Jack walked briskly towards the commissary doors, well aware he was trailing puddles of water behind him, and not really caring. As he entered the main eating area, where the tables usually sat, he saw an astonishing sight. The tables were all pushed back against the walls and a huge fir tree stood right in the middle of the floor, decorated from root to tip in beautiful red and gold. Banners streamed across the ceiling, all directed towards the centre of the room, where the sparkling gold star at the top of the tree just brushed the ceiling. A number of tables to the left held various party foods and drinks, while those on the right were covered with an assortment of presents, all wrapped in different coloured paper.

Jack stood for a minute with his mouth hanging open. The he spotted Carter on the other side of the room with Dr Fraiser, dressed in a long blue evening dress that shimmered in the twinkling of the fairy lights.

"Carter, what's going on here?" he said from behind her, making her jump.

"It's a Christmas party, Sir! I just thought that we'd all worked really hard these last few weeks and we needed some downtime and who doesn't love a party!" Sam babbled, anxious to explain her actions.

"You did all this?" O'Neill asked in amazement.

"Yes, Sir. Well, Janet helped me. It's an apology of sorts, for my behaviour yesterday. I hope it's okay, Sir."

She smiled at him hopefully. He didn't look at her.

"Well, why didn't you tell me? I'm not exactly dressed for a party."

Sam opened her mouth to explain, but Daniel came up to them and interrupted,

"Don't worry about it. I slipped a tux into your locker."

Jack glared at him.

"You knew about this?!"

Daniel utterly failed to look embarrassed or guilty. Instead he grinned cheekily at his friend.

Jack sighed,

"Alright, I'll go and change."

*****

When he returned from the locker rooms, looking much smarter and a lot drier, there was gentle Christmas music playing, sounding like a variety of different carols. Jack didn't even know what time it was, but he imagined Sam would be keeping on top of it. He wandered over to her.

"You know, Carter, I probably should be angry for doing this to me. I don't like Christmas parties!"

"I know, Sir, Daniel told me. But how could I resist?"

She flashed him a bright smile, and he gave in grudgingly, and smiled back at her.

The music smoothly changed to 'White Christmas' and the quiet relaxing tune floated across the room. Sam went pink and looked down at her shoes.

"Umm… would you like to dance… Sir?"

She risked a glance at his face. He grinned at her, amused by her behaviour.

"Of course I would, Carter."

He led them out onto the dance floor and, to his surprise, Sam stepped in close to him and put her arms round his neck. His hands automatically went to her waist. He was amazed at how natural it felt, when it should have felt rather awkward, given their working relationship. She gently laid her head on his chest and they slowly danced.

"Carter, I never would have figured you for doing something like this. I mean, the party and stuff," Jack said slowly, not wanting to disturb the mood.

"Call me Sam," she murmured in reply. Jack stopped and she raised her head to meet his eyes. He looked a little surprised and fairly contented. She smiled at him and glanced at the floor.

"What?" he asked, as he smiled back.

She looked up at the ceiling above them. Jack dubiously followed her gaze upwards to see a sprig of fresh mistletoe hanging down right above their heads. Jack chuckled,

"You've really thought this one out, haven't you, Cart… uh, Sam?"

"Yes, Sir."

"That's Jack, just for today."

Sam looked right into his eyes and smiled softly.

"Merry Christmas, Jack."

"Merry Christmas, Sam."  He stepped in closer to her and kissed her, holding her against him as he did so. They quickly broke apart as assorted cheers sounded from all around the room. Sam looked embarrassed, but Jack put his arm back around her waist and discreetly whispered into her ear,

"It certainly will be a Merry Christmas!"

~~fin~~