----
Sam walked into Jack's office, Jack motioning for her to shut the door.
"Sit down, Carter."
"Yes, sir. You wanted to see me...?"
"Yup." he muttered, swinging his legs off his desk and placing his arms in their place. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine."
"Something's wrong."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is."
"No it's not."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is."
Sam cursed under her breath. "You caught me, sir."
"Spill the beans."
"You don't want to know."
"Well, I am -NOT- having that argument again." he glared.
She bit her lip. "Family reunion."
"What's so bad about that?"
"You haven't met my family."
"So?"
"SO, you don't know hoe bad it is."
"What's so bad about them?"
"They treat me like I'm 30 years younger than I should be treated."
"Everyone's family's a little bit weird!"
"Not as much as mine."
"Apparently. I'm sure they're fine. Why's it stressing you out so much, then, major?"
She bit her lip. "They expect me to bring a friend."
"So?"
"I don't have many friends off base, seeing as how I'd have to shoot anyone that I told about my job."
"Then bring someone from base!"
"Janet's going away for the weekend with Cassie."
"Daniel?"
"Going someplace offworld."
"Teal'c?"
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Bad choice."
Her head shot up. "I know!"
"What?"
"Colonel, how'd you like to come to New York and save me from the clutches of estranged relatives for the weekend?"
Jack blinked. "M-me?"
"Yes, you. Is it alright?"
"Meet a whole whack of Carters?"
"Uh-huh!"
Jack's head dropped, hitting the table with a loud *BAM* and looked up, rubbing his head with a hand. "They all as smart as you?"
"Unfortunately, no. And don't bang your head."
"Woo-hoo! ... But you owe me."
"What?"
"Paperwork and... something else. But I'll have to think about it..."
"Thank you Sir! Thank you SO much!"
"Great..."
"The plane leaves Friday morning."
"TOMORROW?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Jack thought for a second, and then shook his head. "Wait, never mind. I already know the answer to that one."
Sam whacked him with a rolled up magazine. "You'd better check with Hammond for leave time."
"Well, then you're coming with me." he stated, dragging Sam off to their general's office.
----
The taxi honked outside of Jack's house. Grumbling, he grabbed his bag and headed outside, locking the doors as he went. When he reached the ugly orange and yellow car, Sam was already waiting with an open trunk.
"'Morning, Sir."
"Mmrmmph." Jack mumbled, not having the energy to do anything more than chuck his bag in the car and slam the door.
"Happy this morning, are we?"
"It's two in the freaking morning and I want my COFFEE."
"You're almost as bad as Daniel."
He raised an eyebrow at Sam.
"Well... maybe not."
"Mmrmmph." they slid into the car, Sam ordering the driver to the airport.
----
"I'd feel much better right now with a zat gun." Jack pointed out, watching the various people load their plane.
"I'm sure you would."
"I would..." he muttered, eyeing a teenager with a multi-coloured mohawk sit down in front of him.
"We have to get something straight, though."
"Whaat? Is there some sort of freaky family secret you've been hiding from me for all these years? Is Aunt Dolores really an uncle?" Jack asked mockingly. Sam grinned and swatted him on the arm.
"No... well... we're kinda still looking into that. But anyways. You work with me. You're -not- my CO. Still a colonel, just not my commanding officer."
"Why would they care?"
"You haven't met my family. Plus, my cover story has to keep... covering?"
"Then you're not calling me 'sir'?"
"No, sir. I mean... No, Jack."
"Damn. It makes me feel important."
"Ah, you're important already." Sam smiled, Jack returning the gesture.
"Samantha or Sam?"
"Sam. Whatever you want, just NOT 'Sammybear'..."
Jack burst out laughing, doubling over in his seat. "SAMMYBEAR!?"
"You'll find out." Sam glared.
He grinned. "Sure as hell I will!"
"And don't call me Carter, either. You'll get fourteen heads popping up."
----
It was a boring ride for the most part, their sole entertainment - guessing what the attendants were serving them for lunch. When they got to the New York airport, a party was already waiting for them.
"SAMMYBEAR!" hollered somebody from a sea of heads. The owner of the voice slipped between a couple people and ran towards Sam, tackling her.
"Hello, Ryan." she said, smiling but seeming annoyed.
Ryan helped her up. Jack glanced at him, seeing a tall red haired man; hands stuffed in his the pockets of his jeans. He turned to Jack and extended his hand. "You're Sam's friend!"
The colonel shook his hand, nodding. "Jack O'Neill."
"I'm Ryan. Sammy's cousin."
The same introductions went over for four older people, two more Sam's age, and a little red-haired kid who looked timidly up at him.
"Hi, there. What's you're name?"
The kid stared.
"I'm Jack. Sammy's friend!"
The kid stared and then quickly latched himself onto Sam's right leg. "My Sam!"
"Yeah, kid. I guess so."
"No yours! Myne!"
"Shure..." he muttered, straightening himself.
Sam's aunt, Janine, waved her hands in the air for their attention. "Okay, everybody! In the wagon!" She motioned with her arm and trooped off.
Sam hung behind with Jack as they followed behind. "Regretting this yet?" she asked, trying to shake a kid off her leg.
"Right now, I'm just wondering why there's a munchkin on your limb."
"Favorite second cousin slash aunt."
"Ahhh..." Jack muttered, trying to look like he understood.
----
The ride was uneventful. The family ignored Jack for the most part after the introductions, asking Sam the typical 'married yet', 'how's life', 'getting fired soon' type of questions. But when they got there, all Jack could do was stare.
"I didn't know your family was..."
"Strange?"
"Not quite. I was leaning more towards 'loaded'."
"We're not loaded!"
"Right, right."
The house they were staying at was set in the forest, overlooking a cliff with a beach at the base. The house was cottage-style, and 'a big, honkin' slab of a cottage' it was, according to Jack. A guest house was over to the side, and Jack swore it was the size of Sam's house back in Colorado Springs.
"We aren't."
"Are too."
"God, I like it here already."
Sam slapped his shoulder. "I wouldn't say that."
Aunt Janine hung out of the main doorway to the house, calling out to Sam.
"Sammybear?"
"Yes, Auntie 'Neen?"
"You and your friend should drop your bags and coats off in the guest house and then come inside and see who else is here!"
