The Collective Years
4: The End of an Era
PhDelicious
A/N: This is the last one for a while as I have a major paper and presentation coming up. I had to get this one out before I took a break since it wouldn't stop taking up space in my head.
Sam
Sam looked around the room and smiled at the hubbub. With over twenty people Janet had managed to reserve the party room at Otto's, a local brewery and restaurant, for the post-graduation dinner. Now the Carters, the O'Neills, the Langfords, Daniel's grandfather, Sharon's parents, Teal'c, and Janet sat scattered among several small tables talking up a storm. Sam could just make out the conversation of the table behind her.
I'm surprised they can remember their own graduation speakers, let alone paid soooo much attention to this one. My brain took a tangent as soon as he started talking about new beginnings. I still can't believe I've finished my first year of college. So much happened this year…meeting Joline and learning to live with her and Marty…adjusting to classes…learning the ropes on a new team…getting more intimate with Jack than I'd ever dared to hope for…I even got to know what T stood for….what a difference a year can make!
Sam turned her head to her left to study her Jack.
Yep…he's all mine.
They'd been together a year and a half now and it still amazed her. Noticing her attention he glanced her way briefly before returning to his conversation with Teal'c, Mark, and Daniel. The feeling of Jack's fingers sliding over the back of her hand and interlacing with her own distracted Sam from her study of Jack's profile. She smiled and turned to rejoin Janet's conversation with Catherine.
"Cath I still find it amusing that out of all the universities out there you and Daniel are going to be attending the same one for graduate school."
"Yes, well when you receive a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Oxford it's not exactly something you turn down."
"And after only three years for you…"
Catherine blushed.
Just like Jack. You wouldn't know either of them were brainiacs unless you looked at their transcripts. I wonder why they're so embarrassed by it.
"Seriously…congratulations Cath. I'm sure you guys are going to love it, but it'll be so weird here without you all next year. I know I've only been here a year but I can't imagine not spending Sunday afternoons in the guy's living room with everyone."
"Or every other night with Jack," Catherine teased. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find away to occupy yourself. You, Janet, and Jo will probably end up causing more trouble than Mark and Jack every managed."
"Hey! I'm not sure I want to be included in that statement Cath. After all I didn't have anything to do with the infamous ice cream theft or the silly string incident. Those were all Sam and Jo."
The three laughed remembering how Sam and her roommate had, on a dare from Jack, stolen a large tub of rocky road ice cream from the dinning hall early in the year. They'd almost gotten caught because Mark and Jack had started yelling loud enough to attract some of the staff. As payback the girls had snuck into the guys' apartment, with the help of Teal'c, and covered them and their room with silly string while they slept. Sam had even rigged one of the bathrooms so that opening the door released more of the sticky substance.
"Hey what are you girls laughing so hard at?"
"Not you Danny. Silly String…" Janet managed to get out between her giggles.
"Ah," murmured Daniel sagaciously. "I don't think I'll ever be able to forget being woken up by their rather girlish shrieks that morning. It took forever to get them to clean up the mess though."
"Who you callin' girlish, Danny boy?"
"Why… you and Carter, Jack. I didn't know guys could hit such high notes without a little 'alteration'."
"Wise guy."
Daniel grinned and rose.
Jack
The mischievous look on Daniel's face had Jack a little worried. When he clinked his fork against his water glass to get everyone's attention Jack had to stifle a groan. After a few moments the room was relatively hushed.
"I'd like to propose a toast."
Daniel paused and waited for everyone to raise their glasses.
"To my family, such that it is…for getting me this far, thank you."
He looked to the table where his grandfather and Sharon's parents were sitting with the Carters' grandparents.
"To my friends…for keeping me sane through everything and reminding me through dares, bets, late night conversations and silly string wars, that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed."
Daniel smiled at those sitting around his table and then focused on Janet.
"And to Janet for loving me enough to put up with my flightiness and moodiness for the past two years. I hope these past few years have been as good for you as they've been for me and that things only get better from here."
