A/N: this is unbeta'd! sorry, we're working on that part lol.
Jack knocked on the door of the tiny, white, one story house, Neal's head perched on his shoulder. He'd fallen asleep within minutes of hitting the road and years of practice with Charlie had honed Jack's "get the kid outta the car without waking him" skills.
The door opened to reveal a tall, skinny man a little younger than Jack and just as tall. He pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up his nose, an action that reminded Jack so much of their resident archeologist, and looked up, shocked to see his old friend standing on his doorstep with a baby sleeping on his shoulder.
"Jack O'Neill?" He stared at his visitor, thoroughly confused and ran a hand through his thinning blonde hair, or what was left of it. A grin broke out on his face as he ushered him in and closed the door behind him. "What the hell you doin' here?"
"Besides the fact that you missed my wedding, which you were cordially invited to, Ben?" he asked with a smirk. "I've got a request, actually."
"Oh yeah?" Ben motioned for him to sit and headed towards the kitchen. "You want anything?"
"Water'd be fine," he replied as loud as he dared without waking Neal.
Ben came back in with a glass of water in one hand and a beer in the other. "You mind?" he asked waving the bottle.
"Nah, go ahead. I'd take one too if I didn't have to drive home, and with this little guy."
Ben took a swig and sat in the arm chair across from the couch where Jack and Neal sat. "Who is he?"
The smile that lit Jack's face could brighten the room. "This is my son, Neal."
Ben practically choked on his drink. "Doesn't look a thing like you. And Neal?"
Jack laughed softly. "My wife and I adopted him. Sam saw his family murdered and his older brother isn't old enough to legally take him. We have newborn twins at home, too."
"This the same Sam that's had you so baffled all these years? The one that disappeared?"
"That'd be her. We were married about a month after she resurfaced, and Jake and Liam are just about a week old. Last night was their first night home."
Ben noticed the obvious change in his friend since the last time he'd seen him. Sam had been missing, but they hadn't yet discovered why she'd run. He knew the exact timing of when they'd conceived the twins and the timing was just about right.
This was the first chance he'd gotten to meet "family Jack." The first time he'd met the Air Force Officer – Major at the time – he was a shell of a man who'd barely cared he was still alive, thinking his wife and son would be better off if he'd never escaped. Charlie's death had only seemed to reaffirm that thought in the Colonel's mind. This was a completely different side of Jack.
"He's a cute kid." The pain in his own chest deepened momentarily before he shook himself free of his melancholy thoughts.
"His last name was Tanner before we adopted him."
"Whoa. The Tanner murders. Sam saw that?"
Jack nodded and gently rocked Neal in his arms, running his hand over his soft black hair.
"You want me to talk to her?"
Jack shook his head. "No, she's actually okay. We found Nate and, for reasons I can't divulge outside the base, we had to legally take him under our wings, so to speak."
He leaned over to the side and gently laid Neal on the couch cushion, careful to make sure he stayed asleep. He readjusted himself, leaning forward elbows on knees, so he could talk a little easier.
"What I'm going to ask you to do is going to involve a lot of paperwork and an eventual move to the Springs."
"Jack," Ben sighed and sucked on the end of the bottle. "You know I have patients here. I can't just abandon them. That's why I couldn't make it to your wedding. I have commitments."
"You're also the best damned Shrink I know. I'm asking, that's all, as a friend." Neal started to squirm around, waking from his nap. Jack looked around at his feet, realizing his mistake. "Shoot. Ben, can you keep him from falling off the couch. I left his bag in the truck and it's got his sippy cup in it."
Ben moved over to kneel in front of the couch and Jack left the house. When he returned, Neal was propped into the corner of the couch while Ben tried desperately to keep the unhappy boy entertained.
"Hey there, Big Guy," Jack said as he dug the juice out of the bag. He held out the sippy cup to him.
Neal reached out his arms to his father and the cup, starting to cry all over again. "Da-ee!"
"Hey, what's with the tears, Big Guy?" He pulled Neal onto his lap while the boy greedily drank from his cup. He scrunched as deeply as he could into Jack's lap, fixing his eyes on Ben.
"You don't need to be afraid of him, Bud. Uncle Ben's one of the good guys." Jack pressed a loving kiss to the top of his son's head.
Ben observed the father and son interact before him, surprised at the title Jack had given him. He knew if Jack O'Neill had come searching for him, whoever it was needed serious psychiatric help, since the man truly hated all things shrink. He was seriously contemplating the request, but there were so many things he'd have to take care of, patients he'd be letting down. He needed to know more before he could think about it seriously.
