Jack practically ushered Sam into the elevator after changing in the locker room and bidding a quick goodbye to Daniel and Teal'c. With great effort, he managed to keep a respectable distance in the confined space as they ascended to the surface. They went through the departure procedure, signing their names, and as Jack approached his truck, Sam made her way to hers.
Just as she reached for her keys, Jack's firm grip on her shoulder stopped her.
"Leave it. Come with me," he almost ordered in a hushed tone.
Sam cleared her throat, her keys still in her hand. Placing them back in her pocket, she followed him into his truck. Jack started the engine and departed from the base, speeding.
The tension inside the cabin was palpable, forcing Sam to crack her window open for some fresh air. Suddenly, Jack stopped the truck, the tires scratching against the ground. Sam looked around at his chosen deserted spot, realizing they hadn't even reached the highway.
"What...?" she began, puzzled.
His lips came crashing on hers in a fervent kiss. Sam's fingers clenched in his hair as the kiss deepened, her lips parting with pleasure. Unabashedly, they stood inside his truck, engaged in a fervent kiss until Sam pulled away, panting heavily.
"We can't do this here, Jack," she said, glancing at the occasional passing cars.
Jack wasn't particularly concerned about the location. He wanted her, and he wanted her now. Ignoring her protest, he leaned in for another kiss, but Sam put a firm hand on his chest, keeping him at bay.
"Home, Jack," she insisted, her breathing still heavy with desire.
"Pray that no cop tries to stop me for speeding," he remarked with a playful smirk as he started the truck.
She couldn't contain a smile covering her mouth as they quickly resumed their journey to his house.
Upon entering his home, he deftly closed the front door with a swift movement of his foot. Pinning her against the nearest wall, he eagerly kissed her, his hands exploring her contours. Responding to her gesture, Sam tugged at his shirt, signaling him to remove it. He complied, discarding the shirt without hesitation, while his lips continued to meet hers, moving to caress her neck. Smiling, she gestured towards his pants, prompting him to reciprocate with a grin. Shaking his head slowly, he took her hand and led her toward his bedroom.
Once inside his bedroom, the kisses continued as they moved towards the bed. Sam's fingers were again on his pants, and this time, he let her help him ease out of his pants, step by step. Since their initial exchange of words upon entering his house – "I want you now" – silence had enveloped them, replaced only by the wordless dance of their movements. Jack took great care in taking all of her clothes until she was completely naked, leaving only the fabric of Jack's boxers between them. With a deliberate motion, he pulled them down, maintaining eye contact with her as he lowered them into the bed.
Jack moved his lips all over her face without touching, his breath touching every part of her face before stopping near her mouth.
"My love…" he softly muttered.
"My love…" he repeated, coming closer to her body, their bodies barely touching.
Sam started taking long, deep breaths; her eyes almost closed as she felt Jack's scent enter her nostrils. His mouth was now on her neck, and she felt him breathing there.
"My love," he groaned, this time louder, as he looked up into her almost closed eyes with his dark, lustful eyes.
"Hmm?" she whispered, making a conscious effort not to dissolve into what could only be described as their most profound and intimate encounter.
Jack started sucking her neck and making her moan as her hands moved to his shoulders and grabbed tight, bringing his body closer to her. In response, Jack's fingers gripped her hips.
"Ready?" Jack rasped as he aligned his member near her.
Sam merely nodded, and he slowly pushed inside, groaning when he started moving inside her. Sam moaned more, throwing her head back as he withdrew and thrust back into her with increasing intensity.
"Jack," she gasped, her nails clawing at his back.
A sheen of sweat coated his back as he continued thrusting. Sam gasped louder as he entwined his fingers in her lengthy hair, pulling it gently and causing her to moan even more.
"Oh, fuck," she panted, her eyes closing in ecstasy.
Their hips met and parted repeatedly, the rhythmic motion creating a symphony of sounds that echoed through his bedroom.
"I'm close, Jack," Sam whined softly.
"Come for me," Jack grunted with each thrust, capturing one of her nipples in his mouth.
Sam's core built and built, and finally, she shattered, her legs turning into noodles, her toes curling in ecstasy. Jack rode out her orgasm, feeling her walls tighten around him, bringing him to climax inside her. His chest heaved as Sam kissed the bullet wound that was now a pink scar. He slowly disengaged, and they both collapsed onto his bed.
"Wow," Jack said breathlessly, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
"Wow," Sam nodded in agreement, her hand finding his and gripping tightly.
He turned his head toward her.
