As dinner time approached, Jack was a bundle of nerves. Sam should have been home, but she hadn't arrived yet, and her cell phone went to voicemail. He didn't know what to do. No one answered from the Pentagon anymore, which meant her secretary had already gone home. Jack paced back and forth in their hallway, checking the window every minute to see if her car had arrived. It hadn't yet. Minutes passed, and there was no sign of her. Just as he was about to start a throwing contest with every object in their hallway, he heard a car pull into their driveway.
Quickly, he rushed to the window and saw Stevens opening the car door for Sam. She got out and walked towards their front door without even a glance in his direction, despite him holding the door open for her.
"Busy day?" he inquired as she dropped her briefcase on the floor without ceremony.
"I'm going to bed," she replied, not giving him a second thought as she headed upstairs.
Jack closed the door, puzzled by her unusual behavior.
"Aren't you going to eat something?" he called out, but she didn't respond.
She hadn't even removed her shoes, which was out of character for her. Concerned, Jack decided to follow her. He had heard her talk with what he suspected was her doctor. He found her sitting on the bed, beginning to undress. She looked utterly exhausted.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his worry evident.
"Yes, fine," she responded, taking off her shoes.
Jack knew her well enough to see that she wasn't fine. Sam got up and headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Jack gave her a few minutes, but he decided to go in when she didn't emerge. He was getting up to do so when the bathroom door opened, and she stepped out, switching off the light. She was already prepared for bed, wearing a long silk ivory nightgown with crossed straps.
"What's wrong, Sam?" Jack asked as she climbed into the sheets and turned her back to him.
"I'm tired, Jack," she replied.
Jack sat on the mattress, moving closer to her.
"Just that?" he pressed, concerned.
Sam remained silent. Jack retrieved his t-shirt and got into bed, deciding that dinner could wait. Right now, he sensed she needed him.
"Tell me what's wrong, Sam," he urged gently, moving his body closer to hers and softly caressing her hips. Sam didn't move a muscle, but Jack could sense her tension. She was stiff as a wooden board.
She still didn't answer, and Jack's worry grew.
"Did something happen at work?" he inquired, his mind racing through various scenarios.
"No," she finally replied, and Jack felt relief.
"Is it me? Are you still mad at me?" he ventured, unable to think of any other reason for her behavior.
"Let me sleep, Jack," she requested, confirming his suspicion that he was the issue.
"You didn't believe me," Jack stated slowly, his hands coming to a halt at her waist. "That's why you're acting like this. You think I'm playing you," he added, concerned.
The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. Jack slowly leaned in, his breath warm against her neck, his lips brushing her skin with the faintest of touches. He could feel the pulse of her heartbeat quickening beneath the surface, mirroring his urgency.
"Please," he whispered, his voice a low, fervent murmur. "You have to believe me. I'm not playing you, honey. I was serious when I said I no longer cared about that project. I won't do a damn thing about it. Please believe me," he implored.
Slowly, Sam turned to face him, her face unusually pale.
His hand gently cupped her face, tilting it so he could look into her eyes. They were filled with doubt and confusion, a storm of emotions he desperately needed to calm. He took a deep breath, searching for the right words to convey his feelings.
"I know I've made a mistake," he continued, his voice trembling with sincerity. "But I've come to my senses, Sam. I'll never put anything above our marriage. Our love."
She closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek. Jack caught it with his thumb, his touch tender and reassuring. He leaned in closer, his lips hovering just a breath away from hers.
"Give me a chance," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "Let me prove to you that my intentions are true. That my love is real. I will do anything, go to any lengths, to see you smile again. To make things right."
She opened her eyes, the walls around her heart beginning to crack but also showing her hurt and vulnerability.
"I'm not like you, Jack. I don't know how to play power games. I hate playing these games. You're better at that, and you'll probably win. So please tell me what you want, and stop doing this. It's tearing me apart," she confessed, her voice trembling.
Jack swallowed hard and gently caressed her face.
"Oh, my God, Sam. Please don't say that. I swear I'm not playing at anything. I've given up. I don't care about Perseus. I care only about you, and I hate seeing you like this. I love you, honey," he said, his fingers tenderly caressing her cheeks.
