THROUGH THE YEARS
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Warning: Sam's 18 now, so adult situations ahead…uh…very adult situations. (But, still rated T)
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Chapter 9: Together Again
The rest of the graduation ceremony went by in a flash. Sam was barely able to keep her attention on the actual ceremony instead of the hot-looking Air Force Officer sitting with the rest of his family. Sam's entire body was still tingling in excitement at Jack unexpectedly making it to her graduation. When they finally finished with the ceremony, Sam stood up with the rest of her class, tossed her cap and started heading over to the awaiting O'Neill's. Unfortunately, several people had similar plans in heading over to Sam, and she ended up caught up in conversation with fellow graduates, parents, and a few teachers.
Jack saw the crowd of people swarm Sam, and looking over, saw Col. Carter eyeing him. So, Jack, building up the courage he was taught in his Special Ops training, gulped down his fear for the superior officer, and headed over in his direction.
"Col. Carter, sir," Jack greeted.
"O'Neill," Col. Carter replied, mock-glaring at the younger man. "That was quite some spectacle you put on."
Jack lowered his head. "Sorry, sir," he mumbled.
"Well, O'Neill, I have to say, you sure know how to make one hell of an entrance."
Jack looked up and saw a smile on the older man's face. "Yes, sir," he responded, obediently.
"Have you met my son, Mark," Col. Carter questioned, motioning to the young man standing beside him.
Jack looked at the young man. Jack never would have guessed this was Sam's brother. They looked absolutely nothing alike. He had thin, auburn hair and looked much more like Jacob. He looked to be about 6 ft. tall and Jack briefly wondered if Sam and Mark got their height from their mom's genes since Jacob himself, only stood at about 5'10. "No, sir, I haven't had the pleasure," Jack replied, putting his hand out to greet Sam's brother.
Mark shook Jack's hand, wearily. The man seemed nice enough, but after what happened to his baby sister in California, he wasn't all too thrilled that Sam would, once again, get involved with an older man. And, this time, Mark had the distinct feeling that if he needed to come to Sam's rescue, this Jack O'Neill wouldn't be as easy to 'take care of' as the sorry-excuse-for-a-man Carl had been.
"Mark, Lt. Jack O'Neill. O'Neill, Mark," Jacob Carter said, introducing the two as they shook hands. "You don't have to give him the big-brother glare. We've already come to a mutual agreement. Isn't that right, O'Neill?"
"Yes, sir," Jack answered just as Sam approached from behind Jack and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Dad, Mark," She said in greeting, looking at her dad and brother, but not letting go of Jack.
"Sammie," both men exclaimed and rushed Sam to hug her in congratulations. Jacob handed his daughter a dozen roses and kissed her on the cheek.
"We're so proud of you, Sam," Jacob exclaimed, his eyes starting to mist.
"Thank you, Dad," Sam replied, hugging her dad again and wiping her own tears out of her eyes. "Mark, did you meet Jack," Sam asked, already knowing he had, she had been watching.
"Uh, yeah," Mark replied, still unsure of the man before him.
Jack didn't blame the man for being a little stressed about him. He mentally promised himself to pull Mark aside at some point and assure him he was nothing like that SOB in California. Just thinking about that asshole made Jack want to kill him. Looking over at Sam, he grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight, trying to send a silent message to her.
Sam felt his squeeze and looked up in his warm eyes and smiled. She was so happy surrounded by the three most important men in her life.
"So, O'Neill, Sam said you were stuck on a mission. Did you get out of it," Jacob questioned the man holding his daughter's hand.
"Uh, no, sir. I completed the mission…..oh, about 14 hours ago. It took a chopper and two jets to get me here on time. Well, and of course the jeep I borrowed from one of the sergeants at your base….uh, a Sgt. Fred Williams, I believe."
Jacob, surprised at what the young lieutenant did to make it to Sam's graduation, smirked at the man. "Ah, yes, Williams. We'll have to make sure we get that jeep back before he starts worrying he made a bad call."
Jack smiled, he'd do anything Jacob wanted as long as he was able to stay with Sam.
