Day 99 of 100.
The place was buzzing manically. Everywhere Sam stepped she seemed to be in someone's way. Luckily Garen had eventually swapped for her baking and cooking related duties so she was helping secure the gazebo. It did mean some time helping with the weaving. She was relatively okay at it, but Jack had found a real talent in that and knitting oddly enough. A few of them had taken great pleasure in teasing him about it. Sam had given him a list of requests. He had taken the teasing betting than that. In retaliation to her little joke he had created the most hideous hat in creation for her. Bright pink with pom poms and frills and a blue Mohawk. She had proudly worn it the day before ignoring the confused looks it had earned. She was now trying to make sure the whole gazebo, if needed, was fully functional.
Jack was helping to build the large bonfire. He had come up with the idea after their rather eye opening lunch. He said it was like having a little piece of home with them. Sam had been baffled by it, having forgotten that they used to have regular campfires on team nights and when Cassie was with them. "No smores alas!" He had joked. Sam couldn't believe that she had forgotten about those nights. Kicking herself somewhat. Everyone on Edora seemed enthused by the idea, celebrating what they had formed and moving past what they had lost. For now. She was forced to remind herself repeatedly. It was late afternoon so some of the meals were nearing the end of their preparation and meats being cooked. Others such as breads and cold dishes were being laid out on the tables. Ales' were being checked and juices being made just on the far side from where Sam and Caleb were sitting. Sam had a good feeling that that awning they were attaching and securing would not be needed. It was a calm day, warm without being swelteringly hot and a gentle breeze pushing through every so often.
"Are festivities like these common on Earth?" Caleb's question broke through Sam's thoughts. A gentle man, in his fifties, he tended to remain quiet. "Common enough, we have some bigger holidays such as Christmas or Halloween." Caleb nodded slowly. "Jack has mentioned those ones. Very popular with children?" Sam smiled brightly at him. "Yeah, they are a time in which, well, children are allowed to have a bit too much fun. Lots of sweets and presents." Caleb chuckled softly, looking at her with knowing eyes. "Children can never have too much fun." Sam shrugged moving to check the stability of the joints. They had done a good job on it, excellent really. All Sam had done really with it was secure the fabric to the hooks and smooth down the wood. She wasn't surprised, the Edorans were an agricultural people, work like this was needed often and Jack was good with his hands. "A few more children may be joining us soon I hope." Caleb stood and waved at Laira who was calling for him. "Fair day Sam." "Fair day Caleb." Sam replied, bewildered. Caleb must have meant the remaining couples in general… not her and Jack. No. That would be ridiculous.
"I think everything's is just about ready. Everyone who was doing the manual work is relaxing until the party." Jack appeared beside her, grinning broadly. She had to shake off the lingering thoughts quickly and sighed in relief at Jack. "Good I need to get away before they ask for help." As she spoke she jerked a thumb over at the food hall. He pulled a sceptical face before wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "No offense Sam, but I think you'd be the last person they'd ask. Not after the fire." "Hey! It sparked! I was lucky not to be burned." She pouted slightly and Jack nodded patronisingly. "That's your story and you are sticking to it." Sam couldn't help but harrumph at his words. Despite knowing that he was right, it was childish but she didn't care. "C'mon we might catch something for tonight!" Now it was her turn to smile and nod patronisingly at him. "Over four months with zero catches, but yeah today is the day." He glared at her until she laughed. Even he couldn't resist the urge to chuckle, joining in. "What you fail to understand Samantha is that it's not about the fish…" "Yeah, it's about the fishing… You've mentioned this a few times, as has Dad, but I don't get it. I will sit and read and think with you. That I like, that I enjoy." She arched an eyebrow at the use of her full name. Still had that flirtatious quality he used every time, the couple of times he had used it. Silly really. "I knew I liked Jacob for a reason." She linked her arm through his and the ambled away down to their spot on the river. "He was always worried about you." "Oh!" He seemed pleased by that until he looked down at her shaking head. "Oh." "Yup. And he wasn't wrong." She teased him gently, leaning against him a little. "You kissed me first!" Sam's jaw dropped at the defensive stance. "No way! You kissed me first." She unhooked her arm and Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her in close.
The little smirk that had sent some very unprofessional thoughts running through her head that first meeting reappeared on his face. That, coupled with the knowing glint in his dark eyes had Sam feeling a little lost. She seemed to have missed something. "I seem to remember a moment in which you wanted me quite badly." Her free hand flew to her mouth. The worst blush of her life raging from her chest up. "You said you'd forgotten!" She pushed his chest and he laughed loudly. "Sam I am fairly sure that particular memory will stay with me for a long, long time." He continued to smirk and even had the audacity to close his eyes for a few beats. She sighed in annoyance. But then as he continued to reminisce she grinned evilly. "Fine I will give you that. But you are the one who nearly beat his friend to a pulp just over little old me. Dad had good reasons for being suspicious." It was Jacks turn to be flustered. His eyes nearly popping open at her coy little comment. "He told you? Of course he told you. Damn you Daniel Jackson, where ever you are!" Sam giggled loudly at him giving out to the sky.
