Getting a little bit angsty now... It wasn't intentional, but the later into the seasons we go, the angstier things tend to get between our lovely couple.

The mission was run of the mill, the people peaceful. SG-11 had already visited the planet and established relations, so it was a standard 'keeping in touch' mission that General Hammond thought would be safe and simple. Perfect for SG-1, who were in need of something quiet.

It was the first mission following Jack's return from his Tok'ra implantation and time as Ba'al's unwilling guest. He'd been fighting Doc Fraiser's recommendations that he needed more time, had given MacKenzie the answers the shrink wanted to hear instead of going into his experiences in any depth and had camped out in Hammond's office until his Commanding Officer had reluctantly agreed.

What Jack didn't know was that the planet was specifically chosen for being friendly–and safe. Sam had come up with a list of places that were due a revisit, and had discussed them with General Hammond until they were both happy they'd chosen one where the team could go, do something useful, but otherwise stay out of harm's way. Though Sam had done so with Jack in mind, still struggling with guilt over her own role in his imprisonment, General Hammond had agreed with her for all of SG-1's sakes.

The villagers were happy to see them, welcoming in fact. Instead of having to make camp, a hut in the village was made available so they could stay and join in with the village festivities. For once, Jack didn't complain that they'd arrived slap bang in the middle of some sort of yearly rite of passage, and Jonas equalled if not overtook the late Daniel Jackson in enthusiasm for being able to observe–and maybe take part–in the events. Even Teal'c seemed pleased; he kept alert to protect his teammates, but did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm.

Tired and relieved, Sam sat on the cot that had been assigned to her, wondering if she could summon up the energy to venture outside to where the music had already begun to play. She could hear laughter and voices, and found herself smiling at the happiness of these people even if she found she couldn't share it herself. The smile slipped as she remembered why she couldn't share it, and she squeezed her eyes closed to keep the stinging in her eyes from becoming actual tears.

No more, she told herself. She'd cried enough–and would no doubt cry again. But later, when she was home.

Where there was no risk of one of her teammates finding her.

She took a moment more, forcing her shoulders to relax, breathing deeply. She just had to compose herself, and then she could go, put on a smile and keep an eye on the Colonel to make sure he managed to relax a little.

"You in here, Carter? The natives are getting restless." As if he'd heard her thoughts, Jack appeared in the doorway, knocking belatedly on the door frame. While he looked absolutely fine to anyone who didn't know him, Sam knew different and fought back a flinch at the shadows in his eyes.

"The natives, Sir?" Deciding to play along, she stood up and smoothed down the floaty material of the dress she'd been gifted for the party. It was one of the prettier ones she'd been asked to wear, and since they were there to cement their continued friendship with the planet's occupants, she hadn't objected.

"Jonas, mainly," he corrected with a slight grin. The Kelownan was growing on him. "He wants to get the party started, but won't until the gang's all there."

"I was just getting ready," Sam lied, knowing he'd see through it. "But I'm done now."

As if to check, he ran his gaze over her from head to toe. From the sandals she'd been given, to the dress, to the the flower she had tucked behind her ear. The slight grin grew and he inclined his head. "That you are. Shall we?"

She fought the blush that rose in her cheeks and let him lead her from the room and out of the hut where the party was indeed in full swing.

#

An hour or two later, the festivities were still going strong. Jonas had been swept up in them, and was talking to anyone and everyone, determined to find out everything he could about the annual gathering and what it meant to the villagers. Sam and Jack sat side by side, observing from a respectful distance while still being close enough to feel involved. Teal'c sat on the outskirts of the gathering, a small smile on his face as he watched his teammates partake of the offerings.

"You okay, Carter?" Jack asked after a long, companionable silence, his voice quiet but just loud enough for her to hear above the music.

"Should I not be asking you that, Sir?" The response left her before she could think about it. She stifled a sigh and kept her gaze resolutely on the dancing taking part around the large village campfire. "I'm sorry, Sir."

"For what?"

For everything, she thought. Sam took a deep breath and forced herself to look at him. "I'm sorry for asking you to take the symbiote."

He blinked, surprised at her candour. "So you're sorry for asking me to save my life?"

"No, just the means in which you had to do it." Guilt surged up inside her again, and she thought of everything he'd been through since that fateful moment in which she'd all but begged him. "And what happened as a result."

"Not your fault, Major. None of it." He nudged her side when she wouldn't look at him. "Carter... If I hadn't taken Kanan, I wouldn't be here."

"But Kanan was more Goa'uld than Tok'ra. He forced you to do things, he's responsible for you being captured by Ba'al -"

"Yes, Sam. He's responsible. Not you." His gaze was intense, the shadows giving way momentarily to something else, something more familiar but just as upsetting for her. Feelings they shouldn't feel, longings they couldn't act on. "I don't blame you. I never had."

"Maybe you should do, though." She pulled her knees up to her chest, staring passed the dancers to the flickering flames. "You did it because of me."

That, he couldn't deny. If anyone else had asked him, he wasn't sure the answer would've been yes. Instead of lying to her, he got to his feet. Sam was convinced he was going to walk away, having realised she spoke the truth. She wasn't expecting him to extend a hand to her, pulling her to her feet when she took it.

Without a word, he led her to the fire and the dancing couples. The music had slowed considerably, the couples swaying closer as the laughter died down and a quieter, more intimate feeling descended over the village. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and clutched her hand in his, close to his heart. Willingly–too willingly, perhaps–Sam melted against him, her own arm going around his middle as she let her head rest on his shoulder.

They swayed to the alien beat, their eyes closed, hearts beating between them. They didn't speak, but they didn't need to. They rarely needed to when it came to what was important, and what regulations forbid them from voicing out loud.

On the other side of the village, Jonas joined Teal'c in watching them. He glanced at the Jaffa who seemed pleased and bit his lip.

"Ah, Teal'c?"

"Yes, Jonas Quinn?"

"I was speaking with Mariska, the leader of the village, and she was telling me that there's a reason a lot of people sit this dance out. Apparently, it's the reason they do this every year," Jonas started to babble. "It's a way of couples signifying their commitment, their devotion to one another above all others. In essence, it's kind of a marriage ritual. So..." he motioned to Sam and Jack with his head. "Don't you think we should tell them?"

Teal'c tilted his head, studying the peaceful expressions on the faces of his two friends. "Indeed, Jonas Quinn. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," Jonas repeated. He, too, studied his teammates, and realised he hadn't seen them looking quite so content in all the time that he'd known them. "Tomorrow it is."