A/N: Gah, I'm sooooooooo sorry this update has taken me so long! My internet just hasn't been working, so again I'm sorry to those of you that reviewed the last chapter that I wasn't able to reply to! I think Virgin is upgrading the internet in this area, so it has just been practically non-existent the past week. So I'm very sorry, and as always THANK YOU to everyone who reviewed!! Special thanks to ALIMOO1971 for pointing out my whopping whoopsie in the last chapter (now corrected). Here's Chapter 10, enjoy!

Italics indicate flashback sequence

Chapter 10: In which the rest of the team find out what decision their friends have made.

-------------------------

Minutes later, Sam gently, reluctantly pulled away from Jack's lips. She watched his eyes flicker open, gazing intensely at her. Her eyes were filled with delighted wonder, and her hands drew back from around his neck to touch his face lovingly. Her thumb stroked gently across his lips, as his eyes closed in delight, leaning forwards to kiss him again. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she could feel his too, as though they were connected. It was blissful. She felt Jack's hand raise to hold her head gently, fingers entwining in her hair, encouraging her to meld closer to him. She leaned her body into his in response, no longer feeling separate pressure at the points where their bodies touched, just an encompassing feeling of heat and comfort. She wished she could stay in this moment forever, making up for all the years they'd spent denying themselves contact.

They separated again, smiling in exhilaration. Jack's hand cupped her cheek, thumb gently wiping the threatening tears away, before sweeping her into an engulfing hug, wrapping his arms securely around her and burying his face in her neck. He nuzzled her shoulder gently, eliciting soft giggles from Sam, hugging him fiercely back. The stars twinkled behind them, seeming to shine even brighter. They both felt deliriously happy, Jack's heart feeling truly light for the first time in years, weighed down only by the deep emotion bursting within him. Nothing was going to stop them anymore.

Pleasant hours later, Jack's truck pulled up once again outside Sam's house. He bounded round to the passenger side, offering his hand to help Sam out. Though she needed no assistance, she gratefully accepted, relishing his touch. Slowly, they made their way to the front door, and stood facing each other, contemplating, hands lightly on the other's waist. Jack leaned forward, happily pressing another kiss to Sam's lips which she eagerly returned, no longer able to comprehend the thought of not being able to do this. When they finally broke, remembering that breathing was also quite important, Sam leaned into Jack, resting her head on his chest, hand hovering over his heart.

"Jack, this evening was perfect," she smiled contentedly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Jack grinned, kissing her nose as she raised her head, loving the wide, delighted smile he received in response.

"Really, though," Sam pressed. "The whole thing, it was so thoughtful. The beautiful park, the ferry to ourselves, it was just incredible. I never could have imagined it. It was so amazing of you to think of it." Jack looked down briefly, with a modest shrug.

"Ah, well.. It was nothing special." He shuffled his feet in embarrassment. "Anyway," he looked up, raising his eyebrows, "it's not like I could have just taken you to a restaurant." He smiled at Sam's puzzled frown. "How clichéd would that have been?!" He chuckled as he felt Sam's sparkling laugh, muffled by his shoulder. "I mean, come on. Stuffy suits, simpering waiters, overpriced food, other.. people... That's not me."

"I know." She smiled at him understandingly. "And you know what... I like that." She paused shyly. "I.. You wouldn't be the person that you are if you were the sort of guy whose idea of a great evening was just a smart restaurant. And, I.. I like that. I find them pretty stifling too." Sam chewed her bottom lip gently, watched by an entranced Jack, as she found the words to continue. "I.. love that you thought of something so original, so unique, so.. so you, Sir. And if you were any different, you..." She paused, smiling faintly, boldly looking him in the eye. "If you were any different, you wouldn't be the man I love."

She took a deep breath, apprehensive of his reaction, eyes still meeting his. He blinked slowly several times, and he opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came. His head shook, almost imperceptibly, in stunned wonder. He found a response, then, lowering his head and kissing Sam tenderly, with gentle passion, pouring all of his emotions into it, letting her know completely and utterly how much he appreciated her. She smiled thankfully into his lips, receiving an answering smile in return. When they finally paused, Jack rested against her forehead, eyes closed, their heavy breaths mingling between them.

"I.. You.. You just said what I think you said, right?" He panted, raising his eyes to meet hers.

"Well.." Sam paused, smiling, eyes twinkling. "If you think I just said that I love you... Then yes. I love you." She gasped as Jack pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as though he'd lose her if he let go. Overcome with emotion, with the wonder that this amazing woman should feel such a way towards him, he whispered raggedly, breath hot against her ear.

"I love you too, Sam. Oiy, I love you so much. I love you. I love you." He felt as though he could never tell her enough, as they gripped each other tighter. He smiled against her ear. "Always have, y'know. Ever since you challenged me to an arm wrestle in that briefing room." Sam grinned into his shoulder.

