The Indian Cliffs Steakhouse was located between Anaheim and Los Angeles, a square adobe building with red Spanish tile trim, it boasted the best steaks in all of Southern California. Joshua parked their metallic blue Mercedes-Benz close to the door and shut off the engine.
"Well here we are—I hope you brought your appetite, this place has steaks the size of manhole covers--"
Jack looked over the tan building and nodded. "After the day we've had I probably could eat a steak that big."
Everyone got out of the car and headed up the brick walkway to the huge wooden door. Joshua pulled it back allowing his wife and daughter to go in ahead of him.
"I've always wanted to try this place--" Gillian stepped in and looked around; the tables were Paul Bunyan size looking as if they were hacked out of trees. A chandelier made of antlers with candles burning in them hung above their heads and there were lit lanterns on each table.
A young blond man in a crisp white shirt and black pants approached them grinning. "Good Evening, welcome to the Indian Cliffs, dinner for four?"
"Yes, your best table please--" Joshua tucked his keys into his front pocket and touched his back, making sure he had his wallet.
"Right this way--" The waiter led them through the restaurant and up a few steps to what looked like an observation deck. There, one table sat in the center of all the glass windows and he laid the menus by each chair.
"Can I get you anything from the bar?"
Joshua pulled out his wife's chair; Elly sat down and looked up at the young man. "Not for me thank you."
Gillian sat down in her chair and glanced at Jack. "I don't want anything."
"I'll have a beer please--" Joshua spoke up turning to look at his future son-in-law. "What about you Jack?"
"The same please. Would you all excuse me for a moment?" Jack asked the waiter where the restroom was and left taking his cell phone and the card Daniel had given him out of his pocket.
"All right, two Budweiser's and I'll be back in a few minutes to take your order."
Jack returned to the table and sat down; the waiter returned with the drinks and everyone's order was taken.
"Okay, you all can go ahead and help yourself with the salad bar and I'll go turn these orders in--" Smiling politely he took gathered up everyone's menu and left the table.
"Elly, why don't you and Gillian go ahead?"
Gillian's gaze went from her father to Jack. "You're not coming?"
"Oh Jack and I will be along in a moment."
Elly reached out and touched her daughter's arm. "Come on, let's go get some salad."
The tone a knowing one, it made Gillian inwardly shiver a little.
"Okay Mom--" Rising from her chair, Gillian bent down and gave Jack a peck on the cheek and squeezed his hand. She suspected her father wanted to talk to her fiancé and wanted to give him a small reminder that despite what he was about to say to Jack he meant a lot to her.
"Go on, it'll be okay--" Jack whispered in her ear as he gazed up at her, his dark eyes sparkling a moment.
Nodding, Gillian and her mother left the two men alone.
Joshua watched the two women leave before glancing across the table at his future son-in-law. He picked up his glass and had a sip of his beer.
"You know, I've been in that chair before staring across the table at my future father-in-law. I used to think to myself that one day I might be on the other end and things would be easier."
Jack folded his hands on top of the table giving Joshua his full attention. "And are they?"
"Not one damn bit--" He chuckled as he turned his chair sideways crossing his legs. "I thought they would be but frankly I think its harder being in this chair than in that one."
His candor made Jack feel a little more at ease but not much. "So—you know how I feel right now?"
"I've got an idea or two--" He studied the man across the table from him for a moment. "I've been in your shoes Jack staring across the table at Elly's father just waiting for him to tell me that usual banter about not being good enough for his little girl no matter what I did or would do."
"And did he?" Jack picked up his beer and had a sip of it clearing his throat.
"Well—yes and no. He had this look on his face, that stoic look that makes you want to duck under the table. See Michael Strawhorn was Cherokee Indian, and seeing those piercing dark eyes about made my skin crawl. He only asked me one question."
"Just one, that sounds simple enough."
"Depends on the question--" Joshua shifted in his chair his hands in his lap.
"So what did he ask?"
"He looked at me and leaned close to the table and said—What will my daughter gain marrying you?"
Jack widened his eyes a moment blinking. "Uh yeah I see what you mean about the question. So what did you say?"
A knowing smile came to Joshua's face. "Before I answer that Jack I pose the same question to you."
"Here Gill I think this is pasta salad--" Elly picked up a spoon and put a small amount of the noodles and what looked like chunks of artichokes and black olives onto her plate. The salad bar was in the next room and the long buffet complete with clear sneeze guard took up a good portion of it.
"Mom you do like Jack don't you?" Gillian put a spoonful of potato salad and added it to her plate as she and her mother made their way along the seemingly endless salad bar.
"Of course I do Dear--" Her mother nonchalantly replied as she added a spoonful of carrot and raisin salad to her plate.
"Mom--" Gillian reached out and gripped her mother's arm and turned her knowing a blow off answer when she heard one. "Dad isn't going to give Jack the third degree is he?"
Elly sighed looking away from her daughter briefly. "Your father just has some concerns for you Gillian that's all--"
"If he's got concerns why not ask me?"
"Because that's not how fathers work, he has some things to ask Jack to put his mind at ease--" She saw her daughter's skeptical expression and placed her hand on top of Gillian's. "You can't blame your father for caring. You're his daughter and that gives him certain paternal rights."
Gillian shook her head slowly. "Mom I do understand that but I hope that Dad realizes that Jack has certain rights too."
Jack had suspected he would be given the question; he leaned back in his chair a moment pondering. Joshua said nothing simply waiting patiently for the answer.
"Happiness--" Jack finally stated as he had another sip of his beer, the glass almost half empty now. He watched as Joshua's little smirk grew bigger.
"That's exactly what I told Michael--" He stood up from his chair and walked around the table standing over his future son-in-law; with a slight raise of his chin he stretched out his hand.
Jack rose to his feet and accepted the hand both of them shaking firmly. The handshake meant more than just welcome, it meant a lot of things that neither man could probably lend voice to. Finally the shake ended and Joshua motioned with his chin.
"Come on Jack; let's go check out that salad bar before Gillian and her mother think we killed each other."
"Ah Gillian knows better--" The two men headed down the small steps. "A restaurant is too public for something like that."
Joshua stopped in mid stride and cocked an eyebrow. For a moment he thought Jack was being serious but then he saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yeah Elly does too my restaurant brawling days are over."
"Yeah mine too, for how long?"
"Well—what time is it?" Joshua glanced down at his watch a moment raising his eyes to see Jack's amusement. They both chuckled a moment, the laughter easing both of them as they spotted Elly and Gillian and picked up their plates.
"So what's it like at the academy Jack?" Joshua set his salad plate aside and straightened up; his steak was carefully placed in front of him.
"Pretty good, they let me do my thing and pretty much leave me alone as long as the cadets do well that's all that really matters--" Jack glanced across the table at Gillian seeing her little smile. She looked terribly relieved and he couldn't blame her for that. Her parents acceptance of him had been a cloud hanging over Gillian's head since they first got together.
Elly looked down at her plate, her eyes widening. "Goodness, that's a lot of food."
"Whatever you don't eat we'll take home you know that--" Joshua leaned a little towards his daughter. "She still does that, fills up on salad bar and then when it comes time for the main course she's full."
"Hey that sounds familiar--" Picking up his knife and fork, Jack began to cut into his t-bone.
"Oh I don't do that Jack; I've got a pretty healthy appetite--" Gillian watched a grin bloom on his face.
"Yeah I'll say you do--"
The message loud and clear, Gillian's face darkened in a blush and she quickly dropped her head hoping to hide it.
"Something wrong with your food Gill?" Elly saw the way her daughter suddenly looked down at her plate.
