An Evening In The Park
Title:
An Evening
In The Park
Author: Suz W.
Spoilers: After Prisoners, Thor’s Chariot, and Message In A Bottle (episode
tag)
Rating: PG
Category: S/J Friendship
Summary: Jack, Sam, Daniel, and Teal’c gather for a picnic in
the park and some new experiences.
Disclaimer: All publicity recognizable characters and places are
the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for
entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or
trademarks was intended.
Copyright: The original characters, situations, and story are
the property of the author. Copyrighted
on September 7, 2003, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.
Author’s
Notes: This story follows “A
Cooking Lesson”. The song used in this story is titled “Isn’t
It Romantic”, sung by Ella Fitzgerald.
Dedication: For Allison, LeeLoo, and Lynn, who continue to be my
biggest fans, giving me the motivation and support I need to keep writing! And to all those devoted to S/J!
“You’ve got everything, Teal’c?” Jack asked as he came around the back of his truck. Teal’c had just finished grabbing the last brown grocery bag out from the bed of the truck.
“I do O’Neill. What am I to do with them?” Teal’c asked, looking a little confused.
Jack smiled at his friend, amazed at how disciplined Teal’c was, in even the smallest action. He stood in place, a grocery bag in each arm, with his left eyebrow slightly raised. “Well, Teal’c old boy, I’ll show you. We’re going to have what’s called a picnic.”
Teal’c just stood there, looking confused as ever.
Jack hesitated, lifting his forehead in hopes of a sign of understanding. After a moment, it became apparent that the word ‘picnic’ held no meaning. Jack sighed and continued. “You know, like a gathering, of people, to eat food, have fun, play some games….sort of like a celebration of friendship.”
“I see,” Teal’c said, still looking suspiciously confused.
Jack was beginning to get frustrated. “Tell you what, Teal’c,” Jack said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “how ‘bout I just show you. Carter and Daniel are probably waiting for us.” Jack smiled as Teal’c bowed his head slightly in his direction. Grapping the cooler from the bed of the truck, Jack and Teal’c headed into the park.
The weather had turned unexpectedly warm for the late fall season, a pattern that was only suppose to last for a few days. The early evening was colored in a soft orange-yellow light, as the last few remaining leaves on the trees slowly made their way to the ground, floating on a light, warm breeze. As Jack and Teal’c walked further into the park, the landscape around them opened up to a picture of rolling green hills, dotted heavily with great oak, pine, and evergreen trees. The birds sang sweetly in the treetops, telling tales of their upcoming migration south for the winter. Dried, crisp leaves of all colors lay strewn across the ground, crunching under foot as Jack and Teal’c walked to the center of the park where a large, beautiful white gazebo stood, surrounded by bright red Burning Bushes, still in bloom. Around the gazebo, a scattering of picnic tables could be seen, each accompanied by built-in charcoal grills. And off in the distance, the voices of children filled the air with laughter, as they played innocently on various pieces of playground equipment.
Jack’s eyes searched the surrounding tables for signs of their friends. But he didn’t have to look long. His eyes stopped searching abruptly as they fell on a tall, beautiful blonde, who was looking radiant in a long sleeved red shirt, which had an eye-catching V-neckline, and jeans that showed off the rest of her figure very well. Jack’s heart did a little flip as they started to walk towards her. She was laughing at something Daniel had just said, her face as radiant as the sun. Jack could have watched her forever, but as they got closer, her attention was drawn in their direction, and she waved and gave them both an equally radiant smile.
Jack, his hands occupied with the cooler he was carrying, smiled back with a quick nod of his head. They reached the table and set down the items they’d been carrying.
“Sam, Daniel, glad you could make it.” Jack said, slipping his hands into his jeans.
Sam smiled. “Well thanks for suggesting that we do this, Jack. It’s a beautiful night, and a great evening for a picnic.”
Daniel chimed in. “Yeah, thanks Jack, and, as luck would have it, I heard a band is going to start playing some of the old classics in a few hours. Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, stuff like that. It should be great.”
“Hey, great! I can go for that.” Jack paused, grinning slightly. “Actually, I kind of knew it was going on. I wanted to surprise you all.”
Daniel adjusted his glasses, half smiling. “Sure Jack, whatever you say.”
