FIC: Ain’t It Funny

Pairing: Sam/Shelley (also has slight m/m references - i.e. Jack/Jonas)

Date: 18/01/04

Author: Major Sam

Email: funky_chicken88@hotmail.com

Rating: PG17

Series: Alternate Realities

Website: http://www.realmoftheshadow.com/majorsam

Summary: An accident leads to unforeseen events and a relationship. But accepting it is another matter.

PART I: The Moment

"SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM"

The major turned quickly on hearing her name. She saw Shelley moving towards her, and then pushing her out of the way. Sam fell to the ground, looking up at the ceiling, seeing the cave roof fall on top of her friend.

"Oh my god," she whispered.

"Shelley, Shelley. Can you hear me?"

Sam knelt besides her friend, pushing and lifting off pieces of debris that had fallen on her. Shelley's eyes looked up and the young woman began coughing.

"What happened?"

Sam shook her head.

"I don't know. I heard you call me then the ceiling came down on top of you."

Sam grabbed her hand and pulled her up slowly.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"No, no I don't think so." Shelley said, trying to examine her self.

The major helped her to the floor. The redhead winced in pain as she moved her foot to get comfortable.

"That hurt." Shelley grimaced.

Sam kneeled in front of Shelley and began to take off her boots.

"Are you supposed to do that?" Shelley yelped.

"I need to see how bad it is."

"Okay." Shelley said, smiling.

Despite the obvious pain in her ankle and the fact that she was terrified that the cave was going to collapse again. She felt safe with Sam. It was strange. She'd always felt safe with Jack and then Daniel. But lately, when she was the major, she felt so at ease and comfortable. It didn't really make much sense. Sam dropped her boot on the cave floor and took off her sock. She examined Shelley's foot in the dimly lit cave.

"Looks bruised."

She ran her finger across her ankle

"Is it very painful?" Sam asked.

Shelley shook her head slowly.

"Not so much, now."

There was something in her touch that seemed to take the pain away.

"Maybe you should have been a doctor."

"I don't think Janet would have liked the competition."

Shelley smiled as Sam finished bandaging her ankle.

"There you go. Best I can do under the circumstances."

"Feels a lot better."

The major helped her to sit down as best as she could.

"It's cold." Shelley said.

"Yeah. Must be getting dark by now."

Shelley looked up at her. Her body shivering for a few seconds. Sam sat next to her, slipping off her jacket and wrapping it around her. A smile broke on the redhead's face as she began to warm up.

"What about you?" She asked.

"I'll be fine. I've been colder."

That was right. Jack had told her about that. About the time they had been trapped in Alaska after an accident. Lucky they'd been rescued and had recovered the second gate. Now Shelley felt guilty of depriving Sam of what little warmth and comfort they had. She leaned forward and took off the jacket and laid it over the two of them. Sam looked down at her and smiled. She opened up her arms and pulled her closer. They hugged each other tightly.

“That’s better.” Sam said.

The redhead in her arms sighed, the warmth finally seeping through her.

“Try and get some sleep. They probably won’t start searching until tomorrow. So, just try and get some rest.”

“Yes Major.” Shelley said, a hint of laughter in her voice.

“Don’t be so cheeky. I am your commanding officer in this cave.” Sam said.

Shelley sighed and rested her head on Sam’s shoulder. It had already been a long day and what with having a cave fall on top of her, she was tired now. She felt Sam’s arms around her as she began to drift off. Whatever happened in the next few hours, Shelley knew that she was safe with the major. Sam looked down at her, seeing her chest rising up and down. Shelley was asleep now and Sam wouldn’t sleep until they’d been rescued. There was no way she would rest. It was best for her friend to get some rest. And there was something in the air that Sam tried to put at the back of her mind. But couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Shelley’s eyes opened quickly.

“Sam.” She gasped. “Sam.”

Her eyes looked around the small cave, trying to locate her friend.

”What, what is it.” Sam said, rushing back to Shelley’s side.

She kneeled in front of her.

”Are you okay?”

“I thought you’d gone.”

“No Shell. Where would I go?”

