Over the next few days, Jack tried to keep his distance from Sam, but it was more complicated than anticipated. He found himself glancing down corridors, looking for a glimpse of her, hoping she might be open to talking. But Sam seemed to avoid him at every turn, keeping to her quarters or buried in meetings and briefings. Whenever he did catch sight of her, she quickly turned away, her expression distant and closed off.
Finally, one evening, he spotted her in the commissary, sitting alone at a corner table, a cup of coffee cooling in front of her as she stared at her notes, looking worn out and tense. He hesitated, his instincts urging him to approach, to say something—anything—that might bridge the growing chasm between them. Breathing, he crossed the room, pulled out a chair, and satopposite her.
She looked up, surprise flashing across her face, and he managed a small, hesitant smile.
"Mind if I sit?"
Her expression hardened, her voice low.
"Actually, I'd prefer if you didn't, Colonel."
He felt the sting of her words, but he held his ground.
"Sam, can we talk?"
She sighed, closing her notebook with a snap.
"I think we've done enough talking, don't you?"
Jack clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up.
"Look, I know I pushed too hard. I just… I didn't mean to make things like this between us."
Her gaze softened for a fleeting moment, but she quickly masked it, her expression guarded.
"It's not that simple, Jack. The line between doctor and patient must exist for a reason; in our case, it is practically erased. That can't happen. The line needs to be there."
He wanted to say more, to push past her defenses, but something in her tone stopped him. With a nod, he stood, his voice low.
"I'm here if you need me, Sam. Whenever you're ready."
He turned and left, his heart heavy, and Sam watched him go, her fingers gripping the edge of her notebook, her mind racing. As she sat alone in the commissary, she felt the weight of their unresolved emotions pressing down on her, each encounter with him chipping away at the walls she'd tried so hard to maintain.
"The line needs to be there," she repeated aloud.
In the days that followed, their silent cat-and-mouse game continued, and neither one waswilling to bridge the gap ultimately. But the tension between them was palpable, a force that lingered in every hallway and meeting room, in every unspoken glance. As much as Sam tried to ignore it, her feelings for Jack became harder and harder to contain.
But not everything at the SGC revolved around Jack. In the quieter moments between her appointments, Sam found herself spending more time with Teal'c. What began as casual exchanges—a polite conversation over a shared meal in the commissary or a nod in passing—soon became something she sought out intentionally. There was a quiet strength to Teal'c, a calm and steadfast presence that Sam found both fascinating and unexpectedly comforting.
One afternoon, Sam wandered into the gym and spotted Teal'c seated on the floor in deep meditation. She hesitated, unsure whether to interrupt, but he opened his eyes as though sensing her presence.
"Doctor Carter," he said in his deep, measured tone, inclining his head slightly. "Do you require assistance?"
"Not at all," she replied, stepping closer. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I was just… curious."
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, inviting her to continue.
"It's just that you seem so… at peace, even here," Sam admitted, gesturing to the bustling energy of the base beyond the gym doors. "I've always wondered how you do it. Especially given everything you've experienced."
Teal'c regarded her thoughtfully. "The practice of kel no reem allows one to center oneself, even amidst chaos. It is not an absence of thought but rather a mastery over it."
Sam sat on a nearby bench, leaning forward slightly.
"I wish I could do that. My mind's always racing—sessions, treatments, contingencies. Sometimes, it feels like it never stops."
"Perhaps that is why you are drawn to inquiry," Teal'c said with a hint of a smile. "Your curiosity drives you, yet it also ensnares you. Have you considered that understanding yourself is as vital as understanding the world around you?"
She blinked, surprised by the depth of his observation.
"I… suppose I haven't thought about it like that, although I'm the one here doing the therapy sessions," she said, realizing that he had hit a spot she had buried for too long.
"Then perhaps," he said, standing smoothly, "it is time you did."