Very well said. Guess he learned something from studying all those languages and ancient orators after all. I guess its group-hug time.
After 'here, here'ing Daniel's toast everyone had risen and begun to cluster around him. Jack squeezed in to give Daniel a quick hug of his own, before stepping back to watch the happy scene unfold before him.
I guess that means the dinner portion of the evening is coming to a close.
oOo
Not long after Daniel's toast the adults had decided to call it a night. Catherine's younger siblings had begun falling asleep and most of the grandparents were visibly tired as well. Jack had hugged his parents and grandparents and gotten a firm handshake from Jacob and a kiss on the cheek from Mrs. Carter before moving to the side to wait with Teal'c for his friends to finish untangling themselves from their families. He'd been amused to see that it had taken reassurances from Mark before the Carters had agreed to allow Sam to spend the night at the apartment instead of with them at the hotel.
I wonder what was bothering them. It's not like this presents an opportunity unlike what's been available throughout the school year. Parents…
In the end Jack, Sam, Mark, Catherine, Daniel, Janet, and Teal'c had piled into Cath's Jeep and headed back to the apartment together. Now they were all sitting around the living room, a pile of presents on the floor in the middle. It had been agreed that instead of each buying lots of little presents of questionable use the group would pool their funds and get each of the graduates something that would normally be out of their price range.
"Who wants cake?" asked Jack popping up from the couch he'd been sprawled on.
"As long as it's chocolate," responded Catherine.
"Amen."
Janet and Sam's answers came simultaneously.
"Like I'd get anything else," Jack huffed and wandered off into the kitchen. "A little help here someone."
I can't wait for presents. Let's get this stuff out quick so we can get to the more important things.
Teal'c and Daniel rose and followed Jack, returning with plates, napkins, and forks for everyone. A few moments later Jack carried in a large cake cut into several pieces. The guys worked together to dish out the cake and pass around pieces for everyone.
"So who's going first?"
"Umm…how bout you since you're so impatient, Jack?"
"Sweet."
Sam picked up a small package and handed it to him. Underneath the wrapping paper was an old shoe box which had been covered in photos of the group. Inside was a list of addresses, a stack of stamped and addressed envelopes, and a whole bunch of blank paper.
Okay…I can take a hint.
"So…I guess you're all expecting letters?"
"Well we figured you'd forget unless you had something to remind you. You can use my envelopes to write to Sam if you'd prefer," joked Mark.
"Uh thanks."
"You should look closer O'Neill."
"All right T."
Jack started lifting everything out of the box and setting it to the side. At the very bottom was a small envelope which he had missed the first time. Daniel spoke as Jack opened the envelope to reveal two tickets.
"I know you're leaving for test pilot training soon and none of us will get to see you for a long time, probably until Thanksgiving. So, hopefully we're not jinxing anything, but this is also an early congratulations on surviving present. The tickets are good for any home game for the next season that you can make."
"Hockey tickets…Awesome! Right on the ice too…how'd you guys manage this?"
"Catherine's dad knows some people."
"Thanks Cath. So…Samantha, are you coming with me?"
"If that's what you want Jack."
"Sweet. Okay…Mark's turn."
Catherine handed Mark his present, which turned out to be two more hockey tickets, which she'd purchased when she'd gotten Jack's. Included in Mark's present was the chance to go to a team practice and autograph session during their training camp.
"You guys are amazing."
"You're welcome baby. Feel free to take Jack if he's around when you go."
"Daniel's up."
"Geez Jack, impatient much. Let other people have a little time to enjoy their gifts."
After berating Jack, Janet handed over Daniel's present. Instead of tearing into it like Jack and Mark had done Daniel turned, shook, and generally manhandled his present.
"That's enough Danny. Just open the damn thing!"
"Fine. Fine."
Daniel's present was two different translations of the Egyptian Book of the Dead and a round trip plane ticket from London to the US.
"I didn't want you to have to spend the holidays alone, and I've asked Sharon's parents to join us as well."