"It's fine Mom--" Raising her eyes Gillian gave Jack a look that promised serious payback later; her face finally calmed back down and she resumed eating.
"Have you two talked about the wedding?"
Now it was Jack's turn to be put on the spot nearly choking on his baked potato. He picked up his beer and had a sip clearing his throat.
"Well we've talked about it some yeah but not anything definite--" He glanced at Gillian, widening his eyes a little in silent pleading for help.
Gillian sighed wiping her mouth with a napkin. "We're just not ready to do any planning yet. I haven't even met Jack's parents; we're supposed to go see them some time this fall."
"And where do they live Jack?"
"Chicago, along with my two sisters, Shannon and Kelly--"
"Excuse me?" A fifth voice entered the conversation and all eyes turned to see their waiter with a bundle of red roses in his arms.
"These just arrived for Mrs. Elizabeth MacKenzie."
"That's me--" Elly held out her arms and accepted the bundle gently. "Thank you."
"Yes ma'am." The waiter smiled gently as he left.
"I wonder who these can be from--" She rifled through the stems carefully trying to find a card.
"Yeah me too--" Joshua raised an eyebrow as he looked at Jack seeing his neutral face. Gillian remembered how he had excused himself when they first got there, obviously now she knew why.
"Oh here's the card--" Opening it, Elly pulled the tiny card out of the white envelope and read it a grin coming to her face. "They're from my future son-in-law."
She laid the roses on the table and stood up,moving around the table to where Jack sat. He too rose to his feet seeing her soft expression.
"You didn't have to do that Jack, really--" She stepped towards him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "First you hit on me and then you shower me with roses. At this rate Joshua is going to get jealous--" She whispered in his ear laughing. "Thank you."
Jack felt the heat flood his face and cleared his throat as he pulled back. "You're welcome."
Elly saw his red face and grinned. "Whoops I embarrassed him, oh well isn't that what a mother-in-law is for?" She gave Jack a wink as she turned and sat back down.
"Oh GOD Daniel—oh YES! Oh GOD YES!"
"Sam! Oh just like THAT! Right THERE! Sam! Sam! OOOOOH GOD!"
Both bodies merged together one last time panting hard in the dark. Daniel raised his face from Sam's sweaty chest and reached out towards the nightstand, he fumbled with the lamp finally clicking it on.
"I'm a mess Daniel, a total sweaty mess--" Sam sighed contently her arms snaking around her lover's neck.
"You were an animal!"
"I was an animal?" He raised an eyebrow staring down into her flushed face. "And the skin on my back is burning from--" He waited for her to fill in the blank seeing her cheeks glow even redder.
"Um—your costume?"
"My costume--" Daniel nodded skeptically. "Gee Sam I don't recall there being razor sharp nails in my pirate costume."
"Oh! Well um--" Sam grinned sheepishly, her smile bright. "I have to plead insanity here."
"And your defense?"
"Incredible sex?" She blinked her face perfectly straight.
Daniel beamed at that as he started laughing lowering his head back to her chest. "It's nice to know my work is appreciated."
"The night is young and then I'll show you exactly how much its appreciated--" She combed her fingers through his hair letting the contentment and relaxation wash through her. Staring up at the ceiling she creased her brow when she noticed the patterns the lamp gave off were Mickey Mouse shaped.
"Okay these Disney people take themselves way too seriously."
"You haven't seen nothing yet Sam. They have boxes of condoms with Disney characters down in the Gift Shop--" Daniel lifted his head planting kisses on the chest just under his nose; the sweet scent of lavender filling his nostrils.
"Gives slipping someone a Mickey a whole new meaning--" Sam snickered at that but then froze in mid laugh; her attention going to the doors of the suite.
"Daniel?"
"Mmm?" He replied, too busy lost in the taste of Sam's skin.
"Did you hear that?" She propped herself up on her elbows, the motion putting Daniel's snacking to an end. He sighed annoyingly and reached for his glasses slipping them on as he stared at the double doors.
"It's probably just Gillian and Jack--" He climbed across the king size bed flashing Sam his bare ass as he snagged his red boxers from the floor. Daniel stood beside the door and opened it a smidge, a thin ribbon of bright light suddenly striping his face.
"Do you see them?" Sam asked her blue eyes wide.
"No, you just stay here I'll check it out--" Opening the door wider, Daniel stepped through it and into the living room looking around.
"Good Evening--" A voice called out from behind him and he whipped around seeing the amused expression on Jack's face.
"Jack—hey how was dinner?" Daniel unconsciously crossed his arms over his chest.
"Good--" He went over to the kitchenette area and picked up a couple of paper bags on the small dining table. "Brought you guys some dinner--"
"Thanks—Where's Gill?" He went over to the kitchenette area and pulled out one of the chairs sitting down.
"Shower--" Jack joined him handing him one of the bags. "Got you and Sam some rabbit food."
"Salads? Great!" Daniel poked his nose around the bag and then closed it studying the man sitting across from him. "So how were the future in-laws?"
Jack yawned leaning back in his chair as he wiped his hands down his face. "Well Joshua is a lot more understanding than most typical fathers. He asked me one question and that was all."
"One question?" He chewed his lip a moment before licking it. "Well Jack maybe it's because Gillian is older. I'm not calling her old but I mean is she's not some 21 year old kid fresh out of college--" Daniel leaned forward on the table folding his hands. "She's a military officer and has a career."
"She's on her own Daniel and has been for quite some time, that's probably what makes the difference--"
Jack uncovered his face sighing. "When you think about it—she doesn't really need me at all, at least in the eyes of her parents."
"Maybe not financially but we both know Gillian does need you Jack--" Daniel stood up clutching the bag in his hand. "Teal'c is downstairs in the arcade, thanks again for dinner--" He turned away heading for his room when Jack called out his name; a smirk on his face.
"You might want to think about maybe—having Sam trim her nails before we get back to the mountain. Claw marks like that might be tough to explain to Janet."
Daniel's face blushed a deep crimson color. "Yeah well maybe they'll be healed by then--" Grinning, he opened the door and waved at Jack before closing it.
Jack deposited Teal'c dinner in this bedroom along with a note; he then went into his own suite closing the suite door behind him. The running water sound of the shower suddenly stopped and he got to the bathroom just in time to see Gillian with a maroon towel around her while dabbing her face with another.
"Now that's timing--" He muttered making her gasp and whip around towards him; her eyes wide and startled.
"Jack—must you sneak up on me like that?"
"I wasn't sneaking. I naturally move silently part of being a Special Ops colonel--" He sat down on the toilet leaning his elbows on his knees. "Oh please don't stop on my account."
Gillian went into the bedroom to finish drying off there and naturally Jack followed her. "It's getting late Jack we should just go right to bed."
"I definitely agree with that idea--" He began peeling off his clothes dropping them on the floor until he was down to his black boxers. Climbing onto the large bed, he patted the area beside him staring at his fiancée with lust in his eyes.
"I thought we were going right to bed?" Gillian finished drying her hair and ran her brush through it.
"To bed yes, to sleep—no--"
His fiancée looked at him skeptically as she circled the bed, dropping the one towel she had in her hands on the floor yet the other was still wrapped around her.
"And why exactly should I accommodate you Colonel?"
Moving to his knees in front of her, he traced his hands down the towel slowly. "Because you love me, because you want me--" The desire in his voice made Gillian shudder as she reached out and glided her fingers down his chest; the hair brushing against her palms as she traced down between his pecs.
