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Changes

Life’s Journey 4

By Shiaw Mei Mei

 

Part One

 

Jack was anxious for this day to end.  He had a week of time off scheduled and he hadn’t seen Sam in nearly a week.  He dressed quickly in the locker room.  Since he was a civilian now he didn’t have to wear a uniform, but fatigues were comfortable, to him and to his people.  He simply had the rank insignia removed from his fatigues and wore them plain.

 

Not that it made that much difference.  The announcement of his change in status didn’t stop anyone from calling him ‘General’.  It really didn’t seem as if anything had changed, except for him and Sam.  They didn’t have to hide or pretend.  He couldn’t hide his happiness. 

 

Although there hadn’t been an announcement about the change in their relationship, there might as well have been.  The whole base knew within days of his resignation.  Strangely enough, his change in attitude seemed to affect the entire base.  Or maybe it was just because he was finally happy, he noticed more of what went on around him besides work.

 

It had been three weeks since Sam blended with Xochiquetzal.  Tomorrow she would change hosts.  Nothing could keep Jack away from that ceremony.  He missed having Sam here.  And Daniel and Teal’c.  They had stayed with Sam on the planet to make sure that she was okay.  They didn’t mind.  The natives were friendly and Daniel was having a blast with the architecture and culture.  He even looked like he was putting on a little weight from the local diet.  Something about a breakfast food even better than oatmeal.

 

Jack moved quickly through the halls of the SGC to his office.  He hoped Walter had some coffee waiting.  He didn’t sleep well last night.  He was too excited about seeing Sam tonight.  He was actually getting to like Xochiquetzal.  She had a very sharp sense of humor and seemed to appreciate Jack’s.  It still made him uncomfortable but as long as it was temporary, he could handle it.  Xochiquetzal was also kind enough to go dormant when he and Sam had the chance for some privacy.

 

He wasn’t thrilled about the fact that Xochiquetzal could read Sam’s memories of their times together but at least she wasn’t present while it was happening.  It seemed a little too kinky, voyeuristic.  Jack shook his head at the thought.  He bounded up the stairs to the control room.

 

“Good morning, campers!”

 

Several of the staff on duty smiled at his exuberance.  They had heard all of the gossip going around and they knew the General was taking some time off and would be joining Colonel Carter off world.

 

Walter walked over with a cup of coffee.  “You have a 0900 briefing with Colonel Reynolds, sir.  Also, a 1030 briefing with the emissary from P3X-801.  And we received a message from the Tok’ra early this morning.  General Carter will be arriving this around noon.  He said he was expected.”

 

“He is and thank you, Walter!”  Jack sipped his coffee as he headed up to his office.

 

The lieutenant on duty smiled at Walter.  “He’s in a good mood today.”

 

“Thankfully,” Walter smiled back.

 

Sam bounded around the Queen’s quarters full of energy.  Tomorrow she would be able to go home. 

 

‘Well, maybe not tomorrow!’ her internal companion said.  ‘You will need to rest after I have moved to the new host.  You know I want you to stay here a few days to make sure that everything is okay.’

 

“I know, I know… It’s just…”  Sam’s voice trailed off.

 

‘Like you have to say the words.  Jack will be here tonight and when you go home, you will be going home to start a life together.’

 

Sam laughed.  She still wasn’t used to the total contact that she and Xochiquetzal shared.  She didn’t have to talk; she didn’t even need to think coherent thoughts!  Xochiquetzal always knew what she meant.

 

‘I find it interesting, your feelings for him.’

 

“I noticed that your hosts don’t seem to have had mates or husbands.”

 

‘Yes, for a reason.  It is difficult to maintain a relationship as a Queen.  Most of my First Servants have been unattached and untouched.  It is too difficult to find a mate that can handle the responsibilities the Queen must attend.’

 

“We’ve been handling it fine.  Haven’t we?”

 

‘Yes, we have.  And I get the pleasure of your memories.’

 

Sam could hear the amusement in Xochiquetzal tone as she blushed.  Whenever Jack was able to visit, they could barely keep their hands off each other.  Xochiquetzal slept while they played but Sam couldn’t block the memories from her.  She didn’t want to even as embarrassing as it could be sometimes, she realized that Xochiquetzal was seeing a side of life that she had been denied and she wouldn’t take that pleasure from her. 

 

Xochiquetzal’s only experience with sexual relations had been limited to the times that she needed DNA in order to produce more symbiotes.  It was more in the nature of a ceremony than a loving act.  She had never experienced the love between two people that she had with Jack and Sam.  For this glimpse into their life, she was grateful.

 

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

 

“Come in!”

 

Daniel’s head peeked around the door.  “Good morning!  Wondered if you wanted some company for breakfast.”

 

“Sure, come on in.  I haven’t started yet.”

 

Teal’c followed Daniel into the room.

 

“Good morning, Colonel Carter.”

 

“Hiya, Teal’c!”  Sam’s happiness showed all over her face.

 

“You are in a good mood this morning.  Could it be Jack’s pending visit?”

 

“Why would you ever think that, Daniel?”  Sam laughed as she scooped up bowls of the wheat farina that they all had come to love.

 

“Just the fact that whenever he’s here you two disappear and no one sees either of you for the whole visit.”

 

Sam’s head lowered slightly.  Xochiquetzal’s voice continued.  “Yes, no wonder I have regained my strength so quickly.  She makes me sleep the whole time he is here.”

 

Sam’s face turned red as she wrested control back from Xochiquetzal.  “Too much information, Xochiquetzal!”

 

Daniel and Teal’c both laughed at the interplay between host and symbiote.  “It’s too bad that Xochiquetzal’s duties and yours conflict.  You two make a great pair!”  Daniel’s tone was joking but his eyes were serious.  He’d never seen a blending quite like this one.  Even among the Tok’ra there didn’t seem to be a better-suited pair.  He also knew that Jack would shoot him for even thinking it.  Jack seemed to be accepting of the situation but Daniel knew that he was anxious for Sam to give up her symbiote.

 

“I know, Daniel.  And I will miss her.  And I think that, even though I am a pain in the ass, she will miss me.  But I have to get back to work and she has her people to consider.”

 

‘Of course I will miss you, Sam!’  

 

The thought caused Sam sadness.  She really would miss her.  This was nothing like her blending with Jolinar.  There was a trust with Xochiquetzal that was missing with Jolinar.  The access to her memories made it easier to cope with them.  Being joined with Xochiquetzal also seemed to help Sam gain control over Jolinar’s memories.

 

Daniel saw the sadness cross Sam’s face quickly.  “Well, at least Jack will be here tonight!”

 

Sam’s face cheered up quickly.  She still had trouble believing that her father, General Hammond and the President had worked everything out the way they had.  Since she hadn’t been back to Earth since it happened, it made it seem surreal.  Even though Jack came to visit every chance he could, she wanted to be able to wake up with him in her own bed, or his, and go about their real lives knowing that there is nothing to hide.

 

They still hadn’t talked about plans for the future.  They didn’t have much time to spend together when he was here.  Xochiquetzal had official duties to attend and that left mostly the nighttime for them to be alone.  Once alone in her room, talking usually was the last thing on their minds.

 

Would they live together?  Would they marry?  The thought of marriage made her think about Pete.  Jack said he had been calling the base everyday asking where she was.  Walter usually got the calls and told him that she was on extended TDY and that they didn’t know when she would return.  A few times Jack had the feeling of being followed and twice he thought he’d seen Pete’s car near his house.  She decided that Pete didn’t believe the story he was getting and was trying to find out the truth.

 

Sam sighed heavily.  She knew that she would have to deal with that situation when she got back.  She would have to make Pete understand that she didn’t love him like that and that it was over.  She hoped he would move back to Denver so she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.

 

‘Sam, dear, we have duties to attend.  We need to get moving.’

 

Daniel looked at Sam as she laughed.

 

“Nothing, Daniel.  My internal alarm clock just told me to get a move on!”  Sam stood to go.  “You guys finish your breakfast.  I’ll talk to you later.”

 

Jack stood at the bottom of the gate ramp waiting for Jacob to emerge from the event horizon.  Jacob wanted to be there when Xochiquetzal left Sam.

 

“Jack,” Jacob’s voice rang out as he stepped out of the gate and headed down the ramp.  “How’s it going?”

 

“Great!  I am impatient to get this all over with.”  Jack shook hands with him and led him out of the gate room.  “I want Sam home with me.  But tomorrow, tomorrow can’t come soon enough as far as I’m concerned.”

 

“Patience, Jack,” Jacob laughed.  “After all this time, you can wait one more day.  And aren’t you taking some time off to stay there until she can come home?”

 

“Yeah, I have a week off.  Hopefully, that will be enough.”

 

“And have you discussed which home that you would be coming home to?”

 

“Well, no, not exactly.”

 

Jacob stopped abruptly and looked at Jack.  “Have you talked about anything at all related to the future?”

 

“Well, no, not exactly.”  Jack looked a little sheepish at his reply.

 

“You have been going there to see her, haven’t you?”

 

Jack just nodded.

 

“And you two have not yet discussed anything about what you are going to do when she comes home?”

 

Jack shook his head no.

 

“What the hell do you do then?”  Jacob’s mouth dropped open as Jack began to blush.  It snapped shut and when it opened again, he began to laugh.  “Holy Hannah, Jack!  I guess I have to give you credit for stamina!”

 

Jack turned beet red as Jacob continued walking toward the gear up room.  “We should get a move on.  It’s a long walk to the city.  I want to get there before dark.”

 

Jack stepped through the gate with Jacob at his side.  They carried weapons out of habit.  The guards waiting for them gave them a friendly greeting.

 

“Our Queen wanted us to meet you.  She said that it might be dark by the time we get to the city and she did not wish for you to get lost in the darkness in unfamiliar territory.”