"I so missed you," he smirked, moving his body near her again, whispering in her ear, "You didn't think we were ending with one round, did you, my love?"
Taken aback, Sam attempted to respond, but Jack quelled her words with a profound kiss, initiating a night that extended into the early hours. Jack explored every position from his repertoire, leaving Sam thoroughly overwhelmed. As the clock neared 0300, they finally paused, both teetering on the brink of exhaustion. They had ended their final round after Sam's deadly warning, Jack's buried deep inside her as he was trying to calm down from his high. After a few moments, Jack carefully withdrew, and Sam emitted a languid groan. Weary but content, Jack managed to pull the comforter over them, enveloping them in a cocoon of warmth.
"Happy?" he asked in a groggy voice.
Sam nestled against his chest.
"I want to sleep; be quiet," she said in an exhausted voice, making Jack smile as he nodded his head and turned off the lights, making the room completely dark.
"Goodnight, my love; sleep well."
The following day, Sam awoke to numbness, realizing she could hardly feel half of her body. A fleeting concern crossed her mind – walking might be a challenge today. She turned her head to find him peacefully asleep beside her. And he was worried about being sixteen years older than her? Playfully, she ran her fingers through his hair, reliving the previous night's events. The bed bore the evidence of their passion, with sheets partially torn, clothes scattered, and a lingering scent of sex. She sighed deeply, a contented smile gracing her lips. Jack, with one eye open, observed her.
"Ready for more?" he asked, his voice husky from exhaustion.
Closing her eyes, Sam burst into laughter.
"Oh my God, you're insatiable! I'm hooked on a sex maniac," she exclaimed, burying her face in his neck.
Jack smiled, holding her close and placing a kiss on her head.
"You bring out the best in me," he whispered in her ear.
Sam continued to laugh.
"I can hardly move, Jack," she confessed, looking at him.
"Well, I have painkillers on my nightstand," he said, retrieving a bottle.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"So that's your solution? Wild sex followed by painkillers to go to work?" she teased.
He swallowed two pills and handed her the bottle.
"No, it's just a quick fix. I admit things got out of control yesterday, but I couldn't get enough of you," he admitted, his hands gently caressing her waist.
Sam gave him a warning look.
"Jack," she said.
"What?" he innocently replied.
"You realize we skipped straight to sex without any serious talk?" she pointed out, sitting on the bed.
Jack traced circles on her waist, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
"I didn't want to talk yesterday, Sam. I wanted you," he confessed.
"Fine, I wanted you to," she admitted. "But we need to talk," she insisted.
He turned his head towards her.
"Yes, we do. Tonight, after work?" he proposed.
She nodded.
"Are you coming home, Sam?" he asked slowly, his fingers halting on her naked skin.
"Yes, Jack, I'm coming home," she affirmed, lowering her body and kissing him.
"This home?" he inquired when the kiss concluded.
"This home, Jack," she confirmed, caressing his tousled hair.
"Good. I'll cook you one of your favorite dishes," he promised with a smile.
Trying to suppress a grin, Sam asked, "Oh? Since when do you know how to cook, Colonel?"
She slowly got out of bed, wincing in pain and almost shouting a hearty curse. Jack bit his lip not to laugh, watching her move towards the bathroom.
"Holy fuck, I was insane," he chuckled as he spoke his realization aloud.
He put both feet on the floor, and despite the soreness, a broad smile adorned his face.
After a lengthier shower than usual and the obligatory consumption of coffee, they found themselves inside Jack's truck. Once settled, a burst of laughter erupted from Sam.
"What?" Jack inquired as he started the engine.
"Do you realize people will notice?" she asked, looking at him.
Jack donned his sunglasses.
"We fell hard on the floor," he said, embarking on the drive toward the base.
Sam scrutinized him, trying to determine if he was jesting.
"Both of us?" she questioned.
"I fell first. You tried to help me and fell after," he offered.
Sam shook her head, still smiling.
"That is so ridiculous that we might as well say that we just had sex. Lots of sex," she mused, gazing out the window.
Jack nearly hit the brakes on the highway.
"What?" he exclaimed, looking at her.
Sam chuckled.
"Sex, Jack. Lots of people do it," she said, attempting to maintain a serious expression.
He continued to drive skillfully, avoiding a potential car crash.
"You are forbidden to say that we are like this because we had too much sex," he declared in a severe tone.
Sam looked at him, amused. "Oh... Am I forbidden? Really?" she challenged.
Jack swallowed.