Sam smiled at her friend and sat back down besides her.

“You didn’t sleep for very long?”

“No. I had a nightmare I think.”

“You want to talk about it.”

The major wrapped her arms around her again, feeling that the young woman was getting cold again.

“It was about Jack. I got scared. Because it’s usually him out there, in danger, missing. I thought I wasn’t going to see him again.”

“Oh Shelley. They’ll find us soon. It’s only five a.m.”

Shelley stood slowly, her ankle twisting a little as she did. She began to pace what little room was left in the cave.

"Their never gonna find us. We're gonna die in here and I’ll never see brother again.”

Sam stood. She'd never seen Shelley so agitated before. The blonde moved closer, trying to calm her down before she began hyperventilating again.

"Shelley, please try and calm down. It’ll be okay.”

Sam’s voice was calm and soothing. The blonde smiled at her warmly. Shelley smiled back. Before the cave had collapsed, Shelley’s hair had been tied securely under her cap. But now, it fell, haphazard around her shoulders and her face.

“Look at you,” Sam said. “You’ve still got dust all over you.”

“That’s what happens when a stupid cave collapses on top of you.”

Sam laughed out loud, making Shelley feel better and giggle. On an impulse Sam raised her hand and wiped away a smudge of dirt from her cheek. For a moment, time seemed to stop still. Both of them looked at each other, an invisible force pulling them together. Sam’s hand moved higher, gently moving a strand of hair from Shelley’s eyes to behind her ear. Her hand opened slowly, cupping her cheek. The redhead moaned softly at feeling her hand against her skin. Sam could feel what was about to happen. She had imagined it enough times. How she’d look! What her lips would taste like against hers. Even in the darkness of the cave, she could tell how moist and warm they’d be.

They moved closer, dangerously close. Shelley didn’t know what was happening to her. She felt Sam moving closer, practically tasting her lips.

“MAJOR CARTER.” A voice shouted.

It was Jonas and coming from outside the cave.

“Jonas.” Sam said.

Both moved quickly apart, slightly embarrassed by the fact they had both let their guard down.

“We’re in here,” she shouted back.

“Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. But Shelley’s sprained her ankle.”

Shelley looked at her as Sam took charge again.

“Just hang tight. We’ll get you out in a minute.” 

PART II: Denial

Shelley sat on the infirmary bed, her strapped ankle dangling over the edge. Janet stood next to her and handed her a pair of crutches.

“No off world missions for the foreseeable future. Only light work. And no going in to collapsible caves.”

Shelley smiled.

“Have you seen Sam since we came back.”

Janet shook her head.

“No. Not since she left after her test results came back.”

“Okay.”

“Is something wrong?” the doctor asked.

“No, no,” Shelley said. “I just wanted to see if she was okay.”

The doctor looked at her, puzzled somewhat. For over two years since Shelley had joined the SGC, Janet had never seen Shelley so interested in Sam before.

“Well, she’s probably in her lab if you want to make sure she’s okay.”

Shelley fidgeted nervously on the bed, wondering if Sam had told her about their near miss, kiss.

“It’s okay. I’ll catch up with her later.”

Janet smiled and helped Shelley down off the bed and handed her crutches.

“Try and keep off them as much as you can. And I mean it Shelley.”

“I will.”

Shelley slipped her arms down the crutches and limped out of the infirmary.

She made her way down the corridor, still thinking about what really happened in the cave. How on that moment Sam had nearly kissed her. Why she had been thinking about letting her. There was no denying that Sam was incredibly sexy and an amazingly gorgeous woman. Sam had a nickname around the base ‘the black widow.’ She’d had relationships with men who had the habit of dying or disappearing. Shelley hadn’t had much success with men lately either. The last man she had dated had ascended to another plane of existence. But there had been no one since. Shelley heard that Sam had gotten pretty close to Ambassador Faxen, before he disappeared at the hands of the Aschen. Neither of them had much luck with men. Shelley made her way to the commissary. Infirmary food was okay but she wanted something sweet. She pushed the swinging door open with her crutch then hobbled inside. Here eyes looked around the room, seeing Jonas and Jack sitting on a table in front of her. Her brother rose from his chair and helped her to the table. She smiled at Jonas as he pulled out a chair for her.

