Chapter Twenty Summary:Daniel and Martouf have a discussion that delves into their personal lives, as Martouf discovers that there is every possibility that Daniel and Sam will very soon become Cor'cyfials. He explains to Daniel how he and Sam both feel about their respective affaires, and why they feel as they do. Daniel feels better after talking to him, as he realizes that, although Martouf wishes it did not have to be this way, he really feels that both he and Sam need to become involved with other people.
Cor'cyfials Shel'lec Te dak - Heart-friends, or Lovers, Sharing the Flesh.
Se'frinds Kesh'a'dak- Two Friends, Bound by Flesh,; Ketra'frinds is also used for the same relationship. They are used interchangeably.
Se'frinds Shel'lec'a'dak - Two Friends Sharing Flesh; Ketra'frinds is also used for the same relationship. They are used interchangeably.
Author's Note: Please Read: There have been questions raised about Sam/Daniel and Sam/Malek, and if I was really going to have them have brief affaires. Also whether or not Sam/Martouf/Lantash were ever going to be together. The answer to all of those questions is Yes. In the story summary I tried to be very specific that Sam would be involved in other relationships before she was with Martouf and Lantash, just as Martouf would be involved with someone else before the three of them got together. This story is looking at their relationship from a totally different angle than the normal one of Sam and Martouf/Lantash automatically becoming lovers at first sight. It is delving into their deeper feelings in a slower way because of the absence of Lantash. I know that many of you want Lantash to come back into the story and he will, but not until several other things happen. I want Lantash back into the story, too. I miss writing him terribly. I could just scrap the entire plot and make this just another Sam/Martouf/Lantash story with little or no depth, and at times I have been tempted to do that. But I don't want to. I want them to work at knowing themselves and the depths of their feelings for one another before I bring them together. They Are the ultimate pairing of the story. I hope you can all hang in there, until they do get together. It may not be soon, but it will happen. I would appreciate any comments, but not flames. They will be ignored. However, thoughtful, insightful feedback will be very much appreciated. Please read the following chapter before commenting, though, as it may help you to see where the story is developing and why. Pagan P.S. It won't tell you all of the reasons that Sam is doing this as there is one that has been hinted at, but that won't come into the story for a while yet. I don't want to give that away though, so you will just have to trust me that there are several reasons and not all of them have come forth yet.
Author's Note 2: I will be gone for a month starting in less than a week. Internet access where I will be is sporadic at best, so please don't expect an update, until after I return and have been back for a couple of weeks. I have the next chapter written, but not edited, so it shouldn't take a long time to get it ready once I return. Have a Merry and Safe Christmas and New Year.
A Path Not Taken
Chapter Twenty
Deepening Bonds of Friendship
Surprised at himself, Martouf's eyes widened, and he drew in a sharp breath, before saying, "I am sorry. That is none of my business." He shook his head, as he closed his eyes and sighed deeply, appalled at his own words. "Please, forget that I asked you that question. It is completely over the bounds of both common courtesy and friendship, and I know that she is contemplating having one with…" He broke off, even more dismayed at what he had almost said. The alcohol must have made him stupid, as well as making him ill. "Again, I apologize, Daniel. The alcohol must have removed most of the brain cells that control putting my brain into gear before opening my mouth. Please, forgive me."
Daniel flushed, saying just as quietly, "I can forgive you without a problem. There's nothing to forgive. In your position, I'd probably want to ask the same thing. What I cannot do is forget that you asked the question, Martouf; I just really, really wish you hadn't, that's all." He sighed before continuing, feeling that Martouf deserved an honest answer. "Sam and I are very close friends, Martouf. We aren't lovers, at this time, but that doesn't mean we never will be, if that makes sense to you. That's as honest as I can be," Daniel told him, his voice soft, steady, and firm.
Martouf nodded, saying, "You believe that you may become Se'Frinds kesh'a'dak,two friends bound by flesh. No, that is not correct. For the two of you, as close as you are, and as much as you care for one another, you will become Cor'cyfials shel'lec te dak. It is all right, Daniel, I understand this relationship. We find it often within the Tok'Ra. Our relationships are many and varied, for it is often that one or the other of a pair changes sex or dies and leaves the other bereft. It is one of the more frustrating aspects of being Tok'Ra."
