WackyJacqsFanFiction

Tangled Threads (Ch 15)

 

CHAPTER 15

* This chapter takes place the day after Chapter 13 & 14 – the day before Jacob's memorial. *

 

"Higher, General Jack!"

 

Sam laughed at Jo's demands to be pushed higher on the swing as she sat on the park bench with Liz and Mark.

 

"Higher!"

 

"Oh fer cryin' out loud," Jack grumbled half-amusedly to himself as he pushed the swing once again.

 

Jo had pleaded for him to be her 'pusher' around fifteen seconds after they entered the play park; which was why, after checking it was okay with Liz and Mark, Jack found himself standing behind the little girl, still pushing her on the swing twenty minutes later while his 2IC, her brother and sister-in-law stayed out of the way, clearly enjoying his newfound responsibility.

 

Normally Jack wouldn't mind, but it was turning into another hot day and there wasn't much protection from the sun where he was standing. Standing in the same spot for so long and repeating the same few motions over and over again was also causing his knees and back to groan in protest.

 

"Auntie Sam, tell General Jack I want to go higher!"

                                                                   

Sam smirked and opened her mouth to respond, when Jack sent her a warning look. She threw her arms in the air in a defensive gesture, before answering.

 

"You heard the girl, Sir. She wants to go higher!"

 

Jack rolled his eyes, before flashing his own mischievous smirk.

 

"Indeed I did, Carter... Hey Ben, Beth?" He turned to them where they sat on the other two swings. Winking conspiratorially, he spoke louder. "I suppose you guys want to go higher too?"

 

They grinned widely. "Yes, Sir!"

 

"Excellent! Alright Carter, you heard the kids. They want to go higher... so get your butt over here!" He motioned with a jerk of his head.

 

Swallowing her laugh, Sam got up from the bench and playfully slapped Mark on the arm as he chuckled at her predicament. She eyed the General warily as she came to a stop beside him, his smirk staying in place.

 

"That'll teach you to be insubordinate next time, Colonel," he whispered as he leant closer.

 

"Yes, Sir."

 

He pulled back. "Good. Now, push," he smiled, waving her towards Ben and Beth who were eagerly waiting.

 

***

 

Jo's giggles as she swung her legs backwards and forwards in sync with the swing's momentum, reverberated around the playground for a further ten minutes when Jack decided his knees really needed a break.

 

He called out to Liz and Mark watching from a distance. "You guys want to take over?"

 

"We're good thanks!" Liz smiled back, while Mark nodded in agreement.

 

"Yeah. You're doing a great job, General!"

 

Jack let out a puff of air.

 

"Yeah... Well, this old guy need a break kiddo," he told Jo as he clamped his hands firmly around the chains of the swing and brought her to a slow stop.

 

Jo frowned as she jumped off the seat and grabbed his hand.

 

"You're not old General Jack."

 

"For that, you get an ice cream," he grinned, as Sam started to walk on ahead.

 

She had just reached the park bench when she heard her niece's giggles turn into squeals. Spinning around she saw General making his way towards her, with a very happy Jo perched on his back enjoying another piggyback. She rolled her eyes at the childish grin on his face, but her attention was diverted when she noticed him favoring his left knee slightly. As he came to a stop in front of her, Jack saw her glance between his knee and face and read the question in her eyes, but shook his head slightly and proceeded to swing Jo over his shoulders into a fireman's lift.

 

"General Jack!" she squealed.

 

"So, which of you kids want an ice cream," he asked, looking around everyone.

 

"Me, General Jack!"

 

Frowning, he turned to Sam.

 

"Did you hear something, Carter?"

 

She grinned. "No, Sir."

 

"Hmm... So, that's one ice cream for Ben, one for Beth -"

 

"And me General Jack!"

 

"Liz, Mark?"

 

"Please."

 

"Sure," he grinned, trying to ignore the wriggles starting to come from Jo behind him.

 

"Carter?"

 

"Yes, Sir?"

 

"Am I forgetting someone?"

 

Sam creased her brows in thought before glancing over his shoulder at her niece and decided to put her out of her misery before all the blood rushed to her head.

 

"I'm not sure, Sir. There does seem to be a rugrat clinging onto your shoulders though."

 

"Hmm?"

 

In one swift motion, he lifted Jo from his shoulders and into his arms, balancing her on his right hip.

 

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," he grinned, tucking her on the chin and getting a giggle in response.

 

"You're silly!"

 

Jack feigned hurt at her words and spun round to face Carter.

 

"Carter, what did you do to these kids? When I left yesterday, she liked me!"

