This was my first Stargate fanfiction. It starts at the cabin, with the transcript from Moebius part 2 (8.20) in italics. Later on there will be transcripts from Origin (9.03) in italics too. I hope you will like it! Please review!

Chapter one

Late afternoon, Minnesota, Jack's cabin. Jack and Sam were fishing side by side on the pier.

Sam: This is nice.

Jack: I told ya!

Sam: I can't believe we didn't do this years ago.

Jack: Yes, well, let's not dwell.

Behind them, Daniel and Teal'c arrive, carrying a cooler box between them and each holding a folding chair in their free hand. Out in the pond, a fish jumps out of the water.

Sam looks round at Jack: Didn't that tape say there were no fish in your pond?

Jack: Close enough.

They had a peaceful time, enjoying the company and the falling evening until Jack straightened up and began to pack his fishing gear: "Time to light the barbecue up! I'm hungry!" he said.

"Me too" answered Sam.

"Me three" said Daniel already on his way to the cabin. Teal'c was standing there, looking from one to the other with an air of concern.

Jack and Teal'c went to work on the barbecue, Jack explaining the differences between wood, charcoal and gas and their properties when it came to barbecue. At home Jack was using gas, but here at the cabin wood was the thing! It took a little more time and skills to grill the meat properly, but it tasted also much better! Meanwhile, Sam and Daniel were chatting in the kitchen, preparing a potato salad and discussing if they should add onion and apple in it to give it a fresh and sweet touch. They did, and the salad got praised. The meat was perfect, the beer fresh and the company happy. As the night was falling, they decided to light a fire in the chimney. Nights in Minnesota could be cold even in late Summer. Teal'c had brought two boxes of doughnuts for the dessert, the evening was great. At one point Daniel asked Teal'c: "Are you sure you have to leave on Monday already? I mean, Jack's not leaving before the end of the week and Sam will be there what? Two more weeks?"

"Three" Sam precised.

"Yeah, anyway Teal'c, what I mean is that you could stay some more days with us. It will be quite some time before the four of us can meet again like that"

Sam did not like the turn the conversation was taking, she could feel a lump growing in her throat. It was not fair. She had given up her position at the SGC so that she would not be under Jack's command anymore, and if something was meant to happen between them, it would at least be possible. Leaving to Nevada was a little price to pay if it meant she could be with him each week end. Nevada was only a few hours drive from Colorado... But only two days -TWO DAYS!- after her transfer had been accepted, he had been ordered to the Pentagon! Her sacrifice had come too late, he was leaving... The lump in her throat was growing bigger and bigger, she just hoped she could keep tears away. Meanwhile, Teal'c was answering Daniel's question: "My people is awaiting me Daniel Jackson. The High Council of the Free Jaffa is meeting on Monday, and I have to be there, I can not delay my departure"

"Right" said Daniel "I thought you'd say something like that... It was worth a try... What about you Jack? Got everything ready for Washington?"

"Awoh... you know me and big cities Daniel... Not lookin' forward to settle down there, ya know. But well, my house is for sale and most of my stuff is packed. Quite depressing actually, I'm happy we could make it here for the weekend! Hadn't it been for Hammond and what he told me about needing someone to take over his position and secure the interests of Earth, I'd never accepted the job. Well... not that I had so much of a choice now did I? President Hayes wouldn't take a no for a no... But really, discussing all day long with a bunch of politicians is more your field than mine. No criticism there, it's just not my idea of fun and I'll miss the action from the SGC. You? Looking forward to Atlantis?"

"Yeah, actually I am. With the three of you gone from the SGC it's no much fun left for me to be there anyway. I just wish the Daedalus could have left earlier, I'll be the last one of the team left at the SGC, packing books and artifacts for a week or two after Sam's gone. Sam, have you found an accommodation in Nevada? Or you'll live on the Area 51?"

"I... think I'll stay at the base to start with.." said Sam reluctantly. "..Excuse me" she added, leaving the table and heading to the hallway. The three men heard the front door closing quietly. They looked at each other, concerned.

"Did I say something?" asked Daniel.

Jack stood up, clapping his shoulder. "I'll get it" He went out.

After a second or two, his sight adapted to the dark and he could spot Sam close to the pond. The evening was filled with scents from the cedars and the soil after a sunny day. Jack walked down to Sam and asked:

"You OK?" She kept her back at him, trying to keep her voice from sounding too strangled:

"I... had to get some fresh air. I couldn't hear more of these departure plans. Thinking that our time as SG-1 is definitely over... It is so... depressing! It's not fair!" she protested. He neither moved nor answered, so she continued, her voice failing her: "Why did you have to be sent to Washington?! I'm gonna miss you so much!"

He came closer, pressing his chest to her back, crossing his hands round her belly and resting his chin on her shoulder: "I know" he said softly in her ear. "I'm gonna miss you too"

She turned around, slipping her arms under his leather jacket, cuddling up in his bear hug. He nuzzled in her neck, his breath warming her gently while his ear, cold from the cool evening, made a contrast on her cheek. She closed her eyes, feeling home in his arms, enjoying his comforting warmth and letting the pain of the upcoming separation go. Jack was fondling her hair mechanically, trying to fill his memory with the scent and smoothness of her skin. After a moment, he pulled away, enough to be able to look at her and check if she was still upset. They smiled tenderly at each other.

"I'm glad ya came" he said.

