After dropping Grace off at her dorm, Jack and Sam arrived at the hotel. Jack had reserved a lavish room with a king-sized bed adorned with a custom-upholstered headboard, Italian linens, plush-down comforters, and luxurious pillows. The marble bathroom was spacious, boasting premium amenities with plush bathrobes and slippers. A 48″ flat-panel TV graced one wall, and the window offered breathtaking views of Boston's historic Kenmore Square and Commonwealth Avenue. Sam couldn't help but be impressed. He usually wasn't this extravagant.
"Wow," she exclaimed, gazing out of the window.
Putting his arms around her waist, Jack asked, "Do you like it?" as he slowly kissed her neck.
"Very impressive, Jack," she replied, covering his hands with hers.
"Only the best for you," he said, continuing his kisses.
Sam smiled, well aware of where this was heading.
"So, are we staying here looking at the window, or are we putting that huge bed to use?" she asked, moving her hands down to his hips.
Jack slowly turned her around.
"I like the way you think, General. Always did, especially when I understand what you are talking about," he said with a big smile.
Sam sighed.
"Not that again, Jack," she said, caressing his jaw. "You always understood me perfectly, with few exceptions," she added gently.
Jack pretended ignorance.
"Half the time you talked, I had no idea what you were saying. I just took your word," he said, slowly unbuttoning her shirt.
"Really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. This conversation wasn't new and resurfaced from time to time between them. "Next, you're going to say you weren't attracted to me," she dared him.
Playfully, Jack untucked the skirt from her jeans.
"Oh, I never said that. I always loved your body, even in BDUs. You have legs to die for, honey," he said, kissing her collarbone.
Sam burst into laughter.
"Legs? You were attracted to my legs?" she asked as his hands moved to her back.
Jack stopped kissing her and looked at her with a severe expression.
"Everyone was attracted to your legs. Your several alien boyfriends, for instance," he said slowly.
Startled, Sam opened her mouth.
"My… my alien boyfriends? Seriously, Jack?" she asked, not believing he would bring that back after all these years.
Jack resumed his kissing, this time around her neck and jaw.
"Well, I can't be blamed that you had plenty... Narim, Orlin, Corso... that damn Martouf," he continued.
Furious, Sam put one hand on his chest, pushing him away.
"Wait a moment! I've never done anything with Corso and the others, maybe a kiss at best, but they were never my boyfriends! Hell, I kissed Daniel, and he was never my boyfriend," she growled.
Jack stopped the kissing immediately.
"WHAT? YOU KISSED DANIEL?" he asked, yelling, his eyes wide open.
Swallowing, Sam straightened up.
"I might have," she said slowly.
Jack looked at her, his eyes darkening by the second.
"Start talking," he demanded.
Seeing his expression, Sam blushed.
"First, calm down," she said, clearing her throat and giving him a steady look.
"We were both very drunk. We were completely wasted. This was back in the early days of SG-1, before we knew what we were getting into. It was just a kiss, Jack. A silly, fleeting moment that meant nothing. We started laughing almost immediately after, realizing how absurd it was, and then we just fell asleep on my couch. I think he passed out on the floor. I honestly don't remember after all these years. There was nothing more to it, I promise. It didn't mean anything then, and it certainly doesn't mean anything now," she explained, hoping her words would reassure him.
Jack's face fluctuated between anger and bewilderment.
"Daniel? You kissed Daniel?" he repeated, his mind conjuring images he never thought he would have to confront.
The atmosphere in the hotel room turned tense, a heavy silence settling between them. Sam ran a hand through her hair, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She adjusted her shirt, now fully open, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. What had started as a promising night was rapidly spiraling into a nightmare.
"Calm down, Jack," she urged again, her voice softer but steady. She slowly sat on the edge of the large bed, looking up at him with pleading eyes.
"I told you, we were drunk. It didn't mean a thing. It was just one stupid, meaningless kiss. It happened years ago, before any of this... before us. You have to understand that."
Jack paced the room, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"It's not about the kiss, Sam. It's about the trust. How am I supposed to trust you when you keep things like this from me?"
Sam's heart sank.
