6th Valentine's Day – February 14, 2003
Jack called off work on the team's sixth Valentine's Day. It was rare for him to use a sick day, even rarer still to use one when he wasn't technically sick. But Daniel was dead and that had sucked all the joy out of, well, everything.
Just like every year, he'd gone to the grocery store to purchase Teal'c's chocolate candy heart when he saw it—socks. The same brand and size he bought Daniel every year. Except this year. He hadn't made the trip to the department store that he usually frequented to pick up the socks. In fact, he had purposely stayed away from the men's sections in stores so he wasn't reminded of the gift he wouldn't be buying.
But there a single package sat, so out of place in the middle of the candy section that he'd picked it up and thrown it in his cart. He should have known better than to buy it because now he couldn't stop staring at it and wishing Daniel hadn't sacrificed himself months ago.
A knock at his door drew him out of his thoughts and his eyes away from the socks that now sat on his coffee table.
Crossing to the door, he opened it, unsurprised to find his 2IC and Teal'c with concerned looks on their faces. Without saying anything, he stepped back and invited them in.
Sam was the first one to spot the socks on the coffee table, a frown of understanding settling on her face. Without a word, she turned and wrapped her arms around Jack, tucking her head against her shoulder.
He remained frozen for a minute before responding, his arms slowly closing around Sam as he buried her face in her neck. Behind him, Teal'c placed a solid hand against Jack's shoulder in silent support.
"Thanks guys," Jack finally murmured against Sam's neck, his lips softly brushing her skin as he spoke.
They stood in silence for a few more minutes more before Jack pulled back, his arms unwinding from Sam's body as she too stepped back.
"I have ordered pizza, O'Neill," Teal'c informed him, "and Major Carter has brought movies."
"The Indiana Jones trilogy, in honor of Daniel, sir," Sam told him, her eyes studying his face to gauge his reaction.
"It's perfect," Jack smiled sadly. He crossed to the kitchen and pulled out Teal'c's candy heart and Sam's gift from a drawer before giving them to his team.
"Happy Valentine's Day, both of you," he said, a small but real smile on his face.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Sir," Sam replied, clutching the small snow globe containing a replica of a miniature galaxy inside.
"Happy Valentine's Day, O'Neill," Teal'c bowed his head in thanks.
As Jack sat next to Sam who was curled up on the couch, with Teal'c in the chair beside them, he felt his heart swell. Daniel might be gone, but the family they'd built was still alive and well.