"Any other reasons?" She teased feeling his stomach muscles quiver as her hands continued down stopping at the waistband of his boxers.
Jack swallowed hard as those little fingers slipped inside his boxers and ran down his abdomen; the tease of those hands suddenly made it hard to speak.
"Because I was nice to your parents?"
Gillian grinned cocking one eyebrow. "Now that's a good reason--" She removed her hands from his boxers and touched his shoulders gently pushing him back on the bed. Straddling his hips she pulled the towel from around her and dropped it over the side of the bed; her damp hair spilled forward and brushed against Jack's chest as she leaned close to him.
"So—what should I do to you Jack?"
His fingers slid up her thighs to her waist stroking across it before moving up to her chest.
"Anything you want Gillian."
"Really?" Gill rose up on her knees her hands tugging at Jack's boxers pulling them down his legs. She hovered over his straining shaft a moment before lowering herself down it; the slide of flesh on flesh made them both groan.
Jack arched his back thrusting into her; his fingers caressing her chest tweaking her nipples. Gillian began to move up and down her eyes slid closed as she reached up to take Jack's hands; their fingers intertwining and palms sliding together in an imitation of what their bodies were doing. Jack gripped her hands firmly his elbows locked; letting Gillian use them for balance as she pounded away.
"Gill baby--" He whimpered; sheathing himself in the syrupy tightness of her intimate core again and again. The friction and heat made his stomach and thighs tighten.
"Jack---oh yes--" Gillian let go of his hands and leaned down for a kiss, her tongue stroking his. She sat up again gasping, her head dropping back as she shuddered.
A split second later Jack followed her, his hands gripped her hips and pushed them down against his roughly. He thrust into her hard lifting both of them off the bed as he cried out. Gillian leaned forward and quickly slapped her hand over his mouth muffling his cries till at last he stilled.
"Shhh! We don't want the rest of the team to know what we're doing--" Gillian uncovered Jack's mouth and kissed it dropping her head to his chest.
"I don't care what they hear, I'm on vacation--" Jack wrapped his arms around her kissing her hair and sighing contently. A quick glance at the alarm clock seeing it how late it was made Gillian groan.
"You do realize it's going to be hard to get up in the morning."
"I never have trouble getting up in the morning--"
Gillian lifted her head looking at her fiancée as she snickered. "In more ways than one--"
"Absolutely--" He craned his neck and kissed her head before settling back down against his pillow.
She lowered her head back down stroking her hand over the warm chest she rested on playing with his dog tags.
"Jack?"
"Umm?"
"You were really great to my parents—thanks--"
"Aw they weren't so bad--" Jack shifted over taking Gillian with them so he could spoon behind her. "I've been interrogated worse than that."
"Interrogated?" Alarmed she glanced over her shoulder at Jack, who grinned. "I'm just joking Gill, your father didn't interrogate me exactly but he did ask one question."
"Just one? What did he want to know?" She rubbed the strong arm that locked around her waist.
"He asked me what you would gain by marrying me."
"Ooo a trick question. So what did you say?"
"The truth--" He kissed the side of her neck his breath in that area made Gillian squirm.
"Jack! What did you tell my father?"
"That marrying me would make you happy."
She lifted his arm and rolled over to face him. "You're right about that Jack--" Gill's index finger traced down the side of his face and across his lips giving them a quick kiss.
"Maybe we better get some sleep, we have an early call."
"All right—some sleep and then it's back to a pirate's life--" He rolled her back over and pulled her against his chest. "Go to sleep, wench--" Jack said in her hair and kissed it.
"Aye Mad Jack--"Gillian whispered as she closed her eyes touching the strong arms that were around her relishing in the comfort they gave as she closed her eyes.
A scream from one of the boats echoed in the cavern startling all who heard it.
Rose's hand touched to her mouth both in horror and fear, her blue eyes round as she watched Swashbuckling Sam drive her sword into Mad Jack Monahan's side.
His wife's eye piercing cry sent a shiver down MacGyver's spine; he too watched the scene unfold uncertain if the stabbing was real or not. But the looks on the faces of Mad Jack and Sam seemed way too genuine to be scripted.
"Mac—I don't think this is part of the show!" Rose whispered as she gripped her husband's arm hard her fingernails digging into his sleeve.
"I think you're right Rose--" He whispered as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
Sam's blue eyes widened to the size of hubcaps as she felt the end of her sword sink in a little like she had stabbed a watermelon. She wasn't sure exactly what she had done until she met a pair of equally surprised eyes. A loud clang echoing through the cavern as Jack's sword fell to the ground.
"Uhh Carter--" Jack and Sam both gazed down at his side watching the crimson stain spread through the linen. A flare of pain immediately bent him over as he winced and his right hand pressed to his side.
"Crap--" He whispered as he squeezed his eyes shut feeling the warm blood oozing around his fingers.
"Oh my God--" Sam muttered as she dropped her sword, the metallic noise resonant as it struck the stone bridge; the end of it stained red with blood.
That's when everything suddenly stopped. The other pirates all froze in place, their swords still raised as they saw the blood and pirate king's suddenly pale face. They all looked at each other confused for a moment. Was this part of the play acting or not?
"Jack?" Gillian watched her fiancée hunch over. She saw the blood running down his side and gasped her feet quickly taking her to the bridge. She took him by the wrist and turned him seeing the blood quickly soaking through his shirt and the wet end of Sam's sword. A flood of adrenaline poured through her as her heart sped up.
"Damn it! I need some help over here! Right now!" Gillian's shout broke the mood of uncertainty. The employees all scrambled about some of them leaving to get help while others went to the control room to stop the ride. The lights came on and the boats immediately stopped. The tourists all murmured to themselves they too wandered if this was part of the show.
Gillian slapped her hand over Jack's and looked around, seeing Daniel and Teal'c at her side in an instant.
"Lay him down on the flat surface!"
Teal'c and Daniel quickly got Jack down on the ground near the water's edge. Sam simply stood there stunned not believing what she had done. Finally she snapped out of it and crouched down; she touched Jack's hand and gave it a squeeze.
The gathered people all silently watched as if this was something on television instead of it happening right in front of their eyes. The shock of seeing the pirates running about, a small group of them gathered around the pirate king. They could see the remorseful expression on Sam's face as she took off her hat and coat dropping them as she lowered herself to the ground.
"Mean woman doing that to Jack--" Rose muttered, eyes narrowed and her mouth a grim line as she stared at Sam.
"Rose--" Mac touched his wife's chin and turned her face towards him. "Do you really think she did that on purpose? Look at her--" He turned back towards the platform motioning to it with his chin.
"It was an accident Rose."
"Just a scratch Gill--" Jack squeezed his eyes shut a moment grimacing; the open skin beginning to burn.
"It's hardly a scratch Jack, just lie still--" Tearing open his linen shirt, she saw the cut from the sword on his side below his ribs and tore off one of his sleeves, folded it up into a square and pressed it to the wound applying pressure.
"I'll go see if there's a first-aid kit--" Daniel got on his feet and ran toward the village background slipping into a side door.
"Teal'c, put pressure here--" Gillian took the Jaffa's big hand and pressed it to the makeshift bandage. She took Jack's shirt off and folded it up into a bigger compress.
"Ow! Ow!" Jack complained as he squirmed; the strength of his friend reminded him of a vice. "Teal'c those are my ribs! I need them to breathe!"
"Remain motionless O'Neill--" Teal'c's other hand covered Jack's shoulder in a gentle gesture of concern.
"I found a kit!" Daniel shouted as he raced back handing a big white kit to Gillian. She took it from him and opened it up.