 

“Thanks, I am anxious to see your Queen.  Glad for the help!” Jack was serious in his reply.  He had been here one evening when it got dark, and did it get dark!  He thought he would never find city.  The energy field surrounding it didn’t allow any lights from the city to escape.  Once the darkness fell, a person could get very lost.  Jacob and Jack followed close behind the fast moving guards.

 

Sam paced her room, much to Xochiquetzal’s dismay.  ‘Will you please sit still?’

 

“I can’t!  I am so anxious to see him.  I feel like I have a ton of pent up energy and I have no idea where it is coming from.”

 

Sam could sense her symbiote’s amusement.  ‘It’s coming from me, child!  As I have gained strength, so you have benefited from it.  Long life is not the only benefit my people get from the blending.’

 

That stopped Sam in her tracks.  “I hadn’t ever really thought about it.  I mean, Jolinar and I were blended for such a short time.  And she came to me straight from a mortally wounded host.”  Sam blinked a couple of times.  “Wow!  It’s like I’m on uppers or something!”

 

Xochiquetzal accessed Sam’s memories to clarify her statement.  Sam could almost hear a snort of laughter from her.  ‘You are just beginning to feel the effects of being blended with a symbiote that is at full strength.  You should be cautious until the transfer takes place.  Your own physical strength could be enhanced as well.’

 

Sam thought about all the Goa’uld that they had fought.  They did seem to have a great deal of strength.  “I guess that explains it.”

 

Xochiquetzal shot her an image of her sending Jack flying across the room in the middle of sex. 

 

Sam laughed so hard she had tears flowing down her face.  “Okay, I get the message!  Oh, God, now, I can’t get that picture out of my mind!  You are a terrible old woman!”

 

The door opened in the middle of her last statement and Jack appeared with her father.  She took one look at him and Xochiquetzal sent a similarly funny picture.  Sam cracked up again.  She laughed so hard she had to sit down.  Jack’s face was even funnier

 

“What the hell is so funny?”

 

Jacob just stood and watched as Sam doubled over again.  “Jack, I’d be willing to bet that it’s Xochiquetzal’s fault.  Selmac does that to me all the time.”

 

Sam finally got her laughter under control.  “Dad’s right, Jack.  She’s being extremely bad right now.”  She got up and walked over to them.  She hugged her dad briefly and then turned to Jack.  He pulled her close and kissed her lightly, mindful of her father’s presence.

 

“Well, maybe you can share it with me later,” he smiled at her amusement.  It was good to see her so happy.  He was a little jealous that it was a snake that was doing it but he’d been exposed to Xochiquetzal’s sense of humor.  He could understand how she could get Sam so tickled.  She’d done it to him a couple of times.

 

“Uh, I don’t know about that!” she laughed.  “I don’t really think you want to know!”

 

Jack could only assume that whatever was so funny involved him and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

 

“Come on, it’s almost time for dinner.  I need to get ready.  There is a big celebration tonight because of the transfer tomorrow.  Dad, your quarters are with Daniel and Teal’c.  There should be some clothes laid out for you.  Jack, I have something for you to wear here.”

 

Jacob nodded and gave Sam a brief hug.  “I’ll see you later, Sammie.”

 

Once Jacob left, Jack pulled Sam into a tight hug and kissed her again, this time, without her father’s watchful eye, the kiss was not so gentle.

 

“I missed you,” he whispered.

 

“I missed you, too.”

 

Jack kissed her again, letting the kiss deepen.  The feel of her lips against his, so soft and pliable, reminded him of exactly how much he had missed her.  He felt her lips part against his, her tongue flicked against his lips.  He let his mouth open as her tongue demanded entrance.  He savored the sweet taste of her.  Their tongues caressed each other lightly.  Her arms tightened around his waist as his hand moved up to tangle in her hair.  His other hand caressed her back, slowly moving up and down the soft material of her tunic.

 

Sam was lost in his kiss when Xochiquetzal’s mental voice did the equivalent of clearing her throat.  Sam broke the kiss abruptly, gasping for breath.

 

“What’s wrong?”  Jack’s face showed confusion mixed with desire.

 

Sam cleared her throat and took a deep breath.  “Uh, Xochiquetzal just reminded me that she is awake…  She knows how you feel about her being around when things get, um, out of control.”

 

Jack’s expression turned to one of amusement but the desire was still there.  He laughed as he said, “Thanks, Xochiquetzal!  I kind of forgot myself!”

 

“She says you’re welcome.”  Sam wished it didn’t make him so uncomfortable to have Xochiquetzal take over control.  She thought that Jack would really like her if he got to know her.  “We have to get ready for the dinner anyway.  Later…”  Her eyes showed what the promise of what that word meant.

 

“I’ll hold you to that!” he said as she led him to the other room so he could change clothes and get ready for dinner.

 

Part Two

 

Jack was seated on the dais that was reserved for the Queen.  He was dressed in the soft short tunic and leggings that were the style for men here.  It was mostly black with a colorful pattern woven into the front and back of the tunic.  There were many whispers among the guests about this breach of royal protocol but nothing was said aloud.  The events surrounding the transfer to the new First Servant were unsettling to the populace.  They didn’t understand why Xochiquetzal would be moving again when this host was still viable.  They hoped to hear an explanation tonight.  Tomorrow was the ceremony.

 

The horn sounded the entrance of the Queen.  Jack stood with the rest of the people and faced the door that Sam would come through.  When she entered in the full regalia of Xochiquetzal, Jack’s heart skipped a beat.  She was so beautiful.  The elegant turquoise plumed headdress and the blue tunic set off her eyes.  She wore no leggings with this outfit so he could see her slender muscular legs above the soft leather shoes.

 

She approached the dais with a stately grace that fascinated Jack.  Her movements were slow and deliberate.  The scene was dreamlike.  This was his Sam, revered as a goddess.  He knew that the reverence was for Xochiquetzal but it was his Sam’s body.

 

Xochiquetzal moved to the dais next to Jack.  She smiled at him with Sam’s smile and nodded slightly.  She turned to the rapt audience and raised her hands, then lowered them.  Everyone took their seats and sat quietly as they waited expectantly.

 

Jack tried not to flinch as the flanged voice of Xochiquetzal spoke from Sam’s mouth.

 

“My people, I know that there is confusion among you over the transfer that will take place tomorrow.  My new First Servant has obligations that cannot be fulfilled on our world.  She accepted me only to save my life.  For that I am eternally grateful to her and her mate.”  Xochiquetzal’s head turned and bowed to Jack.

 

A murmur of understanding swept through the crowd.  At least that explained the presence of another on the dais.

 

Xochiquetzal continued, “Since I have no wish or need to leave my people, a new First Servant is necessary.”  She motioned to a woman standing slightly off to the side of the dais.  “This is Tiacapan.”

 

The beautiful woman’s face glowed at the honor she had been chosen for.  She was not young but nor was she old.  Jack would guess her to be in her mid-thirties.  Her smile was brilliant in her dark face.  Her long black hair was adorned with marigolds and butterflies made of the same turquoise feathers that were on Xochiquetzal’s headdress.  Her tunic was a shade lighter than the one that her Queen wore.

 

“Tomorrow at high sun, Tiacapan will be become the new First Servant.  She has been in training for the position for many years.  It was my hesitancy over leaving Malinche that caused her to be supplanted by Carter.”  Xochiquetzal motioned for the woman to be seated on her left, opposite Jack.  She smiled shyly at Jack.  She knew who he was and his place with her Queen, but she had not met him.  She also knew his role with Carter.  Carter’s memories would be her memories.  Tiacapan was untouched and she knew that her curiosity would be satisfied after tomorrow’s ceremonies.  A slight blush came to her cheeks as his eyes and smile met hers.  She quickly turned her face away from him.

 

Jack was amused by the woman’s reaction.  He didn’t fully understand it but he had an idea.  Sam had told him that Xochiquetzal didn’t take a mate except to produce more symbiotes.  The idea of the current First Servant having a mate was a curiosity among these people.  Mate…he was Sam’s mate in their eyes.  What was he in her eyes?  Jacob was right.  They needed to talk about what would happen now.  He made up his mind to not get distracted tonight and settle the issue once and for all.

 

The evening was long and drawn out.  Sam was exhausted.  She and Jack finally made it back to the Royal quarters in the wee hours of the morning.  The headdress was so heavy that Sam was having trouble keeping her head up for the last hour.

 

“Jack, help me with this thing, please!”  Sam didn’t think her arms were strong enough to lift it off her head without dropping it.

 

He reached up and removed it for her.  Setting it down on the stand meant to hold it, Jack turned to massage Sam’s shoulders.  “That thing is really heavy.  How could you stand it all night?”

 

“Xochiquetzal’s added strength helps but it is still uncomfortable.”  She flinched as he hit a particularly sore spot.

 

“Did that hurt?” he whispered as he eased up the pressure on her shoulder.

 

“No, it’s just sore, it feels good…”  Her voice trailed away as he increased pressure again.  She stood there moaning softly at the firm touch of his hands.  She shivered as he leaned over to kiss the back of her neck.

 

“Why don’t you go soak in the tub for a little while then I will give you a massage?”

 

“Oh, that sounds wonderful,” she said as she turned to face him.  She could see the fatigue in his eyes.  “But aren’t you tired?”

 

“Yeah, but I’ll survive.  Go, the hot water will do you good.”  He kissed her forehead and pushed her toward the bathing room.

 

As he heard the water running in the other room, he pulled out his pack and found a t-shirt and some boxers to change into.  The clothes that the Aztec wore were soft and comfortable but he liked his own clothes.  He heard the sounds of splashing as Sam entered the water and followed the sound.  He stood in the doorway looking at her.  Her eyes were closed and her face relaxed.  A trickle of sweat ran down her temple as testament to the heat of the water.  He could see her firm breasts bobbing just below the waterline.  He felt arousal tempting him to join her but he was determined to talk to her.  At least, talk to her first.