Their conversations grew from there, ranging from Jaffa traditions to psychiatry and trauma, a subject in which Teal'c had become interested after observing Sam's work. He asked questions about her work, not out of necessity but genuine curiosity, and she found herself delving into explanations with an enthusiasm she hadn't felt in some time.
In her line of work, people rarely wanted to talk about trauma. Most preferred to avoid it entirely, like Jack O'Neill.
One evening, as they sat in the observation room overlooking the Stargate, Sam turned to him, her eyes alight with curiosity.
"Teal'c, what was your first thought about humans when you joined the SGC?"
Teal'c tilted his head, considering.
"I observed much contradiction. Your people possess great strength yet are vulnerable. You show courage yet often act with fear. It was… perplexing."
Sam chuckled. "That's one way to describe humanity."
"But it was also inspiring," he added, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "It is through such contradictions that you find balance. You strive not because you are without flaws but because you seek to overcome them."
Sam nodded, thoughtful. "And what about you? Do you miss Chulak? Your life as a First Prime?"
Teal'c's expression grew somber.
"There are aspects of my home I hold dear. But the life of a First Prime was one of servitude and destruction. Here, I have found a path to freedom that Colonel O'Neill showed me and I am forever grateful for. And allies such as yourself, Doctor Carter."
Before she could respond, a voice interrupted from the doorway.
"Well, isn't this cozy?" Jack's tone was light, but his expression betrayed surprise. "Didn't expect to find you two hanging out here."
Sam turned, startled. "Jack. I mean, Colonel."
"Relax, Doctor," he said with a grin, though his eyes lingered on Teal'c with curiosity. "Just didn't realize you and Teal'c were becoming best buds. Should I be jealous?"
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, his calm composure unwavering.
"Colonel O'Neill, Doctor Carter, and I share a mutual interest in understanding. It is not a matter of competition."
Jack smirked. "Good to know. Carry on, then."
As he walked away, Sam turned to Teal'c, shaking her head. "He has a knack for showing up at the most unexpected times."
Teal'c nodded sagely. "Colonel O'Neill often seeks what he does not know he is searching for."
Sam hummed, thinking. "I think you're starting to understand him better than he understands himself. Maybe I'll hire you as my assistant."
Teal'c expressed a hint of a smile and remained silent.
In the following days, Sam realized that her bond with Teal'c had become an unexpected source of stability. His insights challenged her, his presence calmed her, and their friendship gave her a sense of grounding she hadn't realized she needed. While their growing connection surprised those around them, it felt natural—like finding a kindred spirit in the unlikeliest of places.
Teal'c and Janet became her safe-havens, the closest she had ever come to having true friends.
The day Sam's authorization to move out of the mountain arrived, she felt a surge of relief she hadn't known she was capable of. Living at the SGC had left her feeling claustrophobic, and although she still couldn't return to her old life in D.C., just having a place of her own again—somewhere beyond the walls of Cheyenne Mountain—felt like the first step toward a semblance of normalcy.
When Janet heard the news, she immediately offered her help.
"We can go house-hunting this weekend!" she exclaimed, a hint of excitement in her voice. Then, with a sly smile, she added, "And I know Colonel O'Neill would be more than willing to lend a hand if you'd like."
Sam's response was instant and firm.
"No. I appreciate the offer, but… I'd rather just keep it simple. You and me, Janet."
Janet noted the edge in Sam's tone and nodded, backing off.
"Alright, just us girls. Let's go find you a place to call home."
That weekend, Sam and Janet drove through Colorado Springs, visiting several houses for rent. Sam had a clear vision in mind, and as they walked through each property, it became evident that her standards were high. Money was no object, but her tastes were refined—she wanted something spacious but minimalistic, a quiet and modern space where she could unwind.
They visited a charming townhouse near the city's outskirts, but the dated interiors weren't to Sam's liking. Next, they saw a spacious penthouse downtown, but Sam shook her head, sensing it lacked the privacy she was after. House after house came and went, and though each was beautiful, none felt quite right.