"Jack, it was so insignificant, I didn't even remember it until now. It wasn't worth mentioning because it never meant anything. You're the one I care about, the one I chose."
Jack remained unnaturally still, his gaze fixed on her.
"Not worth mentioning, but you kissed him nonetheless. So why am I just hearing about this after all these years? That you and Daniel kissed? Does Vala know? That you and her husband have been kissing?" he asked, his words dripping with disbelief and anger.
Sam blushed furiously.
"What are you talking about? Have been kissing? I told you it was just one kiss ages ago, and we were drunk, Jack!" she repeated, this time with a hint of frustration.
Jack began pacing the room again, his heartbeat echoing loudly.
"You kissed Daniel! I don't know what to think..." he mumbled.
Sam was baffled.
"What to think, Jack? Are you sure you want to go there? It was A KISS!" she emphasized. "Do I need to remind you about what you did with someone called Kynthia? To whom did you marry and go to bed and almost die? I still remember perfectly well what you told your second wife, Jack: "Sweet Kynthia, I've learned so much from you. I'll treasure every day of my life because of you", Sam spat, starting to lose control. "Or Laira, with whom you spent more than three months on that fucking planet?" Her voice faltered towards the end.
Jack stopped pacing and looked at her, his jaw clenched and his eyes burning intensely. Sam felt her anger rising, her fists clenching at her sides as she tried to keep her calm. She swallowed hard, but the words were already bubbling up, unstoppable.
"I kissed some alien guys, yeah, but I never slept with them. And I married you, not Daniel! We have three children together, and you are the one I sleep with every night I can. So, FUCK YOU, JACK!" she shouted, her voice cracking with the intensity of her emotions. She spun around and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her and locking it with a decisive click.
Jack stood there, stunned, his mind racing as he replayed her words. He grabbed his hair in despair, realizing how badly he had overreacted—again. The green-eyed monster of jealousy had clouded his judgment, making him lash out and hurt the woman he loved. Taking a deep breath, he gently knocked on the closed bathroom door and moved in.
"Sam? I'm sorry. Please, open the door," he said, his voice soft and pleading.
Sam leaned against the sink inside the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her chest heaved with emotion, tears falling down her face as she cried. She heard the sincerity in Jack's voice, and it tugged at her heart. She loved him despite his flaws and knew he loved her too. But this was a wound that needed time to heal.
Jack leaned his forehead against the door, feeling the coolness of the wood against his skin.
"Damn it, Sam, I'm sorry. I'm an asshole; you know that," he said in a low voice. "Please don't cry," he pleaded, his hand on the door handle. Her sobs eventually stopped.
Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, Sam unlocked the door and stepped out, her eyes red, her expression unreadable. Jack looked at her, his eyes filled with regret and love.
"I'm sorry, honey," he said, seeing her red eyes.
"Yeah, I'll bet you are," she replied, leaving the bathroom in one of the posh bathrobes.
"Come on, Sam, let's talk," he asked, attempting to grab her hand. She pulled it away as she headed to bed.
"I don't want to talk right now," she said, slipping into the sheets.
Jack cursed silently.
"Okay, we don't talk," he said, starting to undress.
Sam turned her back to him and turned off the light. Jack quickly got into the large bed and stared at the ceiling.
"You were right. I had no right to say what I said to you, and I know how hurt you were with Kynthia and Laira. I overreacted. I was stupid and jealous, and I let it get the best of me. I'm very sorry, honey," he said in the dark room.
They lay in bed, side by side, enveloped in a heavy silence that stretched from minutes into hours. Sleep eluded both of them, the tension lingering in the air. Jack couldn't shake the realization that he needed to mend the mess he had created. Breaking the silence, he began to speak.
"Every time I saw you with those guys and the way they looked at you, I just wanted to dismantle them, one by one. Because you looked at them the way I wanted you to look at me, and it broke my heart," Jack confessed. "When I was alone at home, thinking about you, I prayed that you never fell for them. Because you could have a life with them that you couldn't have with me. So, I admit that when they disappeared or died, I was silently glad. I know I'm a terrible person, but when it comes to you, I don't care. I can't think straight; I go for it."