"Jacob, we are all so proud of Samantha." Mrs. O'Neill's voice cut in to the small group. Everyone turned and looked as the rest of the O'Neill's walked over to them.
Jack and Sam unclasped their hands so they could hug everyone.
"Yes, so are we," Jacob replied, smiling at Maggie O'Neill. "And, I hear you have a couple of free-spirits, wanting to go out and explore the world?"
Mrs. O'Neill smiled at Liz and Sean. Their plans to travel becoming infamous in the community. "Yes, I would have to say, free-spirits is an exceptionally accurate word for the two of them. So, I take it this is Mark," she asked, looking at the young man still standing next to his father.
"Yes, my apologies. Maggie O'Neill, this is my son, Mark. Mark, this is Mrs. O'Neill, the principal of this school and mother to Jack, Lizzie and all the rest of them," Jacob introduced, sweeping his hand in the air at the rest of the O'Neill clan. "And, of course, the man coming up would be Mr. O'Neill," Jacob finished, seeing the elder O'Neill approaching.
"It's nice to meet you all," Mark announced, pleasantly. "Sam and my dad have had nothing but wonderful things to say about all of you."
All the O'Neill's seemed to smile at Mark's words. "We have a feast back at the house. Jacob, I'm insisting you all come over and join us," Mrs. O'Neill said, looking at Jacob.
"Well, how can we argue with that," Jacob teased and nodded his head in acceptance to the invitation. "Uh, Jack needs to drop his vehicle back off at my base, so we'll all be over right after. Sound good?"
"Sounds perfect," Mrs. O'Neill exclaimed and then hugged Jack and Sam again before heading off with the others.
It took over an hour for the four of them to make it to the parking lot. People constantly stopping to talk to Sam. Sam, having reacquired Jack's hand after the hugs, never let go of it, so he was stuck listening to heart-felt good-byes and silly girl-talk, along with career choices and life plans. Not that he minded. He would be happy listening to his dad complain about toe-fungus as long as he was holding Sam's hand!
Once in the parking lot, Sam and Jack hopped into the jeep and told Jacob they would follow him to the base. Once they were finally alone, Jack leaned over and kissed Sam passionately. When they finally pulled apart, they were both surprised to see that Sam had somehow ended up on his lap without either noticing the move!
Pulling her hands out from under his shirt, Sam sighed into his neck. "We better get going before my dad wonders what's taking us so long."
"Okay," Jack quietly said, still rubbing Sam's back with his hands, not ready to break contact yet.
Sam finally scooted back over to her seat and Jack had no choice but to start the jeep and head back to Wright-Patterson.
Jack was smiling widely when he returned the jeep and keys to the relieved airman. Jacob thanked the sergeant for allowing Jack the use of the jeep and the airman beamed at the praise. Mark stayed in the car, still hating military bases while Jacob, Jack and Sam got everything with the jeep situated. After a few minutes of being alone in the car, Mark was joined by Jack and Sam climbing into the back seat and his dad retaking the driver's seat.
"So, O'Neill, you haven't even been to your parents' house yet, this trip, have you?"
"No, sir. I went straight to the high school from the base," Jack answered. "But, if you're wondering about the food, my mom goes crazy during things like this. I think we had enough food to feed Rob's entire class last year."
"Okay, then," Jacob replied.
The rest of the ride was pretty much in silence. Sam resting her head on Jack's shoulder, content just to be with him. Jack stroking his hand through Sam's hair, thinking that she was more beautiful every time he saw her. Mark, quiet because he and his dad still didn't get along all that well. Jacob, gracious to have both his children with him, if only for a short time.
The loud O'Neill house was quite a contrast to the quiet ride. Sam immediately hugged Liz again when they entered the house, both congratulating each other. Jacob headed into the living room and started a conversation with Mr. O'Neill and Rob started a conversation with Mark about hockey, while Jack squeezed Sam's side before heading into the kitchen to help his mom.
Jack kissed his mom on the cheek. "Hey, mom, what do you need help with," he asked, snatching up a green olive and tossing it in his mouth.