"Yes, Auntie 'Neen!" the two trotted off to the guest house and opened the door. Jack 'oo''ed.
"Look! My own room!" he ran to the door with his name on it and swung open the door, 'oo''ing once more as he swung the bags onto his bed and ran back to Sam.
"Sam! This place rules!"
"Sure..."
"You don't think so?!"
"You don't know the people."
"I will once you close your door."
----
"So, Jack! Tell us about you!" Sam's Aunt Erin offered. "Where are you from? What do you do? How do you know Sam?"
"Uh... alright." everybody stared intently at their new victim, awaiting his response. "I'm from Chicago, but I'm an Air Force Colonel in Colorado Springs. Sam works on base with me."
"What do you like to do?" she continued her interrogation.
"Fish. Watch The Simpsons."
Uncle Gary slapped Jack on the back. "I like you already, boy!" Jack smiled.
"Wife? Pets?"
"Separated. With what I do, I wouldn't be able to take proper care of a dog."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, it was for the best." Jack smiled modestly.
"Children?" she carried on with the interrogation.
Jack looked away. "Charlie."
Sam rubbed his back. "He's... passed... on." she pointed out, almost giving her aunt a pissed off look.
Everybody in the room went silent, Erin moving her hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay. You didn't know." Jack said, accepting the apology and smiling sweetly.
"No, I shouldn't have asked..."
"It's okay! I'm over it. I still love him, but I can't bring him back and it's over."
"I'm so sorry..."
----
Sam and Jack were walking side-by-side and talking after dinner, all four hands shoved in rightful pockets.
"They driving you crazy, yet?"
"No. Your uncle Gary's pretty neat..."
"I thought you two would like each other. He wants you to go fishing with him tomorrow."
"Tell him I will."
There was a content silence as they walked through the trees.
"You've been quiet tonight..."
"I've been thinking again."
"Did it hurt?"
Jack smiled. "A bit, yeah."
"Charlie, mm?"
"That's the one."
"I'm really sorry about my aunt... she shouldn't have asked about that."
"It's okay, she didn't know."
"Still."
"No, Sam, it's okay."
"If you say so..."
They stopped at an edge of the cliff that overlooked the lake. "This place is amazing."
"Dad used to take my brother and me up here whenever he could get time off. This was always my favorite spot. I loved exploring around here..."
"It's beautiful. Sel'mak would love it." Jack said with a grin.
"Yup." They stood in silence for another couple minutes before Sam claimed she would drop dead if she didn't sleep soon, so they turned to head back.
----
Back in the guesthouse, Jack and Sam stood at their doors across from each other, bidding goodnight.
"'Night Sammybear." Jack said with an evil grin.
"Evil."
"As always!"
"Grr."
"Don't attack me. Janine wouldn't like it..."
Sam shrugged. "What do I have to do to get you to stop calling me that?"
"Come exploring with me tomorrow morning."
"Done."
"Goodnight, Sam."
"'Night, Jack." the pair smiled at each other and headed into their proper rooms for some well-needed rest.
----
Jack was up earlier than he expected, but he couldn't sleep. He got up quietly and threw on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt and slipped out of the guesthouse, closing the door silently behind him. The colonel walked down to the face of the cliff and sat on it, staring at the water.
"You love her."
Jack jumped, and looked around behind him. "You scared me half to death!"
Gary was sitting in the lawn chair behind Jack, where nobody was sitting the last time he checked. "Sorry, then."
"It's okay."
"But you do." Jack was silent. "I saw the way you two were... I thought you were together to begin with."
Jack shook his head. "Never were together."
"She loves you."
"How d'you know that?"
"I've known Samantha her whole life. Know her better than Jacob did, bless his soul. I can tell."
"But..."
"She does. It's different than it was with anyone else, even Jonas."
Jack shrugged.
"You do, too."
"I love me?"
Gary chuckled. "And her."
Jack shrugged again.
"Go after her."
He shook his head. "She'd never want me anyway. Lots of better guys out there, she can't--"
"She can't, but she does." Gary cut in. "She's awake." Jack looked over to Gary, then to the guesthouse. "Oh, and you're coming fishing with me today, right?"
Jack nodded. "But right now, I think I have some plans..." he muttered, standing up.
Gary grinned. "Go get 'em."
----
Sam stood behind the tree she was sitting by, hearing the conversation between her CO and Gary. "There's no way he could know..." she muttered, getting up and heading towards the master house.
----
"Hey, Jack."
"Morning Sam."
"Exploring today."
"Uh huh." Jack was digging into a bowl of Fruit Loops, Sam into a muffin.
"After breakfast?"
"Why not!" he answered, gulping his last spoonful of cereal and chucking his bowl into the sink. "Let's go!"
"Yes, sir!" Sam replied, muffin held in her hand as the two walked out towards the woods.
----
"I heard your conversation with my uncle this morning."
Jack stopped dead for a moment and then started walking again. "Rrreallyyy..."
"Yeah."
"How much?"
"Enough to know that you get freaked out if a 60-something year old sits in a chair behind you."
"Whole thing, huh?"
"Yup."
"That's a doozy."
Sam shrugged.
"What's your opinion on it, then?"
"My uncle knows me too well."
"Then... you do...?"
"I don't care if it's against regs. I do."
"Oh..."
"What about you?" she glanced at him sideways, enough to see him nod his head. they stuck their hands in their pockets at the same time.
"Yeah."
"What do we do now?"
"Talk about how we could get court-martialed, talk about how many bets are probably going around the SGC about us right now, wonder how Daniel would react, I think. Teal'c would just raise his eyebrows."
They reached another edge of the cliff, Sam complaining about her feet.
The two sat on the edge, Jack hanging his legs over the edge, Sam hugging her own knees. "Sir, please don't hang your legs over the cliff? It scares the crap out of me." Jack shrugged and brought his knees up cross-legged.
"Better?"
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it, I guess."
"So... you do...?"
"Mmhmm."
"Wow."
"Why 'wow'?"
"I just never thought that you'd... you know..."
"Get with the times, Carter." Jack grinned. "That tank top number you have does wonders." he added with a wink.
She laughed. "Is this where I comment about your hoodies and leather jacket?"
"What?"
"You look so cute in them." She grinned.
"Good god, girl. You need help!"
"Whaaaat?"
"Leather jacket? HOODIE?!"