 

She rolled her eyes at his whining tone, but stifled a reply as he set Jo down to the ground.

 

"So, ice cream for everyone," Jack confirmed as he straightened up.

 

"I'll get them," Sam cut in, smiling. "It's not far," she added, picking up her purse and making a move for the ice cream truck before anyone could protest. She had only made it a few yards when she heard the General calling for her to wait up.

 

"Sir?"

 

"Thought I'd join ya... and make sure you don't eat my ice cream on the way back," he smirked, falling into step beside her.

 

She was just about to retort when the shouts of Jo cut her off.

 

"Auntie Sam! General Jack! Wait for me!"

 

Both adults turned just in time as she collided with Jack's legs.

 

"Oomph! Easy there kiddo," he called, grabbing her arms so she didn't lose her balance. He saw Sam wave over to Liz and they started towards the ice cream truck.

 

"Did you come to make sure your aunt doesn't eat your ice cream too?"

 

"Very funny, Sir."

 

***
 

After enjoying the ice cream, they stayed in the park for another hour before heading back to their vehicles. Jo, Liz and Mark were at the front, with Ben and Beth close behind, while Jack and Sam brought up the rear.

 

"I have to head back to the mountain once I drop the kids off," Jack started, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Will you be okay for a while? I can send Teal'c over, if -"

 

"That won't be necessary, Sir. I'll be fine, thank you," she smiled.

 

Jack nodded. "Hammond and someone from the Joint Chiefs are scheduled to arrive just after 1600 and Daniel's meeting Cassie at the airport - her flight gets in around 1700. She wants to see you for a while tonight?"

 

"Of course, Sir."

 

They continued to walk in silence for a few moments, when Sam detected a change in the General's body language. Risking a sideways glance, he looked uncomfortable, like something was bothering him.

 

"They, ah, want me in Washington for a couple of days."

 

Sam stopped walking and whirled round to face him. Even behind his shades, she saw him wince as he ran a hand over the back of his neck.

 

"What? Who? Why? Sir."

 

"The President and Joint Chiefs. I leave with Hammond the morning after the memorial service. I'm sorry Carter; I know I said I'd stick around this week, but..."

 

"Duty calls?" she finished.

 

"Yeah."

 

Sam considered his answer for a few seconds before they started walking again.

 

"Why are you needed in Washington?"

 

"Ah..." He rubbed the back of his neck again. "Well, with the Goa'uld destroyed, one of our primary objectives has been achieved. I guess it's to discuss what happens now," he finished with a shrug.

 

Sam thought about his words. He was right. Their objective to acquire goods and technology to help Earth in the fight against the Goa'uld had been accomplished. Yes, they still had thousands of planets to explore, but now that their greatest enemies had been destroyed, the SGC was in a state of limbo and experiencing a peace it hadn't known for years. And then it hit Sam like a freight truck. Everything she had worked for over the last few years; the allies they had made; the friends, family she had lost in battle... the war was now over. She was overwhelmed by the information and what it meant for everyone involved, now that chapter of their life was at an end. As she tried to process the wealth of emotions she was experiencing, she swayed slightly.

 

"Carter, you alright?" Jack asked as his arms shot out to keep her steady. Pulling his shades down and letting them hang around his neck, Sam saw the concern in his eyes.

 

"I'm fine, Sir," she mumbled, averting her gaze to his chest as she tried to stop the world from spinning.

 

"Right. So, you just get dizzy for no reason?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow.

 

As the waves of dizziness ebbed away, Sam slowly pried her eyes open.

 

"I'm fine, Sir."

 

She glanced up and saw Jack tilt his head to the side.

 

"Honestly," she reassured. "I'm just tired, that's all. I think the events of the last few weeks are starting to catch up on me."

 

She offered a small smile, hoping it would convince him and found herself relieved when he loosened his grip; only for him to run his hands down the length of her arms and lightly capture her hands in his.

 

Sam involuntarily closed her eyes at the sensations he was evoking in her with such a simple touch. His strong, calloused hands were equally as gentle as they covered hers, and she tried hard to suppress the shudder threatening to run through her as his thumb caressed the back of her hand. When he reached her left ring finger, he stopped suddenly and Sam's eyes flew open to find a pair of wide chocolate brown eyes staring intently back.

 

Jack knew why Sam wasn't wearing her ring, following his conversation with Mark the previous day. A part of Jack had always hoped the thing they had locked in the room all those years ago would always remain between them until they could finally act on it. When she started dating Pete, he was devastated and begrudgingly accepted that she had moved on with her life. But now, her brother had revealed the cop was no longer in the picture. However until Jack heard it from Sam herself, he refused to get his hopes up. Flicking his gaze down to her hand, he spoke quietly.