"Oh, if you could finish that vegetable tray, that would be great. The pickles are still in the fridge," Maggie told her son as she sliced the ham. "I'm so happy you were able to make it, son!"
"Me, too," Jack commented. "I'm not sure if I can ever show my face in your school again after the show I put on," Jack joked.
"Nonsense. Did you hear everyone cheering? You and Sam are in love. Everyone can see that."
Jack choked on the pickle he had stuck in his mouth. "Mom! Don't talk like that!"
"Oh, Jonathon! I'm not making it up. I thought I taught you how to express yourself better than that?"
"Sorry, guess I was absent that day," Jack joked as his mom slapped him on the arm. Jack picked up two platters and carried them into the dining room. "Foods up," he yelled, after setting the platters down and heading back to get more.
Everyone headed to the dining room table and found a seat. Jack pulled a chair extremely close to him for Sam, and Liz sat on the other side of her. The girls deep in conversation about the twins' travel plans. The jolly moods continued throughout the evening, Jack and Sam never wandering too far away from the other.
Jacob and Mark headed home around 10pm., but Sam stayed behind, not yet ready to pry herself away from Jack. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill headed off to bed and all the O'Neill kids joined Jack and Sam in the front room. Sam and Jack were cuddled together on the couch. Kelly was sprawled out on the floor. Liz was in her mom's rocking chair. Rob was sitting in the recliner, and Sean was sitting on the other end of the couch, half asleep.
"So, Jack, we should go out and do something tomorrow," Rob suggested.
"We should. As long as Sam comes," Jack replied, pulling Sam further into him.
Sam obediently snuggled more into his side.
"So, you two don't plan on being out of each other's sight this whole visit, do you," Rob asked, smiling at the couple.
"Nope," Jack replied. "I have no intention of losing any time with her this trip."
Sam smiled, put her hand on Jack's cheek and pulled him into a light kiss, making the other kids in the room groan in protest.
Liz smirked. "So, what exactly happened with you two in Florida," she asked, mischievously.
Sam and Jack smiled at each other. "We watched the shuttle launch," Sam answered, still smiling at Jack.
The rest of the kids rolled their eyes at the couple.
Before long, Kelly and Sean had both headed to bed, leaving only Jack, Sam, Rob and Lizzie. Sam started yawning, nonstop. However, Jack was still not ready to be away from her. "You want to stay with me tonight, Sam," he softly asked her.
Liz and Rob exchanged shocked looks, both wondering exactly what did happen in Florida!
Sam looked at Jack for a few seconds before answering, "ok".
Jack, relieved, pulled himself off the couch with Sam with him. Turning towards his siblings, he told them both good-night and headed downstairs with Sam.
Sam looked at the bed and then down at her dress she was still wearing from graduation. Jack saw her dismay and offered her a pair of his boxer shorts and a t-shirt. Sam accepted and headed to the bathroom to change. A few minutes later, Sam and Jack were both snuggled into his bed in the basement. Facing each other, Jack couldn't help but pull Sam into an amazing kiss.
Sam, feeling bold, ran her hands over Jack's butt and lightly squeezed, causing Jack to moan into her mouth. Jack, desire building quickly, explored Sam's body with his hands. Desperately wanting to do more, but at the same time, respecting Sam way too much to allow it.
Before long, Jack realized he needed to stop now or else he wasn't going to be able to. Pulling his lips off Sam's collar bone, he kissed her once again on the lips and then pulled away. He opened his mouth to speak and then shut it quickly once he realized he was getting ready to tell her that he loved her. His heart started beating even faster thinking of what he almost said to her. "We need to stop," he whispered to her, his arms still wrapped around her.
"No," Sam groaned.
"Sam…," he started but was cut off by her lips attacking his neck.
"Sam," he groaned. "We really, really need to stop!"
Sam pressed her body more against him, his reason for wanting to stop pressed against her leg.
"SAM," Jack groaned louder. "We can't do this!"
"Why," Sam asked, not halting her attack on him.
