"I really like this drink." Martouf said. "It is sweet, but not too sweet. What did you say it was called again?"

"Cosmopolitan." Janet told him.

"Can I have one? Please? Since it's a party?" Cassandra begged.

"I can make something similar with no alcohol, for you." Janet said, being the stern doctor and mother. "Would you like me to do that?"

"That's so unfair!" Cassandra whined.

Sam smiled, happy she didn't have to explain. She smiled wider, as she looked at Martouf, enjoying how attractive he looked. "Cheers." She said, clinking her glass against his lightly.

"What are you cheering?" He frowned.

Sam giggled, already fairly drunk. "It's something you say - a blessing, I guess. I think you are wishing the other a cheerful life."

Martouf nodded. "In that case, thank you. And cheers." He smiled as he held up his glass to her.

They both drank from their glasses then.

"Maybe we should get something to eat also?" Sam suggested. "There is a lot of yummy looking food!"

"Yes...I must admit I find it somewhat strange looking. Perhaps you can explain what they various things are?"

"Sure, come." She touched his arm lightly, as they walked to the table.

"See, those are hot dogs, but made as mummys to look cute and creepy. But it is just normal sausages in bread. Those are bread-sticks made to resemble bones, and that is a tomato-based dipping sauce. "

Martouf nodded. "Okay. What are those?"

"String cheese made to look like severed fingers. And that is chocolate pudding with gummy worms, that's supposed to look like dirt."

"It's succeeding." Martouf grinned. "I can see it's fun - but also weird, and a little repulsive."

"I realize how it must appear to you!"

"No, it is interesting to learn about this part of your culture. What is that?"

"Meringue ghosts." Sam pointed to another plate. "Those are cookies looking like spiders, as you can see - made with a kind of string candy."

Everyone had started piling food on plates, and eating the food, so Sam and Martouf/Lantash did the same.

Sam continued explaining about the different food, while she and Martouf tried it out. Lantash was somewhat unhappy about the amount of sugar and additives in the food, but it was no worse than much of the candy, and both he and Martouf agreed that it was probably not too bad for just one time.

Besides, they were starting to get a little tipsy - they had tested all the different kinds of cocktails Janet was making, several times, and Lantash and Martouf had agreed that Lantash would not filter out the alcohol as fast as he usually would, meaning it was beginning to affect them.

Lantash looked out over the table. Most people were getting full, but there was still a lot of food left, which now and then someone would come and take some off. He decided he was mostly full, but that a slice of pie would probably be nice, so he cut a small wedge and put on his plate, then sat down to try it.

He cut off a piece with his fork, and ate it, slowly. Sam had called it pumpkin pie, and said that it had various spices in it. It was a somewhat unusual taste, but after eating most of the slice, both he and Martouf decided they liked it.

~Let us get another slice?~ Martouf suggested.

~I agree...maybe Samantha would like some as well? She is currently talking to Cassandra, while Janet is dancing...with Malek!"

~Wow, yes, you're right. Malek is dancing! I don't think I have seen that before!~

~It is not something he usually does. He feels that as a base commander, he has to maintain a certain seriousness. However, here he does not have any responsibilities and can relax, so he is probably taking advantage of that. That, and it seems he is really taken with the Tau'ri doctor.~

~I agree, he is - and she seems as interested in him. Very interesting.~

Lantash had gone to the table to cut another piece of cake, then suddenly made a decision and took the rest of the pie - it was not a huge amount left, maybe enough for two large slices. ~Now we have cake.~

~Yes, all the rest of it! Didn't you want to get some for Samantha as well? Isn't this a bit greedy?~

~Oh, I intend to share with Samantha.~ He picked up an extra fork. ~And I have a clean fork for her if she doesn't want to share ours...~ He poured on a fair amount of cream on the pie, and then approached Sam.

"Want anything more to drink?" Freya asked, on her way to pick up some of the drinks that stood ready on a side table.

"Yes, that is a good idea." Lantash put the forks on the plate and then picked up two glasses with Cosmopolitan, holding them somewhat unstably with one hand.

~You're not a good servant - careful you're not dropping anything!~

~If I was a servant, I would have a tray to carry stuff on. Since I don't, I am excused!~

He made his way to where Sam was sitting, and she looked up just as he arrived. "Martouf, whoa, let me help you with that!" She took the glasses from him, and he sat down on a chair beside her. She frowned. "Wait, you're Lantash, right?"

"I am. May I join you? One of the glasses is for you."

"Of course - and thank you!" Sam smiled widely at him.

"I also brought some pie, and two forks, if you would like to share?"

"Oh..." Sam giggled. "That's so sweet of you. Yes, please." She blushed, then whispered. "Or we could feed each other?"

Lantash looked very pleased. "I very much agree with that suggestion!"

"Adults!" Cassandra said, rolling her eyes in disgust. "I'm gonna go see if Teal'c want to talk - I want to ask him something about Star Wars."