"The relationship that you and Samantha are contemplating is one that can be very rewarding, especially when shared by friends who love one another, yet are not in love with one another in a romantic way. There is no reason to fear that I shall become upset. I believe I may have told you before that Samantha and I feel we must become close friends, before we can explore our feelings for one another any farther. Furthermore, it is not only that; we both agree that until Lantash is back with us, we do not wish to become involved with one another in the manner of lovers."
"We have discussed this, and we both agree that it would be unfair to him. Not only would it be unfair to him, but also we have both realized that we would feel as if we were doing something wrong. Samantha called it being unfaithful to him, from her perspective, and I have to admit that I can see her point of view. I simply feel it would be wrong of me to be with a new mate, without him being within me. In any case, neither of us wishes to do that to him or to ourselves. As soon as Samantha told me that if she was to become involved with me, she would feel as if she was being unfaithful to Lantash, as odd as that sounds, I understood her feelings at once. We both realize that it sounds odd that we would feel as if we were being unfaithful to Lantash only if we were with one another, and not someone else; however, we both do feel that way. I do not believe that either of us understands the difference ourselves; we only know that it is there and it is very real."
"Therefore, as much as I would like to be with her in that way, as much as I would like to allow my emotions for her to grow quickly and deeply—as I am now sure they will—for that reason alone, I will not allow them to do so. Not only would it not be fair to Lantash, but it would not be fair to Samantha, either. She is trying to do that which she feels is right and, as much as I want her, I will not burden her with my needs. Therefore, it is a very good thing that Samantha is becoming involved with someone else. It makes her forbidden to me, and consequently, I will not be tempted to indulge myself where I should not, nor will I attempt to tempt her to do so, either. I hope you can understand what I am telling you, Daniel. It is very important to me that you understand and accept my word as truth about my emotions and beliefs about the situation we now find ourselves in."
Daniel sat, seemingly in shock, and simply gazed at Martouf in stunned amazement, as he finished speaking. Martouf had turned the light on low, when he realized that Daniel had entered the room. That being the case, in the soft lamplight Daniel could see that the man was very much in earnest and quite sincere in his statements.
Earth's men, for the most part, were rarely this open and eloquent in their exchanges, especially about sex, lust, friendship, and love. Luckily, for Daniel, he wasn't one of those in the 'most part' of the male population. He did need to find his tongue and voice, though. As soon as he possibly could would be good. He was also aware of a very real and deep sense of relief. Sam and Martouf had actually talked about this. Wait a minute—about this, that is, him, Daniel—or about Malek? Martouf had made the comment, when he asked the question about them having an affaire that he knew she was contemplating one with…and then he stopped talking and apologized again. Well, either way, it didn't matter. Daniel knew he had to respond in some way, be it right, or wrong, and the only thing he was sure of was that he had to be honest.
He took a deep, steadying breath, saying, "I'm not sure what to say, Martouf, except to say that, well, I'm glad you and Sam are being open about all of this and have talked it over. I have to admit to some reservations and qualms about the two of you, and your emotions, that this conversation is alleviating. I do understand what you're telling me. At least, I'm pretty sure I do. I guess, being from Earth, it's kind of tough to get my head around the openness and acceptance that you're showing, though."
"It is more than just acceptance, Daniel. I am relieved that Samantha will be involved with you and, um or—someone else. It gives me a very good reason not to attempt to become intimately involved with her romantically and, at the moment, that is very important to my peace of mind—and Samantha's, as well." Martouf paused, apparently considering how to say what he wanted to convey, before beginning again, "Please do not misunderstand. While I am, in one respect, relieved that Samantha has taken these steps, and while I can accept it that does not mean that I am completely happy and pleased about it. But then, I am unhappy in the entire situation that has brought us to this place. If Lantash was with me, then I would not be in this position; none of us would be in these positions."
"However, the facts remain; we are all in this situation. Because of that, I will remain her friend, first and foremost, and I will not become jealous of you, or of, er, anyone else with which she might become involved. I am relieved to know that she has chosen someone who will treat her well, and who will not hurt her by lying to her about their feelings. I feel that you will be very honest with her, just as you always are with everyone with whom you interact. I am not wrong in my assumptions, am I Daniel?"
