Fail to safe

Episode tag to "Failsafe"

This is inspired by my husband. I'm rewatching the show and we're watching Failfafe together and he says: "I would so make out with her if I were going to die." He's right. I can't imagine they always behaved in the way it seemed. So, enjoy :)

Tonight isn't a night for thinking too much. They saved the world yet again. This time in a way you've seen on the big screens, produced by Hollywood, acted out by some glamorous, good looking stars. Of course, most of the astrophysics would be wrong. Nevertheless, the actors would have succeeded just the way SG-1 had. One thing missing in the real-life version of this blockbuster is the oh so classic love story. Or is it? Because the glances Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter are exchanging tonight are anything but professional. There's a buzz in the air—too much alcohol mixed with the incredible feeling of having saved the world yet again. It might be narcissistic, but there's nothing compared to that high that lifts you to a different sphere after a world-rescue-mission. It's why they do it. And as much as they all hope no one is trying to destroy or overtake earth soon, this job would be nothing without it. Anyways, this buzz is especially buzzing between Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter—or shall we say Jack and Sam just for tonight?

The gods must be in their favor—if they weren't Goa'Ulds that constantly try to wipe them out—because they are back at O'Malleys. It seems that half of Stargate command is here. Letting off steam after almost losing their home planet. It is odd to look around and watch civilians minding their very small lives, complaining about a too raw steak or arguing with their husbands and wives when only hours ago this planet, thus their lives were on the brink of extinction.

Jack takes a sip of his beer and watches Sam lean forward on the pool table to finish off Major Wade. Before she hits the ball, her eyes jump up and pierce into Jack's. There's a wicked glint in them. A teasing smile hushes over her lips when she quickly takes aim and pots the eight into the final hole. Wade shakes his head and says something, but neither Sam or Jack are listening because her eyes are back at his and there's danger in them. She casually strolls over, on the way, grabbing two fresh beer from the passing waitress.

"So, are we gonna play or what?" she says, and it's not even subtly suggestive.

How they got to this point of the night, neither of them knows. It might have started on the ship. After they saved the world and waited for life support to end a million thoughts rushed through their heads. Things like 'We're going to die, so how bad would it be if I just kissed her?' And 'If we make it out this time, I will tell him.' Add the heroic feeling of saving the world and an impressive amount of alcohol, and you get the explosive mix that's between Sam and Jack tonight. It's as if he's the naquadah asteroid and she is the nuke. If they clash the atmosphere will catch fire. Even though his alarm is on DEFCON one, Jack leans closer and whispers, "Oh, believe me, I wanna play."

He's in on every game she chooses.

His words make her nervous, but tonight she doesn't pull back. Tonight she feels invincible and brave enough to spear into dangerous territory.

"Let's go then," she says. Now it's him who's getting nervous.

This can't be happening, the man in him cheers in excited unbelief.

This can't be happening, the Colonel in him commands.

But with the appearance of a mischievous smile on her lips, the Colonel in him disappears. Jack takes another swig and gets up. He lifts his eyebrows and mumbles, "Have my six, Carter."

„Always," she answers and lets her eyes jump to his butt. She doesn't berate herself for it and simply enjoys the view.

They must have left rationality back on the asteroid because when she follows him outside, stealthily enough for no one to notice, there's no hesitation in her movement. He pushes through the door, but before Sam can follow Major Davis steps in front of her.

"Major," he says with a beer-heavy tongue. "You're a real superhero. You know that? One day they'll make a movie of all the adventures SG-1 went on. You'll get your own action figure." He slurs and smiles a broad, loopy smile. "Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Dr. Jackson, and Teal'c. The heroes of planet earth," he continues, and with the mentioning of their names and titles, she feels a sting and seconds later, her bubble of euphoria bursts.

The doubts she should have had much earlier hit in full swing when she steps outside, and cold air fills her lungs. A lump as big as the asteroid blocks her throat, and she has to look up to stop the tears. A beautiful night sky spreads above her, and puts her right back on earth—the place they saved and that comes with rules and regulations that don't take into account that the planet was almost wiped out, and SG-1 almost died protecting it. None of this matters to the rule book.

"Hey," he says, and she turns to spot him leaning against his car. When she finds his eyes, she sees he has come to the same revelation.

Sam lets out a sigh that comes from a place deep within her. The moment that wasn't supposed to be is over. And yet their eyes can't let go of each other. Sadness has replaced the earlier victorious smiles. Once again, they missed their chance. Maybe back on the ship with only hours to live, they could have gone to this forbidden place, but now that everything's back to normal, they can't. Damn missed opportunities.

Sam pulls her lip in and lowers her eyes, unable to shrug the heavy feeling on her chest. She walks over to his car and leans next to him. Her bare arm grazes his in the mild summer air. Both arms hang there. A little forced and lifted from their torsos to keep that little bit of contact they can have—and need so badly.

"It's not fair," she whispers, choking down the tears that threaten to drown her voice.

"It's not," he says. Sam can feel the muscle in his arm twist slightly, and then his finger brush over the back of her hand.

It can't happen because it's more than just a drunk one-night-stand. It's all or nothing. And because she will always be all to him and because this is all they can ever have, this moment is everything. He doesn't dare say any of this into the unpoised silence. She thinks the same and doesn't voice it because how would it make this situation any better?

He lets out a heavy sigh and leans his head back at the truck; she does so too. The universe sparkles above them. Billions of planets waiting to be explored, two enemies waiting to be defeated and under all of it a life waiting to be lived. With a glorious swoosh a shooting star swoops over the night sky. Even though neither of them believes in signs or destiny, this means something. When their eyes meet, the frustration is gone, and all they can see in each other's glances is devotion. As dramatic as it sounds, there's no other way to put it. A small smile spreads on his lips and tugs on hers.

"Jack!"

As always, Daniel has impeccable timing when he stumbles out of the bar, followed by Teal'c.

"Sam! Coffee! Teal'c and I are going to Suzie's Diner."

Colonel O'Neill looks back to Carter and wiggles his eyebrows. "They have great cake there."

Carter chuckles and says, "Sounds good, Sir."

They keep their eye contact for a second longer, and then Colonel O'Neill throws his car keys to Teal'c and says, „Don't speed."