Jack's head lolled to one side, he saw the boat loads of people watching and his eyebrows went up. All the hustle and bustle going on around him, no one else seemed aware of the fact the tourists were still in the cavern. The closest boat to him had a couple in the front that he recognized; especially the woman. Her flaming red hair and curves were memorable as was the fact this pint-sized cutie had warmed his knee only the day before.
They locked gazes for a moment—Jack saw the concern etched on her face. It touched him and he wanted to reassure her the only way he could. Jack winked, grinning as he saw Rose's cheeks redden rivaling the color of her hair.
"All right Teal'c let me see--" Gillian moved around Jack to his injured side and leaned down close.
Teal'c removed the compress, the bleeding had slowed down.
"Doesn't look too bad--" Gillian probed the area making her fiancée flinch. "Sorry Jack, just making sure nothing got damaged. I don't think anything else did. I think you got lucky--"
"Oh yeah that kind of luck is why I have so many scars in the first place--"
Gillian took a bottle of disinfectant and unscrewed the cap pouring a bit of it into the wound.
"Ow! Damn it that burns!" Jack's teeth clenched hard as he raised his chin staring up at the ceiling.
"I'm sorry Sweetheart but I have to clean it out. Daniel can you hand me that pack of Steri-strips?" Gill gave her hands a quick wash with the alcohol, the clear liquid splashing on the stone floor.
"Steri-strips? Oh, sure--" Daniel rummaged through the kit finding the white package she asked for and handed it to her.
"Thanks--" Gill tore open the paper the strips looking like tape. "Okay Jack, I'm going to have to pinch this closed and put the strips on. Course I'm going to need another pair of hands--" She saw Sam and touched her arm. "Can you give me a hand?"
Sam swallowed hard and nodded as she moved closer to Gillian her other hand still holding Jack's.
"What do you need me to do?"
"Here, pinch the cut closed while I put these tapes on."
"Okay--" She saw the cut, about a couple of inches long, the skin a little jagged around the edges. It still oozed blood a little and she wrinkled her nose as she pinched it closed between her index finger and thumb.
Jack flinched his face tensing up; he gave Sam's hand a squeeze.
"I'm so sorry for this sir, I don't know how it happened--" She whispered softly her voice tinged with guilt.
He turned his head to look at her. "I zigged when I should have zagged Carter; it's not your fault--" Jack gave her a small smile but it didn't work, Sam lowered her head a little avoiding his gaze.
Gillian placed the tape across the wound, the tapes keeping it sealed. "Almost done Jack, you're doing good--" She placed the last strip on the cut and stretched out her hand. "Gauze and tape please Daniel?"
"Yes, of course--" He passed her a package of gauze and the white first-aid tape. Gillian promptly covered the wound with gaze and secured it with tape. "There—I think that's got it. If the tape holds Jack you won't need to be stitched."
"Oh my God! Jack!" Bill suddenly ran through the side door, his face pale as he joined the party. He knelt down staring at his bare chested friend.
"What happened?"
"Just a little sword mishap--"
Gillian put everything away and got up. "Yeah, nothing serious--" She looked at Teal'c and Daniel. "Okay guys let's get him up and try not to stretch his side."
Teal'c gave a solemn nod as he cupped Jack's shoulder while Daniel moved behind Jack's head and together they sat him up.
"Easy--" Jack wiped his hand down his face, his jaw clenching at the slight pull to his doctored side. "Okay, that's not so bad--"
Daniel took Jack's right arm and slung it over his shoulders while Teal'c did the same with his left.
"Okay Teal'c on three—One, two, three!" Both men stood up taking Jack with them. As soon as they were vertical a burst of applause came from the water.
Everyone turned to see that a few boats surprised that the tourists had witnessed the event. Jack saw all the applauding people and he raised his hand to them, a small smile on his face.
"Looks like we just gave them their money's worth--"
Bill stepped to the edge of the platform and raised his hands the applause ending. "Sorry for the delay folks, we'll get you out of here in a minute--" He flipped open his cell and made one call and within a minute the boats were gone from the cavern.
"You and your team take the rest of the day off Jack; I'll have B team fill in the rest of the day. The ride will more than likely close for a good hour to sanitize everything before we start back up--" He put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Go to the warehouse, I'll have the Disneyland doctor check you out there all right?"
Jack nodded not feeling much like arguing; his side began to bother him and all he wanted to do was rest. Gillian saw his fatigue and touched his arm. "All right Bill, we'll take him right now."
"Thanks Gill, there's a golf cart waiting outside to drive you guys over."
The Disneyland paramedics met the gang outside, the men in neon yellow shirts and blue pants whisked Jack away in a neon yellow mini ambulance to the medical center. The team followed in the golf cart Bill had, the scene an amusing one with a gang of pirates invading the building. Jack's side was examined and Gillian's diagnosis confirmed a simple gash and nothing more. Given a tetanus shot and something mild for pain, Jack was sent on his way. After a quick stop at the costume warehouse to change, the gang headed for the hotel.
The suite doors opened everyone went inside, breaking into groups and going into their respective rooms.
"I think you should rest Jack--" Gillian sat her fiancé down on the bed and tugged the red t-shirt the paramedics had given him over his head.
"Gill I got sliced and diced not hit by a car--" Jack sighed wiping his hand over his face.
"You lost some blood and I want you to lay down and try to sleep--" She put both hands on his bare shoulders and tried to ease him back on the bed.
"I will under one condition--" He snagged both her wrists and gripped them.
"What condition?" She shot Jack a suspicious look.
"Let me talk to Carter--" Jack raised his hands to his lips, kissing them. "Please?"
Gillian sighed, seeing the gaze of her fiancé's dark eyes. That smoldering shine that she often found difficult, if not impossible to refuse.
"All right but then its rest for you, deal?"
"Deal--" He let go of her hands and kept his eyes on her as she left the room.
"Sam—you can't blame yourself it was an accident--" Daniel stretched out on the bed beside her, his hand gently coming to rest on Sam's back running it up and down the pink tank top she wore. He tightened his lips a moment licking them.
"Jack is fine, that's all that matters right?"
Sam was face down on the bed her head turned to the side, her hands tucked under her chin. "I don't even know how it happened Daniel; we never came close to hitting each other yesterday--"
Daniel shook his head opening and closing his mouth briefly. "Maybe you got a little carried away today. I don't know but the point is you shouldn't be doing this to yourself--" Tipping over, he nuzzled the back of her head; his eyes sliding closed. "Jack didn't seem mad or anything Sam, if he truly was angry at you I think you'd know it."
A knock on the door quickly rolled Daniel over; he cleared his throat and pushed up his glasses.
"Who is it?"
"It's Gill Daniel, can I talk to Sam a moment?"
"Uhh sure--" He rolled back over kissing Sam's shoulder. "You better go Sam."
"Yeah--" She sat up rather quickly and climbed off the bed; walking around it she went over to the door and opened it seeing Gillian.
Gillian saw the blame clear in Sam's eyes and the tight line her lips had pressed into. "It's not me that wants to talk to you Sam--"
Her gaze shot down to the ground a moment as she nodded walking past Gillian. She went to the first door and knocked on it.
"Sir?"
"Come in--"
Steeling herself, Sam took a deep breath and opened the door seeing Jack still sitting on the edge of it. She saw the gauze taped to his side and looked away from it as she stepped into the room.
"You wanted to see me?"
Jack watched her a moment shaking his head. "I know that look—that face you're making. It's the 'I screwed up' face, seen it a thousand times on you Sam--" He got up from the bed carefully and stood in front of her.
