Putters Paradise

Title: Putters Paradise

Author: Suz W.

Feedback: Always appreciated!

Spoilers: After The Torment Of Tantalus, Fire And Water, and Hathor

Rating: PG

Category: S/J Friendship

Summary: SG-1 gets the day off and goes miniature golfing.

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 August 15, 2003, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “Understanding”.

Dedication: To Allison West, who’s continuous help with beta reading makes my stories that much more enjoyable. And for all those devoted to S/J!

The hall outside Sam’s lab had been wonderfully quiet all morning. SG-1 had the next few days off from any mission assignments, and Sam had chosen to bury herself in her latest project, researching the intricate system of crystals that powered the DHD’s. Ever since they had discovered the broken DHD on the planet where they had found Ernest, Sam had become determined in figuring out how the crystals worked, in order to hopefully avoid another similar situation from happening. Having completely absorbed herself in one of her books, she failed to hear Jack as he came in.

Jack smirked as he watched her read, still completely clueless that he was standing right behind her. He had to admit, she was really cute as she sat there, mindlessly chewing on the end of her pen, flipping through page after page, jotting down notes as she went. Finally deciding that her instincts weren’t going to alert her to his presence, he bent down, looking over her shoulder.

“Wow,” Jack said, trying to sound completely engrossed, “that looks interesting.”

Sam jumped what felt like three feet in the air, dropping her pen as her hand inadvertently brushed her book off the counter. It fell to the ground with a loud thud. “Colonel!” Sam said, trying to catch her breath, as well as slow down her heart that had tripled its speed in a fraction of a second, “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Well that’s obvious!” Jack said as he gave her a sly grin and patted her on the back. “Sorry, Carter, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just drawn to your book and became absorbed so fast, I forgot to let you know I was there.”

“Really!” Sam said, returning his smile and blushing slightly in the process. “I didn’t know that reading my research books was a past time of yours.”

Jack bent down and picked up the book that had dropped to the floor. He attempted to read the title on the cover, raising his eyebrows in the process. “Oh yeah, I just love to sit down when I have a spare minute and read up on the ‘Crystallization of Molecular Fis’…..you know, on stuff like this.” He looked up at her, giving her a half smile and placing the book on the counter next to him.

Sam laughed as Jack, trying to impress her, gave up. He was so cute when he tried to understand what she was doing. She had to give him points for trying, and because of that fact, had decided to never make him feel any less important by being impatient with him when he was trying to figure things out. “Well, sir, maybe you could give me a hand with my project then. I was just researching the inner workings of the crystals that power the DHDs. It’s amazing the amount of electrical pulses that each crystal can give off in accordance to the molecular weight of…”

Jack put his fingers to the sides of his head and rubbed his temples as she began to explain the latest thrill in her social life. “Aah…really amazing. But I had something else in mind for you today.”

Sam looked at him, surprise evident on her face as her eyes secretly smiled. “Oh? What’d you have in mind? Lunch?”

Jack picked up the book again and held it against his chest. “No, Carter, what I have in mind involves you actually leaving the lab for the rest of the day.”

Sam hesitated. “Sir, I’d love to, really, but I’m getting so much done here….”

“And it will all be here when you get back.” Jack said, placing his other hand on the counter. “Besides, no is not an option.”

Sam sighed. “Sir, really, I…”

“Carter,” Jack said as seriously as he could, trying to keep from smiling, “either you come with me, or you’ll never see this book again.”

“Oh, blackmailing me are you Colonel? That isn’t exactly fair.” Sam looked at him, trying to return his attempt at a serious expression.

“I know, but you have to come with us, Carter.”

“Us?”

“Yep, I’m taking you, and the rest of our team out for some mini golf. Teal’c has been looking forward to seeing more of our world, and this will also give us a chance to celebrate Daniel’s miraculous return from the dead.”

“And miniature golf is the way to do it?” Sam smiled at him. “Wouldn’t dinner be better for a celebration?”

“Carter, where’s your sense of adventure! I know that hitting a ball around 18 holes doesn’t work your mind as much as it’s used to, but you’ll be fine. Maybe, you’ll even enjoy yourself.”

“I’m not saying that it wouldn’t be fun, it’s just that…”

Jack put his right index finger to his lips. “Shhh, discussion is over. Decision made. And see, you didn’t even have to use any extra brain cells in the process. Now come on, Teal’c and Daniel are waiting for us at the elevator.” He took the pen from Sam’s fingers and put it on the counter. Then, he took her by the hand and began to lead her to the door.

