AN: Merry Christmas in September! Pete is back, but I promise it'll be painless...for everyone except Pete at least. :)

CHAPTER 14

"Almost done with the reactor yet?" asked Jack as he strolled into the lab and took his customary seat across from Wong

"Good morning to you too, sir," Michael replied without looking up from his computer.

"Morning. So update on the reactor?"

"Well, I am one day closer to finishing than when you asked me yesterday."

"Watch it, Wong."

Michael sighed audibly. "Sorry, sir, but with all due respect, it's kind of hard not to react to your...tone these days."

"My tone?" Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You're a little bit...irritable?"

"I'm not irritable," replied Jack as he messed with the now tangled string of the yo-yo he was playing with before giving up and throwing the whole thing back in the box Sam had left. Michael had now stopped and was staring at him with an 'are you sure about that?' questioning look. "I just haven't had my coffee yet."

"You know we haven't been off world together in almost three months. I thought you'd miss me just a little bit by now."

"Of course I missed you, Mikey." Jack paused because honestly, it hadn't crossed his mind just how long it had been since they'd been on a mission together. Last time, he had almost lost his young 2IC. That was also Sam's first mission with them. So much had happened, had changed, since then. And now that he thought about it, he really did miss the guys. "I'm glad to have you back. It's not that I don't want you here—"

"It's just that my hair's not blonde enough and my legs aren't long enough?" finished Michael with a teasing smile.

"Haha, very funny," replied Jack unamused.

"How's that going by the way?"

"How much did Daniel tell you?"

"Not much...Jon," smirked Michael.

"Oh, for cryin' out loud."

While Wong continued his work, Jack proceeded to fill him in on everything that happened with Sam since the last time he talked to Daniel. For the first time in days, Jack wasn't grumpy. In fact, he was the complete opposite, relaxed and surprisingly quite chatty. The smile on his face that reached his eyes whenever he talked directly about Sam didn't go unnoticed by Michael.

"So, when are you going to tell Sam who you are?"

"I tried."

"But..."

"But then she told me to shut up and kiss her so..."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Sir, I've never known you to be a coward."

"I'm not scared, Mike."

"Yes, you are, but that's not what I said. It's ok to be scared or unsure, but I'm just surprised you haven't told her because of that fear. "

"I just haven't found the right moment to tell her."

"I know you; and if you were determined to tell her, you would've made the right moment."

"I see what you're doing."

"Is it working?" asked Michael hopeful.

"Nope."

"You're going to have to do it eventually."

"I just need to make sure that she wants to be with me because she wants to be with me, not because I just happen to be the guy she fell in love with online."

"Ok, but don't you have your answer now?" Jack answered with a shrug. "Not to point out the obvious, but she kind of did fall in love with you when she fell in love with Jon. You're probably just confusing her more if she thinks she has feelings for two different men."

"What if I'm just a fill in while she waits for Jon?"

"Sir, you're talking like you and Jon aren't the same person," retorted Michael obviously more frustrated.

"Well, we're not. Jon hasn't hurt her like I have."

"Oh my god, it's like talking to a wall!"

"Wong..." warned Jack evenly.

"Sorry, sir." Wong took a long, thoughtful pause deciding on if he should continue to push. "Permission to speak as your friend, sir?"

Jack nodded.

"Yes, you screwed up big time in the past, and yet she still wants to be with you. She's obviously willing to move past it and so should you. She likes you, hell maybe even loves you, even with your many flaws not despite them. I'd say her feelings for you are stronger than her feelings for anyone else—real or virtual. You have to tell her, Jack."

Jack stared back at the young man whose neck twitched every so slightly. Most people probably wouldn't have even noticed, but he knew Michael too well. He could tell he was nervous and unsure how Jack would react. He briefly thought about letting him sweat it out longer, but eventually decided to put the young captain out of his misery.

"When did you become so wise?"

"Near death experiences tend to do that to you," replied Michael as he visibly relaxed. "I just want to see two people that I care about happy."

"Fine, you're right. I'll tell her when we get back."

"You know, it'll almost be Christmas when we get home. Any plans?"

"Is that your way of asking if I'm throwing a Christmas party?"

"Well, it is your year to host our team get together."

"It's always my year to host."