Sam closed her eyes, overwhelmed with emotions. She felt like she was crashing down a mountain without a safety rope.
"Jack, please..." she implored once more.
"Honey, I swear on our kids. I'm not playing. Believe me," he pleaded.
Sam opened her eyes, and this time, tears were glistening there.
"I'm serious, Jack. We won't recover from this. Not this time," she cautioned.
Jack kissed her, gently tasting the salt of her tears.
"I know, and that's why I gave up. I love you too much to lose you," he assured her. With another gentle kiss on her neck, he whispered, "Trust me."
Sam closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel the depth of his love, enveloping herself in the warmth of his embrace. Amid their turmoil, she understood that healing from this rupture would require time, patience, and a willingness to confront their issues head-on.
As she leaned into him, she felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a reassuring reminder of their bond and the strength of their connection. Despite their challenges, she wanted to believe they were in this together, united by a love that had weathered countless storms.
With each breath, she felt a sense of renewal, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. They had faced adversity before, and each time, they emerged more potent and resilient. This time would be no different. If it were, it would be the end of their marriage.
Opening her eyes, Sam met his gaze, seeing the love and determination reflected in his brown eyes. His eyes had never lied to her, and she knew those better than anyone. In that moment, surrounded by his love and support, Sam felt a flicker of optimism in her heart—the first stirrings of belief in that quiet, vulnerable space. No matter the challenges, they would face them together, hand in hand, ready to overcome whatever obstacles stood. She had to hang on to that, or she would go crazy. She had to.
"Jack, we need to talk," she said, her voice steady but firm.
He glanced at her, his eyes wary. He was right, and there was something she wasn't telling him. "Okay, honey. Let's talk."
Jack took a deep breath and moved a hair away from her face. "What's going on, honey? You've been distant, and it's killing me. Are you tired of me? Is there someone else?"
Her eyes widened in shock, and she shook her head vehemently. "No, Jack, it's nothing like that. There's no one else. I could never grow tired of you."
"Then what is it? You've slept two nights in the guest room, and we haven't...you know..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.
Tears rose in her eyes, and she looked down at her hands, grabbing the bedsheets tighter. "Jack, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to push you away all this time. I'm just going through something and… didn't know how to discuss it."
Jack moved closer, taking her hands in his. "Talk to me, Sam. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together. I heard you talk with Emily. Are you sick?"
She took a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I've seen my doctor, and she believes I'm going through late perimenopause. The night sweats, the mood swings, the insomnia... It's all part of it. I've been feeling so...off, and it's affecting everything. Including us."
The thought had never crossed his mind, but it explained so much. Jack's heart ached for her, a deep, piercing sorrow mixed with empathy.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked gently, his voice filled with concern and tenderness.
She looked away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I was scared, Jack. Scared of getting older, scared of how you'd react, scared of... losing you." Her voice broke on the last word, the fear and vulnerability she had been carrying alone for so long finally surfacing.
Jack felt a rush of emotion, a fierce need to comfort her, to ease her pain. He cupped her face, forcing her to look at him, his grip firm but soothing.
"Oh, sweetheart," he said softly, "you won't lose me. We're in this together, from the start and until the end. And you are my gorgeous, beautiful wife, no matter what. I love you, honey, until the day I die."
She glanced back at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt or rejection. But all she saw was love and unwavering support.
"I just... I didn't know how to talk about it," she admitted. "I felt like my body was betraying me, and I didn't want you to see me as... less."
Jack shook his head, his eyes filled with compassion.
"You're not less. You're going through something natural, something so many women experience. It doesn't change how I feel about you. If anything, it makes me admire your strength even more."
She let out a soft sob, the weight of her fears beginning to lift. Jack pulled her into his arms, holding her close, feeling the tension slowly drain from her body.
"We'll get through this together," he whispered into her hair. "Every step of the way, I'm by your side. And I love you."
She clung to him, her tears soaking into his neck, but for the first time in months, she felt a glimmer of hope. With Jack's support, she knew she could navigate this difficult journey. They could find a new normal that included the inevitable changes but also embraced their love and commitment.
