Sam awoke to the gentle touch of Jack's stubble grazing her skin as he planted slow, tender kisses along her spine. His lips traced a path from her shoulder to her neck, pausing momentarily on a tender bruise. Rolling onto her back, Sam pulled him closer, savoring the morning intimacy.
Lost in the exploration of each other's mouths, Jack's hands leisurely traversed her bare body, only pausing to slip under her knees, drawing her legs around him. He hovered above her, teasingly grinding his hips in a slow, torturous rhythm. Sam, breathless and eager, anticipated a more intense encounter as Jack's fingers grazed her hip bone. However, to her surprise, he chuckled and finally kissed her shoulder before pulling away.
"You have to go to work, Major," he declared with a sudden seriousness, though a mischievous smile played on his lips.
Sam's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Seriously, Jack? After getting me all worked up?" she protested, closing her eyes.
Jack responded with a deep kiss before reluctantly leaving the bed and heading to the bathroom.
"You already played hooky yesterday," he laughed.
Sam threw him a pillow and groaned in playful frustration.
After a brisk shower and slipping into her dress blues, Sam only had time for a quick sip of coffee before rushing off to the Pentagon. She had applied makeup over the hickey to avoid comments. But before departing, she turned to Jack with a playful warning.
"So that you know, payback for this morning is inevitable. And we need to talk later," she said, punctuating her words with a deep kiss. "I'll try to return on time," she promised.
Smiling, Jack returned the kiss.
"Off to work, Major," he teased, giving her a playful pat on her rear.
Sam shot him a knowing glance before heading out, a satisfied smile lingering on her lips. Jack chuckled to himself and finished up his breakfast.
Knowing he had an AA meeting scheduled, Jack quickly tidied up and prepared to head out. He had become adept at navigating the city by public transport or on foot. With his keys and wallet, he set off, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store.
As Jack stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk, a wave of euphoria washed over him, a lingering sensation from his intimate night with Sam. But amidst the rush of emotions, a familiar pang of temptation gnawed at him, threatening to pull him back into the clutches of his old demons.
His footsteps faltered as he stood before a bar, the neon lights casting an enticing glow. His mouth felt dry, his heart pounding with the memories and cravings of past indulgences. Jack lingered on the sidewalk, his gaze fixed on the bar entrance, locked in a silent struggle with himself.
After an eternity, he ignored the bar and turned towards his destination—the AA meeting. With each step, he fought against the pull of temptation, determined to stay true to his path of recovery.
Inside the meeting room, Jack took a seat among the circle of fellow strugglers, his heart heavy with the weight of his recent battle. As the session progressed, he could no longer contain the turmoil.
"I... I almost fell off the wagon today," he confessed, his voice trembling with emotion. "I stood outside a bar, staring at it like it held all the answers. The urge to drink was overwhelming. I could practically taste it."
His words hung in the air, a raw admission of his vulnerability and his ongoing struggle with addiction. But as he looked around the room, he found solace in his fellow members' understanding nods and supportive gazes.
"But did you get in, Jack?" Chris asked.
"No. It took everything in me to walk away," Jack said, his voice steadier now, fueled by the strength of his confession. "And I made it here. And that's what counts, right? Taking it one step at a time, one day at a time."
Chris and the others nodded.
"That's it, Jack. One step at a time, one day at a time", he repeated.
As the meeting progressed, Jack found comfort in sharing his story, knowing that he was not alone in his battle against addiction. As he listened to the stories of others, he felt a renewed sense of determination to stay the course, guided by the support of his newfound community.
As Jack stepped through the door of Sam's house, a whirlwind of emotions swept over him—shaken by the near-miss with temptation, yet relieved that he had managed to stand firm in his resolve. The support of his AA group had been invaluable, providing solace and strength in his moment of struggle.
Turning to his room, Jack retrieved a small tin box from his dresser. Opening it with a sense of solemn reverence, he carefully laid out his tokens of sobriety on his bed. Each chip represented a milestone in his journey toward recovery, a testament to his commitment to living a sober life.
First came the 24-hour chip, symbolizing his daily pledge to abstain from alcohol. Then, the 30-day chip marked his first month of sobriety. Next, the 60-day and 90-day chips coincide with his time spent at Sam's house—a period of joy and temptation.
As he arranged the chips before him, Jack couldn't help but reflect on the precariousness of his journey. Today, he had teetered on the edge, tempted to throw it all away in a moment of fleeting desire. The allure of celebrating his newfound intimacy with Sam had nearly led him astray, threatening to undo his progress.
But as he carefully returned each chip to its rightful place in the box, Jack knew that his journey was far from over. Despite the milestones he had achieved, the road to sobriety still lay ahead, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Today, he had remained steadfast in the face of temptation, but tomorrow brought no guarantees.
Closing the lid of the tin box with a determined resolve, Jack knew that he must continue to stay vigilant to remain firm in his commitment to sobriety. Not just for himself but for Sam and the future they hoped to build together.
