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"What is it?" Sam froze in place, waiting for the general's answer. Armstrong's What A Wonderful World played in the background. Apparently Asgard's research into Earth included what kind of things were transmitted by electromagnetic waves and since sometimes that was music, they inadvertently created a nice database of songs.

"Oh, nothing. Laura just took our picture, the flash surprised me." He explained to her, moving closer. Leaning in, so Carter could hear him over the music, he added 'Thank you for the great present.' as they started to dance again.

She smiled, rather awkwardly, and gave a little nod. "I'm glad you like it, sir."

He wondered what was up with her. She looked so unsure of herself, shaken even, blush creeping up her cheeks. Her gift put a real big grin on his face. It came in a square box which held the set of four yo-yos, each one having its own little compartment laid out with satin cloth. One yo-yo had the Earth's symbol on it, one said best general ever, one showed Homer with a pint of beer in his hand and the last one had pictures of him and Carter on one side and Teal'c and Daniel on the other. The images were small, but it was definitely them. Carter's hair was longer, maybe as long as it was now, which prompted him to consider whether Laura used their current looks as a template. Although he seemed awfully young there, so maybe not.

He turned his full attention back to the woman in his embrace. Her breath hitched as their fingers intertwined and his other hand pressed more into the small of her back. He was holding her pretty tight in case she stumbled. He knew he had to escort her back to the table soon, she needed to rest. But he couldn't miss the opportunity to dance with her.

They were dancing in such proximity sometimes his buttons caught on the material of her dress. At times he had to plead with himself to stay calm. The song and how he held her – it was oh so romantic and he wondered what effect it had on her. He was glad when she started conversation again, because he got distracted by it, at least a little.

"Isn't it weird to celebrate birthday off-world?"

"I got used to it by now. And sometimes I even get some really great gifts out of it." Another song started playing and they had to adjust to the new rhythm, but he continued speaking shortly thereafter. "For example now. Seeing you walk towards me is the best gift I've ever gotten. Truly beautiful sight."

"That's the nicest thing anyone ever said to me…" Her voice trailed off and then she sighed loudly in aggravation.

Soft hitches in her breath caught his attention. She seemed… troubled or something. Yeah, let's go with troubled.

"I mean… That I remember, you know..." She cleared her throat and sucked in a deep breath. "Thank you." She finally added after another long sigh.

"Are you okay? Maybe we should sit down for a minute." He suggested, despite not wanting to let go of her. He doubted they'd have another chance to dance in the near future. Laura was probably going to tell Carter to take it easy anytime now.

"I'm-…" She started speaking, but swayed before she could finish the first sentence and bumped hard into his body.

His brain went into overdrive as their bodies collided. Quickly he snaked both arms around her, holding her in place, so she wouldn't fall down. But that meant he was pressing his front into hers in rather ungentlemanly manner. He could feel her body's heat radiating toward him and her chest expanding with each breath.

It took her some time to gather her strength and stand on her two own feet again. As soon as she was safely standing in front of him, she was full of apologies, but he brushed the incident off.

"Carter, don't worry about it. Let's just get you to a chair, okay?"

"Yes, sir." Carter replied as they slowly walked towards Laura and Teal'c. She could hear them talking.

"Would you like another slice of pizza or perhaps something to drink?" He offered.

"Maybe a little drink." She said, carefully sitting down.

"Okay, let me do it. You know, this is great celebration, thank you."

"Glad you like it." Laura answered, seeing the odd look on Sam's face. "My only regret is that Daniel is not here."

"I think I don't miss him getting drunk on half a glass and then talking my ear off the rest of the night." O'Neill smirked, carefully handing a glass of bubbles to Carter.

"Is that how he usually is? Really?" Laura laughed, sipping her drink.

"Yes, he is even worse in that than sober." O'Neill emphasized, opening another beer. He sat down on Carter's left now and watched her from profile. She somewhat relaxed now that the conversation didn't involve just them two. "What were you two talking about?"

"Daniel, actually. And how soon we'll be in Earth's orbit." Laura's voice was louder than usual, possibly due to the liquor she consumed.

"And how soon will that be?" The general wondered, seeing Carter tense up again in the corner of his eye.

"Depends on my hangover tomorrow, I guess." Laura laughed. "But it won't take long now."

"Where did you disappear all of a sudden?" O'Neill said, surprised to bump into Laura.

"Just had to go to engineering for a moment."

"Hope the ship's okay." He said, his eyes narrowing for a moment.

"Of course!" Laura chuckled. "I just couldn't check everything remotely for some reason. But all's fine. What are you doing away from the fun?"

"Trip to room R36." He gestured to the door behind him. That's where the bathroom closest to the kitchen was.

"So let's go back and see what are Teal'c and Sam doing." Laura suggested, yawning as she was saying that.

"Tired?" O'Neill asked."

"No, I think that's just your company." Laura said with a smirk, following his lead down the hallway.

"Ha ha. Funny."

"Thank you. How are you doing? Tired or drunk yet?"

"Oh, please. It takes more than this to affect me." The general waived it off as they were almost in the kitchen area, where the party was held.

"Colonel Carter I think it would be wise for you to sit down again."

They heard Teal'c saying quite sternly, so they quickened their pace.

"Teal'c, let's dance some more, please." Carter grabbed his hand again and stubbornly continued moving to the music.

"Everything alright, kids?" O'Neill said, taking in the scene in front of him.

"Surrre." Sam said, slurring her words quite noticeably. Laura and O'Neill shared an amused look, quietly smiling.

"Okay, Carter, a little sit down is in order now." O'Neill still couldn't conceal his amusement at the situation, his voice clearly displayed it.

"No, sir." She said, again with a slightly muddled pronunciation, and reached for him. Even though she only hear his voice, he was close enough for her to know his position just from that.

Again he had her in his arms, but this time she tried to get him to dance despite his reservations.

"Carter, are you okay?"

"Yessssir, I'm having fun."

"I can see that."

She tripped slightly and fell against his chest. A little yelp escaped her lips as she practically lied slumped on him. He put his arms around her to ensure she stayed upright and didn't fall down. "Time to go, Carter."

"Where to, sir?" Carter said, frowning and at the same time biting her lower lip.

"Quarters." He moved one of his hands around her shoulders and the other grabbed her hand. He wanted to lead her like this to the sleeping quarters.

"Noooo." She pursed her lips and frowned even more, but she didn't try to step out of her grasp.

"You've had enough."

She leaned in, as if she was about to whisper, but then she shouted into his ear. "Probably, but it's your birthday!"

"It is, Carter. So listen to me, please. Come on."

In the end, she allowed him to help her to the quarters and he couldn't believe how long it took them to get there. Her legs were okay, but her stability was another matter completely. It was probably just the alcohol, but it made the journey very difficult. She tended to forget they were going someplace and frequently just stopped and leaned against a wall, wanting to talk. He wouldn't mind that so much, if she wanted to talk about any topic that he could possibly be at least a little familiar with. But it was all theory of this, hypothesis of that. So when he spotted their bunks in the sleeping quarters were in sight, he was unbelievably relieved. Tipsy Carter was adorable, but real handful.