"I'm glad I did" she smiled back, lowering her eyes.

"Maybe I shouldn't ask but... how comes that you said yes this time?" he wondered.

She swallowed with some difficulty before she answered: "Well... all the other times you asked, you were my commanding officer and.."

He studied her closely, waiting for her to continue her explanation. "And?"

She took a deep breath, feeling her heart pounding hard in her chest: "And... only now is there no regulations saying I can't stand like this with you on your dock.."

Slowly, he rested his forehead against hers, looking deep into her eyes. She could feel her throat go dry as he bumped his nose against hers, his intense gaze drilled in her eyes. He was going to kiss her, she was certain of it. Finally. She could feel his breath on her lips. She thought that he was giving her time to back away, but she didn't want to, so she closed her eyes and met his lips for their first kiss.

They had waited so long, loving each other and never being allowed to show nor tell. Until now. She had never thought he could be so tender. He kissed her gently, slowly, tasting her lips, enjoying each second of it. He was in no hurry, intending to make this kiss last as long as she would let him. Her trembling fingers were stroking the short hair of his neck, giving him a delicious shiver spreading warm along his spine and down to his belly. Her other hand had grabbed his shoulder, as if she were afraid he could leave her any minute. When he broke off to look at her, they got a sharp feeling of starvation, as if addicted to one another already. He tightened his hug around her, one hand at the small of her back to press her against his body. As he was lowering his head to take her lips again, she opened her mouth to kiss him deeply, although they kept their slow, sensual rhythm so as to savor every moment of it. Dizziness and warmth were spreading in their bellies and they could both feel his desire grow between their hips. This time there was no way he could pretend it was his sidearm, but he did not care to hide how he felt about her any longer. Eventually he said: "Maybe we should go back in. Daniel and Teal'c certainly wonder what's happening"

Sam smiled and planted a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. His arm around her shoulders, they went back to the cabin, exchanging a last kiss before they went in.

"Here you are!" said Daniel when they entered the living room. "Everything OK?"

"Yeah" they quickly answered simultaneously. Their eyes were shinning in a unusual way, their cheeks lightly colored. Daniel got suspicious but said nothing. Probably cold outside, he thought... He and Teal'c had cleared the table and filled the dishwasher, then they had gone to sit on the sofa, chatting in front of the fireplace while waiting for their friends. As they finally were back, Daniel offered to play poker and Teal'c went to the kitchen to get more beer and crackers. Although Sam was boosted with adrenaline and let herself be caught by the game, Jack couldn't concentrate, and to be frank, he didn't care that much either. Sam was glowing after their embrace outside and he was too busy trying to look at her without the two others noticing. He lost pathetically. Daniel suggested everyone was tired after a long week, and that it was bed time.

He went to the bathroom while the others were carrying the empty bottles to the kitchen and tidying up the game. Then, he wished everybody good night and went to the room he shared with Teal'c at the other end of the living room. Sam took his place in the bathroom while Teal'c was watching Jack taking a blanket and pillow out of an old wooden chest. He had given his room to Sam and would sleep on the couch. Then they sat in silence, looking at the fire, until Sam popped out of the bathroom and wished them good night. They heard her door closing in the hallway, and after a while, Teal'c said:

"Colonel Carter is a fine woman O'Neill"

Lost in his thoughts, Jack answered with a dreamy voice "Yes she is.."

"She is not under your command anymore" Teal'c added.

Taken aback by the direct insinuation, Jack asked "I know. What ya mean?"

"It is none of my concern O'Neill, but I believe the two of you have strong feelings for each other"

Jack smiled. "You're a good man my friend"

Teal'c smiled back "So are you my friend"

Satisfied that he had made his point, Teal'c stood up and took his turn in the bathroom. Jack was sitting on the couch, smiling at the fire, still feeling Sam's body against his and thinking of his good friend Teal'c who said so little and saw so much.

After Teal'c had gone to his room, Jack took his turn in the bathroom, not sure about what to do next. He went to Sam's door and stood there, uncertain. He nearly knocked, but then, he let his hand fall down and turned back to the sofa. He sat down in the dark, looking pensively at the dying fire. After a good while, he heard the door open and soon she was there, her hand on his shoulder. "I was waiting for you" she whispered. Fighting the delicious wave invading his belly, he stood up, turned around to face her and painfully, he sighed:

"Sam... perhaps this isn't such a good idea.."

"What you mean?" she replied, surprised.

"You know... you, me... starting something now..? I'm due to Washington in a week, you'll be leaving for Nevada.. What's the point?"

"What difference does it make?" she protested. "We can still be together every time one of us has free!"

"Sam... you deserve to be happy, to get a life with someone, the kids I know ya want to have. As much as I would love to, I can't give you that if I'm living on the other side of the country, can I?" he said sadly. Sam lowered her eyes, biting her lips, then looked up again. "Jack. I have already tried the wedding-with-a-nice-guy-a-house-and-the-dog thing. It didn't work"

"... Doesn't mean it won't work next time, does it?... .Maybe he just wasn't the right guy?" said Jack poorly.

"Exactly! He was not the right guy, because it is you I love. It's always been you!"

He paused a while, looking down, searching for arguments. "I'm way older than you... aaand I have an awful bad temper.." He looked at her from the corner of his eye to see if he'd struck. She was smiling, waiting. "I'm not half as smart as you are.."