"You know what's funny?"
"No sir--" She met his eyes a moment before shifting her gaze.
"All the times I've seen you like this you had no reason to make that face—including now."
That statement finally made Sam look at him her expression softened a bit. Jack's memory flashed-- that same remorseful look Sam's face held took him back to that icy cavern they had been sent through courtesy of the second gate.
Sam, I'm dying—follow my order—please
Sir—
Please—
He blinked a moment the memory faded yet Sam's self-reproach remained.
"I mean it Sam ditch the guilt. It was an accident and that's the end of it--" With that, Jack sat back down on the bed. "Tomorrow I'll pay more attention to the sword play I promise."
"Tomorrow?" That finally broke her glum expression. "You mean we're still going to do this?"
Jack's spine straightened and a grin came to his face. "Give up all this fun because of a scratch? No way! I've been loving this!"
Sam smiled, finally, a bright one that lit up her face. "I have to admit I've been having fun too."
"Yeah, how many people can claim they got to stab their commanding officer?" He smirked, that grin grew even broader when he saw Sam narrow her eyes at him. He motioned with his head towards the door.
"Go on get out of here--"
They locked gazes for a moment, a silent apology given and accepted. With a deep sigh of relief Sam headed for the door.
"I'll send Gillian in--"
"Thank you--"
"You're welcome sir--" Sam said as she opened the door and closed it behind her.
Everyone settled down and took a nap by the time the sunset all were awake, hungry and bored. They gathered in the living room, the furniture there matched the rest of the linen and towels in the suite—red and blue with the mouse ears printed on the fabric.
"So—what are we going to do kids?" Jack and Gillian took the couch their feet on the coffee table. Sam and Daniel were on the floor while Teal'c took the chair.
"Perhaps a movie O'Neill?"
A large black and glass entertainment center with a big screen TV and DVD player was in front of them and Daniel and Sam moved close to it and opened it up.
"Oh let's see what we got here--" Daniel rummaged through a selection of DVD's.
"We got The Godfather, Rio Bravo, The Sound of Music, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs--"
"That's it?" Sam wrinkled her nose not thrilled at all at the selection. She opened another compartment and found a few more. "Hey! Here's Rambo: First Blood Part 2 and The Terminator."
"Now that's more like it, put in Rambo Sam--" Jack looked at his fiancée and winked at her reaching down to take her hand.
"Blood and guts? As if we don't get enough of that already?" Daniel sighed as he took the CD from Sam and put it in the player.
"Aw come on Daniel, who doesn't love Rambo?"
"You mean besides me?"
Jack tilted his head to one side studying his friend in the grey t-shirt and khaki shorts. "Have you even seen it?"
"Well--" He pushed his glasses up with one finger. "No."
"Then as you're always telling me—don't knock it till you've tried it."
Daniel sighed leaning back on the carpeting on his elbows. "That hardly applies to movies Jack--" He muttered to himself. A pillow came flying through the air and conked Daniel on the head. He whipped towards the couch seeing Jack's smirk.
"Thanks for the pillow--" He stretched out on the carpet and tucked it under his chin.
Gillian snuggled against Jack's chest as the movie began to play. "I took care of the food, should be here anytime now."
"Yeah?" Jack dropped his head and planted a kiss in her hair. "What did you get?"
"Oh I'm not sure to tell you the truth."
"You're not sure?"
A knock on the door brought the conversation to an end, Gillian got off the couch with lightning speed as she opened the set of double doors and was greeted by the sight of her parents both of them in jean shorts and t-shirts, their arms overloaded with paper and plastic bags.
"Hi!" She gave each parent a kiss and led them into the suite. "Guys you remember my parents?"
Everyone got on their feet in a hurry not only to greet Gill's parents but to unload them of the food. Jack was the last one up, his hand still pressed to his side as he rounded the couch.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
Elly saw him and went to him immediately gently touching his side. "Oh Jack you poor Baby--" She gave him a hug. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah Elly just a little sore--"
"Well Gill called us and told us what happened so we told her we'd get some food and bring it over--" Joshua smiled and gave Jack a pat on his back. "You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not--" He stuck out his hand and the two men shook. "We were just watching a movie, care to join us?"
"Which movie?" Joshua cocked an eyebrow giving Jack a sidelong glance.
"Rambo: First Blood Part 2."
"Great! I love that movie!" He turned back to the gang gathered around the food bags setting on the kitchen table. "It's Chinese food, a green salad, some drinks, dessert and the plates and stuff. Why don't we take it in the living room and have a carpet picnic?"
"Great idea Dr. MacKenzie--" Daniel grabbed a couple of bags and headed for the living room.
"It's just Joshua; I left my stethoscope at home."
That brought a grin from Daniel. "Okay Joshua--"
Gillian and Sam grabbed a couple of chairs but the couple waved them off.
"We'll sit on the floor, thanks anyway."
Sam's eyebrows went up. "Are you sure?"
"Positive--" Elly patted Sam's arm. "We appreciate you thinking of us though."
"Not much room in here--" Joshua commented as he looked at the living room. "We need to move the furniture back some so we can have some space."
"I will take care of it Joshua MacKenzie--" Teal'c suddenly piped up. Everyone watched as the strong Jaffa pulled the couch back with ease.
"Thank you Teal'c--"
He gave a respectful bow of his gold bandana covered head. "You are welcome."
Joshua sat down and rummaged through one of the bags pulling out plates and plastic forks. He saw the TV and frowned.
"Can we restart the movie?"
The movie ended and the credits began to roll. Everyone got up and stretched, Gillian, Sam and Daniel began gathering up the plates and throwing them into a paper bag that had been turned into a makeshift trash can.
"This Rambo appears to be a very capable warrior—his skill and cunning reminds me of Master Bra'tac--" Teal'c stated as he turned to look at Jack, the Jaffa sitting beside him.
Jack did a double take, his eyebrow raising. "Bra'tac? When?"
"When he was much younger O'Neill--"
"I can't imagine Bra'tac being like that--" Daniel piped up as he bent down and picked up a few more plates, handing them to Sam.
"So what did you think of the movie Daniel?" Jack asked as he slowly got up, seeing his friend's face suddenly redden.
"Oh, um—it was okay." He lowered his head hoping to hide his embarrassment, of course he couldn't and that made Jack grin.
"You liked it, didn't you?"
"Jack--" Daniel raised his head, seeing that oh so familiar smug expression that Jack wore whenever he was right. Rolling his eyes and sighing in defeat, Daniel nodded.
"All right I'll admit I did like it."
Jack slung an arm over his friend's shoulders. "Now if we can just get you to love Demolition Derby!"
"Cars slamming into each other? What's intellectually stimulating about that?"
"You don't go to a Demolition Derby to get your brain stimulated! You go there to--" He turned his attention away from Daniel noticing all the eyes on him including those of Gillian's parents. He cleared his throat, licking his lips. "To not get intellectually stimulated."
Gillian immediately lowered her head touching her hand to her mouth to suppress a giggle. Sam saw her and leaned close.
"What was he going to say?"
Blushing, Gillian curled her finger at Sam urging her to move closer. She cupped her hand beside her mouth and whispered into Sam's ear. Her eyes immediately widened as she cast a look at Jack and Daniel.
"Daniel we're going to the next Demolition Derby that comes to Colorado Springs!"
Joshua pulled back the sliding glass door of the balcony and stepped outside breathing in the cool night air. Inside, the laughter carried through the air as the mess from dinner was cleaned up and the cheesecakes that had been brought were sliced. Elly was in charge of that, glancing over his shoulder he watched her cut into each one. Beside her stood Gillian looking as equally happy, she picked up a pinch of the cheesecake and fed it to Jack. His eyes closed in bliss as he sucked her fingers into his mouth and then kissed her.