He continued pouring out his emotions in the silent room.
"You brought sense to my life the moment you walked into that damn briefing room. You made me want to live again when I was waiting to die on some mission, sooner or later," he admitted. "My love for you isn't rational, logical, or normal. It's wild, raw, deep, and I can't control it, Sam. I love you with everything I have, and when something threatens that, I react accordingly like a caged animal. I'm very sorry about that. You deserve better; I always told you that," he said hoarsely.
Sam slowly turned on the mattress. The room was dark, but some light from outside seeped through the blackout curtains.
"I never wanted better. I always wanted you, Jack," she said, her hand slowly moving towards his chest.
Jack gently took her hand and kissed it.
"You have terrible taste," he joked.
"I disagree," Sam countered, slowly kissing his mouth. "We made three beautiful, wonderful children," Sam murmured, her hands moving gently down Jack's chest.
Jack held her tight, feeling the warmth of her touch.
"We did. They take after you, though," he said with a tender smile.
Sam returned his smile, her eyes soft and affectionate.
"They have lots of things from you," she whispered, kissing his neck. "And I'm very grateful for that," she added, her hands sliding to the waistband of his boxers.
Jack's breath hitched slightly, and he felt a surge of emotion. He wrapped his arms around her more firmly, pulling her closer.
"I love you," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I love you too," Sam replied, her voice equally earnest.
Their kisses deepened, and the world outside faded away. The stress and fatigue of the past hours lifted, replaced by a growing sense of closeness and understanding. They rediscovered each other in that quiet, private space, their connection reigniting with a passion that felt familiar and exhilaratingly new.
Sam traced her fingers along Jack's back, feeling the strength and warmth of his body. Jack responded by caressing her gently, his touch filled with love and reverence.
He bit her lip lightly, eliciting a moan from her, and Sam opened her mouth, inviting him in. His hands traveled up her waist to the hem of her top; he slid them inside, wrapping them around her. Sam's hands were draped around his neck, pulling him closer. Their tongues danced, each trying to gain the upper hand. Sam's hands moved from his shoulders to his collar, and she deftly removed his T-shirt before pulling away from the kiss, leaving Jack momentarily disappointed. She then leaned in, pressing wet kisses along his bare chest. He moaned, his hands finding her breasts and squeezing them as he slipped her bathrobe off.
"Oh… Jack," she moaned.
He silenced her with another kiss, still holding and massaging her breasts.
Sam broke away and whispered, "Remember one thing, Jack. I love you and you alone."
"I know," he replied, his voice husky with desire.
His long, slender fingers began massaging her thighs, squeezing them gently. He trailed his fingers toward her inner thighs, playing with the lace hem of her panties. When Sam placed her hands over his, signaling him to stop, he raised an eyebrow in silent question.
"I'll go very slow, honey," he promised.
Jack slid his fingers inside her panties, rubbing her core with a delicate touch. Sam felt a tingling sensation and tried to stifle her moans. He inserted one finger inside her, moving it slowly to let her adjust to his pace. Soon, he added a second finger, increasing his tempo. Sam knew she wouldn't last long. Moments later, she was screaming his name.
"Jack…"
He kissed her deeply, caressing her hair. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Sam nodded, her eyes closed. "Yes," she hummed.
"Do you want to move to phase two?" he asked with a knowing smile she could sense.
"Oh, yes," she replied eagerly.
Jack moved to the nightstand and grabbed a bottle of her favorite lube, applying it generously to both of them. He positioned himself at her entrance, moving slowly as he slid inside her.
"It's okay, Jack. It doesn't hurt," she reassured him, cupping his face and looking into his eyes.
He was now always careful with her, using the lubricant to ensure her comfort. "Are you sure?" he asked, moving deeper.
Sam moaned louder as she adjusted to him. "Oh yes, honey. I'm fine," she said with a smile.
He began to move with a steady rhythm, their bodies finding a perfect sync. The intimacy of their connection heightened every sensation. Jack's movements were slow and deliberate, each thrust filled with love and tenderness. Sam's hands roamed his back, feeling the muscles contract and relax with each motion. She arched into him, her moans mingling with his groans, creating a symphony of shared pleasure.