As promised, Sam arrived home earlier than usual, a departure that stirred whispers among her colleagues who were accustomed to her steadfast dedication to work, especially in the last weeks. Ignoring the gossip, she made her way home, her mind preoccupied with the anticipation of seeing Jack. Yet, as she approached the deck, she was met with a sight that caught her off guard—Jack, with a closed expression that belied his usual demeanor.
Concern etched into her features, Sam approached him, her fingers instinctively finding solace in the gentle caress of his hair.
"Hey," she greeted softly, searching his eyes for any sign of distress.
Jack took a deep breath, his gaze meeting hers.
"Hey," he replied, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession.
Sensing his unease, Sam's concern deepened. Had he changed his mind about them?
"What's wrong, Jack? Did something happen?" she inquired, her touch offering reassurance.
Jack hesitated, his words coming out slowly.
"I... I almost went into a bar today," he admitted, his admission hanging heavy between them.
Sam's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping at the revelation.
"Oh, okay... But you said almost," she managed, trying to quell the rising panic within her.
"Yeah, I stood outside, staring at the entrance, but I didn't go in," Jack clarified, his voice tinged with shame.
Relief flooded through Sam, followed by a surge of empathy.
"That's good, Jack," she reassured him, her fingers continuing their gentle ministrations.
As Jack hesitated, Sam sensed there was more he needed to share. Kneeling before him, she urged him gently, "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
Jack's gaze dropped, his hands finding solace in hers.
"You won't like it," he warned, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Tell me," Sam insisted, her hands offering support and understanding.
Taking a deep breath, Jack met her gaze.
"The reason I wanted to drink was to celebrate our night together," he confessed, his words heavy with shame.
Sam felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and tenderness. Rising to her feet, she settled into his lap, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace.
"I love you, Jack O'Neill. I'm here for you, no matter what," she whispered, kissing his forehead.
Tears welled in Jack's eyes as he held her tight, his voice choked with emotion.
"I don't deserve you," he murmured, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace.
"It's time to embrace happiness, Jack. We both deserve it, as you said it. Dwelling in anger, sadness, and overthinking—it's not worth it anymore. I'm tired of that; I want to be happy. With you," Sam whispered the last words into his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
Jack responded by tenderly kissing her arms, his longing for happiness evident in his touch.
"I want that too, Sam. You have no idea how much I want that," Jack confessed, his gaze locked with hers. "In the meeting, Chris said something that resonated with me. Do you want to hear it?" he asked, seeking her validation.
Sam continued to play with his hair, her eyes soft with affection.
"Yes, tell me," she encouraged him, eager to hear his revelation.
"He told me to be thankful for today because, in the blink of an eye, your entire life can change," Jack relayed.
Sam pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, her agreement implicit in the gesture.
"It's good advice," she affirmed, her words laced with sincerity.
Jack responded by pulling her closer, enveloping her in a tight embrace that conveyed his gratitude and love.
"Before dinner, would you mind if we just snuggled on the sofa for a while?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
A smile tugged at Sam's lips.
"I'd love to snuggle with you, Colonel," she replied playfully, extending her hand.
Unexpectedly, Jack scooped her up in his arms, their laughter mingling as they entered. As they settled onto the oversized sofa, their embrace turned into a gentle exploration, the rest of the evening spent lost in each other's arms, finding solace and joy in their shared intimacy.
After their intimate snuggle on the sofa, Jack decided to whip up a light dinner for them both. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he beckoned Sam to join him in the kitchen, where he had already begun assembling ingredients for a simple yet delicious meal.
As Jack chopped vegetables with practiced ease, Sam leaned against the counter, observing him with a soft smile.
"What are you making, Chef O'Neill?" she teased, her tone playful.
Jack chuckled, his focus on the task at hand.
"Just a little something to satisfy our hunger," he replied, flashing her a grin.
Curious, Sam inched closer, peering over his shoulder at the various ingredients.
"It smells amazing," she remarked, inhaling deeply.
"It's nothing fancy, just a stir-fry," Jack explained, his movements swift and efficient as he tossed the vegetables in the pan. "But I promise it'll taste great."
As the savory aroma filled the kitchen, Sam couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. "I love watching you cook," she admitted, her eyes filled with admiration.
Jack glanced up, his expression softening at her words.
"I'm glad you enjoy it," he replied, lingering on her. "It's nice to be here with you."
Before long, Jack plated the stir-fry, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
"Dinner is served," he announced, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.
Sam's eyes sparkled with anticipation as they settled at the table, their plates filled with the delicious meal Jack had prepared.
As they sat down for dinner, Jack's curiosity finally got the better of him. Swallowing nervously, he mustered the courage to ask Sam a personal question.
"Can I ask you a question? Something personal?" he ventured, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Sam gave him a curious look, intrigued by his sudden change in demeanor.