 

He moved over and sat on the edge of the bath.  It was a small pool, more than large enough for two people.  They had proven that on more than one occasion.  His groin jumped at the memories.  He pushed the thoughts back as he ran his fingers through her damp hair.

 

“Hmmm, that feels nice,” she whispered.

 

“It does?” He said as he moved around behind her.  He let his feet dangle into the pool as he sat with her head between his thighs.  He started massaging her scalp carefully, easing the tension caused by the heavy headdress.  He tried to ignore the moans of pleasure that his fingers caused her.

 

“Sam, your dad reminded me of something today.”

 

Her eyes closed and her body relaxed, “What was that?”

 

“Well, we still haven’t talked about what happens next.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“There’s nothing to stop us from having a normal relationship now.  Where do we go from here?  Where do you want it to go from here?”

 

“Actually, I was thinking about that today.”  Sam said as she opened her eyes and tilted her head back to look at him.  His brown eyes were tender and a little anxious.

 

“And what were you thinking?”

 

She could hear the trepidation in his voice.  She couldn’t believe that he still doubted her intentions or her love for him.  She never thought of him as insecure but that would be the only explanation for his doubt.  “I was wondering whether we would end up at your place or mine when we got back.”

 

He smiled softly at the cliché but the doubt didn’t leave his eyes.  “I mean, more than just this week.”

 

“I know.  So do I.  There really wouldn’t be any sense in keeping two houses if we end up spending all our time together, now would there.”  Sam sat up and turned to face him.  “I don’t plan on sleeping alone unless I am off world on a mission.”

 

His face lit up the room.  She was talking about living together, being together all the time.

 

“Of course, it would probably be advisable for us to still be discreet about it.  I mean, our positions with the SGC could be damaged by gossip if we were ‘living in sin’, so to speak.”  She smiled at his grin.  “Unless, of course, you were willing to make an honest woman out of me.”

 

Jack’s jaw dropped.  Was she saying what he thought she was saying?  “Carter, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

 

“O’Neill, what exactly do you think I am saying?” she whispered as she stood up in the pool to face him.  Her breasts were level with his face.  Her body glowed with the heat of the water that ran in rivets down her.  She moved closer until she was standing between his thighs, her body mere inches from his.

 

“Are you, uh, asking me to marry you?”  Jack’s eyes tore away from her body to meet her eyes.

 

“Hmm, that’s kind of what it sounded like, wasn’t it?  And if it was, what would your answer be?”  Her hand came up to caress his face.  The heat of her wet touch sent shivers down his body straight to his groin.  He gasped at the sensation.

 

“Oh, it would…be…definitely…yes…” he gasped the words as her other hand ran down his chest to the waist of his boxers.

 

“Then I guess we’ve had our talk now…”  Her voice trailed off as her hand slipped inside his boxers and gently grasped him.  “Since that is settled, maybe we could move this to the bed.”

 

Jack leaned back on his hands, unable to do anything except try to support himself as she pushed his t-shirt up and licked at one of his nipples.  His mind was racing.  She’d just asked him to marry her!  And he’d just said yes!  “Oh, shit,” he groaned as her hand grasped him tighter, stroking him and her mouth continued to explore his chest.

 

“Or not,” he heard her whisper.  She pushed him further down until his forearms were flat on the floor supporting his torso, his hips still at the edge of the bathing pool.  Her mouth moved lower tickling his navel.  He could see the top of her head as she continued her journey down his body, her damp hair gleaming in the soft light.  He drew a ragged breath as she released him and both hands moved to the waist of his boxers.  He felt her tugging them down and lifted his hips to allow her to remove them.  They floated away in the pool as Sam reached to stroke his hard flesh again. 

 

Her tongue tickled the sensitive skin of his lower stomach.  Jack was helpless to move as her felt her hot tongue tease the tip of his shaft. 

 

“Oh…yes…” he said breathlessly as his arms gave out and he lay back flat on the floor.  Her mouth moved down the side to the base and back up again before he felt her wet mouth engulf him.

 

“Oh…God…Sam…yes…” his words came in pants as her mouth slowly moved up and down on him.  His mind turned to jello with each flick of her tongue.  One hand slowly massaged the base as her mouth alternated between sucking and releasing him.  He could feel her teeth tenderly scraping his skin.  The first wisps of orgasm approached as she took him deep in her mouth.

 

“Oh… yes…Sam…uh…you need to…stop that…” he could barely speak.  “I mean…you really…need to…stop…now!”

 

She made a noise in her throat that indicated a negative response.  The humming vibration it caused made Jack groan loudly.  His hands reached for her hair.  If she didn’t stop soon…She hummed again.  That was all it took.

 

“Oh…God…yes…” he groaned as he tried to pull her away from him but she refused to move.  She continued her exquisite actions until he was drained and limp.  His hands fell away from her head as all the strength in his body left him.

 

“Oh…Sam…I, ah…oh, shit!”  He stared at the ceiling unable to move.  Okay, that was a first…but what a hell of a first…

 

He could hear her soft laughter.  He strained to lift his head to look at her.  She held out her hands to him.  He managed to get his hands into hers and she pulled him up and into the pool with her.  She eased his now wet t-shirt over his head and fished his boxers out of the pool.  She tossed both of them to the side before she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply.

 

“I love you,” she whispered as they broke their kiss.  “I don’t ever want to be without you.”

 

Jack buried his face in her neck.  “Oh, Sam, I can’t even begin to describe how much I love you.”  His voice was soft and tinged with desperation.  “I can’t imagine life without you.”  He moved back to look at her as one hand caressed her face.  “I don’t want to think about life without you!”  He kissed her hard.  She could feel his desperation in his kiss.

 

She managed to pull away long enough to whisper in his ear.  “Then don’t, because I’m not going anywhere!”

 

Part Three

 

Jack woke to sunlight streaming through the windows and Sam softly kissing his lips.

 

“Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!” her amused voice finally got through to him.  “It’s wakey, wakey time!”

 

He growled as he grabbed her and rolled her over onto the bed.  “Wakey, wakey time?  Ugh!”

 

She laughed under his lips as he kissed her.  “I thought you were going to sleep the whole day!”

 

“Sleep, I’ll show you sleep!”  He growled again as he pinned her to the bed and attacked her neck with kisses.

 

“As much as I would like to continue this, we don’t have much time before the ceremony!”

 

He refused to cease.  “I can be quick!”

 

“Yeah, and would you really like to leave that impression with Xochiquetzal?  She’s awake and Dad, Teal’c and Daniel are in the other room…”

 

He groaned as he released her and rolled off her.  “Good morning, Xochiquetzal.”

 

“She says good morning back.  She also says not to worry about your reputation.  My memories would prove the ‘quick’ statement inaccurate.”  Sam laughed as she jumped from the bed as he groaned and pulled a pillow over his head to hide his embarrassment.

 

“Come on, get up, get ready.  You have just enough time to eat before the ceremony if you hurry.”  With that, she left the room quickly before the aforementioned pillow hit her.

 

‘You enjoyed embarrassing him!’

 

‘Not really, I enjoy knowing that he can be embarrassed.  He always seems so in control.’

 

‘He wasn’t in control last night!  I found that to be a very interesting memory to wake up to this morning.’

 

‘You and me both!’ Sam giggled as she joined the rest of the people waiting in the other room.

 

“Sam, so are you ready for today,” her dad asked as she walked over to him.  He slipped an arm around her shoulders.

 

“Yes, I will miss Xochiquetzal but our paths go in different directions.  And I will come back to visit.  Tiacapan seems very nice.  I think we three will get along nicely!”

 

Jacob’s head lowered.  “I think you have found much wisdom in Xochiquetzal as well, Samantha.”

 

“Yes, I have.  She is a remarkable being.  And once things have settled back into a normal routine here she wishes to speak with you about ways that she could help the Tok’ra.  She was very fond of Egeria and she considers the Tok’ra as family since they descended from her.  She may not actively participate in the war with the Goa’uld but there may be other ways she can help.  She wants to let things settle down among her people first.  They have been upset over the death of Malinche and the change of hosts so soon.”

 

“It is part of her wisdom to see to the needs of her people first.  I look forward to the conversations we may have in the future.”

 

Jacob’s head lowered as Selmac returned control to his host.  “Well, it’s almost time now.  Where’s Jack?”

 

“I’m here!  Good morning, kids!”  Jack was dressed in the outfit he wore last night, his hair still damp from a quick bath.  Sam had said that it was better for them to dress in the Aztec clothing for the ceremony. 

 

He headed straight for the food on the table and quickly fixed a small bowl of fruit.  He knew he wouldn’t have much time to eat but he didn’t want his stomach to growl at an inappropriate moment during the ceremony.  He wouldn’t have anything to do but just stand nearby and look official.  That was easy enough.  He had done plenty of that in the Air Force.

 

Tiacapan entered the room at that moment.  She was dressed in an outfit identical to Sam’s.  She didn’t have the headdress though.  There was only one headdress.  It would be passed from Sam to Tiacapan immediately before the transfer took place.  After the blending, Sam would be carried to new quarters.  Tiacapan would remain in the throne room until the blending was complete.  The Royal Guard would watch over her as her subjects came to honor her as she and her Queen merged. 

 

It would probably be one of the shortest blendings in their history since Xochiquetzal was strong and healthy as was Tiacapan.  It usually took longer because Xochiquetzal usually waited too long to leave the last host and was weak.  Now she would be changing hosts at full strength.

 

A knock at the door indicated that the Royal Guard was ready for their Queen and her new First Servant.  “Okay, folks, time to go!” Sam announced.  She was trying to be cheerful but she knew she would miss Xochiquetzal desperately once she was gone.

 

‘And I will miss you, child.  You have given me much to think about and many wonderful memories.  And who knows, maybe I will try to take a mate instead of using someone for just DNA.  I have found the devotion between you and Jack to be very, mmm, stimulating.’

 

Sam snorted laughter at her choice of words.  Everyone glanced at her.  “Never mind…” she said blushing.