Finally, they arrived at a sleek, modern home on the edge of a quiet neighborhood. The exterior was simple and elegant, painted in soft grays with dark metal accents. There were large windows that offered natural light but were secluded enough to afford her privacy. The layout inside was open, with high ceilings, clean lines, and wide, open spaces that gave it an airy, tranquil feel. Hardwood floors stretched through the main rooms, and the walls were painted in subtle shades of white and gray, precisely the ones she preferred. It had recently been remodeled, which made it more expensive than all the others she had seen.
"Now this…" Sam murmured, walking through the living room with a satisfied smile. She ran her hand along the smooth wall, nodding appreciatively. "This feels… right."
Janet beamed. "I think we finally found it!"
Sam moved into the spacious main bedroom, its large window overlooking a small, well-kept garden. She turned to Janet, her expression bright.
"I'll take it."
The realtor smiled, surprised by her decisiveness and the fact that she didn't even question the price.
"Wonderful! We can finish the paperwork and get you the keys immediately."
Within hours, Sam had signed the lease for the unfurnished house, and the next task was transforming the space into her new sanctuary. She sat down with Janet that evening, browsing high-end furniture sites to order everything she needed. Sam was organized and focused, selecting each piece with a clear vision. Her choices leaned toward sleek, functional, and elegant items, all in the neutral color palette that was her hallmark.
She ordered a minimalist charcoal-gray sofa for the living room, a glass coffee table, and white leather armchairs. The dining area would feature a long, dark wood table with matching chairs, creating a modern and stylish centerpiece. She picked a king-sized bed with a low-profile, dark wood frame for her bedroom, complemented by crisp white linens and a soft gray throw. She chose simple nightstands and a polished wooden dresser to complete the look.
"Everything you pick looks like it belongs in a designer catalog," Janet commented, watching Sam with amusement and admiration.
Sam shrugged, her lips curving into a smile.
"What can I say? I know what I like."
Sam added a few finishing touches as they continued shopping—a couple of abstract art prints, some sleek lamps, and a single, elegant iron sculpture for the living room. She preferred sparse decor, with clean lines and understated elegance, just like her place back in D.C. Janet couldn't help but notice how it all came together, a stark contrast to the rugged, utilitarian feel of the SGC.
"This really suits you, Sam," Janet said softly, glancing around at the items on her screen. "It's like… getting a little glimpse of what your life in D.C. must have been like."
Sam smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "Yeah… it's close enough."
As Sam's new furniture arrived, Janet and Teal'c helped her set up the various pieces. Teal'c's strength quickly proved invaluable, especially when moving the heavier furniture, but his calm presence also made the task feel almost meditative.
The first item delivered was a sleek charcoal-gray sofa for the living room, followed by the glass coffee table. Sam gave directions as she examined each piece, ensuring everything was in place.
Teal'c, having already lifted the large sofa into place with ease, stood back and regarded the room with his usual stoic expression.
"It is a most elegant piece of furniture, Doctor Carter. The simplicity is... profound."
Sam smiled, appreciating his unexpected insight. "I like that. Profound. It's just… calm. Like I need it to be."
Janet, unpacking a box of throw pillows, nodded. "It's definitely a peaceful vibe. Your taste is so refined, Sam. Even the little things are well thought out."
Teal'c picked up a sleek leather armchair as if it weighed no more than a feather and moved it into place beside the sofa.
"Indeed. This dwelling feels... balanced. It will bring you peace."
Sam raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "You really think so, Teal'c?"
Teal'c paused, placing the chair carefully. "I believe so. The harmony of design and function will aid your rest."
Janet grinned at the way Teal'c chose his words. "Who knew Teal'c was a furniture critic?"
Teal'c gave a rare smile, his expression softening.
"I have learned much about your customs. The importance of comfort and aesthetics is not lost on me."
Sam chuckled, feeling a rare sense of lightness.
"I might just ask you to help me design the next space."
