The next day came all too soon. Jack and Sam found themselves in the uncomfortably embarrassing robes once again. This time they were both in yellow. Daniel and Teal'c had already made their way over to the temple, it was agreed that Daniel would translate the ceremony for them so that they could understand what was happening. Jack was starting to wish he had paid attention to Larnos and Isena's joining the day before. He had no idea what was expected of him.
He was fussing with his wreath when he heard Sam come out of the bedroom; he turned toward her and was once again speechless. The yellow suited her better than yesterdays pink. The yellow roses on her head making her hair look almost gold. A smile spread across his face as he came to understand that the beautiful woman in front of him was to be joined to him.
"Sir…are you ok?" Sam's voice punctured his thoughts as he realised that he had been staring at her.
"Sorry Carter…so are you ready?" Jack proffered his arm for her to take. With a nod and smile, she walked toward him and took his arm.
The ceremony was a very confusing affair. Daniel translating Circe's instructions caused it to be extended by another hour. This time, however, Jack's concentration didn't wander. He got to look at Sam, without reproach, for three hours. The smile didn't move from his face until the last words uttered by Daniel.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Sam and Jack looked with shock toward Daniel. His face a picture of innocence as he gave a small shrug.
Jack and Sam turned back toward each other and with mutual consent, moved in for a kiss. Although it was soft and chaste and, in Jacks opinion, over all too soon; the electricity was unmistakable. They broke apart to the clapping and cheering of the crowd. Sam's face as flushed as Jack's. While the hustle and bustle of people around them heading into the temple hall, they stood looking at each other. It was only Daniel's voice that brought them back to reality.
"Well I think that went very well. Well done you two." Daniel looked at the newly joined couple with a grin. The scowl from Jack quickly wiped the smile from his face and, with a shrug, followed the crowd into the hall.
"Everything ok Carter?" The electricity from the forbidden kiss was still humming between them. She nodded, unable to trust her voice for she was sure it would betray the want that she felt.
"Shall we go eat, drink and be merry?" Jack could feel that he was trying to inject forced humour into the one sided conversation. Sam could feel the uncomfortable vibes coming from her CO. She reached out and took his hand in hers. The look in Jack's eyes spoke volumes, asking if she was ok, asking if he'd over stepped the mark, asking if he should have protested more to the kiss. Gripping his hand tighter she answered all the questions at once:
"Better make it look real…Sir." Jack sighed and pulled her into him, releasing her hand he placed it into the crook of his arm, making sure that she stayed close to him. They walked into the hall and saw Daniel talking with Circe; Daniel beckoned to them to join them.
When they reached the back of the hall Daniel turned to them. "Circe has agreed that as you do not know the couples that are to be joined, she will choose for you and all you need to do in present the gifts."
Jack and Sam both nodded in unison before taking their cushions at their table. The celebration continued as before, everyone enjoying the food and drink and the chatter reverberating around the chamber. It appeared that as the honoured couple, Jack and Sam were expected to drink more than everyone else. Nearing the end of the evening they were both feeling the effects of the fermented drink. Jack found that his inhibitions were lowering and couldn't resist moving closer to Sam, who was in conversation with Isena. Sam felt Jack move closer and, upon finishing her discussion turned toward him. His close proximity ensured that as she turned her arm brushed against his. The sudden contact made Sam jump as if she had been bitten. Jack's smile dropped to a look of concern.
"Sorry Carter, didn't mean to make you jump." He began to move away from her when she placed a hand on his arm.
"Just making it look real, Sir?" Her smile made him relax and he put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. The feel of his rough hands against her smooth skin caused shivers to work up her spine. Jack felt the small shudder under his fingertips and looked with concern at her. What he saw looking back unnerved him. Sam's desire shone out from darkened eyes. He felt his body react to her and quickly looked away, under the guise of scanning the room, trying to get his desire under control. Both jumped at Larnos's voice from behind them.
"Jack, Major Carter, your quarters are ready." Their confusion evident on their faces, Larnos continued. "Once you have chosen the next to be joined, you are to be housed in the Joining Chambers, as per our customs."
Jack stood and held out a hand to help Sam to her feet. "Better lead the way then Larnos." Putting Sam's hand firmly in the crook of his arm Larnos led the way to Circe to initiate the next joining before heading toward the Joining Chamber. At the entrance to the Chamber, Larnos bid them good night before returning to the hall.
Sam and Jack entered the room in silence, the previous air of desire turning into nerves. In front of them stood a large canopied bed scattered with rose petals. A heady, unidentifiable fragrance permeated the room. Sam removed her hand from Jack's arm and walked to the large window looking over the village square, the moon illuminating the last of the revellers leaving the celebration. Sam felt Jack move to stand behind her and she turned to meet his gaze, this time he didn't hide the desire that showed in his eyes. She could feel the heat emanating from his body, his breath mingling with her own between them. Jack reached out and trailed a finger down her smooth arm. Sam gasped in response, her eyes closing with a flutter.
"Sam." The use of her name had her eyes open quickly. Where previously she saw desire she now saw regret. "We're going back home tomorrow, back to normality, whatever that means in our line of work." A small smile passed across his lips before he continued. "But before that happens I just want you to know…I do care for you...too much considering our ranks."
Sam nodded in understanding. "I feel the same Jack." The use of his name was the unspoken invitation he had been waiting for. Leaning toward her he met her lips with a tender kiss.
"Just something else to keep in that room." Sam's whisper caught Jack off guard. With a sheepish grin he squeezed her hands. "We'd better get some rest, do you mind sharing, I could take the floor if you do." Walking toward the bed and sitting on the edge she smiled at him. "I'm ok if you are." Jack strode toward her and, placing her hands on her shoulders replied. "When I'm with you I'm always ok."