Time for a little happiness and fluff!

Things between Carter and him were much improved, although there was still some awkwardness. He chalked it up to the fact that they were no longer on Earth, where the regs mattered and were enforced. At the same time, he couldn't let them move to a more relaxed relationship, worried where that would lead. That left them both in a weird limbo of how to act around one another.

What made things even more difficult, at least for him, was the fact that he could feel himself care for her more and more each day. Still, it was emotional rather than physical as his mind – and trauma – wouldn't let him go there. And there was still the possibility that they'd make it home, even though they'd been on Varid for over a year.

So, the status quo – albeit a friendlier and much warmer one - remained.

However, he continued to face another issue and that was Ethan. He had to speak with his friend and get him to stop his less than subtle attempts to matchmake. The older man had immediately noticed that things were better between the two of them, and had decided to ramp up his efforts to get Sam and him together. Ethan had also brought in Magnus as his back-up in the campaign.

"Ethan," he approached the old man after the two boys and Magrit had gone to bed. "Can I speak with you for a few minutes?"

"Of course Jack, my boy. What is it." Ethan put down his book and sat up straighter. He looked at the younger man who he now considered like a son. He was grateful, every day, that Jack had come into their lives.

"I need to speak with you about Sam," Jack told him, sitting down on the edge of one of the chairs.

Ethan immediately grinned and looked pleased. "Of course," he replied.

Jack hated to disillusion his friend, but he needed to be clear. "You have to stop, Ethan," he told him bluntly. "Sam and I aren't going to be together. There are no romantic feelings between us, and I'm afraid you're just making us uncomfortable."

Jack had hoped the man would listen and agree, but instead what he got was an obstinate look directed at him.

"Don't lie, Jack," Ethan responded. "It's obvious that you love one another. Of course there are romantic feelings between you. I'm just trying to give you a nudge to get moving. You should be together. You'll both be happier."

"You're wrong," Jack said, trying not to get frustrated. "Look, the two of us have worked together for many years, so of course we're close. We're good friends, but that's all it is and so this has to stop. And you need to tell Magnus as well."

"Jack, there's something going on here that I don't understand." Ethan held up his hand when Jack went to speak. "I don't believe – and will never believe – that you don't love each other. But it's obvious that something is keeping you apart. Is it something in your history together, or something that has happened recently?

Jack sighed, knowing he wasn't going to win this one. "Yes," he said shortly, this is something from our pla – uh, community. "It's against the rules for us to be involved with one another. There are what we call fraternization regulations that prohibit people who work together from having a relationship." This time he held up his hand.

"Because of that, Sam and I have managed to develop a close working relationship. We're friends and colleagues – or comrades is a better word. We like and respect one another and enjoy each other's company. But we are not involved in any sort of romantic relationship, nor do we plan to be in the future. So, please stop with the matchmaking."

"It's not just your rules, Jack. Was it what happened to you," Ethan asked gently. "I know that – what those men did – it could cause you to fear having a personal relationship. Doc Markus told us that was a concern. Is there anything he can do – or I can do – to help."

Jack ran his hands through his hair, knowing it was useless to try and convince the old man. A small part of him knew that Ethan was right on target – with everything – but he refused to admit it to himself or anyone else.

"I'm just asking that you stop, Ethan. Can you do that out of respect for me and our friendship? Please."

Ethan regarded him seriously and then finally nodded. "I can do that, Jack. I'm sorry for what you went through and if there's ever anything I can do to help, let me know. You know you can trust me. But for now, I'll stop, and I'll have a talk with Magnus, although I think it's a shame. You and Sam would make a wonderful couple."

Jack thanked him and then headed to his room, feeling a strange lethargy fall over him. It was disturbing, but better than the terrors and nightmares he usually faced when ending his day.

At least Ethan would back off – and he'd promised to talk to Magnus, so things should get better. Why then, was he suddenly so depressed?

Leron hadn't returned to the store, for which both Jack and Sam were grateful Hopefully he'd decided they weren't worth it and would leave them alone. In the meantime, however, they'd begun to strategize about how to get home.

"We haven't been able to find any reference to the Gate," Sam reiterated, "so that must mean the people here arrived by ship."

They'd already discussed this and had agreed, but he knew that she was just organizing everything in her mind, so he simply nodded.

