Chapter Five: Apologizing for complete and utter Morons

AN: Title reference is to a popular helping book series ("...for Dummies").

Cassie lay on her stomach in Sam's backyard, reading a medical text book she'd bought off the Internet while Jasmine chewed on her chubby fist.

Unconsciously, her hand moved to play with the chain and ring around her neck, forgetting she had given it back. Jasmine reached out and grabbed a handful of her hair and squealed with delight as she pulled a few strands from Cassies head making her forget all about Jon and his issues. She couldn't help wondering how long she'd have to wait for a child of her own.

Closing the book she sighed and rolled over staring up at the sky, knowing just who she wanted to be her children's father, but there was a chance between slim and none it would happen now. Jon had thrown himself to the wolves with some half baked messiah complex.

Unable to take out her annoyance on Jon, she took it out of the strands of grass. Soon she had a large pile and Sam's lawn had a bald spot. Tossing the grass into the air she muttered, "Jon O'Neill, you are an-"

"I wouldn't finish that. It's not good to swear in front of babies or complete and utter morons."

Sitting up, she found Jon standing on the porch, still wearing in his dress uniform. From his fingers dangled the ring and chain he'd given Cassie. "I have come to ask your forgiveness. I'm not going to the SGC, Haruka gave me the smack down I deserved. She could have done worse, I was way out of line. I'm right where I belong: here with you."

"What about saving the world? I thought the SGC needed you, that they..." she stopped hating the bitterness in her voice.

"I was wrong, so very wrong. I can see it now, all it took was a good mental smack on the back of the head." Then he dropped down on to all fours in the dogeza as he'd done with Haruka. "Forgive me..."

Cassie knelt down in front of him, lifting his face to meet her gaze. "All I wanted is for you to be yourself, not Jack. There's already one of him, and you needed to see that. You don't have to live his life, you are you, not a shadow of him."

He sat back in seiza, straightening. Cupping her face with his hands, he sighed. "Cassie, I see that now. We came so close to losing Sam and the others, I just reacted. It was stupid and things like that can get people killed just as easily." His thumb traced her lip. "I need to know if you can forgive me." He lifted the ring. "I don't know if you're ready to wear this again, but I hope one day you will."

Opening her hand he let the chain drop and covered it with her fingers. "I love you and even my own stupidity can't change that and I pray it's the same with you."

Tears filled Cassie's eyes. "Jon, I love you, no matter how stupid you are." Then she kissed him and suddenly the beautiful day got brighter.

"Cassie, Jasmine where are you?" Sam's voice called from the kitchen and the two of them broke apart. They had forgotten where they were.

Jon stepped away from Cassie but curled his fingers around hers trying not to feel awkward being here. He as pretty sure Sam knew what was going on between Cassie and himself the last few days.

Keeping his voice even, he called out, "We're out here Sam and Jasmine's too. She's just discovered that grass is tasty."

Seeing what the little girl was up to Cassie squeezed Jon's hand once before hurrying over to the baby who'd managed to get a fist full of grass into her mouth.

Cassie had extracted most of the strands before Sam appeared looking weary.

Jon met her gaze. "How's things going with the Ori?"

Sam's gaze narrowed. "None of your concern, Cadet. You have your own worries and concerns." The she stopped rubbing her hands over her face. "Stay out of it, Jon. You have so much here, don't waste the time you have. It could all be gone and you'll be left with nothing. Jack and I know that all too well."

"What's wrong, Sam?" Cassie asked handing over the baby to Sam, who took her little girl and perked up a little.

"I've never been away from her for very long and this next mission is going to be a long one. Part of me wishes she could come with me but I know that's stupid."

"You betcha it is. No way my little girl is heading off into the great unknown for a few more years. Why don't you get packed while I have a man to man talk with Jon. Cassie, would you mind changing our little Angel: she reeks!"

Jack handed the baby over to Cassie but Sam stepped in the way. "No, I'll take her. I'd like a bit of time with her before I go." She looked at her watch. "I have a few hours and I'd like to spend it with my family."

Cassie looked at Jon. "We should be going anyway. We have a few things to do before school starts-"

"Not so fast. As I said I need a few moments with Jon. I won't keep him long because I want the two of you gone, if you know what I mean..." Jack waggled his brows.

Jon smiled as Cassie's face flushed red. "Grab your things so we can leave these two lovebirds alone." He really didn't relish the chewing out he was sure was coming, but he was ready to face the music.

