Chapter 3

12 February

Jack looked on in shock and awe (and not a little envy) as Vala tucked into a plate piled so high with food, it looked like the leaning tower of Pisa. How could a woman so small eat so much? Teal'c he understood and was used to. But Vala...Well, he just felt sorry for Daniel and his future food bills. After pulling his attention from the phenomenon that was Vala Mal Doran, his gaze turned to Sam who was staring at him as if she knew exactly what he'd been thinking. How did she do that, anyway? He shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile as the twinkle in her eye gave way to a soft laugh. Yep, she'd definitely known what he'd been thinking. As she went back to her own meal, he continued to stare, marvelling at how this beautiful, intelligent woman could possibly love him. But she did and proved it every day. In their time together, he'd learnt not to question their feelings. After all, who was he to question fate?

His contemplation was interrupted when he heard Vala squeal suddenly. He looked up to see what was the matter when he noticed a man walk onto the stage, announcing that it was karaoke night. A fact Jack had "forgotten" to tell Daniel about. He watched as the archaeologist banged his head on the table and smiled evilly. Hey, it was his wedding weekend. What better way to spend it than torturing his best friend? He laughed as Vala tried in vain to get Daniel onto the stage with her. Correction: What better way to spend the weekend than to watch someone else torture his best friend? Jack laughed maliciously at the sight and was sent a death-glare by the younger man. Oh, he was going to pay for this, but he couldn't seem to make himself care.

"Samantha," Vala suddenly said, obviously realising that Daniel was not going to be a sport. "Would you care to join me in a little karaoke?"

Jack watched as Sam thought about it. He'd never actually heard her sing before. Oh, there was that humming one time, a time he'd prefer to forget. But singing? No, he couldn't recall her ever doing that. He silently hoped she'd go for it.

"All right." she finally acquiesced, much to the delight of the alien. "But only one song."

"Thank you, Samantha." she said as she pulled her friend to the stage, before she could change her mind. Oh, this should be good, Jack thought.

"I do not recall ever hearing Samantha Carter sing." Teal'c put in thoughtfully, glancing questioningly at Jack and Daniel. They both shrugged then turned their attention toward the stage where the women were standing, waiting for their song to start. Jack nearly choked on his beer when he heard the song they'd chosen: "No Sleep Tonight". Seriously? Soon, though, he was distracted by how good they actually sounded and sat back to listen. He noticed Daniel had a goofy grin in his face and wondered just what he was thinking. On the other hand, with the way he was eyeing the raven-haired alien, maybe it was better he didn't know. Pushing that thought away, he turned his attention back to the ladies. When they were through and had returned to the table, amidst a round of applause, the men congratulated them on a job well done.

"Why didn't you ever tell me you could sing" Jack asked.

"You never asked." Sam told him with a cheeky grin.

"You two were great." Daniel told Vala with a kiss to her temple.

"I agree." Teal'c said. "The two of you were quite harmonious together."

"Why, thank you, Muscles." Vala preened as Sam blushed and said a quiet thank you of her own.

"If you would excuse me now, I believe it is time for me to turn in for the night as the hour is late." With that, Teal'c left as they each threw their good-nights to his retreating back.

Jack saw Daniel lean into Vala and made sure to eavesdrop on the conversation. Hey, Daniel could be leaking state secrets, for all he knew.

"What do you say we go to our room and watch a movie?" Daniel whispered.

"A movie? You want to watch a film tonight?" Vala sounded incredulous and Jack couldn't blame her. Really, Daniel? he thought to himself.

"Do you remember what you told me on our first date? The night you were taken by the Trust? What constitutes a date?"

"Of course I do. 'A romantic event typified by dinner, movie and/or karaoke and usually culminating in a night of...Oh!" She stood so quickly her seat nearly fell backward. "See you two tomorrow!" Before Jack or Sam could even formulate a response, Vala had dragged Daniel out of the bar.

"What was that all about?" Sam asked.

"You don't want to know." he told her. "What say we turn in, as well. Got a busy couple of days ahead."

"We could make it a busy night." Sam said as she leant in close. Jack's eyes widened for a second before he did the Vala thing and dragged her toward the elevator. Nope, he didn't understand how this beautiful, intelligent woman could possibly love him but he was glad she did.

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