After getting back from SGC, Sam was in her office at home going through some papers when suddenly a photo fell from inside. She picked it up and looked at it with curiosity. It was an old photo from their townhouse in Washington D.C. when they had taken out the sold sign from the front garden. Jack was holding it in his left hand, while the other hand grabbed hers.
She had very fond memories of that house. And of that first period when they started living together. Well almost. He was in D.C. while she was back in Colorado. But it was the first time they were sharing a house. Sam laughed remembering that a particular division of the house had presented quite some challenges.
After a careful search, Jack and Sam had found a charming two-story townhouse, nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Washington D.C. that became their residence. Well, it was primarily Jack's residence since she was back in Colorado Springs and SG-1 again after a brief period at Nevada and Area 51. The quick marriage in Las Vegas and the luxury honeymoon in Mexico were already behind them, both were back in D.C. for a brief time before Sam had to report back to the Mountain.
She loved the exterior classic elegance with its brick façade, white-trimmed windows, and a small front garden filled with colorful flowers. The interior design reflected a mix of modern comfort and personal touches that mirrored their personalities and the beginning of the journey as a couple.
Upon entering the townhouse, an inviting living room greeted visitors with plush sofas arranged around a central coffee table. The walls were adorned with some paintings that Sam had fallen in love with while in Mexico. A bookshelf on one side held Sam's favorite reads and scientific journals, while a display cabinet on the other showcased the awards and commendations that Jack had received through his military career so far.
The kitchen boasted sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island perfect for casual quick meals or preparing dishes together. The dining area featured a rustic wooden table surrounded by mismatched chairs, each already with its own story. Soft pendant lights cast a warm glow over the space during evening dinners.
But what both of them most treasured in the house was the master bedroom. It was their haven of comfort and intimacy. After much debate, the walls were painted in soothing hues, with accents of deep blue and soft gray. The room was adorned with subtle geometric patterns in the form of throw pillows and a cozy area rug that sat beneath the bed.
And of course the bed. One could not forget the bed. They had spent quite some time choosing the right bed. Because it would play a very significant and strategic part in their relationship. And it had to be the right bed. Jack's exact words.
So, the centerpiece of the bedroom was a king-sized bed dressed in luxurious linens and a plush duvet. The headboard, crafted from reclaimed wood, added a touch of rustic charm that took some time to find but Jack had insisted. The bed was adorned with a mix of pillows – some decorative, some functional, that usually ended almost all on the floor as things got heated during the night.
One corner of the room was dedicated to a small window nook, perfect for Sam's reading habits. A cushioned bench was nestled under the windows, fitted with cushions that matched the bedspread. A tall bookshelf lined the adjacent wall, holding a collection of Sam's favorite books. Although she preferred to read in bed.
Across from the window nook, a gaming corner showcased Jack's passion. A custom-built desk held his high-end gaming setup, complete with a top-of-the-line computer, a large monitor, and a comfortable gaming chair. Shelves above the desk display memorabilia from his favorite games and a collection of action figures. She thought it was childish but he said he was used to it and helped him when he was alone in the house and couldn't sleep. She couldn't argue with that.
The bedroom windows were adorned with curtains that could be drawn close for privacy or left open to let in the soft moonlight. They were still working on a compromise. Sam was used to sleeping in the darkness while Jack appreciated the night sky.
After a particularly difficult and long day, Jack was happy to just enter the front door. The lights downstairs were already shut down, so he went upstairs to their bedroom. Sam was lying on the bed, reading.
"Ah God, finally home. Nothing like my own bed", Jack said, yawning.
Sam took her reading glasses and put the book down.
"I missed you. How was your day?", she asked with a smile.
Jack kissed and hugged her.
"Long as usual. But being here with you makes it better", he said, starting to take his dress blues.
Sam picked up her book again while he was busy in the bathroom. When he returned instead of getting ready to sleep Sam noticed that he picked up the controller and started playing a video game.
"Weren't you tired?", she asked confused.
"I am but I usually play a little before turning in", he said while killing two more targets.
Sam looked at him in silence trying to decide if it was worth continuing the conversation or not. She decided it was. Calmly she took her reading glasses again and put her book on her nightstand. Then she turned to him who was happily playing with a concentrated expression.
"I don't remember you playing video games in Mexico", she said slowly.
Jack pressed the button harder.
"Ah…that was different. It was our honeymoon, honey", he said with his eyes glued to the monitor.
Hearing that, Sam managed a silent "ah".
"Can you turn the volume down a bit?", she asked.
Jack paused the game immediately.
"Oh, sorry. I got caught up", he said.
When he moved his head towards her, she had a somewhat strange expression on her face.
"What is it, Sam?", he asked. Putting the controller away.
"Well, nothing…, she started. "That is not exactly true", she admitted, moving her body in bed and resting her head in her hand. "Honestly I'm starting to realize that we might have very different sleeping habits", she said.