"Me too, Sir." He didn't bother correcting her salutation, he didn't care. She loved him, and that was all that mattered. "Ever since the look on your face when I told you I had pulled out of a simulated bombing run in an F-16 at 8-plus G's." At the time, she'd addressed the claim to Kawalsky, but she'd known even then that the person whose reaction she'd cared about the most was the smart, cocky, deliciously handsome Colonel the other side of the table. He chuckled, as she pulled back to meet his eyes, hers bright with unshed tears of happiness. She was never normally so emotional; maybe it was just the effect he had on her, though she knew it was more likely an effect of her pregnancy. Which was also, when she thought about it, an effect he'd had on her. "Yeah, even though I thought you were a pig for your attitude to women and scientists... You just looked so good in that uniform, Sir. Still do, as a matter of fact." She smiled wickedly, enjoying his reaction, before he smirked back.

"Well, you too, Major. I've never seen someone make that uniform look so damn good." His expression softened. "Or anything, actually. Even BDU's, a thing I never before thought possible, by the way."

"Speak for yourself," she blushed, embarrassed at her forthcoming admission. "I never had any trouble following orders to watch your six, Sir." He laughed gently, knowing without a doubt that he loved this woman more than words could express. Eyes dark with emotion, his hand caressed her cheek tenderly.

"I mean it though, Sam. You're beautiful. You look beautiful tonight." His eyes flicked down, taking in once more her appearance, before meeting her eyes once more. He smiled ruefully, placing a searing, lingering kiss on her lips, making her gasp delightedly. "Night, Samantha."

He turned and walked back towards his truck, feeling her warm gaze on his back. He waited until she unlocked the door and stepping inside, hand passing in a brief wave as he started the engine.

..--00--..

"So, you've not heard anything?" Daniel questioned Janet as the doctor climbed into his car behind him and Tea'lc.

"Nope," Janet answered. "I only know what you do, that Hammond gave them both the weekend off to think things over. He didn't tell me if they'd made any decision."

"I believe that Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill would wish to inform us of their intentions themselves, when they have reached one," Tea'lc suggested. The friends had been concerned for Jack and Sam, knowing the difficult position they were in, and had decided after not hearing anything for over a day that they would go to see Sam to keep her company, worried in case Jack was still resolutely avoiding her, knowing the older man would likely rather be left alone.

"Yeah, I think you're right, Tea'lc." Daniel confirmed. "Even if they have already made a decision and informed General Hammond, I ah, think they'd want to tell us in person."

"Yes, you're probably right," Janet agreed. "But still, as Sam's doctor, I need to know these things!" Daniel smiled broadly as Tea'lc's mouth twitched, both knowing that Janet's indignation had as much to do with her being curious about her friend than the professional claim of being her doctor.

"I hope they're okay, though." Daniel mused. "Sam will have to give up so much either way. I just hope Jack will talk to her and try to understand." The archaeologist had often expressed concern over his older friend's rather lacking diplomatic skills.

"Have confidence in O'Neill, Daniel Jackson," Tea'lc spoke emphatically. "He cares greatly for Major Carter. I trust that they will come to the right decision together."

"Well, I hope you're right," Janet chimed, Daniel nodding in agreement. "They're both going to be two very unhappy people if they don't."

Daniel's car finally pulled up outside Sam's quiet house. The three friends made their way to the front door, and Daniel knocked. They waited a few moments, looking around in puzzlement when no answer came. Daniel knocked a little harder, standing back and trying to see in the windows.

"You think she's in?"

"Should be, her car's there..." Janet mused. She and Daniel looked up as Tea'lc stiffened, raising a hand.

"Ah... Tea'lc?"

The Jaffa began to walk slowly around the side of Sam's house, Daniel and Janet following. Their faces lit with understanding as the sound of Sam's soft giggle floated from the back. Janet raised her eyebrows hopefully at Daniel; that was definitely a good sign. As they came in sight of Sam's back garden, all three stopped dead in their tracks, met by a sight none of them would have expected.

Sam lay on her back on the grass, apparently half underneath an extremely occupied Jack O'Neill. Her arms came up around his neck, he lying with one hand tenderly stroking her abdomen, supported on his other elbow. They were blatantly engaged in a passionate embrace, eyes closed to all else in pleasure, kissing softly, oblivious to the appearance of their rather stunned friends.