"God she looks so happy--" He whispered as he watched his daughter hug Jack; her dark eyes practically sparkled as she gazed at him.
"Is that not something you agree with Joshua MacKenzie?"
A voice from below started the older man and he whipped around seeing Teal'c sitting on the concrete Indian style his eyes closed; he appeared to be meditating.
"Teal'c! I thought you were inside with the others?"
The Jaffa opened his eyes and turned to look up at Joshua. "I require a certain amount of quiet time per day to KelNoReem."
"Meditation?"
"Indeed—It helps keep my mind and body working as one--" He watched Joshua nod. "You did not answer my earlier question, do you not wish for your daughter to find happiness?"
"It's not that simple Teal'c--" Joshua sat down beside the Jaffa brushing off his hands. "Of course I want her to be happy it's just that--"
"You fear you will lose her to some degree?"
Nodding, Joshua sighed. "She's my daughter Teal'c I'll never lose her but at the same time--"
"She will look to another for her care—she will look to O'Neill--" Teal'c stared out at the twinkling lights of the city, his face thoughtful.
"Jack is a good man--" Joshua stated as he drew his legs up, his chin resting on top of them.
Teal'c turned back to study the older man. "Indeed—he would die for your daughter Joshua MacKenzie, where I come from that makes him worthy to be her mate--" With a tilt of his head the Jaffa gave a nod as he spotted something.
"Perhaps it is not simply because your daughter has found someone in her life. Perhaps it is because her doing so has made you speculate about your own mortality?"
Joshua gazed at Teal'c, this time it was his eyebrow that arched. "You are very wise Teal'c; you have much wisdom beyond your years."
This brought a smirk to the Jaffa's face, if only Joshua knew the truth in that statement. "I thank you for your kind words. I myself am a father and I understand how it is to watch your child grow and the questions it brings about how much longer we ourselves will walk upon this Earth."
"You're right it does--" He rested his chin on his knees once more sighing. "Am I being selfish Teal'c? Shouldn't my daughter's happiness be more important to me than the realization I'm not 25 anymore?"
"It is only natural—it will pass--" Closing his eyes Teal'c once more faced forward, his concentration deepening.
"Thank you Teal'c--" Joshua stated as he took the hint and rose to his feet deciding to leave the Jaffa to his meditation.
Daniel yawned as he opened the suite door, the only source of light a single lamp in the living room. The others had gone to bed, not a total surprise to him given the excitement in the cave and the unexpected visit from Gillian's parents. Once the MacKenzie's had left he was the only person that had accepted Teal'c's invitation to once more explore the brightly lit recesses of the hotel's arcade game room. After being beaten for the fourth game straight in air hockey both Daniel's patience and his elbow had given out. Deciding all he wanted to do now was climb into bed, he went into the room he shared with Sam and closed the door behind him. Turning around he expected to see Sam in bed waiting for him, to his surprise she wasn't and his eyebrows rose.
"Sam?"
He walked around the bed heading for the bathroom; a loud bubbling grew louder with each step he took.
"Sam?"
The bathroom door ajar he reached out and nudged it open with his fingers and peered around it at the Jacuzzi seeing a slightly wet, grinning woman.
"I was wondering if you were ever going to find me."
"Well you know Teal'c, he wanted someone to come play a few games with him--" Daniel strolled into the room evaluating the situation. Sam, naked and wet in a tub of bubbling warm water; the endless possibilities brought a smile to his face as he approached her.
She moved to the edge of the hot tub and reached out snagging his grey t-shirt; her wet handprints soaking into the fabric.
"Care to join me? There's plenty of room."
"You're in a good mood; I take it you spoke to Jack?"
"Yeah I did--" Sam pulled the t-shirt up revealing Daniel's chiseled stomach, dropping her face she nibbled at it getting a surprised gasp out of Daniel.
"Thought you already had dinner?" He asked as his hands came to both sides of her wet head.
"I did, but no dessert."
"No actually we did-- the blueberry cheesecake?"
With a sigh Sam moved back and peered up into his face. "You're blowing the mood here Jackson!"
"There's a mood?" He asked with a slight tip of his head.
"Well yeah! A seductive one if you'd cooperate!"
Perplexed, Daniel licked his lips. "I didn't know I wasn't cooperating--"
Finally Sam stood in the water and clamped her fingers over Daniel's fluttering lips. His head lowered taking in the sight of the water cascading down her nude body.
"Mmmmmmm---" Came his appreciative moan as his hands slid down her back and cupped her butt.
"Ah finally getting with the program I see!"
"Mmm hmmm--" Daniel replied as his fingers then slid up and went around her waist before heading south trailing down her thighs towards the dark blond hair nestled there.
Sam gasped her eyes sliding closed as she tipped her head back. "Ohh God--" Her fingers slid away from Daniel's mouth revealing a smile.
"Am I with the program now?" He teased as his hands began spreading apart her thighs.
"Jackson—you've got exactly five seconds to lose your clothes and get into this tub--" Sam stated, her blue eyes fluttered open and they shone brightly in the bathroom light.
Quick a flash Daniel's t-shirt was over his head and onto the floor. His hands then moved to his shorts and started sliding them down his thighs.
Gillian came into the room, a dark blue mug of hot chocolate in her hands. She tried to be as quiet as she could not wanting to disturb Jack. He had taken a pill for pain and had gone to bed curled up under the covers on his good side. Setting her mug down on her nightstand she turned away from the bed and started pulling off her clothes.
"Gill?" Came a low, slightly monotone mumble from behind her. The affects of the medication clear, Jack's speech patterns were that of a three year old.
Turning around she saw Jack had his eyes open the brown looking dull and lifeless. "Bed?"
"Yeah Jack, just let me change into my--"
"No! No PJ's—want to feel you--" He raised one arm out towards her, his fingers flexing. "Please?"
"All right Jack--" Gillian quickly shed her clothes and crawled into bed. Jack instantly clamped around her and buried his head against her chest shifting until he felt comfortable.
"Warm—so warm and sweet—love you Gill."
"I know Sweetie, I love you too--" Gillian replied patiently as she stroked his hair gently trying to soothe him back to sleep. "You need your rest Jack stop fighting the medicine."
"Don't want to sleep—" His lips slid over her chest and nuzzled it trying to latch onto a nipple.
"Jack—Sweetie you're in no condition to be doing that--" She touched his chin and raised it seeing his bleary eyes.
Jack's eyes slid closed and his head dropped down for a moment before springing back up.
The answer suddenly came to her and she put her hands on both sides of his face. "It's all right Jack, you're safe and warm here with me. I know you don't like the feeling of being drugged but its okay."
He studied her for a moment or two contemplating her words, finally he lowered his head back down to her chest.
"Fingers feel heavy--"
"It's just the medicine Jack--" Once more she began stroking his hair and softly humming.
"Gill?"
"Yes?" She sighed, wishing he'd just give it up and go to sleep.
He raised his head, his eyes so narrow and dreamy they were like little slits. "I want to get married."
"I know Baby and we will get married soon all right?"
Jack squinted forcing his eyes to focus on her face. "Promise?"
Gillian gave him a patient smile as she raised her left hand, her diamond ring twinkling in the low amount of moonlight streaming into the room. "I said yes didn't I?"
"Haven't changed your mind?"