"But you do! Have you ever SEEN how the female half of base drools after you when you're walking around after-hours in your civvies?"
"But... I'm 'cute'?!"
"Yep."
"I feel so degraded." the two grinned.
Sam lay back on the ground and looked at the sky through the canopy of trees.
"Having fun down there?"
"Time of my life. Join me!"
"Alrighty." Jack lay down so his head was sitting beside her's but opposite vertically. "Lookit all those trees."
"Yup."
Jack sat up for a minute.
"What is it?" Sam asked, sitting up as well.
"I thought I heard something."
"Squirrel?"
"Bigger."
"Probably just a rabbit... or something."
"Yeah. Just a rabbit, right. A big, freaking, rabid rabbit. Like on Holy Grail. Pass me thy Holy Hand grenade!"
Sam grinned. Jack looked forward at her, leaned over, and planted one on the lips. He pulled back.
"I wasn't expecting that one."
"Expect the unexpected."
"I try. Should I be expecting anymore unexpected things for the time being?" the two smiled.
"Your choice."
"I like surprises."
"Unexpected surprises."
"Exactly."
"Like this?" he asked, kissing her again and Sam returning the kiss.
"Something like that, yeah."
*CRUNCH* Jack's head shot up and whipped around. "That was definitely not a psychotic rabbit."
"I think I might have an idea of whom..." Sam muttered. "Warren, we know you're there." Small crunch. "Warren..." Sam stood up and ran over to one of the trees, hands on hips and glaring. "Warren, what are you doing?"
"Nothing..." came the reply. Jack stood up, brushing himself off and going over to stand behind Sam. A younger boy, ten or eleven years old with shaggy brown hair was looking up at an incredibly pissed off Sam. "Mum said you had a friend over, and I wanted to find you guys and show you what I got for my birthday." he held up a Polaroid camera, a picture's back peeking from his hand.
Jack tipped his hand in greeting. "Well then, I'm Jack."
The kid stared at Jack. "I'm Warren."
Sam cocked her head to the side. "What's that a picture of?"
Warren gave an evil grin. "You'll never know..."
"I think I will!"
Warren sprinted off in the direction of the master house with Sam and Jack jogging easily behind.
----
"Everybody!" Janine called, clapping her hands once. The area went silent as all heads turned to the speaker. "Welcome to another year of the Carter family's gathering!" the small crowd cheered. "This year, everybody was able to make it, and we have a visitor!" a few side-glances went to Jack. "Sam's dragged a friend along to be enlightened by us." a couple chuckles. "He's Jack. USAF colonel and he knew our Jacob... God bless his soul." she added the end in reference to the general, seeing as how he had been announced dead. She made Jack sound like he was on a game show.
Jack gave a wave and a grin. "Heya, everybody."
"Hi, Jack!" Ryan said, receiving a few more chuckles.
"Dinner's ready!" called the only missing member, Rita, from the kitchen.
"The best part." Jack said to Sam as they walked in the master house with the rest of the crew.
----
"Oh, Jack dear! You can sit right here, between me and Sam!" offered a lady of around seventy-something, pulling a chair out for the poor bewildered Jack standing by her.
"Thanks." he replied and pulled out a chair for her.
"Oh, aren't you a dear." she did one of those strange old-lady giggles and sat down. Jack pushed the chair in.
"That's my job." he muttered and slipped in his own chair after Sam got into her's.
Garry tapped his spoon on his stein. "Everyone! Grace time! Who wants the honors?"
"My turn!" popped up from Ryan.
"A'right."
Everybody lowered their heads, "Doon with yer' heads, oop wit' yer paws, 'nd thank tha Lord ye've got goo'd jaws!" he finished with a Scottish accent. The table laughed, Gary slapping him on the back.
----
Jack wandered around, introductions being made, hand being shook, jokes being made. He never did like big gatherings, and now he remembered why.
Two older aunts were about to have a sword fight with croquet sticks, the uncles were talking football, the second cousins were all running after each other with sticks, screaming as loud as they could, cousins were running after their kids, trying to get them to calm down. Sam didn't look happy, and Jack didn't feel all that whoopee, either.
"How about now?" Sam muttered, finishing the intro's of Jack to cheek-pinching, my-isn't-he-cute, Sam-why-aren't-you-married-with-kids-yet aunts.
"Eh?"
"Driving you crazy yet?"
"In all honesty?"
"In all honesty."
"Your aunts are violent with croquet." he stated knowingly, Sam standing with a confused look on her face and then shrugging.
"Can we just... not go... here?"
Jack blinked.
"Somewhere else. This place is driving me crazy."
"Amen." Jack nodded, turning around to find Gary calling his name. He held up a finger, muttered 'one sec', and wandered off in search of the man, stopping abruptly when he reached him. "Yessir?"
"Remember what I told you this morning?"
"Mmhmm..."
"Yeah, well... I guess I was right, huh?"
"How did you..."
Gary held up a Polaroid of Sam and Jack kissing.
"WHAT THE?!"
"Warren showed me when I asked him why you two were chasing him."
Jack bit his lip. "Did he tell anyone else?"
"I made him promise he wouldn't." the older man put the picture in Jack's pocket. "You may want this. Now go save Sam from my other niece." he ordered, tilting his head to where he left Sam. Jack nodded and walked back to Sam, hands shoved deep in his pockets.
"I'm baa-aaack." he greeted with a sing-song voice.
"Finally." Sam looked at her cousin and let out a small 'oh yeah'. "Jack, this is my cousin Charlotte."
Jack felt inclined to roll his eyes and sigh at another introduction, but turned to the blushing, eyelash-batting brunette in her early forties and extended his hand. The woman shook it, blushing an even darker red.
"Hello."
"Hey."
Sam stepped in once more. "Charlotte, Jack. Jack, Charlotte. Now that the introduction's made, I've got to steal you away..." Sam motioned to Jack.
"Wait, Sam! I have to talk to you for a sec!" Charlotte called, waving an arm.
"I'll be *right* back!" The major rolled her eyes, jogging over to her cousin. "What is it?"
"Is he married?"
"No..."
"Taken?"
"Not sure."
Charlotte grinned. "Thanks!"
"No problem!" Sam jogged back.
"I... wasn't supposed to hear that, was I?" Jack asked an aggravated Sam.
"Sorry about that. And no, I don't think you were."