They continued unpacking, Teal'c lifting heavy boxes and moving them easily, while Janet and Sam focused on the smaller tasks. At one point, a huge dresser arrived, too heavy for Janet or Sam to manage on their own. Without a word, Teal'c stepped forward, effortlessly lifting the dresser and placing it in its designated spot.
"You know, Teal'c," Sam said, watching him with admiration, "If you weren't so busy saving the world, you could have a lucrative career in furniture moving."
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, his voice even.
"I have often wondered if my talents could be applied to other fields, Doctor Carter. I am skilled in many disciplines."
"Well, I'm sure your talents will be needed elsewhere," Sam smirked. "But I'm glad you're here. You've made this process so much easier."
Teal'c nodded, moving toward the next piece.
"It is my honor, Doctor Carter. I would offer you my assistance anytime."
Amused by their conversation, Janet added, "He might just have to start charging you for the service. He's practically a professional."
As they worked together, the room began to take shape, each piece falling into place. Sam's vision was becoming a reality, and with Janet's help and Teal'c's strength, everything seemed to fit perfectly. Teal'c's quiet contributions and occasional words of wisdom grounded the process, turning setting up a home into something more reflective and peaceful.
When the last piece—a polished wooden dresser—was in place, Sam stood back, feeling a rare sense of contentment. The room was exactly as she'd envisioned, calm and minimalist, and she was grateful for the two people who had helped her create this space.
Teal'c stepped back, surveying the room. "It is complete."
Sam smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. "Yeah, it's perfect. Thanks, Teal'c. Really."
Teal'c inclined his head. "It is a pleasure, Doctor Carter."
Sam put a hand over his large arm. "You can call me Sam, Teal'c," she offered.
He nodded. "I will consider it."
Janet winked at Sam as she set down the last of the pillows.
"I think it's time to celebrate your new home with some wine."
As they settled into the new space, Sam realized that her home, like her relationships with Teal'c and Janet, was slowly becoming a sanctuary—a place where she could begin to heal, not just from the demands of the SGC, but from everything that had been weighing on her heart.
Finally, the last two pieces arrived: her car and the painting she had in her office. She'd arranged for Martha to send her black Mercedes-Benz and the painting over as soon as she knew she'd leave the base and move to a house. She grabbed the large painting and put it in her bedroom, occupying an entire wall.
"Wow," Janet said, appreciating the lines and colors.
Sam took several steps back, her eyes focusing on the Dutch artist's style, known for capturing the essence of conflicting emotions—movement contained yet yearning to break free. In her case, she had seen her tightly held discipline.
"Yes, it's…a powerful work," she admitted.
A blaring truck horn pulled them from their thoughts. Sam and Janet quickly left the bedroom and went to the front door. There it was—her Mercedes Coupe, parked in the driveway. As the driver stepped out, Sam's face lit up with excitement. Janet watched as Sam opened the driver's side door, her hand gliding over the sleek interior, a look of pure satisfaction on her face.
"Now it's complete," Sam said with a smile, slipping behind the wheel. She turned on the ignition, listening to the engine's low, powerful hum with a satisfied sigh.
"Of course, you'd drive something this nice," Janet teased, admiring the car. "This thing probably makes all the base vehicles look like go-karts."
"It's good to have a few comforts from home," Sam replied, patting the steering wheel affectionately. "Even if I'm not allowed to return to D.C., I can bring some pieces of it."
That evening, with the house finally set up, Sam invited Janet for a quiet dinner. They sat at the new dining table, sipping wine and talking late into the night. Sam glanced around her new space, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time since she'd arrived in Colorado Springs, she felt like she was on her way to rebuilding a life outside of the SGC.
As they finished their meal, Janet raised her glass, her smile warm.
"To new beginnings, Sam. May this house be everything you want it to be."
Sam clinked her glass with Janet's, her eyes glinting with determination. "To new beginnings."