Sam smiled. She loved the feel of his hand in hers, almost like it was fitted for it. “Ah, Colonel, can I at least change first?”

Jack looked at her, admiring how good she looked, even in a base-issued uniform. He squeezed her hand and regrettably let it go. “Okay, but I’ll give you only 10 minutes, and if you’re not at the elevators by then, I’ll send the guards to escort you there.”

Sam saluted him with as much seriousness as she could muster. “Yes, sir!”

Jack gave her a half-cocked grin, casually returning the salute with the hand that wasn’t occupied in his pocket, and turned, leaving her to do what she needed.

Jack parked his truck in the parking lot of ‘Putters Paradise’, and they all climbed out. The early afternoon sun was bright and warmed their skin. But as was always a blessing with the mountains, a cool breeze brushed their faces, keeping them from becoming too hot.

Teal’c, wearing a hat to conceal the symbol on his forehead, looked at the place that Jack had taken them too. The ground was covered with various structures, ranging from what looked like a miniature mountain, to what Earth books had described as castles. Each object sat on various stripes of green, increasing and decreasing in elevation. He watched as people went from structure to structure, hitting a small round object with a metal stick.

Jack came up beside Teal’c and put a hand on his shoulder. “So, Teal’c, you ready for some putt-putt?”

Teal’c raised an eyebrow at him. “What is ‘putt-putt’?” Sam and Daniel joined them as Jack attempted an explanation.

“Well, it’s a game…of sorts. You see that metal stick those people are holding? That’s called a club, and you use it to hit a colored ball into whatever do-hickey they have on that part of the course.” Jack looked back at Teal’c for any sort of sign that he’d understood what had just been said to him.

“What is a ‘do-hickey’?” Teal’c looked to Daniel and Sam for an answer.

Daniel spoke up first. “I think what Jack meant was that you hit the ball into whatever structure is in front of you.” Daniel adjusted his glasses with one of his hands, while gesturing with the other. “The structures can be anything from that pyramid, or that miniature house, or that giant….elephant’s head.” Daniel proceeded to explain the game to Teal’c in the easiest terms that he could. Finally, Jack became impatient.

“Tell you what, let’s just go and show him. T’s smart, he’ll figure it out!” Sam watched Jack and gave him a smile. Catching Sam watching him out of the corner of his eye, he returned her smile as they started up towards the course to begin their ‘mini’ adventure.

After Jack, who had insisted on paying for all of them, bought their tickets, they sized up the right club and proceeded to the first hole. Sam had been designated the scorekeeper.

Jack looked at her and smiled. “Sam, why don’t you show us all how it’s done. After all, ladies first.”

Sam gave Jack a hesitant look. “No pressure, right?” She moved forward and positioned herself behind the white line. As usual, the first hole wasn’t as challenging as others, requiring her to hit the ball straight up the green and into the front door of a miniature house. Once it past through the door, the ball was dumped out onto a lower level where the hole was. Sam placed her club behind the ball and tapped it with enough force and precision that it went right where it was suppose to, coming out very close to the final hole.

Jack gave her shoulder a congratulatory pat. “Good job, Sam. See, Teal’c, nothing to it.” Sam stepped out of the way and proceeded to watch as Jack set himself up for his turn. When he hit the ball, it rolled up, bounced off a plastic window on the house and rolled back. Jack stepped on the ball to prevent it from rolling away any further. He looked down his ball, and then back up at Teal’c.

Jack cleared his throat. “And that’s what you’re not suppose to do. I did that….on purpose, to show you what could also happen.”

Sam and Daniel exchanged looks, smiling at each other as Teal’c raised an eyebrow at Jack.

Getting the approval of the rest of the group, Jack redid his shot, and made it this time, his ball coming out and stopping close to Sam’s.

Teal’c was up next, and after lining up with the ball, proceeded to hit it, with a little bit too much strength. It bounced off the roof and came slamming back into a neighboring bush.

Jack took off his sunglasses, whistling in the process. “Teal’c, buddy, I guess I forgot to tell you, you don’t need to use a lot of strength to hit the ball. Just….tap it.” Meanwhile, Sam had managed to fish Teal’c’s ball out of the bush and handed it back to him.