"What we haven't done, Jack, is look at the general history of this place."

"What do you mean," he frowned.

"When Daniel is studying other worlds, he always finds out as much as he can about their history. On the other hand, we've only looked at finding a Stargate. Maybe there's information in their history books, or in their oral traditions, about how Varid was founded."

"You mean like the "gods" bringing them here?" Jack said, sounding excited. "You're right, Carter. Where's Daniel when you need him?"

They looked at one another, both feeling a moment of sadness. Even though life was good in Hjem, they missed their friends and their home. They didn't allow themselves too much time in thinking of Earth, but soon were back at trying to find a way to get to home.

"We can start by asking our friends," Sam said. "And then we can go to the library, or even to their university. I'm sure someone will have information on the history of Varid."

"We should also consider looking at some important sites," Jack added. "Usually, every civilization will have holy or historical sites that mean something to the people. Who knows, maybe we could find a hidden gate."

"Or a Teltak," she grinned.

"Hey, if we're gonna hope, let's hope big! I opt for a Hatak."

"Wouldn't that be a grand entrance back to Earth. Can you imagine showing up in a Hatak?"

He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Let's make it happen, Carter!"

Just then, they were interrupted by a small voice. "Can't you come and play with us, Uncle Jack," Simon asked. He and Jankin had been feeling left out, which made Jack feel terrible.

He looked apologetically at Carter. "Would you mind?"

She grinned and shook her head. "Of course not."

"Okay then," he smiled at Simon. "I'd love to play with you guys. Where's Jankin?"

"He's asking Nanny for a snack."

"And is she giving him one?"

Simon grinned. "She said we'd have to ask you."

"Oh, so this is about food, is it?"

"No, we really want to play – and then to have a snack after."

"Can I play too?" Sam interjected.

"Yes!" Simon responded with a grin. "Is that okay, Uncle Jack," the boy asked, worried that he'd overstepped.

"Of course it is. Auntie Sam is great at playing games. But watch out, she's really, really smart."

"As smart as you?" the boy asked with wonder.

"Much smarter, I'm afraid," Jack admitted with a grin.

"That's not true, Jack," Sam objected. "I may be better at science, but you're smart in lots of other ways." She turned to the little boy. "Uncle Jack is really smart and really fun. So, what are we going to play?"

Simon grinned at her. She knew that both the boys liked her, although she hadn't really spent much time with them up until now. It had been awkward when she was actively avoiding the Colonel.

Now she hoped to make up for that.

"Can we play Hide-and-Seek?" he asked. It was a game that Jack had taught them, and which both the boys loved. For some strange reason, however, they could always find Uncle Jack, but he seemed to have trouble finding them.

"Colonel?" Sam looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "Hide-and-Seek?"

"Your wish is my command, oh Simon and Auntie Sam. We'd better pull Jankin out of the kitchen. I'll be right back."

After he'd left, Sam squatted down and spoke to Simon in a conspiratorial tone. "I bet Uncle Jack wants treats too!"

Simon laughed at that and then reached out and took Sam's hand. Little did she know that the boy – and his brother – were both drawn to her. Although they loved Nanny, they were craving the attention of a mother figure – which they saw in Sam.

If she had known that she might have worried. Her hope was to make it back to Earth, and she would hate to leave them devastated by losing her. She frowned at that, suddenly wondering how they would deal with losing Jack – and how he would deal with leaving the boys.

"Look who I found," Jack said, carrying in a small boy over his shoulder. Jankin was hanging upside down and was giggling uncontrollably.

"Uncle Jack!" he squirmed. "Let me down!"

"Do you hear something, Carter?" Jack asked. "There's some kind of weird noise in my ear."

"It's ME," giggled Jankin.

"I don't know, Sir," she replied. "I think there might be some kind of scary bug hanging from your back!"

"It's me, Auntie Sam," Jankin called. Simon was rolling on the floor laughing.

"Me? Who's "me"?" she asked.

"Jankin," he shouted.

"Oh -it's Jankin, Colonel. You may have to let him down."

Jack let out a big groan. "I guess so," he said, letting Jankin down carefully. "That was pretty scary, Auntie Sam," he said. "I was afraid it was permanently attached."