When Janet returned to the base after helping Sam settle in, she couldn't stop talking about Sam's new house. Word spread quickly, and the entire SGC was soonbuzzing with curiosity about the elusive Dr. Carter's elegant new home.
"It's like a high-end design catalog coming to life," Janet would say, her voice filled with admiration to the nurses. "Everything's so… polished, refined. You can tell she has great taste."
Naturally, everyone wanted to be invited over. The rumors of her modern sanctuary, complete with sleek furnishings and a luxury car, only added to the allure. But Sam kept her distance, allowing only Janet into her private world beyond the base. Everyone else could only imagine feeding off Janet's description and creating tales of what her house must be like.
As for Jack, he kept his curiosity to himself, though he'd heard his team's excitement enough times to feel a hint of frustration. He could practically picture her home—minimalistic, serene, and meticulous, just like her. He had been to her D.C.'s house, so he had an idea about what this should look like, but even so…
He'd driven by her street a few times, his truck rolling slowly down the quiet road, but he never stopped. He knew that he wasn't welcome, not right now. Their sessions had halted entirely, and he had a feeling she wouldn't resume them until Hammond ordered her to.
Instead, he'd only caught glimpses of her at the base, her face distant and unreadable. Sometimes, he'd see her Mercedes in the parking lot, the sleek, black car an eye-catching contrast to the standard-issue military vehicles or the trucks preferred by most of the personnel that dominated the space. It had become another topic of gossip, adding to her mystique.
"Not only does she look like a model," Kawalsky had grinned one day at lunch, "but she drives a car that's probably worth more than all our vehicles combined. Man, I'd love to get my hands on that machine…"
"She must be all business if she's avoiding everyone," Daniel mused. "I know a few officers have tried to ask her out, but she's not interested."
Secretly, Jack was relieved that Sam wasn't giving anyone at the base the time of day. The idea of her meeting anyone on base who didn't have an ounce of sense or tact… well, it didn't sit right with him. But more than anything, he missed talking to her—even their combative back-and-forth. He'd give anything to have her so much as say hello in passing, to talk about something casual, anything. It didn't have to be profound. He'd be thrilled if they discussed the weather, fishing, orcrosswords.
Then, suddenly, he had an idea.
"She tried it with me… so why can't I try it with her?" he muttered, a slow smile spreading across his face.
The next day, he found Janet in the infirmary, already absorbed in her rounds.
"Doc," he greeted, rocking back on his heels as he hovered near her desk.
She glanced up, raising an eyebrow.
"Colonel O'Neill. Here for an early check-up, or have you suddenly fallen for the base CMO?" Janet teased.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, but you'll always have a special place in my heart, Janet. You know that." Clearing his throat, he added, "Actually, I could use some... advice."
"Really?" Janet crossed her arms, intrigued. "What can I help you with, Colonel?"
Jack leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
"I need a little help with Dr. Carter."
Janet's eyes sparkled, though she tried to keep a straight face.
"What kind of help are we talking about?"
"I, uh… I was thinking of inviting her to try something different. Something that might get her out of this… avoidance phase she's in."
Janet tilted her head, her curiosity growing.
"And that would be?"
"Fishing," he said, shrugging as if it were the most obvious idea in the world. "She suggested it for me, and… I know it sounds crazy, but I figured I could return the favor."
Janet blinked, andthen a slow grin spread across her face.
"Jack O'Neill, are you really about to invite Samantha Carter to go fishing?"
He shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"Why not? She's got a lot on her plate, and I'm sure she could use a distraction."
"Well, I think that's… actually a great idea," Janet admitted, surprised. "But getting her to say yes… that might take some convincing."
"Any tips?" he asked, his tone almost hopeful.
Janet considered this, then offered him a knowing smile.
"Just… don't make it sound like a command, Jack. Invite her casually, like it's no big deal. Let her have the choice. She'll appreciate that more than anything."
"Thanks, Doc. I'll give it a shot."