"Um, yeah, I'm sure he'll be happy to answer." Sam said, somewhat distractedly. She was focused on holding out her fork to Lantash, with a piece of pie on it.

~I cannot choose!~ Anise sounded frustrated. ~It's your fault. I just wanted Daniel, but now I want Jack too!~

~My fault? You're making me confused! Now I also want them both!~

Anise suddenly giggled. ~Then what is the problem? They both seem interested - why don't we go for both?~

~I think Tau'ri are somewhat too repressed in this area.~

~Ah, well, then we must enlighten them!~ Anise went over to the table with drinks and grabbed three beers. ~I don't particularly like this beverage, but both Jack and Daniel are drinking it, so let us join them.~

~Daniel seems very drunk...but I only think he has had two beers.~

~Well, then he may be less inhibited and more likely to forego of Tau'ri traditions.~

~Maybe. Do you want to try or should I?~

~I believe you should try first. Jack is not comfortable with me - even if he seems to be doing better as the evening goes, and he drinks more beer.~

~I agree.~ Freya took control and approached Jack and Daniel who were drinking and talking. "Hello...why are two gorgeous men like you sitting here with no female companionship?"

"Um...why don't you join us?" Daniel said.

"Thank you - I brought a beer for you each."

"Daniel is already drunk, but I would like one." Jack said.

"I can decide that for myself, Jack!" Daniel insisted, grabbing one of the beers.

Sam and Martouf/Lantash were eating pie, and having fun - feeding each other. Sam had gone to pick up more to drink, and she was getting fairly drunk, but was just giggling and having fun. She was trying to work up her courage to ask Martouf and Lantash to dance with her.

"Did you notice? Janet and Malek are dancing!"

"Yes, they have done so for some time, I believe." Martouf said. "Lantash and I believe they are interested in each other."

"No shit! They're head over heels! Both...I mean all of them!" Sam giggled, then gasped. "She's kissing him!" She glanced at Martouf, wishing he would kiss her.

Martouf smiled. "Would you like to dance, Samantha?"

"Yes!" She smiled, her cheeks getting a bit read. Then she added. "Very much!"

"Good, I can't say I know much about Tau'ri dances, but I have observed the dancers for some time, and it looks fairly easy."

~I agree, Malek can do it!~ Lantash added.

"Oh, see." Sam giggled again, as she followed Martouf out on the dance floor. "Look at Anise - or Freya - she is sitting between the Colonel and Daniel in the sofa, with an arm around both. And they are kissing her! And looking happy! Wow, I would have never thought that could happen! Let's hope none of them regrets it in the morning!"

"Doubtful, I think they are just admitting to feelings they would otherwise be too shy to admit." Martouf said, looking directly at Sam, and making her blush.

Martouf put his arms around Sam, and she almost immediately leaned against him as they began to dance. "Mmm, this is nice..."

"I agree." Martouf closed his eyes and enjoyed being close to her.

They danced for a little time, then Lantash took control, continuing to dance with Sam. He decided to move things along a little, and gently placed a kiss just below Sam's ear. She did not stop him, and he repeated it, which meant Sam made a small sound.

She looked into his eyes, and he smiled at her, a smile that was both love and happiness - and a little bit of self-assuredness. "My sweet Samantha." He kissed her mouth, and after a brief moment, she returned the kiss, quickly deepening it and wrapping her arms tighter around him.

"Hey! Find a room!" Ferretti exclaimed, grinning. "You're in the way!"

"Mm, maybe we should do as he suggests..." Sam said, her eyes sparkling.

"A wonderful suggestion, Samantha. Somewhere we can be alone and talk...among other things..." Lantash said, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Sam took his hand and pulled him after her, and he happily followed.

Cassandra was sitting together with Teal'c. They had discussed Star Wars, which was an interest they both shared and loved.

"Yikes, mom's kissing that guy, again!" Cassandra exclaimed.

"Do you object to your mother taking a Tok'ra mate?" Teal'c wondered.

"No...no I guess I'm happy she's happy. It's just...the thought of your mother kissing anyone..."

Teal'c nodded. "I believe I have heard this opinion from other humans. It is strange to me."

"Well, I guess if she had to pick someone...he's kinda cute...or they are, I guess it is?"

"It is. Malek and his host Naron would both be your mother's mates."

Cassandra nodded. "Sam just snuck off with...uh, Martouf and Lantash, right?"

"Yes, that is their names. Your 'aunt' may be getting Tok'ra mates too." Teal'c smiled, pleased his friends were happy. "I believe O'Neill and Doctor Jackson are getting to appreciate the Tok'ra as well." He nodded in the direction of the sofa where the three - or rather four of them, were sitting, engulfed in each other.

"You're right. Gods, what is it with those Tok'ra?" She smiled. "Perhaps...in a few years...I should go visit the Tok'ra and see if they have any cute available Tok'ra men..."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow, realizing Cassandra was getting old enough to begin to look with interest at men. "Perhaps."

They both smiled, grateful their friends and family were happy.

It had been a good Halloween.

The end.