"No. No, you aren't wrong. I'd never hurt Sam or lead her to believe that there are feelings there that aren't. She's not looking for a "love" affaire, Martouf; that I know for a fact. She simply needs and wants the closeness of a loving friendship. I can and I will give that to her. Whether or not it ever becomes, er, intimate, still remains to be seen. It's not a definite fact any more than it is with, er, anyone else."
Martouf nodded, and then said quietly, "There is every possibility that I, too, will become Se'Frinds or Cor'cyfials with someone. Both Samantha and I need this right now. We have had a very in depth discussion of this subject, as well as the position in which we find ourselves. We have both realized some things about our emotions, our feelings, pertaining to one another and Lantash; this is something that we have agreed that we will do. We both need to distance ourselves from one another, in a romantic sense, at this point in time. This will help us to do so, and it will be a pleasure while we await…whatever the future brings to us."
Martouf's words gave Daniel a rather unpleasant thought. "In other words, you think that Sam's searching out these relationships on purpose?" Daniel asked, not sure he liked that idea at all.
Martouf frowned and gently shook his head. "No, not if you mean that she is deliberately using you or, someone else, in a conscious or deliberate way. Perhaps her subconscious is telling her to do this, but she is not consciously using you, or anyone else, Daniel. If you mean that she decided that this was what she needed to do to remove her from me, and that she set out to choose someone, well, I will tell you that she did not. I am fairly certain she knew she needed and wanted a close caring relationship; she did not set out to ensnare anyone simply to avoid what we might feel, and then discard them."
He hesitated before remarking, "If anyone can be accused of deliberately looking to 'choose' a Se'frinds or a Cor'cyfials, it is me. I decided that it would perhaps help me, and I have begun to do so. We are both aware that, if we are involved in either Se'frinds kesh'a'dak or Cor'cyfials shel'lec te dak, then we will not be so tempted to do something which we both are very, very sure we do not yet wish to do. Still, if you mean that either of us would go into a relationship of any kind without a clear understanding of what we are in need of, what our expectations are, what emotions we feel about whoever we become involved with, and how she and I feel about one another, then you are also wrong."
Martouf sighed deeply, before saying, "I also know for a fact that Janet has been urging her, for quite a long time, to take a lover. She feels that she needs to have an affaire; that it will be good for her. I believe that is the primary reason, along with her own normal, adult needs, that is causing her to look for a loving relationship that includes intimacy. I cannot deny that it will help the two of us. That is a fact. However, that was not her original intention. We discovered our feelings about the situation recently. Samantha has been considering, er, well, she has been considering doing this for quite some time, long before we discussed the added benefit it would supply us. However, although, there is no doubt that it will be of benefit to us, I fully expect our partners to gain benefits from the relationship, as well. I am sorry, if my words gave you the wrong impression."
He grimaced, as he admitted, "I cannot be so lenient on myself, but I will assure you that I would never become intimate with a woman without first having a good and caring friendship with her. I would never be dishonest with her, and I can also assure you that any woman I would take to my bed would know exactly where I stand in regards to Samantha, and my feelings for her, before I ever allowed that to happen. Furthermore, if sexual gratification was all I desired, I would go and find Pansy."
Daniel could not help but grin at the mention of Pansy. "I believe you, Martouf. I have to tell you that I think that you and Janet could form a really strong relationship. I think she's perfect for you in this type of relationship, and I know that she's not looking for a romantic relationship, but she is looking for a friendship that could include intimacy. That prescription is one she's given to herself, not just to Sam."
After an almost imperceptible pause, Daniel cleared his throat and Martouf could discern, even in the low lighting that he was blushing. Nevertheless, he continued, saying, "Actually, er, Janet and I discussed this topic a few months ago, and, well, we decided that we shouldn't get involved with one another in that way. Much as we like one another, it's more of a sisterly-brotherly type of thing, and the idea of sex with her just didn't work for me. Well, it didn't work for her either; due to that, I really believe that the two of you could have something enjoyable and good together." With a smug little Daniel-type grin, he added, "I know she likes you, and I also know she thinks you are, ah, hot. She particularly likes your walk, Lantash's, too. She told me that your lips are, ah, luscious, as well."