Jack waited until later that afternoon, catching sight of Sam as she finished a meeting with Hammond and headed down the corridor alone. Taking a deep breath, he quickened his pace and fell in step beside her.
"Hey, Carter," he greeted, keeping his tone light.
She glanced over, her expression a little wary. "Colonel."
The stiffness in her voice was still there, but he brushed it off, giving her a casual smile.
"Listen, I know things have been… off between us. And, well, I thought maybe we could try something different. I figured since you suggested fishing for me… maybe it could work for you, too."
Sam's eyebrows raised slightly, but she kept her expression guarded.
"Fishing? You want me to go fishing with you?"
"Sure," he said, his tone nonchalant. "You know, just a peaceful day on the lake, a couple of fishing rods, some fresh air. No pressure, no strings."
She looked at him, skepticism in her eyes, but there was a flicker of something softer beneath her guarded exterior.
"And why, exactly, would I want to do that?"
He gave her a half-smile, shrugging.
"Well, you did recommend it for me, Doc. I just thought it might be a way to get out andclear your head. Besides, no one will bother you, and I'll stay out of your way. Mostly."
Her lips curved slightly, almost involuntarily. "Mostly?"
"Hey, I'm not promising miracles," he replied, chuckling. "But it's a chance to get out of the mountain for a while. A little peace and quiet never hurt anybody."
Sam considered him momentarily, her gaze searching his face as if trying to gauge his sincerity. Finally, she sighed.
"Alright, Colonel. But let's keep it simple. No grand fishing trips. Just a few hours."
His grin widened, a flash of triumph in his brown eyes.
"Deal. How about Saturday? I'll bring the gear, and you… well, you just show up."
She nodded, her expression softening though her voice was still reserved.
"Saturday, then."
"Oh, and I'm driving. That's non-negotiable," he said with a big smile.
Sam kept her poker face and nodded again.
Jack watched her walk away, a satisfied smile on his face. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Maybe, just maybe, this would be the beginning of thawing the tension between them, the first step toward getting back to a place where they could talk—really talk—again.
Jack pulled his truck up early Saturday morningin front of Sam's sleek new home. He couldn't help but glance at the clean-lined and minimalistic house, trying to imagine her life here, separate from the SGC. He grinned to himself, half-jokingly imagining that everything inside was organized by some mysterious logic only Sam Carter understood.
Moments later, Sam stepped out of the house, looking casual but effortlessly put together in a crisp white linen blouse, a pair of faded jeans, and black Converse sneakers. A sun hat shaded her face, and she wore a hint of sunscreen on her nose, which made Jack chuckle. She noticed his grin and raised an eyebrow, but he couldn't resist commenting.
"See that you came well-prepared this time," he said with a smile as she climbed into the truck and buckled her seatbelt.
Sam shrugged, her expression neutral. "I thought it was a wise precaution."
Jack chuckled, putting the truck into gear.
"Fair enough. I even packed some extra sunscreen, just in case."
She gave him a half-smile, and he couldn't help feeling it was a small victory. The drive through Colorado Springs to the lake was quiet, the early morning sunlight streaming through the truck windows. Jack glanced over at her occasionally, hoping to gauge her mood, but she kept her gaze trained out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
Eventually, they arrived at a quiet, secluded lake just outside the city. Pine trees lined the shore, and the water was clear and calm, reflecting the blue sky above. It was the perfect spot, Jack thought—a peaceful place where, hopefully, they could set things right between them.
He hopped out and grabbed the fishing gear and a couple of fold-out chairs from the back of the truck while Sam gathered the cooler. They walked together toward a spot by the lake where the sun filtered softly through the trees, creating patches of dappled light on the ground.
"Here we are," Jack said, setting up the rods. "Nice and quiet. Nothing but us and the fish."
Sam nodded, setting her chair a few feet from his and taking a seat. She fixed her gaze on the lake, seemingly absorbed in her task as she carefully baited her hook. Jack watched her out of the corner of his eye, her face calm but distant. He hoped this trip would help bridge their distance, but her defenses were firmly in place.