Daniel was overwhelmed. He managed a watery smile for the group before hugging Janet tightly to him and crying into her shoulder.
"Awe…come on Danny. This is supposed to be a happy day, well moment at least, before we all split up. No more crying until morning."
"I…am… happy…Jack."
Daniel picked his head up from Janet's shoulder and swiped at his eyes.
"And that leaves T."
"Wait," said Janet. "Cath we didn't want you to feel left out so…we booked you on the same flight home as Daniel. That way I can be sure he makes it to the airport on time."
"Thanks Jan. Don't worry about a thing. I'll take real good care of him for you."
"Now it's T's turn."
"No presents remain."
"Don't worry buddy…we got ya covered."
Mark, Daniel, and Jack left the living room and headed upstairs to the bedrooms. A few minutes later they came back down to the sound of the Darth Vader theme.
Sam
She couldn't help laughing as the guys reappeared dressed in Star Wars costumes. Jack was Han Solo. Mark was Lando Calrissian. And Daniel was dressed as Luke from early in Episode IV. The guys had been keeping this gift to themselves, despite asking for the girls' help on the others.
"No Leia?" Catherine teased.
"I do not believe they have the necessary physique to dress as Princess Leia."
"That's the fun part T."
"Comments on our costumes aside," spoke Mark. "We wish to present you, Master Teal'c, with an all access, well almost, pass to Skywalker Ranch, the home of Lucasfilm Inc."
"But that is impossible Carter. George Lucas does not allow tours of his studio."
"Well…it seems Catherine's not the only one who knows people who know people. Apparently Daniel's grandfather did such a good job consulting on one of Lucas's films that he was able to get you in. They'll be putting you up at the ranch so there's some spending money here along with your plane tickets."
Daniel blushed at the mention of his role in the elaborate present.
"At first we were going to get you tickets to go home, but nobody could remember about your Visa, so we didn't want to get them in case you couldn't use them."
"Thank you very much Daniel Jackson. Please thank your grandfather as well. This is a most unexpected surprise."
Is the big guy choked up? Oh wow, I don't think I've ever seem T emotional before.
"I believe you all have one further surprise for the evening, do you not?"
This last comment of Teal'c's was directed towards the guys. All the girls turned to look at each other in confusion.
What on earth?
The three guys were huddled together in the in a whispered conversation. After a few moments of conversation they each went to kneel in front of their respective girlfriends.
Oh SHIT! There is NO Way…oh God…please tell me this isn't what I think it is! I'm not ready for that yet. I just finished my freshman year for cryin out loud! I don't want to have to say no to Jack…crap! Keep calm Samantha. Just wait until you know what's going on before you flip.
Jack was the first to speak.
"The guys decided I should go first since we've been together the shortest amount of time. I tried telling them we'd known each other the longest, but they didn't buy it…so here goes."
Jack took a deep calming breath and framed her face with his hands, forcing her to keep eye contact.
"First, stop panicking. This is not a proposal. I know you…we aren't ready for that yet. But I am going away for a while and even after that there's no guarantees as to where I'll be posted…so I wanted you to have something to remember me by. Something more real…more concrete…than memories, but not as scary as an engagement ring."
Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He turned the box towards Sam and opened it to reveal a Claddagh ring of white gold.
Wow! Ooookay…I can handle this.
"It's a traditional Irish ring symbolizing love, friendship, and fidelity. It is my promise to you Samantha. How you wear it is up to you."
"How I wear it?"
Jack lifted Sam's right hand.
"If the heart faces out it means that your heart is unclaimed. If the heart faces inwards it indicates that you have promised your heart to someone. Wearing the ring on your left hand would indicate that you have chosen to permanently bond yourself to another through marriage. Since that's out of the question…."
Using her left hand Sam lifted the ring from its box.
"It's beautiful Jack. Put it on for me, please."
Jack set down the ring box and took the band from her hand. He hesitated just shy of placing the ring on her finger. Sam sighed in consternation.