He watched, as Martouf was the one that blushed now, and he laughed, suddenly feeling much better about a lot of things, his potential affaire with Sam not the least of them. "Martouf. There's nothing to be embarrassed about in that statement, after everything else we've discussed." He paused, his action this time entirely evident, before saying, "You do realize that I'll have to tell Sam that you and I talked about this. I'll not tell her your deeper feelings for her, but I will let her know that we both know where we stand, and that we're comfortable with it." Again he paused before stating, "I have a feeling that I'm not the one you discussed when you discussed her having an affaire, though, am I?"
Martouf's look was wry. "No, you are not, and I am quite sure you know who the object of our discussion was. How do you…no, I am sorry, that, too, is none of my business. I do not know what has happened to my sense of decency tonight. I am truly sorry and apologize for my rudeness, yet again."
"I'm okay with it actually. Sam and I, well our friendship is really deep and caring. If you want to know the truth, I suspect she's doing it more for me than for herself. Although she insists that she and Char had considered becoming my Cor'cyfials, before I brought it up, I don't think she seriously believed I would consider it, until I told her that I would. I've often thought of it since Sha'uri was killed. Sam knows that neither of us is the type to go in for one night stands, and therefore, she knows my options are as limited as hers." He shrugged somewhat self-consciously, before saying quietly, "I have no problem with her other choice, except from the viewpoint that I don't want to see her be hurt. She's had enough painful relationships. I don't believe he would lead her on or purposely injure her physically, emotionally, or mentally, though, so I feel fairly comfortable with it."
Martouf nodded, understanding what he was saying. Daniel's situation was much as he and Lantash had been ever since Jolinar and Rosha were confirmed dead. The two of them did have a Se'Frind or two within the Tok'Ra. That was something that he would have to tell Samantha, too, for it would not do for her to hear of it from someone else.
Pushing those thoughts aside and returning to the topic under discussion, he replied, "Although I have not spoken to him about the situation, or his feelings about Samantha, I do not believe that he would hurt her in any way. His mates have been gone for quite some time, but he cared for them very deeply. I am glad to see that he wishes to enter Cor'cyfials with someone. So far, he has only taken Se'Frinds, which is pleasant but not a truly caring relationship." Thinking of his own Se'Frinds, he said, "I also understand what you are saying about one night stands, if I am interpreting the statement correctly, Daniel. Lantash and I have two Se'Frinds within the Tok'Ra. I know exactly what you are feeling when you discuss Sha'uri being gone from you, and the emotions with which you have been living. We, too, know that there are sometimes needs that one wishes to fulfill, but without deeply emotional entanglements to accompany them. I believe, though, that you and I both are to a point where we can contemplate a more emotional bonding."
Daniel nodded and sighed. "Yeah, I think so, too. As for the other, well, the nights can be long, cold, and lonely, that's for sure, and while there are ways to take care of the physical needs, they don't help you make it through the nights. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm ready to enter into a relationship that involves that type of love, but I do need the caring of someone to go along with the physical aspects. I believe that's what Cor'cyfials is and that's why I agree with you. I think that it's exactly what I need at the moment. Sam, too, needs this. It won't change what she feels for…you and Lantash, of that I'm very sure."
Daniel cocked his head, as he looked at Martouf in a speculative way before adding, "You can tell me to shut up and mind my own business, Martouf, and I won't mind, but I have to tell you that I believed that both of you were in denial. I thought that each of you had some very deep feelings that you were hiding from yourselves and each other. After talking to you, I understand the reason for that denial, and I feel better about it. I thought that perhaps it was, well, I wasn't sure why you were each denying your feelings or hiding from them, but now…well, now I can give you both the support and help that you need."
Martouf sighed with him. What he said was very true in both instances. The type of release Daniel was alluding to did not help at all during the long and lonely nights. Furthermore, he was quite sure that Daniel would now do everything he could to help them both. Looking at the other man, Martouf realized that the bonds of their friendship, which had been forming for a while, had this day deepened and strengthened. They had shared some very intimate thoughts and feelings, and those kinds of things either brought you together or tore you apart. It had brought them together. He was glad.
Seeming to come out of the reverie he had fallen into, Daniel looked over at Martouf. Abruptly changing the subject, he said, "By the way, we won't be going to the cabin next weekend; it'll be the weekend after. It looks like it'll be about eight of us. You, me, Jack, Teal'c, Malek, if he can come, Sam, Janet, and the new mess officer, Major O'Hara, if she wants to come. I'm not sure if anyone else will be joining us or not, but the cabin we'll be in can sleep twenty, so knowing Jack, anything is possible."
