There's been so much angst and tension I thought everyone could use something a little lighter. I hope you enjoy.
Thank you for the continued reviews! I love them folks and they're very inspiring. Oh, for those wondering about the Jaffa and what's going on on the planet – don't worry, it's coming soon.
Over the next few days both of them took it easy. Jack was still feeling pretty miserable from all the bruises and cuts and Sam was sore too. The biggest problem wasn't their physical wounds; it was the emotional ones that were difficult to deal with.
Other than resting they didn't do too much. Jack played some more with the children, inventing a few games and teaching them some others that he knew. They weren't terribly intellectual so the games had to be pretty simple but they were good at the more athletic ones; those Jack simply watched.
They hadn't really talked anymore since their 'true confessions' as Jack called it. They both needed a break from the intense emotions of that episode. That didn't mean that they had reverted to the emotional stalemate of before though. No, things were actually pretty good as far as their relationship was concerned. They didn't say much because now they didn't have to. They both knew what the other felt and for once they simply let themselves enjoy each other without thinking about it too much.
At night they curled up closely, arms around each other. During the day they often spent time cuddling or touching. But there were also times when they both needed to be alone. Fortunately they were now secure enough in their feelings to be able to give that to each other. Sam smiled to herself as she thought of the fact that they were almost turning into an old married couple.
As far as sex was concerned – well, there wasn't any. Neither of them felt ready to take that step again. There were too many memories, too much trauma and pain still to be dealt with to go there. As much as the love and affection was clear, taking the step back into a physical relationship would take time.
Jack had worried that the tribe would again have trouble with this. It appeared, however, that it wasn't a problem. It may have been because there was no one forcing the issue now that Boobu was gone, or it could have been because of his wounds. Whatever the reason no one seemed to care that he and Sam were not 'doin' the horizontal tango'!
What he didn't know was that the tribe now viewed Jack as something of a celebrity in their midst. They believed that he had been sent to them by the Gods to bring good fortune. It was also clear that Samanta was meant for Jack – they believed she was marked by the Gods to be his mate. No one would ever again interfere with her.
What Jack and Sam also didn't know was that to the tribe the Chewi was the messenger of the Gods. To them he was the earthly manifestation of the most powerful of those Gods that ruled their world. From the very beginning the tribe had believed that Jack had been marked – so they knew he was special. The fact that Chewi had then returned and had intervened in the fight between Jack and Boobu proved to them that this man and his mate were special and were to be honored and protected.
So, the fact that there was no more 'activity' on the part of the two confused the tribe, but they would take no action. They were sure that it would resume for these two had to provide children to the tribe – children who would bless and help them prosper.
Of course the two Air Force officers had no idea of any of this. They appreciated that they had been accepted by the tribe and were willing to stay until they were stronger, but both of them were worried about going home. They knew they could not spend their lives amongst these people, no matter how kind they were.
Sam felt like she was going to go insane if she didn't have something to do soon. Now that Jack no longer needed nursing and she was beginning to feel better she was dying to use her mind – or even her hands – in something beyond picking plants and cooking.
Sighing as she straightened their bedclothes she looked outside, wondering what Jack was up to. For the last few days he'd taken to disappearing with a few of the other men, primarily Drobe who had become a firm friend. Jack claimed the man reminded him of Daniel. When she looked beyond the physical she could see what he meant. She'd giggled when she'd caught the two arguing. She could have sworn it was the caveman equivalent of the 'you did, no I didn't' arguments that Jack and Daniel partook of regularly.
Well, whatever they were doing it was highly secretive. Jack had made her promise she wouldn't follow or try to find out what it was. He said it was 'classified' and 'need to know'. Well, she was dying to know.
She'd tried everything possible to worm it out of him but he just grinned or raised his damn eyebrows and wouldn't say anything. That was Jack for you – he could do an amazing imitation of a clam.
She was almost asleep that night, with Jack at her side, when she felt something tickle her ear. She swatted it away, thinking it must be some stone-age mosquito when it happened again. She swatted it again but this time connected with a solid arm.
"Ow!"
Sam opened her eyes and saw Jack with what looked like a piece of grass in his hand. He was rubbing his forearm.
