Frank Cromwell wandered the halls of the SGC thinking how different it was here, in this other place. Bright lights blared over-head. The corridors were crowded with military personnel, all seemingly engrossed in their everyday duties.

Frank had no where to go...no where to be. He felt out of place. A little lost. His first instincts were to search out Emily Taylor. After Janet 'Napoleon' Frasier's little heart-to-heart, he found himself even second-guessing that decision.

He found the gym and after an hour's work-out...felt no better and the fact, he had no sleep at all last night, was catching up to him. He stood, now...under the steaming pelts of a shower, his head bowed, his hands braced against the tiled wall of a very modern, very accommodating bath area.

Such luxuries were indeed, a welcome change. This time, he simply accepted them without the guilt and allowed his mind to rest.

The water felt great and...the heat soothed his aching head. His shoulders were tight and his entire body was tense..as if he waited for something...the other shoe to fall, perhaps. He wasn't sure.

Jack O'Neill had assigned him quarters and he thought..he might catch a few 'z's' after his shower. He was tired. Plain and simple. He needed to rest.

"I'm not like her..am I."

The man started, for he had not sensed anyone near...not that the woman was near...she stood in the large opening of the shower area... People had came and went so frequently, Frank had allowed his senses 'down time'...

"I'm not even blonde..."

Frank slowly straightened his body...aware most was hidden behind the tiled wall which separated each stall. "This is the men's section...isn't it...you supposed to be here?"

She didn't even blink. "You said that...last night...in your sleep..." Emily Taylor stood, her hands folded almost primly before her. She wore a black tee and green fatigues. No bra.

Nice. Was Frank's first thought but he checked it and turned the water off, reaching for the towel he had lain across the wall. He tucked it around his waist. "Let me get dressed...you can buy me some dinner." He looked over at her. "Now, get...this is no place for a woman."

She just looked at him.

"Some Marines aren't as proper and discrete as I am..." He quipped. "Might take you being here as a sign to...misbehave. Then, I'd have to kill them and we don't want that, do we."

She lowered her head. "The shift is over...they are done." She sought him out. "You miss her. Don't you."

The man's eyes softened a tad. "Nah..she's a bitch." He lied easily. "Always mouthing off...and I kinda like the darker hair."

"Is she anything like me?"

"Same cunt." He grinned, and his dimples were much more pronounced which made the man all the more handsome. "You gonna let me get dressed or do I just...walk on out there...getting a little cold here. Don't really want you to see what with the shrinkage factor and all."

Emily turned and walked silently away.

Frank moved forward and dressed quickly, having dried himself hap-hazzardly. In spite of himself, he wanted to see the woman...to be with her. He had promised himself he would not contact her again.

Jack had promised he wouldn't be here much longer. So, Frank thought...better to listen to 'Napoleon'. He had been way out of line last night in doing what he had done. He had had time to think about it and...'small fry' had been correct. He had not only acted irresponsibly toward the woman...he had forgotten the mission itself...

Both errors, in his book...were unforgivable transgressions.

He pulled on the green tee and underwear, then slipped his pants up his legs and fastened the belt, before zipping the front. Jack had ordered Frank an entire new set of BDUs. Down to the black, gleaming combat boots.

Frank hesitated at those...he preferred his more comfortable, broken in pair but...he was vain enough this time to want to look his best. He laced the ties and looped the top with practiced ease.

He was aware another Marine watched him from across the way... He felt no animosity from the man, only a certain curiosity...so he let it go and continued to dress.

"Hey, man...you want some of this?"

Frank looked up at the other man's voice.

The Marine held out a bottle of cologne. "Chicks dig it...trust me."

"I wouldn't trust you, Coletti, if someone paid me handsomely to do so." Frank held his smile and straightened his frame, his hands coming to his tapered hips.

"...You know me?"

"Your reputation precedes you. Yeah...I know you."

"....You did good...with that black hole thing." Coletti shrugged his huge shoulders. "Just wanted to tell you. We owe you a lot...for...that."

