The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the warm kitchen where Sam and Jack sat at the table, enjoying a quiet breakfast together. Sam had no pending issues at SGC so she could relax a simple weekend with her husband at home, something she was very grateful for. Jack was engrossed in reading the newspaper while Sam sipped her coffee, the aroma filling the air.
"Hey, we're running low on milk, fruit, and a few other things," Sam said casually, glancing at the empty fruit bowl on the counter.
Jack looked up from the paper. He was wearing a black T-shirt and his favorite khaki shorts.
"I thought we had enough for a few more days. I'll just go later to the supermarket, no need to worry about it right now."
To his surprise, Sam replied, "Actually, I wouldn't mind going with you. It's been ages since we've done groceries together."
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"You sure? I thought you liked having a methodical approach to shopping. You know, the list thing and everything…"
Sam shrugged a playful glint in her eyes.
"Well, today I'm feeling spontaneous. Plus, it'll be fun to do something together."
Jack hesitated for a moment, not wanting to impose his wandering style on her, but he could see the genuine interest in her blue eyes. He smiled, realizing that spending time with him was what mattered most to her.
"All right, then. We can go together," Jack agreed, secretly pleased that she wanted to spend time with him.
However, as they arrived at the supermarket parking lot, they found themselves at a standstill. Both were hesitant to suggest their method of shopping, not wanting to hurt the other's feelings. The supermarket's parking lot was buzzing with activity as people went about their grocery shopping. The sun bathed the area in a nice glow, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Putting the sunglasses on top of her head, Sam was the one who broke the silence, "You know what? Why don't you shop like you usually do? I can adapt for today."
Jack felt a mixture of relief and concern.
"Are you sure? I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
She chuckled, patting his arm reassuringly.
"I'll survive. Besides, I'm curious to see your 'wandering guy' method in action."
Jack grinned, grateful for her understanding.
"All right then, you asked for it."
They both stepped out of the truck and grabbed a shopping cart. As they entered the supermarket, Jack led the way, casually strolling through the aisles while Sam followed, trying to keep up with his pace. He picked up items as he passed them, tossing them into the cart with a carefree attitude.
"I think we need more coffee," Jack mused, grabbing a bag from the shelf. "And oh, cream for Teal'c when he comes over!"
Sam raised an amused eyebrow.
"I thought you were the one who didn't like making lists."
Jack shrugged, "I don't need a list, I just know what we need."
As they made their way through the store, Sam couldn't help but notice the attention she was getting from some of the male shoppers. Because they were in the summer and it was an exceptionally hot day with temperatures reaching an unusual 90 °F, she had decided to wear her super-cute denim shorts and a tight t-shirt. Which seemed to attract more eyes than she expected.
Jack noticed it too, and while he tried not to let it show, he couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy. He pulled her closer, subtly wrapping his arm around her waist as they continued shopping.
Sam pretended not to notice his protectiveness, but inwardly, she felt a sense of contentment. It was good to see him caring and possessive, knowing that he still found her attractive. After all, she would have done the same thing if some woman dared to glance at him the wrong way. After their marriage, both found out that they were quite jealous, although Sam had better control of not showing. But if she had to show it, she did. And oh boy, what a show it was. It was, in fact, one of the reasons she had stopped going to the supermarket with him. The list 'thing' was just an excuse she gave him.
She smiled thinking about the first time it happened. If her memory served her correctly it had also been a Saturday. Oh, the irony.
They had gone to the supermarket together, and for a while, things seemed fine. Sam had wandered off to grab her favorite ice cream from the frozen section while Jack waited by the cucumbers, trying to remember what else they needed.
As she made her way back to him, Sam's heart sank at the sight before her. A red-haired woman practically had herself attached to Jack, chatting animatedly about some mundane recipe issue involving cucumbers. The woman's smiles were too friendly, her cleavage too obvious, and Sam's jealousy flared up like wildfire.
Clearing her throat loudly, Sam interrupted the conversation, causing both Jack and the woman to turn towards her. The woman's smile faltered as she took in Sam's expression, a mix of anger and possessiveness.
"Hey, Sam. This is Linda, she works here," Jack introduced with a friendly smile.
Sam's eyes narrowed as she forced a smile, her jaw clenched.
"Nice to meet you, Linda."
"Hi, I was telling Jack about a recipe my grandmother told me", she said with a big smile.
"Oh, Jack?", Sam repeated, fisting both hands and looking at her husband with barely controlled fury. "You usually call your customers by their given names?", she asked icily.
Linda, sensing the atmosphere, excused herself with a nod, giving Jack an apologetic look before walking away.
