Jack stepped into Sam's house, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of comfort. Sam closed the door behind him and went straight to the kitchen
"Want a beer?" she called over her shoulder.
"Always," Jack replied with a smirk.
He took the bottle from her and followed her to the couch. They sat down, an awkward silence hanging in the air for a moment.
Jack took a swig of his beer and then set it down on the coffee table. "So... Pete, huh?"
Sam sighed, nodding. "Yeah. He came to get his things. And maybe try to talk me into giving him another chance."
Jack raised an eyebrow, trying to keep his tone casual. "And?"
"And I told him it was over. For good." She looked at him, her eyes searching his. "But he keeps calling, hoping I'll change my mind."
Jack felt a surge of protectiveness and jealousy. Damn Pete. "You sure you're done with him?"
Sam nodded, her expression resolute. "Absolutely. I told him. My feelings haven't changed."
Jack leaned back, running a hand through his hair. Time to dive in, O'Neill. "Sam, I meant what I said. We are doing this. I just... needed time to process everything."
"Time to process? Jack, I've been processing for weeks. Ever since my dad died, and then with Pete... I needed you, and you weren't there."
Jack winced at the pain in her voice. "I know, and I'm sorry. I thought giving you space was the right thing to do. But I realize now that it just made things worse."
Jack continued, his expression serious. "I don't want to lose you, Sam. Not again. Not like with the cop."
Sam felt a warmth spread through her chest. He was really opening up. "I feel the same way Jack. And about our jobs I was thinking..." she trailed trying to gather her wits to tell him.
Jack sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "Yeah, about that. I've been thinking too... And it's time I retire."
Sam shook her head, her determination evident. "No, Jack. I'm putting in a transfer request to RD in Nevada. I want to stay more on the Earth side of things for some time."
Jack frowned, feeling confused. She wanted to leave? "Sam, I don't understand. You want to leave for Nevada? I mean - "
"General Hammond is retiring," she interrupted. She watched as he took the news and saw the moment he came to the same conclusion as she did. The powers that be will promote him to take on Hammond's position.
Sam continued "I've thought about it a lot. This is the best solution. We would still need to keep our relationship on a need-to-know basis."
Jack shook his head, his jaw set. "No, Sam. I don't want to hide this. I want to be with you, openly"
Her eyes widened slightly, her heart racing. "Jack, we need to be careful. The Air Force..."
Jack interrupted, his voice firm. "We'll figure it out. Together." Sam smiled, a weight lifting off her shoulders.
"Okay. Together. So we wait until my transfer is effective"
They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Jack's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a possessive need surge within him. To hell with waiting.
He leaned in closer, his voice low and rough. "Screw it, Sam. We've waited long enough."
Before she could respond, he captured her lips in a fierce, hot kiss. It was a kiss filled with all the longing, the frustration, and the love they had both kept bottled up for so long. Sam's hands tangled in his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervor, her body pressing against his.
The kiss seemed to go on forever, both of them pouring everything they had into it. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.
"Wow," Sam whispered, her eyes still closed.
"Yeah," Jack agreed, his voice husky. "Definitely worth the wait."