 

Jack felt that he needed to blush too but kept it under control.  They were escorted to the throne room by the guards.  A low platform had been erected directly in front of the throne.  It was about the size of a full bed and was covered with a soft pad and draped with blue cloth.  Sam and Tiacapan would lie side by side on the platform for the transfer.

 

The Royal Guards led Jacob and Jack to a spot at the head of the platform, between it and the throne.  They would act as witnesses to the transfer.  Atotoztli, the Queen’s healer, knelt on the stairs in front of the platform.

 

The throne room was full.  Everyone wanted to be there.  It was something they would tell their grandchildren about in their old age.  Jack scanned the crowd and found Daniel and Teal’c at the front near the side of the room.  He smiled back at them as they smiled at him.

 

The crowd silenced as the conch horn sounded.  Jack and Jacob turned to see Sam emerge from one side of the throne dressed in Xochiquetzal’s ceremonial headdress.  Tiacapan emerged from the other side at the same time.  They walked in synchronized steps until they were in front of the platform.

 

Xochiquetzal’s voice rang out over the crowd.  “This is my new First Servant, Tiacapan.  May she serve me long and faithfully.”  Xochiquetzal reached above her head and pulled the heavy headdress from her head.  She handed it to Tiacapan.  Tiacapan slowly placed it on her head.  They bowed a small bow toward each other and then turned to face the crowd.

 

A slow chant started up as the two women held each other’s hand and raised their joined hands above their heads.  Slowly they lowered their hands and parted.  Each walked to one side of the platform and lay down.  They rested quietly on their backs, as the chanting grew louder and more intricate.  The sound reminded Jack of the Gregorian chants he had heard in church as a child.

 

The chant grew louder until it ended abruptly.  In the silence that followed, Xochiquetzal and Tiacapan slowly turned to face each other.  Xochiquetzal’s eyes glowed as she opened her mouth.  Jack found the glow in Sam’s blue eyes unnerving.  Tiacapan opened her mouth and in a flash, the symbiote moved from Sam’s body to Tiacapan’s.  Tiacapan’s eyes glowed as her hand moved to touch Sam’s face in farewell.  Sam’s eyes closed slowly as she drifted into unconsciousness.

 

The horns sounded in the throne room and were echoed by horns outside the palace, which were in turned echoed over the city by people stationed across the city.  The people now knew that there was new First Servant.

 

Two Royal Guards moved forward with an ornate stretcher.  They carefully lifted the unconscious body of Sam to the stretcher.  Jack moved next to the stretcher and checked her pulse.  Steady but a little rapid.  He nodded to the guards who then carried the stretcher to their new quarters.

 

As the former First Servant was carried away, Atotoztli moved quickly to the side of the new First Servant.  She checked the progress under the watchful eyes of Selmac.  Finally, she turned to the crowd.  “The Blending is successfully begun.  The Watching will begin.”

 

Jacob left in the direction that they had taken Sam.  He wanted Selmac to check her out as well.  Daniel and Teal’c followed.

 

“Okay, so we get to get back to normal!” Daniel said with a sigh.

 

“You do not sound very enthusiastic about it, Daniel Jackson.”  Teal’c was amused by the note of disappointment in his friend’s tone.

 

“Well, let’s see, we were the best friends of a Queen, I had tons of architecture and artifacts to play with, not to mention some of the best food I have had in years…well, I guess I will miss it.”  Daniel turned to smile at Teal’c.  “But it will be nice to get home.”

 

Jacob laughed at the two of them.  “I imagine Sam will be anxious to get home too.”  Though Jacob still wondered who’s home.

 

Jack lifted Sam off the stretcher while a servant pulled down the covers on the wide bed.  The servant helped him cover her up.  Sam had said that the after effects of the transfer would be similar to shock.  Her body had lost something that it had grown dependent upon.  The treatment was similar.  Keep the body warm, elevate the feet slightly and give them warm liquids if they were conscious.  Since Sam was not awake, Jack could only do the first two.  That and sit next to her and hold her hand.  He brushed her hair off her face and ran his fingers down her cheek.  He was happy that she no longer carried a symbiote but he hated seeing her so lifeless.

 

He thought about last night.  She had actually asked him to marry her.  He couldn’t believe that she did that.  Probably a good thing, no telling how long it would have taken him to work up the courage.  He was still in shock that she would want to be with him in the first place.  He would be glad to get her back to earth so this whole thing could feel more real.

 

Jacob interrupted his thoughts with a knock on the open door.  “Can I come in?  I want Selmac to check on her.”

 

“Sure, Jacob, come on in.”  Jack stood and moved a short distance from the bed to allow Selmac to get close to her.  He used a hand device to take readings from her.

 

Selmac’s voice had replaced Jacob’s.  “Everything appears fine.  She’ll probably sleep for a few hours.  Don’t try to wake her.  When she does wake up, don’t let her eat too much but she needs something to help with regain her strength.  I’ll speak with Atotoztli about getting her something appropriate.”

 

“Thanks, Selmac.”  Jack moved back over to the bed and sat down next to her.

 

Jacob’s voice returned as he patted Jack on the shoulder.  “She’ll be okay, Jack.”

 

Jack just nodded as he picked up her hand and held it lightly.  He sat near her on the bed watching until the light from the setting sun began shining through the window.  He was hungry but he didn’t want to leave her.  The door opened slowly to reveal Atotoztli carrying a tray.

 

Jack smiled at her.  “You were reading my mind,” he whispered, not wanting to disturb Sam.

 

Atotoztli set the tray down on a small table near the bed.  “Let me check her out,” she said quietly.  “You eat.”

 

“Yes, ma’am,” he said laughingly.

 

He watched her checking Sam’s vitals while he absentmindedly stuffed food in his mouth.  He was really hungry.  The little bit of fruit he had earlier was long gone.

 

“How is Tiacapan?”

 

“She is doing well.  She is already stirring.  Carter gave Xochiquetzal much strength.  I think Carter will be awake soon as well.”

 

“That’s good to know.  I wanted Sam back but I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Xochiquetzal.”  The strange part of that statement is that it was true.  Sam’s interaction with the symbiote made him uncomfortable but he would never wish her harm.  He couldn’t believe he actually liked the snake but he did.  He continued to fill his stomach without thinking, watching Atotoztli as she covered Sam back up.

 

He nodded his thanks since he had a mouthful of food as she left and quietly closed the door.  He finished what was left on his plate and moved back over to the edge of the bed.

 

He had just taken Sam’s hand in his again when her eyelids fluttered and opened.  There was a look of fear in them, panic, even.  Her eyes fluttered wildly, looking about the room.

 

“Sam, I’m here…Hey, look at me…I’m here.”  He squeezed her hand as he used the other hand to hold her face still so she could look at him.  Her eyes slowly showed recognition.

 

“Jack,” she whispered.  Her eyes welled up with tears.

 

“Hey, it’s okay.  It’s over.”

 

She drew a ragged breath.  “I feel so…alone.”

 

“I’m here, Sam.  You’re not alone.”

 

Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head.  “Inside…so alone inside…”

 

Jack didn’t know what to say.  He had no idea that the loss of Xochiquetzal would affect Sam emotionally.  He just pulled her up into his arms and held her. 

 

“I’m…I’m sorry.  I had no idea,” he whispered as he ran his hand on her back and rocked her like a child.

 

He heard a noise in the outer room but he really didn’t want anyone to disturb them.  The door opened quietly.  Jack turned his head to see Tiacapan enter the room slowly on Jacob’s arm.  Her face filled with sorrow when she saw Sam weeping in Jack’s arms.  She moved slowly to the bed and placed a hand on Sam’s shoulder.

 

Sam looked up with a tear stained face.  Jack realized he was in the way and moved to let Tiacapan sit with Sam. 

 

Xochiquetzal’s voice came out of Tiacapan’s mouth, “It is okay, child.  You will adjust to the loss.”

 

Sam wrapped her arms around the other woman as a fresh torrent of tears erupted.  “I didn’t realize…I didn’t know…”  Sam’s sobbing comments were masked in her friend’s tunic.

 

Jacob motioned to Jack to follow him.  Jack really didn’t want to leave her like this but maybe Xochiquetzal was better equipped to handle this situation.  They closed the door softly behind them.

 

“Let her handle it, Jack,” Jacob said softly as he rubbed the back of his neck.  “Man, I really need some sleep.”

 

“Why don’t you go do that?  Xochiquetzal is here and I am here,” Jack said to the older man.  Jacob really looked tired.  He would think that Selmac would help him more.

 

“Yeah, maybe I will,” he stumbled slightly as he started for the door.

 

“Whoa, Jacob,” Jack said as he reached out to steady him.  “Hey, there’s another bedroom here.  You can use it.”

 

Jacob nodded and allowed Jack to help him to the bedroom.  Jacob groaned as he lay down on the bed.

 

“Jacob, old buddy, what’s going on here?”

 

“Nothing, Jack.  It’s just Selmac isn’t as young as she used to be.”

 

‘You should tell him the truth, Jacob.  He needs to know.  He needs to prepare Samantha.’

 

Jack could see the internal conversation taking place between Jacob and Selmac.  Jacob’s face relaxed as he evidently made a decision.

 

“Well, Selmac says I need to tell you the truth.”

 

“And that would be?”  Jack said as he pulled up a chair near the bed.

 

“Selmac is old.  Very, very old.  She’s the oldest Tok’ra left.  She is one of the original offspring of Egeria.  That makes her around three thousand years old.  Symbiotes have a limited lifespan,  a very long one, but limited.  It’s usually enhanced by use of the sarcophagus.”

 

“But Selmac doesn’t use a sarcophagus,” Jack nodded grimly.  “So she’s ill?”

 

“No, Jack, she’s dying.  And I am dying with her.”

 

Jack’s eyes closed as his face showed the pain that statement caused.  “If Xochiquetzal can leave Sam, why can’t Selmac leave you?  She cured the cancer, didn’t she?”