Sam stood quietly smiling, watching the exchange. As soon as she’d spotted Jack, she’d barely been able to keep her eyes off him. He was looking sexier everyday, and tonight was no exception. She felt a little hum inside as she noticed he was wearing the flannel shirt she had borrowed after the cheesecake incidence a few weeks ago. The sleeves were partially rolled up, exposing his muscular forearms. Lost in thought, she remembered that when she had gone home that morning, she went through the motions of the day, and found herself thinking about the previous night, Jack, and how good it felt, though shocking, to wake up in his arms. When she went to bed that night, she had elected to put on his flannel shirt again, cuddling up in it, and falling asleep to the faint scent of his cologne still on the collar. Her dreams that night had been very pleasant.
Suddenly, she registered a hand waving in front of her face.
“Earth to Sam! Hello!” Jack stopped waving as he watched her blink quickly, coming back to the present. “Traveled a few miles in thought, did we?”
Jack’s grin was infectious, and Sam found herself blushing under a slowing forming smile. “Sorry, I guess I spaced out for a second.”
“Well, space back in, we’ve got hot dogs to cook!”
Teal’c, watching the situation quietly, spoke up. “What are hot dogs?”
Jack, Sam, and Daniel gave each other hesitant looks. Jack shrugged his shoulders and looked quickly in Teal’c direction. “Ah, how about we just say it’s a traditional food at cookouts, and leave it at that.” Seeing Teal’c face, once again plastered with confusion, Jack continued. “Not to worry, you’ll love it. And we’ve also got hamburgers, chips, potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw. As my mother use to say, just try it.”
Sam laughed as Teal’c’s forehead wrinkled in worry. “Trust us, Teal’c, it’s great. I even brought homemade brownies to top it off.”
That caught Jack’s immediate attention. “You made them?”
Sam smiled at him and winked. “Yep, I recently had some inspiration to try my hand at cooking. I’m starting with the basics. I figured you can’t go too wrong with chocolate.” Jack and Sam exchanged long looks as Teal’c and Daniel just stood by, watching and wondering.
Breaking the silence, Daniel cleared his throat. “Well, they look and smell great, Sam. I can’t wait to try them.” Turning towards Jack, Daniel continued. “Jack, how ‘bout we get that grill going?”
Jack reluctantly removed his gaze from Sam and gave Daniel his attention. “Sure thing. Teal’c! How ‘bout I show you the art of lighting a grill.”
As Teal’c and Jack attempted to light the grill, Sam and Daniel began to put the food on the table. Daniel watched Sam as she unwrapped the plates.
“So, you and Jack seem to be getting….closer.” Daniel watched as Sam’s eyes darted up in surprise at his statement.
“Well, no more closer than you are to him. We’re a team. It’s only natural that we become better friends as time goes on.” Sam knew she sounded like she was not only trying to convince Daniel, but herself as well. And she could tell Daniel could hear it too. Giving him a warm smile, she went back to unwrapping the plates from their plastic wrapping.
“Okay, Sam, whatever you say.”
Sam gave him a playfully annoyed look from under her lashes. Finishing setting up the table, she turned her attention to Jack and Teal’c, who had successfully managed to light the grill. “Well, it looks like we’ll be eating after all.”
“Hey! I heard that!” Jack looked over at Sam, pretending to be offended. The effect was obviously lost on her. Instead of apologizing, she just grinned. Unable to resist her smile, Jack grinned right back at her.
After being shown how to handle the grill, Teal’c, who seemed to enjoy being chef, took charge of it. Twenty minutes later, they were gathered around the picnic table, enjoying a great meal and each other’s company. Teal’c, who was quite pleased with the success of his first grilling job, devoured three hot dogs and two hamburgers, not to mention the side helpings.
As the meal continued, they watched as more and more people began to gather around the gazebo in the center of the park. Their table was far enough away to avoid being invaded by the newly forming crowd, but close enough to still see the stage, watching as the band began to set up for their concert.
“It looks like their going to have a full house tonight.” Jack said, looking over at Sam, who sat next to him.
“Yeah, it should be a great concert. I love the old classics. It’s just a sound you can’t find anymore.” Sam smiled as she looked towards the stage.
“Well, while we’re waiting for the music to start, how about we break out the football and give it a few throws.” Jack suggested, looking at each of them for an answer.
Teal’c spoke up first. “What is a football?”
Jack reached down beside him and picked up the ball that was laying on the ground next to him. “This,” he said, tossing the ball across the table to Teal’c, “is a football. It’s fun. You throw it back and forth to each other. It’s a unspoken rule that you have to have a football at any good picnic!”