"Serves you right. Why were you tickling my ear?"
"I wanted to see if you were awake."
"You couldn't have just asked?"
"Yeah, but it's not as fun!" He grinned down on her, his head propped up on his bent arm.
"Well, now that you know I'm not asleep – although I was almost asleep – what is it?"
"I just wanted to let you know that Drobe and I are going on a little hunting trip tomorrow", he answered casually.
"What?" She turned on her side and looked at him. "Do you think that's wise? What if you run into another tiger or something?"
"Drobe says we should be okay. They hardly ever see the damn things – they don't usually hang around here."
"We've seen them twice and we've only been here a few weeks. I don't know Jack, I don't like it."
"I know Sam but we'll be careful, I promise. Look, these guys do it all the time – it's their way of life. I think I've already had my fair share of tiger bites and fights. Everything will be okay."
"All right. Just be careful okay Colonel!"
"I will Major – don't worry. Hey, look what I have to come back to. Do you think I'm going to do anything that would keep me from you?"
With those near perfect words Sam reached out and pulled him down so that she could kiss him. This was the first real kiss they'd shared since their return from their 'walk' of the other day. Unfortunately, before it had a chance to progress too far Jack pulled away.
"Sorry", he muttered, not looking at her. He felt badly but there was still too much going around in his head. He was terrified he wouldn't be able to 'perform' and really didn't want the humiliation of trying and failing. The memories that had been released after so long were still churning around in his mind. When he made love again with Sam he wanted to do so without that background getting in the way.
"'T'sokay", she said, kissing him gently on the lips. Backing away slightly she wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes. "I love you and right now this is enough. I feel like I need some time and so do you." Pulling herself closer she rested her head on his chest. "Go to sleep Jack."
With a small smile he kissed her on the head and closed his eyes. For the first time in days he was able to go to sleep not fearing what the night would bring.
The next morning he and Drobe packed up and left early. He'd been hoping he could get one of his guns but the Chief had refused. Jack figured he thought they wouldn't leave as long as they didn't get them back. Oh well, he had a spear and a knife, hopefully that would do.
Jack had finally decided, a couple of days ago, that it was time to return to their original cave and retrieve some of their things. He was ready to sell his soul for his razor and some soap. His hair was growing longer but the worst was his beard. He tried to shave although it was a pretty painful process with simple bone knives. The other men thought he was crazy, of course, and laughed as he struggled to remove the hair from his face. The problem was if he let his beard grow the damn thing started to itch like crazy.
He hadn't wanted to say anything to Sam for two reasons: one, she'd be terribly disappointed if they couldn't go and two, he wanted to surprise her. Yeah, that was the real reason – he knew she was feeling pretty antsy so he thought bringing some of their things would help.
He'd secured permission from the Chief and had got Drobe to come by telling the chief of their supply of dried fish. The tribe could use all the food they could get for the winter so the Chief really couldn't say no even though he was hesitant to let Jack go. The fact that Sam was staying did make it easier – the Chief figured he'd never leave his woman. He was, of course, right.
So, he and Drobe set out just as the sun was peaking up over the horizon. Jack wasn't quite sure how long it would take – he'd been unconscious for the journey here.
They walked the same direction as the hunting party as Jack knew that was the way to the cave. He remembered the reaction from the tribe the last time they'd come this way and wondered how Drobe would react this time. He was soon to find out.
As they reached the fork in the trail Jack went to stride forward when an arm shot out and grabbed him, pulling him back. Drobe was standing with a frightened look, shaking his head.
Okay, here was go again, thought Jack. He spent the next few minutes explaining that that's where his cave was. Drobe continued to shake his head. Jack realized there was absolutely nothing he could say or do to make the man continue.
"Okay Drobe", he sighed. "You stay here and I'll go!" He repeated the words in his smattering of the tribe's language. Fortunately it was a pretty easy one, as Sam had said. It hadn't taken long to pick up most of the words. Any that he didn't know he simply used his hands to describe.
Drobe argued and argued. Jack could almost picture him pushing up a pair of glasses or hugging himself. God, he was so much like Daniel!