"Well, if you're going to get 'sucked'...might as well go all the way, right?" Frank made it easier on the man.

Coletti grinned. "That's my motto."

"As I remember, your 'motto' changes with each passing day."

"Well, it's one of them." Coletti agreed. "You're welcome to this if you want." He put the bottle back in his locker. "Hell...take anything you need. Like I said...figure we owe you."

The man walked away and Frank watched him. He turned, closing his own locker. He noted...no one bothered with locks here.

He kinda liked that thought.

He made his way out the swinging doors of the shower area.

The woman waited patiently, her back against the wall, her arms folded.

She watched him approach, the blue eyes holding an infinite sadness within.

"Your dog die?" He knew how to make her feel better.

She merely looked up at him.

"You going to feed me or what?" He took her arm gently, guiding her along as he walked. "...listen..." He might as well get it out of the way...She might not want to eat with him afterwards, so... He pulled up short and released her arm... He drew in an even breath and faced the woman squarely.

"...I took advantage of you last night...I'm not sorry for what happened..." He stated it clearly. "I just should never have allowed it...to ...do so." He lifted a steady gaze. "Especially without protection. I don't think anything happened...but..."

The woman stepped taking his face in her hands and her mouth sought his with an eagerness that took the man by surprise. Her tongue mingled with his erotically and he...felt himself grow hard.

He caught her upper arms and broke the kiss, putting a little space between their bodies, where before...she had melted to his form, her arms lifting about his neckline, and tightening systematically.

"Hey!" He tried to scold her. "Did you hear what I just said?" He manage to make his tone a little abrupt.

The woman's arms dropped from his chest and he felt like shit, suddenly. But, she had to be made aware of the situation.

"It's entirely my fault. I take the entire blame." He wanted that made perfectly clear. "Hell, you didn't know what the fuck was going on...how could you." He was man enough, he hoped to be able to seduce a woman half his age. That had always bothered him before...the age thing but, his Emily had told him to fuck off when he mentioned it and...made him believe she could handle anything he could throw at her and over the years...she had made good on that boast so...

"I wanted you to fuck me...I know that much." She wanted the man to be made aware of the situation. "I know...I still do."

Frank's mouth fell open. Well, that...he had not expected. She clearly wasn't getting it.

"Yeah...right. I'm going to be gone by tomorrow morning..."

"Then, we don't have much time, do we...are you really all that hungry? For food, I mean?"

Frank...scowled. "Well, you little slut...what the hell is that supposed to mean? You don't just say that to a man!"

"Why not?" Emily asked with a simplicity that served to nullify Cromwell's anger...He wasn't angry with the woman but himself for being a bit shocked by her words. Nothing shocked Frank Cromwell and nothing ever would...he...thought...or...had...thoug... "You, yourself, said I don't have much time for subtleties. You aren't wanting to then...not anymore?"

"That's not the point." Frank was sure it wasn't.

"Then, what's the point, Frank...because I'm not getting it."

"First and foremost...don't call me 'Frank'..it's Major to you....Capt."

"Well, fine...Major Cromwell...do you want to fuck me or not?"

Frank blinked and...his mouth fell open yet again. Hell, yeah he wanted to fuck her but the 'Napoleon chick' had said he shouldn't. And, even though he didn't know the 'Napoleon chick' all that well, he had learned in a very short time in her company to respect the hell out of her...so...he was a little torn here, understandably.

"No..I do not. So.." He stiffened with his resolve. "I suggest you get the hell out of here before ...."

"Before what?" She fucking was calling his bluff...the cheeky little bitch.

"The 'NO' part should have been sufficient..." He growled gruffly, in his best 'command' tone.

"Normally, yes..but, I happen...in this instant to not believe you...or I chose to do so...so..." Emily lifted her head stubbornly. "I'm not going anywhere...I'm staying right here."

"You do that, then..." He made to take his leave. Finally, a way out of this damnable situation. "I...will go."

