Chapter 6: Arbitrary Actions

Carter stared blankly at the man before her. Could he be right? It had been the one option she had always refused to consider. But now, with him standing there with visions of them together, somehow it felt so right.

That's it, Carter, let it all go.

What do you mean, Sir?

Leave it all behind… the ranks, the rules, the expectations… just let it go.

Carter's mind tried to make sense of everything. Tried to put things into perspective. But the need deep inside her kept growing at an alarming rate. Pleasant, unignorable thoughts of desire for him were not just thoughts any more… they were feelings - feelings so profound, so demanding… begging to be realized… starving for his touch… shouting to reach out for him.

Carter's mind tried to make one last effort to resist. But he stepped towards her, until their bodies were just barely touching. Then he leaned into her and caressed circles on her check with his fingers. 'Sokay, Carter. It's just me… and you. Nothing else matters. Nothing else ever has.

With that, O'Neill opened his arms to hold her, and she found her place between them. Their touch was almost electric. An unexplainable bond enmeshed more than just their minds. He was holding her and yet she felt he was naturally part of her.

Is this real? she questioned as she looked up toward him. Connecting with his darkened eyes, she knew the answer. His desire stared back at her, and she knew this wasn't another telepathic dream. This was real. And it startled her. She quivered in his arms and closed her eyes tight.

Feeling his hands embrace the sides of her cheeks, she didn't need eyes to know what he proposed to do. She allowed him to lift her face toward him until a gentle kiss pressed on her lips.

And that's all it took. Lips connected again, with a burst of intensity. All else was forgotten. Their heads shifted from side to side as their mouths eagerly sought each other. Only short, quick breaths escaped their touch as hands worked hastily to explore the other.

It was so impulsive – so thrilling. Never before had they felt so close. How did this happen? Why hadn't they done this before?

Then realization kicked in - the rational part of themselves refused to be suppressed any longer, and both pulled away. Eyes searched frantically for explanation. Minds fumbled to make sense of what had just happened. What should never have happened.

Carter… what was that?

Uh, don't know, Sir.

He cleared his throat as she worked to straighten her uniform.

"I, uh, should be getting back to the lab, Sir."

He nodded. "And I've got to get back to… doing whatever it is that I was supposed to be doing."

He watched her leave the room, turning just once to catch his eye before she slipped away.