 

“Yes, she did.  But do you see what Sam is going through now?  She was host to Xochiquetzal for only three weeks.  I don’t think that I could survive without Selmac.  I don’t want to survive without Selmac.”

 

“Jacob, think about Sam.  She can’t lose you now.”

 

“She has you, Jack.  Why do you think that I tried so hard to get you to together?  I wanted to be sure that someone would take care of her and be there for her.”

 

“But…”

 

Jacob cut him off.  “No buts, Jack.  I’m really tired.  I want to rest now.”

 

Jack nodded.  He didn’t know what else to say.  He got up and left the room without saying another word.

 

‘You could take another symbiote, Jacob.  I don’t want you to die with me.’

 

‘We’ve covered this before.  I don’t want another symbiote.  Now, shut up and let’s just get some rest.’

 

Selmac was too tired to argue.

 

Part Four

 

Jack looked in on Sam.  She and Xochiquetzal were talking quietly but Sam seemed to be calmer.  He wandered over to a chair and fell into it.  How could this be happening?  He’d always thought that Jacob would out live them all!  He had a damned snake in his head, for crying out loud!  Barring being killed in the line of duty to the Tok’ra, he just assumed that Jacob would be there forever.  He knew that when they were first blended he said something about Selmac being the oldest and wisest among them.  He didn’t realize he meant that old…three thousand years old.

 

Jack closed his eyes and rubbed them hard.  He could feel the swelling in his throat and the itching of his eyes that indicated tears trying to get free but he forced them back.  He hadn’t realized how attached he’d become to Jacob until now.  How would Sam take it?  “Oh, God, I don’t want to be the one to tell her,” he whispered.  He didn’t know if God listened anymore but it was worth a try.

 

He heard Sam’s voice from the other room.  She seemed to be calmer now.  He had to steel his face to keep her from realizing that he was upset.  Maybe she would just think that it was over her and not something else.  He got up and walked into the room.

 

Tiacapan stood up and moved toward Jack.  When she spoke, it was Xochiquetzal’s voice.  “I want to thank you, Jack, for your understanding.  I know that this has been difficult on you.  I realize from Sam’s memories, that your relationship with her is new.  This enforced separation could not have been pleasant.  I also know from her that you dislike the idea of blending, and with reason.  So it makes me that much more grateful to you.”

 

“I…you’re welcome.  I do like you though.  You are a different kind of…snake!”  He smiled at her as he said it.  If she had Sam’s memory, she would understand his comment was a compliment.  From the sound of her laughter, she did.

 

She leaned forward and lightly kissed his cheek.  Her voice whispered in his ear, “And thank you for the interesting memories…”  She laughed as she pulled away to see him blush and then she left.

 

Sam was smiling at him as he stood there blushing.  “She really does like you, Jack.  I could almost be jealous!”

 

He smiled as he walked back over to the bed.  “Yeah, she is an interesting snake.  I could almost have handled her staying.  Almost.”

 

She smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed.  His hand reached out to cup her cheek.

 

“Are you okay, Sam?  Really okay?”

 

“I am.  It was a shock when I first woke up.  I had gotten used to her being there.  Even dormant I could feel her presence.  I don’t know how a host could handle the separation if they had carried a symbiote for a long time.”

 

Jack’s face tried to hide his sadness at the memory of Jacob’s words.  “Well, it’s good that you didn’t carry her longer.  It might have been too difficult.”

 

“I know and our lives are going in such different directions.  I couldn’t stay here and she couldn’t leave.  So it was for the best.”

 

“And now, we can start our life together.”

 

Sam smiled one of her glorious smiles.  “Yes, we can.  And I seem to remember us actually talking about that very idea last night.”

 

He leaned over and kissed her lightly.  “Yes, and I seem to remember you asking me to marry you.”

 

She returned his kiss with soft quick kisses between words.  “Well…I figured it…would take…you too long.  Somebody…had to…do it.”

 

He slipped his arms around her waist and returned her kisses.  “Hmmm, well…I would…have…gotten around…to it.”  His mouth started down her neck, kissing lightly and tasting her skin.  “We still haven’t…decided which…house to…live in.”

 

She laughed as he kissed his way around her throat and started up the other side.  “Your house, it’s bigger.”

 

“And paid for,” he whispered as he neared her ear.  “What about kids?”

 

When he hesitated near her ear, she started her mouth trailing down his neck.  “How…many?”

 

He laughed.  “That would be up to you.”  He gasped as she sucked lightly at the soft spot above his collarbone.

 

“Hmmm…at least…one…” she continued around his throat and up his neck to his ear.  Her mouth suckled at his earlobe causing him to gasp again.  She whispered in his ear, “Maybe two…”

 

He moaned as she licked his ear.  “Well…I won’t be…ah…”  Her hand had traveled down to caress his erection through his clothes.

 

“You won’t what?” she whispered as she grasped him harder.

 

“Won’t be…ah…going off…world,” his voice was hoarse with desire.  “I can…take care…of…”  He inhaled deeply as her hand slipped into his pants.

 

“Take care of what, Jack,” she whispered against his lips.

 

“Of…of…oh, hell, we’ll talk later,” he said as his hand ran up her back and twisted into her hair.  He pulled her mouth close to his and kissed her hard.  Her lips parted against the pressure and his tongue swept in searching for hers.  He moaned as her hand gripped his erection harder.  “Sam…are you strong enough?”

 

“Oh, yes…” she gasped into his mouth.  “I want you…now.”

 

His hands moved quickly to pull her long tunic over her head.  She had no bra on underneath, leaving her in just her panties.  His mouth went straight for her already taunt nipple.  She groaned as she felt his breath on her, as his mouth covered her breast.  He lowered her gently back on the bed, his hands fumbling with the covers that still covered the lower part of her body.  His mouth never left her breast.

 

Sam’s hands moved to help him with the covers.  Her body was flush with desire.  She needed to feel him against her, in her.

 

He finally had to release her to remove his tunic.  He quickly shed his leggings and briefs and moved to help her with her panties.  She pulled at his hands, dragging him down on top of her.

 

“Now, Jack, I need you now…”  Her voice was raspy and desperate.  “Now…”

 

“Slow down, baby, slow down…”

 

“No…”

 

He was afraid she wasn’t ready.  He didn’t understand her desperation.  He didn’t know if she was still in shock from the separation from Xochiquetzal or if this was stemming from something else.

 

Her legs wrapped around his waist and she pulled at his hips.  Her hand reached between them to grasp his erection and guide him into her.  “Please, Jack…I need to feel you…”

 

“Okay, baby, okay…”  He kissed her softly and moved slowly into her.  Any doubts about whether she was ready for him fled immediately.  She was hot and wet.  He slipped easily into her.  Her hips moved impatiently against him, trying to speed his actions.  “Slow down, Sam…slow down.”  He kissed her softly trying to calm her.

 

She wound her hands around his head and pulled his lips hard against her open mouth.  Between her mouth and her hot core, he felt like she was trying to devour his body.  He finally gave into her demands.  Her head fell back on the pillow as he began to move swift and hard into her body.  He could tell from her breathless cries and the flush that colored her body that she was close to orgasm.  He increased his pace, plunging harder and faster against her until he felt her body tense against him, her muscles tightening around him and her ecstatic cries filled the room.  His cries joined with hers as he filled her with his seed.

 

He held her trembling body as she gasped for air, tears streaming down her face.  Her arms wrapped around his chest so tight, he almost had trouble breathing.  He stroked her hair and kissed her tears away.  “Shush, it’s okay, Sam.  It’s okay.”

 

Her voice, muffled with her sobs, sounded small and far away.  “I love you so much.”

 

He squeezed her tightly.  “I love you.”  He continued kissing her tears away until she calmed.  Her arms loosened their grip on him.  He moved off her and pulled her close to him.  She sighed in his arms.  “What was that all about, Sam?”

 

“I’m sorry,” she whispered into his chest.

 

“For what?”

 

“I don’t know what’s wrong.  I just…needed you.”

 

His hand cupped her chin and brought her face up so he could see her eyes.  There was a sadness there that he knew was from her loss of Xochiquetzal.  He kissed her forehead.  “I think I know.”

 

The sound she made was a mocking laugh.  “Enlighten me.”

 

“It’s like when someone dies.  You want to reach out to someone, to be held, to hold someone.  It’s a natural part of grief.”

 

She sniffed a little.  “Maybe…I guess…”  She sighed heavily.  “Maybe you’re right.  I do feel like I have lost someone.  I guess that’s it.  I’m sorry.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For being so emotional, for using you to try to get this out of my system, I don’t know, for taking Xochiquetzal in the first place.”

 

“You have no reason to apologize for any of those things.  If you can’t get emotional around me, who can you?  And I really, I mean, really, didn’t mind the, eh, using part.  Please make sure that should you need to use anyone in that fashion again, you will come to me first!”

 

Sam giggled into his chest.

 

“And as far as taking Xochiquetzal…  Well, I admit I wasn’t happy when it first happened, but I couldn’t fault you for it once I got to know her better.  She is a good…snake…person…being…  Help me out here, Sam.”

 

“I know what you mean,” she giggled.

 

“About that giggling!  We need to discuss that rule again.  Do you realize that your father heard us at your house that night?”  He heard her gasp.  “Oh, yeah, he heard us…  He made sure I knew he heard us… And, and, mind you, I think he told George that he heard us!”

 

By this time, Sam’s giggles were out of control.  Jack rolled her over on her back and glared at her.  “You are giggling, Colonel.”  That sent her off again.  He growled at her as he covered her mouth with his.  That effectively silenced her giggling!

 

Jacob lay in the room quietly.  ‘She’s giggling again.’

 

‘Yes, that was my conclusion as well.’

 

‘At least I know that Jack will take care of her.’

 

‘Jacob, please take another symbiote.  I don’t want you to die with me.  You should be here to see Samantha’s children grow up.’