When it became apparent to Drobe that Jack wasn't going to change his mind he huffed and rolled his eyes. He then went to the side of the hill and sat on a rock and gave his companion a look of extreme irritation.
"Okay fine. You wait here and I'll be back. I have no idea how long this will take so I suggest you get comfortable!" Jack repeated his words in cave-language and turned and began to walk away. He looked back a couple of times to see Drobe still sitting watching him.
On the third look back he saw that Drobe had left. He figured the man was probably checking things out while waiting. He was pretty confident his friend wouldn't leave him. If it weren't for the fact that Drobe was from a primitive, pre-historic people he would have almost suspected him of looking for 'artifacts'! With a grin he continued.
It was almost an hour before he came on the trail that led to their cave. He hoped that their things were still there and still intact. He wondered also if he should go and check to see if the Jaffa had returned. No, that would take too long, he thought. And anyway, he and Sam had better do that together – but soon.
Finally arriving at the cave he climbed up the short, steep path. He could still see the 'curtain' hanging in the entranceway although it was partially down. Carefully entering the cave, he didn't want to be surprised by any animal or person, he looked around and was relieved that everything seemed okay.
A couple of small animals may have been here but he and Sam had put things carefully away in order to protect them. Anything of value had been placed in crannies high in the rocks. As well, the fish was stored up high and carefully covered with a piece of tarp.
Checking that it was still there he looked around, debating what to take back. He could have carried both packs but wasn't sure he could do that and bring the fish. Oh well, he'd just have to come back another day.
Gathering up their supplies he carefully put them in their packs. He grinned as he saw some of the items. Oh yeah, Carter was going to be soooo happy.
He was able to sling the packs over his shoulders although he knew it was going to get a bit heavy. Oh well, he didn't have too far to go before he got to Drobe. He wrapped some of the fish in one of their tarps and rolled it up, tying both ends. He then attached the role to the bottom of one of the packs. He'd explain to the chief that there was a lot more and they'd have to go back. Heck, now that he had his fishing gear he could even catch more. It was sure as heck better fun that wild pig hunting!
Looking around once more to make sure he'd gotten everything he left the cave. It was a little difficult getting down the short trail, loaded up as he was, but he managed. If he ended up coming home with a broken or sprained ankle Carter would kill him!
As he walked he kept an eye out for any vicious predators – or sources of food. If he saw any of those big sheep he'd let the tribe know. They'd bring a lot of meat for the winter.
This time he didn't see anything other than a few birds and insects. By the time he got near to the trail where he'd left Drobe he began to feel tired. He still wasn't completely over his various aches and pains. He looked ahead but couldn't see his friend. Hopefully he'd waited. It would be a bummer if he'd returned to the cave. Jack really didn't relish carrying everything for another couple of hours.
As he was walking he was so intent on trying to see Drobe that he didn't watch where he was going. He managed to catch his foot on a branch sticking out of the ground and almost flew ass over teakettle. He managed to keep himself upright, although he suspected he'd done a pretty interesting dance in doing so. He heard a laugh and looking up there was Drobe, enjoying the sight of Jack almost wiping out.
"So you think that's funny do you?" he walked up to Drobe and glared at the man. Drobe began to look a little worried, thinking he'd offended Jack. Suddenly, O'Neill broke out into a grin and slapped the other man on the back.
"Am I glad to see you! For daring to laugh at me you can carry the bigger pack!" He translated again in Drobe's language and handed over the pack with the fish. The other man accepted it willingly, even offering to take both.
"No, that's okay my friend. I can handle this one. I'm used to it, believe me!" The two unlikely friends walked back towards the cave. They were only a few hundred feet from it when Jack stopped the other man. Quickly explaining what he wanted, Drobe nodded and they went towards Jack's 'secret project' and dumped the stuff. With that they returned to the cave.
"So, good hunting I see." Sam said sarcastically as the two men entered without anything to show for their trip.
"Hey, we tried. Can I help it if the animals were all away? Must be some kind of national holiday or something."
"For animals?"