Jack put his index fingers to his temples. "Clearing it from memory... clearing--"
Charlotte yelled 'Bye Jack!' loudly, grinning and giving a big wave. Jack gave a forced smile and waved back, still walking away.
They walked for a while along the paths in silence, Jack kicking stones and such until they were a distance away from the rest of the family.
"Ditz." Sam muttered.
"ExCUSE me?"
"She's a ditz. Airhead. Prep. Whatever you like. Runs after guys like she's still 15. Divorced thrice."
"Ew..."
"Pretty much, yeah."
"Any guy?"
"With certain limitations..."
"Anything I can use to my advantage?"
Sam shook her head.
"Darn." he snapped his fingers.
"So." Sam changed the course of conversation. "What d'you think about this place? Regretting your deal?"
"Eventful, I'll give you that much." the two smiled.
Jack's hand brushed against Sam's, reaching for her's and grasping it. Sam froze momentarily before picking up pace again, blushing slightly.
Sam gave an evil smile. "If Charlotte could see this..."
"What's her reaction to things like this?"
"Hissy fit."
"I like that."
"Yeah..."
After a short spurt of silence, Sam looked up. "What about after this weekend?"
"What d'you mean?"
"Back at the base... we can't be... it's not allowed."
"Are you sure?"
"They would notice."
"Not about that."
"Then what?"
Jack stopped and grabbed Sam's other hand, bringing them together and kissing them while he looked into her eyes. "That you really want this."
She looked back. "It'll be hard..."
He left go of her hands and wrapped them around her waist and repeated his previous question. "Are you sure?"
She looked back into his eyes and nodded. "Yes."
"Then can I be unexpected?"
"To your heart's content."
"Oh, believe me, it's content enough already."
Sam tilted her head a bit in a sort of invitation, Jack closed his eyes and leant in, kissing her. When they pulled back and Sam opened her eyes, she smiled. "I like surprises."
"We've established that."
"Yeah, well. I still do, and I want more." she leaned in...
----
On their way back, Jack had a new question. "What will your family think of this?"
"Oh, uh... um..."
"Charlotte'll be pissed."
"Like I care! Never did like her."
"She's family."
"An insult to one." Sam grinned.
"Gary seems fine with it."
"Warren seemed pretty-- oh shit!"
"What?"
"That Polaroid!"
"Way ahead of yah..."
"Eh?"
Jack pulled it out of his pocket. "It turned out quite nicely..."
"Oh, thank God." she looked up, at the picture. "I wanna see..."
"No!"
"Yes..."
"No!"
"Yes!" she grabbed at it, Jack pulling it out of her way and grinning mischievously.
"Whatcha gonna gimme for it?"
"What do you WANT for it?"
"Hmm..."
"Make up your mind!"
"Hmm..." Jack muttered, tapping his foot over exaggeratedly and bringing his hand up to his chin, rubbing it in obviously fake consideration.
"You're a pretty bad actor, Jack."
"It got me into Wizard of Oz!"
"Oh, lord. Dorothy?"
He stood proudly. "Tinman!"
"No heart; VERY encouraging."
"But I got me one now." he pecked her on her lips. "Okay, I've gotten what I wanted." he handed her the picture.
She turned it around and raised an eyebrow. "Pretty nice."
"Mmhmm."
"How'd you get it?"
"Gary got it from Warren."
"Ahh... for what?
"We gotta name our first kid after him."
Sam stopped dead in her tracks.
"I'm kidding."
"You better be..."
"I am!"
She raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"I really am!"
Sam blinked.
Jack shrugged, stuck his tongue out, and turned to walk away. "Fine then, don't believe me."
"Jaa-aaack." no answer. Sam ran up beside him. "Jaaa-aaack?"
"Believe me yet?"
"Yes is the right answer...?"
"Mmhmm."
"Then yes!"
Jack grinned and grabbed her hand, shoving the picture back in his pocket. "Dessert might be ready by now!"
"Or an hour ago..."
"Eh?" he looked at his watch. "Damn."
"We spent a long time out here."
Sam smiled. "So long as it's with you." and rested her head on Jack's shoulder as they walked.
----
Walking by the master house, Jack looked in the window to see Gary glance at him with a questioning look. He gave the older man a thumbs-up and a grin, tilting his head the half-asleep major's head on his shoulder and Gary winked, giving a thumbs-up in reply.
On the step to the guesthouse, Jack whispered 'We're here.' to an oblivious Sam, falling asleep.
"Uh...?"
"We're at the guesthouse."
"Oh..." she yawned. "Alright." she wrapped her arms around Jack's neck for support, eyes glazed over, and stepped wearily into their own little house.
"Hehehe... house to ourselves."
"Get dressed..."
"Mm?"
"Sleep..."
"Yeah, sleep sounds good." Jack turned Sam in the direction of her door. "Your room's that way."
"Join meee." came the muffled reply.
"Lemme get changed."
"Fine." she muttered and staggered towards her door sleepily.
"Door!" Jack called just as Sam was about to wham into it.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." he turned towards his own door, hopping in for a minute to change to flannel pants and an old t-shirt and then went back to knock on Sam's door.
"Y'done?"
"Uh huh..."
Jack turned the handle to find his 2IC kneeling on the floor, the upper half of her buried in the bed covers.
"Uh... Sam...?"
"Mmuh."
"What are you doing?" or 'trying to do', more like it.
"I fell over... and it takes too much energy... to get back into bed..."
"D'you want some help?"
"No, I'm quite comfortable like this, actually."
"I'm helping."
"But I don't need any..." but that was as far as she got, as Jack grabbed her around the waist and lifted her easily into her bed.
"Isn't that better?"
"I'm cold now..."
Jack tucked the blankets up by her neck. "Now?"
"I'm still cold."
"You'll warm up."
"Cold!"
"What do you want, then?"
Sam looked up with big, round puppy eyes. "I wanna be warm."
"Jeez, you're just like a little kid."
"Never grew up."
"I can see that."
"Do I have to start shivering?"
"Shove over." Jack muttered, climbing into the other side of the bed. Sam laid her head on his shoulder and looked up at him.
"See? All warm!"
"You're a brat, did you know that?" he grinned, wrapping his arms around her.
"Gets me what I want!" Sam snuggled into him, drifting off to sleep. Jack kissed the top of her head, drifting off as well.
----
Sam walked into Jack's office, Jack motioning for her to shut the door.
"Sit down, Carter."
"Yes, sir. You wanted to see me...?"
"Yup." he muttered, swinging his legs off his desk and placing his arms in their place. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine."
"Something's wrong."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is."
"No it's not."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is."
Sam cursed under her breath. "You caught me, sir."
"Spill the beans."
"You don't want to know."
"Well, I am -NOT- having that argument again." he glared.
She bit her lip. "Family reunion."
"What's so bad about that?"
"You haven't met my family."
"So?"
"SO, you don't know hoe bad it is."
"What's so bad about them?"
"They treat me like I'm 30 years younger than I should be treated."
"Everyone's family's a little bit weird!"
"Not as much as mine."
"Apparently. I'm sure they're fine. Why's it stressing you out so much, then, major?"
She bit her lip. "They expect me to bring a friend."
"So?"
"I don't have many friends off base, seeing as how I'd have to shoot anyone that I told about my job."
"Then bring someone from base!"
"Janet's going away for the weekend with Cassie."
"Daniel?"
"Going someplace offworld."
"Teal'c?"
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Bad choice."
Her head shot up. "I know!"
"What?"
"Colonel, how'd you like to come to New York and save me from the clutches of estranged relatives for the weekend?"
Jack blinked. "M-me?"
"Yes, you. Is it alright?"
"Meet a whole whack of Carters?"
"Uh-huh!"
Jack's head dropped, hitting the table with a loud *BAM* and looked up, rubbing his head with a hand. "They all as smart as you?"
"Unfortunately, no. And don't bang your head."
"Woo-hoo! ... But you owe me."
"What?"
"Paperwork and... something else. But I'll have to think about it..."
"Thank you Sir! Thank you SO much!"
"Great..."
"The plane leaves Friday morning."
"TOMORROW?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Jack thought for a second, and then shook his head. "Wait, never mind. I already know the answer to that one."
Sam whacked him with a rolled up magazine. "You'd better check with Hammond for leave time."
"Well, then you're coming with me." he stated, dragging Sam off to their general's office.
----
The taxi honked outside of Jack's house. Grumbling, he grabbed his bag and headed outside, locking the doors as he went. When he reached the ugly orange and yellow car, Sam was already waiting with an open trunk.
"'Morning, Sir."
"Mmrmmph." Jack mumbled, not having the energy to do anything more than chuck his bag in the car and slam the door.
"Happy this morning, are we?"
"It's two in the freaking morning and I want my COFFEE."
"You're almost as bad as Daniel."
He raised an eyebrow at Sam.
"Well... maybe not."
"Mmrmmph." they slid into the car, Sam ordering the driver to the airport.
----
"I'd feel much better right now with a zat gun." Jack pointed out, watching the various people load their plane.
"I'm sure you would."
"I would..." he muttered, eyeing a teenager with a multi-coloured mohawk sit down in front of him.
"We have to get something straight, though."
"Whaat? Is there some sort of freaky family secret you've been hiding from me for all these years? Is Aunt Dolores really an uncle?" Jack asked mockingly. Sam grinned and swatted him on the arm.
"No... well... we're kinda still looking into that. But anyways. You work with me. You're -not- my CO. Still a colonel, just not my commanding officer."
"Why would they care?"
"You haven't met my family. Plus, my cover story has to keep... covering?"
"Then you're not calling me 'sir'?"
"No, sir. I mean... No, Jack."
"Damn. It makes me feel important."
"Ah, you're important already." Sam smiled, Jack returning the gesture.
"Samantha or Sam?"
"Sam. Whatever you want, just NOT 'Sammybear'..."
Jack burst out laughing, doubling over in his seat. "SAMMYBEAR!?"
"You'll find out." Sam glared.
He grinned. "Sure as hell I will!"
"And don't call me Carter, either. You'll get fourteen heads popping up."
----
It was a boring ride for the most part, their sole entertainment - guessing what the attendants were serving them for lunch. When they got to the New York airport, a party was already waiting for them.
"SAMMYBEAR!" hollered somebody from a sea of heads. The owner of the voice slipped between a couple people and ran towards Sam, tackling her.
"Hello, Ryan." she said, smiling but seeming annoyed.
Ryan helped her up. Jack glanced at him, seeing a tall red haired man; hands stuffed in his the pockets of his jeans. He turned to Jack and extended his hand. "You're Sam's friend!"
The colonel shook his hand, nodding. "Jack O'Neill."
"I'm Ryan. Sammy's cousin."
The same introductions went over for four older people, two more Sam's age, and a little red-haired kid who looked timidly up at him.
"Hi, there. What's you're name?"
The kid stared.
"I'm Jack. Sammy's friend!"
The kid stared and then quickly latched himself onto Sam's right leg. "My Sam!"
"Yeah, kid. I guess so."
"No yours! Myne!"
"Shure..." he muttered, straightening himself.
Sam's aunt, Janine, waved her hands in the air for their attention. "Okay, everybody! In the wagon!" She motioned with her arm and trooped off.
Sam hung behind with Jack as they followed behind. "Regretting this yet?" she asked, trying to shake a kid off her leg.
"Right now, I'm just wondering why there's a munchkin on your limb."
"Favorite second cousin slash aunt."
"Ahhh..." Jack muttered, trying to look like he understood.
----
The ride was uneventful. The family ignored Jack for the most part after the introductions, asking Sam the typical 'married yet', 'how's life', 'getting fired soon' type of questions. But when they got there, all Jack could do was stare.
"I didn't know your family was..."
"Strange?"
"Not quite. I was leaning more towards 'loaded'."
"We're not loaded!"
"Right, right."
The house they were staying at was set in the forest, overlooking a cliff with a beach at the base. The house was cottage-style, and 'a big, honkin' slab of a cottage' it was, according to Jack. A guest house was over to the side, and Jack swore it was the size of Sam's house back in Colorado Springs.
"We aren't."
"Are too."
"God, I like it here already."
Sam slapped his shoulder. "I wouldn't say that."
Aunt Janine hung out of the main doorway to the house, calling out to Sam.
"Sammybear?"
"Yes, Auntie 'Neen?"
"You and your friend should drop your bags and coats off in the guest house and then come inside and see who else is here!"
"Yes, Auntie 'Neen!" the two trotted off to the guest house and opened the door. Jack 'oo''ed.
"Look! My own room!" he ran to the door with his name on it and swung open the door, 'oo''ing once more as he swung the bags onto his bed and ran back to Sam.
"Sam! This place rules!"
"Sure..."
"You don't think so?!"
"You don't know the people."
"I will once you close your door."
----
"So, Jack! Tell us about you!" Sam's Aunt Erin offered. "Where are you from? What do you do? How do you know Sam?"
"Uh... alright." everybody stared intently at their new victim, awaiting his response. "I'm from Chicago, but I'm an Air Force Colonel in Colorado Springs. Sam works on base with me."
"What do you like to do?" she continued her interrogation.
"Fish. Watch The Simpsons."
Uncle Gary slapped Jack on the back. "I like you already, boy!" Jack smiled.
"Wife? Pets?"
"Separated. With what I do, I wouldn't be able to take proper care of a dog."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, it was for the best." Jack smiled modestly.
"Children?" she carried on with the interrogation.
Jack looked away. "Charlie."
Sam rubbed his back. "He's... passed... on." she pointed out, almost giving her aunt a pissed off look.
Everybody in the room went silent, Erin moving her hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay. You didn't know." Jack said, accepting the apology and smiling sweetly.
"No, I shouldn't have asked..."
"It's okay! I'm over it. I still love him, but I can't bring him back and it's over."
"I'm so sorry..."
----
Sam and Jack were walking side-by-side and talking after dinner, all four hands shoved in rightful pockets.
"They driving you crazy, yet?"
"No. Your uncle Gary's pretty neat..."
"I thought you two would like each other. He wants you to go fishing with him tomorrow."
"Tell him I will."
There was a content silence as they walked through the trees.
"You've been quiet tonight..."
"I've been thinking again."
"Did it hurt?"
Jack smiled. "A bit, yeah."
"Charlie, mm?"
"That's the one."
"I'm really sorry about my aunt... she shouldn't have asked about that."
"It's okay, she didn't know."
"Still."
"No, Sam, it's okay."
"If you say so..."
They stopped at an edge of the cliff that overlooked the lake. "This place is amazing."
"Dad used to take my brother and me up here whenever he could get time off. This was always my favorite spot. I loved exploring around here..."
"It's beautiful. Sel'mak would love it." Jack said with a grin.
"Yup." They stood in silence for another couple minutes before Sam claimed she would drop dead if she didn't sleep soon, so they turned to head back.
----
Back in the guesthouse, Jack and Sam stood at their doors across from each other, bidding goodnight.
"'Night Sammybear." Jack said with an evil grin.
"Evil."
"As always!"
"Grr."
"Don't attack me. Janine wouldn't like it..."
Sam shrugged. "What do I have to do to get you to stop calling me that?"
"Come exploring with me tomorrow morning."
"Done."
"Goodnight, Sam."
"'Night, Jack." the pair smiled at each other and headed into their proper rooms for some well-needed rest.
----
Jack was up earlier than he expected, but he couldn't sleep. He got up quietly and threw on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt and slipped out of the guesthouse, closing the door silently behind him. The colonel walked down to the face of the cliff and sat on it, staring at the water.
"You love her."
Jack jumped, and looked around behind him. "You scared me half to death!"
Gary was sitting in the lawn chair behind Jack, where nobody was sitting the last time he checked. "Sorry, then."
"It's okay."
"But you do." Jack was silent. "I saw the way you two were... I thought you were together to begin with."
Jack shook his head. "Never were together."
"She loves you."
"How d'you know that?"
"I've known Samantha her whole life. Know her better than Jacob did, bless his soul. I can tell."
"But..."
"She does. It's different than it was with anyone else, even Jonas."
Jack shrugged.
"You do, too."
"I love me?"
Gary chuckled. "And her."
Jack shrugged again.
"Go after her."
He shook his head. "She'd never want me anyway. Lots of better guys out there, she can't--"
"She can't, but she does." Gary cut in. "She's awake." Jack looked over to Gary, then to the guesthouse. "Oh, and you're coming fishing with me today, right?"
Jack nodded. "But right now, I think I have some plans..." he muttered, standing up.
Gary grinned. "Go get 'em."
----
Sam stood behind the tree she was sitting by, hearing the conversation between her CO and Gary. "There's no way he could know..." she muttered, getting up and heading towards the master house.
----
"Hey, Jack."
"Morning Sam."
"Exploring today."
"Uh huh." Jack was digging into a bowl of Fruit Loops, Sam into a muffin.
"After breakfast?"
"Why not!" he answered, gulping his last spoonful of cereal and chucking his bowl into the sink. "Let's go!"
"Yes, sir!" Sam replied, muffin held in her hand as the two walked out towards the woods.
----
"I heard your conversation with my uncle this morning."
Jack stopped dead for a moment and then started walking again. "Rrreallyyy..."
"Yeah."
"How much?"
"Enough to know that you get freaked out if a 60-something year old sits in a chair behind you."
"Whole thing, huh?"
"Yup."
"That's a doozy."
Sam shrugged.
"What's your opinion on it, then?"
"My uncle knows me too well."
"Then... you do...?"
"I don't care if it's against regs. I do."
"Oh..."
"What about you?" she glanced at him sideways, enough to see him nod his head. they stuck their hands in their pockets at the same time.
"Yeah."
"What do we do now?"
"Talk about how we could get court-martialed, talk about how many bets are probably going around the SGC about us right now, wonder how Daniel would react, I think. Teal'c would just raise his eyebrows."
They reached another edge of the cliff, Sam complaining about her feet.
The two sat on the edge, Jack hanging his legs over the edge, Sam hugging her own knees. "Sir, please don't hang your legs over the cliff? It scares the crap out of me." Jack shrugged and brought his knees up cross-legged.
"Better?"
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it, I guess."
"So... you do...?"
"Mmhmm."
"Wow."
"Why 'wow'?"
"I just never thought that you'd... you know..."
"Get with the times, Carter." Jack grinned. "That tank top number you have does wonders." he added with a wink.
She laughed. "Is this where I comment about your hoodies and leather jacket?"
"What?"
"You look so cute in them." She grinned.
"Good god, girl. You need help!"
"Whaaaat?"
"Leather jacket? HOODIE?!"