"So," he began after a long stretch of silence, "I know our last… conversation wasn't exactly smooth."
Sam glanced at him, her eyes guarded. "No, it wasn't."
Jack sighed, reeling in his line a little.
"I didn't mean to come off as a… jerk," he admitted, a hint of regret in his voice. "Guess I don't always have the best approach when it comes to sensitive topics."
"Noted," she replied, her tone cool as she cast her line again, watching the lure ripple across the water.
Jack bit back his frustration, determined not to let her brush him off so easily. He kept his tone light.
"Come on, Carter. It's not like I meant to make things worse. I was just… defending myself."
"Defending yourself from what?" she asked, her gaze still fixed on the water. "Honest questions?"
"Honest?" he laughed dryly. "They were more like… landmines. You don't hold back, you know that?"
She shrugged, adjusting the brim of her sun hat as if shielding herself from more than the sun.
"I'm not here to coddle anyone. My job is to get results."
"And how's that going?" he asked, his voice softening. "How are you doing?"
She didn't answer immediately; shejust cast her line and reeled it in slowly, methodically. Finally, she spoke, her voice low.
"I'm doing what I have to do, Colonel. That's all."
Jack was quiet, watching her profile as she concentrated on her line. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she kept herself perfectly composed, refusing to let any of her guard slip. It was frustrating, but he knew better than to push her too hard.
"Look," he tried again, his voice gentler, "I really am sorry for how things went down. I wasn't exactly fair, and I know I crossed a few lines."
She hesitated, glancing over at him. He thought he saw a flicker of emotion in her eyes, but she quickly masked it, returning her focus to the lake.
"Apology accepted, Colonel."
"Jack," he corrected with a slight smile. "We're not on duty, after all."
She gave him a brief, polite smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Alright. Jack."
Encouraged, he pushed on, hoping to chip away at the icy barrier she'd built around herself.
"Fishing's supposed to be relaxing, you know. You look like you're prepping for some high-stakes mission over there."
She sighed, though a hint of a smirk tugged at her lips.
"Relaxing isn't exactly my strong suit."
"Yeah, I picked up on that," he chuckled, casting his line again. "You should try it sometime. Just… letting go."
She tilted her head, giving him a skeptical look.
"And how's that working out for you?"
"Better than you'd think," he said, surprising himself with the honesty in his voice. "I used to think I could just push everything downandkeep moving forward. But maybe… maybe there's more to it than that."
She nodded slightly, her posture relaxing a fraction.
"Maybe."
They fell into silence again for a few minutes, the sounds of the lake and the soft rustling of leaves filling the quiet. Jack cracked open a beer and offered her a soda, which she accepted without comment, taking a sip as she watched the water.
"I miss working with you, you know," he said after a moment, his tone casual but sincere.
She raised an eyebrow.
"What makes you think we aren't working together?"
Jack grinned, nudging her with his elbow.
"Come on. You know what I mean. Things were easier before… all this."
Sam looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of the soda can.
"Sometimes things don't work out the way we expect."
Jack's expression softened, and he reached out, gently but firmly placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Doesn't mean we can't find a way through it, Carter."
She didn't look at him, but she didn't pull away either, and he took that as a small victory. He let his hand drop, giving her space, but the brief contact seemed to have broken some of the tension between them.
They fished quietly for a while, casting their lines and occasionally exchanging glances. The air between them was still heavy with unspoken words, but there was a hint of warmth for the first time in a long time—a tentative peace.
"Thanks for inviting me out here," she said eventually, her tone soft.
Jack looked over, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"You're welcome, Carter. Anytime."
They spent the rest of the day in companionable silence, letting the peaceful setting do the work that words couldn't quite accomplish. And though Sam's walls hadn't come down entirely, Jack felt they'd made progress, a small but significant step toward rebuilding their trust.