 

"Where's your ring?"

 

Silence. Jack sighed softly and hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to look up.

 

"Sam."

 

"It's gone," she whispered.

 

Jack didn't say anything. Instead, he gave her hands a light squeeze and as their eyes met, they said more than words could have. He was suddenly reminded of the conversation he had with Jacob just before he died.

 

***
 

Jack made his way swiftly through the halls of the SGC, not stopping for anyone. After Sam's abrupt departure from his house, he made a call to the base and one of the nurses eventually told him about Jacob. Within seconds of ending the call, he had made his excuses to Kerry and was on his way to the mountain.

 

As he reached the Isolation Room, he saw Carter disappear round the corner at the opposite end of the corridor and knew he wouldn't have a lot of time alone with the older man.

 

He took a deep breath and strode into the room, but what he saw stopped him in his tracks and he inhaled sharply. His eyes roamed over the frail body of the man lying on the bed and Jack winced. Even when Jacob and Selmak had been captured and tortured on Ne'tu, he didn't look as bad as he did now.

 

"Jack. I wondered how long it'd take you to visit," Jacob croaked as Jack walked to the foot of the bed. The effort was too much and he closed his eyes against the pain, letting his head fall back onto the pillow.

 

"Here," Jack said quietly, lifting a cup of water from the side table and guiding the straw towards Jacob's mouth. After a few sips, he took it away. "Better?"

 

Jacob nodded his thanks as Jack sat down heavily on the empty chair.

 

"You look like hell, Jacob."

 

"And there was me thinking your bedside manner had improved," Jacob snorted, setting off a fit of coughing. "I feel like it too," he grimaced.

 

"Is there anything we can do?"

 

He shook his head slowly.

 

"No. It's too late."

 

"I'm sorry."

 

There was silence for a few minutes when Jacob spoke.

 

"I need you to do something for me, Jack."

 

Jack raised a brow, gesturing him to continue.

 

"Look after Sam for me."

 

He straightened in the chair, and exhaled deeply.

 

"Jacob," Jack's voice took on a low, warning tone.

 

"I don't have long here Jack, so just humor me. I'm not stupid; I know how you feel about Sam, and how she feels about you, even if she won't admit it to herself yet," he added ruefully. "Look after her for me, please."

 

"She's got Pete." Jack sighed, then felt like kicking himself. Where the hell had that thought come from?

 

Jacob shook his head, swallowing hard against the pain it induced.

 

"No, she doesn't. I met the man; he's nowhere near good enough for her."

 

"And you think I am?" Jack asked perplexed.

 

Jack tried not to squirm as Jacob stared hard at him for a few moments.

 

"No. Sam's too good for anyone -"

 

"You don't need to tell me that Jake."

 

Jacob shook his head and sighed. It was like talking to Sam all over again.

 

"She's my little girl Jack, I just want her to be happy. You make her happy."

 

Jack sighed, exasperated. "Jacob, I think you're forgetting something... a certain thing we call frat regs?"

 

Jacob rolled his eyes. "Oh, do spare me the song and dance Jack," he deadpanned. "Don't sit there and preach to me about rules, when you of all people have broken more than your fair share over the years."

 

Jack opened his mouth to retort, when he snapped it shut again. He couldn't argue with the man... but he could try.

 

"This is different," he murmured.

 

"How?"

 

"It's Carter," he replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

"And?" Jacob questioned. Had he not been watching his companion so closely, he would have missed the emotion that fleetingly passed through Jack's eyes. He knew he was starting to get through when Jack leant forward in the chair, his eyes cast downwards as he dragged a hand through his hair.

 

"She can... does deserve so much better."

 

"Maybe," Jacob acquiesced after a moment, before tilting his head towards Jack, "but you are the best man for her; and after everything that's happened, you both deserve happiness. For some reason, you find it with each other; I know you can find a way to finally make this work... Hell, it's been eight years, Jack, don't you think that's long enough?"

 

After a beat, he continued wistfully. "I knew there was something between you both the first time we met, even if I was mad at you."

 

Jack's eyes shot up to meet Jacob's and he was surprised by the smirk that greeted him.

 

"You were mad at me? What did I do?" Jack demanded. His sudden defensive behavior caused Jacob to chuckle slightly.

 

"You made her smile."

 

"I... what?"

 

Jacob smiled softly as he closed his eyes.

 

"I hadn't seen Sam smile like that since before her mom died. It was a genuine smile; she was happy, content. And I was mad because I thought you were taking advantage of my little girl as her older, experienced Commanding Officer... but when I saw you two together..." He trailed off, and Jack jumped up from his chair as the color suddenly drained from the Tok'ra's face.