She let him get a good four feet... "Coward."

Frank...halted slowly. He could not have heard the whispered challenge. He simply could not. Even HIS Emily would not go there.

The man turned slowly...his eyes locking with the crystal blue ones. "...You said...what?"

"What the hell are you afraid of? You'll be gone. You made that abundantly clear.." She stepped once, her bravado all show. He didn't have to know that. "No responsibility to worry about. I'm a big girl.. Not asking you for anything but your cock. I'm thinking, you probably give that out a lot anyway...am I right? So..what 's the problem? You found me acceptable last night."

"Where the FUCK..." Frank stepped threateningly and Emily retreated a few steps involuntarily. "Did you get that gutter mouth! I should spank your ass red for speaking like that!"

"Well...." She swallowed her fear and lifted a determined gaze. "If that is what you are into...I'm game. I believe the phrase is...my place..or your's...right?"

Frank Cromwell hesitated. He noted the clenched little fists...knuckles white from exertion...the stiffness of her body...and even though she met his eyes squarely, her cheeks were flushed with...something that amused him...and stirred his blood.

"You'd be surprised at what I'm...'into'...little girl." He decided to put her in her place..once and for all. The silly little bitch would not ever try this with another man...not until she was certain he was the one she really wanted and was prepared to give herself to.

The thought made Frank physically ill. So, he was a little harsher than he had intended with his next statement.

"I like all sorts of naughty things...none of which...I practiced on you last night...so...count yourself fortunate and let's just leave it there, hum?" He swept her body with an all too bold stare. Stopping in all the incorrect places to linger and..savor, his eyes allowing a man's appreciation for the 'tour'. "Why don't you just go on down the road while you are still in one piece. I have little cunts like you for tea...on a daily basis. Last night was just one of ...oh, a hundred or so. You were there and you put out. What can I say."

"You 'put out' too." Emily remembered all too well. She had not been able to forget... "And, so what if I am only one of many...I don't expect you will be the last...not by a long shot!"

He had wounded her pride...and she was fighting back instinctively.

"You're right, though...I've obviously made a mistake. You don't know good when you have it...your loss...not mine." She made to turn on her heels, very close to tears. This cretin would never see her cry...not in a million years.

He let her get..oh...four steps. "Coward." He caressed the word as if it were the most filthy thing he could ever call the woman.

She gasped, swirling, her eyes heated with the flame of battle. "Fuck you!"

"You wish."

"In your fucking dreams!" She disdained.

Frank had forgotten how cute she was when she was pissed. "More like..your's from your statements of before. You wanted my cock, wasn't it? You wanted me to fuck you? Did I not hear that right?"

"Past tense..." The blue eyes turned to chips of ice. "All past that now. So, don't trouble yourself...Major. I'll go find another play mate."

Frank tensed...the remark hitting home. He watched that saucy little ass switching away from him, her steps purposeful...

Frank Cromwell was at his best when in times of adversity, however. "...Won't find none like me. You asked what I liked...still interested?"

"No." She continued, calling over her shoulder.

Frank raised his voice effectively. "Like fucking tight little asses with the hilt of my knife."

The woman's steps...slowed then...stopped entirely.

Frank waited patiently now. He had her attention.

Still, she did not turn about, clearly debating if she should give the 'loser' another chance.

"Like using dildos and vibrators while I fuck your ass...run them all over your tits...make those little nipples tingle with ...anticipation of my tongue...tease that little clit until it quivers uncontrollably and...that tight pussy just cums all by itself."

Frank studied the back of the woman's neckline absently. She had pulled her hair up and pinned it in a really cool style...tiny butterfly barrettes holding pieces of the silk here and there. He could have those out and that long hair flowing in seconds...enough to:

"Like to grab a hand full of hair and hold you from movement as I force my cock down your throat...deep throating...ummmmmm. Feels....good!"

"For you..you ass hole." She had turned her head slightly, enough to speak but not directly to him...He hadn't earned that as yet.