As their pace quickened, their breaths grew ragged. Jack's lips found her neck, planting kisses that sent shivers down her spine. Sam's nails dug into his back, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him. The room was filled with the sounds of their passion, a testament to their deep connection.
With a final thrust, they reached their climax together, crying out each other's names. Jack collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms. They lay there, bodies entwined, basking in the afterglow.
Jack kissed her forehead, his fingers trailing through her damp hair. "I love you, Sam."
"I love you too, Jack," she whispered, feeling a profound contentment.
Afterward, they lay entwined in each other's arms, the room quiet except for their soft breaths. Jack brushed a strand of hair from Sam's face, gazing at her with adoration. "You mean everything to me," he said quietly.
"And you to me," Sam replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We've built such a beautiful life together, Jack. I wouldn't trade it for anything. But you need to understand that my past isn't something you should hold against me. We have to trust each other, Jack. That's the only way this will work."
Jack pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her even closer. "I know, Sam. And I promise I'll do better. We'll do better."
They drifted to sleep, wrapped in each other's embrace; the weight of the past hours lifted, and the night had brought them a renewed closeness and understanding, reinforcing the strength of their relationship.
The following day, Sam awoke with a delightful sensation in her belly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. Opening her eyes, she found Jack slowly kissing her stomach, his tongue playfully tracing patterns.
"Oh God, Jack," she moaned, her fingers entwined in his hair.
"Good morning," he smiled, moving his lips to hers. They exchanged a passionate kiss.
"Want to grab some coffee before heading to Grace?" he suggested, nibbling her ear.
Still processing the sensual wake-up call, Sam hummed in response.
"I'll take that as a yes," he continued to smile.
Sam gently caressed his hair, and they spent a little more time in bed, playfully fooling around until Jack glanced at the time.
"We need to hurry up, or our daughter might think we've abandoned her," he said, reluctantly getting out of bed.
Sam protested, hiding her face with a pillow.
"I'll shower first," he offered, leaving Sam in bed as he headed for the bathroom. The playful banter and intimate moments lingered, setting a warm and affectionate tone for the morning ahead.
On the second and final day of the weekend at MIT, Sam, Jack, and Grace decided to explore more of the vibrant city of Boston. After a leisurely breakfast, they headed to the iconic Boston Public Garden, where the fall foliage painted a breathtaking scene. The family strolled along the winding paths, enjoying the tranquility of the picturesque surroundings.
Jack couldn't help but tease, "So, Grace, this is where you come to escape the complexities of molecular biology, huh?"
Grace chuckled, "Well, it's a good place to clear my head, Dad. Even us science geeks need a break from time to time."
They found themselves near the famous Swan Boats as they continued their walk.
Sam suggested, "Why don't we take a ride? It's a classic Boston experience."
Jack raised an eyebrow but agreed, "Sure, why not? As long as I don't have to row."
The family hopped on the Swan Boats, enjoying a peaceful ride on the serene lagoon. Grace shared stories of her favorite spots in the garden, adding a personal touch to the beautiful scenery.
After their garden escapade, they decided to try something different and headed to a nearby bowling alley for a round of Better Off Bowling. The clatter of pins and the laughter of families filled the air as they enjoyed a friendly competition.
After rolling her eyes after a terrible throw, Sam teased Jack, "I thought all those years of military precision would translate into bowling skills, General."
Jack grinned, "Hey, I never claimed to be an expert bowler. Talk to Jake about that. I'm more of a 'knocking down alien threats' guy."
After the bowling fun, they had an appetite and decided to have lunch at a seafood restaurant in Kendall Square. Over a feast of lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fresh oysters, they shared stories, laughed, and relished the delicious flavors of New England cuisine.
As they enjoyed their meal, Jack raised his glass.
"To the family and unforgettable weekends," he toasted.
Grace chimed in, "And to explore new adventures together."
The day concluded with a walk along the Charles River, taking in the city skyline as the sun began to set. The trio shared moments of quiet reflection, appreciating the precious time spent together.