"That's what you get for being the only one with a house."

"You're not going to California this year?"

"Nah, my sister is on call at the hospital and my mom went to visit some relatives in China for a couple months."

"Well, if we get back in time for Christmas, then sure, I'll throw together a little shindig. Maybe then you'll hurry and finish that damn reactor," Jack teased.

"I promise I'll get you home before Christmas, sir."

"I'll hold you to that, Wong."

After a few moments, Jack realized it was almost time for lunch. It then dawned on him that a few hours had passed by and they hadn't been interrupted at all by any of the other eggheads.

"You know, not as many people come and bother you as they did Carter."

"That's because they all avoid coming in here unless they absolutely need to especially if—" Wong caught himself.

"Especially if what?"

"Well, you know," Michael replied motioning to all of Jack.

"Have I really been that awful to be around?" Michael only replied with a telling shrug. "Fine, I'll work on being less..."

"Irritable," Michael reminded.

"Get us home before Christmas, Wong, or I'll show you irritable," grumbled Jack as got up to leave knowing his 2IC was testing him.

"Until then, you can practice what you're going to say to Sam!"

Michael delivered on his promise finishing up the major projects that needed to be done and getting most of the crew home by Christmas with a few days to spare. The naquadah generators were now configured to work with aquadrium to magnify and produce cleaner energy. The foundation of the cloaking technology had also been set up to be implemented in armor and eventually machinery such as the modified death glider that was in development.

By the time Jack got back, Sam was already on leave for the holidays so he quickly changed and headed over to her apartment. He knocked on the door shuffling the flowers he had stopped to get in his hands trying to figure out the most natural looking position, contrary to the nervousness he felt inside. He had been running through several scenarios in his head trying to decide how he was going to tell her about Jon.

He was still mumbling to himself when the door opened. His mouth froze mid-sentence and brow furrowed when he was met with the goofy smiling face of the cop from the restaurant instead of Sam. Jack mentally groaned.

"Hi, can I help you?" Pete asked, his grin growing wider as he took in the look of surprise on Jack's face.

"Um…I just got back in town and I was looking for Sam."

"She's not here right now. She went to go pick dad up from the airport. We're doing a whole Carter family holiday this year."

Dad?

"And you are?"

"Jack. From work."

"Oh right, right. I'm Pete. The guy that saved her life that one time."

"Right. So you two are…"

"Together? Yup. You're welcome to come in and wait if you want."

"No that's ok. I don't want to intrude. I just came to let her know I'm having a little Christmas gathering at my place on Saturday. 4:30. Dinner at 6. You're all invited of course."

"Great, I'll let her know and see if we can squeeze it in. Oh and I'll make sure to give her these," he said as he reached out and grabbed the flowers from Jack's hands.

"Yeah ok."

"Well, see ya around!"

Jack turned to leave as the door closed in his face. He mentally kicked himself all the way home. How could I be so stupid?

"Mark! We're back!" shouted Sam as she entered her apartment followed by Jacob with his suitcase and carryon in hand.

"Grandpa!" came two voices in unison as her nephew and niece came running to the door.

"Hey, kids!" replied Jacob dropping his bags to the ground to embrace his two grandchildren.

Sam smiled at them fondly and continued into her living room where she saw a bouquet of roses in a vase sitting on her coffee table.

"Mark, where did the flowers come from?"

"Oh those are from me," came an unfamiliar voice. "Hi Sam."

"Pete! Hi. Wow, this is a surprise. What are you doing here…in my apartment?"

"I just drove in from Denver since Mark said he was going to be in town for the holidays. These are for you."

"They're beautiful. Thank you. You really shouldn't have."

"It's nothing. I saw them and thought of you."

"You know I'm still kind of seeing someone."

"Well, can't blame a guy for still trying."

Actually, at this point, she really could blame him. Pete had been texting her nonstop ever since the incident at the restaurant. At first, she tried to be nice but eventually flat out told him that she was seeing someone else—Jack. Apparently he still didn't get the picture. Sam glared at Mark when he entered from the guest bedroom.

