AN: I'm back from vacation so here's the next part. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Jack had a sneaking suspicion that sitting close to Sam in a dark supply closet that no one knew they were in wasn't the best idea he'd ever had. One did not become a Colonel without at least some power of thought analysis. However, one also did not become Colonel without taking some risks.

"Um, Sam, I want you to know that I'm happy for you. I'm glad you finally took my advice and got a life." He tried keeping the tone light. He looked away from her so his expression wouldn't betray him.

She looked at him with regret in her eyes and asked him, "What if it's not the life I wanted?"

He slowly turned his head to look at her. "Isn't it?"

She was glad it was dark so he couldn't see the tears that were threatening to fall. The wall that they had so carefully constructed was crumbling before their very eyes. She contemplated getting up and running out of the closet, but finally just decided to face whatever was going to happen.

She answered him so softly that he wasn't sure he heard her. "...No."

His heart shattered and soared all at the same time. He was heartbroken that she wasn't happy, but that meant it wasn't too late for him...there was still hope.

"Sam, you don't have to settle." he said quietly.

"What choice do I have!" she snapped angrily. How dare he make it seem like it was that easy! By this time her tears were flowing freely and she was trying desperately to regain control.

"Hey, c'mere," he reached for her. She hesitated for a split second and then slowly leaned into him and buried her face in his chest.

"I can't do this anymore, Jack. I can't keep pretending," she sobbed.

"Shhh...it's okay, baby. You don't have to pretend anymore." He stroked her hair. At that moment, Jack decided that whatever price he had to pay, he would make sure that after he was done, this "thing" would never hurt her again.

Her sobs quieted and she finally stopped crying. "Sam..."

The klaxons blared for the second time that day. "Unscheduled off-world activation. Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter to the control room."

Oh, for cryin' out loud! Sam thought.

"Oh, for cryin' out loud!" Jack shouted. "What now!"

"You go ahead, sir. I'll catch up in a minute."

"Why me? Why me!"Jack was muttering under his breath as he walked away.

Sam's head was swimming as she jogged down the hall. What the hell just happened? Did he just say what I thought he said? What exactly did he mean when he said I don't have to pretend anymore? Did he just call me 'baby'? Hmmm...I could get used to that one. She cleared her thoughts as she reached the control room. She got there just in time to hear Hammond's voice, "I'm sorry, Jack, but you can't hide all day. I gave you a break with Anise or Freya or whoever, but this one's your problem."

AN2: Dun-dun-dun! Who is it this time? You'll just have to wait for the next part to find out! Review and I might post faster...