SG-1, having had a series of difficult months culminating in a mission that got Teal'c tortured nearly to death and the other three fourths of the team plus Jacob and Selmak nearly blown up with a space mine only to accidentally make Apophis much more powerful, is on temporary downtime to recover.

So here they are at Jack's house for a movie and snacks. He settles down in his usual spot on the couch, nestled comfortably between the left arm and a large throw pillow with Sam on the other side of it. Daniel and Teal'c flank them in armchairs, the coffee table piled high with snacks that are a mix of healthy and indulgent.

"What feature film will we view tonight, O'Neill?"

"Ah!" Jack says, smiling and brandishing the remote to press play. "Tonight's classic is none other than The Princess Bride, which is one of the finest ever made, Teal'c."

"For what reason, O'Neill?"

He shrugs. "Because it's got everything, T. Adventure, comedy, romance-pirates! I'm tellin' ya, T, this one doesn't miss. Right, Carter?" She smiles and agrees and he winks at her.

For Jack, the movie is a comfort, a soothing balm to the many recent hurts they'd picked up individually and as a unit; it has action without being overly violent and the comedy is silly but doesn't feel out of place in the general miasma of their current situation in the war. The romance is sweet but not heavy handed in a way that makes it awkward to be sitting just one throw pillow away from her.

"Why has the woman thrown herself after the Dread Pirate Roberts, O'Neill?" Teal'c asks, having misunderstood part of the movie in a forgivable way.

"Because it's Westley and she loves him," Jack says. "It's true love, Teal'c; remember, it doesn't happen every day." He smiles at Teal'c, who nods, but he turns to find Sam looking at him, and he winks at her, maintaining eye contact as he continues, "As you wish. It's code. They'll never let each other go as long as there's a chance to be together."

Teal'c's investment grows as the movie plays and he finally lashes out when Buttercup's jeopardy is too much for him.

"The Prince is a tyrant and a fool; the woman does not love him," Teal'c says. Jack glances at the larger man who is now leaning forward, angled dangerously toward the television as if he's ready to defend Buttercup on his own.

"You're right, T. But she'll be all right."

The movie plays on and Teal'c does enjoy it and even identifies with Inigo's quest to avenge his father; Jack thinks his cheer is uncharacteristically large when the six-fingered man finally bites it. He also thinks he sees Teal'c ward off a few tears at the reunion of Buttercup and Westley, but he'll never bring it up.

"Westley gave up great power as the Dread Pirate Roberts, O'Neill," Teal'c says to Jack as he drops a container of salsa on the counter.

"I suppose so," Jack agrees.

"He did it for true love."

"Uh, yeah."

"He felt the need to retire himself from his work to be with his love," Teal'c says, arching an eyebrow at Jack.

"Yes, he did." Jack sighs and drops his gaze to the sink. "Teal'c…"

"I know, O'Neill. When you can, you will," Teal'c says, dropping his large hand between Jack's shoulder blades and holding it long enough to make an impression.

Later, as Daniel and Teal'c continue to package up the leftovers and ferry them from coffee table to kitchen, Jack and Sam work on the dishes. Jack rinses in the sink, and Sam places them in the dishwasher. He feels a little bit shamelessly happy that he's found a way to use so many dishes tonight because it means that many more times his fingers will be grazed by hers as she accepts a new piece for the dishwasher. He gets distracted thinking about it as he turns a wine glass over and over in his hands under the running water.

"Sir, can I have that glass?" she asks.

"As you wish, Carter," he says, smiling like an idiot.

She smiles back.