Jack had spent the last two days preparing for the Christmas Eve gathering at his place. Normally it would just be the guys and maybe Janet and Cassie, but it had been an eventful year especially with the success of the exchange program with the Soltarans. Everyone had worked really hard the past few months, and Jack felt this was a reason for celebration so he extended the invitation to everyone involved. While many already had plans with family especially since they already missed Thanksgiving, Jack was still planning for around 30 people. He had rented an outdoor tent and several propane heaters to comfortably accommodate everyone.

The party was just getting started when Sam arrived with her family and Pete. The house was actually decorated contrary to her expectations. There was a Christmas tree in the corner of the living room as well as stockings hung above the fire place. Tinsel and garland donned the mantle and railings, and soft Christmas music could be heard in the background. It was quite festive and felt warm and inviting.

"Hey you came!" exclaimed Janet who walked through the kitchen holding a large glass of wine. "Cassie! Look who's here!"

"Sam!" Cassie came running from the same direction her mom did and practically jumped into Sam's arms.

"Hey Cassie. I want you to meet my nephew and niece, David and Lisa."

"Hi! Want to play with my puppy?" she asked as she grabbed both of their hands and scurried them off to the yard.

The house was filled with a buzz of conversations. Sam scanned the groups of people in the rooms. Daniel sat on the couch in the living room talking to General Hammond's daughter. Catherine and Earnest were talking with Colonel Reynolds and his wife by the fireplace. Siler and Walter were in an animated discussion in the dining room with their significant others beside them. Her eagerness must have shown on her face as she started scanning the rooms a second time.

"Jack's out back," Janet answered Sam's silent question. She returned a grateful smile. While Jacob took Mark and his wife to make the rounds, Sam dropped off the presents for Cassie, Janet, and the guys by the fireplace before heading out to the porch where Janet directed. Her first glance was towards the grill where she found Teal'c flipping burgers. She then started surveying the yard until she spotted him in the middle surrounded by the children.

Sam had almost forgotten how good he looked in normal clothes. She felt the heat rise a little in her body watching him in nice fitting khakis and an untucked blue button up shirt. Cassie stopped by and placed a Santa hat on his head before giving him a peck on his cheek then running off after her dog. It looked like he was coordinating a game of football with Michael. When their eyes met, he flashed a quick smile and finished giving out last minute instructions before briskly jogging up to meet her at the edge of the porch.

She had been a little hurt that he hadn't contacted her since he got back from Soltaris but told herself that he was just busy getting ready for the party. Besides, she had also been busy entertaining her family. She wasn't sure if it was the anticipation of seeing him for the first time in weeks, but nervousness started to build up as she moved to meet him.

"Carter. Glad you could make it."

"Hey Jack. Great party," she exhaled the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

"Yeah everyone seems to be having a good time," he replied while looking around the yard at all of his guests enjoying themselves before bringing his attention back to her. "You look great by the way."

"Thanks, you clean up well yourself." They we're standing close now. She could smell his scent mixed with the smell of smoke from the grill. She wanted to get closer and take it in deeper. "So…"

"So, can I get you a drink? Michael made his famous eggnog."

"Sure, eggnog sounds great."

Suddenly she felt a hand around her waist and a glass in her hand.

"Hey, Sam. I got you a drink."

"Oh thanks Pete," she replied looking down at the glass of wine.

"Jack from work. Good to see you again," Pete extended his free hand. "Thanks for having us over."

"Of course. Any friend of Sam's is always welcome," replied Jack, his eyes fixated on the hand around her waist. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on T and the food."

Jack quickly moved around them and headed to the other end of the porch. Stunned at his abrupt change in behavior, Sam turned around to watch him walk away as she wriggled free from Pete's hold on her.

Jack sat on the steps outside his front door. The party was in full swing and although there was plenty of space to accommodate everyone, he couldn't help but feel a little suffocated. Watching the cop follow Sam around all night wasn't exactly his idea of a good time, but he couldn't seem to look away. Her eyes would meet his on and off, and she would give him one of those smiles that made his heart flutter. The smile would then grow into a full out grin and she'd duck her head coyly when he involuntarily smiled back.

At first he thought he was imagining it—because surely she wouldn't be flirting with him—but then he caught her subtly biting her bottom lip while eye him up and down. Oh yeah, definitely flirting. He was surprised she would do it so openly in front of her date, but it didn't seem to bother the guy. Kudos to him because Jack honestly wasn't sure if he'd be able to handle it quite as well. Even though she was flirting with him, the cop—not just a cop, her boyfriend he emphasized to himself—was the one who got to go home with her at the end of the night.