She shook her head and pressed her fingers into his face. "It's time for sleep Jack, you're exhausted and you're not even thinking clearly--" Cupping the back of his neck she pressed his head back down to her chest and held it there.
Finally Jack quit fighting and with a soft sigh surrendered to the medication.
"Well that wasn't so bad today--" Jack sighed as his hand touched his injured side. He took a deep breath feeling only the slightest of pulls. It was a little after three o'clock and the team had finished their pirate duty and were now free to walk the park. Gillian her arm around Jack's as they walked together, Daniel and Sam were right behind them with Teal'c bringing up the rear his arms locked behind him.
"I know Bill was pretty surprised you wanted to work today Jack--" Gillian saw him touch his side and she stopped walking.
"Are you all right?" Her hands unbuttoned his coat and slipped inside it brushing her fingers against the gauze beneath his shirt.
Jack watched her a small smile coming to his face, Gill's concern for him always secretly delighted him.
"Yeah, a little sore but that's all."
"Considering the workout we had today sir, I'm surprised you aren't hurting more--" Sam took off her coat and slung it over her arm, the afternoon sun a bit too warm for the thick material. She fanned her face, brushing her long braid back over her shoulder.
"I brought your medication Jack if its bothering you that much you can take one--" Reaching into her cleavage, Gillian pulled out a small white bottle of pills.
"You carried it there?" Jack's eyebrows went up as he stared at the front of his fiancée's dress. "Considering what else is up there I didn't think you had room for anything else!"
Gill's face darkened in a blush at his piercing stare at her chest. "It's a bottle of pills not a car Jack, do you want one of these or not?"
"I'll pass—those things made me dopy last night."
"Oh! Well that certainly explains it--" Daniel stated and quickly gazed down at his costume; he felt a pair of eyes bore into his skull and tried not to smile.
"Mad Jack?"
Jack heard a voice behind him and stopped giving Daniel the look of death. His eyes rounded as he saw his number one fan Rose and her husband. Both of them in jean shorts and tank tops, Rose's red hair was tied back in a long braid.
"Ah hello there Miss Mouse--" He tipped his hat to her seeing her grin. "And what can Mad Jack do to you today?"
That statement reddened Rose's face. "Excuse us for disturbing you; I just wanted to see how you were."
"She's been concerned--" Mac piped up seeing his wife's face grow even more flaming. "Actually we both were, we saw your little accident."
"Aye that's what be happening when ye play with sharp swords--"Jack grinned and placed his hat back on his head. "I do thank ye, yer concern does bring warmth to me black pirate heart--" With that he stepped towards Rose and plucked her hand raising it to his mouth as he dropped his head.
Rose shivered; feeling a sudden rush of heat hit her below the waist. She stammered not knowing what to say as the pirate king pressed his warm lips to the back of her hand in a very gentlemanly kiss.
"Always believe that actions speak louder than words--" He said as he raised his eyes to meet Rose's astonished face.
"Oh yeah I think you've said plenty--" Mac muttered as he watched his wife melt like a snowman in the summertime. Gillian too heard Mac's statement; she went over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"This one have spirit Mad Jack, can I keep him?" Her index finger traced down his exposed collarbone, the contact had Mac suddenly swallowing hard.
"Uhh--"
"No way! I be the one wanting him!" Sam scowled as she stepped forward and slapped Gillian's hand away from Mac's chest. She clasped him by the wrist and tugged him against her.
Rose didn't even notice what was going on, too mesmerized by Mad Jack to see that her husband was caught in the middle of a tug of war between a pirate queen and a wench.
Jack finally broke the kiss from Rose's hand and shook his head watching the two women disagree over possession of Mac.
"Wenches—this one be spoken for by Miss Mouse--"
Turning around Rose saw what Jack was referring too, Mac bobbing from side to side like a punching clown. He looked too embarrassed and mortified to do much but try and reason with them. The lustful look in the two women's eyes suddenly sent a wave of jealousy crashing over Rose.
She reached out and snagged Mac by the front of his tank top and yanked him towards her so hard he almost bounced off her chest.
"This one is mine wenches, go get your own!" The heat of her tone and the devious sparkle of her cornflower blue eyes made Mac swallow hard. The wicked way her lips turned up in a smile made his jean shorts suddenly feel a size too small.
"Uhh Rose?"
"Say goodbye to the nice pirates MacGyver, I think it's time we went home."
Mac barely nodded, his attention focused on Rose. "Bye Pirates--" He mumbled as Rose gave another tug on his tank top as she walked away towing her husband behind her.
Gillian and Sam looked at each other and burst into giggles, the two women exchanging high fives.
"Well—he just found out Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth!" Jack cleared his throat and began taking off his jacket. The heat of Rose's gaze had gotten to him a little and felt a tad bit warm under the collar.
"Especially if they don't make it out of the park!" Daniel added as he shook his head.
"Looks like they might not--" Gillian went back over to her fiancée seeing his flushed cheeks. "Getting too much sun Jack or did Miss Mouse turning into Miss Tiger get to you?"
"Ummm--" The answer was on Jack's face—literally—His cheeks turned an even darker shade of red.
"Oh really?" Gripping Jack by his shoulders, Gillian pulled her fiancée right up against her. She leaned close to his face feeling his warm breath on her cheeks.
"Is that what you want Jack?" She asked as her hand slid down his chest to his pants. Turning so that the others couldn't see her hand went further down and cupped Jack through his pants.
"Whoa!" His eyes widened to the size of saucers as he stared into Gillian's face seeing that same sexy wickedness Rose had displayed.
"Guys?"
Sam, Daniel and Teal'c were watching the scene unfold. "Yeah Jack?"
"Think you can handle the walking tour alone?"
Daniel crossed his arms over his chest. "Well yeah—we can handle it—What are you going to go do?" He saw the way Jack stared at Gillian and he cleared his throat. "Never mind."
Gillian grinned as she moved her hand away from Jack's now bulging crotch. "I think we should go back to our room now Colonel."
"Yeah you betcha--" Jack said breathlessly as he followed Gillian like a lost puppy, his tongue practically hanging out of his mouth.
Daniel, Sam and Teal'c watched them leave the three of them shaking their heads.
"He's got it bad--" Daniel said as he reached down and took a hold of Sam's hand giving it a squeeze.
"Come on we better walk around like Bill wants us too—at least for a little while."
Sam nodded, a grin coming to her lips. "Yeah we better--"
They too turned and walked away.
Teal'c let the distance get a little wide between them; he saw their hands joined together and raised an eyebrow.
"Tau'rii mating rituals are indeed strange--" He remarked as he followed Sam and Daniel.
"Okay Jack pull a little more--"Gillian cringed a little as Jack gave another strong tug to her corset, the material tightening around her waist.
"Stop!" She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Good?" His face appeared over her shoulder and she nodded. "Yeah, thanks."
"Good now you can help me--" Jack left the bathroom and came back with his wig; he sat down on the toilet and handed it to her.
"All right let me see here--" She leaned over a bit slipping it onto his head and adjusting it a little along his hairline. "I think that's it, just need some makeup to cover up that line. You go get dressed and that'll be the last thing we do."
"I don't see why we have to go back--" Jack grumbled as he stood up and left the bathroom.
"Because we told Bill we would do anything he asked to promote the ride--" Gillian picked up her petticoats from over the curtain rod and slipped them on.
"Can I have my dress please Jack?"
A flash of blue satin came flying through the doorway dropping onto her head like a blanket.
"Jack!" Came the muffled shout as she managed to pull the dress of her head.
"Thanks a lot O'Neill!"
"Sorry!" Came the apologetic reply from the bedroom.