"Because!…….Not like this, Sam….Not in my parents' basement! You deserve more than this."
"All I want is you, Jack! Anyway I can get you," she told him, pulling away from his neck to look him in the face.
Jack cupped her face with his hands. "You've got me, Sam. Always."
They kissed again, this time the kiss was sweet and gentle, both expressing their love for each other through the caresses of their tongues.
When they finally pulled away, Jack laid on his back and pulled Sam into his side. "Go to sleep, Sam," he whispered to her and kissed her on the head.
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Jack and Sam were almost always together for the rest of the week. Sam, spending every night with Jack and no one saying anything about it, not even her dad. Mark left two days after Sam's graduation, and the day before Jack had to leave Jacob was called to DC for an unexpected meeting. Jack had made plans to take Sam out to dinner and spend the entire evening with her before his departure the next day.
Jack told Sam to dress up and took her to a very expensive restaurant in downtown Dayton. During their meal, Jack couldn't keep his eyes off Sam. Liz had taken Sam out and had her hair and make-up done at a beauty salon. Sam looked even more beautiful than normal. Especially in the amazing red, strapless dress she was wearing.
After dinner, Jack and Sam headed to a local nightclub for some dancing. Sam, not yet old enough to drink, ordered a soft drink while Jack had a beer. They danced together, happily, for hours before finally deciding to call it a night.
Sam opened her front door and walked in, Jack right behind her. "Will you stay here with me tonight, Jack," she asked him, turning and wrapping her arms around him, giving him her puppy-dog eyes.
"Sure," he told her, wrapping his own arms around her and pulling her into a kiss.
Sam immediately deepened the kiss and reached her hands up under Jack's shirt, slowly exploring his chest with her fingers. Jack, not wanting to be outdone by Sam, allowed his own hands access to Sam's body.
Jack was nibbling gently on Sam's neck when he felt Sam's hand go down and cup him over his pants. "SAM! What are you doing," he croaked out, pulling away.
Sam, not phased by his jump away from her, stepped back into him. "Please, Jack! I want you to make love to me."
"Sam…..you don't know how much I want to, but, not like this, not when I leave tomorrow and don't know when we'll see each other again."
"Yes, Jack! Because you leave tomorrow, because we don't know when we'll have another chance," she pleaded. "I want to know what it feels like to make love. I need to know what it feels like! I only have bad memories, Jack. Please, take them away! Give me a wonderful memory. Please, Jack, it needs to be you."
"Why," he asked in a whisper.
"Because I love you, Jack."
That was all Jack needed to hear. Emotions overwhelming him, love for Sam seeping out every pore in his body, Jack wrapped Sam back in his arms and kissed her with everything he had.
"Where," he croaked.
"My room," Sam answered, leading him up the stairs to her bedroom.
Once in her room, Jack worshipped Sam's body. Gentle and loving, he made sweet, passionate love with Sam. Teaching her what love was supposed to feel like.
When they finished and collapsed, exhausted, in each other's arms, Jack kissed Sam lightly on the lips. "I love you, Sam, so much," he told her, caressing her cheek.
"I love you, too, Jack," she sleepily replied before falling asleep in her lover's arms.
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The next day, Jacob returned before Jack had to leave and informed everyone he was being promoted to Brigadier General, but with it, had to move to Virginia. Everyone was happy for the promotion but deeply saddened knowing the Carter's and O'Neill's were going to be even further separated now.
Mr. O'Neill volunteered Sam to drive Jack to his awaiting plane. Sam cried as Jack hugged her one last time before heading for his plane. Now, with her dad moving, she worried that it might be longer than she originally anticipated before they saw each other again. "I love you, Sam. We'll see each other again. Don't worry," Jack softly told her, caressing her cheek with his finger.
Sam looked up into his warm, brown eyes, sadness still showing in her eyes. "I love you, too, Jack. Always."
Jack squeezed her one last time and then headed off, his own tears forming as he walked away, not knowing when he would see the woman he loved again.
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a/n: I am hereby nominating myself as the Queen of Fluff!