"Please?" he pleaded.
Sam continued to look outside as they approached the base, passing through checkpoints. Finally, parking, Jack implored once more.
"Sam, honey, please, don't tell people we had lots of sex," he requested.
Sam slowly turned to him.
"Honey?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
Jack took off his sunglasses.
"Honey, my love, sweetheart, mother of my future children?" he said slowly.
Sam paled.
"Jack..." she said slowly.
"I'm not joking, Sam. We'll talk about this tonight, but you know how I feel about you, what I want with you. I'm just telling you... again," he added, his eyes reflecting a hint of boyish sincerity.
Sam felt a lump in her throat.
"Okay, we worked out too much last night. In the gym of your basement," she offered as she opened her door.
Jack sighed in relief. As they returned to the entrance, he gave her a low 'thank you.' Another day awaited them.
The day unfolded without any noteworthy incidents. Jack didn't encounter any direct comments about his slight limping — though he suspected a pool might be underway at the base, speculating on why both Colonel O'Neill and Doctor Carter seemed to be experiencing walking issues. Frankly, Jack didn't care.
This time, he convinced Sam to join him for lunch at the cafeteria along with Daniel and Teal'c. The conversation, while still a bit tense, showed signs of improvement. Throughout the day, Jack frequently glanced at his watch, eagerly anticipating the moment to head home. When that finally arrived, he wasted no time and headed straight to Sam's lab. Tonight, he was in no mood for delays.
"Pack your things; it's time to go home," he declared from the doorway of her lab.
Sam, still typing away, glanced at the clock.
"Oh, really?" she asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I have a dinner to cook," he stated, crossing his arms.
Sam closed her computer and grinned.
"In that case, let's go, Colonel," she said, grabbing her briefcase.
They exited the base, and this time, each took their cars.
After arriving home, Jack sent her to shower and change into more comfortable clothes, and he did the same after her. While she lay on the living room couch, watching TV, Jack decided to make a special welcome dinner for Sam to celebrate her return home. Sam could hear the several noises from the kitchen, but he had forbidden her to peek.
He prepared a warm and creamy tomato basil soup in elegant bowls. The rich aroma wafted through the living room, creating an inviting atmosphere. The soup was accompanied by slices of freshly baked bread, lightly toasted and drizzled with olive oil.
The main course featured one of Jack's specialties: a savory lemon herb-grilled salmon. The perfectly cooked salmon fillets were adorned with a vibrant lemon and herb marinade, imparting flavor with every bite. He plated a generous portion of wild rice pilaf alongside the salmon, delicately seasoned.
He also prepared a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing to add a touch of freshness and balance.
For dessert, Jack opted for simplicity, presenting a bowl of fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – served with a dollop of whipped cream. The natural sweetness of the berries complemented the entire meal.
Jack carefully arranged everything on a tray, bringing the feast to the coffee table in front of Sam. Soft music played in the background, enhancing the ambiance. He gave her a soda while he kept his beer and joined her on the couch.
"Voilà, dinner is served," Jack announced with a warm smile.
As they enjoyed the meal together in the comfort of their living room, Jack's thoughtful gesture turned a regular evening into a unique, intimate dining experience, providing Sam with a delicious meal and a moment of relaxation and connection.
"I missed this," Sam admitted with a satisfied smile, taking a savory bite of the deliciously prepared salmon.
"You lost weight," Jack observed, enjoying the crispness of the garden salad.
"I wasn't in the mood for food," Sam confessed.
Jack sipped his beer before addressing the conversation they had been putting off.
"We will have our challenging moments, Sam. It's inevitable as two people live and start building a life together. But we need to learn how to overcome them. I want to learn how to do that. What happened almost destroyed me," he shared in a low, earnest voice.
Sam stopped eating, looking at him intently.
"Jack..." she began, unable to swallow another bite.
"You said we needed to talk, so we are talking. And this time, no holding back. All cards on the table, right?" he asked.
She slowly nodded. Jack took another sip of beer as if gathering the courage to continue.
"I love you more deeply than any woman I've ever loved. Samantha Carter, you've become the cornerstone of my life, restoring hope after a prolonged period of despair. I yearn for love and a semblance of normalcy, sentiments I believed were lost forever after my divorce and the tragic loss of my son. You've transformed those bleak notions, making me believe in love again and even contemplate the possibility of fatherhood. Your impact on my life is immeasurable," he admitted, his emotions evident in his expressive gaze.
Sam breathed slowly, feeling the weight of his words sinking in. "Jack..." she began.