"Will you stop already?" she interrupted. "I have known you for eight years. I've seen you in any possible situation and state of mind. I've seen you tortured, dying, humiliated, furious, hurting, drunk, exhausted... shall I continue? We've practically lived in each other's pocket all those years. Don't you think I know everything I need to know about you? I love you. I could never love anyone else like that. Could you?"

He sighed "...No. Of course not.."

He embraced her in a hug, closing his eyes in relief, assimilating what this conversation implied and would change in his life. Finally he found her mouth and welcoming his surrender, she kissed him passionately. He left her lips and started exploring the smooth skin of her neck, filling himself with her scent and warmth. He wanted to taste every inch of her. His hands were feeling their way down her back and one of them had reach her side, ready to move up again toward the swell of her breast. He realized his mouth was lowering down toward the same spot and he stopped, wanting to check if she was OK with that. But she had closed her eyes, head back to give him better access to her neck, lips parted on her short breath. She was the exact definition of gorgeous. Hot. Beautiful. Gorgeous. He felt his knees weaken while his mouth went dry and he couldn't swallow as his breath was caught in the back of his throat. He wanted to lay her down on the couch and take what he could before she would realize she had made a mistake. At the same time, he couldn't make himself move nor take his eyes from her. But her hands were still on him, and without opening her eyes, she directed his face back to her neck, where he resumed his exploration. His hand was still on the side of her rib cage, stopped on its track, and he felt hers lowering itself along his biceps, elbow and arm, then press lightly up to motion his hand until it was just under her breast. He could feel her tense in expectation and tentatively, he let his thumb move upward. Her response was immediate, she shivered violently and pressed herself harder against him. His mouth had climbed up her neck toward the back of her ear and hers was exploring the hollow at the base of his throat, but she rapidly climbed to claim his mouth again in a passionate kiss.

Jack had still access to some parts of his mind, and he recognized that the couch was a bad idea. It was too narrow for what he wanted to do, and he was certain at least one of the two friends currently sleeping in the adjacent room would leave it at the worst possible moment. It had happened before and he would have bet a month of cake that it would happen again if they stayed in the living room. So he took her in his arms and carried her back to the bedroom. He pushed the door closed with a foot, trying not to make too much noise, then he laid her down on the bed.

He sat at her side and looked at her. She was so beautiful, her perfect body, her face glowing with love for him, her eyes darker than ever, burning with desire... She was waiting for him to lean and kiss her, but he could only sit there and gaze. This woman had been the only one he had loved for the past eight years, but also the only forbidden one.. It was burnt down under his skin, she was not to be touched, and he had worked very hard on ignoring any suggesting word, look, or skin contact that could reach the distressing love and desire for her that he had tried to keep locked away. Now she was in his bed, so gorgeous, so lovely, waiting for him. His feelings were striking him with full strength and he was at loose ends.

She could see his trouble. It was strange to see him like that. She was used to the warrior who would lead their team day after day, taking difficult decisions in the fire of action, risking his life more often than his turn, mocking powerful enemies without a blink, and now, so uncertain at her side. She sat up and brushed his cheek. "Do you still have doubts?" she whispered.

"No... no.." he said. "I just... I guess I'm just a little... intimidated...?" he admitted.

She smiled, her eyes glowing with love and desire, her burning palm on his cheek. He was so sweet... "Let me help you" she whispered against his lips. She kissed him tenderly, and he relaxed, allowing his desire to grow as their kiss went more passionate. She let herself fall back on the bed, dragging him along with her. He fell on top of her, but she rolled him down on the bed so that he would be more comfortable. She was careful not to hurry him. Had she had it her way, she would have thrown all their clothes off already, but she liked that he was so shy and tender, although it was not the way she had thought he would be. She had fantasized this very moment so many times... but never had she dreamed of a scenario where she would have to lead the dance. This was most charming and she could feel her heart melting for him. Meanwhile, his assurance was growing back and his hands had left her face to venture down her sides, under the hem of her T-shirt and up again, feeling their way on the soft skin of her strong back. She shivered at the delicious feeling of his burning hands on her skin. She left his mouth to kiss his neck, and she too let her hands under his T-shirt, impatient to enjoy the soft skin of his belly. Jack rolled her back down on the bed, kissing her neck while his hands carried on with their exploration from her back to her breast. She grabbed his T-shirt, pulled it over his head, freed his arms and threw it away. He smiled at her, lifted her T-shirt up and slowly, kissed her breast. She tensed, her desire rising as his mouth went more demanding. She removed her T-shirt to give him better access. Now his hesitations from the beginning were all gone and he used all his skills to please her. Sam was panting, her attention focused on enjoying each sensation, expecting, vibrating in the ballet of pleasure and love they were dancing together at last.

She had the exciting but disturbing feeling that lightning could strike them any minute. Air Force regulations had forced her to deny anything that could reveal her love for him, now after eight frustrating years and the sacrifice of her position in SG-1, regulations did not apply to them anymore, at last, and it was happening. She could still not believe it but it made their first intimacy even more precious and exciting. Jack's hand went from her breast to her butt and pulled her against his body. She could feel the heat of his desire through the thin layer of clothes between them. Her hand crawling down his back, she slipped her fingers under his belt, but it was too tight so she resolved to try and loosen it. He kissed her again, passionately, while he was working on removing her pants. Gasping, she whispered: "I think there is condoms in my bag."

