Daniel spoke softly. "What was she like; your mother?"
"She was a breeze on a bright sunny day. She walked liked the mist across an open field. Her beauty shone as a bright beacon in the night. She was beautiful, passionate about life, love and my brother and I. She loved me for who I was and not what everyone wanted me to be. She was my light when everything seemed dark and hopeless. She was always loved. She always knew she was loved; even by my father. She would have liked you Daniel, all of you.
Daniel said nothing and rocked her. He didn't need to say anything as he held her close and only wanted to protect her. He would from now on.
Jack and Sam could see something was different about Daniel and Vala. They seemed to be walking closer, and Sam thought she saw them holding hands, but decided to ignore the pretense. Jack had watched his little extended family and relished in the fact that he could spend this quality time with them all. Even knowing Vala for a short amount of time; he had come to like her, very much. He had seen how much she affected each of his friends, and she was likeable, funny, almost waif like to him. He saw vulnerability in her that was masked a lot by her smile. But Jack was no fool. He could easily sense pain in that smile, knowing a lot of times he had done the same. He watched as Daniel and Vala were heading back towards them to the lake. He turned to look at Sam and he smiled to himself, that he was able to define this beautiful woman when he was alone with her like this. She was the most beautiful woman he had laid eyes on, and he was hers.
Sitting by the lakeside, with Teal'c strumming on his guitar, made the moment so surreal. Jack would have never thought that Col Samantha Carter of the USAF, astrophysicist, and genius extraordinaire, would have even given him a second glance. With the regulations being in the way of non fraternization between officers, he wanted more out of his companionship with her than just comrades and an officer leading his team on dangerous missions. Sam had become a link to him in the outside world. After losing his only son, and then his wife Sara, he never even considered having a relationship with his 21C. He looked upon her for the first time as a scientist, which he hated. When he began to see her in action in the lab, figuring complex equations, saving them and earth several times and her failed relationship with Pete. He figured she was just another brainy chick in his world and that she had no feeling for anyone, except her work. But one day, she was almost killed by a Super soldier hunting her down. When they finally found her, she was exhausted, injured, dehydrated, and about ready to die. He could see it in her eyes, she was on her last leg before he and Teal'c showed up. He never wanted to see that look in her eyes ever again.
When he finally made his move to Washington D.C. his missed her, terribly. Everything about Sam he memorized so that the time spent away from her would be immortalized in the back of his mind, stored away, until he saw her again, and when he did, he choked down his fright and asked Sam to a fishing trip at his cabin. He thought she would say no. To his surprise, she said yes. They talked, hiked, laughed, went boating and cooked steaks. Seems the fish weren't biting for some reason. He had the best time he had ever had in a long time. Then when night fell, they sat by the fireplace and he saw the flickering flames, cause a nice glow to Sam's face, while they talked. He couldn't resist and he kissed her. He waited for a slap in the face, and to his surprise, she kissed him back. Things were different between them from then on. He deepened their relationship, and they talked constantly on the phone, and e-mailed her constantly when he was away at D.C. Samantha Carter had stolen his heart and his soul, and for all rational reasons, saved his life, taught him love, and that patience is worth rewarding.
"Hey the kids are back, good, time for cake." Jack smiled.
"Hey Vala, uh, you ok?" Sam could see that Vala had been crying.
"Yes, cake, huh?" Vala put on a smile and her enthusiasm for cake was as big as Jack's.
"Yep, upside down pineapple cake. I picked it up personally. Nothing cheap for my people."
"Well Jack, that's cause for celebration if ever I heard one. Come on Vala. Since the guys cooked, at least we can serve the cake." Said Sam.
Vala smiled at Sam and headed towards the cabin, arm in arm. Daniel had sat down next to Jack on the picnic table and looked at Vala with a concerned smile.
"Soooooo, everything ok Danny boy?" Said Jack.
"Yeah, Vala………she just had some memories of her mother. I guess she still misses her. I can understand that."
"Yeah, well, she's quite the gal. I think you already know that space monkey."
"Yeah, quite a woman. Speaking of, you and Sam seemed to be quite cozy."
"Yeah, well, I know a good thing when I see it Danny boy and Sammy is getting me cake."
Teal'c and Cam had joined both men at the table. "So, are we having cake Jack?" Asked Cam.
"Yep, and it's upside down cake, with pineapple. I bought it fresh this morning."
"Indeed Gen O'Neill. You must have worked hard to find the proper bakery for such a fresh desert."
"Indeed, Teal'c, my man. Indeed."
Teal'c smiled at Jack's attempt to imitate him, and Daniel and Cam just shook their heads in fun recognition.
BACK IN THE KITCHEN
Vala seemed quite and Sam was respectful to let Vala have her privacy in why she was crying.
"Sam?"
"Yesssssss."
"What do you think Daniel and I could be, well an item?"
"What do you mean?" While Sam sliced the cake.
"I mean, you and Jack are close and I………..I never found it necessary to be close to anyone, unless I wanted something from them. I mean, I respect Daniel and………….and he listened while I spoke about my mother. Besides you; know one really listened to me. I don't think I ever cared, until you guys."
"Is…….is that why you were crying?" The question slipped and Sam felt embarrassed that she may have intruded on Vala's personal life.
"Yes……..well sort of. The music Teal'c was playing, reminded me of my mother and how she used to sing to my brother and I. It was just one of those memories I buried deep down to keep people from seeing who I was or used to be."
"I'm sorry Vala. I didn't mean to pry into your private life."
"It's ok Sam. You never pry, you're just concerned. Were friends, right? Vala put on her brightest smile for her friend.
"Right." Sam gave a smile back.
"Anyway, I…….I think Daniel is so sweet and I just………..I don't want to scare him off. I just don't want him to be disappointed in me."
"Vala, Daniel would never be disappointed in you. You're the best thing to happen to him in a long time. It took me and Jack ten years to finally admit how we feel for each other. You can say anything to him and he'll give you his best honest answer."
"Really?"
"Yeah Vala, really."
Both women laughed at their thoughts on men in general, but especially their men.
"Sam?"
"Hmmm?"
"I really appreciate that you're my friend."
Both women hugged each other. "Anytime Vala, anytime."
Both women, grabbed plates, forks and of course the cake and headed outside. When they emerged from the cabin, the men perked up in anticipation of desert.
"Now see guys. When you cook a good meal and have a nice fire by the lake, you get cake." Smiled Jack.
"Didn't you and Jackson just make the salad, and I cooked the meal?" Miffed Cam.
"Same difference." Jack responded.
"Now Jaaaaaack." Sam nudged.
"What?"
Daniel was looking at Vala. She seemed a little more happier, than earlier. He hated to see Vala upset and probably thought Sam had something to do with her changed countenance. As Sam and Vala handed out the cake. Teal'c decided to speak at that moment.
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same
Everyone stopped and stared at Teal'c as he placed a piece of cake in his mouth and bowed slightly at the taste.
Jack spoke, breaking the silence and surprise of Teal'c poetic attributes.
"Well: you can't get any better than that. More cake please."
A/N: I'm updating some of my old stuff and have new stories to finish. But this is one of my most endearing ones. Reviews and feedback are welcomed.