Soon after that they were playing a rousing game of Hide-and-Seek. Both the two boys were remarkably good at finding the two (noisy and not well-hidden) adults but loved the fact that both Auntie Sam and Uncle Jack had a terrible time find them!

"We won," cried Simon.

"Yes, you did," sighed Jack. "I guess for that you both deserve a cookie."

"Just one?," asked Jankin sadly.

"Okay -two cookies." That grew a cheer, from the boys and from Sam. Jack gave her a grin. "Lead on Carter. It's time for cookies!"

It had been a wonderful afternoon, decided Sam. It had been a long time since she'd seen the Colonel so relaxed. And the boys were a delight. They were both typical little boys, but they were kind and well-behaved. She was pretty sure that Jack had a lot to do with that.

They obviously adored him, and it was mutual. She again wondered what he was going to do when – if – they left the planet. She didn't want to contemplate how painful that would be for him. It would be another loss for him.

Ethan invited her to stay for dinner, to which she gladly agreed. She sent a message to Magda, letting her friend know she would be back late.

The evening was enjoyable, and Ethan told amazing stories, helping them learn more about Hjem and Varid. They asked a few questions about the history of the planet, but it seems that both of them decided not to spend the evening worrying about the Stargate.

Sam noticed a subtle difference in the way Ethan was treating her. She'd been pretty convinced that he'd been trying to push the Colonel and her together. But this evening he hadn't hinted at any such thing. She wondered if Jack had spoken to him about it. If so, it made her feel both relieved and sad.

By the time dinner was at an end, the boys had grown tired. Both of them asked if she would "tuck them in."

"I'd be honored," she told them, to answering giggles. "Is there anything special I have to do?"

"Read to us," Jankin said quickly. "Uncle Jack always reads to us."

"Hmm, I think I can handle that. Anything else?"

"You have to tuck the covers around us real good," Simon added, "then you have to say "Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere."1 After that, you kiss us goodnight and say "I love you."

Sam could feel herself get quite choked up and thought about Jack O'Neill and what a wonderful person he was. She also thought about his own son and how tragic it was that he lost him. She glanced over at the Colonel, to see him looking both embarrassed and yet full of love towards the little boys. Strangely, she found herself feeling a bit jealous of them.

"I think I can do all of that," she told them, her voice sounding horse, "although I may need some help with the "goodnight stars" part."

"We can help you," Jankin cried.

"Are you okay with me putting them to bed, Colonel," she asked.

"Of course, Sam" he grinned. "Just don't give her a hard time, boys, or she won't come back!"

"We won't," they cried indignantly. They both stood up, gave Jack and their Grandpa kisses, and then grabbed Sam's hands and pulled her upstairs.

"Just wash their faces and hands," called Jack, "and they'll show you where their PJ's are."

"Thanks, Sir. And don't worry – I've done this for my nephew and niece quite a few times. You can trust me."

"I have absolutely no doubt of that," said Jack softly. He glanced over at Ethan, who was looking at him knowingly, although the old man said not a word.

The boys chatted non-stop as they led her to their bedroom. She helped them wash and then change into their pajamas. They were little enough not to be concerned about her presence, which made her smile.

She read them a book that they picked out, after which they tried to get her to read a second one. But she wasn't an experienced auntie for nothing.

"I think that's plenty for tonight," she told them. "You've had a busy – and a very fun -day."

"I love Uncle Jack," Simon suddenly said. Jankin followed up with an "I love him just as much as you do!"

"I can see that," Sam answered. "And I know he loves you too."

The boys nodded, secure in the love of the adults around them. It was obvious that Jack had a special place in their hearts. Sam understood that only too well.

"Do you love him too?" Simon then asked.

She smiled. "He's my friend," she said, "and I love my friends."

The little boy nodded, reassured. "Sometimes he's sad," he told her, clearly worried. "Jankin and I try to make him happy, but it doesn't always work."

"No – that's not your fault," she reassured them both. "Sometimes adults – and children – feel sad, but it's no one's fault."

"He cries," Jankin threw in. "I've heard him when we're suppos'd to be sleeping. He woked me up sometimes. He was scweeming!"

"Screaming?" Sam asked with a frown."

"Mmm hmm," corroborated Simon. "It's scary. Grandpa said it's a nightscare and that everyone gets them, but I've never heard Grandpa do it or Jankin. Jankin cries when he hears him."