"Yeah sure, why not." He flopped down on their bed. "Geesh, I'm tired." Sam looked at him a bit worriedly. Surely he shouldn't be this exhausted after a walk? Okay, it had been a long one but he was used to much more. He was still obviously not a hundred percent yet.
"Are you hungry?"
"Oh yeah! I could eat a pig!"
"Well you're in luck. Tonight we are having 'porc au Jack'. A epicurean delight made from fresh pork and tender vegetables."
"Porc au Jack?"
"Well, you caught it, you get it named after you."
"Okaaaay. You know, instead of stew I think I'd really like some pizza right now.
"Don't! It's too cruel. I would sell my soul for any kind of carbohydrate. I've been having these weird dreams about bagels and cream cheese."
"Really? I've been thinking more about biscuits with melted butter."
"Oh God yes – biscuits!
"Yeah! And then there's garlic bread."
"Garlic bread! And spaghetti with huge Italian meatballs and fresh parmesan."
"Followed by tiramisu and coffee."
"Coffee – oh please – coffee!"
There was a pause as the two officers dreamed of all the wonderful foods they were missing.
"So Jonathan – want some pig stew?"
"Yes Samantha, I'd love some."
The next day Jack was gone again to his 'secret project'. Sam was really starting to go crazy. She'd always found it difficult, from the time she was a small child, to not know what was going on. She was the one who was always trying to figure out what her parents had got her for Christmas or her birthday. She figured it was just a part of her personality – she had to figure things out – she couldn't just 'wait and see'.
Well, this time she had to since she'd promised Jack. However, if he didn't tell her soon she was going to KILL HIM! It was late afternoon before he returned, this time followed by a whole group of the men and even a few women. They all had grins on their faces, including Jack, so she knew something was up. She stood, waiting for him.
"Sam."
"Jack", she answered.
"Wanna see your present?"
"My present?"
"Yeah – why do you think it was a secret?" He was grinning from ear to ear now. He could tell that Sam was practically jumping out of her skin. He knew her well and had known that this was killing her. He had actually been surprised that she hadn't attempted to peak – although thinking about it again he decided that was unfair. She had promised and if there was anything he could be sure about it was that Sam kept her promises.
Reaching down he took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Keeping a hold of it he drew her out of the cave and towards a small clearing located behind a group of trees. She could see that skins had been hung from the trees, creating what looked like a small room. He stopped before they got to it and he turned to her.
Looking deep in her eyes his face became serious and he began to speak. "I don't know what I would have done without you Sam. Not just since we've been on this planet, but in all the years we've been together on SG1. You've helped me, supported me, watched my six and kicked my ass when I've needed it. You've been the best 2IC anyone could have. It's been an honor serving with you."
He stopped and continued to look at her. Finally he continued, "it's even more of an honor to love you." He slowly bent down and kissed her. He tried to show her, with this kiss, all that she meant to him. When he lifted his head her eyes remained closed and she felt almost as if she'd been transported to another world.
That thought made her smile – she had been transported to another world, both of them had. And, on that new world they had had a chance to admit to and tell of their love. Opening her eyes she leaned in to him. "It's my honor also Jack." The two of them stood there, simply looking at each other until a cough and a giggle interrupted them. Jack quickly glanced up and there was Drobe, giving him a look of disgust. Some of the women were grinning and a few were giggling. Okay, okay, he got the point.
Pulling back he grinned again. "Sam, I wanted to do something to show you how much you mean to me. Unfortunately, I couldn't exactly buy you roses or take you out to a fancy supper so I got you this instead. Walking over to one of the blankets he pulled it aside and motioned for her to enter.
As she walked in she couldn't figure out what the heck he had done. As soon as she saw, however, she stopped and gasped. Staring at it for a minute she finally caught her breath. Whipping around she threw herself into Jack's arms.
"Oh my God! Thank you Sir, thank you!" She began to rain kisses all over his face – which went some way to mitigate her calling him Sir. He knew it was just the surprise and old habits so he didn't really let it bother him. He couldn't help but smirk when he realized how successful his surprise had been.
Turning back around Sam looked in wonder at the large, carved out tree that had been made into a bathtub. It was full of steaming water and – oh my God. "Jack! Our things! How - ?"