Redoing his shot, Teal’c got it right, and gave a nod as his ball dumped out onto the green on the other side of the hole from Sam and Jack’s. Daniel took his turn, pushing his glasses up his nose before releasing his shot, which went in and came out, miraculously going straight into the hole. Daniel stood there with his mouth slightly ajar, as Jack spoke up, smiling at his friend.

“Good job, Daniel!”

Daniel, regaining his wits, slowly smiled, pleased with the unexpected stroke of luck. “Uh, thanks, Jack. Nothing to it.”

Jack looked at Teal’c. “That, Teal’c, is what we refer to as ‘a hole in one’.” Teal’c looked at Jack, still slightly confused. “It’s a good thing, trust me. You want to do that.”

Teal’c bowed his head to Jack in acknowledgment. “Indeed, O’Neill, ‘a hole in one’ seems most efficient.”

Sam smiled. “Well, how about we finish up this hole.” She looked behind her. “I think this family is ready to start the course.”

Jack joined Sam as she started down the sidewalk, with Daniel and Teal’c close behind them. They finished up the first hole, Sam getting her ball into the hole with her next swing, with Teal’c and Jack making a par 3.

They continued through the next nine holes, with Teal’c improving his ‘game’ at every stroke. Sam and Teal’c were tied for the lead, with Daniel following in a close second, while Jack brought up the rear. They enjoyed each other’s company, laughing and jeering each other as they went.

The tenth hole presented a little more of a challenge. A miniature windmill stood on the green, with rotating blades that rivaled the size of the structure itself. The ball had to pass in between the blades and through a tiny door, coming out onto a second, lower level, where, once the ball found it’s way to that hole, fell to a third level, where the finishing hole sat atop a small hill, with not much level ground around it.

Teal’c went first, having picked up the game well and equally enjoying it. He managed to get the ball through the doorway with his first shot, and looking quite pleased, stepped out of the way for the others to take their turn. Sam and Daniel followed, both taking two separate shots in order to get their ball through.

Jack’s turn was a little different. Throughout the course, Jack had become increasingly annoyed with himself, blaming his bad luck on the weather, which seemed contradictory, since it was such a beautiful day.

Jack shot for the fifth time, after which his ball came bouncing back. He whacked at a nearby bush with his club. “Oh, for crying out loud!” He adjusted his cap and tried to compose himself.

“It appears that your shots are ineffective at getting the ball through to its destination.” Teal’c said astutely. “Perhaps if you try….”

“Aaah…..I’ve got it, thanks Teal’c.” Jack said through gritted teeth, putting his hand up sharply to convey his point.

Sam smiled, deciding that even frustrated, Jack was still charming. Cautiously, she approached him from the side. “Uh, Jack, if I may…..” she said quietly, gesturing towards his club.

Jack smiled as naturally as he could, trying to calm himself down in the process. “Sam?” he said, leaning ever so slightly against his club, trying to appear as carefree as possible.

“Well, it’s really just a mathematical thing….if you take into account the speed of the blades versus…..” She stopped herself, noticing the stiffening smile that was taking place of the warm and friendly one that was there just moments ago. “Here, let me show you.”

Daniel and Teal’c watched quietly as Sam got the unspoken approval from Jack with a nod of his head. She went up behind him and brought her arms forward, wrapping them loosely around him. She put her hands on top of his and gripped them firmly, both of them now holding the club. With her body snuggly placed against Jack’s, Sam found it very hard to concentrate on when to make their shot. As she watched the blades whirl slowly round and round, she felt Jack’s body meld into hers, making them feel as if they were one.

As Jack waited for Sam to calculate her shot, his mind retreated to the memories from a few days ago. After coming out of his ‘trance’ created by Hathor, Sam had asked to look at his stomach for an injury that had apparently been there. As she was examining his stomach, he had tried to keep things cool by laying down one of his sarcastic remarks. But when she had looked up from his stomach and into his eyes, those blue eyes that had begun to unwillingly haunt his dreams, he thought the tension in his body was going to make him explode. All he’d wanted to do at that moment was take her in his arms and return those ‘wild’ kisses she’d given him a few weeks before. But then, the moment passed, and they were off to find Hathor.

But the opportunity to hold her came once more with their last mission, when they had thought Daniel was dead. When her hypnotic state had become too much for her (and him for that matter), to handle, he had gripped her shoulders firmly, shaking her out of the state she was in. She had been so upset, her eyes filled with tears that had pained his heart to the point of breaking. Pulling her into his arms, he’d held her so tight, trying to protect her from anything else hurting her. Feeling her body against his now only made those memories that much stronger, and made him also realize how much he enjoyed having her close.