She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I love you too, Jack. I'm so sorry for shutting you out."
"Please talk to me, Sam. You are not alone in this."
For the first time in months, Jack felt hope on the horizon. They had a long road ahead but were finally facing it together.
As they settled under the covers, Jack turned to her, his expression a blend of concern and determination. "Sam, what can I do to help you? Whatever it is, I'm here for you."
Sam took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her fears starting to lift. "I've already started estrogen therapy. It's supposed to help with the hot flashes. But there's more to it."
Jack nodded, urging her to continue as he kept stroking her hair. He could sense there was something deeper she needed to share.
Blushing furiously, Sam admitted in a low voice, "The last time we had sex, it was uncomfortable for me because… it hurt."
Jack almost fell off the bed in shock. "Hurt? Fuck, Sam, why didn't you tell me?"
Sam looked down, her voice soft and tinged with embarrassment. "One of the symptoms is vaginal dryness. It's part of what's been happening with my body. I didn't know…how to tell you."
Jack was momentarily speechless, trying to process what she was saying. He felt a mix of regret and sadness for not noticing her discomfort sooner. He reached out, gently lifting her chin so she would look into his eyes.
"Jesus, Sam," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You should have told me. I would have stopped immediately. Honey, the thought that I hurt you is…" He swallowed hard, fighting back the surge of guilt. "What can we do about it?"
Sam caressed his hand, seeing the genuine concern on his face, and recounted what her doctor had told her.
"I was too ashamed to tell you. There are things we can try. My doctor mentioned lubricants and moisturizers specifically for this. And there is other stuff, too. I just... I didn't want you to feel like it was your fault or that I didn't want to be close to you."
Jack's heart ached at her words. He pulled her into a tight embrace, wishing he could take away all her pain and fears. "We'll figure this out together," he promised. "I want to be close to you, but more importantly, I want you to be comfortable and happy. We'll find what works for us. What is the stuff the doctor said it would help?" he asked
Sam became a lot redder, but he couldn't see her, so she just whispered the words next to his ear, "We can use a good lubricant, do a lot of foreplay, and… have sex more often. It's supposed to help with dryness and discomfort".
A slow smile spread across Jack's face. "I can do all of that."
Sam couldn't help but laugh, hiding her face in his neck. Jack's lighthearted response was precisely what she needed. He reached out, gently moving her face from him.
"Hey," he said softly, his eyes full of love. "I think you're courageous for telling me. And I think we're going to come out of this stronger. You mean everything to me, Sam. We'll get through this. Together. I love you more than anything, honey."
"I love you too, Jack," she whispered, her heart full.
Jack leaned in, kissing her slowly and tenderly.
"First thing tomorrow morning, I'm going to get us all the forms of lubrication in the market. We're going to turn this around."
Sam laughed again, feeling a sense of lightness she hadn't felt in months. As Jack's kisses grew more profound and passionate, she felt the warmth of his love envelop her. He took his time, exploring her body with a tenderness that made her feel cherished and desired.
Their intimacy that night was different, infused with a renewed sense of connection and understanding. Jack was patient, ensuring she was comfortable and responding to her every need. They took things slowly, rediscovering each other with every touch and kiss.
Jack whispered reassurances between kisses. "You're amazing, Sam. And the love of my life."
Sam felt the last of her anxieties melt away. They moved together, the rhythm of their bodies a testament to their enduring love. It wasn't just about sex; it was about rebuilding the intimacy and trust that her recent struggles had strained.
When they finally lay back, spent and content, Sam nestled against Jack's chest, feeling a deep sense of peace. "Thank you, Jack," she murmured.
He kissed the top of her head, his arms wrapped around her protectively. "No, thank you for trusting me. I'm here, always. And if things get uncomfortable for you, tell me immediately, Sam. Please let me know," he asked.
Sam nodded and kissed him.
As they drifted off to sleep, the future seemed less daunting. They had faced countless challenges together, and this was just another one they would overcome hand in hand.
