Okay people, I had to think about it a little but here we go! Ha.
No beta, all mistakes are mine. I checked. Twice. And for typos. But I suspect there's a little dwarf in my computer adding them anyway!


Jack walked to the kitchen and put the grocery bag on the kitchen counter. He wasn't as nervous as couple minutes ago but there was something about him being here in her kitchen taking groceries from the bag that made shivers run down his spine.

Sam was watching him from the doorway clearly unsure about what was going on. She noticed the General had brought various items. He clearly sensed her presence as he turned around and smiled at her.

"Thought you could use some supplies."

"For what exactly?" She asked bemused. "You thought I would starve here till tomorrow?"

He grinned and unpacked third box of ice-cream. Without giving it a second thought he opened her freezer and put them in. He did the same with cookies, milk, her favorite Costa-Rica coffee, some diet Coke, three six packs of beer and only when he pulled out a bottle of Whiskey he stopped.

"I wasn't sure about this one."

"Why?"

"Because I know you, Carter. I figured you'd be probably eating ice-cream and watching Roman Holiday and not drinking away your sorrows." He said half joking but soon realized from her surprised look that he was right on the spot.

"Yeah, I didn't feel like drinking alcohol tonight."

She said and walked closer. She took the bottle from his hands and he traced the label.

"Dad's favorite."

She noted and he just shrugged. He knew it was Jake's favorite Whiskey. They would get a drink when he was on Earth for more than a Tok'Ra mission. Selmak hated coffee but he enjoyed good old Whiskey.

"Where did you get this?"

"I know a place." He said nonchalantly and she looked him with "really? Are you kidding?" look on her face.

"I had this one in my office."

"Your office?"

"Did you know dad smuggled a bottle through the Gate couple of times?"

"What?" She asked totally shocked – and amused.

Jack leaned against the counter with hands in his pockets.

"Do you remember the time when we got back from Netu?"

"Hard to forget…"

"Yeah… Jacob couldn't sleep, we accidently met in the commissary and on a spur of a moment I offered to take him out for a drink. We didn't really think it through. It was late and we had nowhere to go so we ended up at my place."

"He never told me about that." Sam said and leaned against the counter just next to him, curious.

"I didn't have much but we didn't really need anything special. And he mentioned this Whiskey his father used to have at home."

"So you bought it for him."

Jack looked at her softly and realized that she hasn't called him Sir the whole time. And it felt damn good.

"Yeah, I did. And made sure there was always a bottle on the base. At first Hammond had it and when I took over…" And he shrugged like it was no big deal.

"I didn't know." She said sadly and turned away as she felt sudden tears in her eyes, putting the bottle down.

"Carter…"

"It's okay, Sir. Really." She said and he could see the change in her. Always the soldier it seemed.

"Can I offer you something?" She asked after a moment and he knew there would be time – later.

"What are you having?"

"Tea, chocolate ice-cream and butter cookies."

"Sounds good." He replied and moved aside when she reached for a cup and to turn on the kettle to make him some tea as well.

He watched her carefully trying to assess the situation. She seemed tired but at ease. Something about her was calling to him to hug her and never let go but there was also something that gave a steady vibe telling him she was indeed fine despite the circumstances.

When she handed him the cup he put his hand around hers and she didn't protest.

"I miss him." She said finally.

"I know. Me too."

"I know." She replied and he could see the emotions on her face.

"What can I do?" He asked as he was lost and didn't want to overstep any boundaries or make her feel like he was taking advantage of her. He knew she was no damsel in distress but she was vulnerable after losing her father. And he didn't even want to think about the cop – she gave the ring back but what did that mean? So whatever was about to happen had to be her call.

"I don't know. Be here?" She asked tentatively.

"Always." He replied sincerely with the same soft tone full of promises as on the base.

"So you've said before."

"And I meant it."

She smiled at him gratefully. She knew he did. He was a man of his word.

"You look tired, Carter."

"I am."

"I could go."

"No, stay, please." She made up her mind and didn't want him to go. He nodded and let her lead him to the living room.

Jack sat down on the couch and she sat next to him, tugging her feet under her, reaching for the remote. She flipped through the channels and found another black & white movie. As she didn't hear any protests from him she settled into the couch and stayed silent.

Jack knew he should let her be but damn she was his friend – no matter the situation they found themselves in – and he was not about to let her suffer alone. So he did one of the few things he was allowed to.

"Hey, c'mere." He said and when she smiled at him his heart skipped a beat.