"Yesterday's hunting trip."
"You mean you went and got all this yesterday? That's why you were so tired, you carted all this back."
"Yeah. I thought it would add to the surprise." He looked over to where the rest of the tribe were watching and smiled at them and gave them a thumbs up sign. A few returned the sign although they clearly didn't know what it meant. Still, they were happy for Sam, even though they couldn't figure out why she'd be excited about a hollow log with water. Still, if it made her happy and that made Jack happy – well, they were happy too.
'So folks, thank you all very much, but I'm afraid we need some privacy now." Walking to the blanket he pulled it down, waving at the people. Walking back to Sam he could see that she was still mesmerized by everything.
"So, are you going to get in?" He pointed to the tub. "You don't want to waste the hot water – it took forever to fill."
She turned back to him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you", she said softly. "This is the best present I've ever received." She looked like she was going to start to cry so Jack quickly went on.
"Ah – but you haven't noticed the best part!" She looked at him curiously. He walked over to a large rock they'd placed to the side and were using as a table. He picked up some items on it.
"Here we have soap", he held up a small bar, "Shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and, the piece de resistance – a comb!" These were all the supplies from their packs and he admitted to himself that he'd been almost giddy when he'd seen them.
"Oh God – soap and a toothbrush! I'm am forever and eternally in your debt Jack O'Neill!"
"Good – I'll think of some ways you can pay me back but now, you'd better get in the tub!"
With a small groan she walked to the tub and stuck her hand in the warm to hot water. Looking at Jack she was a little embarrassed to strip, even though there wasn't much to take off. He seemed to realize how she was feeling.
"I'll leave you some privacy. Call if you need me." He turned to leave the tent.
"No" He stopped and faced her, a frown on his face.
"What?"
"I don't want you to leave. Who'll wash my back if you're not here?"
"Uh – you could call Maru?" he said, pleased but also feeling a bit – shy.
"No, she's too short."
"Yeah – are you sure?" He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
"I'm sure. Just turn around while I get in the water."
"Okay, I can do that." So saying he turned he back on her. It only took her a few seconds to discard her skimpy clothes and she climbed in. She knew, at that moment, what heaven felt like. She groaned.
"You okay?" he asked, not turning around.
"Oh yeah. I've definitely died and gone to heaven." She lay still for a moment, just relishing the feel of the warm water. "You can turn around now."
He turned towards her but was very careful to keep his eyes focused on her face (okay, so if they wandered a bit what could he say – he was just a guy). "Let me know when you want me to scrub your back."
"Hmmmm", she answered, her eyes closed. All right, he thought, her eyes are closed so she'll never know. With that he allowed his eyes to wander a bit. The only problem with that is that it made him think of all sorts of naughty things.
"Jack." He quickly lifted his eyes, mortified that he'd been caught staring. Fortunately Sam was grinning at him, although she was a bit pink around the edges.
"Sorry!" he murmured.
"Do you want to join me?" she asked.
Silence
"What?" He couldn't get any air in his lungs.
"Do you want to join me? You must feel like a bath as well. That way we can wash each other's backs."
Now Jack O'Neill truly wasn't a stupid man. He might be a bit clueless at times (okay – so he was a pretty typical man) but he definitely wasn't stupid. A beautiful, sexy naked woman had just invited him into her bath. He stripped in three seconds flat and was in the water before she had time to blink.
"Okay, I guess that's a yes", she grinned at him. He grinned right back.
For the next little while the two had a wonderful time just getting clean. They carefully used the soap – knowing it was in short supply – but managed to scrub away the dirt of weeks. They had a small cloth from their supplies, which they shared – and they did wash each other's back. Jack found that a little difficult as he could feel the lust start to rise (amongst other things). He gave himself a very stern lecture and it helped a bit – although the mind continued to wander.
They also helped wash each other's hair. Jack couldn't remember anything ever feeling quite so good (okay – so sex with Carter was definitely number one – but this ran a close second). By the time they were both squeaky clean the water was beginning to cool.
"Hmmm – Jack, this is wonderful. I don't want to ever get out."
"Might be a problem there. You'll turn into a prune and then into an icicle when winter comes."