"So?", Jack asked slowly.
"So, things might get awkward", she said.
"They weren't awkward at all in Mexico", he said with a big smile.
Sam also smiled.
"No, they weren't but like you said we were on our honeymoon. It is always a special moment. It isn't actual reality, so they say", she said.
"They say?", Jack asked lifting his eyebrows.
"I was never on a honeymoon before, Jack", she said a little too sharply.
Jack swallowed and put a hand on her hip, caressing it.
"I know that, honey. So maybe we have different sleeping habits. I've slept alone for many years, Sam. Many years. Let me stress the many here", he said grinning.
Sam moved her body closer to his.
"I've also slept alone for quite some time, Jack", she said.
Jack's face suddenly turned darker and she immediately knew what he was thinking about. Pete.
"No, Jack, don't go there. Please don't go there", she asked, caressing his face with both hands.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. He was a part of your recent life", he said. Looking at their ceiling.
Sam moved her body so she was now almost on top of him.
"Jack, honey, look at me, please?", she asked.
Jack moved his eyes from the ceiling to her.
"You are my husband, the man I love, always loved. Pete was a mistake that I already apologized for. I'll apologize more if you want to but he doesn't matter. He's past. We're the present and the future, Jack. Us, just us. Please believe me", she asked with pleading eyes.
Jack put his hands around her waist, holding her.
"I know, it was stupid. I'm sorry", he said again.
"No, it wasn't. It is something that still bothers you. So we need to talk about it", she said with determination.
"And do you think this is the right place and time to talk about it?", Jack asked, clearing his throat.
Sam gave him a small kiss on his chin.
"Here I have your undivided attention", she said with a little smile.
Jack also smiled.
"You have my undivided attention anywhere, anytime", he said.
"Not always. Sometimes you are busy saving the world", she said, moving her hands to his chest.
Jack rolled his eyes.
"Fine, talk away, Mrs. O'Neill", he said.
Sam lowered her head, hiding her face and the big smile on it. She was still not used to being called that.
"I know you don't like talking about the time I spent with Pete but maybe we need to talk and clear that subject once and for all, Jack. I slept with him, and we shared a bed but these types of issues never arose because we never spent enough time together. It was sex, Jack. We spent more time on the couch watching TV than in bed, believe it or not", she said a little flushed.
Jack looked at her magnificent blue eyes.
"I find that very hard to believe, Sam", he said slowly.
"Well, it was true. In the beginning yes, it was about the sex but after the novelty wore out, I needed company Jack, someone to spend the night with and have dinner with me. The sex became almost irrelevant", she admitted.
"Maybe for you. I doubt very much that for him it was irrelevant", he said a little coldly.
Gently, Sam caressed his hair.
"I'm telling how I felt, Jack. What I needed. And during that time it was Pete that was there. Because it couldn't be you". Sam's hands grabbed his hair tightly. "I wanted you, only you but I couldn't have you so I'm sorry. I made a mistake, I went looking somewhere else. I should have waited", she said.
A tear dropped down her cheek. Jack wiped the tear immediately.
"No, if there was someone who made a mistake it was me, darling. I was the one who hadn't the guts to tell you that I love you and that you shouldn't have accepted that damn ring! I was the coward!", he said with a painful voice.
Sam let her head rest on his chest and he started caressing her hair.
"We both made mistakes but we're together now, Jack. We're married. I love you", she said, closing her eyes.
"I love you too. More than life itself", Jack said.
"So can we please let go of this subject and concentrate on us?", she asked.
"Yes, we can", he admitted. Feeling a weight leaving his chest.
"So are you going to play video games every night before we turn in to sleep?", she asked with a smile on her lips. That he couldn't see.
Jack continued to caress her hair.
"I usually do it when you're not here and I'm alone. When I can't sleep. It helps me", he admitted.
Sam lifted her head and looked at him.
"What!?", she asked confused.
"It gets difficult when you leave, Sam. When you went back to Nevada or now Colorado. Sometimes I can't sleep", he said, looking at her amazing blue eyes.
Sam swallowed hard. It was hard for her too.
"I know Jack. I don't like to go either. Sometimes I spent the whole flight crying like a fool", she admitted, biting her lower lip.
Jack held her tight.
"I love you", he said. Kissing her lips very slowly, tasting her.
"I love you too", she answered in his mouth, her hands holding his head as the kiss deepened.
The console eventually entered energy-safe mode and didn't disturb them anymore. Jack didn't use it again while Sam was in D.C. Only after she left for Colorado did he pick up the controller again. With a pained heart.
But their sleeping habits had started immediately on the first night when they bought the house and started using the bedroom.
After some time in silence since they had gone to bed, Jack and Sam were lying on the mattress, each awkwardly occupying one side.
"This is silly. We're newlyweds, and we're acting like strangers in a twin bed", Sam laughed.