Jack was reminded of this fact whenever Pete would come into view and interrupt one of their wordless flirting sessions. He wasn't avoiding her per se, but it was harder to pull away the closer he got to her. Like when he had stupidly ran up when he saw her walk out on the porch in that black skirt with green sweater that hugged her curves and sent all sorts of emotions to his chest. But it was the first time he'd seen her since that night on her balcony and he was instinctively drawn to her.

He heard the front door open and expected that it was Michael or Daniel coming to drag him back in to be social. He cursed his heart for jumping when he heard her voice.

"Hey, there you are. The party's out back. Whatcha doing here?"

"Just needed a little space for a few minutes."

"Everything ok?" "Just peachy."

"Mind if I join you?" Jack replied with a shrug. "So, any plans for tomorrow?"

"Nothing too big. The guys will probably stay the night." "What no crazy Christmas traditions?"

"Not yet but there's still time if you want to introduce us to one."

"I was always a fan of ugly Christmas sweaters."

"Is that what you got us all for Christmas this year?"

"How'd you know I even got you a present?"

"Cassie told me."

"Figures. I have to be more careful around that one."

"I wish I'd known we were exchanging gifts, Carter. I didn't get you one."

"You have been on another planet for the past several months. I'll give you a pass," she smiled and nudged his shoulder with hers. She maintained their physical contact and continued to slightly lean on him. It felt nice and he wanted more. He was about to move his arm to bring her closer when they were interrupted by the door opening and Cassie and Lisa running up to them.

"Uncle Jack! It's your turn. You haven't kissed anyone under the mistletoe yet!"

"We don't have any mistletoe Cass."

"Yes we do! Ta-da!"

"Where did you get that?"

"My mom brought it."

"Of course she did."

"Now you have to kiss Aunt Sam!" exclaimed Lisa.

"I don't think your Aunt Sam wants to—"

"But it's tradition!"

"Yeah it's tradition," repeated Cassie.

"Can't get out of tradition, Uncle Jack," teased Sam.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" the two girls started chanting.

"Ok, ok!" he conceded.

Jack looked at Sam in her expectant eyes and saw her growing desire for him. He slowly lowered his face and placed a soft, innocent peck on her lips. As he started to pull away, her hand caught his cheek which froze him in place. She smiled in contentment and raised her head to meet his mouth in a deeper kiss. He felt her tongue against his mouth asking for entrance and was about to permit access when the sound of giggles from the two little girls caused Sam to join in against his mouth.

"Hey no giggling you three," he playfully scolded as he grabbed the two girls in his arms and started tickling them which just caused them to squeal more.

They were interrupted once again with the opening of the front door. It was Pete this time who eyed the group suspiciously.

"What's going on out here?"

"Aunt Sam kissed Uncle Jack!"

Pete frowned.

"It was just some mistletoe. That's all," explained Jack not wanting Pete to get upset at Sam.

"Right. Um...Sam your dad's looking for you."

"Oh right, ok. Let's go inside girls. Jack, you coming?"

"You go ahead. I'll be in in a minute."

She got up carefully and took both girls by the hand to lead them inside. She looked back and saw Jack sigh and then drop his shoulders. Still confused by his change in demeanor once again, she wanted to go back and figure out what was really going on with him. Instead, she reluctantly followed the tugs on her arms into the house.

It was getting late, and the party started thinning out. Jack was bringing stuff from outside into the kitchen to make cleaning up easier later. He went to his fridge and grabbed a beer. He flicked the bottle cap towards the corner and almost ran into Sam when he turned around.

"Are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong?" she asked sternly.

"What? No. Why would I be upset with you?"

"Well, just the fact that you've barely spoken to me all night. When you do, it's almost like you can't wait to get away, but then you kiss me the way you did on your front porch. So needless to say I'm getting some mixed messages from you."

"I'm sending you mixed messages?"

"Well yeah."

"Sam, you've been toying with my emotions like a yo-yo."

"What are you talking about?" she asked indignantly.