"Who's this patient, Jack?"
"Dr. Sarah Gardner," Jack answered without looking up from Neal.
"Doctor?"
"Archeologist. She's been held captive for over a year. She's just been rescued recently. We have a base Quack, but he sent a friend of mine to a padded room; nobody trusts him."
Ben remembered Jack mentioning when his friend Daniel had thought to be insane and completely understood their opinions. Jack was slowly bringing him around to his side of the fence.
He decided to play Devil's advocate for a moment. "What's in it for me? Why would I leave my practice for one patient?"
"You would potentially have the entire facility, plus an office off base to grow your practice up again." Jack was Ben's most avid supporter, and his best patient, when he needed him anyway. The fact that Jack liked him at all spoke volumes. "You'd also need to sign some pretty hefty confidentiality agreements."
"It can't be any worse than what I had to go through to see you the first time."
"That was a walk in the park. You had to sign all those just to let me talk freely. This is to find out what we do on a daily basis."
"Can I help Dr. Gardner, without committing myself as a staff member? I can't just pick up and leave."
Jack nodded. "I know, Ben. You can take the time to refer your patients to those you trust, or at least let them know you're moving. I'm sure some of them would be willing to drive the fifty – some miles to see you."
"I'm not so sure about that, Jack," Ben smiled. "But I'll come in and see Dr. Gardner, make up my mind afterwards."
Jack grinned at his friend and kissed the top of Neal's head. "Good, Sam's expecting you for dinner."
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Sam relaxed into the couch, Jake nestled to her, hungrily eating his supper. Liam had already taken his fill and was resting in his Uncle Mark's arms. She was so glad the day was winding down, though she was anxious for Jack to get home. It'd been a long day, with one or both of the boys up at all times, though Liam wasn't really taken to crying very often. That was more Jake's forte.
Mark stared down at his nephew, the little eyes taking in everything that was within his visual range. He was so inquisitive, just like Sam had always been. He could tell these boys were going to take after their parents, Jake already had Jack's temperament. It was ironic, really. Liam was named after Jack's father and acted like Sam. Jake was named after their father and acted like Jack. It was definitely going to be interesting to watch them grow up, especially being identical and all.
As much as he still had his minor misgivings about Jack, those few feelings he just couldn't shake, he was proud of his sister and all she'd accomplished in her life, not just in her career either.
"Mom would be proud," he said softly, looking down at the baby in his arms. Liam let out a yawn and stretched his little arms, his hands curled in tight fists.
Sam stared at little Jake. "You think so?"
"Of course, Sam. She always was." He felt a tightness in his chest as he thought of their mother. She would probably be more proud of Sam than him, mostly for the way he'd treated their father for so many years. It wasn't really until after he'd seen both father and daughter with the newborns that he fully realized he'd been too harsh on both of them. All three of them, including Jack, if he was honest. "I think she would have liked Jack, too."
"It's hard without her here, but Eleanor's been a big help. I just get frustrated sometimes because I want to approach this like another scientific experiment, and it just doesn't work that way," she laughed. It was hard to believe how much she really didn't know, despite the piles of books she'd read while in Tennessee, and how much was purely instinct. She'd immediately knew how to nurse the boys, and other than Jake's poor upset stomach, was pretty good at getting them to settle quickly. Admittedly, she'd had a little trouble getting the diaper thing down, but she was really scared about knocking the umbilical stub and hurting them.
Jacob came out of the kitchen, slinging a hand towel over his shoulder, and perched himself on the arm of the couch. "Dinner should be ready soon. Where's that husband of yours?"
Sam looked up at the clock. "He should be back soon, something about a friend being brought in on our project," she replied cryptically.
Jacob just nodded in understanding, though he wasn't quite sure who this friend would be.
Jack walked through the door that minute, carrying a bundled up Neal in his arms, followed by Ben who'd driven his own car to the Springs. He would be staying with the O'Neills while seeing Sarah as his patient.
Jack helped Neal out of his coat and after a quick glance down the hall to make sure the gate was up, let the little boy down to move around as he pleased. Hanging up the jackets in the hall closet, he turned to face the group in the living room, motioning Ben further into the house.
"Ben, this is my wife, Sam," he said, walking over to her and planting a kiss on her lips. After checking the color of the clothes on the baby in her arms he continued. "The little guy in green is Jake, blue is Liam. That's her brother Mark, and her father, General Jacob Carter. Guys, this is Dr. Benjamin Lindley."
