As indicated by the title, this chapter is the continuation of "The Couch".

- After the Couch -

Samantha Carter, arms crossed, was eyeing the elevator doors on her way down beneath Cheyenne Moutain. The week had barely begun and the lieutenant colonel was already feeling uncomfortable. How could she feel otherwise after what happened during the weekend at Jack's cabin? It had started in a very good way, though. Arriving one day earlier, spending a private moment with Jack, going over what they had in mind on that couch...

And bam, Daniel Jackson had arrived and seen them lying on the couch. Like Sam, he had managed to come earlier. And Jack hadn't seen Daniel's text message informing him that he would arrive earlier.

Needless to say that this moment had been very awkward for everyone. Needless to say that the rest of the weekend had been very awkward as well, though the trio had spent a good time away from civilization and save-the-universe-or-everybody-will-die urgencies.

Now, back at the SGC, Carter was fearing the moment when she would meet Daniel Jackson. Nevertheless, she knew she would have to meet and talk to him sooner or later.

The elevator stopped to receive a new passenger. The doors opening snapped the woman out of her thoughts. She suddenly felt embarrassed when she saw the passenger. Why did it have to happen right now?

Daniel Jackson was the new passenger.

The civilian offered a soft smile that betrayed his embarrassment. "Uh, hi, Sam," he greeted, trying to sound normal.

"Hi Daniel," Sam replied, blushing.

The two stared at each other in silence for a moment.

Daniel seemed to hesitate as there was only Sam in the lift. He couldn't avoid her forever. He was working with her. He would see her every day at the SGC and go on offworld missions with her. Unless he was kidnapped and held hostage for years on a far far away planet, he would have to cope with the situation. Working with a colleague who had become a friend over the years. A friend Daniel had caught lying on that couch with Jack, another colleague who had become a friend. Naked! Hopefully they had been covered by a sheet... but had it really helped Daniel?

Still, Daniel couldn't avoid Sam forever. Besides, when thinking about it, Sam had seen him torso discovered, the parts below surrounded by a flag, and in the SGC! So, they were level pegging now, weren't they?

Daniel decided to get into the elevator and stood on her left. The doors closed.

The civilian glanced at the control panel. "I'm going to the same floor," he informed as Sam noticed his interest in the device.

Daniel put his hands into his pockets. Sam's arms remained crossed. They stood awkwardly, both looking intensely at the elevator doors, to avoid glancing at each other.

For some reason, Daniel decided to break this deep and weird silence after a moment. "How are you?" he asked, eyes still fixing on the doors.

"Good," Sam responded without looking at Daniel.

Jackson nodded and raised his eyebrows. "Jack looked good..."

"Daniel," Sam cut in, slightly turning her head to her colleague and friend, then to the doors. "Maybe we should wait a little before talking about it," she suggested, uncomfortable.

"Hum... You're right," Daniel nodded hastily.

The lift stopped. The doors opened. Cameron Mitchell and Teal'c were waiting outside.

"Hey, guys!" Mitchell greeted, smiling and waiving a hand.

"Hi, Cameron, Teal'c," Sam greeted in return, less smiling.

"Hey," Daniel said hurriedly.

Daniel and Sam stepped back to let Cameron and Teal'c enter. Cameron stood before Daniel, Teal'c, before Carter. The Jaffa pressed a button on the control panel and put his hands behind the back. Neither the CO of SG-1 nor the Jaffa noticed their fellows' embarrassment. The doors closed.

Mitchell started a conversation, "Teal'c and I are gonna have breakfast. Wanna join us?"

Both Daniel and Sam declined because they had already eaten. Mitchell changed the topic.

"How was your weekend at General O'Neill's place?"

The colonel had no idea it was THE question to not ask right now. He and Teal'c hadn't spent the weekend with the gang. They were confused when they heard Carter cough violently. It seemed something had gone down the wrong way. The two men looked at her, a little worried, though.

Daniel didn't seem worried. "Hum...!" he cleared his throat loudly and in a quite unnatural manner. "That was good," he said, in a strange tone.

Carter nodded, to confirm. The lift arrived at a floor and the doors opened. Daniel raised his eyebrows and pointed an index finger at the exit. Sam indicated she was going out, too. Mitchell and Teal'c moved away to let their colleagues exit.

Jackson and Carter almost collided with each other on their way out.

"Oh, sorry, Sam," Daniel apologized, embarrassed.

"No, it's me," Sam insisted, embarrassed.

"Please, after you," Daniel gestured for Sam to go first.

"No, please, Daniel, after you," Sam invited with the same gesture.

"I insist."

"Well... Okay, thanks."

Sam walked straight ahead. Daniel turned on the left. The doors closed. Cameron and Teal'c exchanged baffled looks.

"That was weird... or is it me?" the Air Force officer commented.

"Indeed, Colonel Mitchell," Teal'c agreed, tilting his head.

The two men looked at each other again. Cameron finally shrugged, and started to talk about breakfast with his companion.