 

‘There’s no guarantee she’ll have any.  And I don’t want another symbiote.’

 

‘You are as stubborn as your daughter.’

 

‘I think it’s the other way around, Selmac.’

 

‘What if we found a sarcophagus?’

 

‘We can’t do that and you know it.’

 

‘I would risk it once rather than have you die with me.  It would give me more time to convince you to take another host.  Or maybe it would just give you more time to see Samantha’s children born.’

 

The sound of giggling from the other room intensified and then all went quiet.  Jacob’s eyes filled with tears.  She seemed so happy with Jack.  That’s all he wanted, his children to be happy.  The thought of a child with Sam’s eyes and Jack’s sense of humor…That would almost be worth the risk of using a sarcophagus.

 

‘It’s a ludicrous idea.  We couldn’t find one.  We’re too weak now.’

 

‘Then take another symbiote.  There are plenty here that would be willing to take you as host.  Surely, Xochiquetzal would allow it.  She owes Samantha a great debt.’

 

Briefly, Jacob entertained the thought, but only briefly.  ‘No, I don’t want another.  I don’t think I could stand it without you.’

 

‘Please think about it.  I want you to live.  There is no reason for you to die with me.  You are healthy and would have many years left if it weren’t for me.  Please do not let me die knowing I am depriving you of those years.’

 

Jacob finally agreed to think about it but didn’t think it would make a difference.  ‘Rest, old woman, get some rest.’

 

Selmac finally allowed herself to go dormant and conserve her strength.  Jacob lay awake for a while thinking of the things that Selmac had said.  Sam’s children…  More grandchildren…  Finally, he turned over to try to get comfortable.  He needed to sleep.  If he was rested, it was easier on Selmac.

 

Part Five

 

Sam woke feeling rested and much more like herself.  Xochiquetzal had told her how to block the memories and how to access them, as she needed them.  This control made it easier to block the loneliness that had engulfed her last night.  Jack’s arm draped across her waist; his face buried in the nape of her neck.  She couldn’t believe the last couple of days.  So much had happened.

 

For starters, she and Jack were engaged.  And she had asked him!  She remembered her boldness that night with a blush.  Then last night, he’d asked about children.  She didn’t know how her job would work out if she stopped to have a baby.  Well, she could spend time in the lab, working on projects that she neglected in favor of off world missions.  Would she be able to get command of SG1 back after the baby was born?  Would she want to?  Would she want to leave a child behind knowing she might not come back?  Women did it all the time.  Police, firefighters, soldiers.  There were plenty of examples.  Why should she be any different?

 

What was Jack was saying last night?  He wouldn’t be going off world so he could…  He could what?  They had been talking about children.  She grinned at the thought of him dealing with day care and dirty diapers but that had to be what he was talking about.  He wouldn’t be going off world so he could take care of the children.  Children?  More than one.  If they were going to have more than one, they would need to start soon.  Neither one of them were getting any younger.

 

She felt Jack stir against her.  His arm tightened on her and then relaxed.  She caressed his hand with hers.  She was so happy right now.  She had her career and Jack.  And he still had his career.  From what he had told her, nothing seemed to have changed at the SGC with his change in status.  People still called him General, they still followed his orders, everything seemed to be the same.  He was happy with the change.

 

She felt his breathing change from deep sleep to awake.  His arm tightened around her again.  “Good morning,” his voice whispered against her neck.  His lips caressed her skin.

 

“Good morning.”

 

Jack was warm, comfortable and he had Sam next to him.  He didn’t want to move.  He didn’t think anything could mar his happiness now.  Then the thought of Jacob crossed his mind.  He should go check on him but how to do it without raising Sam’s suspicions?  Fortunately, her next words gave him an opportunity.

 

“I think I am going to go take a bath in that swimming pool they call a bathtub.  I won’t get the chance at it much longer.  Want to join me?”

 

“In a few minutes, I want to go find some food.”

 

“Great idea, bring some back with you!  I’m starved!”  She kissed him and headed for the bathing room.

 

Jack watched her go and then quickly dressed and went into the other room.  Jacob’s door was closed.  He tapped lightly at the door.  He didn’t want to wake him if he was asleep but he didn’t want to just barge in.  There was no answer so Jack opened the door slightly and peeked in.  Jacob was laying there still and quiet but he appeared to be breathing.  Jack walked quietly over and checked his pulse.  It was slow and steady.  Jack started to move his hand away when Jacob’s eyes opened.

 

“Hi, Jack, what’s up?”

 

“Just checking on you.  You didn’t look so hot last night.”

 

“I didn’t feel so hot last night.  I feel better this morning.”

 

“Better, compared to what?”

 

Jacob laughed as he sat up.  “Better compared to last night.”  He swung his legs over the side of the bed.  “It’s not going to get any better than that.”

 

Jack just nodded.  Jacob tried to stand but was unsteady.  Jack reached out to help him.  “Should you be getting up?  Maybe you should rest some more?”

 

“Nah, just need to get moving around.  Always a bit slow in the mornings.”  Jacob steadied and moved toward the door.  “I’d better be going.  I don’t want Sam to know I was too weak to get back to my room last night.”

 

“She’s in the bath, waiting for me to bring her some food.  You could just say you showed up this morning to check on her.  Just go sit on the couch while I let the guards know that we need breakfast.”

 

Jacob nodded.  He really didn’t feel like walking across the palace to his room.  He sank into the cushions on the couch gratefully.  Maybe some food would restore him.

 

Jack returned from talking to the guard outside the room.  “I’m going to tell Sam that you are here.”

 

“Okay,” Jacob said wearily.

 

Jack closed the door to the bedroom and leaned against it.  He had to put on a happy face before seeing Sam.  He couldn’t tell her about this now.  She was still too vulnerable after losing Xochiquetzal.  But Jacob really didn’t look well.  She would see it.  She wasn’t blind.  Jack sighed heavily before entering the bathing room.  He would have to tell her.  It couldn’t wait.

 

He paused in the doorway to the bathing room.  She was lying back in the pool, the water steaming around her.  He thought about last night.  A child or two, she had said.  He tried to imagine her firm flat stomach big with child, her breasts swollen with milk.  He felt his lips curl into a smile.

 

Her eyes opened.  She could feel someone watching her.  She looked to the doorway and saw Jack with a look of such tenderness on his face that it made tears well up in her eyes.  She smiled at him as he walked toward her.

 

“What are you thinking?  The look on your face is…beautiful.”  She couldn’t think of another word to describe it.

 

He squatted down at the edge of the pool.  “I was trying to imagine you eight and a half months pregnant.”

 

“Well, with that look, you must have liked what you saw!”

 

“I did.  Last night, you said one or two.  Were you serious?”

 

“Of course, I was.  If you want to.”

 

“Yeah, I want to.  When?”

 

Her face cracked into a smile.  “I was just thinking about that.”  She moved to the edge of the pool near him.  “I would say soon.  I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

 

He laughed and traced a finger down her face.  “Neither am I.  Two a.m. feedings at my age…oy!”

 

“Well, it would probably be a while before we have any luck with trying.  Janet used to recommend birth control injections for off world female personnel.  I had my last shot nearly three months ago.  Some times it can take up to a year or two for fertility to return.”

 

“Well, then I would say that you shouldn’t take any more shots.”

 

Sam smiled as she placed her hand over his on her face.  “Okay, so that’s settled.  See how easy this talking stuff is.”  She stood up and moved his hand to her breast.  “Why don’t you join me and we can get some practice in?” 

 

Her smile was mischievous and inviting.  “I would love to but your dad might wonder what was taking so long.”

 

“Dad’s here?”

 

“That’s what I was coming to tell you.  Breakfast should be here soon so I asked him if he wanted to join us.”

 

“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.”  She stood on tiptoe to reach his face and kissed him lightly.

 

“I’ll tell him.”

 

Jacob and Jack were already at the table eating when Sam came in dressed in a t-shirt and jeans that Jack had retrieved from her house.  She liked the Aztec clothing but it was nice to be in her own again.

 

“Good morning, Dad!”  Sam gave him a light hug and kissed his head.  “What brings you by so early this morning?”

 

“Just wanted to check on you,” he lied.  Well, it really wasn’t a lie.  He did want to know how she was doing but he couldn’t tell her that he’d never left.

 

Sam scooped up some fruit and sat down next to Jack.  “Are you going to be staying around for a while?  Xochiquetzal wants me to stay a couple of days to make sure there are no after effects of the transfer.  It would be great if you could hang around!”

 

Jacob smiled at her general sense of happiness.  Sadness welled up in him again.  He hated to spoil that happiness with what he had to tell her.  Maybe he could stay a few more days.  Atotoztli had been checking up on him and some of the herbs and medicines she prescribed seemed to help.  She had recognized the symptoms of his condition almost immediately but had agreed not to say anything to anyone.

 

“Yeah, I think I will stick around for a little while,” he smiled at her with sadness in his eyes that he couldn’t conceal.

 

Sam could tell something was wrong.  His smile didn’t reach his eyes.  “Dad, is something wrong?”

 

“No, nothing…” his voice trailed off as he heard Selmac’s unspoken comment.

 

‘If you do not tell her, I will.’

 

‘I don’t want to spoil her happiness.’

 

‘How happy do you think she will be if we drop dead in front of her not knowing what is going on!’

 

Sam sat quietly.  She recognized the internal conversation taking place.  So she waited until it was done.  Jacob’s look was resigned when his eyes met hers.  He nodded slightly as if acquiescing to something that Selmac said.

 

Jacob sighed heavily before beginning.  “Yeah, something’s wrong, Sammie.”

 

Sam felt Jack’s hand cover hers on the table.  She kept her locked eyes with her father’s.

 

“I’m sick, Sammie, well, Selmac is sick and that makes me sick.”

 

“Can’t Selmac fix it?”

 

“No, baby, I’m afraid she’s just getting too old to keep us going for much longer.”