Jack woke up to the sound of his wife's alarm clock. He was quick to reach over and turn it off. Sam was nestled against him, half-awake, her arm wrapped around his waist, and her body gloriously naked. The previous night, he had been dedicated to making amends and delicate lovemaking, with Jack putting his heart and soul into every moment. They had sacrificed a few hours of sleep, but it had been entirely worth it. They had sorted out their differences and clarified their feelings, leaving no room for doubt. Afterward, he had to go shopping now that he knew the problem. He would buy boxes of lube if he had to.
"Are you still asleep?" he murmured, gently caressing her back.
"Not anymore," she replied, beginning to stretch on top of him.
With a mischievous smile, Jack suggested, "Do you want to call in sick today?"
"I can't, Jack. I'd set a terrible example," she said, kissing his jaw.
Jack couldn't resist the temptation and ran his hands down her waist.
"Oh, I don't know. You're the boss now. I doubt anyone would mind an extra day off," he said, slowly kissing her.
Sam laughed softly, her lips pressed to his.
"You had to try," she said as she reluctantly left his embrace and went to the bathroom.
He closed his eyes and let out a groan, thoroughly enjoying the sight of his wife.
Sharing breakfast, their atmosphere felt notably different from the preceding days.
Jack, his fingers interlaced with hers, asked, "Do you fancy spending the weekend at home, or shall we venture somewhere else?"
Sam, while sipping her coffee, regarded him with surprise.
"Go out?" she inquired.
Jack, his gentle touch, replied, "I believe we could use some time away. In fact, I think we need some time away."
Setting her mug down, Sam realized that Jack had given this some thought somehow between last night's events and this morning. The man had a quick mind, no matter how much he sometimes liked to appear otherwise to others.
"Charlottesville, perhaps? You do love the restaurants there," he suggested, a smile playing on his lips.
Sam reciprocated the smile.
"I'm not the only one if I recall," she teased, reminiscing about the charming city they had visited with their children some years ago.
"But do you like the idea?" Jack sought confirmation.
Sam nodded, finishing her coffee.
"Yes, we can go. The boys are at the Academy, and Grace won't be back home anytime soon, so we have some weekends free for the time being," she said, her thoughts drifting to her work at the Pentagon, uncertain of its duration.
"Can I handle the hotel booking?" Jack inquired.
Rising from her chair and adjusting her dress blues, Sam replied, "Sure."
"Sweet," Jack exclaimed with a smile.
"I've got to run," she said, checking her wristwatch.
Jack joined her as she stood.
"What's up?" Sam queried, grabbing her briefcase.
"I love you," he declared, sealing the sentiment with a deep kiss.
Sam reciprocated but eventually had to push him away gently.
"I love you too, but I have to go, Jack," she insisted with a peck.
Reluctantly, he released her.
"Alright, go conquer the Pentagon, and I'll handle our little getaway," he assured.
Shaking her head, Sam smiled and exited the house.
Sam had immersed herself in Homeworld affairs and constantly connected with Cameron regarding PW6-998 and the preparation of the ongoing mission. The President eagerly awaited an updated report about the planet, and Sam felt the weight of the pressure, something she had grown accustomed to. Lost in her tasks, she hadn't noticed the passage of time until Anne knocked on her door, signaling her departure. Then, Sam glanced at her cell and realized it was already past 2000. Several unanswered calls from Jack stared back at her from the screen. She had put her phone on mute earlier during the numerous meetings and completely forgot about it. Quickly, she dialed him, bracing herself for his reaction.
"I've called you a dozen times, Carter! What the hell?" he barked, reverting to her SG-1 name—a sign he was genuinely upset. The other time he used it involved much more intimate moments, which was not the case.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I had the cell on mute and forgot," she apologized, swiftly shutting down her work-related tasks.
"Okay," he replied, his tone softening as he flipped through TV channels.
"I'm heading home," she informed him, navigating the familiar Pentagon corridors.
Stevens was patiently waiting by her car, smiling slightly as he opened the door. "I'm already in the car," she sighed, closing her eyes momentarily.
"Good. I'll be waiting for you," he said, and they hung up.
