A/N: This story is dedicated to my family's three Jack Russell terriers, Chloe, Ty and Titan. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

CHAPTER TWO: FALLING IN LOVE

Chip had taken up residence in the O'Neill household just one week ago and already he was taking charge. Jon and Beth had been the first to fall for his antics, rapidly giving in to the cute little dog's every whim. Their older siblings weren't far behind in the Chip fan club, quickly falling under the spell of this endearing little canine. And Sam, well Sam was easily won over by this seventeen pound bundle of joy, so obviously loved by her children.

True to his breed, Chip was full of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for a good adventure or, better yet, a good hunt. The children took turns playing with him whenever Chip wanted, and that was most of the time. At least until the man of the house was available.

Chip had quickly spotted Jack O'Neill as the 'alpha dog' of the family. More than that, he figured out that this particular 'alpha dog' wasn't his biggest fan. Being a pretty smart dog, Chip set out to change that situation any way he could.

Jack Russell terriers learn early in life that their rambunctious personalities may frighten off the faint hearted owner. Chip could tell there was nothing faint hearted about the O'Neill clan. He just needed to worm his way into their hearts by playing up the cuteness factor. And of course, persistence, that always seemed to do this trick. And persistence was his middle name.

As soon as Jack O'Neill came home for the day, Chip fastened on to him like his shadow. Everyone else in the family became extras. His attention was fixed on 'alpha dog'. Of course Jack didn't always see this as complimentary, especially at the beginning. Sure there were times, once he was completely tuckered out, that Chip just crawled up on his lap and snuggled. (These were the moments one could be lulled into a false sense of security and believe he was a good little lap dog.) But for the most part, Chip was sure Jack would love playing with him, if he would just give it a chance.

Tonight was an example of how the dance played outday afterday during the early stages of dog training in the O'Neill household. (Just who was being trained, no one really knew.)

"Grace, call Chip and take him out in the yard to play, would you. I'm trying to read the paper," Jack called from the family room, where he'd just settled down in his favorite recliner and started the front section of the paper.

"Sure thing, Dad. Come on, Chip. Give Dad a minute, we'll play with you," she called, walking over to her father's chair where Chip continued to yip at his feet.

"Dad, sorry, but he's not too interested. I think he wants you. After all, you are his favorite."

"Princess, just pick him up and take him out with you, okay?"

Grace proceeded to do just that. After all, she loved playing with Chip and had at least another hour before she was going out with some friends. No sooner had she scooped up the small dog, than he wiggled out of her grasp and was back at his master's feet, brandishing a tug of war toy he was hoping Jack would like.

"Grace, telephone," Jake called to his sister.

"Coming … sorry, Dad, gotta go. He just wants to play with you, you know."

As Grace withdrew from the battlefield – it was a battle of wills – Jack peered over the paper briefly. There was the little guy at his feet, almost dancing with anticipation to have gotten his master's attention. As he usually did, Jack just glared at him, determined to give him the message that he was in charge. He was not going to let this pint sized dog run the household. It was becoming pretty clear from his children's reactions that Chip was here to stay; if that was the case, he was going to be well trained and know who was boss.

As Jack turned his attention back to the paper, Chip realized he needed to up the ante. He proceeded to yip some more and tug on the bottom edges of Jack's trousers. When that got no reaction, he began to pull his shoelaces loose. This behavior never endeared dogs to Jack O'Neill.

"Hey, stop it, Chip. I'm trying to read here. I'll play with you, but you're gonna wait till I'm finished with what I'm doing."

The past few afternoons, Chip had responded to these brush-offs with a little more yipping and then just walked off to find more likely playmates. But today was different. He'd given this human enough time to figure out how cute he was. He should have gotten with the program by now.

Without a second thought, Chip executed one of his patented leaps from floor to lap, a move that would make an athlete like Jack O'Neill sit up and take notice. Better yet, in the same motion, he'd managed to take care of that offending newspaper, landing squarely on top of it and pulling it out of his master's hands.

As a startled Jack O'Neill looked up to see what had happened, he found Chip standing on his lap, his little nose and big brown eyes just inches from his face, looking at him pleadingly as if to say, "Now will you play with me?" By the time Chip started the kissing torture, Jack had lost the battle. He'd tried his best to contain his laughter and admiration for the little guy's persistence but now, as the wet little tongue started bestowing kisses, Jack started to laugh out loud. Yep, this little Jack was a pain in the neck, but he was a cute pain in the neck. And he wouldn't take no for an answer. A lot like another Jack everyone knew and loved! The humor of the situation wasn't lost on the man who'd saved the world countless times. He finally put aside his plans for a few minutes of quiet relaxation, picked up Chip and made his way to the yard.

By the time Sam called from the kitchen that supper was ready, her husband and one very tired but happy little dog came in together, looking like best friends. They'd finally reached an understanding.

TBC

A/N: Any guesses as to who is really in charge?