"So do you!" Jankin reminded him.

"Does it – happen all the time," Sam asked. She knew it was probably wrong to interrogate the children, but what they were saying was truly worrying. The Colonel had gone through a lot in life, but she had never heard him having nightmares or screaming, and they'd been on a lot of overnight missions together. And Daniel hadn't said anything to her about it, which he would have if he knew about such a thing. Teal'c, on the other hand, would never speak about it.

Simon shrugged his shoulders. "Sometimes it happens. I asked Uncle Jack what scared him, but he just hugged me and told me that everyone gets scared sometimes. Jankin is scared of monsters."

"You are too!" his little brother defended himself. "Uncle Jack had to look under your bed because you were scared there was a monster there!"

Simon glared at his brother but then snuggled down into his bed. "Are you going to tuck Uncle Jack in?" he asked in all his innocence. "Maybe no one tucks him in and gives him a kiss. Maybe that's why he's sad and gets scared."

"Yeah, and tell him a story," Jankin added. "That way he won't cry."

It was at that moment she fell in love with Simon and Jankin. They were the dearest little boys and obviously loved Jack with all that was in their young hearts. She wasn't about to think too deeply about what they'd told her, at least not right now. She'd think about it later, when she was alone. And try to figure out how she could help him.

"Well, I don't know about Uncle Jack," she told them, "but I do know two little boys who definitely need to be tucked in and given a kiss!"

They giggled at that and forgot about Uncle Jack and his problems. They helped Auntie Sam remember Goodnight Moon, told her the best way to tuck them in, and then held their faces for their kiss. They both kissed her back and then closed their eyes. She was sure they were asleep by the time she got to the door.

"They asleep?" Jack asked when she walked into the living room.

"Mmm hmm. They are the sweetest little boys."

"They are," he agreed. "I'm lucky they found me."

"You are," she agreed, "and they're lucky that they found you.

"Ethan went to bed," he explained when he saw Sam glance at his chair. "If you'd like to head home, I can walk with you?"

"Trying to get rid of me?" she grinned.

He looked at her seriously. "Never, Sam," he told her. "In fact, it would be nice to have you stay for a while. We'd don't get much chance to just – relax."

For the next hour they chatted – mostly about nothing important. They talked about the boys, about their friends in Hjem and about the store. What they didn't talk about was Earth or finding their way back.

At one point Jack got up and made them the local version of tea. It had a different, but very pleasant taste. He also brought out a few of Magrit's cookies.

"This is nice," Sam sighed, taking a bite of a cookie.

"It is," Jack agreed, looking directly at her, wishing suddenly that things could be different. "We need more than one day off," he said suddenly. "I think I'm going to propose it to Ethan."

"Do you think he'll go for it?"

"It will be a way of getting more staff," he answered. "In so many ways Hjem is a wonderful place, but one day off a week is not enough. We need to create a peaceful revolution and create weekends, not just rest days."

"Sounds good to me," she said, leaning her head back. "I never thought I'd hear myself say that I want to work less."

"Do you hate it here?" he asked abruptly.

"Hate it?" she looked at him in surprise. "No, I don't hate it at all – especially since we – well, since I stopped being so stupid."

"Sam Carter could never be stupid," he interjected.

"Yes, I was," she told him, "but since I've got my head out of my ass and we - reestablished - our friendship, I've begun to really enjoy it here. Life is so much more peaceful and the people are wonderful. I'm also itching to try a few more inventions. So far they've been popular."

"Popular? Sam, they've flown off the shelves. I think you're changing the way people work and they're loving it."

"Well, who would imagine that they didn't have vacuum cleaners. Mine was pretty basic, but it was popular – okay, very popular."

He leaned back with his eyes half closed, relishing a feeling of – rare -relaxation. "You should invent a dishwasher. Magrit would love you."

"I've started to design one," she said softly, realizing that Jack was falling asleep. She looked at him tenderly, enjoying the fact that he was feeling relaxed and happy this evening. She would think later about what she'd learned from the boys but for now, she was enjoying watching him fall asleep.

Tomorrow she'd start on her campaign to bring joy and peace back into Jack's life.

1 An excerpt from the book Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown