Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy or Stargate SG-1
Daniel knocked at Buffy's door waiting for her to answer it. Jack had fled early making Daniel suspicious. He knew Jack well enough that if he felt threatened emotionally he ran the other way. Shaking his head and wondering how to help Jack the door opened and Daniel was speechless.
Buffy was in faded blue hip hugger jeans, wedge heels that made her 3 inches taller and a midriff baring sky blue blouse. Her hair was pulled up with a few ringlets loose around her face. If he didn't know that Jack would squash him like a bug on their next mission Daniel would have given him a run for his money.
"Um, wow. I mean really wow!" Daniel said. Boy, was Jack in for a surprise.
Buffy smiled, "Where's Jack?" she asked. "Oh we'll meet him and the rest of the teams there." He said airily and they left.
Jack was sitting at a table nursing a beer, and wondering what the hell had happened to him. He had fallen for the slayer. He decided right then and there that he would back away from Buffy and let her get on with her life. Teal'c walked in with Ferretti and Jack waved, feeling like he was in control now. What he didn't know was the gossip mill was running into overtime. Someone, probably one of the Marines (terrible gossips those Jarheads) had taken one look at Buffy tonight and made bets on Colonel O'Neill's reaction. There had already been talk that the Colonel was spooked and running so now money was being bet behind his back. Ferretti stopped by Maxwell's table and made a discreet wager with Teal'c looking on. Sam and her boyfriend arrived and he waved, not noticing her sharp look. Janet was at the bar getting a wine cooler when the door opened.
Jack looked up and thought time had stopped. It seemed that the overhead lights highlighted the happiness on Buffy's face as she entered the room. She was wearing a shirt that bared her smooth stomach, making Jack's black jeans tighten uncomfortably. Daniel followed behind her and leaned down to say something to her, way too close for Jack's liking. Buffy nodded and her eyes searched the bar until they settled on Jack. Her eyes met his with an almost physical reaction and his eyes darkened with desire. As if in a dream Jack stood and instead of going to Buffy, he placed his beer on the table, and fled for the restrooms.
Everyone in the bar was watching the two and knowing smiles and chuckles broke out here and there. Colonel O'Neill had taken one look at Buffy and frozen like a statue. Then true to form had run. Major Maxwell was laughing and passing out money quietly to the winners. Buffy and Daniel found a place beside Teal'c and Daniel had gone to go get them drinks.
"You look thoughtful Buffy Summers." Said Teal'c in his direct way. Buffy shook her head, "Um, yeah, thoughtful." She was looking to where the Colonel had disappeared. Daniel sat down beside her and handed out the drinks. "Well, that went well." He said dryly and caused her to laugh. She watched with interest as Jack came back in and totally ignored her, instead he had gone to talk to Ferretti, suspicious of all of the money changing hands without him.
Sam was upset and a little mad. She said something to her date and stalked out of the bar for air. Buffy watched her and without saying anything, stood and followed her out. Daniel saw this and decided not to interfere, but saw Teal'c raise his eyebrow in concern.
Sam paced, upset that she wasn't getting past this already. "Major?" and Sam spun around to see Buffy standing there, watching her seriously. "Buffy, I really have nothing to say to you." Sam spat and turned to walk the other way. Buffy stopped her with a firm hand on her arm, "Listen to me. I'm sorry Major." Sam looked down into the smaller woman's eyes, and closed her own eyes in defeat. "I just didn't think it would hurt this much to watch him fall for you." Sam whispered. Buffy stood, her heart hurting for this incredible woman, so torn by the rules that the Air Force lived by.
"I didn't know what was happening either Major. I've been here for a week when suddenly I saw his eyes tonight. Then I knew for certain." Buffy smiled wryly. "So what does he do? He runs? Loving someone is so painful; believe me I know. I had to kill the man I loved once to save the world." Buffy turned and walked up the parking lot to calm herself. Sam watched her and understood that this wasn't easy for her either, and some of Sam's own pain lessened. Buffy walked back and stood before her, "Giles, my watcher? He told me once that even love that hurt was better than no love at all. It meant that you were alive and able to feel for someone else. After I lost Angel I thought I had died too, but then I met Jack." Buffy went quiet and Sam nodded.
Suddenly a black van screeched into the parking lot and 5 armed men in black jumped out. Sam shot a look at Buffy, "Go in and get the Colonel." Buffy shook her head, grinning fiercely, "Oh no. We're in this together." The men pointed their weapons at the women and Buffy waded into them like a storm. Sam was amazed at Buffy's skills and moved in and knocked out one of the guys with a right cross, before grabbing his weapon as he fell. Buffy had disabled the rest when from the bar the teams spilled out like the wrath of God. Buffy stood over the downed men with her hands on her hips, "I know someone was watching to make sure Sam and I didn't pull hair, so what took you guys so long?" she asked tartly, causing Sam to laugh hysterically. Buffy threw her a smile and the two women walked into the bar, leaving Jack, Ferretti, and the others to clean up the mess.
Jack and Ferretti as the senior officers had called the General who had sent the base security and a helicopter to pick up the unconscious men. Jack agreed with Ferretti that they were probably NID, and they were after Buffy. Jack had left with the helicopter and Ferretti had walked back in to see Sam and Buffy having a lively argument. Daniel and Ferretti shared a look.
Teal'c was beside Sam and Daniel was on the other side of Buffy interjecting his own comments. Sam laughed and poked her boyfriend to make a point, and Buffy just grinned. Everything was right with her and Sam.
A slow song played and got Buffy's attention. Daniel stood and held out his hand and she nodded. He held her close, but far enough for her to be comfortable. She looked into Daniel's eyes for a moment and wished fleetingly that it was him. He saw the look and shook his head, "Oh no. Jack would kill me." Buffy laughed, "It wasn't a serious thought, I treasure our friendship too much to screw it up." She smiled and continued dancing. Ferretti decided that this would make excellent conversation at the SGC tomorrow. Poor Daniel. Poor Jack. Heh heh.