Sam was restless. Incredibly restless. She had barely slept, playing back her evening with the Colonel - Jack - over and over in her mind. She'd actually told him she loved him. Phew.. And he, in no uncertain terms, had informed her of his love for her. She never knew she could feel so deliriously happy from so few words. And the kisses... Boy. She'd always imagined that the Colonel would kiss wonderfully, had spent hours across the years, no doubt, daydreaming, studying that sculpted mouth across the briefing room table, wondering exactly how it would feel... The dreams didn't even come close to the reality. Wow. She touched her lips gently, remembering the feel of his lips on hers, his taste, their mouths becoming one. Okay, too much thinking. Deciding she needed some air, she decided to do some gardening; her plants had become somewhat unkempt after her lack of attention in recent weeks.

An hour or so later, she was hard at it, turning the soil, replanting plants, forking out weeds. She jumped in surprise when strong arms wrapped around her from behind, smiling as she felt her cheek graced with a soft kiss by the lips she had been dreaming about. She turned into his arms, smiling tenderly at his flushed features. He'd been restless too, it turned out, had went out for a run and found himself here. Yeah, just found himself here. She rose to her feet, kissing him soundly, giggling happily as the kiss deepened.

"Jack. Jack," she attempted to pull back as he covered her face and neck in kisses. "Just let me finish this, ok?"

"Huh. Alright," he shrugged. He peered over her shoulder. "Watcha doin'?"

"Trying to get rid of this weed," she grumbled as she tugged fruitlessly at it. It was particularly stubborn, she had been trying to pull it up for several minutes already. "Come on, dammit! Why won't you come out?" She muttered to herself, Jack smirking behind her. He'd known Carter talked to plants for some time, and found it very endearing. He reached his arms around her, taking hold of the offending weed with her.

"Here, let me help." Together, they pulled at it. Suddenly, the weed came out, sending the two flying backwards, landing in a heap, covered in soil that had flown up.

"Ooof!" Jack winced as Sam landed on top of him with a cry. She rolled herself over, lying on top of him, gazing lovingly in his eyes. As Jack brought his face up to meet hers, she giggled. "Hey, what?" He grumbled.

"It's just, you... Jack, you've got.." she paused, shaking with laughter. "You've got all soil on your face. It's kinda cute." She laughed more as Jack humphed at her. Grinning cheekily, she brought a hand up, and smeared some more on his nose, pushing herself up quickly as she ran from an outraged Jack.

"Samantha Carter, get your ass back here! That's an order!" He yelled as he chased after her in mock anger. After chasing her around the modest garden for some time, he caught up to her. Throwing his arms around her waist, they both toppled to the ground, laughing helplessly. Panting in exhilaration, Jack rolled over until he was lying slightly above her, gently stroking the dirt off her face as she reached up and did the same to him. Brushing off soil quickly turned into caresses. Their eyes locked together, clouded with love and desire. Jack lowered his face slowly, tantalisingly, until his lips reached hers. The searing kiss quickly deepened, become more and more passionate. They lost themselves in each other.

Oblivious to the appearance of their friends, that is, until Daniel spluttered loudly, having nearly choked upon seeing two of his closest friends in the galaxy entwined in such a manner.

Both Sam and Jack whipped their heads around at the sound, with mortified expressions. Their surprised eyes found Daniel going bright, bright red, and Tea'lc and Janet with distinctly amused smirks on their faces. Jack flopped over onto his back, groaning as his hands covered his face. Sam, on the other hand, rolled over, trying to bury herself in Jack's shoulder. Janet stepped forward, smiling happily.

"Well, Sam, we popped around to see if you wanted some company! Looks like you didn't really need any more, hey?" Sam groaned, rising to her feet slowly, stuffing her hands in her jean pockets, a deep blush spreading across her features.

"Yeah.. Um.. Hi there, guys..!" She stuttered. Jack chose this moment to sit up and join in.

"Yeah, thanks for dropping by, guys! Great to see you all. Couldn't have timed it better, could ya?" He quipped, rising to stand slightly behind Sam. Tea'lc stepped towards them, smiling as broad as they had ever seen.

"O'Neill, Major Carter. I trusted you would reach an agreeable decision concerning your future together, and that of your child. I am most pleased for you." Jack attempted to suppress a proud smile at Tea'lc's words, as Sam stepped forwards to hug the large Jaffa, who engulfed her in his large arms.

"Thanks, Tea'lc. We appreciate that." He bowed his head in response. Sam looked to Janet, who grinned back at her.

"So, you're going for it then? Sam, I'm so happy for you!" The petite doctor, practically squealing, bounced over to Sam and hugged her. "Both of you", she added, winking at Jack, who was still frowning in embarrassment. One thing that had definitely not been on his agenda for the afternoon was being caught making out with Sam like a couple of teenagers by the people he cared about the most. It wasn't exactly the way they'd wanted them to find out.