Jacob was the only one who got up to shake the man's hand, the other two occupied with the babies they held. "Doctor?"
"Psychiatrist," Ben answered. He fully understood the looks both Jacob and Sam were giving him. Jack was well known for his distaste of all things shrink. He pushed his glasses up his nose and moved to sit in one of the other arm chairs in the room.
"Oh, shit!"
Jack looked up towards the kitchen. "And that would be Nate," he said as they heard footsteps head off towards the guest bathroom. "I'd better go see if he's okay."
"I'll finish up dinner." Jacob got up with Jack and the two left the living room together.
Jack saw the small droplets of blood on the floor and took off for the bathroom. Nate had his hand under the water, blood flowing freely from a gash on his palm. He could already see it starting to heal under the faucet, knowing Levi was doing his job.
"You okay?"
Nate jumped and spun around, startled by Jack's deep voice in the doorway.
"Why the hell do you keep the knives so sharp?"
Jack scowled. "What the hell's up with your language lately?"
Nate's glare receded as he sighed and flopped down onto the closed toilet. "Sorry, Jack. I'm still trying to get used to everything. But seriously, I sliced my hand almost straight through."
Jack pulled his hand into his own and watched as it slowly closed up, Levi's healing power working strong. "It's easier to cut up the food. Plus it hurts less when you cut yourself."
"You got that right. I didn't even know I'd done it until I saw the blood leaking onto the cutting board."
He looked up into Nate's eyes, speaking more to Levi than the young man. "Make sure you leave some of it for now, we have civilians in the house."
Nate nodded as Jack left to join the rest of the family, already sitting down to dinner. Jacob had cleaned everything off while Mark and Sam had settled the sleepy boys back into their cribs so hopefully the adults could eat dinner.
Nate came out of the bathroom, a bandage wrapped around his hand, and picked Neal up from where he was crawling around in the hallway. He plopped the little boy into the high chair and pulled out the bowl he'd put in the freezer to cool previously, stirring it to make sure it wasn't too hot for Neal. He and Jacob had cooked Spaghetti and meatballs, with a salad, which he'd been cutting the vegetables for when he'd sliced open his palm, and for once he was glad his parents had taught him how to cook.
Dinner was enjoyable, the conversation flowed freely, something Jack didn't partake in, though he had fun listening to Sam and her brother and father getting along. Ben could tell this was a new development in the family, not only from what Jack had told him previously, but by the happiness shining in both Sam and Jack's eyes.
Mark was going home the next day, and while both Sam and Jacob were sad to see him leave after the change in his attitude towards Jacob and Jack, everyone knew it would be time soon for the family to adjust to life on their own. Jacob would have to leave soon, too, to return to the Tok'ra. There would definitely be some fallout from the defeat of the System Lords, but hopefully he'd be able to return to Earth full time in the future.
Ben watched the family interaction intently, certain that if he'd met Jack pre-Iraq, this was who he would have seen. The family man, having a wonderful dinner with his wife and son(s). As much as he'd helped Jack through the hard times in his life, though Jack most likely would never admit he'd needed the man's help ever in his life, his friend had helped him as well. He remembered this life, what it was like before, and was happy for his friend, that he could have this again. As he studied each member of the family, including Nate and Neal, he couldn't help but feel he was being drawn into this close group of people, and would become more so if he eventually decided to stay in town. He'd just have to find out what it was they did and decide if it was worth giving up his business.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Daniel knocked indecisively on the doorframe of Janet's office, not quite sure how he'd be received after the past few days' events. He pushed his glasses up his nose and waited for her to look up at him from her spot at her desk. She was filling in a medical chart, most likely Sarah's, and wouldn't stop until she was done. He recognized the gesture immediately, it was something she did when she was perturbed with him.
"Janet?" he spoke softly, trying to get her attention.
She didn't look up from her work, just kept writing. "I'll be with you in a moment, Dr. Jackson."
Oh Shit, she's pissed. Normally, he wasn't one for profanities of any type, but he'd been hanging around with Jack O'Neill for too long now, and he was genuinely worried. Things had been going so well with Janet lately, and he couldn't risk losing that.
He walked into her office and sat down in one of the chairs across her desk, waiting patiently for her to finish what she was doing. She closed the folder and laid the pen over the top, folding her hands over it in a professional pose.