"I thought you would never ask." She replied and moved closer to him so she could settle into him, letting him hug her closer. Jack wanted to tell her it was all up to her but decided to stay quiet for once. Putting his hand around her he let her find comfortable position. Maybe she just needed to know it was okay with him as well.

It took her about five minutes before she drifted off to sleep so he made himself more comfortable, putting his sock-clad feet on the table, thanking his lucky stars that there were no holes on those, taking the remote and finding a game he could watch while she slept. She snuggled closer so he put the blanket over her and just stayed there offering the best comfort he could at the moment.

He knew he was walking on a very thin ice but he knew he was right where he should be.

He wasn't stupid and knew they had a lot to talk about. No more silent guesses and subtle hints. They needed to be open with each other. His brief romance with Kerry showed him that the woman sleeping peacefully with her head on his lap now as she moved was the only one for him. But what would the future bring to them? He had no idea.

So talking was inevitable. He just wasn't really sure of himself when it came to expressing feelings and such. He had tried before but usually failed. He didn't want to screw this up but he was afraid – and it was not easy to admit that. He didn't want to lose her. She was everything to him. And despite all that's happened this day was one of the best in the last couple of months – being here, now, with her, it was something that made him happy.

He had to think about all that's Jacob said during their last few conversations while he was lying in the infirmary. Jack didn't have to admit his feelings towards Jacob's daughter, he was sure Jacob could see right through him. He had known. And he gave him his blessing which was something he didn't even dare to hope for. Sam could do so much better than him. And yet her father would rather see her with him than with that cop. So was there hope?

Jack checked the time and sighed. If he wanted to talk to her he would have to wake her up. Or he could let her sleep and avoid the talk completely.

He caressed her face and his heart almost exploded when she smiled from her sleep.

No, he wouldn't wake her up. She needed the rest and she would wake up soon anyway as the guys were supposed to come in an hour.

He knew he couldn't be with her alone so he asked Daniel and Teal'c to come. The whole team together was better anyway. They could open the Whiskey and talk. Besides Daniel surely had lots of nice and interesting stories up in his sleeve now when he was back to being human.

For now he would let Carter sleep. He realized that he stopped paying attention to the game so he turned off the TV. He could use some rest too and this was like little piece of Heaven.

Jack couldn't get one thing out of his head though. Right before Jacob died Carter told him that he knew about them. What did she mean exactly?! The way she said it and the way she looked at him suggested Jacob knew more than just about their hopefully mutual feelings. Did she tell him? Did he know? Since when? And what exactly?

Jack looked down at Sam. He could spend all his evenings like this, cuddling her on the couch, watching TV, no matter what channel. It felt so right, so domestic, so real. Ever since divorcing Sarah he had been wondering if there could be someone like this for him. He tried to settle – with Laira on Edora at first although it felt just wrong and then he tried to lead a normal life with Kerry – with the bonus of her security clearance so he didn't have to keep any secrets from her. But it didn't work out and Kerry was right. He had issues. Boy he did. But she voiced out the thought that had been hunting him for years.

Was it just the military and regulations keep him and Sam apart? Or was it more? Were they supposed to be?

He started to doubt everything but then she reached over for his hand to tug it closer and nuzzled his leg before going back to deep sleep. And that simple movement made him stop being an idiot.

He would die for her, lose his soul, whatever. And yet…

Did Jacob really knew and was okay with it? Or what? Did she tell him that it was not all so professional between them? Did she specify? Did he guess? Damned!

He did things he was not proud of. He had killed, lied, cheated. And more. He had sins weighting down his soul but he also knew he did what was asked of him. He did his job. He protected his country, his planet, his galaxy, his friends and comrades. He did what he had to do and aside from few things his consciousness was clear.

When it came to Carter he had regrets – about things he should have done or said and didn't and also about things he did or said and shouldn't have. But there were also things he knew he shouldn't have done or said but he would never regret as they kept him going for years and let him find the energy and courage to keep on fighting although he wanted nothing more than to retire to his cabin and have a simple life – preferably with her by his side but he would hardly admit that to anyone. Even to himself. No, she was off limits and he knew.

Would he regret the hugs? The shoulder bumps? The evenings on her or his or Daniel's couch? The late night talks over fire on missions? The lame jokes that would always make her smile? The small moments of contact when he would touch her face or hold her hand? Would he regret the stolen kiss in the time loop?

Well on the note of that one he was sure he would regret it should she ever find out.