Gathering her wits, she raised the club, Jack following her motion, and released the club, tapping the ball with enough precision to send it rolling up the green, and into the doorway, narrowly missing a passing blade.

For just a moment, they held their position, enjoying the moment, yet reeling from the tension that was forming between them. Aware of Daniel and Teal’c watching them, she released her hold and stepped back.

Sam smiled at him as he looked from the windmill to her, bemused. “See, nothing to it. You had the ability to do it the whole time.”

“Yeah, Jack,” Daniel said, looking from him to Sam, his speech slow with thought, “you’re on the right track now.”

Jack gave them all a quick victory smile, giving Sam one final look before heading over the miniature bridge that would lead them to the lower level. Though no audible thanks were uttered, the smile Sam gave him told him that she knew he appreciated what she’d done for him. That was one of the things he’d come to admire most about her: her ability to make him feel equal in every way, even though she was way smarter than he was.

With confidence restored, Jack managed to pick his game back up and gave Daniel a run for his second place standing. But in the end, Teal’c managed to pull off his first putt-putt victory, with Sam coming in second, and Daniel and Jack finishing one point apart, for third place.

After returning their clubs and balls, they all climbed back into Jack’s truck. The evening sky had begun to appear, as the setting sun gave out a reddish-orange hue, making the Earth glow in it’s soft light.

Feeling his stomach rumbling, Jack spoke up before starting the truck. “So, how about we grab a bite to eat? I think Teal’c needs some nourishment after that big win of his!”

“Yeah, sounds good.” Sam said, glancing over at Jack as she sat next to him in the passenger’s seat.

“Food does indeed sound appealing, O’Neill.” Teal’c said, putting in his vote.

“Well,” Daniel said, “majority rules, although I’m not against it. Any particular place you had in mind, Jack?”

“Since this little outing is partly a celebration of your miraculous return from the dead, I figured we’d try someplace fun. How ‘bout O’Malley’s?”

“I could go for that,” Daniel said, his mouth beginning to water at the idea of a big, juicy steak.

With everyone in agreement, Jack started his truck and headed for the restaurant. Since it was the middle of the week, they were able to get right in. The food came 20 minutes later, smelling as wonderful as it looked.

Before they started in on their meals, Sam held her glass up. “How about a toast?” With the others following her lead, she continued. “To Daniel: for his bravery and insight that kept him alive, and for not giving up on getting home, even when we thought you were gone.” They all raised their glasses, joining them in the center, the crystal making its familiar ring.

After taking a drink, Jack spoke next. “And, if I may, to Teal’c: for outwitting us all in his first game of putt-putt!” They all smiled and raised a cheer as Teal’c bowed his head in thanks. Their glasses met again, and rang out a second time.

Daniel took his turn. “To Sam: for all the times she has managed to save us, not only with her bravery, but with her astounding intellect as well.” Teal’c and Jack raised their glasses in agreement, Jack giving her a winning smile as Teal’c smiled subtly, bowing his head to her at the same time. The ringing of glasses was heard a third time.

Teal’c, figuring out it was now his turn, spoke. “And to O’Neill: for giving me not only a new home, but new friends as well. For though my family remains on Chulak, I now feel I have a second one, with each of you.”

Sam, Jack, and Daniel each gave Teal’c a warm smile, as Sam reached across the table and took Teal’c hand, squeezing it gently. “We feel the same way about you.” Noticing the prolonged silence, and that the toast hadn’t been finished, Sam released Teal’c hand and raised her glass. “To good friends, and the many future adventures that the Stargate will surely give us. As long as we have each other, we can beat about anything.” The other’s joined their glass to hers as the crystal sang out one last time.

They enjoyed their dinners, going over the day’s events and all the fun they’d had. Throughout it, Jack and Sam, who sat adjacent to each other, watched the other closely whenever one of them led the current topic of conversation. Because of small habits like this, the seeds of passion that had been unknowingly planted for each other were beginning to grow, at a steady rate.

After stuffing themselves silly, Jack drove them all back to the base. The night had settled in under a blanket of stars, while a chill in the air had begun to coat the grass with dew that was sure to sparkle the next morning with the rising sun.

“Well, thanks, Jack,” Daniel said, as they all stood in front of his truck, enjoying the evening. “It was good to get away from my books for a while.”