Sam took a deep breath, anticipating the weekend getaway—a welcome distraction from the demands of her responsibilities.
As Sam arrived home, she was greeted by an unexpected and somewhat surprising sight. Jack stood silently by the door, his arms crossed and a deep blush spreading across his cheeks. He motioned for her to follow him to their bedroom, where Sam's eyes widened in shock at the scene before her. Their bed was covered in bottles of lubricants of all kinds and sizes, creating a colorful, almost comical, display.
"What... what is all this?" Sam asked, her voice tinged with confusion and curiosity as she sat on the bed and grabbed a random bottle.
Jack cleared his throat, looking even more embarrassed. He had tried to call her and ask her opinion, but he had to improvise when she didn't answer her phone.
"Well, after our talk last night, I researched online before shopping. I didn't know what to buy, so I bought... all of them. I didn't know what you liked, and you didn't answer my calls," he admitted, his face turning a deeper shade of red.
Sam started to read the labels on the bottles of lube, intrigued by the variety spread across the bed. She felt a surge of affection for Jack, touched by his effort and thoughtfulness.
"I'm so sorry I didn't notice the calls, Jack," Sam said, realizing now why he had been so insistent with the phone calls.
Jack looked down at his feet, still blushing furiously. "Yeah… I'm sure I came across as a sex maniac with all those bottles," he mumbled. "But who cares, right?" He glanced up, attempting a small, sheepish smile.
Sam chuckled softly, her heart warming at his embarrassment and determination.
"You're not a sex maniac, Jack. You're just... you're amazing." She reached out, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. "I appreciate this more than you know. It means a lot that you went through all this trouble. Now let's see what you have bought," she said, picking one bottle.
"Water-based lubricant," she read aloud, "good for reducing friction and making sex more comfortable for people with vaginal dryness from menopause."
Jack nodded, listening intently as Sam continued.
"Silicone-based lubricant," she went on, "has an oil-like consistency, which makes it work well as vaginal lubricant. It often contains ingredients like dimethicone and cyclomethicone."
Jack shifted awkwardly but didn't interrupt, allowing Sam to process the information.
"And oil-based lubricant," she read, "come in two types: natural plant oils like coconut, olive, or almond oil, and store-bought oils like mineral oil and Vaseline."
Sam looked up at Jack, who was still blushing furiously. He gave her a leaflet that he had taken from the back pocket of his jeans.
"Experts from The North American Menopause Society recommend water-based lubricants because they are less likely to irritate the vagina than oil-based products. They also suggest using vaginal moisturizers several times a week at bedtime to maintain moisture in the vagina," she read aloud.
Jack took a deep breath, stepping closer to the bed.
"I wanted to make sure you were comfortable, Sam. I didn't want to assume anything, so I thought it would be better to have options. Above all, I don't ever want sex to be painful for you ever again."
Sam's heart softened at his thoughtfulness. She reached out and took his hand, pulling him down to sit beside her on the bed. "Jack, you didn't have to go through all this trouble. But, by God, it makes me love you even more than I already do."
Jack looked relieved, his blush slowly fading. "I just want you to feel good, to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Sam smiled warmly, squeezing his hand. "I know you are. And we'll figure out what works best together. It's not that we don't have…options," she said, looking again at the several bottles on their bed.
Jack grinned, finally relaxing. "Good. Now, which one do you want to try first?" he asked, a hint of playful mischief returning to his eyes.
Sam laughed, feeling a renewed connection and intimacy with her husband.
"Let's start with the water-based one," she suggested, picking up a bottle and rereading the label. "And maybe later, we can experiment with the others. Maybe take some of them to Charlottesville."
Jack nodded enthusiastically, his earlier embarrassment entirely replaced by his eagerness to support and care for his wife. Together, they embarked on this new chapter, their bond more potent than ever.
As Jack and Sam prepared for their romantic weekend in Charlottesville, the air in their townhouse was again filled with excitement and anticipation. Jack carefully folded his favorite button-down shirt, which always caught Sam's eye, while Sam selected a few skirts, jeans and shirts, and a pair of comfortable shoes. They both smiled, hoping they were in for a beautiful getaway. Also in Sam's suitcase was a pouch full of lube options she intended to use.