"That sounds very interesting, Daniel. This is at Estes Park? In the skiing area?"
"Yeah. It'll be fun. If you have anyone else you want to ask to come along you need to let me or Jack know, so that Jack can start working on getting time off arranged. We're going to try for four days. We'll probably go up on Thursday evening and come back on Monday evening."
"I cannot think of anyone at this time, Daniel, since Janet is already going, but I will give it some thought."
Daniel nodded and then stood saying, "Well, if you don't need anything else from me, I should head out. I need to start nagging Sam about wrapping up whatever she's working on, so that we can go home. I think we're planning on taking you to the Royal Gorge tomorrow, so get some sleep tonight."
Martouf smiled, but shook his head, telling him, "I am afraid that I do not believe I will be able to sleep tonight, Daniel. As we speculated earlier, I have slept too much today. I will watch some more movies, and then try to sleep much, much later tonight."
Daniel grinned. "No, you won't. Janet's coming by in a while, and she's bringing you some company, herself, and a sleeping pill. It'll put you to sleep, but you have to take it so that you can sleep for eight or ten hours. If you don't take it early enough, then you'll feel groggy tomorrow when you get up. We won't be leaving early though, so you won't have to go to sleep really early. Just maybe by midnight, at least. Don't let Janet keep you awake too long."
"I will not, Daniel. However, I do look forward to spending some time with her. She is a very attractive and likable woman, even when she insists I stay in the infirmary when there is no need."
"Yeah, well, get used to that. SG-1 almost has private beds. I do have one that seems to have my name on it, and the rest of the team is coming close to getting their own, too."
Martouf cocked his head. "Is SG-1 really in there a great deal, Daniel?"
Daniel grimaced. "Yeah, especially me. I seem to be the one that everyone likes to thump on, for some reason. Probably because I'm the one that starts talking, so if anyone is gonna get hit, shot, or arrested, it's me. Didn't they give you SG-1's mission reports to go over? Your English reading ability should be up to tackling them now."
Martouf looked surprised and then he arose from the bed and went to a box next to his desk. It was full of file folders. "I am glad you reminded me of them, Daniel. I had forgotten that they delivered them the other day. I was too upset over your last mission. The one in which I was not there to help you. I will begin reading them at once. I should have done so before now."
"Well, don't get so involved in them that you forget to go to sleep. Not that Janet will let you do that. She'll probably stay to be sure you take the meds and go to sleep. Not a bad idea, if you're going to start reading those." He frowned. "In fact, if you still feel as if you could develop another headache, I'm not sure you should be reading them tonight."
"I am not feeling that way as much as I was, Daniel. I believe that the longer I am awake the better I am feeling, and I promise I will only read one or two. Which ones would you recommend that I would find interesting?"
Daniel looked thoughtful, and then said, "Read the one about Ernest Littlefield's planet. Oh, and then there was the one about the Land of the Light. I think that's what I called my report on that one, can't think of the designation right off." He paused, and it was obvious that something had occurred to him. He spoke slowly at first, as he thought out what he wanted to say, "I take that suggestion back; instead, I really think that you should read the very first two reports before you read any others, Martouf. One is my take on our first trip to Abydos. The second one, is our very first trip through the gate as a team. It's…it's the one that explains how Teal'c came to be one of us. It…it also tells about Sha'uri and Skaara. I think those two should be the first ones you read. Then you can go into the ones that occurred after the team was as it is now." He nodded decisively, "Yes, I think that's the order you should read them in. It'll explain a lot of stuff to you. Give you some insight into our attitudes to the Goa'uld and therefore, our only understanding of them. It'll spread some light on why so many have not trusted the Tok'Ra, I think."
"All right, I will start with those two and then the other two you recommended. Did you end up in the infirmary, Daniel?" Martouf asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Sort of, but not really, after the one in the Land of Light, that is. They're all interesting, nonetheless. Other than that, I think I'd advise reading them in order by date. That way you'll be able to understand the decisions we made and perhaps also why we made the ones that we did."
Martouf nodded. "All right. Thank you."
"No problem. Listen, I should go. It's getting late, and I need to stop Sam from working all night, or we'll still be here tomorrow morning."