“See, Sam, Daniel gets the concept.” Jack said, a smirk appearing on his face. He looked at Daniel and Teal’c. “I was just explaining to her before we left, as I practically had to drag her out of her lab, that having a little fun every once in a while is a good thing.”

Sam smiled. “Alright, I’ll admit it, I had a great time.” Sam said, putting her hands up in defeat. “Thanks for convincing me.”

“You’re welcome,” Jack said, returning her smile.

“It was indeed a good day. I especially enjoyed learning the game of ‘putt-putt’,” Teal’c said, raising his head slightly and smiling as he remembered his victorious win.

“You did good, Teal’c,” Jack said, patting his friend on the back. “Sometime soon I’ll have to introduce you to fishing. Now there’s a sport that I’ll really challenge you on!” Daniel and Sam exchanged a secret smile as Teal’c attempted to understand what Jack had meant.

Daniel and Teal’c walked back to the base after saying their good nights as Sam and Jack remained where they were, both deciding to just go home from there. Sam rubbed her arms as a chill set in her body.

Jack, noticing her motion, quickly took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. “Sorry,” he said as he did this, “I should have offered this to you earlier.”

Sam wrapped his jacket around her body tighter, taking in the smell of his aftershave that was still left on the fabric. She smiled warmly. “Thanks. I guess it got chillier than I anticipated for tonight.”

Jack watched her as she hugged his jacket around her body, thinking how good it looked on her, even if it was a little big. “You’re welcome. You can keep it until I see you again. We can’t afford to have you getting sick.”

“Likewise. Are you sure you don’t need it?”

“Nope, I’m fine.” And he was. Just being this close to her was giving his body the heat rush it needed to keep him warm. He watched as the moonlight bounced off her hair, and reflected in her eyes. She was beautiful. Catching his thoughts, he shook his head ever so slightly and looked up at the sky.

Sam watched Jack as he did this, the muscles in his arms gleaming in the same moonlight that Jack had just been admiring her in. She felt her heart pick up speed as she found herself noticing how ruggedly handsome he was. Her mind flashed with the memory of a conversation she’d had with Catherine on the planet where they’d found Ernest. She had told Sam that she felt like a school girl, feeling her heart race at the idea of seeing Ernest again as she went through gate. Right now, standing close to Jack as he searched the sky that he loved so much, she understood how she’d felt.

Jack looked down again, his eyes finding hers. “So, how’s your back?”

“My back?” Sam said, giving him a quizzical look.

“Yeah, your back. I noticed it was bothering you after I threw you down those stairs as the ceiling began to cave in around us on Ernest’s planet. I’ve been meaning to ask you about it.”

Jack pictured the memory clearly. He’d looked up and remembered feeling complete terror pass through his blood as he saw a ton of rocks and debris falling down towards the spot where Sam had been standing. Grabbing her with all his might, he’d intended to throw her down in front of him and shield her with his body. But the adrenaline in his blood had sent them both spinning down the stairs instead. As they came to a stop, his first reaction was to make sure she was okay, putting his arm around her and helping her up. He could tell her back was bothering her by the slight grimace on her face, but being who she was, hadn’t complained.

“Well, thanks to you, I’m still alive, so the fact that my back may have ached even a little doesn’t matter. You saved my life. I owe you one.” Sam smiled, reassuring him that she meant every word.

“No thanks are required, and you don’t owe me a thing. We’re a team, remember, and more than that, we’re friends.” Jack smiled slightly, surprising himself, as his last word seemed to make his heart ache ever so slightly.

Sam looked at her watch and smiled, sighing quietly. “Well, I guess we should call it a night, since the General expects us to report for duty first thing in the morning.” She hated that tonight had to end, but sensibility had taken over. Her voice became quiet as she listened to the crickets as they serenaded the night. “Thanks for a great day. You’re welcome to ‘blackmail’ me anytime.”

Jack gave her a grin. “I’ll remember that. Thanks for coming. It made the day…perfect.” He said, quietly emphasizing his last word.

Jack walked her to her car and held open her door. “Drive safe.”

“Thanks, I will. You too,” Sam said, looking up at him, “and thanks for the loan of the jacket.” She hugged it tighter, showing her gratitude.

Giving him one last smile, she climbed in behind the wheel. Jack carefully closed her door and waited until she drove off, returning the wave she gave him. Watching her car disappear into the night, he felt his heart jump, and knew that he was smitten.

Next Story---> "As Fate Would Have It"

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Start of Fanfiction index