"You and that kiss on your balcony are the only things I've been able to think about since I left. I thought you felt the same way, but like an idiot I let you string me along only to find that you went ahead and got yourself a boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah, and it's fine Sam. I told you I had no expectations. But you can't flirt with me all night, kiss me like that, and then expect me to be able to just act normal around you."

"Ok, wait. Back up. Boyfriend?"

"Yeah Paul, Phil, or whatever that cop's name is."

"Pete?! Pete's not my boyfriend. Why would you even think that?"

"Well he answered your door when I stopped by."

"You came to my apartment?"

"It was the first thing I did when I got back. He said you were picking up your dad."

"Well I was, but just because he was at my apartment doesn't mean he's my boyfriend."

"He said you two were together."

"He said what?!" Sam's face instantly turned from confused to straight out livid as she stormed past him towards the backyard.

He knew the look in her eyes. Pete was a dead man. Jack couldn't help but quickly turn and follow her to watch the scene unfold. She wasn't subtle about it either turning heads as she walked through the house. She was already yelling before Jack got through the porch door.

"Pete! What the hell?!"

Jack stopped and leaned on the porch railing. Soon there was a small crowd gathered around him.

"What's going on?" asked Janet.

"I think Sam's about to kick Pete's ass."

"Oh this should be good," commented Michael.

"Well shouldn't we do something?" asked Daniel looking around at the faces glued to the backyard.

"Don't look at me. I'm not going to stop her," Jacob interjected with a smug grin on his face.

"Nor am I."

"Jack…" said Daniel warningly.

"Fine. I don't want my house to become a crime scene anyways."

Jack pushed himself off the railing and sauntered down the steps. He took his time crossing his back yard where Sam was giving Pete a dressing down. God, she was hot. Jack scolded himself just a little for being turned on.

"I swear Pete. What the hell were you thinking?!"

"I don't know why you're so mad. I really like you Sam. We could be good together."

"How many times do I have to tell you? There is no 'we'!"

"Don't tell me you'd actually rather be with that old guy. I thought that was a joke. I'm so much better for you."

"That's none of your business."

"I saved your life!"

"And that means you're entitled to date me?"

"You know what, you're an ungrateful bitch…" He raised an open palm to strike towards Sam, but before he could she blocked his arm and pulled her fist back. She felt her elbow connect with something behind her before she threw her fist forward connecting with Pete's face.

"Doh!" she heard as she whipped around to see Jack bending over with his head in his hands.

"Oh my god, Jack!" she exclaimed as she rushed to his side to check on him.

"Geez, Carter. Nice shot."

"Are you ok?"

"Yup," he groaned giving her an 'ok' sign. "Are you?"

She looked back at Pete and saw that her dad had come quickly to restrain the man who was steaming with blood trickling down his nose.

"Yeah, it's handled. Come on let's get some ice on that."

"Why I ought to..."

"Hey! You even think about touching my daughter again, and I promise you'll have much more than a bloody nose. Is that understood?"

Pete glared at Jacob but eventually huffed in reluctant acknowledgement.

"Mark, I think it's best if you took your friend back to his hotel now. Also I think it's safe to say he won't be joining us for Christmas."

Jack was sitting at his kitchen table while Janet assessed the damage. Sam went to grab a towel and some ice from his freezer before sitting down next to him.

"Well Colonel, looks like you might have a nice black eye in the next couple days but you'll live."

"That's good to hear Doc because Sam's elbow packs quite a punch."

"I am so sorry, Jack."

"Stop apologizing. It's fine."

"Does it hurt?" she asked reaching out to touch the swelling with her fingers.

"Not as bad as it looks. Ow, ow, ow! Except when you touch it like that!"

"Sorry," she giggled.

"Hey, what did I say about giggling?"

"Here, let me make it feel better." She leaned over and gently brushed the side of his eye with her lips careful not to apply too much pressure. "Better?"

"Mmhmm…much. You know I think you got me right here too," he smirked pointing to his bottom lip.

"Oh, did I?" She smiled as she leaned forward to kiss his bottom lip before biting it lightly with her teeth. He pulled her closer into his lap as he moved to capture her lips with his. When he felt her fingers scrape through his hair, his hands set off mindlessly exploring up the back of her sweater feeling the soft skin.

"Ahem…" Jacob interrupted clearing his throat.