"Oh... yeah." he panted. "There should be some in the night stand too"

He reached for the drawer and foraged in there until he found what he wanted, while she was kicking her pants away. He had a look at her, naked on the bed, totally offered, waiting for him, and he was wonderstruck. "You are so beautiful" he said with a dry throat. The look on his face made her melt. Then he bent to bury his face in her belly, soft and warm, and she sighed with happiness. His hand climbed along one leg to grasp her butt firmly, his mouth wandering slowly back to her nipple. She gasped and bent in expectation and excitement, attacking his belt again to get rid of his pants. Jack paused in his caress to help her. He sat on the bedside to undress and they were soon both naked. She swirled herself around him while he sat, and looked at his virility. She pushed him gently down on the bed and caressed the hard and silky member with her fingertips. Slowly, she bent over him, very conscious of the effects her warm breath would have on that part of him. As she expected, his breath went short with expectation and the muscles of his belly strained. When he felt her tongue teasing the tip of his erection, he could not help but moan. Her hand left the silky member to reach down between his legs. Carefully, she cup the soft mass, stroking it gently with her thumb, then she took the head of his manhood between her lips. He gasped, one hand at the small of her back, the other clenched on the sheets. When she began to swirl her tongue around him, he tensed and moaned "God! Sam don't! Please!" and he tried to push her away.

"What is it?" she asked. "You don't like it?"

"Don't get me wrong.." he panted. "I love it! But if you go on like this, I'll never hold long enough to make love to you. Which I really want to do" She smiled at him and climbed up to take his mouth in a languid kiss. Jack rolled her on her back and found her breast, teasing her with the tip of his tongue, circling around her nipple but avoiding it. She gasped in expectation while he was alternating between torturing her with the hard tip of his tongue, and eager, languid licking. Sam was restless, trying to maneuver to place the nipple in his mouth but he was avoiding the tempting bud, moving away and continuing his circling, closer and closer to the very point she wanted him to suck. Frustrated, she moaned and bent, when he suddenly took the whole nipple in his burning mouth, sucking hard against his tongue. She cried her pleasure in surprise, lightning spreading in her chest and down to the very center of her excitement. She was impatient, she had been ready for him for some time already, but he was spinning things out as long as he could. While his tongue skillfully worked on the nipple, his fingers had found their way between her legs to explore her intimacy. Panting, she could feel her excitement reach a peak and moaned: "Jack! Now!" He reached for the condom and placed it while she was planting small kisses in his neck. Then she pushed him gently down on the pillow and mounted him. The sight of his beautiful Love riding him was adding to the pleasure her body was giving him and he groaned. She was so excited already that it did not take long before she reached the peak of her pleasure, which communicated to him and they reached the sky together.

Sam bent down to kiss him softly while they were catching their breath. She was laying on him, still shaken by spasms from time to time, happier than ever in the arms of her Love. He was enjoying her weight on him, her total abandonment, the smell of her hair, the softness of her moist skin against his, how their bodies fitted together. Now he was happy, the love he had kept under control all these years was filling his chest with an almost painful strength. Pain and sorrows from the past did not matter anymore, Sam was in his arms, she loved him and he loved her. Oh god he loved her! "Sam... I so love you!" he said.

She chuckled and kissed him again. "I love you too Jack. I'm so happy!"

He smiled and fondled her hair, guiding her head back on his chest. After a while, she rolled down to his side and dragged the sheets up over them. They cuddled up together, as if they could not stand to separate yet.

"You know" said Sam, "I think I fell in love with you on day One already"

"Really?" he said. "How's that!? I was such an ass that day!"

"Yeah, well... Perhaps it's exactly why I got so fond of you then. You didn't try to seduce me like every other man, you were challenging... And sooo dashing in your Class A's.."

"What? Dashing?"

"Oh yeah! Extremely dashing.." she smiled, looking fondly at him.

"So that's why you joined the Air Force, uh? The uniform?" he teased.

"Mmm... yeah... That's pretty much it... And of course, my Dad made me!" They chuckled...

"Good ol' Jacob.." said Jack. "He was not too happy about you marrying Pete you know."

"Really? He talked to you?" said Sam, astonished.

"He mentioned something in that direction yeah."

Sam was very surprised that her father would have discussed her marriage with Jack, but then she remembered something he had said before he died, and it suddenly made sense.

"Oh Dad.." she sighed. "And I thought I had kept my little secret so well.."

"Your secret?"

"I think Dad understood how I felt for you. He tried to tell me but I wouldn't let him... You were still my commanding officer then, I couldn't let anybody know"

"Anybody... but me...?"

"I tried to hint... several times.."

"I know"

"But you wouldn't let me, then.."

"... I couldn't... I was your CO.."

"It's over now"

"Yeah.." he smiled. She reached out to kiss him.

It was past two in the morning when Jack finally doze off. Sam fondled softly the rare hair on his chest with her finger tips. On many occasions they had slept side by side during missions and she had listened to his calm respiration as he slept. Many times she had wanted to crawl to him and lay her head on his shoulder the way she had done in Antarctica under the very relevant excuse of keeping warm. Such an excuse had never occurred again since and sometimes it had eaten her up so badly that she hadn't managed to sleep at all. She had also felt resentful when he had woken up in the morning, innocently asking if she had slept well, never seeming to be aware of how she felt. Poor Jack, how could he have known? He had been fighting against his own feelings and could not allow himself to see her that way, especially when they were on missions. As her CO, it was his responsibility to keep their relation on a professional level. But now, now finally, she could sleep in his arms every night they would have together. Having this joyful perspective in mind, she allowed herself to fall asleep, feeling that she finally had reached home.