Would he regret staying on the ship waiting to be blown with her on the other side of the shield? Or the hundred or so deaths by Ba'al just because he couldn't deny her? Would he regret all those sleepless nights in the infirmary chair by her bedside?

No, Jack knew he wouldn't.

He would always regret being a coward and not telling her how he felt. Or asking for the retirement – perhaps Kerry was right and he could run the SGC as civilian or some sort of advisor to some other General. He would always regret all those moments her eyes betrayed her as she was disappointed in him or confused by his words or actions. Hurt.

He would regret they kept it all in that room. And yet he wouldn't. They were different people back then and maybe they wouldn't have made it through that was about to come their way without the other in the field.

No, Jack actually had no regrets. It all happened in a way it did for a reason. That was what he chose to believe. After losing Charlie his life lost meaning. He went to Abydos to die there. And instead of that he found friends, he found even love and hope and a purpose, a reason to wake up every day and wanting to live.

Sam stirred in his arms and he just whispered shhshh to her and she continued sleeping.

No, he would not regret any of what happened. Not even those things that could have made their life very complicated if it weren't for their friends having their back. But if Jacob knew? Then he would have expected him to shoot him or let Selmak torture him for a minute or two with whatever gizmo the Tok'Ra would allow.

He knew he would should it be him in his shoes.

Sure, the SGC was a different environment, something new and uncharted so there had to come some changes. Things could be the same there and on any other Military base. With all they had to face some lines had to be smudged a bit and nothing could be black and white only. Some grey zone was needed as well – with officers making sure it would stay there and not turn black.

Hammond had the talk with him after one of his least favorite missions. Turning the whole SGC into cavemen was not their brightest moment. Luckily most of the personnel didn't remember a thing. So when Hammond asked him to come into his office he knew he was in troubles.

"Sit down, Jack."

And he did with question on his face.

"Look, let's be honest okay?"

"Yes, Sir." And Jack still didn't know in how much troubles he was. Or Carter.

"Some people don't remember what happened and some do. It's gonna take some time for the whole base to get back to normal."

"I agree, Sir."

"Some people also remember certain things that could get some other people in troubles." Hammond said trying to avoid naming the personnel.

"Sir, why don't you just say it?" Jack asked and took a deep breath. "It's about me and Carter, right?"

"Yes. One of the marines so her kissing you in the locker room and I have three scientists reporting seeing you beat Doctor Jackson." And Hammond felt very uncomfortable talking about this.

"Sir?" Jack didn't really know what to say to that. It was truth.

"My official statement is that nobody from the base was responsible for their actions. Those that feel violated or in danger can come to me or their direct superiors and we will deal with the fallout as we go."

"Yes, Sir. But?" And he knew there was a but coming.

"But this facility is one of a kind and we need to make sure it runs smoothly."

"Which means, Sir?"

"Which means, son, that you need to be careful."

"I don't understand."

"Don't play dumb, Jack. You know very well how it goes."

"I do. And with all due respect, Sir, it's different here. The teams are more than just teams. Hell my team crashed in my living room more times than all my older teams put together."

George smiled at him back then and Jack felt something in him go all tense.

"I know, Jack. But people talk and people gossip and even a little gossip can cause an avalanche. And it wouldn't take you down but when it comes to Captain Carter…"

And Jack knew he was right. But he didn't like it one bit.

"I know people on the teams are more than just team-mates. They're friends who care. And I told the president exactly the same thing."

"You did what?" Jack couldn't believe it.

"But make no mistake, Jack. You have to be careful. Not just because of you or Captain Carter. You set the example to others as well."

Jack hated that kind of responsibility but knew the General was right. Which didn't mean he agreed or liked it. But he understood. And as he could see all the potential in Carter he surely didn't want to destroy her career.

"I understand, Sir." He said and with a nod from the General he got up and walked away.

And just couple of hours ago the same man told him to take care of Carter.

Before he could take another trip down the memory lane he heard knocks on the door. He was about to shout that it was open but stopped himself in time. He didn't want to wake Carter up by such shock. Luckily the guys let themselves in.

Teal'c walked in and found him on the couch with Carter stirring awake. Daniel joined him and grinned.

"She was tired." Jack tried to clarify but the guys didn't say anything.

"I didn't want to leave her alone." He tried to add but still no response.

"Come on guys." He pleated.

"You look cozy." Daniel said with a smile and watched Jack squirm.

"I swear, Daniel…" Jack warned him but didn't get to finish as Sam finally woke up.