 

Sam felt panic rising.  ‘…Too old to keep us going…’  Jack’s hand tightened on hers.  Her eyes flashed anger.  ‘Jack knew about this!’ the thought flashed through her head.  His hand was on hers before her father said anything.  She turned to Jack accusingly, “You knew!  You knew and you didn’t tell me!  How could you not tell me?”

 

“I only found out last night.  Jacob was too weak to get back to his room.  I helped him to the other bedroom and he told me what was going on.  He asked me not to say anything yet.  I was going to if he didn’t tell you soon.”  Jack’s voice was soft and his eyes tender.  “I’m sorry, Sam.”

 

Her eyes welled up with tears that she couldn’t hold back.  They escaped and streamed down her face.  She looked back to her dad and saw the sorrow in them.

 

Jacob reached across the table and took her hand from Jack’s.  “Sammie, I didn’t want to spoil the happiness you finally found.  I didn’t want to upset you like this.”

 

She stood up abruptly, knocking her chair over and ran around the table to her father.  She knelt on the floor beside his chair and hugged him.  “How could you do this?  How could this happen? I always expected you to be here.  I want you to see me married.  And grandchildren!  My kids won’t have any grandparents!  You can’t leave me now!”

 

“I’m sorry, Sam,” he rocked his child in his arms.  “I’m so sorry.”

 

Slowly she calmed down, holding her dad tight.

 

“Hey, did you say something about married?  Does that mean Jack finally stopped fooling around enough to ask?”

 

Sam had to laugh at his question.  “No,’ she sniffed, “I had to ask him.”

 

Jack’s look of sadness was replaced with one of indignation.  “Hey, I would’ve done it!  She just beat me to it!”

 

Jacob laughed loudly.  “So, Sam, did he say yes?”

 

She sniffed again.  A mischievous look appeared in her eyes that only Jack could see.  “He said yes.  As a matter of fact, he said yes several times, if I remember correctly.”

 

Jack could feel the blush rising on his face no matter how hard he tried not to.  Sam didn’t bother to explain the other reason he was saying yes that night.

 

Jacob laughed when he noticed Jack’s blush.  “Oh, Sam, this has all been worth it to find out that someone can make Jack O’Neill blush.  And he does it so well!”

 

Jack gave them a smirky smile and was about to reply when there was a knock at the door.  Sam stood up, wiped her face and called for them to come in.  She hoped no one would notice her tear stained face.

 

Tiacapan entered the room with a smile for them all.  “Good morning.  How is everyone this morning?”

 

“Great!” was Jacob’s response.  He didn’t want anyone else knowing what was happening.  “I was teasing my soon-to-be son-in-law.  He blushed so nicely it makes it loads of fun.”

 

Tiacapan giggled slightly.  “My memories confirm that as well!”

 

“Hey, I’m sitting right here!  If you guys really want to talk about me like that, could you do it behind my back?  Please!”

 

Sam caught the giggles from Tiacapan and they both couldn’t stop.

 

Jack was pleased that Sam could laugh so he played along with the wounded pride.  “Fine!  Fine!  I am just going to ignore you two cackling hens and eat my breakfast.”  He grabbed some more fruit and turned his back to them.  This, of course, set them off worse.  This time Jacob joined them.

 

Jacob was pleased that Tiacapan had chosen this moment to show up.  It relieved the tension in the room and got Sam laughing.  He couldn’t help but laugh with them.  Jack could be so silly at times.

 

By the time the laughter died, Jacob found himself having trouble breathing.  Selmac was trying to control things but she was exhausted.  Tiacapan noticed his difficulty first.  Her eyes glowed and Xochiquetzal’s voice asked, “Jacob, are you all right?”

 

He nodded slightly as he tried to get his breath.  “Too much laughing…didn’t think it would be…bad for me…”

 

“Jacob, let me speak with Selmac.”  Her voice took on a commanding tone.  Jacob didn’t resist when Selmac gained control.

 

“I am here, Xochiquetzal.”

 

“What is happening?”

 

“I am too old.  I can not sustain him much longer.  He refuses to accept a new symbiote.”

 

“Refuses?”

 

“He does not wish to blend with another.  If he does not, he will die with me.”

 

Sam watched the conversation between the two symbiotes.  Her eyes widened at Selmac’s words.  “Dad, why won’t you take a new symbiote?”

 

“Samantha, he does not want to be disloyal to me.  I cannot make him understand that I would feel no disloyalty and I would feel great pain to take him with me.”

 

“Dad, that’s crazy!  It’s normal for the host to take another, if possible.”  She was rapidly accessing information stored in her brain by Xochiquetzal.  “You have to!  You can’t just give up like this!”

 

Selmac’s eyes glowed briefly.  Jacob’s voice continued, “Sam, please I don’t want to hurt you.  I don’t want to leave you.  But I can’t just discard Selmac like an old piece of clothing!”

 

“Jacob, friend Jacob,” Xochiquetzal’s voice was soft.  “You can see Selmac’s concern for you.  You can feel her pain in sustaining you.  She would have left before now except she refuses to as long as she can keep you alive.  Do you not understand by now, the anguish a symbiote feels for their dying host?  She would do whatever it takes to keep you going.  I almost did too much for Malinche and it nearly cost my people dearly.  They would not have me to protect them.  Sam saved me from my own foolishness.  Please do not make Selmac take the pain of your death with her.”

 

Jacob’s eyes filled with tears as Selmac echoed Xochiquetzal’s words.  “I just…”

 

Sam’s own tears were flowing again as she went over and held her father.  This time the child comforted the parent.  She could feel his tears absorbing into the shoulder of her t-shirt.

 

“Sammie, it’s almost like losing your mother all over again.  I don’t know if I can do it…”

 

“It’s okay, Dad.  Mom would’ve felt the same way that Selmac does.  She wouldn’t have wanted you to die with her.  She would have wanted you to stay and be with us.”

 

Jacob lifted his head to look into his daughter’s blue tear filled eyes.  She looked so much like her mother.  He sniffed slightly and nodded his ascent.  “Okay,” he whispered.  “Okay.”

 

Sam hugged him tightly letting him feel her relief.  “Xochiquetzal, what do we do now?”

 

Part Six

 

“He needs a symbiote soon.  It may be too late as it is.  Selmac must muster the strength to leave him.”  She turned to Jack.  “Have the guards send for Atotoztli immediately!”  She turned back to Sam and Jacob.  “We need to get him to a bed.  Jacob, do the Tok’ra have any symbiotes available?”

 

Jack rushed out to do her bidding as Jacob just shook his head.  He was too weak to do anything else as they helped him to his feet and to the bedroom.

 

“Jack!  Tell them to get the Jaffa that are ready for hosts!  Quickly!” She yelled after him.

 

Sam felt relief rush over her.  She knew from Xochiquetzal’s memories that things didn’t look good for a successful transfer but at least she had hope where before there was none.

 

Jack was back at Sam’s side swiftly.  He wanted to help.  He wanted to be there for her.  But she was totally occupied with getting Jacob settled so he stood back and just watched.

 

Sam helped Jacob lay back and settled the pillows under his head.  Atotoztli rushed in followed by three men that must be the Jaffa that Xochiquetzal requested.  Jack stood back as the three men stood near the bed.  They opened their shirts to reveal their symbiote pouches.  Jack flinched as he saw the heads of the symbiotes emerge from the security of their Jaffa.  The symbiotes seemed to examine Jacob carefully.  One slithered further out while the other two slipped back in to their pouches.

 

Xochiquetzal watched carefully as the one symbiote seemed to look at her.  “The choice has been made.  The transfer should be made quickly.  We should leave Jacob and Selmac to say their farewells.  Atotoztli will remain.”

 

The rest of them filed quietly out of the room.  Jack walked up behind Sam and wrapped his arms around her.  She leaned into him, savoring the strength in his arms.  She sighed as she felt his lips on her neck.

 

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered.  “I don’t think I could have handled this alone.  If he…”

 

“Sshhh, don’t think it.  He’ll make it.  You know what a tough old bird he is.”

 

His voice soothed her.  He was right.  If anyone could pull through this, it was her Dad.  But she would miss Selmac.  The symbiote had softened her father, made him more open to his emotions, especially where his kids were concerned.  Sam hoped there was time to say goodbye to Selmac.

 

The door opened and Atotoztli motioned for them to enter.  Xochiquetzal entered quickly with Sam and Jack on her heels.  The Jaffa that was host to the new symbiote followed them. 

 

Sam gasped loudly as she saw Jacob’s still body.  Atotoztli saw Sam’s reaction.  “He is still alive.  He and Selmac are resting.  She needs to prepare for the transfer.”

 

Sam nodded and stopped near the bed.  She wanted to touch him, to check his pulse but she knew she shouldn’t disturb them.  She did wish she could say farewell to Selmac but it was too late.

 

Atotoztli nodded to Xochiquetzal.  “It is time, Your Majesty.”

 

A guard brought in a small ornate box and handed it to Atotoztli.  She moved to place the box near Jacob’s head on the pillow.  Sam shuddered as she realized that it was a casket for Selmac.  Jack felt the shudder as he stood with his arm around her shoulder and tightened his grip.

 

Jacob’s eyes flew open.  Sam could see the panic and fear he was feeling.  She knew from her own transfer that this was the beginning.  Selmac was attempting to free herself from his brain stem.  He could feel the sensation of Selmac’s consciousness drifting away as she detached.

 

Sam knelt by the bed and held his hand tightly as his body began trembling and his breathing increased.  She watched as his mouth opened almost hesitantly.  There were gagging noises as Selmac moved slowly through the soft tissue at the back of his throat.  Atotoztli leaned over Sam and gently assisted Selmac as she made her way out of her host.

 

Sam felt Jacob’s hand tighten on hers.  Atotoztli lifted Selmac from Jacob’s mouth and gently laid her in the casket.  She then turned to the waiting Jaffa and removed the symbiote from his pouch.  The new symbiote was carefully laid on Jacob’s chest.  It made its way up to his mouth and entered quickly.  Jacob’s eyes glowed briefly, before they closed.  Atotoztli checked his vital signs and then turned to her Queen. 