“Thank you.”

“How is it?” Jack asked.

“It’s better. Hurts like hell but the pain killers help.”

“Good.”

There was an uncomfortable moment as they filled the conversation with small talk.

“So,” Jack said. “I’ll better be going. Things to do, reports about collapsible caves to finish.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

Jack stood from his chair again.

“It’s okay. I’ll see you later,” he said.

Not looking at his sister but at Jonas. Shelley knew of their relationship and agreed not to tell anyone about it and keep it a secret. She liked Jonas, more so now than when he’d first arrived at the base. She had blamed him for what had happened to Daniel. But she got over it, in time. Just as she had gotten over Daniel. She still missed him and cared for him a great deal. What they had shared together had been special, while it lasted. Maybe it was time to move on. However scary that was.

“Jonas, can I ask you something?” Shelley asked, pulling her chair as close as she could.

“Sure.”

“Do you know if Sam is seeing anyone?"

Jonas’ eyes widened. That was not what he was expecting.

”I don’t know. Do you know something I don’t? Something you want to share?”

“It’s just that….

“What.”

Jonas had always been a curious person by nature and this was killing him.

“We were in the cave and I got emotional.”

“Which is understandable.”

“Yeah. There was just a moment when…”

Shelley went quiet for a moment, remembering it, Sam’s hand on her waist, touching her skin and her fingers against her cheek as she brushed the hair from her eyes.

“What?”

Now the young alien was getting impatient.

“What the hell happened?”

Shelley pulled her chair closer.

“For a moment before you found us, I was absolutely sure that Sam was going to kiss me.”

“Sam, really?”

“Yeah. But the thing is, Jonas. I would have let her.”

A smile crept on his face.

“Look’s like the O’Neill’s aren’t as straight as people thought, eh?”

“Funny, I don’t think.”

“Come in. It is pretty funny.”

“Do I look like I’m laughing?”

Jonas looked at her, it was true, and she wasn’t laughing.

“Have you talked to her?”

“No. I’ve looked for her I just don’t know what to say. Hey Sam you know when we were in the cave, were you gonna kiss me or what?”

“What else could you say? But I have to know Shell. How do you feel about Sam?”

The redhead sat back in her chair, trying to think of what to say.

“I don’t know. She’s my friend, I care about her a lot.”

“Yeah. But do you wanna rip her clothes off and have your wicked way with her.”

Shelley glared at him. He’d seen that look in a certain O’Neill before and it was never a good thing.

“Jonas, do you like breathing?”

“Sorry.”

“And the truth is, I don’t know. She’s…. she’s very.”

Shelley shook her head, trying to stop thinking about what had nearly happened between them.

“But what about her Jonas. She was the one who was making all the right moves.”

“Then go and talk to her Shell. It’s the only way you’ll get your answers.”

The redhead nodded in agreement and stood slowly from her chair.

“I do have to find out Jonas. Try and figure out what it was. If it was anything.”

She picked up her crutches again and hobbled towards the door.

“Oh and Shelley.” Jonas said.

“Yeah.”

She said, looking back.

“Tell me everything.”

Shelley didn’t say anything. In fact, she wasn’t sure if she would go through with talking to Sam in the first place. What could she really say? How would she bring the subject up? It was pretty clear that Sam didn’t want to discuss it. Why else would she have gotten out of the infirmary so quickly after they’d gotten back? She was ignoring her. Maybe on a subconscious level it had been Shelley who started it?

***********

The redhead leaned up against the walls outside Sam’s lab. Crutches were a pain in the ass to use. And using them was just making her other leg ache. So she leaned against the wall, trying to compose herself before going inside. One of the crutches fell on the floor, making a racket that everyone around her heard.

“Shelley,” Sam said, standing in the doorway.

Shelley looked up quickly, picking up the crutch as placing it back under her arm.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, damn crutches.”

Sam smiled and turned back to go into the lab. Shelley followed behind her, slowly.

“So,” Sam said. “What can I do for you?”