Daniel and Sam smirked at each other as they watched Teal’c listening with intensity. Daniel, sitting beside Teal’c, took the ball from his hands. “You see, Teal’c, the football is used in what we call a sporting event. There are teams that play against each other. They toss the football to each other in hopes of scoring a touchdown, which earns them points. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.”
“I see. Are we to now play this game?” Teal’c asked, looking interested.
Sam spoke up. “Not tonight, Teal’c. You have to have more people on each team, and a much bigger field. For picnics,” Sam said, glancing over at Jack with a twinkle in her eye, “you just toss the ball back and forth to each other, for fun.”
Jack stood up. “Tell you what, Teal’c, let’s just show you. Is everyone in?”
Sam looked up at Jack. “I think I’m going to just sit back and watch this one. I’m really enjoying just relaxing for once.”
Jack shrugged his shoulders. “Okay. But you’ll be missing out. You’re sure you don’t want to throw a few?”
Sam smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure, thanks. I’ll let you boys take this one. After all, you need a cheering section.”
“True enough. Okay, spread out.”
Sam watched quietly with a soft smile as the three men spread out in a triangle pattern and began throwing the ball to each other. Surprisingly, Teal’c seemed to pick up on the concept quickly. She found her eyes wandering between them and the other activity in the park. But as the minutes rolled on, she found her eyes more attracted to Jack than anything else. She could watch him forever, with the way his arm muscles tightened under his flannel shirt when he threw the ball, and the way the receding light glowed off his skin and hair. His smile was as sexy as the rest of his toned body, and every once in a while, when he would turn his head in her direction and smile at her, she felt her insides just melt away.
After about ten minutes had gone by, the band began to play, with the sounds of big band music swirling in the air all around them. Sam closed her eyes with her arms behind her, propped up on the tabletop, resting against the table with her head leaning back slightly, to take in the full effect of the evening.
As the first song finished, a round of applause invaded her ears, along with a faint “Heads up!”, and she opened her eyes just in time to see a football spiraling towards her. She quickly ducked as the football came whizzing past her head, slamming into the table and bouncing. As she ducked to avoid the ball, she slammed her hands down into the bench, scrapping one of them on the end of it. A sharp stinging pain invaded her hand, and she quickly pulled it up off the surface.
As she examined her hand, Jack and the others came running towards her. They slowed down to a walk as they approached the table, seeing that the ball hadn’t hit her. Jack reached her first.
“You okay?” Jack asked, concern and laughter mixed in his voice.
Sam looked up at him, trying to look annoyed. “Yeah, I’m fine. So much for being relaxed! Was I not cheering enough for you?”
Jack smirked at her. “Yep, that was it, and, you were dozing off, so we decided to wake you up.” His sarcasm wasn’t lost on her.
“Really? Well, for your information, I wasn’t ‘dozing off’, but merely enjoying the music.” Sam smiled with him as she said this.
“Sorry, Sam,” Daniel said, coming up behind Jack, with Teal’c at his heals. “I guess I overshot my mark. I wasn’t aiming for you.”
Jack couldn’t resist. “No, apparently you were aiming for the brownies instead. If you didn’t like them, all you had to do was just say so!”
Everyone looked on the table to see the football resting comfortably on top of the plate of brownies. Luckily, they were still covered, but a few were now a little flatter than before.
“If that is so,” Teal’c said, “then it appears that you have succeeded at hitting your target, Daniel Jackson.”
Everyone quietly laughed as Jack spoke up, rolling his eyes at the same time. “Teal’c, I was kidding. Daniel was aiming for me, not the brownies.” They all continued to enjoy the moment as Teal’c bowed his head in understanding, a slight smile on his face.
Sam looked down at her hand again, as a sharp pain ran up through her hand, reminding her that something had hurt it. Examining her hand closely, she discovered a fairly deep, large splinter, nestled snuggly in her heal of her hand.
Jack, noticing her action, spoke up. “Did you hurt your hand?”
Sam smiled. “It’s nothing. Just a splinter.” She winced as her fingers brushed it.
“Just a splinter, huh? Well, the last time I had one, I recall that they hurt quite a bit. Let me see.” He took the backside of her hand in his, squatting down to her level. Looking at it closely, her could just make out the imbedded splinter in the fading evening light. He ran his finger over it softly, sending chills up Sam’s spine.
“Hold still, and I’ll try and get it out,” Jack said sternly, but softly.