He raised one hand. "Let me finish, or I'll lose my nerve," he requested.
Slowly, Sam nodded.
"I want to marry you and have a family with you if you want to. If not, we can live together. It's more than enough for me. All I want is you," he said nervously, peeling the label on his beer bottle.
Sam took a deep breath, absorbing the sincerity in his words.
"Wow, Jack, you surely don't make things easy," Sam remarked, placing both hands on her knees. Jack gave her a questioning look but opted to remain silent.
"You mentioned hope, and let's begin with that because I believe it's a common thread between us – a shared absence of hope. I had lost mine years ago, and you're gradually restoring it to me. But, Jack, it terrifies me, and fear sometimes drives me to stupid things. I had resigned myself long ago to the belief that hope was no longer part of my life. My sole purpose was survival, evading the clutches of the Air Force. You know, just staying alive. And then you appeared, with your cooking and everything," Sam sighed deeply.
Jack made a half smile, and she continued.
"I had given up on love after Jonas and what transpired. Men were off the table for me, so trust doesn't come easily, as you've noticed. I'm accustomed to doing things my way, Jack. For all these years, I made decisions independently and did as I pleased. It's challenging to change that like we tried abruptly. And I failed; I acknowledge that. But, Jack, that's what I need you to understand – that's who I am. I'm complex; I struggle with trusting people, often disliking them, and transitioning from my cabin to living with you, working at SGC... well, let's save that for later," she conveyed.
The room fell into silence as they looked at each other, the weight of their shared vulnerabilities hanging in the air.
"But do you love me, Sam?" Jack asked slowly. Sam looked at him, her blue eyes shining.
"Yes, Jack, I love you like I never loved any man before," she said.
He placed the beer on the coffee table and gently took her hand.
"What are you so afraid of? Of getting hurt?" he asked, softly caressing her hand.
Sam slowly nodded.
"Sam, when you love someone, you'll get hurt at some point, but it's still worth it. We'll make it worth it. In the same way, I'll make sure you are respected, supported, desired, and understood. Because I love you, and I want to make you happy," he assured her, "In the good and the bad moments, we'll share," he added, kissing her hand.
Sam bit her lip furiously.
"You don't know what you are getting into," she said, tears welling in her eyes.
Jack smiled.
"Oh, Doctor Carter, I know exactly what I want, and it's you," he said, intertwining her fingers with his.
She sniffled, and Jack gently wiped away her tears.
"Now, tell me what's bothering you about SGC," he asked, aware that the conversation was far from over.
Sam rolled her eyes, putting her head down close to her chest.
"Oh, Jack..." she said in a pained voice.
"The good and the bad, Sam," he repeated.
Sam slowly raised her head and looked at him.
"I can't work at SGC with you. It won't work; we'll fight, and I'm not interested enough. I'm sorry," she said.
Jack shook his head.
"I've already told you that SGC is a job, Sam. It is an exciting and challenging job for me, but a job nonetheless. I don't sleep with it, and I certainly don't have hot sex with it," he said, winking.
Sam blushed.
"Don't make fun of me," she warned.
"You are right. Bad joke, sorry," he apologized, playing with her fingers. "So, SGC is out of the picture after the time runs out. What do you want to do?" he asked.
Sam bit her lip again and looked at him with a clear, anxious expression.
"Come on, tell me. Whatever it is, I need to know what you want to make it happen," he urged.
Sam blushed even more.
"Maybe you cannot make it happen, or you don't want it," she said slowly.
Jack shook his head.
"This is one of the things we have to start working on. Stop assuming what I want or don't want, Sam. We have a situation, and we discuss it. I may surprise you despite your little faith in me," he said teasingly.
Sam was now impossibly red.
"Come on, tell me," Jack asked again.
"I want to go back to Minnesota and build a house there. A proper house for us," she said quickly.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"All right... Why wouldn't I want that? I love Minnesota." he asked.
Sam swallowed.
"Now we enter one of those moments when I head in one direction and you in another," she said slowly.
Jack held her hand tighter.
"Sam," he warned.
"I want to live there, Jack, but you can't since you work here. So obviously, we have a great conflict of interests. Geographically speaking," she said.
Jack realized now her dilemma.
"I see," he said.
Sam sighed heavily.
"Complicated. I told you," she said with a defeated tone.
Jack sighed and grabbed her face, forcing her to look at him.
"Complicated isn't impossible. Start to put that into that genius head of yours. We'll find a way," he said. And then he kissed her passionately.