As soon as Linda was out of earshot, Sam turned her anger towards her husband.
"What the hell was that, Jack? I thought we were doing groceries together!", she asked. Putting one hand over the chart handle. More to avoid going straight to his still-smiling face than another thing.
He just shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"She was just helping me with the recipe thing. I didn't think it was a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Sam snapped. "She was practically attached to you!"
Jack sighed, feeling a bit defensive.
"Come on, Sam. It was nothing. I'm not interested in her."
Sam's anger was still simmering as she crossed her arms. If she couldn't punch Linda she could punch him. She wanted to. She did.
"I don't care if you're interested or not. I just don't appreciate her getting so familiar with my husband!"
He had been so stunned by her reaction that they left the supermarket without getting the groceries they needed, the atmosphere tense as they made their way back to the truck. Once inside, Sam finally admitted reluctantly, "Okay, fine, I was jealous."
Jack glanced at her, surprised by her admission.
"Jealous? Really?"
"Yes, really," she huffed, not meeting his gaze. "I don't like seeing other women getting too close to you."
He chuckled softly, reaching out to take her shaking hand.
"You have nothing to worry about, honey. You're the only one for me. You know that, right?"
She finally looked at him, her expression softening. Her heartbeat was still too fast, however.
"I know, Jack. I just… sometimes I can't help it."
He leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"I understand, but you have to trust me. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere."
She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. She no longer wanted to punch him.
"I know, I'm sorry for overreacting."
He hugged her tightly, reassuringly.
"It's okay, we all have our moments. Let's just forget about this and go home."
As they drove home, the tension between them eased, and they both knew that their love was strong enough to weather the occasional storm of jealousy. In the end, they only needed each other, and their bond was unshakable.
But yeah, she could get pretty jealous!
Back at the supermarket, while picking up some fruits, Jack saw a couple of guys glance at Sam again. This time, he decided to give them a clear signal. As he stood beside her, he made a subtle move to interlock his fingers with hers, holding her hand firmly. Even knowing she didn't like very much such displays in public. But it was his way of silently stating, "She's with me. Back off."
Sam however simply continued selecting the fruits, seemingly unfazed by the outside attention. She was now used to Jack's protective gestures, and again she appreciated the warmth of his hand in hers. And she was plenty aware of what he was doing. She was simply not showing it.
As they moved to the next aisle, Jack's pride in being her husband swelled. He felt a mix of possessiveness and admiration, understanding that she was her person but feeling the need to cherish and protect her nonetheless.
From time to time, he glanced at the ring on his finger, reminded of the day they exchanged vows and promised to be there for each other through thick and thin. The wedding ring held sentimental value beyond its physical form—it symbolized the love, commitment, and respect they shared as a couple.
"So are you enjoying yourself, General?", she asked. Taking him out of his wandering thoughts.
Jack looked at her confused.
"What?", he asked without understanding what she was referring to.
Sam slowly looked at his hand around her waist and their locked fingers. Jack blushed.
"Ah…" Was all that left his mouth.
Sam smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"I don't mind, Jack. I kind of like it, I guess…", she said. Looking at the shelf. They were in the cereal aisle. She grabbed one box of Froot Loops and put it in their chart.
Jack blinked twice.
"You do?", he asked surprised.
She smiled again, her blue eyes shining at him.
"Yes, it is a very alpha male behavior, General. And you know how I like alpha males", she whispered in his ear.
Jack's hand around her waist tightened and his mouth went dry. He swallowed twice.
"I think we've done all the shopping", he managed to say.
Sam started laughing and hid her head in his chest, making things even more difficult for him.
As they reached the checkout, however, Jack overheard a guy making a suggestive comment about Sam. He felt his anger boiling, but before he could react, Sam defused the situation with a charming smile and quick payment.
Once they were back in the truck, Sam couldn't hold back a laugh at Jack's display of jealousy.
"You were getting mad back there, weren't you?"
He tried to play it cool, but his irritation was evident.
"I wasn't mad, just… protective."
Sam leaned over, planting a soft kiss on his mouth.
"Well, I appreciate it. But you know I'm all yours, General."
He couldn't help but smile, the tension dissipating.
"Yeah, I know. I guess I just can't help it sometimes. You are too beautiful."
As they drove home, their fingers interlocked, they made up for the awkward shopping experience in the truck. Their passionate connection brought them closer, reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.
Back home, they put away the groceries together, their playful banter filling the kitchen once more. They knew that their love was strong enough to withstand any awkward situations, and they were ready to face whatever challenges life threw their way as a team, always supporting and cherishing each other. Jealousy included.