"Heart facing in Jack. Isn't that the point of this whole thing?"
"Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page."
Jack slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her off the couch to kneel on the floor in front of him. Keeping hold of her right hand with his left he slid his other hand along Sam's cheek and into her hair, pulling her close for a kiss.
This…is perfect. I don't ever want to let him go.
When the noise coming from their friends finally penetrated her brain Sam pulled back slightly, amazed to find that tear were streaming down both of their faces. Sam hugged Jack tightly.
"All right you two…that's enough. We got other things to get through tonight."
Without turning from Sam, Jack flicked Mark off.
"Love you too Jack," came the cheeky reply.
Jack
This time it was Jack who pulled reluctantly from Sam's arms. He used his thumbs to wipe the tears from her cheeks and then moved to sit next to her pulling her head down to his shoulder. He continued to run his thumb over the ring.
"Happy now Carter? Besides Danny's next."
Jack kissed Sam lightly on the cheek before turning his attention to where Daniel sat in front of Janet looking at the floor.
"Janet, I know there are plenty of good reasons why I shouldn't be doing this…we haven't been dating much longer than Jack and Sam, you're not done with school by a long shot, and I'm leaving the country soon. But I also know how short life can be and how badly it rips at you when you're separated from someone before you get a chance to say everything you want to. …So, unlike Jack, I am proposing."
Janet cut Daniel off.
"No Daniel, not like this."
A shocked silence fell over the room. Daniel sat frozen, his stunned look hidden from Janet by the angle of his head.
Holy Shit! I so didn't think he'd strike out on this. Crap! Crap! Crap!
"Look at me Daniel," Janet whispered, a soft look stealing over her face.
Ah ha! Good… It's going to be okay.
Daniel's head rose slowly and he must have seen something in her gaze because his posture changed.
"That's better."
"Janet Frasier…I love you. You give me a reason to stay connected to the present when I begin to get lost in the past. Will you, someday, when you're ready, do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
And with that Daniel removed a small cloth bag from his pocket. From the bag he removed an old ring. A small round cut diamond sat in the thin band and fanning out from the diamond, perpendicular to the band done in pink and green enamel and edged with smaller diamonds were two lotuses. Even though Jack had seen the ring before he was still amazed at its timeless beauty.
"Daniel…"
"It was my mother's, and my grandmother's before that and I'd be the happiest man alive if you'd take it as yours."
Instead of moving down to join Daniel, Janet grabbed his forearms and tugged until he rose to sit beside her. Janet blushed as Daniel continued to gaze at her. Finally she broke eye contact and shook herself from her daze long enough to grab the ring from him and slide it onto her finger.
"Yes…yes…of course I'll wear your ring Daniel!"
Janet threw her arms around Daniel. Sam quickly lifted herself from the floor and launched herself at the happy couple. Catherine was far behind. The girls began hugging and crying and ogling their rings.
"Oh Hell!"
Jack could barely hear Mark's muttered exclamation as he rose to pace the room.
"There's no way I can compete with that."
Jack caught Teal'c's glance and rolled his eyes.
"Hey Cath…"
"What Mark?"
"Wanna get married too?"
"Sure."
Mark's jaw dropped and he stopped pacing, waiting. Catherine didn't even turn from her examination of Janet's ring.
"That's all you have to say?" asked Mark.
"Yeah sure, you betcha? Do I get a pretty ring too?"
This time Mark moved to sit on the nearest chair and missed, falling straight to the floor.
Jack barely managed to choke out, "Serves you right Carter," before he too was on the floor, doubled over in pain from laughing too hard.
A/N 2: If you're interested this is where I got the idea for Daniel's ring: www moonlovers com pages lotus. Hopefully you can piece that back together, as I lack the skills necessary to code a link. Please leave me some love to give me motivation to return to this fic after frying my brain on school work for the next month. Cause seriously I know you guys can do better than 3 reviews for 100 hits. I'm never going to set a personal review record this way. Thanks.