The sun was quite high in the sky when she woke up. Jack was not there. He had always been a morning bird, even after only a few hours of sleep. Only now did she measure how intimately they knew each other already... He had somehow managed to leave without waking her up, which was amazing considering how tight she had wrapped herself around him before she fell asleep. A delicious smell of fresh coffee and pancakes was filtering from under the door. She jumped out of bed, grabbed some fresh clothes and sneaked to the bathroom for a quick shower before she entered the kitchen. Jack was there on his own, flipping some pancakes. She cast a glance in the living room to ensure they were alone, then she went to him, embracing his waist. "Good morning" she said with a kiss on his freshly shaved cheek.

He laid the spatula down and took her in his arms with a sigh of happiness. "Hi! I wondered when you'd show up! Slept well?"

"Yeah. Very well" she said with a knowing smile. "How long have you been up?"

"Er... half hour or so? Little more perhaps.."

"I didn't notice a thing when you got up. I must have been sound asleep!"

"Yeah well... I took a correspondence course from Houdini" he smiled, flipping the pancakes.

She kissed him. "Where are Daniel and Teal'c?"

"Mmm." he said between two kisses "Let's see... Teal'c went for a run, and... I think Daniel's still sleeping"

"No I'm not!" said Daniel, popping his head into the kitchen "... owh... sorry." he added, confused to find his friends in such a close embrace. They split instinctively, although they both knew it was no point in denying anything. There was an odd silence which Jack broke up with a sarcastic "Good morning Daniel!" Daniel's face brightened in a repressed smile, then, pointing his finger toward the bathroom: "I... I'd be in the shower if you need me.. You two just... go back to whatever you were doing OK?!"

They saw him disappear swiftly toward the bathroom, looked at each other and chuckled while resuming their embrace. Jack took the last pancakes from the pan and placed them in the oven with the others, to keep them warm until Teal'c would be back for breakfast. Then, he took Sam in his arms again and kissed her hungrily. They took their cups of coffee and went out, to the far end of the deck, where they could kiss and cuddle up again without Daniel bumping into them on his way out of the bathroom. They had years of frustration to make up for! They were beginning to wish they were alone and could go back to bed when Teal'c emerged from the wood and spotted them. He paused for a moment, observing the scene, happy to see that his friends had finally found each other. Then he resumed his run toward the cabin. As he passed by, they heard him so they parted and looked up.

"Good morning Colonel Carter" said Teal'c without stopping nor looking at them.

"...Er... good morning Teal'c" she answered mechanically, looking at Teal'c's back disappearing behind the cabin. Astonished, she turned to Jack and said "He didn't even look surprised!?"

Jack laughed. "He must have seen us from the wood. Besides, he's been waiting for this to happen. He gave me a pep talk last night"

Surprised, Sam replied "A pep talk?! Teal'c?"

"Yeah well... you know him. He can make his point without using too many words"

"Really? And he expected this to happen? What'd he say?"

"Arh.. Something like that he knew about our feelings for each other"

"Wow." said Sam amazed "Way to go Teal'c."

Jack laughed and took her in his arms again. "At least we won't have to hide from those two.."

"That I am glad for"

"Me too. But perhaps we should keep it there. I'm not too fond of the idea of having the SGC or the Pentagon informed, let alone the NID!"

"You are right. There is no need for that anyway"

"Good" he said, kissing her again before going in. "You know, this is such a nice morning, we should have breakfast out here!"

Sam took a sip of coffee before following him to help. Daniel, leaving the bathroom to Teal'c, met them in the living room and lightened in a wide, warm smile: "Sorry for interrupting back there. I didn't mean to... well.. anyway, I'm happy for you guys! It's good to finally see you together in this universe too" Jack smiled and clapped his shoulder on his way to the kitchen.

"Thank you Daniel" answered Sam, feeling her cheeks blushing.

"You know, I have been wondering for years why this hadn't happened here" Daniel added.

"Really?" Sam couldn't believe everybody knew about their secret feelings! Had they been so obvious that everyone knew?!

"Yeah!" replied Daniel eagerly. "You have to admit it was kind of odd that in each parallel universe we have been in contact with, the two of you were either engaged or married!"

"Well...I suppose you got a point there" answered Sam, trying to keep to the scientific part of the subject.

"I figured that the only reason you were not together was because you are both in the Air Force here while in many other universes you are a civilian. Doesn't it make sense?"

"I suppose it does" answered Sam "I just can't figure why so many alternate-me did not enter the Air Force" she continued, trying to divert the subject.

"Yeah. Well. That's not the point here" stressed Daniel, not willing to give way. "The point is that on the Universal plan, you two are meant to be together!"

"Do I have to remind ya Danny-boy, that you weren't in any of these alternate realities we encountered?!" pointed Jack on his way back to the deck.

"Yeah well... what's your point?" protested Daniel.

"My point is, young man, that there is nothing like Destiny or Universal plan. I guess it's more a matter of potentials and chances ya take or not" he said, shoving four plates in Daniel's hands.

"Jack is right, Daniel" interrupted Sam. "Think of when we traveled in time, how the simplest little thing could change the future in such dramatic ways!"