"But you do! Have you ever SEEN how the female half of base drools after you when you're walking around after-hours in your civvies?"
"But... I'm 'cute'?!"
"Yep."
"I feel so degraded." the two grinned.
Sam lay back on the ground and looked at the sky through the canopy of trees.
"Having fun down there?"
"Time of my life. Join me!"
"Alrighty." Jack lay down so his head was sitting beside her's but opposite vertically. "Lookit all those trees."
"Yup."
Jack sat up for a minute.
"What is it?" Sam asked, sitting up as well.
"I thought I heard something."
"Squirrel?"
"Bigger."
"Probably just a rabbit... or something."
"Yeah. Just a rabbit, right. A big, freaking, rabid rabbit. Like on Holy Grail. Pass me thy Holy Hand grenade!"
Sam grinned. Jack looked forward at her, leaned over, and planted one on the lips. He pulled back.
"I wasn't expecting that one."
"Expect the unexpected."
"I try. Should I be expecting anymore unexpected things for the time being?" the two smiled.
"Your choice."
"I like surprises."
"Unexpected surprises."
"Exactly."
"Like this?" he asked, kissing her again and Sam returning the kiss.
"Something like that, yeah."
*CRUNCH* Jack's head shot up and whipped around. "That was definitely not a psychotic rabbit."
"I think I might have an idea of whom..." Sam muttered. "Warren, we know you're there." Small crunch. "Warren..." Sam stood up and ran over to one of the trees, hands on hips and glaring. "Warren, what are you doing?"
"Nothing..." came the reply. Jack stood up, brushing himself off and going over to stand behind Sam. A younger boy, ten or eleven years old with shaggy brown hair was looking up at an incredibly pissed off Sam. "Mum said you had a friend over, and I wanted to find you guys and show you what I got for my birthday." he held up a Polaroid camera, a picture's back peeking from his hand.
Jack tipped his hand in greeting. "Well then, I'm Jack."
The kid stared at Jack. "I'm Warren."
Sam cocked her head to the side. "What's that a picture of?"
Warren gave an evil grin. "You'll never know..."
"I think I will!"
Warren sprinted off in the direction of the master house with Sam and Jack jogging easily behind.
----
"Everybody!" Janine called, clapping her hands once. The area went silent as all heads turned to the speaker. "Welcome to another year of the Carter family's gathering!" the small crowd cheered. "This year, everybody was able to make it, and we have a visitor!" a few side-glances went to Jack. "Sam's dragged a friend along to be enlightened by us." a couple chuckles. "He's Jack. USAF colonel and he knew our Jacob... God bless his soul." she added the end in reference to the general, seeing as how he had been announced dead. She made Jack sound like he was on a game show.
Jack gave a wave and a grin. "Heya, everybody."
"Hi, Jack!" Ryan said, receiving a few more chuckles.
"Dinner's ready!" called the only missing member, Rita, from the kitchen.
"The best part." Jack said to Sam as they walked in the master house with the rest of the crew.
----
"Oh, Jack dear! You can sit right here, between me and Sam!" offered a lady of around seventy-something, pulling a chair out for the poor bewildered Jack standing by her.
"Thanks." he replied and pulled out a chair for her.
"Oh, aren't you a dear." she did one of those strange old-lady giggles and sat down. Jack pushed the chair in.
"That's my job." he muttered and slipped in his own chair after Sam got into her's.
Garry tapped his spoon on his stein. "Everyone! Grace time! Who wants the honors?"
"My turn!" popped up from Ryan.
"A'right."
Everybody lowered their heads, "Doon with yer' heads, oop wit' yer paws, 'nd thank tha Lord ye've got goo'd jaws!" he finished with a Scottish accent. The table laughed, Gary slapping him on the back.
----
Jack wandered around, introductions being made, hand being shook, jokes being made. He never did like big gatherings, and now he remembered why.
Two older aunts were about to have a sword fight with croquet sticks, the uncles were talking football, the second cousins were all running after each other with sticks, screaming as loud as they could, cousins were running after their kids, trying to get them to calm down. Sam didn't look happy, and Jack didn't feel all that whoopee, either.
"How about now?" Sam muttered, finishing the intro's of Jack to cheek-pinching, my-isn't-he-cute, Sam-why-aren't-you-married-with-kids-yet aunts.
"Eh?"
"Driving you crazy yet?"
"In all honesty?"
"In all honesty."
"Your aunts are violent with croquet." he stated knowingly, Sam standing with a confused look on her face and then shrugging.
"Can we just... not go... here?"
Jack blinked.
"Somewhere else. This place is driving me crazy."
"Amen." Jack nodded, turning around to find Gary calling his name. He held up a finger, muttered 'one sec', and wandered off in search of the man, stopping abruptly when he reached him. "Yessir?"
"Remember what I told you this morning?"
"Mmhmm..."
"Yeah, well... I guess I was right, huh?"
"How did you..."
Gary held up a Polaroid of Sam and Jack kissing.
"WHAT THE?!"
"Warren showed me when I asked him why you two were chasing him."
Jack bit his lip. "Did he tell anyone else?"
"I made him promise he wouldn't." the older man put the picture in Jack's pocket. "You may want this. Now go save Sam from my other niece." he ordered, tilting his head to where he left Sam. Jack nodded and walked back to Sam, hands shoved deep in his pockets.
"I'm baa-aaack." he greeted with a sing-song voice.
"Finally." Sam looked at her cousin and let out a small 'oh yeah'. "Jack, this is my cousin Charlotte."
Jack felt inclined to roll his eyes and sigh at another introduction, but turned to the blushing, eyelash-batting brunette in her early forties and extended his hand. The woman shook it, blushing an even darker red.
"Hello."
"Hey."
Sam stepped in once more. "Charlotte, Jack. Jack, Charlotte. Now that the introduction's made, I've got to steal you away..." Sam motioned to Jack.
"Wait, Sam! I have to talk to you for a sec!" Charlotte called, waving an arm.
"I'll be *right* back!" The major rolled her eyes, jogging over to her cousin. "What is it?"
"Is he married?"
"No..."
"Taken?"
"Not sure."
Charlotte grinned. "Thanks!"
"No problem!" Sam jogged back.
"I... wasn't supposed to hear that, was I?" Jack asked an aggravated Sam.
"Sorry about that. And no, I don't think you were."