"Yeah, maybe we need a bigger bed", Jack said grinning.
Sam put a hand on his chest.
"Well, I'm used to sleeping in the middle. I like my space", she admitted.
Jack picked her hand and kissed it.
"And I need the window open, even in winter", he confessed.
With a shiver, Sam looked at him surprised.
"Seriously? I'll freeze, Jack!"
Jack pulled her close.
"I promise I'll keep you warm", he said, starting to kiss her.
After that, there was no more discussion about their preferences and sleeping habits.
However, the next night when they were already in the bedroom Jack decided to open the curtains. Sam seeing that got out of bed and pulled them shut.
"Jack, it's nighttime. We need some privacy", Sam said laughing. Despite living in a house, they had neighbors after all.
Jack was looking at his wife almost pouting.
"But I like the moonlight."
Sam shook her head, biting her cheek and Jack grabbed her hand.
"How about a compromise? I'll close them halfway?", he asked.
Sam looked at him and smiled.
"Deal. I guess I can adjust to a little moonlight", she said. Kissing him afterward.
Not very long after the curtains discussion, they had another talk. This time about the TV. On a rainy Saturday morning, the soft patter of raindrops against the bedroom window created a soothing backdrop to the day. Sam lay in bed, contemplating whether to savor a few more minutes of warmth and comfort or to rise and start her day with a refreshing shower. Her peaceful moment was interrupted when Jack entered the room, a TV remote in his hand, wearing a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Sam, I was thinking about putting a TV in the bedroom", Jack said in an excited tone.
Sam looked at him surprised.
"A TV in the bedroom? Why?"
"Well, it'd be nice to have the option to watch some shows or catch up on the news while we're lounging around, especially on a rainy day like this", he said enthusiastically.
Sam considered the idea, but her initial reaction was skepticism. She hadn't grown up with a TV in her bedroom, and she often found solace in reading or simply enjoying the peace of their bedroom.
"I don't know, Jack. I've always preferred the bedroom as a place for relaxation and sleep. Having a TV in here might disrupt that", Sam said with a thoughtful expression.
Jack decided to persist. "Come on, Sam, it'll be great. We can watch movies together in bed or just have the option to unwind with some TV."
Sam grabbed his hand gently.
"I understand where you're coming from, but I really value the tranquility of our bedroom. It's a sanctuary for me."
Jack sighed.
"I get it, honey. I just thought it would be a nice addition, but if it's important to you to keep the bedroom TV-free, then that's okay."
Sam appreciated Jack's understanding and willingness to compromise. She smiled at him, feeling grateful for his consideration.
"Thank you, Jack. I love spending time with you, but I also cherish the peacefulness of our bedroom. Maybe we can set up a cozy TV nook in the living room or another area for those rainy days?", Sam asked softly.
"That sounds like a great idea, Sam. We can create a comfy entertainment space in the living room, and the bedroom can remain our serene oasis", Jack said, smiling.
They agreed on the compromise, and Jack, with his trademark grin, put the TV remote aside. Their bedroom would remain a sanctuary of peace, a place where they could escape the outside world and cherish the quiet moments they shared.
After a couple of weeks in Colorado, Sam was missing Jack tremendously. And then like mind reading, he called her informing them that the Head of Homeworld Security had to visit SGC and needed a place to spend the night. Did she have a spare room by chance?
"How's my favorite scientist?", Jack asked, entering their house.
Sam hugged him so much that he was out of breath in seconds.
"God! Jack, I missed you!"
Jack kissed her long and deep which she returned happily. They didn't waste time and got to the bedroom. There Jack started to look around.
"Still no TV?", he asked with a smile while they started to take their clothes.
Sam had already taken her sneakers and was unzipping her pants.
"No TV. But I did rearrange the furniture for more space", she said with a smile.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"More space for what?", he asked as his shirt hit the floor.
Sam was now grinning.
"For your gaming setup, of course".
The next second, she was lying on the bed without realizing how he had done it. Not that she cared. He was home. It was all that mattered.
Years later in their townhouse in D.C., Jack and Sam were cuddled up in bed, curtains half-closed, and a compromise between moonlight and darkness.
"You know, I've grown to like the moonlight", Sam said, gently caressing his hair.
"And I've learned to appreciate a well-lit room for reading", Jack admitted with his eyes closed.
Sam chuckled.
"And no more gaming noise when I'm reading".
Jack kissed Sam's forehead.
"I'm glad we found our balance".
Sam put the photo on her desk and smiled. They had learned to embrace each other's quirks and preferences. Like in D.C., their bedroom in Colorado Springs was now a perfect blend of Sam's books, Jack's gaming setup, and compromise-filled moonlit nights. And still no TV. Relationships require time, patience, and understanding. Jack and Sam's love story wasn't just about the grand moments, but also the little adjustments they made for each other, finding humor even in their differences, and building a life together filled with compromises and shared joys.