Little more...groveling. "Ohhh yeah...for me. But, I reward good behavior.. Tie you to the bed and lick that clit for a goodly while..at least until you're squirming with need and begging me to put it in and finish you."

"Like that would happen." She turned, her pretty features set in open apathy.

"I can make it happen...but, I suspect you already know that."

"Don't you have somewhere you have to be?" She asked, cocking her head to one side, and re-folding her arms.

His eyes dropped to her middle. And...stayed.

Emily felt her cheeks tinting. "Should I be flattered? Changed your feeble little mind, have you? Too bad. You had your chance. You didn't want it."

"Never said I didn't ...want it." He lifted a smoldering gaze. "Said...it was best for you if I didn't take it...but, apparently, I wouldn't have to...take it, that is."

"You would now."

Cromwell smiled and dimpled. "Well, now, Ma'am...don't mind that in the least...truth of the matter is? Kinda enjoy it."

"You are soooo full of shit." Emily shook her head woefully. "What the hell did I ever see in something like you?"

"Nine inch cock?" Frank offered helpfully? "Wait...you said something to the effect...it was too long...but, you kinda liked the thickness...if I remember correctly...hey..." He magnanimously offered. "I don't have to put it all in...hell, as long as the head is up there...I can make do with the rest. Especially in such a tight, steamy little pussy."

"Hold that thought..." She swept him cooly. "Hope it gives you a measure of comfort...it's all you'll get from me." She turned again....

"I want you." His tone alone halted her steps. It was deep...gravelly...grave...no-nonsense. "Stop being an ass and get the fuck over here. You've taught me the lesson..now, let's get down to business."

Emily glanced about, her features petulant.

"I said...I...I didn't want to any more." She reminded herself more than the man.

"Yeah, whatever...If I can't change your mind after a few minutes with my finger up your pussy...I'll just leave..." Cromwell held out his hand, palm upward. "What do you have to lose except...a few minutes. I'm as hard as a god-damned boulder...and I think you can see that. You did your job...come let me do mine, hum?"

Emily lowered her eyes to the...boulder for a goodly beat.

Frank held his hand extended, waiting patiently.

The woman stepped tentatively then...put her slender fingers into his palm...The man's thick fingers curved about the smaller ones and he enclosed her hand within his.

His eyes held hers captive. "So...what was that question? Your quarters...or mine?"

"Can't wait that long...improvise, Marine..." She suggested...strongly.

Cromwell grinned and glanced about.... "Well, well...a woman that knows what she wants. How...refreshing." He motioned his head to a nearby store room... "Not much room to maneuver...but, I can make do...trust me?"

"Always." She stepped, her mouth closing over his, the kiss sweetly passionate, with the promise of impending intimacy.

"You could always lift my mood, baby." He slipped an arm around her waist, gently guiding her forward. "Let's go see if you can lift anything of import..."

"I already did that..." She opened the door herself, stepping into the darkened area...tugging the man with her as she made her way among the stacked crates and boxes.

"You need to be taken down a notch or two..." He liked the idea.... "Gonna start by spanking that sweet little ass of yours until you can't sit down for a week or so."

Emily stepped a little closer, her eyes measuring the width of the man's massive chest.. "Do...Do I like to be...spanked?" She lifted a sultry stare.

"Well..hello!" The man's hands spanned the small waist-line as he glanced about her form much as she was his. "Would I do it otherwise?"
"Yes." She sensed.

"You only like it if I kiss it afterwards and make it all better. Lose the top." The back of his hand lifted and skimmed the very visible point of her nipple, causing her to gasp softly and move from his touch, only to regret the action instantly.

Her eyes flew to the door. "S-Someone might walk in, you know." She reminded herself of the danger purposely. Why couldn't she act sensibly when this man was about? She normally was very sensible...level-headed even...

Frank glanced at the closed doorway as well. Then, back to the woman. "Yeah, we could lock it...but, then..it wouldn't be as exciting...would it."

"I could get busted." Her breathing had already heightened with just the thought of someone catching them.