Daniel finally managed to recover himself to some degree, still an interesting shade of pink. Feeling much the same as Jack, he was pretty mortified at stumbling upon his two best friends. To Daniel, it felt like seeing his sister with his best friend. Though he had suspected that this would be their decision, having known along with the others of his team-mates feelings towards each other for a long time, seeing it was a different matter. Nevertheless, he smiled encouragingly.

"Wow. I, ah.. Whoa. Sam, Jack, I, I'm really, really thrilled for you. Wow!" Having gotten over the initial shock, he now gushed warmly, pulling both Jack and Sam into an awkward hug. They all stood, smiling happily, Sam and Jack still a little (well, a lot) embarrassed. Sam stepped slightly closer to Jack, shyly taking his hand and squeezing it, flashing him a reassuring smile.

"Thanks guys, thank you so much. We were going to tell you all on Monday, when we'd gotten used to the idea ourselves a bit first, but well, now you know. I'm leaving SG-1," she smiled sadly at Daniel and Tea'lc, who looked mildly disappointed but understanding. "But, I'll be on base most of the time still, just doing all the research that I would normally do when we're not offworld. In fact," she continued, becoming excited, "I'll be able to devote much more time to the development of technologies that could be of practical help to us, that I just haven't had the time for before. What with, saving the planet, and all.." She added teasingly.

"Your presence will be greatly missed on SG-1, Major Carter." Tea'lc said solemnly, Daniel nodding emphatically behind him.

"Yes, it will." Jack spoke quietly from behind her, his hand resting on her back lightly. "Which is why," he sighed dramatically, "I have a huge, honkin' stack of personnel files to plough through tomorrow. Not that we could ever really replace Carter," he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, "but we'll have to do our best."

With that, the friends made their way into the house, deciding to enjoy the rest of the afternoon together, having not a had a real opportunity to do so for quite some time. Once inside, Janet pulled Sam aside.

"So honey, how are you feeling? Everything alright?" She queried, referring to Sam's condition.

"Yes, everything's great, Janet," she smiled brightly, hand moving automatically to her abdomen. "In fact, I've never felt better." She added, glowing warmly. "Aside from all the nausea, lack of energy, the fact I need to pee all the time..." She frowned, semi-jokingly. Janet smiled back, rubbing her arm comfortingly.

"I know, I know. That can't be much fun. Let's hope it's all worth it though! I take it things are going well with the Colonel?" she teased. Sam blushed in response, ducking her head, but her eyes smiled at her friend.

"Yeah, it's... Going well. Very well." She grinned. "We went out last night. It was the most incredible evening, Janet," she gushed.

Jack peered around the corner of the door of Sam's lounge, and retreated, knowing full well what the two emotional women were talking so excitedly about. He turned sardonically to Daniel and Tea'lc.

"Let me just get something straight... You guys really aren't interested in gossiping about the fact that Carter and I went on a date, right?" He nodded in satisfaction at Daniel's very emphatic denial, as Tea'lc's head shook imperceptibly. "Good... Good." He sat down rather heavily. "So..."

"So..." Daniel joined in. Tea'lc looked between the two men, contemplating.

"O'Neill." He spoke suddenly, startling Jack somewhat, who'd been too busy studying his feet. "I do not understand your unease at discussing the development of your relationship with Major Carter." Jack began to stammer a response, but was cut off again by the Jaffa. "Indeed, is it not something you have desired for many years? Should you not celebrate the fact with your friends?" Jack stammered more, uncomfortably. Having been forced to be completely platonic for so many years, Jack was unsure how to react around his friends now that the dynamic had changed.

"T, I, uh.. You see, it's just that.."

"And you, Daniel Jackson." Tea'lc turned his stern gaze on the archaeologist, who cowered down in his chair. "Should you not be overjoyed, as were Doctor Fraiser and myself, at the discovery that our two great friends can at last share their love openly, with their child?" Tea'lc looked between the distinctly chastened archaeologist and soldier, who both sat staring at the ground, looking rather sorry for themselves. Tea'lc made a low sound in his throat, coming to his feet and stalking out of the room to talk with Major Carter and Doctor Fraiser, who seemed to fully appreciate the development. He knew that O'Neill and Daniel Jackson were merely embarrassed, but there was no harm in giving them some encouragement to be more open.

Jack and Daniel sat, staring uncomfortably at each other. Jack shrugged.

"Daniel, you know I -"

"I know, I ah, I know, Jack."

"Good. It's just, you kn-"

"Yeah, yeah. I mean, you know that I -"

"Oh yeah, sure."

"Good. I -"

"Good."

A small smile passed between the two. Yep, this would be an interesting afternoon.

TBC

--------------------------------

A/N: Thank you for reading! Reviews really, really make me happy, and boost me up, so please please let me know what you think! Hope you all enjoyed it. Thank yoooou!!