A singer in the background had begun to belt out a Perry Como song, and Sam watched as Jack sat down next to her, placing her hand on his leg, palm-side up. Bending over, he tried to get the best angle in order to squeeze it out. His head was incredibly close to her body, and she could faintly make out the smell from his shampoo.
Jack looked up at her briefly. “Okay, here goes.” And, looking back down, he squeezed as hard as he dared, trying to apply enough pressure to get it out, while trying to avoid hurting her anymore. As the pain shot through her body, she let her other hand gripped the end of the bench as her face scrunched in reaction to the pain.
But it only lasted a few moments. “Got it!” Jack said, taking the long splinter out and holding it up for all to see.
“Ouch!” Daniel exclaimed, seeing the length of it. “That must have hurt.”
“It’s no big deal,” Sam said, as Jack rubbed her palm with his hand.
“Yep, she’s a real trooper,” Jack said, his eyes soft as he looked into hers, and gave her a smile. Giving her hand a finally squeeze, he let it go, reluctantly. He loved having it in his hand, but knew he couldn’t continue to hold it.
Daniel and Teal’c walked around to the other side of the table and sat down, turning their attention to the gazebo where the band played. Daniel spoke up. “The music’s great! It’s a perfect way to end the evening.”
“You’re right on that!” Jack exclaimed, breathing in deeply. “Any time we get to spend on the surface is great. Being 28 floors underground really helps you to appreciate nature.”
“Yeah, especially after you were pinned to the wall by that orb. I’m sure anything is better than the gate room,” Daniel pointed out.
Sam shivered. The memories of that incident a few days ago were still fresh in her mind. She had been terrified as she watched that orb spear through Jack’s shoulder, pinning him to the concrete wall. Running out to him, she had felt helpless, hating to see him in such pain. As they had continued to work to find a solution to remove Jack from it’s hold, all she had wanted to do was take him in her arms. He’d looked so desperately alone, sitting on that ladder, waiting for a solution to be found. When she’d finally come up with one, she was so afraid it would do more damage. But upon telling him of her idea, he had reassured her that she was doing the right thing by gently squeezing her hand. That was all she had needed.
“Are you cold?” Jack asked, seeing her shiver, his voice interrupting her thoughts.
“No, I fine, thanks, just a chill.” Sam gave him a reassuring smile, loving having him this close.
“What are they doing?” Teal’c asked, his attention focused on the people in front of the gazebo.
Sam followed his gaze and smiled. “They’re dancing. It’s something people do to music. There are many types of dancing, and what they are doing now is called a waltz.”
Teal’c watched with interest. “How do you do this waltz?”
Daniel piped in. “Well, it’s not too hard. There are a sequence of steps that you follow, 1, 2, 3,….”
“Ah, Daniel,” Jack said, “why don’t you just show him.”
“Uh, I’m actually not that good at it.” Daniel adjusted his glasses, trying to hide his embarrassment. He hated when he had to admit that he couldn’t figure something out.
Sam cheerfully spoke up. “Com’ here, Teal’c, I’ll show you,” she said, getting up from the table, with Teal’c following her lead. They met at the front of the table. Taking his right hand, she put it on the side of her waist, placing her left hand on his right shoulder. Grasping his other hand in hers, she gave him a reassuring smile. “It’s really simple. You just follow my lead….”
Jack, watching her carefully, actually found himself a little jealous at how close Teal’c was to her. Not that he feared Sam and Teal’c would suddenly find affection for each other, but he just found himself wishing he was in Teal’c position right now.
They’d only made it through the first few steps before one of Teal’c’s big feet managed to promptly land on one of Sam’s. They stumbled slightly and broke their stance.
“I am sorry, Captain Carter. It seems that I do not understand the steps.”
“Don’t worry about it, Teal’c. Practice makes perfect,” Sam said, trying to ignore her throbbing toe. She gave him a warm smile.
Jack vented his jealousy. “Oh, for cryin’ out loud! This has disaster written all over it. Here, let me show you how it goes.” He walked up to Sam as Teal’c bowed his head slightly and moved out of the way. “The first thing you do, Teal’c, is ask the lady to dance.” His eyes met Sam’s and he smiled. “Samantha, may I have this dance?” He held out his hand to her.
Sam smiled and blushed, her heart racing. “Yes, you may.” Placing her hand in his, Jack took it.
“Now you assume the dancing position.” Jack placed his hand firmly on Sam’s small waist and raised their arms together, ready to waltz.