"Jacob."

"Jack," he replied eyeing the man's hands under his daughter's sweater. "Do we need to have a conversation?"

"No, dad. That won't be necessary. C'mon, let's go home. I think Jack's been harassed enough today."

"Actually, I'm going to catch a ride with George if you want to stay a little longer. After all, you might need to help Jack feel better some more."

"Dad!" Sam blushed.

"Just don't make him feel too much better," teased Jacob with a wink.

"Oh my god, dad!" Sam was bright red now and Jack wasn't much further behind.

Sam spent the next couple of hours hanging out with the guys exchanging Christmas stories and making plans for New Year's. She insisted that they open her gifts which as Jack predicted were ugly Christmas sweaters—a Star Wars one with Yoda on it that said "The Season to be Jolly It Is" for Teal'c, a red and green one with Christmas lights around it that said "Let's Get Lit" for Michael, a red one that said "Jingle Bell Rock" with Dwayne Johnson's face on it for Daniel, and a green one that said "Naughty Until Proven Nice" for Jack.

The guys gifted Sam with a couple of books and her very own "SG-1" stocking to go with the rest of theirs saying that she would always be a member of their team. She was at a loss for words and teared up at the gesture. The tears quickly turned to laughter when she opened the last gift—a sweater with the elements from the periodic table forming a tree that said "Oh Chemistree" on it.

"How did you guys know?"

"You really should stop telling Janet and Cassie anything you don't want us to find out," Jack teased to which she responded with a playful jab in the side with her elbow.

Eventually Daniel and Michael knocked out and Teal'c excused himself to Jack's office. Sam was snuggled up next to Jack on the couch with his arm around her waist and her head resting on his shoulder.

"It's getting late. I should probably head home."

"You could stay here and head back early in the morning," offered Jack as he kissed her on the head and pulled her closer at the thought of her leaving.

"As wonderful as that sounds, I really don't want to give my dad a reason to give me suggestive looks and comments all day. I call you tomorrow?"

"I'd like that. Before you go, I have something for you."

"I thought you said you didn't get me a gift?"

"I may not have been entirely truthful earlier."

He went over to the Christmas tree and returned with a small rectangular box in hand. He handed it over to her and then put his hands in pockets. She gave him a small smile as she opened it. Inside she found a necklace with a bright blue pendant attached. Her eyes grew wider as she examined it. She didn't recognize the stone and it sparkled like no other gem.

"Jack, it's beautiful. I've never seen anything like it before. Where…where did you get this?"

"Well apparently the Soltarans have a diamond making machine and the stardust from the nebula that fell at the Gamma Site contains some sort of element that forms gemstones when put through said machine. Although Wong assures me it's not a diamond."

"You made this for me?"

"Well, not with my own two hands. I had some help." He hesitated before he asked, "Do you like it?" She could tell that he was truly unsure her reaction to the gift. It was adorable.

"I love it!" she exclaimed wrapping her arms round his neck and thanking him with a kiss. "Do you mind?" she asked handing the necklace to him and turning around.

He carefully unclasped it and brought it around her neck before attaching it back. He placed a tender kiss on her neck and wrapped his arms around her. She melted into his body and he felt the pulse in her neck speed up under his lips as he laid a trail of kisses up towards her ear. Her head turned towards him into a kiss.

"It's even more beautiful on you."

She blushed and shook her head at him. Jack couldn't believe that Sam Carter didn't know how beautiful she was and although that fact just made her even more endearing, he was intent on showing her. Before he could continue though, she pulled away and disappeared behind the tree.

"I have something else for you too."

"Oh?"

She reemerged with a picnic basket in hand. His brow raised inspecting the package.

"Open it."

He carefully opened up the top of the basket and started removing the contents. Inside were two glass champagne flutes, a blanket, candles, plates, forks—everything he had brought for her on the night of the aurora.

"What's all this?"

"Well, I thought we could finish up what we started back at the Gamma Site."

"Are you asking me out on a date, Carter?" he asked with a wag of his brow.

"You're not the only one who can do some wooing. So, will you, Jack O'Neill, go out with me?"

"There's nothing I would love to do more," he replied pulling her into his arms and to his lips. "Merry Christmas, Sam."

"Merry Christmas, Jack."