Jack liked very much that she had said he was right, he was grinning widely on his way back to the kitchen. He got the coffee and the pancakes and followed Teal'c outside.

Sam went on: "Think about Teal'c for example. The only reason he is at the SGC is that Jack asked him for help when we were prisoners on Chulak. One sentence! Teal'c could have killed him on the spot for it, but that sentence is the very frail key factor that changed the reality of our universe in a huge way for thousands of people!"

"Yes yes yes!" replied Daniel eagerly "But my point is, the potential is always there. In many universes, Teal'c is ready to be convinced, even though he didn't meet with SG-1 and therefore, did not take the step, but when we met him in other realities, he heard us. In all universes, Teal'c is doubting Apophis and just needs someone to pull the trigger"

"Good point" admitted Sam.

"And it's the same with you and Jack! Take the Air Force regulations away and.." pursued Daniel.

"Yeah well. " interrupted Jack. "Let's not dwell. Have a pancake!" he said, presenting him with the dish. Sam and Teal'c smiled knowingly at each other.

"How was your run Teal'c? Seen anything interesting?"

"Nothing O'Neill. I believe we are far from any inhabited ground?"

"Yep. Twenty miles to the first town" precised Jack proudly. "Just Mother Nature. And us"

"Yeah, about that Jack. I was wondering. Except for fishing, what is there to do around here?" asked Daniel.

"Outdoor things mostly. There's a couple of kayaks there, a canoe, nice paths for hiking all around, although you'd better look out for black bears. You could practice some archery too, as I believe there's a bow somewhere. Chopping wood. If ya feel the urge for activity. Otherwise, sunbeds on the veranda, a hammock down at the tree line, music and plenty of books and games inside"

"Actually, I could chop some wood. I haven't done that for years, could be fun to give it a try again" said Daniel. "But seriously guys, do you have any plan for the day, or should we just hang around and relax?"

"I'd like to try the kayak" said Sam. "If I can have some company..? I don't want to drown if this thing turns upside down.."

"There's no risk for that, Sam" Jack eagerly said. "The pond's a safe place to begin with. I'll show you!" Teal'c and Daniel exchanged a knowing smile and began to collect the plates from the table, chasing Sam away. "We'll fix that Sam" said Daniel. "You just go paddle and have fun!"

Jack was holding the kayak so Sam could get in safely, explaining how she should proceed. "Once you sit in there it's very stable, and you'd have to throw yourself sideways to turn it upside down"

"Well, I'll keep that for another time really, I just mean to paddle around today" she said.

"As you wish!" said Jack. "Go ahead, I'll fetch the other one" he said, gently pushing the nose of her kayak away from the dock. He joined her in the middle of the pond: "How's it going?"

"This is fun Jack! Quite easy, as you said" she said. "I still have to figure how to paddle without splashing around though. My t-shirt's quite wet already!"

"It's just water" Jack replied. "You'll dry.."

"Ah! That's easy for you to say. You don't have a drop of water on your clothes. Yet.." she added maliciously before splashing at him with her paddle. He jumped at the cold water.

"You nasty little...!" he spitted in surprise. She giggled and paddled away from him as fast as she could. He took up the chase. As he was reaching her, he sent a massive wave at her back. She cried out and he grinned widely, paddling away to avoid reprisal. Daniel and Teal'c came running to see why Sam had cried out, and they had a good laugh looking at them chasing one another until they were both soaked. At one point, Jack sat up on his kayak and prepared to jump on Sam's. She protested "Jack!? What are you doing!? No! No!" He jumped and capsized her craft. They were both laughing, splashing around in the water, until Sam began to swim back. Jack grabbed the nose of their kayaks, following her slowly. Teal'c and Daniel helped them up and they were soon both laying on the dock, panting.

"Geez!" said Jack catching his breath. "I've never been so wet from a new beginner paddling tour. Never had so much fun either!" he added, chuckling. Sam was still grinning, removing her canvas shoes to let them dry. Jack had an open shirt over his t-shirt. It was dripping and flapping as he moved around. "I feel like a big bat" he said to make Sam laugh. He tried to start up a fight and push Daniel in the water too, but Daniel was faster and ran to safety. Jack was unsure how wise it was to attempt the same with Teal'c. Sam was fondly following his moves, realizing how much more relaxed and boyish he was up here than she ever had seen him before. She wondered if it was because he was happy, or if it was just because she had never seen him at his cabin, far away from the responsibilities of a General. Both, she decided. She actually felt lighter too, allowing herself some fun, which she seldom did otherwise. This place was becoming her little paradise too!

"It's getting chilly" she said after a while. "I'm going up to change"

"Good idea" said Jack. "Ya wouldn't want to catch a cold now, would ya?"

He removed his shirt and wrung it before he pulled the kayaks ashore with Teal'c's help. Daniel had found the bow and some arrows so he was busy setting up a target to try his skills on and Teal'c joined him. After looking at their first arrows, Jack went in to change and knocked at the bedroom's door.

"Sam? Ya in here?"

The door opened. Sam was still in her wet clothes, holding some dry ones and heading for the bathroom: "I'll have to take a shower again, there was a kind of algae in the water, they are everywhere.."

"Yeah I know. It can be a real soup when the weather keeps nice for some time. Go take your shower. I'm next" he said, foraging in his drawer after dry clothes. Sam went pass him, spotting the puddles of water they had left in the hallway. She paused.