As they returned to Grace's dorm, packing up for the journey home, Sam hugged her daughter tight.
"We're so proud of you, Grace."
Grace smiled, "Thanks, Mom. And thanks for this amazing weekend. It meant the world to me."
With hugs and heartfelt goodbyes, Sam and Jack parted ways with Grace, promising to visit again soon. The weekend had been filled with laughter, shared stories, and cherished moments, creating memories they would hold close until their next reunion.
As they drove from the MIT campus, the setting sun cast a warm, golden glow over the buildings and tree-lined streets. The weekend's light lingered in their hearts, leaving them deeply grateful for the time spent together as a family.
"She's doing so well," Sam said, her voice filled with pride as she looked out the window, the campus slowly disappearing behind them.
"She really is," Jack agreed, his hands steady on the wheel. "Seeing how much she's grown and accomplished is amazing."
Sam nodded, her thoughts drifting back to the moments they had shared over the past few days. They had visited Grace's favorite spots around Cambridge, enjoyed meals at cozy local restaurants, and spent hours talking and laughing together. Each moment reaffirmed the strong bond they shared as a family.
As they drove along Memorial Drive, the Charles River shimmered in the fading light. The picturesque scene was a fitting end to their visit. The city was coming alive with evening activity, but for Sam and Jack, the drive was a peaceful time to reflect on their weekend.
"I loved seeing her in her element," Sam said, smiling. "She's so passionate about her studies and her projects. It's inspiring."
Jack glanced at her, his eyes reflecting the same pride and love. "We've done a good job, Sam. She's turned out to be an incredible person. Now we have to convince our two aces to stop fighting and get that damn weekend passes and come home to visit us, or I'll make a personal call to the Superintendent of the Academy, and we'll go to Colorado Springs!" he warned.
"I'm sure they'd be thrilled if we waltzed onto campus unannounced. That would do wonders for their already stellar reputations," Sam said, trying to suppress a smile.
They arrived at Boston Logan International Airport and returned to the terminal after returning the rental SUV. The airport was bustling with travelers, but Sam and Jack moved purposefully, navigating through security and quickly finding their gate.
"Still can't believe how fast this weekend went by," Jack said as they sat down to wait for their boarding call.
"I know. But it was worth every minute," Sam replied, grabbing his hand.
Soon, their flight was called, and they joined the line to board. The familiar routine of finding their seats and stowing their carry-ons felt comforting. Sam settled by the window, and Jack sat beside her.
As the plane taxied and took off, Sam watched the city lights fade into the distance, feeling sadness and contentment.
"We'll be back soon," she whispered, already looking forward to their next visit.
Jack turned to her, squeezing her hand. "Thinking about Grace?"
"Yes," Sam said, smiling. "But I'm also thinking about how nice it is to have these little getaways with you. And I miss my boys also."
Jack smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I couldn't agree more."
The flight was smooth, and they spent the time reminiscing about the weekend, flipping through photos on Sam's phone. Before long, the familiar sights of Washington, D.C., came into view as the plane descended.
They touched down at Washington Dulles International Airport, and after collecting their luggage, they made their way to the parking lot where their car was waiting. The night air was cool and refreshing as they loaded their bags into the trunk.
"Home sweet home," Jack said as he started the car and pulled out of the lot.
Sam nodded, feeling comforted as they drove through the familiar streets. The journey had been incredible, but there was something special about coming home.
As they pulled into their driveway, the house looked warm and welcoming. Still inside the SUV, Jack grabbed his wife's hand.
"I love our family," he said, his voice full of emotion.
"Me too," Sam replied, squeezing his hand tightly. "We're fortunate."
Throughout the weekend, Project Perseus was a topic that remained conspicuously absent from their discussions. Not a single mention was made, nor did any thoughts of it surface in their minds while they were away. Their activities and conversations were detached from the project as if it had never existed. The time away was filled with other matters, leaving Project Perseus to fade into the background, overshadowed by the immediacy and enjoyment of their trip. It was as though an unspoken agreement had been reached to leave the weighty subject behind, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the present moment, free from the burden of heavy undertakings.