 

"Jacob?"

 

He frowned slightly before whispering. "I saw love in your eyes, Jack."

 

Jack closed his eyes and hung his head so his chin rested on his chest. He looked up when he felt Jacob stirring on the bed. He followed his gaze to the bedside table.

 

"You want another drink?"

 

"No," Jacob grimaced, shaking his head. "There should be a pouch lying around, can you see it?"

 

"Uh," Jack scanned the table before his eyes rested on something sticking out from underneath a discarded cloth.

 

"Is this it?" he asked, holding it up for Jacob to see as he the inspected the object himself.

 

"Yeah. I want you to keep it safe and give it to Sam when the time is right," he explained.

 

At Jack's confused look he continued. "I've kept it with me everyday since I joined the Tok'ra. I want Sam to have it when I'm gone."

 

"Jacob -"

 

"Think of it as my blessing, Jack," he smiled as Jack's eyes flew to his once again. A groan escaped Jacob's lips before Jack could answer and he gestured for one of the SF's standing just outside the door.

 

When Jacob grabbed his arm and shook his head, Jack turned and dismissed the SF.

 

"Look after her for me," he whispered; beads of sweat now glistening on his forehead.

 

"Always, dad. I promise," Jack whispered.

 

Satisfied, Jacob closed his eyes and eased himself back into the bed.

 

"You should get out of here before she gets back."

 

Nodding, Jack pursed his lips before placing his hand on Jacob's shoulder.

 

"I'll be back soon Jacob," he said, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze before making his way back to his office.

***
 

Jack's mouth opened and closed momentarily before he glanced around at their surroundings. Seeing Carter's family turn out of sight and no one else in their immediate vicinity, Jack cleared his throat as he left go of Sam's hands. She watched him curiously as he pulled something out of his pocket.

 

"Your dad gave me this, just before he died. He wanted you to have it."

 

Sam continued to frown and Jack shrugged a shoulder.

 

"He didn't tell me what it was, just that I was to give it to you."

 

She looked at the object he was holding in the palm of his hand. It was a small, velvet pouch bag, azure blue in color and was tied closed with a thin piece of black string. She carefully took it from him and as she looked closer, she noticed gold lettering carefully embroidered onto the material. Jack watched as Sam reverently traced the small inscription with her fingers.

 

She whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Leaa lo Kalaach."

 

"You know what that means?"

 

Sam glanced up at him, her eyes glistening and nodded.

 

"It says, 'Listen to your soul.'"

 

They both stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like hours, when in reality it was only a few seconds, when Jack broke the silence.

 

"Can I?" he asked, reaching out to the bag with his right hand. His fingers brushed lightly against Sam's as he took it, and he didn't miss the shudder that ran through her, nor the warm feeling stirring within the pit of his stomach. He carefully untied the bag, tipping it sideways and watched as the contents fell out.

 

He unraveled it to reveal a thin silver chain necklace. From the chain hung a silver pendant, Celtic in design and set with a small Rosaline pearl. As Jack studied it, even he had to admit it was a beautiful necklace and as he looked over at Sam, he caught her quickly swiping away a stray tear.

 

"That was my mom's necklace."

 

Despite the overwhelming intensity in the others' eyes, neither could look away and when Jack took a step closer, he heard Sam's breathing hitch.

 

Holding an end of the chain in either hand, Jack reached around Sam's neck, his lips coming to rest close to her ear as he peered over her shoulder and fastened the necklace.

 

She shuddered as his breath tickled her neck and before she realized, her hands were resting on either side of his waist, while his came to rest on her shoulders momentarily before trailing down her arms, causing goosebumps to form in their wake.

 

"Jack, I -"

 

Sam stopped herself and looked up at him, eyes seeking his as he tilted his head.

 

She was just about to voice what she wanted to say, when the shrill ring of a cell phone sounded. Closing her eyes to hide her disappointment at the intrusion, she swore softly and pulled the offending object from her purse.

 

"Carter... Uh huh. Yes, we'll be right there," she finished, snapping her cell shut.

 

Jack raised an eyebrow and Sam smiled sheepishly.

 

"It was Mark. He wants to know when we'll be joining them at the car."

 

"Ah. Are we... Are you sure you'll be alright," Jack questioned softly.

 

Sam nodded and with one simple nod of his own, Jack gestured towards the parking lot.

 

"C'mon, let's get you home," he murmured. 

***

A/N: For Chapter 16 please click here. Thank you!