Jack put his index fingers to his temples. "Clearing it from memory... clearing--"
Charlotte yelled 'Bye Jack!' loudly, grinning and giving a big wave. Jack gave a forced smile and waved back, still walking away.
They walked for a while along the paths in silence, Jack kicking stones and such until they were a distance away from the rest of the family.
"Ditz." Sam muttered.
"ExCUSE me?"
"She's a ditz. Airhead. Prep. Whatever you like. Runs after guys like she's still 15. Divorced thrice."
"Ew..."
"Pretty much, yeah."
"Any guy?"
"With certain limitations..."
"Anything I can use to my advantage?"
Sam shook her head.
"Darn." he snapped his fingers.
"So." Sam changed the course of conversation. "What d'you think about this place? Regretting your deal?"
"Eventful, I'll give you that much." the two smiled.
Jack's hand brushed against Sam's, reaching for her's and grasping it. Sam froze momentarily before picking up pace again, blushing slightly.
Sam gave an evil smile. "If Charlotte could see this..."
"What's her reaction to things like this?"
"Hissy fit."
"I like that."
"Yeah..."
After a short spurt of silence, Sam looked up. "What about after this weekend?"
"What d'you mean?"
"Back at the base... we can't be... it's not allowed."
"Are you sure?"
"They would notice."
"Not about that."
"Then what?"
Jack stopped and grabbed Sam's other hand, bringing them together and kissing them while he looked into her eyes. "That you really want this."
She looked back. "It'll be hard..."
He left go of her hands and wrapped them around her waist and repeated his previous question. "Are you sure?"
She looked back into his eyes and nodded. "Yes."
"Then can I be unexpected?"
"To your heart's content."
"Oh, believe me, it's content enough already."
Sam tilted her head a bit in a sort of invitation, Jack closed his eyes and leant in, kissing her. When they pulled back and Sam opened her eyes, she smiled. "I like surprises."
"We've established that."
"Yeah, well. I still do, and I want more." she leaned in...
----
On their way back, Jack had a new question. "What will your family think of this?"
"Oh, uh... um..."
"Charlotte'll be pissed."
"Like I care! Never did like her."
"She's family."
"An insult to one." Sam grinned.
"Gary seems fine with it."
"Warren seemed pretty-- oh shit!"
"What?"
"That Polaroid!"
"Way ahead of yah..."
"Eh?"
Jack pulled it out of his pocket. "It turned out quite nicely..."
"Oh, thank God." she looked up, at the picture. "I wanna see..."
"No!"
"Yes..."
"No!"
"Yes!" she grabbed at it, Jack pulling it out of her way and grinning mischievously.
"Whatcha gonna gimme for it?"
"What do you WANT for it?"
"Hmm..."
"Make up your mind!"
"Hmm..." Jack muttered, tapping his foot over exaggeratedly and bringing his hand up to his chin, rubbing it in obviously fake consideration.
"You're a pretty bad actor, Jack."
"It got me into Wizard of Oz!"
"Oh, lord. Dorothy?"
He stood proudly. "Tinman!"
"No heart; VERY encouraging."
"But I got me one now." he pecked her on her lips. "Okay, I've gotten what I wanted." he handed her the picture.
She turned it around and raised an eyebrow. "Pretty nice."
"Mmhmm."
"How'd you get it?"
"Gary got it from Warren."
"Ahh... for what?
"We gotta name our first kid after him."
Sam stopped dead in her tracks.
"I'm kidding."
"You better be..."
"I am!"
She raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"I really am!"
Sam blinked.
Jack shrugged, stuck his tongue out, and turned to walk away. "Fine then, don't believe me."
"Jaa-aaack." no answer. Sam ran up beside him. "Jaaa-aaack?"
"Believe me yet?"
"Yes is the right answer...?"
"Mmhmm."
"Then yes!"
Jack grinned and grabbed her hand, shoving the picture back in his pocket. "Dessert might be ready by now!"
"Or an hour ago..."
"Eh?" he looked at his watch. "Damn."
"We spent a long time out here."
Sam smiled. "So long as it's with you." and rested her head on Jack's shoulder as they walked.
----
Walking by the master house, Jack looked in the window to see Gary glance at him with a questioning look. He gave the older man a thumbs-up and a grin, tilting his head the half-asleep major's head on his shoulder and Gary winked, giving a thumbs-up in reply.
On the step to the guesthouse, Jack whispered 'We're here.' to an oblivious Sam, falling asleep.
"Uh...?"
"We're at the guesthouse."
"Oh..." she yawned. "Alright." she wrapped her arms around Jack's neck for support, eyes glazed over, and stepped wearily into their own little house.
"Hehehe... house to ourselves."
"Get dressed..."
"Mm?"
"Sleep..."
"Yeah, sleep sounds good." Jack turned Sam in the direction of her door. "Your room's that way."
"Join meee." came the muffled reply.
"Lemme get changed."
"Fine." she muttered and staggered towards her door sleepily.
"Door!" Jack called just as Sam was about to wham into it.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." he turned towards his own door, hopping in for a minute to change to flannel pants and an old t-shirt and then went back to knock on Sam's door.
"Y'done?"
"Uh huh..."
Jack turned the handle to find his 2IC kneeling on the floor, the upper half of her buried in the bed covers.
"Uh... Sam...?"
"Mmuh."
"What are you doing?" or 'trying to do', more like it.
"I fell over... and it takes too much energy... to get back into bed..."
"D'you want some help?"
"No, I'm quite comfortable like this, actually."
"I'm helping."
"But I don't need any..." but that was as far as she got, as Jack grabbed her around the waist and lifted her easily into her bed.
"Isn't that better?"
"I'm cold now..."
Jack tucked the blankets up by her neck. "Now?"
"I'm still cold."
"You'll warm up."
"Cold!"
"What do you want, then?"
Sam looked up with big, round puppy eyes. "I wanna be warm."
"Jeez, you're just like a little kid."
"Never grew up."
"I can see that."
"Do I have to start shivering?"
"Shove over." Jack muttered, climbing into the other side of the bed. Sam laid her head on his shoulder and looked up at him.
"See? All warm!"
"You're a brat, did you know that?" he grinned, wrapping his arms around her.
"Gets me what I want!" Sam snuggled into him, drifting off to sleep. Jack kissed the top of her head, drifting off as well.
----