Eventually they made it out to the dock. Jack moved to the chest in which he had stored the fishing rods. She toed off her shoes and rolled up her pants. Sitting on the edge of the dock she placed her feet in the water. From the rustling behind her, Sam could assume Jack was following a similar line of thinking. He sat down slowly next to her, lowering his feet into the water. She looked down and up at him smiling, shoulders shaking with a bit of laughter. "What?" "You really aren't intent on catching that fish." She brushed back her hair and laid a hand on his arm. Jack pulled on his sunglasses beginning to hum again. It was rather late in the afternoon but still delightfully warm. She shrugged over her light cardigan and lay down on the dock. The workload of the past few days caught up with Sam as a wave of exhaustion swept over her. Between the sounds of the water, the warm air, the gentle breeze and Jack humming she was soon fast asleep.
"Hey there." Sam flinched as drops of cold water hit her on the face and upper chest. She slowly opened her eyes staring up at Jack unhappily. "I was having such a nice dream…" She muttered sitting up and tucking her legs up to her chest. She gave him the biggest eyes she could getting an eye roll. "It is getting late. I figured you might want to change, brush the hair." He arched an eyebrow. Sam reached up and patted her hair, wincing as she discovered tangles. She pulled it back into a sloppy bun and stretched. Jack had his hat pulled on low, turned back to watching his line. "So catch any guppies?" She stood up to look around for any catches but didn't see any. "Nah, no bait or hook. I just like to sit and think." As she arched her eyebrow at him he smiled at her. "Yes I know, me thinking. Shocking." She laughed and pulled on the cardigan that he had laid over her as she slept. The sky was darkening just a touch and she looked around. It was so peaceful where they stood. Jack slowly got up, putting the rod away. "You ready for tonight?" He asked grabbing her hand. Sam hmm'd and hawed finishing with a shrug. Jack nodded in agreement as the slowly headed back to the village. "People and music." He groaned. She looked at him curiously. "It's the dancing isn't it?" He groaned again loudly, head dropping to his chest. Sam couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, pulling into his side. "Well at least I know I won't have Graham trodding on my feet this time." She mused head bobbing slowly. Jack shook with laughter, clearly thinking back to the last SGC Christmas party. "Oh you were so nice and he was so flustered." "And you, Daniel and Dad couldn't stop laughing." She stared at him grumpily, lips straight. "Oh it was just that his face was so red and you honestly looked at me like you were going to rip my head off. I had never seen you like that." He continued to chuckle. Sam nodded slowly. "Yeah I was very tempted I will admit." Then she smiled up at him. His face scrunched then blanched. "Oh that was you." He stopped and pointed at her looking both impressed and annoyed. "I have no idea of what you speak." She stuck her chin out, acting aloof but not bothering to hide the satisfied smirk. One of his eyes twitched then he shrugged. Sam would never admit to any pranks that she may or may not have had knowledge of.
"Sam! Jack!" Garen and Naytha waved excitedly. Sam headed to her cabin and rested against the door. She shook her head and quickly changed out of her work gear and into one of the few dresses she had reluctantly been measured for. Her hair was something she hesitated before tackling. She brushed it trying not to rip it out from her scalp, wanting to chop it all off. She tidied it up as best she could thankful it was beginning to curl nicely. She left her cabin, seeing quite a few people gathering by the bonfire site. Laira and a few of the other women called Sam over and gave her some juice. Paynan and Caleb were talking to Jack and pointing at the bonfire. Sam raised her eyebrows at Jack. He waved her off and she turned back to the other ladies ever so slightly worried. "I am so glad you are wearing that Samantha." Zara grabbed her arm and smiled up at her joyfully. Sam blushed slightly. "I still feel awful for taking it, all that work and I haven't done anything in return." All of them looked at her as though she was crazy. "If it weren't for you and Jack then we would panicking about the winter. We are barely to summer and we know we are set." Laira laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "OH!" A few people began to cheer as Jack, Paynan and Caleb approached the bonfire with lit branches.
Within minutes it was approaching a steady burn and people began to cheer all around them. Sam applauded and watched the little sparks in the air high above them. Jack called out for food and every started headed over to the long tables. "Hey." He appeared at her side, one hand on her lower back. "Hey you." He looked down and looked surprised at what she was wearing. "Nice dress." Sam looked down and smiled at the complement. "Thank goodness I don't have a headdress." "That would be tricky to swallow, Samantha." She elbowed him lightly as everyone began to talk and eat, noise levels increasing rapidly. "If anyone was eating that thing it was you and Daniel." She glared at him, poking him in the arm. He held up his arms in surrender and handed her a plate. "I did keep the dress though." Jack's head spun round to look at her. Sam shrugged. "It'll come in handy for some Halloween or dress up shindig. I am the reigning Champion at the Carter dos." He muttered something under his breath, Sam taking an educated guess as to what it was, let it slide.