"Perhaps you should come with me... ya wouldn't want to catch a cold now, would ya?" she teased.

Jack looked up in surprise, then smiled: "You know, you're absolutely right! These algae are nasty little things. They are veeery difficult to remove, you'll need my help!" He grabbed his clothes and followed her with a grin on his face. The door locked behind them, he threw his shirt in the washing machine and removed his t-shirt to send it the same way. Then he paused and looked at Sam. Thinking of the fun they had in the pond, he chuckled again: "You're dripping, and green with algae!" he teased, following the green stripes with his finger.

"Indeed" replied Sam, imitating Teal'c.

Jack's laughter filled the room: "Never thought we could have so much fun together. I'm the happiest of men!" he said before kissing her. They removed their wet and sticky clothes, joking at the green stripes of algae on their bodies. Then, they entered the shower and found the soap. The warm water and soap on their skins were adding to the sensuality of the game and it got pretty hot, until Jack swore: "Damn! Condoms are in the bedroom!"

They paused, uncertain about what to do next. "Should I go get them?" said Sam. He turned the water off without answering. "We could also continue in bed, we are cleaned now.." she proposed. Jack took another couple of seconds to think before he said: "What's the risk anyway? We are both in perfect health and regularly checked for STDs, so no risk there, right?"

Unsure about what his point was, she answered careful: "Eer...right...?"

He continued: "So... the only thing that could happen is that you get pregnant.."

"Well...yes... That's enough of a risk isn't it?" she replied, surprised that he took that eventuality so lightly.

He was looking at her, straight in the eyes, grave and concerned, asking again: "But ultimately, you want to have kids, don't ya?"

Red alarm began to ring in her head: "Jack...? What's your point?"

"Listen" he said. "We're not getting younger, none of us. We've waited so long that if you want to have kids one day, you can't wait much longer. I want to be with you Sam. For the rest of my life. So if you're to have kids, and if you feel the way I do... then... go ahead. It's up to you.."

Emotion rose in Sam's throat and her eyes burned suddenly, filling with tears. She took his face tenderly in her hands, unable to talk for a moment. Understanding how overwhelmed she could be by his sudden declaration, he waited, caring, smiling tenderly, drying a teardrop with his thumb. She kissed him gently and whispered with a lump in her throat: "Jack... I love you so much.."

"I love you too... Oh God I love you!" he said, feeling his chest painfully full of love for her. He took her in his arms for a hug to give her the time to regain her spirits and think about what he had said. He had not prepared the speech in advance, it had just come to him as a certitude from deep inside, and he had learnt to trust his instincts. Sam broke the hug to look him in the eyes again. She hesitated: "Jack.. I.."

He stopped her: "You don't have to decide anything just yet, no sweat" He paused before he sighed and backed off: "Look. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, it screws the whole thing up, that was stupid. Just... just forget it OK? Let's get the condoms instead"

"Jack, don't!" she protested. "I love the idea of having kids with you! I always wanted to... It's just so... unexpected. I didn't have time to... I mean, it's only been hours since we first kissed!"

"I know. I know" he said. "That's why it was stupid of me. We should take the time to talk about those things. Now I feel like I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on you, I'm sorry.."

She kissed him softly. "The subject presented itself.." she smiled. "Have you... I mean.. Is this something you have gone and thought about before?"

He looked away, a little embarrassed, before he answered, trying not to grin: "Yeah, well... sort of... Perhaps not the kid-part of it.."

Her smile widen: "So how come that you are so sure of yourself about.. the kid-part of it?"

"Sam... Honestly I dunno. It came as unexpected to me as to you. I just know for certain that there's no way I'll let you go now, I wanna finish my life with you. There's no alternative. So if you are to have kids, I want to have them with you. Perhaps Daniel's right about his universal theory after all, I dunno.."

He paused, so she continued: "So say I get pregnant. Then what?"

"Then... we take it from there I guess. But it doesn't have to happen now if you don't want to. And if it happens, there's one thing I know for sure: I wanna be with you. I can retire anytime, can't I?"

The love and joy Sam felt for him at that moment were overwhelming.

She answered "I could find a position in Washington. But you are right, we'll see if and when it happens. As for now, I just know I love you as I never loved anyone, that's the only thing that matters!" Her mouth reached his, gently tasting his lips at first, but soon, she used her kiss to express the storm of feelings that submerged her body and mind.

Feeling the fever rising in them again he said: "Let's go to bed.." She only cared to kiss him further. For the record, he whispered: "You sure?" She turned the water on again, and he abandoned himself to pure bliss.

As much as their night had been tender and caring, their encounter in the shower was passionate and reminded Jack of the time Sam was a captain under the influence of the hilk'sha virus from the Land of Light. Only this time he knew there was no virus but pure, raw desire answering his exactly. After a sweet loving kiss, she had become more demanding and thrown him a mischievous look with a smirk. Then she had cornered him against the shower wall and began to kiss him savagely. Scratching her nails down his chest, she licked her lips in a very sensual way before she purred:

"I have something in mind Jack... It implies you screaming..."