As if on key, a new song started, with the melody of the singer’s voice floating softly around them. Not saying another word, Jack started turning her in time with the music. The world seemed to fade away as Jack and Sam continued to dance, the two of them getting lost in the words of the song, and each other’s eyes.
Isn’t it romantic?
Music in the night, a dream that can be heard.
Isn’t it romantic?
Moving shadows write the oldest magic word.
I hear the breezes playing in the trees above
While all the world is saying you were meant for love.
Isn’t it romantic
Merely to be young on such a night as this?
Isn’t it romantic?
Every note that’s sung is like a lover’s kiss.
Sweet symbols in the moonlight,
Do you mean that I will fall in love perchance?
Isn’t it romantic?
(instrumental)
Sweet symbols in the moonlight,
Do you mean that I will fall in love perchance?
Isn’t it romantic?
Isn’t it romance?
Throughout the song, neither one of them seemed to notice anything, or anyone around them. All that registered was the touch of the other, the movement of the dance, and the light of the new moonlit sky reflecting in their eyes as they looked at each other. Neither of them felt the tension of the moment, or the racing of their own heart. They just felt peace, and complete happiness.
Regrettably, the song faded away, bringing them back to the present, to the crowds, to the applause, to Daniel and Teal’c, who were watching them with interest. Jack cleared his throat and released Sam, but remained close. He looked over at Teal’c, suddenly remembering why they had danced in the first place.
Finding his voice, Jack spoke. “And that is how you dance.”
As Sam smiled and started to walk towards the table, he gently placed a hand on her arm. “Apparently my dance partner has not been exposed to the full measure of the dance.” Sam turned towards him, a confused expression on her face.
“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice light.
“What I mean,” Jack said, his voice playful, “is when the dance is over, you take the lady’s hand and thank her for the dance.” Jack took her right hand in both of his and brought it to his lips. Placing a lightly feathered kiss on the skin of her hand, he looked up into her eyes and smiled. “Thank you, Samantha, for the dance.”
Sam thought she was going to faint. She felt dizzy as he she watched him kiss her hand, the feel of his lips causing her heart to pump even harder. Trying to maintain her composure, she smiled as he lowered her hand. “You’re welcome,” was all she managed to softly say.
Jack, noticing the effect his kiss had on her, found himself wanting to jump for joy. He wasn’t sure if she shared the same feelings he had for her, but something was there. Something worth exploring. He felt his practical mind trying to ruin the moment by reminding him of who they were, but he pushed the thought away, and quickly continued on with his instruction.
“And then you link her arm through yours,” Jack said, as he wrapped Sam’s hand around his left arm, “and you escort the lady back to the table. And there you have, dancing.”
“Wow, Jack,” Daniel said, stunned, “I had no idea that you could dance so well. And…you too, Sam. You both did a great job.”
“Thanks, Daniel,” Sam said, as she and Jack came to stand next to the table. “And I must say, Jack, I’m impressed. You are really good.”
“Hey! Where’s the faith? I can do other things than just fire a gun, you know!” Jack tried giving a hurtful look, but gave up and smiled.
Daniel looked at his watch. “Well, we probably should think about getting back. As much as I would love to stay and uncover more of Jack’s dancing skills, General Hammond has scheduled an early start for us.”
With everyone in agreement, they packed up and headed back to the parking lot. After saying goodnight to Daniel, putting the cooler in the bed of his truck, and unlocking the door for Teal’c, Jack escorted Sam back to her car. The night was clear and cool, the air as still as the calm surface of a mirrored lake.
Sam looked up at him as she opened her door and got in. “Thanks for a great evening. You’re not only good at removing splinters, but you dance well too.”
Jack watched her and smiled. “Your welcome. We’ll have to do it again…the picnic I mean. I’m sure you don’t want another splinter. There’s not much fun in that.”
“And the dancing?” Sam asked, hope filling her voice.
“Well, as you said, practice makes perfect. And since I could stand to brush up on my dancing skills,” Jack said softly, looking once again into her eyes, “we’ll have to be sure and do it again. After all, there are lots of different dances out there. Maybe one day soon we can get brave and try a new one.”
Sam just nodded, her eyes not wanting to leave his. They both knew what that last sentence had really meant. Would they get to try that new dance? Sam didn’t know. But one thing she did know is that she found herself wishing and hoping, at that very moment, as she stared deeply into his brown eyes, for the opportunity to try.
Next Story---> "Finding Strength"