Still hesitating, Cassie looked from Jack and then Jon. "Don't hurt him. He's just got his head back on straight, we don't need you knocking it all screwy again."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Jack then made shooing motions with his hands. "Off you go now while me and Take Two have a little talk."

As soon as Cassie disappeared into the house Jon held up his hands in mock defence. "I've already been knocked off and been kicked in the teeth by my high horse, and then chased over the gangway and fed to the Sharks. I know my place and I'm content with it. I have a lot of growing to do before I attempt to join the SGC. I may have the knowledge but I'm not ready to use it."

Jack's whole body relaxed. "That's good to hear because I thought I'd have to beat some sense into you."

"Jack, how do you do it? I mean you have to sit back behind that desk and just read it in reports." Jack's face darkened, but Jon held up his hands. "I know it's what I have to do but I'm just wondering how you do it."

Motioning to the small patio table, Jack sat down. "It's not the easiest thing I have done in my life, but... someone has to do it. The SGC needs me to watch their back. I just have to remember that. What you are doing is the same thing. In a few years they will need people like you to take over and if you just throw yourself to the wolves there is no nobility in that." He squeezed Jon's shoulder. "There's a time and place for everything and you just have to wait for yours."

Jon forced a smile. "I know and it won't be easy, but I see how important it is." He looked up to find Cassie coming out onto the deck and he smiled. "For many reasons."

Jack followed Jon's gaze and smiled himself. "Yes, there are. Now off the two of you go. School starts tomorrow. Tonight is your last night."

Getting to his feet Jon, moved to Cassie's side. "Jack, Sam will come home from whatever she's doing. She always does."

This time, Jack's smile was grim. "I can only hope you're right."

The two cadets left him, staring up at the first star of the evening. Jon wondered if Jack was making a wish, because he did.

Sam found Jack still watching the stars a few minutes later, after putting Jasmine to bed. She could feel the melancholy wrapped around him like a blanket.

Knowing she needed the contact as much as he did, she put her arms around his neck. "I'm coming home Jack. It'll take a few months but I'm coming back. The worst part is all that I'll miss." Tears pricked at her eyes. "Jack-"

Pushing back from the table, Jack got to his feet, pulling Sam close. "I know. I missed so much of Charlie's life so I understand. I will try to film as much as I can. Those movies were my saving grace." He tilted Sam's face up to look at him. "I love you and eventually this war will end and then we'll have more time. We just need to have patience."

Laying her head on Jack's shoulder, she sighed, "That seems to be our line and I'm so tired of it, but it's all we have." Straightening up she held out her hand. "Jack, lets not waste any more time. Jasmine's asleep, why don't we go inside and have our dinner later."

Smiling Jack took her hand. "I'd like nothing better." Then he swept Sam up into his arms and carried her inside.

The silence in Jon's truck was thick and he wondered what to say. He had apologized, but was this really behind them? Cassie had been staring out the window since they left Sam's house and she seemed to have withdrawn from him.

He'd ordered food for them to eat at his house, but he changed his mind. Turning at the next intersection he headed up into the hills. It was only when they left the city did Cassie look over at him.

"Where are we going?"

"To our spot. I thought since our last visit didn't end well it was time I fixed that. Besides, this will be the last chance to look at the stars for a while together because we'll both be hitting the books." Jon looked over at Cassie, a little worried about her thoughts on the matter, but she smiled.

"I'd like that. It sounds nice, but I want to eat first; nothing's worse than cold Chinese food."

"I agree. Cassie, this is a new beginning and I plan to make the last couple of weeks up to you. I have never been more sorry about anything than I am now."

"Jon, stop it." She put her finger to his lips. "I've forgiven you. Let's not beat it to death. You made a mistake and you've corrected it. Let's just start over again."

Pulling into their clearing, Jon shut off the truck. "Clean slate and I won't talk about this anymore."

Cassie leaned over and kissed him. "Yep and the cost is your lemon chicken."

Laughing, Jon returned her kiss. "Done!"

There are two more chapters up on my site and if you would like to check them out Google my penname and you will find me. I love to hear from you whether you liked it or loved it. :0P

Also I have published two original pieces of work on Kindle you can find a link to them on my website as well.

if I get enough review I will be pushed to add the chapter early, like Friday, instead of later next week. I have one so far this week but I think I could handle a few more.