Daniel could remember one time when he went to check on Sam – taking Teal'c with him as he was practicing his driving – as she was recovering at home after a mission. She fell down a cliff on Leochna and got pretty grazed. The locals helped them to get her out and offered some of their herbal ointment they used to healing. Sam agreed so they used it on her but nobody could expect that it would cause a reaction. Her wounds started to swell and they turned all pink and purple.

Jack was just coming back with Teal'c from checking out the area to see the disaster happening. In no time Sam was back on Earth, Janet taking care of her. The consequences were not pretty for Daniel as Jack almost chewed his head off about not being careful and being an idiot for trying alien healing plant instead of taking care of Carter himself with their own supplies.

Her wounds were healing nicely but Daniel still felt guilty for the situation so he came to check on her. She wasn't opening her door so he used the key he had. He was worried about her. When they entered the apartment they found Sam and Jack sleeping soundly on the couch. She had a pillow under her wounded arm and another under her leg, Jack was holding her close, his head in very uncomfortable angle on the edge of the couch.

"It appears she's well taken care of." Teal'c said back then and Daniel could only agree. He had about a million questions but then he realized that Jack had barely slept while she was in the infirmary as he was worried about her – as they all were. So once she got released home he probably went to check on her and ended up falling asleep on the couch with her.

"Shall we wake them up?"

"Nah, let them be, T." Daniel knew how embarrassed Jack would feel – Sam probably even more.

"Isn't it dangerous for them to be found like this?" Teal'c noted and Daniel had to admit he was right. They had no idea about how long has Jack already been there and they didn't want them to get into troubles.

After the Zat'arc testing and some other missions and situations they had to face these had to be extra careful about showing any affection – even when it was innocent friendship.

So Daniel had no other choice but to wake Jack up. He didn't really want to face him so he went to the kitchen to unpack the almond pies and some other things they picked on their way from Petite France. The sounds woke Jack up and it took him a moment to realize where he was and who was using him as a sleeping cushion.

Damn he had fallen asleep. He tried to look around and saw Teal'c. The big guy didn't say a word, just nodded as usually and walked over to Daniel. Jack could hear them making coffee.

He came here yesterday to check on Sam and they ended up watching something TV till she fell asleep. He had to fall asleep then too.

When he came it was awkward. She gave him hard time about being mean to Daniel, she pointed out it was her decision to let the locals use the ointment.

In the end she offered him half of her dinner and they watched the TV. After another hour Jack finally told her that he got really worried when he saw her all purple and swollen, barely breathing.

"What's the real problem, Sir?" She asked in the end and he couldn't stop it. He had to be honest. At least once.

"I wasn't there."

"What?"

"You got hurt and I wasn't there and something in me snapped."

"Why?"

"You know why, Carter." He replied rather angrily and then apologized right away as he knew she didn't deserve it.

"It's difficult for me too, you know." She said then. "Sometimes I…" And she couldn't finish.

Sam looked him in the eye and he drew her closer and hugged her like he needed to – like a drowning man trying to find anything to hold him above water. He needed her like he needed air and it seemed she did too.

They were okay – before. But then the fate had to decide their lives were not funny or interesting enough and that they needed more on their plates and put a damn Entity into Sam's body.

"I'm sorry." He said in the end. They've dealt with the consequences of him shooting her twice with the Zat before – and it wasn't nice or easy - but this little incident on Leochna brought it all back.

"It's okay." She said back then and when he suggested he could stay a little longer she agreed. And so they fell asleep it seemed.

Jack knew he had to pull himself together after that incident.

And now when Carter woke up on him he was afraid there would be the same embarrassed reaction as there was years ago but he was mistaken. She just smiled at him and then at the guys and all seemed fine.

"Hey guys."

She didn't understand how it was possible that she felt asleep and didn't wake up once the guys arrived. Daniel was about to respond that she felt so safe with Jack that she trusted him to take care of her but one deadly glare from Teal'c stopped him. The big guy would spoil all the fun.

"How are you?" Daniel asked instead.

"Hungry." Sam replied and it made them grin.

"Let's eat then!" Jack said and started to argue with Daniel over the dinner – in the end pizza won. Nothing could beat Luigi's pizza.

"And Tiramisu!" Sam called from the living room when Daniel was ordering on the phone.

She felt happy. Content. This was what she needed. For a start.


Whoooaaaa so not what I had in mind! But it happened. Heh. What do you think? Moving forward till the ending scene of Threads with a little bit of remembering along the original "what if" line? Would that work for you?