Shelley couldn’t believe how calm Sam was. Had she forgotten what nearly happened between them? How in the darkness of the cave, they had sought out each other and nearly kissed. That if it hadn’t have been for Jonas. Shelley had no idea what would have happened after that kiss, even if that kiss had happened. Shelley wasn’t ‘up’ on lesbian relationships. Maybe it was just a blip. Shelley had known several people who had gotten close after life - death situations. But, they hadn’t been in any real danger. The rest of SG1 would have gotten to them in time. The cave had already collapsed once and probably wouldn’t have again. If Shelley was honest, it had been probably her fault. If she hadn’t have gotten hysterical about that dream she’d had, nothing would have happened and she wouldn’t be feeling so awkward around her friend now. The redhead swallowed hard before answering.

“I just wanted to talk about what happened. What nearly happened!”

“Oh, why?”

Shelley placed her crutches besides her as she sat down on a nearby stool. She leaned over, rubbing her ankle.

“Because… we…we…nearly kissed, that’s why.”

The major’s head looked up slowly, taking her gaze away from her microscope.

“Let’s just forget about it. It was nothing.”

“Really?”

”Yeah. You were upset. I was trying to comfort you. It was nothing. Its not like it would have meant anything.” Sam said, looking back down her microscope.

Sam rolled the words from her tongue as though they didn’t mean anything and very well rehearsed.

“Well, I guess that okay then.”

She picked up her crutches again and staggered away.

“I’ll see you tomorrow for Jonas’ party.” Shelley said.

“Most probably.”

“Well, I’ll let you get on with what you were doing. Sorry if I interrupted you.”

Sam looked at her quickly, and then went back on with her work. Her head looked up again, at seeing Shelley walk away. She resisted the urge to bang her head on the desk in front of her. Why had she said that? It sounded so cold, like she didn't care. Which was so far from the truth. When she had said that it probably wouldn't have meant anything, she lied.

PART III: Jealousy

Sam hadn't slept much. Thinking about how horrible she had been to Shelley. She had only gone their seeking answers and had left feeling let down by her reply. Perhaps if she had told her the truth! Then they could have worked through it, talked about what had happened, what had nearly happened. She thanked Jonas and cursed him for interrupting.

Now they were in the briefing room, trying to avoid eye contact. A few moments ago, Sam had caught her eye and Shelley had looked away quickly. Sam hated making Shelley feel uncomfortable. They had been so close lately. What with Daniel's ascension, Jack getting tok'ra'd then tortured by Ba'al. She'd wanted to be there for her friend. Even, sometimes it was a little more than that.

"Dismissed," Hammond said. "Enjoy your days off people."

They'd all been looking forward to their three days off. It had seemed so long since they'd had any free time to do anything. And having Jonas' birthday was more than enough celebration.

The party itself was going to take place at Jack's house. Shelley had spent the afternoon making the place look more like 'party central' than a grumpy colonel's house. Everyone was planning to attend, Janet, Hammond and a lot more besides.

Shelley hadn't exactly been in a party mood, with a sprained ankle and her friendship with Sam was slightly frosty. She sat in the kitchen, nursing a glass of wine. The only one she was allowed because of the painkillers Janet had given her.

"You okay there?" Jonas asked, appearing in front of her.

Her eyes looked up.

"I guess so. Wish I could have more than just one of these."

"Thing's didn't go well with Sam yesterday?"

Jonas pulled up a chair next to her and sat down.

"You could say that. The words ‘mistake’ and ‘it shouldn't have happened,’ came up a few times."

"I see. Well at least you got your answer. Were you expecting something else?"

"No. I don't know. I guess I just wondered what it would have been like. If you hadn't have interrupted us and she had kissed me."

"Have you ever been with a...."

Jonas voice was low, trying not to draw attention to them.

"No. No. I did feel something when she went to kiss me."

"What?"

"Attraction, aroused."

The young man at her side smiled and took a sip of his beer. He'd gotten quite used to the taste now, although he preferred wine. But he wasn't about to tell anyone about that.

"A little crush, eh Shell?"