Martouf grinned at him, saying, "Very well, Daniel. Thank you for all you did for me today. I hope you have a pleasant evening."
A knock sounded on the door, and Daniel opened it to find not only Janet, but Sam, standing there. "Hey, Daniel. How's our boy?"
Martouf's eyebrows rose. Boy? When did Samantha begin to see him as a boy? Perhaps it was simply an appellation and not a description. He was fairly sure that she did not look on him as a 'boy'.
"He's doing much, much better, Sam. I've told him about tomorrow. Are you going with us, Janet?"
Janet nodded, then stopped, saying, "Oh, no, not tomorrow, but I am Saturday. Cassie is going to a birthday party and a sleepover that night, so I have the entire day, all of that night and, most of the next day all to myself." She smiled brightly as she entered the room.
"Great. I'm looking forward to Saturday night, too."
"I just thought I'd stop in and check on you one last time, Martouf. I think you're in fine hands, though, so I won't stay," Sam smiled at him. "Get some sleep, so that you won't be tired tomorrow. You'll feel much better and by Saturday, you'll not even know you felt bad."
"I have a sleeping pill for him, Sam, so that he'll not have trouble sleeping. You two go ahead home. Be careful and keep a good watch, both of you."
Daniel sighed. "They've assigned some guards to us, Janet. We'll be fine."
Janet nodded and Martouf felt a certain measure of relief at hearing that there would be guards, as well as Daniel, to watch over Samantha.
"Okay, we'll see you tomorrow, Martouf. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Daniel, Samantha, Charesh," Martouf said quietly. Then they were gone, and he was turning to Janet Fraiser.
"I understand that you are going with us Saturday and again when we go skiing. I am looking forward to spending some time with you, Janet."
She smiled at him. "I'm looking forward to it, too, Martouf."
"Will you not sit down and spend some time with me this evening? Must you go directly home tonight?"
"No, I have to pick Cassie up at a girlfriend's house at nine-thirty, so I have a few hours to kill. I'd love to spend the time with you. Would you like to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat or is your stomach still too upset?"
Martouf carefully shook his head, as he told her, "No, it has been fine for quite some time now. I would enjoy sharing a meal with you. Thank you."
"Shall we go then?"
"Let me get my shoes, and I will be ready," he said, as he found and slipped on his loafers. "After you." He held the door for her, and then leaving the room, they started down the hall. Considering the way in which his day began, it was a surprise, but perhaps it would be a good evening after all.
In the parking lot, Sam and Daniel got into his jeep and watched as her guards followed them in an unmarked black car. They sighed. Then they laughed, as they both realized what the other was thinking.
"We'll just have to be a little extra discreet, Sam."
She nodded. "Yeah, I thought of that earlier, when I realized this would probably happen."
Daniel shrugged. "We knew it was a possibility." Changing the subject, he asked, "Do you want to move some of your stuff this weekend, Sam? I assume you'll want to get some more of your clothes and stuff."
"Yeah, I think I should, don't you? Do you have enough room?"
"Yeah, I have the two guest rooms and one closet is completely empty, but the other one is holding some of my clothes. They don't take up much room though, and it's a walk-in closet so it's actually open for storing stuff, too. That won't be a problem."
"Good."
Daniel paused for a moment and then asked her, "Sam, have you considered putting your stuff in storage and then renting your house out? I know you were hoping to return there, but I honestly have my doubts if that will happen anytime soon. I know you probably don't want to think about it, but you'll have to some time."
Sam groaned. "Yes. Yes, Daniel, I've been pushing the entire situation out of my mind, as far as how long it may be before I can become even halfway self-sufficient again. I guess I've been in denial." She sat up straighter and nodded decisively, "You're right. I should be deciding what to do about it. There really is no point in leaving it sitting empty. I know there are many military couples that look for nice places, and that they're hard to find at a decent price. That's what I'll do. I've paid it off, so I don't need the money for a mortgage payment or anything. I can rent it out very reasonably. That way it'll be put to good use helping someone out."