As they finished packing, they exchanged knowing glances, their hearts brimming with love and a little dread for what lay ahead. With their bags filled with essentials and dreams of romantic escapades, Jack and Sam set off, ready to make memories that would help them reconnect in the charming streets of Charlottesville.
Their romantic weekend was a much-needed escape from the pressures of their last times. Their first stop was a quaint bed and breakfast nestled among the rolling hills of Virginia wine country.
"Wow, this place is even more charming than I imagined!" Sam said, looking around.
Jack kissed her hand.
"I knew you'd love it. Let's check-in and maybe head out for a stroll downtown?"
Their cozy room exuded warmth, with soft candlelight flickering against the rustic decor. After freshening up, they set out to explore the vibrant streets of Charlottesville.
The cobblestone streets invited them to slow down and savor each moment together.
Sam looked at the map they had been given. "I heard there's a farmer's market nearby. Let's grab some local goodies for our picnic tomorrow."
Jack adjusted his sunglasses. "Sounds perfect. And maybe we can find a spot to catch the sunset afterward?"
They wandered hand in hand through the bustling market, sampling artisanal cheeses and sipping freshly squeezed juices. The vibrant stalls were alive with color, the air filled with tantalizing scents of spices and freshly baked bread. Musicians played lively tunes, adding a festive soundtrack to their afternoon.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything, they found a secluded spot overlooking a scenic vista. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, and the tranquil scene was a perfect ending to their day.
"This is quite magical," Sam said, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the breathtaking view.
Jack, however, was looking at her instead. "Just like you," he murmured, his voice soft but filled with sincerity.
She blushed, a smile playing on her lips as she stared at the sunset. The warmth of his words lingered, adding a deeper layer of beauty to the moment. She felt his gaze on her, a mix of affection and admiration that made her heart flutter.
Jack reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know," he said, his tone thoughtful, "I've always believed that the most beautiful moments in life are the ones we share with the people we love."
Sam turned to him, her eyes shining with emotion. "I think you're right," she replied softly. "Being here with you... it makes everything feel more special."
Jack wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting reminder of his presence.
As they watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon, casting long shadows and deepening the colors of the sky, they talked about their fears and joys. The intimacy of their conversation mirrored the closeness they felt, a bond strengthened by their shared experiences and mutual support.
When the last light of the day finally disappeared, leaving the sky awash with twilight, Jack leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. "Thank you for sharing this with me," he whispered.
Sam looked up at him, her eyes filled with love. "Thank you for being here," she replied. "For everything."
Their evening continued with a candlelit dinner at a charming restaurant, where they savored each other's company and toasted their love and adventures. Sam and Jack took the time to reconnect personally, simply enjoying each other's company and avoiding talking about work. The next day, they set out for a leisurely drive through the countryside, stopping at vineyards to sample local wines and indulge in leisurely picnics.
"I could get used to this," Sam admitted, a little surprised she didn't miss the hustle of the Pentagon.
Jack smiled. "Me too, honey. Me too."
They also included a visit to a nearby hiking trail, where they immersed themselves in the beauty of nature. Hand in hand, they navigated the winding paths, relishing the peaceful moments away from the demands of their recent challenges.
Back at the bed and breakfast, they found solace in the tranquility of their room. The soft glow of a fireplace added a touch of romance as they unwound, creating an environment that encouraged openness and vulnerability—the weekend reminded them of the depth of their connection, allowing them to rediscover the joy of being together beyond the constraints of duty and responsibilities. And they had plenty of opportunities to try the lubricants Jack had bought, discovering what worked best for them through trial and error. Sam was thrilled to find that sex was once again a pleasurable experience, no longer marred by discomfort or pain. On the other hand, Jack was eager to make up for lost time, and his enthusiasm and love for her were evident in every touch and caress.
Sam and Jack left Charlottesville with a renewed sense of closeness as the weekend ended. As they made their way home, their hearts were complete, their bond more vital than ever, and their memories seemed destined to last a lifetime.