"True, but I'll be a clean icicle. I never realized before how important bathing is."
"You realize, of course, that now the tribe is going to smell even worse. I think our own smells kind of disguised that."
"Crap, you're right. Maybe we can get everyone to take a bath?"
"And use our soap? No way. It's all ours!"
"At least I'm glad you're sharing it with me."
"That's only because you share my bed Carter. Otherwise I would have kept it."
"Really? So it's just that you don't want to share with a stinky companion, is that it?"
"Yeah, pretty much!"
"Why thank you. Although I'd like to point out that you haven't exactly smelt of roses."
"Well thank God for that. Somehow it would wreck my image to go around smelling like a rose. The Marines would never let me live it down."
"So what would you prefer to smell like? Eau de P-90?"
"Would you find that sexy?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in inquiry.
"Hmmm – I'll have to think about that." She stretched out, almost kicking him in the jewels.
"Hey, watch that Carter. Those are one – or should I say two – of a kind!"
"Sorry", she giggled. "Wouldn't want to hurt you – them."
"I should say not!" This time he stretched – if his toes accidentally brushed up against a tender part of her - well – it wasn't that big a tub.
"Jack", she squeaked.
"Sorry", he said, although didn't look it.
"I think it's time to get out. Did you bring the towels?" Each of them had a small, super absorbent towel packed in their supplies.
"Let me get them. You stay put." Jack got out of the tub into the chilly evening air. He was surprised at how long they'd sat in the tub. Reaching over he quickly dried himself off and then held the other towel for Sam. She slowly stood up and allowed him to dry her off. Again she felt herself blush although she enjoyed it.
"Okay, now for the rest of the surprise." He reached down and pulled out a set of clean underwear and a pair of BDU's for Sam. She let out a small scream and grabbed them
"Clean underwear and real clothes! I love you Jack!"
"Of course you do – but hopefully it's not just cause I bring you underwear!"
"No, I love you for the soap and shampoo too."
"Why thank you!" While Sam dressed he reached over and picked up his clothes. Each of them carried at least one change of clothes in their packs. Like Sam he was extremely happy at the thought of real clothing. He just wished they had extra boots.
"I'm not gonna miss those leather things, I gotta tell ya!" he said as he buttoned his shirt.
"No? I am actually. I thought they looked really cute on you."
"Cute!" he said with disgust.
"Mmmmm, real cute. I especially liked the way your – uh – cheeks kind of peaked out the back."
"WHAT!" He squeaked this time. "Why didn't you tell me!" He could feel the color seep up his neck.
"Tell you? And lose that great view? No way – a girl has to have some enjoyment!"
"I'm gonna get you for that Samantha Carter – be very afraid."
She grinned at him but knew he was telling the truth. She was going to receive some kind of retribution for that. She looked forward to it.
Once they had dressed they both brushed their teeth and Jack shaved. Sam eyed his razor with longing but he threatened her with serious retribution if she even thought of using it.
"You will not use this razor Major Carter, is that understood?" He looked at her sternly.
"I wouldn't hurt it Sir, really", she answered, pleadingly.
"No – never, niet, nunca – etc, etc. This is a direct order Major – DO NOT USE THIS RAZOR!"
"But don't you want to feel my soft, silky legs rubbing against yours?" She moved over to him and, lifting her leg, began to rub it along his calf. He pulled back quickly, his breathing starting to quicken.
"Minx! Come on, let's go have supper. I don't know about you but I'm starving." It was true, but he wasn't really hungry for food. He just knew he had to get out in the open or he was going to grab her right now and he was terrified he'd do something that would frighten her after her attack by the Boob.
Sam smiled and nodded and willingly followed Jack out of the little bath tent. She knew exactly what he was feeling – and that he was very much on edge. She'd actually done that intentionally. Suddenly – maybe it was being clean – or maybe just because of how sweet he'd been – she wanted to take things back to the next level. She just hoped Jack was feeling the same – emotionally. He was obviously there physically.
As they walked back into the cave they received a lot of attention. Most of it was positive – with a lot of teasing and giggling. Two people didn't look happy – the Chief and Maru. They watched the two people enter, dressed in their old clothes, and saw a portent of the future.