"That, Sam Carter, is a really nice idea. I'm sure there are couples right there at the mountain that are looking around for a house they can afford. Will you put your furniture in storage? I could take some of it, but not nearly all of it. You might see if whoever you rent to wants to keep it or maybe even part of it and put what they don't want into storage." He paused, thinking, before continuing, "Actually, Sam, you might want to go ahead and move anything you don't want, ah, harmed. Accidents happen and if they happen to have children." He shrugged, "Just a thought."
"That's a good idea, too, Daniel, thanks. I have some stuff that isn't all that great, but I also have a few antiques to which I wouldn't want to see anything happen. I might bring one or two of those that might not do well in storage. I have an old secretary that needs the wood cared for fairly regularly. I might bring that and my rocker. Oh, and my pie safe."
"I think I have plenty of room for that stuff, Sam. I've not managed to accumulate a lot of furniture." That settled, he smiled at her, and then turned his attention back to the street and the traffic.
They traveled the remainder of the way in silence, each busy with their own thoughts. They had things to talk about and then, well, then, they would see what developed.
Sam packed most of her belongings the night before, leaving several things on base, since she would still be using her room there. Earlier today, she took all of her packed things out and put them in Daniel's jeep, so after they entered the house and put their packs and briefcases down, she headed back out, Daniel at her side. After bringing in all of the things she felt were necessary for the first few days, they both collapsed onto the couch and grinned at each other.
"Wow, Sam, you sure had some heavy boxes. What was in there, lead?" Daniel groaned, as he pretended to rub his back.
"Books, of course, Daniel. You should know books when you carry them. After all, that's what you've had the most of, in the past, when we've helped you to move. I'd think you could recognize that weight in your sleep," Sam chided him, laughingly.
Daniel grinned at her. "Too true, Sam." He ducked his head and continued softly, "You know, sometimes I can't believe how much alike we are. If I didn't know better, I'd swear we were related in some way. The one thing that stops me is that we both know our parents…and I don't have any brotherly feelings for you at all. Not the first twinge."
Sam blushed and murmured, "Me either on the sisterly feelings, Daniel. Anyway, I know what you mean about us being alike in so many ways. I've felt close to you from the time I first met you. Like I could tell you anything and you'd understand, but then you already know that about me, just as I do about you."
Daniel nodded. "I know. I know exactly what you mean." He paused again. "I get the feeling that you're in the mood tonight to take our discussion farther, Sam; am I right?" he asked softly.
Sam looked at him, as she reviewed her own feelings, before saying quietly, "I think you're right, Daniel. I think we both have things we think we need to say. Then, well then, we'll see…what we want to do next. How do you feel about it?"
Daniel smiled in relief. "Exactly the same, Sam. In fact, I think we're both ready to finish with talking. Then when we come together, it will be in a completely natural and comfortable way. It'll just happen; we won't need to plan for it at all."
Sam laughed lightly in relief. "I agree, Daniel. Where would you like to talk? Here?"
Daniel shook his head saying, "No, let's get ready for bed, Sam. You need to go into your room and change. I pulled the blinds, so if you leave the light on they should be able to see your shadow, just as they'll see mine. Once the lights are out, if we pull the drapes, they won't be able to see anything, even if we turn on a small table light. I've noticed before when I was outside, and Jack was here that once he closed the drapes his shadow stayed gone as long as we left the lights on low. There's a small light in the hallway, so you won't bump into anything. Come back to my room when you're ready for bed, and we'll talk there. My room's drapes are the heaviest, and I have that sitting area. Is that okay with you?"
Sam nodded, answering, "Yes, fine, Daniel. It won't take me long. I showered before I left the base, as I suspected that by the time we unloaded the jeep, I'd be tired."
Daniel grinned at her, "I did the same thing, Sam, so it won't take either of us very long. Let's go." They walked up the stairs arm in arm. Whether or not they would start a more intimate relationship tonight or not was yet to be seen, but for the moment, they were comfortable with their situation. He stopped in front of one of the guest rooms. "Here you go, Sam. I gave you the largest of the two guest rooms, and this is also the one with the completely empty closet."
"Thanks, Daniel." She reached up and gave him a swift kiss before opening the door and going through it. Once in the room, she turned around. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
He nodded and headed for his own room. It was time to see if he could even find his pajamas. He wasn't positive he knew where he put them after the last time he used them, which was so long ago he couldn't remember when it was. He remembered getting them cleaned, but after that…well; they had to be here somewhere. All he had to do was find them.
TBC