"I thought you were ready--" He stepped back into the bathroom adjusting his scabbard across his chest.
"Well I wasn't--" Gillian slipped the silky dress over her head and turned. "Can you button me please?"
"I'd rather unbutton you but I guess I can do the opposite--" Jack slid his hands around the nape of his fiancée's neck the warm of them and their gentle massage made Gillian moan.
"Jack we need to go--"
He stepped towards her and nuzzled the back of her head. "I'd rather stay here and play another round of pirate interrogation."
"We've already played that game--" She cleared her throat and straightened her spine. "Come on Jack button the dress please."
"Slave driver--" He muttered as he fastened the buttons and stepped back. "There."
"Good let's get you finished now--"
Jack sat back down on the toilet while his fiancée looked for her compact.
"You don't need to fuss over my line you know, the bandana will be on top of it anyway and then my hat goes over that."
Gill closed the compact with a snap and shook her head. "You're right and its not like you're going to do the show and will take off your hat--" She picked up the blue sash and tied it around his head. "Okay that'll do since its just the parade."
He stood up and checked his appearance in the mirror running his hand down his coat and pulling it down a little. "Just need the hat and then we'll go."
"Ladies and Gentlemen boys and girls Disneyland's California Adventure Park proudly presents our spectacular festival of pageant and imagination in thousands of sparkling lights and musical sound—The Main Street Electrical Parade!"
Jack and the team took their places on one of the grandest floats—Captain Hook's Pirate Ship—the whole thing covered with bulbs and lit up like a Christmas tree with the colors of white, red, yellow and orange; the glow of the lights piercing through the inky blackness. Excitement drifted through the air like confetti as the parade began, the ship beginning to move with a slight jolt.
"Whoa! Easy does it there!" Jack commented as he held his arms out at his sides.
"Relax Jack this ship is sea worthy--" Daniel grinned, his face orange from a nearby light.
"Yeah so was the TITANIC Daniel--"
"Aw come on sir we're supposed to be having fun!" Sam drew her sword and swung it lightly through the air as she waved, the crowd responding with cheers and applause at the pirate queen.
"Sam's right! Let's make the most of this!" Gillian stepped towards the edge of the boat and gave her sexiest pose—one hand on her hip as she dramatically flipped her hair over her shoulder. A few appreciative whistles rang out as she began to wave. Naturally Jack heard them and a small smile came to his face at the opportunity that suddenly presented itself.
"Aye! Ya brazen wench!" Jack drew his sword and shouted to his fiancée. "Ye be mine!"
Gillian cast a glance over her shoulder at him both eyebrows going up. She saw the wicked smirk on his face and mirrored it knowing exactly what he was up.
"Ye think so Mad Jack?" She turned back and sauntered along the railing her hips in an exaggerated sashay that earned a few more catcalls and appreciative howls.
"Be silent ya dogs!" Shaking his sword in a threatening manner towards the crowd they quieted down but only momentarily. Jack turned back and followed Gillian down the length of the ship.
"Where ye be going wench? You belong to Mad Jack!"
She quickly ran behind Daniel grabbing him by the shoulders and turning him towards the approaching pirate king. "Daniel will protect me!"
"He will?" He asked over his shoulder to Gillian who nodded fiercely.
"You will!"
Daniel shifted back licking his lips. "Uhh I don't think this is a good idea--" The predatory gleam in Jack's eyes as he gripped his sword tighter made Daniel's face blanch.
"Ohh this can be bad, very very bad--"
"Come on Daniel give these people a good show--" Gillian whispered as she ducked down putting on the air of a frightened woman.
"Good show? How is my death going to be a good show?" His hand touched his side where his sword was and gripped the handle thinking about unsheathing it.
Jack made a tisking sound; he stretched out his arm and tapped his sword against Daniel's. "Ye sure ye want to be doing that mate?" The sword then moved up, the point hovering around his face.
"Ye want to be facing Mad Jack Monahan over one brazen wench?"
"Aye he does!" Came the shout over his shoulder as Gillian gripped them lightly and pulled Daniel back a little making him stumble.
"Okay now I know what a guppy caught between two sharks feels like--" Daniel compensated by shifting to from one side to another, both Gillian and Jack followed suit looking like some strange dance routine. The people gathered to watch the parade found this hilarious and broke into chuckles.
Sam heard the laughter and turned around her eyes widening. "Mad Jack! If ye be wanting a dance partner---" She climbed down the steps to the deck level and broke up the group. Taking Daniel by the arm she pulled him away from the other two and moved him behind her. She grinned her blue eyes twinkling.
"Ye be having your wench and I be having mine!"
Daniel seemed relieved to be out of that mess and sighed dropping his head. He heard what Sam said and his head snapped back up. "Your wench?"
Seeing Daniel's reaction to that statement made Jack want to laugh but he pursed his mouth to suppress it. Gillian stood behind him and he reached back and took her hand and held it firmly.
"Aye Swashbuckling Sam--" He tucked his sword back into his sheath and gave Gillian's wrist a tug bringing her around him and into his arms. The force of the pull slammed her into his chest and that made the pirate king brighten.
"Ye be a saucy wench! I be liking that!" Wrapping his arms around he dipped Gillian and pressed his mouth to hers in a kiss. Gillian melted into it her hands gripping his shoulders as the kiss lingered.
"Now that be a good idea!" Sam tossed her sword in the air and turned around. She grabbed Daniel by his vest and jerked him to her.
"Aye ye be my wench!" Gripping Daniel around the waist he too got dipped and Sam attacked his lips with a fervor that had him squirming and breathless.
Teal'c stood by the pirate ship's wheel watching both couples engaged in their deep lip locks and looked at them inquisitively.
"I do not understand the ways of these Tau'rii--" He said to himself.
The kisses were broken and now that that bit of play acting was concluded, Jack went down into the hold and came back with some burlap bags.
"What's this Jack?" Gillian asked as she opened one and peeked inside, a green glow suddenly lighting up her face.
"Bill said we can throw these to the crowd--"
The bags were filled with glowing plastic pirate coins and he gave one each to Sam and Daniel. Then he went over by the bridge and handed one to Teal'c.
"Here ya go--"
Jack then moved to the railing and set his bag upon it. He stuck his hand inside and scoped a handful of green coins and began sprinkling them on the people below.
"Here ya go mates! We pirates share our plunder!" He was soon joined by the rest of the team all of them tossing coins at the crowd.
The people scrambled about, the children especially with big smiles and clutching hands.
"More! More!"
The group of blood thirsty pirates obliged them. They rained down glowing plastic doubloons, the coins looking like green fire flies as they peppered the asphalt making it glow. The grateful cheers of the patrons made every single team member smile and laugh.
"The happiest place on Earth--" Jack sighed as he put his arm around Gillian's shoulder leaning his head against it.
"Yeah it is--" Gillian nodded as she wrapped one arm around his waist.
"Couldn't agree more sir--" Sam grinned as she felt Daniel's arms encircle her waist, he rested his chin on her shoulder and sighed.
"This indeed is a place of much magic, thank you O'Neill for letting us partake in it--" Teal'c stated as the last of the coins slipped from between his fingers and he set the now empty bag at his feet.
Everyone turned to look at Teal'c, a little surprised by his statement. The Jaffa gazed at all of them and raised his chin.
"This is the Magic Kingdom, is it not?" It was the only explanation he offered for his comment and it made everyone smile. Jack reached out and patted Teal'c on the shoulder.
"Yes it is Big Guy, yes it is--" He said with a sigh as the parade finally wound down and came to an end.
END.