After supper Jack told Sam to go and speak to one of the other women while he made her final 'surprise'. After a few minutes he called her back and handed her a cup. She took it, noticing it was hot. Putting it up to her face she breathed it in.
"Oh God – hot chocolate. Where did you get this?" She'd thought all their food supplies had been used up.
"I found it at the bottom of my pack. It must have fallen out." He lifted his own cup and took a small sip of the hot, sweet liquid. "That's not all you know. I found something else." Reaching over he picked something up and handed it to her. "I hope it's still good."
She looked down and saw that she was holding a bag of chocolate M&M's. Although normally the peanut ones were her favorites, this time she was glad it was just the chocolate, as the peanuts would probably have gone stale.
"I did tell you I love you right?" she said as she looked at the bag in her hand.
"Yeah, but you can say it again if you want."
"Jack O'Neill – I love you. I adore you. I worship the ground you walk on!"
Grinning he answered, "Hey, if I had known M&M's got that kind of reaction I would have given them to you years ago!"
He watched as she ripped open the corner of the bag and poured a couple into her hand. Watching her pop them into her mouth and suck on them had him practically quivering with desire. God – he really should have given these to her before!
"Want some?" It took him a minute to realize she was talking about the chocolates.
"Yeah, please, I'd love some." She sat looking at him and then spoke again.
"Oh, do you want some chocolates too?"
He practically fell over. Oh God – what was she doing to him?
"Yeah, chocolates would be nice." He held his hand out and she gave him a small handful. Carefully putting the rest away she looked up.
"Saving them for later." He nodded, knowing it would be great to have another treat left. What with the hot chocolate and the candy he was experiencing a bit of sugar overload. They hadn't eaten any for weeks and he could feel the buzz – or maybe that was just because he was in a state of extreme desire.
Once they'd finished the hot chocolate, and Jack had managed to calm down, they both went and did their evening ablutions. It was great to actually be able to brush their teeth, especially after the chocolate. It also made the idea of kissing seem that much nicer.
By the time they'd crawled into bed both of them were feeling edgy and excited and unsure. After what they'd been through they'd realized that the other needed time to heal and neither of them was sure where the other was right now. So, they lay side-by-side, rigid and nervous.
"Thank you again Jack", she said softly. "That was wonderful."
He was so glad his surprise had gone well. She deserved it. "You're welcome."
"So is it better now that I'm clean?" she asked. "You no longer have a stinky bedmate."
"Although you smell wonderful I never minded. I always liked you as a bedmate, stinky or not."
"Me too. You're a great bedmate."
"Why thank you ma'am." He answered. Keep it light Jack, keep it light.
"Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Me? Great. Fine. Better than in a long time. Why?"
"You're not still … .upset?" she asked hesitatingly.
"Uh – not right now."
"But you were before?"
"Well, it's gonna take me a while, you know. But I'm okay and it'll only get better." He didn't want to go there right now.
"Okay. I just - " She stopped, afraid to go on.
"You just?"
"I don't want to put pressure on you!" she said a bit defiantly.
"Pressure?" Now he was really confused.
"Yes – pressure."
"I'm not quite sure what you're getting at?" What the heck was this about?
With a huff she rolled to her side and moved closer to him. "Men! Sometimes you can be so obtuse!"
"Yeah, I know that – so help me out here."
"Jack O'Neill. I thought I was making it pretty obvious."
"Uh, not to me!"
"Mennnn! She screamed softly. "Jack, when a naked woman invites you into her bath it usually means something more than that she wants a backrub!"
His eyes grew big at that. Idiot, O'Neill.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. But look, if you don't want to right now it's okay, I understand. That's why I said I didn't want to presu- JACK!"
In the middle of her sentence he grabbed her arms and pushed her gently onto her back. Moving so that he was partially on top of her he leaned down. Just as he went to touch her lips with his own he spoke.
"I want to …. right now! Please Carter - pressure me!" With that he leaned in for a very passionate kiss.
The tribe was very happy that night. Yes – their newest members were doing their duty. Maru and the Chief looked at each other and smiled.