"I busted your cherry couple years back." He purposely misunderstood. "...Afraid?"

She shook her head, and started to go into his arms..

Frank put up a huge palm, laying it against her chest area between her breasts. He could feel either slope resting under the outer edges of his hand. "But...I wasn't here for your first time..was I and...I know from last night...you aren't a virgin so...who was it?"

"What?" The question threw her. "Why...why would you want to know ...that?"

"Who...was it." It had not been a question.

"Who was your first...Major?" She thought maybe a double standard was being applied here. "Does it matter...it wasn't important."

"It was important enough..you let him get in your panties...or were you even wearing any?"

"Hey!" She took offense. "You have women...don't try to tell me you don't..what does..."

"We aren't discussing me." His anger was surfacing and he knew it was stupid...but, he was pissed and...he didn't really care who knew it.

"...A...A guy in college. It didn't mean anything..." She relented. "He's...he's married with kids now. It was just a one time thing."

"...How many since?" He asked tightly, jealousy eating away at the man. His Emmy had never been unfaithful to him...never! And she never would.

Logic told him...this was not his Emmy...that she had never even met him...but, his ego told him....fuck her! She had spread for other men and...God...he just wanted to throw up suddenly.

"Don't be mad at me." The woman caught his hand in both of hers, squeezing tightly, her eyes beseeching him. "I didn't know you. You weren't here. Please...I've...I've never felt what it was I felt..with you. I didn't know it could be so..." Words escaped her. "I had my career to worry about and there has been no one...none...not since the first and...well...of course..Coletti tried." She felt she must be brutally honest for the man to understand. "But...but, he tries every woman...it's just something he does..."

"You let Colett...

"NO!" She blinked innocent eyes. "I said..he tried. He didn't really mean it, it is just his way. No..nothing happened...nothing!"

"Oh...he meant it...so..." Frank swept her pretty features suspiciously. "This first time...was it good?" He asked deceptively mild. He pulled his hand from her grasp, placing them on his hips.

"I...I just want to be with..you."

"Yeah. Humor me...was he good?"

"...Please." She rolled her eyes expressively. "It was horrible. Why do you think I was able to put it aside for work. He was...just..." She sought the correct phrasing that would fit ...
"ewwwwwww." She made an adorable face.

"...You placating me?"

Emily stepped involuntarily. "No! No..I swear. I...I didn't like it...I'm not...I'm telling you the truth. Really."

Frank studied her features religiously wanting to believe...therefore, distrustful of his decision to do so.

"I...I liked it..with you." She finished lamely. Then lowered her head, ashamed of having admitted as much as she had. She hardly knew this man and she was baring her soul and losing what pride she had managed to hold unto... She ran her hand around the back of her neck... "Look...this probably wasn't such a good idea...maybe I should just ...go."

"Yeah, you could do that...and I could break your freakin neck..." Cromwell caught her arm as she made to pass. "I have every right to be pissed...you let some other dick fuck you..."

"You fuck other women." She pouted up at him.

"Not like I fuck you...idiot! They don't count and you damned well know it..so don't even go there."

"That...doesn't even make sense." She wailed her believe.

"You better do some serious placating, bitch...and do it YESTERDAY...cause I am this close to..."

Emily acted on instinct...sinking down to her knees...nuzzling the front of his BDUs gently.

Cromwell at first stiffened then...his hand filtered into her hair...and true to his word, he had the tiny clips out of the way and her hair down and falling about her face in seconds... His fingers curled tightly into the silk at the base of her nape. "...You know what I like...do it." He grated his rising urgency...unzipping his pants and tugging his engorged penis into view.

Emily didn't, in reality...know what the man 'like'...but, she knew what SHE liked...she leaned and encompassed the thick shaft with her warm fingers guiding the large bulb into her mouth where she sucked and twirled her tongue about the smooth, clean skin until Frank's hand had loosened considerable in her hair and his moans told her...

He wasn't quite as upset with her as he had been.