Jack's eyes popped out of his head. That was hot! And so unexpected! Was this really Carter? Polite, reasonable and by-the-book Sam Carter was not really fitting in his definition of lust and wild sex. But there she was, grabbing his wrists and wedging them against the wall on each side of his head while she was doing incredible things to his body by undulating her own against it and kissing his mouth in a most indecent way. After the first moments of stupor, he got caught by the virus and was more than willing to follow her on that path. What she did to him was melting his inside into a burning and raw desire. Primitive instinct took him like a burning fever. He fought back, pinning her against the opposite wall, grabbing her butt and kneading it while his hungry mouth worked her breast. She was smiling, breathing heavily and pressing his head against her with one hand while her other arm was warped under his shoulder, her nails torturing his back. "More!" she panted "Harder!"

"You're a beast Carter!" he rumbled.

"You've seen nothing yet O'Neill" she breathed heavily back. She dived in his neck and licked it languidly up to his ear. He got so excited that he nearly lost control of himself.

"Bitch.." he growled. She just smiled lustfully back. His erection battering her thigh, she lifted her leg around his hip and directed him inside her. He grabbed her thigh and stung hard. She gasped, and as he pulled out she seized his mouth for a hungry kiss which made him stung again. It was nearly brutal but it was also damn good and answered the violence of the excitement that had taken possession of her. He felt he could never have enough of her, no matter how much he sucked and kneaded and kissed. The way she was licking his ear nearly made him come at once. God she was good! They were both warriors, he was not afraid to be a little rough, he knew she had a sense for it but the way she was reacting to his assaults was above all he had hoped for. From the tension of her body and her short breath, he could tell she was on the edge. He bit her shoulder, careful but nonetheless hard, accelerating his rhythm as her inside was swelling around his shaft, her low moaning of his name driving him mad. As she came, he stung her high, emptying his pleasure in her with a long groan, his whole body craving for hers. She was nailed against the wall, Jack's strong body holding her there while her inside was curling itself in an ecstatic swell. They were panting heavily under the warm rain of the shower. He released her slowly, catching his breath and scrutinizing her, worried now that he might have been too brutal in the heat of the action. She snuggled against him, kissed him deeply, her tongue languidly curling around his to round their battle up. Their cravings satiated, they smiled mischievously at each other, sharing the secret of their common taste for wild sex. Jack took up the soap again, although they had already washed one another during the forplay, he did not want their moment to be finished just yet. They found back to their languid and tender touch to resume the shower, the bond between them growing richer from discovering new tastes in common and from the knowledge that their time together was scarce.

"I feel like I'm 17 again with you Sam. I had forgotten the feeling of being madly in love.."

"You are like a teen, Jack" she chuckled. "With a man's body and expertise.." she whispered smoothly in his ear.

"Damn! Sam!" he gasped as he felt himself grow hard again at the insinuation.

She giggled, reaching for her clothes. "Enough for this time, Sir. Our friends outside will get suspicious.."

With a dark look he moved closer to her and pulled her waist against his. "Don't you call me that here. Otherwise I'll never be able to look at you as a General should look at a Colonel when we are back at the SGC. It'll be hard enough, now that I know what you hide under your BDU"

She wanted to tease him but knew he had a point and she had no intention to be mean. She handed him his clothes and kissed him softly on the cheek. "You are right. I won't say it again"

"Good. Thanks" he said, beginning to dress up. "Geez I'm not looking forward to go back! I wish we had a week of vacations instead.."

"I know" She didn't want to discuss the subject so she dressed up quickly, threw their towels in the washing machine and, as Jack was ready, they went out. She wondered where Teal'c and Daniel could be so she headed out. Jack hurried behind her and caught her for a gentle kiss which he finished with a hug. "I miss ya so bad as soon as you walk away from me!" he apologized.

"I know" she said. "I wish there was an Asgard beam between Area 51 and Washington.." she sighed, understanding she could not avoid the subject of the separation any longer. Jack looked at her, stunned, then he tilted his head and lightened up. "I think I'm gonna have a little chat with Thor on Monday!" he said cheerfully.

"What for?" she asked.

"We saved their gray little asses so often, they owe us! I'm sure they have more portable beam devices than they need!"

"Jack!?" she cried. "You don't mean to acquire alien technology for you own private use, do you?!"

His face changed from cheerful and proud to the one of a little boy taken with his fingers in the cookie jar. She had to laugh...

"You are crushing sweet... You know that?" He grinned mischievously. She took his hand and dragged him to the deck before he could kiss her again. There, they saw Daniel and Teal'c on the other side of the pond in the kayaks.

"Guess they got tired of waiting.." dropped Jack, embracing her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder, and cheek against cheek, they stood there, enjoying the sun and birds' songs of the late Summer.

"What time do you think it is?" asked Sam after a while. Jack lifted lazily his head from her shoulder to look at his watch. "Geez! It's soon two already!"

"I thought so, I'm starving.." They went back in to the kitchen and while Jack was looking for food in the fridge, Sam took the dishes up from the dish drainer. It felt good to work together on these domestic chores, brushing past each other, allowing oneself a light caress on the other's cheek, arm or butt. Jack was preparing sandwiches. He had found out that it would be easier than having the four of them packed in his little kitchen to make their own sandwich. Sam made some coffee and poured it in a thermos bottle so it would keep warm until the guys showed up from their paddling tour. Then she dressed the table outside and sat on the rail, looking at the guys on their way back, and enjoying the little breeze that had picked up, balancing the warmth of the sun to the perfect temperature. Jack came with the plate of sandwiches and a basket of fruits which he placed in the shadow with the beer before joining Sam on the rail. What a perfect week end!