wring both O'Neill and Carter's necks. He felt a tap on his arm, and knew instinctively that it was Melissa.
"Go on," she urged. Then, none too gently, she pushed him in Jack's direction. John had no choice but to hug him.
Behind him, he heard a genuine half-sniffle from Melissa, and various suspicious noises from the others. As he pressed his head over Jack's shoulder, he whispered, "You are so dead."
Jack merely replied softly, "You first… son."