 

“The Blending is successfully begun.  The Watching will begin.”

 

With that announcement, she moved a chair to the side of the bed and indicated that Sam should sit.  She lifted the casket with the now still body of Selmac in it.  She handed it to the Jaffa waiting behind her and they left together.

 

Xochiquetzal move to stand behind Sam.  “It will take much longer for him to recover. He was weakened by Selmac’s condition.  You will have a long wait.”

 

“I know, I’ll wait,” Sam’s voice was quiet and full of emotion.

 

“I knew that would be your answer.  I will have someone bring you food and drink when you are ready.  You are still recovering from you own transfer.  You should not wear yourself out.”

 

Sam heard Jack’s voice behind her.  “I’ll make sure she doesn’t.”

 

She turned to look at him with eyes full of tears.  She smiled sadly at him.  His look was tender and understanding.  Xochiquetzal saw the interaction between the two.  Sam was in good hands.  Neither of them heard her leave the room.

 

Sam felt Jacob’s hand move in hers, drawing her out of sleep.

 

“Dad?” she asked the darkness.

 

“I’m here, Sammie.”

 

Tears welled up in her eyes at the sadness in his voice.  “It’s okay, Dad,” she said, trying to hold back the tears.  “It’s okay.”  Her hand tightened on his.

 

Abruptly a light came on in the room.  Once her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw Jack standing beside her.  He looked as if he hadn’t slept at all.

 

“Hey, old friend, how are you feeling?”  Jack’s hand rested on Sam’s shoulder.

 

“Like hell,” Jacob said.  “But I’m here.”

 

“Go back to sleep, Dad.  You need to rest.”

 

“So do you, Sammie.  You look like hell.”

 

“Thanks, Dad.  Just what every woman wants to hear.”

 

“Go and get some sleep.  Tizoc will keep me company.”

 

“Tizoc?”

 

Jacob pointed to his head and laughed tiredly.  “And I think he has a sense of humor!  Jack, make her rest.”

 

“I will, Jacob, as soon as you go back to sleep.”

 

Jacob’s eyes closed assured that Jack would take care of Sam.  Once his breathing settled into a steady, strong rhythm, Jack patted Sam on the back.

 

“Come on, you need sleep.”

 

Sam sighed and gently released Jacob’s hand.  She nodded slightly as she stood.  Jack led her from the room, switched off the light and closed the door quietly.

 

She walked hesitantly with Jack’s hand leading her to their room.  “I hate to leave him.”

 

Jack closed the door behind them and gathered her in his arms.  “I know, Sam, but I think he will rest better knowing you are doing the same.”

 

Her arms wrapped tightly around him.  “I know or you would have never gotten me out of there.”

 

“Ya think?” his voice filled with humor.

 

She pulled back to look at him with a challenge in her eye.  “No, you wouldn’t have.”

 

“Well, then I could have just done this…”  He reached down and swept her up in his arms as she squealed with laughter.  He strode quickly to the bed and gently dropped her on the bed.  He quickly moved to cover her body with his.  “And then I do this to keep you here!”

 

She giggled as he started kissing her neck.  “You sure have a convincing way about you!”

 

His head popped up and his eyes met hers.  “We’re going to have to cover this giggling thing.  You have been doing an awful lot of it lately.”

 

Just to spite him, and to see what he would do about it, she giggled again.  His mouth covered hers to shut her up.  Her lips softened parted under the pressure.  Her tongue met his.  She could feel tears well up as their kiss deepened.  The emotional pressure of the last few days was catching up with her.  Jack could feel her body trembling, the wetness that formed on her face.

 

He released her lips and looked into her eyes.  He could see so many emotions in the blue depths of her eyes.  Both of his hands tangled in her hair holding her face as he quietly said, “It’s been a rough few days.”  His thumbs wiped at the tears that slid down her face.

 

She clenched her lips together and sniffed slightly.  She couldn’t say anything without it coming out as a sob so she simply nodded.

 

“It’s okay, Sam.  Selmac left your dad happy that he would live, and he will live.  I know you still feel the loss of Xochiquetzal but you couldn’t stay here and she’s alive because of you.  And I love you and we’re together.  We have a life to plan and live.  We actually have a wedding to plan.  I only want you happy and I will do anything to make that happen.”

 

She couldn’t stop the sobs this time.  She buried her face in his neck as he held her close.  She cried hard into his shoulder, biting at the muscle she found there to try to silence the sound.  He finally pulled her away as her sobs lessened slightly and kissed her face all over, tasting her tears.  He could feel the tears forming in his own eyes.  He wished that he could make all the sadness go away.  He felt her returning his kisses on his cheek.

 

“Hold me tight, please,” she whispered between kisses.  “Don’t let go.”

 

“Never.”

 

Her hands roamed up the inside of his shirt, clutching at his back.  “Make love to me…,” she whispered.

 

He disentangled one hand from her head and slid it down to her breast.  He gently teased her nipple through the material of the t-shirt and bra.  His mouth traced kisses from her mouth to her neck.  His hand slipped lower to the hem of her shirt.  He pulled gently at the material.  She released him, lifted up and allowed him to remove her shirt.  She sighed as she lay back down.

 

Jack watched as she closed her eyes, anticipating his touch.  He ran his tongue along the lace that edged her breasts.  Her breath came in gasps as his fingers teased her nipple through the satin.

 

“Yes…Jack…”

 

He lightly sucked at her nipple through the satin, leaving the material damp.  His hands slid under her and unclasped her bra.  He pulled the material down to expose her breasts.  Slowly, his kissed his way down the soft valley between her breasts, his hand gently teasing the underside.  She inhaled a ragged breath as his lips found a bare nipple.  Slowly, he circled it with his tongue.

 

“I love your breasts…,” he whispered softly.  “I will love seeing them swollen with milk, with your stomach heavy with our child…”  His hand ran over her flat stomach.  She arched into his touch.

 

“Oh…yes…Jack…I want…that…”

 

His lips followed his hand down her body.  His long fingers deftly unbuttoned her jeans as his tongue played with her navel.  “I can’t wait to feel the swell of your stomach the first time our child kicks…”

 

“Yes…our son…”

 

“Or our daughter,” he whispered with a smile on his face.

 

His fingers slowly unzipped her jeans.  He could see her fingers twisting in the covers on the bed as he peeled the sides of the jeans apart, exposing her lower stomach.  He ran his fingers so lightly over her that it felt like feathers teasing her skin.  Her hips tried to arch against them but he moved them away.  He felt one of her hands try to gain purchase in his short hair.

 

“Patience, Sam, patience…”  His mouth moved to tease her soft skin as his fingers slid inside her jeans.  He gently caressed her moist flesh through the satin of her panties.  He smiled as he heard her gasp and her fingers tightened on his hair.  He sat up and knelt between her legs.  He eased her jeans down her hips as she lifted them.  She raised her legs to let him drag them off.

 

He quickly pulled his shirt over his head before he returned to the soft skin of her lower stomach.  The lace of her panties just covered the soft curls that covered her mons.  He traced his tongue over her skin at the edge of the lace.  His fingers teased at lace on her legs until she moaned loudly with her impatience.

 

“Jack…please…”  Her hips tried to push into him to gain the pressure she needed for relief.

 

“Patience…” he whispered again.

 

His finger lifted the lace on the leg of her panties slipped inside to graze against her swollen flesh.  The dampness showed through the satin material.  He pressed his mouth against the material.

 

“Oh…please…Jack…”

 

He smiled at the desire in her voice, at the ragged edge to her breath.  He pressed his mouth harder against her; his tongue teased her, her moans stifled by the edge of the covers that she pulled to her mouth and tore at with her teeth.  He loved seeing her like this, dripping with desire and out of control.  A vague thought of sound proofing his bedroom crossed his mind.  He would love to see her completely out of control.

 

His fingers moved back up to the top of her panties and tugged lightly at the edges.  She raised her hips quickly, wanting no barriers between them.  He sat up to slide them down her legs.  He tossed them aside as he returned his tongue to tease her stomach.  His fingers ran lightly through the soft curls before sliding into her folds to caress the swollen flesh he found there.

 

Sam clutched the covers tightly in her hand, holding it against her mouth.  She could feel his breath as his mouth moved closer to her aching core.  When his tongue finally tasted her, the cover muffled her cries as her body arched into him.  His long fingers slid lower and tested her wetness before one slid deep into her.  His mouth fastened on the sensitive flesh as a second finger joined the first to explore her depths.

 

Jack could feel the tremors begin as his lips engulfed her highly aroused flesh.  Her body quaked and writhed against him.  Her voice cried out unintelligibly as she bit the covers.  Her other hand pulled at his hair as her juices soaked his hand.

 

“Please…Jack…I need…you…now…”  Her voice was harsh with desire as he moved quickly to shed his remaining clothing.  Her hands clutched at him, pulled at him, trying to get him into her quickly.

 

He ached to be in her.  His own desire pushed past control as he slid easily into her body.  He groaned as he felt her muscles tighten around him, her body still trembling from the powerful orgasm.  He slipped his arms under her and up her back.  His fingers tightened on her shoulders as her neck strained up so her mouth could capture his.

 

She could taste herself on his lips as she tried to devour his mouth.  His breath was hot and ragged as he tried to control his movements.  She could tell that his control would soon be lost.  She wanted it, she wanted him to loose control.  She wanted to feel his desperate drive for satisfaction.

 

“Yes…Jack… now…I need…to feel you… I need you to…fill me…”

 

His control fled with the sound of her words.  He pulled back and plunged deeply into her.  His body took over as he felt his need rise, hard.  It took only a few strokes but he felt her tighten around him again.  He heard her breathless cries in his ear.  His cries joined hers as he found the satisfaction he craved in the arms of the woman he loved.

 

 

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