"Of course, Jack. What's on your mind?" she replied, her interest piqued.
Taking a sip of water to steady his nerves, Jack broached the topic weighing on him.
"When I first moved in, you mentioned I could roam around the house except for your office. But one day, I noticed the door was open, and I saw you sitting at your desk with your eyes closed, wearing headphones. It happened again recently, and I couldn't help but wonder..." Jack trailed off, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Sam paused, setting down her fork as she listened to his explanation.
"I was listening to music, Jack," she said, a faint smile on her lips.
"Music?" Jack echoed, surprised by her response.
Sam nodded, continuing to eat.
"Yes, it helps me relax and clears my mind," she explained.
Jack straightened in his seat, intrigued by her revelation.
"You did this even before I moved in?" he asked, surprised by the revelation.
Sam nodded again, her expression thoughtful.
"Yes, it's been a coping mechanism for me for a while now," she admitted, her gaze focused on her plate.
"That's... interesting," Jack remarked, trying to process the new information.
"Why is it strange?" Sam inquired, her curiosity piqued by Jack's reaction.
Jack shrugged, unsure of how to articulate his thoughts.
"It's just unexpected, I suppose," he admitted.
Sam paused, setting her utensils down and meeting his gaze.
"Let me explain then. After my addiction to pain meds and the overdose, I made a promise to myself and my father to never rely on pills again. However, dealing with withdrawal symptoms and my overthinking brain proved to be a challenge since, unlike you, I did not go to group counseling. I did it alone, only receiving medical advice on what to expect once I started the process. One day, I was desperate. I turned on the radio, and a romantic song was playing. I then discovered that listening to romantic music helped calm my mind and provide a much-needed break from the constant chatter," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
Jack listened intently, his curiosity deepening.
"Only romantic songs?" he asked, intrigued by the specificity.
Sam blushed slightly, nodding.
"Yes, they seem to have the greatest effect on me," she admitted.
Jack's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"And your brain only stops when you hear romantic songs? Nothing else shuts it down?" he inquired, observing the deepening blush on Sam's cheeks.
"Until recently, yes," Sam admitted, her tone tinged with reluctance to delve into further detail.
Jack furrowed his brow, perplexed by her cryptic response.
"Sorry... what does that mean?" he asked, his confusion evident.
Sam hesitated, her blush intensifying.
"It means... there's something new," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jack's curiosity was piqued, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Something new?" he echoed, eager for clarification.
Sam nodded, her gaze dropping to her plate.
"Yes, something has changed my coping mechanism," she explained vaguely.
Understanding dawned on Jack's face as he realized the implication of her words.
"Oh," he murmured, a mixture of surprise and curiosity coloring his tone.
Sam nodded again, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment.
"Yes, oh," she agreed, her tone laced with a hint of self-consciousness. "You shut down my overthinking," she confessed quietly, avoiding his gaze.
Jack's expression softened with understanding.
"I did?" he asked a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Sam nodded, her embarrassment evident.
"Yes, you have a way of quieting my mind," she admitted, her admission hanging between them.
A grin spread across Jack's face, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he opened his arms.
"Well, Major, consider me at your disposal," he quipped, his tone playful.
Sam covered her mouth, stifling a laugh at his theatrical gesture.
"Jesus, Jack," she scolded, unable to suppress her amusement.
Jack grinned, his eyes alight with mischief.
"But seriously, let me help quiet your mind tonight," he suggested, reaching for her hand.
Despite her protests, Sam couldn't help but laugh as Jack led her to the bedroom, his playful antics bringing a welcome dose of fun to their evening. As they disappeared behind closed doors, laughter and playful banter filled the air, a testament to the deep bond they started to share. Slow was not an option anymore. They were embracing it fully.
Jack stirred as he felt the gentle nudge of Sam's cold nose against the warmth of his neck. Her lips trailed tenderly up to his cheek, then ventured further, a delicate caress of her tongue tracing down his shoulder to his wrist. It was a soothing and tantalizing sensation, her fingers weaving through his hair, adding to the sensation, lulling him dangerously close to a state of drooling on her pillowcase. When he finally relented to consciousness, Sam greeted him with a playful smile, her eyes dancing with mischief as if her intentions weren't entirely innocent.
With a knowing smirk, she settled onto his lap, straddling him, her lips teasing his collarbone, igniting a fire within him. Jack was fully aware of her intentions, her playful demeanor only adding to his wakefulness. His fingers instinctively reached for the waistband of her pajama pants, but she halted his advance with a gentle touch, then gracefully slipped off the bed, stopping by the bedroom door. Her expression was amusing and inviting, silently beckoning him to follow.
Jack was on his feet without hesitation, pulling on his sweats as he followed her lead. It hardly mattered wherever she was taking him, for he knew he would follow Samantha Carter anywhere without question.