"What can I help you with, Dr. Jackson?"
He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. "I need to talk to you, Janet, not Dr. Fraiser."
"Well, then, it will have to wait until we are off the base," she said, refusing to look into his eyes.
"I'm not military, don't give me this crap." He was frustrated beyond belief. What had he done so wrong?
"What would you like me to tell Cassie, Daniel? She loves you!"
"And I adore her! Dammit Janet!" He stood in a flurry, pacing the room like a caged tiger. "What's wrong? What did I do?"
She still wouldn't make eye contact with him, fidgeting nervously in her seat. Maybe some of Jack's blood had somehow gotten into her bloodstream, because she was fiddling with her pen, her hands never sitting still.
It clicked, then, as he stared down at the chart she had on her desk. He walked around the desk and kneeled in front of her, spinning her chair so he was facing him. He pulled both her hands into his and caressed the backs of her hands with his thumbs.
"Janet," he started softly. "Just because Sarah's back, doesn't mean anything's changing. She's in the past, the distant past. She's a friend, and I'm the only person she would know when she woke up. I could never leave you for her, but if you couldn't realize that, I guess we don't really know each other as well as I thought we did."
He stood, his hands brushing up Janet's arms and gave her a soft, lingering kiss on the cheek, the sadness in his eyes bringing tears to her own. She grabbed his hands, trying to keep him there, but with no success. He was too hurt to face her right now and needed some time to himself. He knew she would be busy until Sarah was released, though there was no real physical reason she was still there, and made the decision to talk to her again once this was all over.
He left her office, a lone tear trickling down his face. He wiped it quickly away and headed out of the mountain. There was one person he needed to talk to, and he knew she'd be eager to discuss this new turn of events with him.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Sea walked down the halls towards the infirmary, whistling a tuneless ditty and carrying a covered plate, smiling as he surprised more than one Airman on duty. He'd had to get out of the house for a little while, and his mother's cooking was just the excuse he needed. He knew he was being pithy and stupid, he was the adult in this situation, but Tommy was becoming increasingly hostile, just as he was becoming increasingly stubborn, and Eleanor had decided to make a command decision and send Sea away with some food for Sarah, though she didn't have a clue as to why this young lady was stuck in the infirmary of a base secluded under a mountain.
He entered the infirmary, grinning at the scene before him. Sarah was sitting up in bed, picking at the food on the tray in front of her, just pushing it around her plate.
"Hey," he said, trying not to startle her.
Sarah looked up and smiled, glad for the intrusion. Daniel was good company, but there was an underlying sadness to him before he left. "Hello."
"Here, this might taste a little better." Sea removed the commissary food and put the plate in it's place, pulling off the foil with a flourish. "Gift from my mother."
"Thank you." Sarah tucked into the roast beef and mashed potatoes immediately, the smell of the hot food boosting her appetite exponentially. "Shouldn't you be home yourself?"
Sea had the decency to look sheepishly down at his hands as he sat in the chair next to her bed. "It was getting a little tense and she basically ordered me here."
Sarah smiled. "You must have been a bad little boy."
He shook his head. "Oh, it wasn't me. Tommy's being excruciatingly difficult lately and my mother was getting sick of listening to us fight. He already got the door to his room taken off and we've only been living there a few weeks."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, it's my fault. He's been asking about his mother and I just haven't been willing to talk about it." Sea shrugged, trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
They talked with each other, mostly about trivial things, as Sarah ate. Sea spent time filling her in on some of the things that had been happening around the world the last year she'd been gone. He had never really thought about it, but so much had changed. He found himself hoping beyond hope that Sarah would stay with the program once she was released.
A/N: so, what'd ya think? i'm sorry the section with Sea and Sarah was so short, but i wasn't really all that certain how to go about it, looking for hints on that one. If you want to know what i'm going to do with Daniel and Janet, you'll just have to wait! and i've now introduced Ben into the story and i hope you guys like him, i hope it doesn't make jack seem too soft, but there's gotta be just one person in everyone's lives they can trust.
anyway, i have to go in for a second interview at "Tully's Good Times" a new sports barish, restaraunt opening by Binghamton University and i was asked immediately to come back after my original open interview, so i'm hoping that goes well, we just looked at our finances and it's really BAD so i NEED this job! Hopefully for me i'll get enough hours that i can't really sit on this computer anymore, sorry guys! that doesn't mean i won't work on my stuff as often as possible and everything on every story will be completed! i refuse to leave anything hanging!