The food was delicious and the conversation flowing freely. Sam found herself laughing brightly and talking as loudly as anyone else. She and Jack didn't stray far from one another at all. She did find it rather tricky eating with just one hand. They even shared stories about their travels through the gate. Jack spun an elaborate tale of Daniel and Sha're getting whimsical sighs from some of the women. Funny stories about their more embarrassing moments. Some of which had Sam wanting to twack Jack upside the head. Others, she was sure he would try to get revenge over. After night fell the conversations grew louder and bolder, fuelled by the 'absolute rotgut being passed around the adults. People were dancing in the clearing. Sam herself being taken for a spin by a few men. Then a hush fell over the crowd punctuated by a few barely smothered giggles. Sam looked to Laira and Paynan curiously. Laira smiled fondly as Garen was pulled up. A long piece of linen was being displayed high in the air before being wrapped around his eyes. Caleb and Jaren told them all to get up and move over the bustling group. Music began to swell around them. Most cheered loudly and started singing jubilantly. Sam looked up at Jack questioningly. He shrugged, leaning over and getting two cups of the rotgut, handing her one. She winced as the burn made it way down her throat.
"You okay?" Jack nudged her, smirking. "Hey I kept it down. Can't say you managed that on Abydos." She took another swig, shaking back her hair, watching as Garen was spun. Laira was asked to dance by Arin, and she vanished with a smile. "What is this?" Jack gestured at Garen peeking out over the cloth. Though dizzy he was managing to pick his way over to a furiously blushing Naytha. "The ancestors will guide him to his future betrothed." Jack ohh'd loudly and turned back to the now dancing pair. "He was peeking." He muttered under his breath to Sam. "The fates allowed him to look." Sam remarked as Jack sat down tugging her along with him. Sam watched and drank some more, ears pricking at mumbling coming from closer to the circle. Zara skipped towards them. Grabbing Jacks hand placing his drink on the table behind them she pulled him up. "Come come." Sam laughed as Jack looked back at her for help. She shrugged taking a sip just before Paynan whipped it out of her grasp. "Now, now Sam you must join in too." He hooked her arm through his and pulled her to the circle of people. Jack was allowing himself to be bind folded with fake bravado. "Oh you are joking." She commented as Garen and Caleb spun him grinning broadly. Loud laughs and cheers rang out as Jack came to a stop. He took a few punch drunk steps forward, aimed in her own general direction. She had to guess that he was following the sounds of her giggles. Hard to miss the chipmunk he'd told her. He reached out blindly taking hold of her upper arm. Paynan took off the blind fold with a flourish. Jack blinked exaggeratedly and focused on her. He took her hand and one arm snaked around her waist, swaying gently to the music.
Later on, they were still twirling around on the dance floor. Sam was sure that whatever the music, they were not following the beat. He would even spin her out and around every so often just to get a laugh. The crowd had thinned hugely. In fact there were only a few of the older men left. Maybe one or two couples. She couldn't smother the yawn. "C'mon lets' get you back to bed." Sam frowned at Jack sadly. He tried to not be affected by the eyes she was giving him. His shoulders dropped and he huffed. "Fine. You are ridiculous." Sam smiled and linked arms with him, leaning against his side heavily. They walked away towards their usual spot. Though it wasn't very cold, the lack of a cover left Sam shivering. Jack unhooked his arm from hers, shrugging off his button up jumper and throwing it over her shoulders. "Not my fault you fell for it." She grinned up at him. Jack rested his cheek against her head and they slowly trudged along. "At least I'm immune to Daniel's charms." Sam couldn't help but giggle, pressing her forehead into his shoulder.
"Are you drunk?" He asked pulling back from her and looking down critically. "No just happy I guess." She stopped dead, frowning. Jack cocked his head and blinked. Sam had come to conclusion that she was content. Completely content. This was different. "I'll just let you process." Jack waved a hand then dug his hands into his pockets. "I have to sit down." Sliding down a tree she tried to wrap her mind around it. "Usually happy is good. This is an odd reaction." Jack sat down next to her staring up at the stars. "This is different, I guess this is home…" He grabbed her hand and squeezed. "Is that bad?" She glanced over at him and smiled down at the ground. "There are some things about this place I like." Still smiling at the ground she leaned into him again. "I knew you'd come round to fishing sooner or later." Sam curled into his side fully, him letting go of her hand and looping it around her. "I just assumed we'd make it home so I…" "Tried to keep your distance. Making going home easier." She nodded slowly. "But things changed. We changed. I don't know. I mean if Daniel and Teal'c were to arrive tomorrow I would have second thoughts." His head whipped down to look at her. Then suddenly his hand reached for her chin and he kissed her. It was passion and the feeling of home. She pushed him gently, manoeuvring over. Settling her legs either side of his hips. His hands wrapped around her back clinging on tightly.
A/N:
Well apparently my note from the last chapter up and vanished into thin air. Odd. Anyway, I want to thank every single person who has reviewed/favourited and is following this story, the amount of updates I get is crazy. And so fantastic.
Thank all of you! (And to that guest reviewer who was worried about Jack, I hope he has improved. Jack to me has always been a man who would have to have time alone after a trauma. As for the argument with Sam... well these two know each other insanely well, and they can push each others buttons like no other. So in the wrong circumstances it would blow up)
THANK ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!