"Maybe," she said with a smile. "Maybe."

They looked up quickly, startled as they heard a rumbling outside the house. The noise was familiar enough to both of them. It was Sam's bike, pulling up around the side of the house. Most of the guests had been coming through the porch doors and Sam was no exception. She stood in the doorway, getting everyone's attention. Nearly every pair of male eyes and one female sat on her. She was dressed head to toe in leather, leather trousers and leather jacket. Everyone watched her as she took off her jacket and placed her helmet on a table next to her.

Jonas, who was sitting next to Shelley, stood and joined the rest of them in the living room. His head turned again to watch his friend as the major folded the jacket over her arm. Underneath she was wearing a crisp white shirt, just a little too tight for her, but no one who was looking was complaining. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to give it some kind of order after she had taken off her helmet.

Jonas looked back at Shelley who was still staring at the leather-clad major. She just couldn’t look away. Now it was clear to her, she was deeply attracted to Sam. And having her stare there, looking absolutely gorgeous wasn’t helping matters. It wasn’t just that one time thing in that cave. It was happening now. Her eyes crossed the room as Lt Simmons caught her eye as he made his way over towards the major.

“Can I get you a drink major?”

“Sure,” Sam said.

Her eyes met with Shelley’s across the two rooms. Neither of them looked away this time. The redhead smiled at her. Jonas saw the two of them exchanging quick glances at other. He smirked, knowingly at himself. Shelley had confided in him about her growing attraction to Sam. It made him feel apart of things, excepted by her.

Sam followed Graham over to the drinks table, still being watched by Shelley. In the years he had been at the SGC, Graham Simmons had a crush on Sam Carter. But he had seemed to grow out of his shy phase.

For almost an hour, Shelley tried her best to mingle. Having a sprained ankle and using crutches didn’t help. But her eyes kept seeking out the blonde. Sam had chatted to nearly everyone, apart from her. It wasn’t that she was avoiding her, she just felt a little awkward.

Despite not talking to each other, it was clear to only Jonas that the two of them were silently flirting with each other. The party had been going well. Everyone had enjoyed them selves, eating, drinking, etc. Sam entered the kitchen, searching for another plateful of cake. She’d seen Shelley go in a few minutes before. Sam stood behind her, wrapping her arms around her, grabbing a plate. Shelley gasped as she felt Sam’s hand on top of hers as they both grabbed for the same plate. The gasp softened as she felt her other hand brush against her waist.

“Sam.”

“Yes, Shelley.”

“You wouldn’t be….”

“Wouldn’t be what?”

“Wouldn’t be after another piece of cake, would you?”

Sam moved closer, her body pressed tightly against Shelley’s back. The redhead could smell her perfume all around her. It was intoxicating. Maybe it was the mixture of perfume and leather that was arousing her?

“That’s exactly what I want.”

Sam moved even closer, her breath tickling Shelley’s neck.

“Mmmm chocolate my favorite. I love to lick the icing off my fingers.”

Shelley relinquished the cake to her friend and turned around. Sam stepped back slowly, letting her hand slowly slip from the redhead’s waist. Shelley looked at her in shock as Sam began to lick the icing from her finger. This continued as she moved away, still keeping eye contact as she rejoined the others. Jonas passed by her on his way to the kitchen.

“Definitely no attraction there Shell,” he said.

But she wasn’t paying attention. Jonas nudged her back to reality.

“What?” She said, startled.

“I said, never mind. What were you talking about the other day? Because it’s clear to me that there is definitely something going on between the two of you. The way she was looking at you… boy…”

“Don’t be silly, there’s nothing going on… nothing.”

“Then why is she still looking at you?” Jonas asked.

Shelley’s head turned casually around. Sure enough, he was right. Sam was standing in the middle of the living room, talking to Janet and General Hammond whilst still looking at her out of the corner of her eye. Casually, hoping no one, not even Shelley would notice.

"See." Jonas said.

"But yesterday...."

"Maybe she was confused too? Maybe she needed to think about it."

"Maybe..." Shelley said.

The redhead spent the rest of the party wondering what Sam had been doing in the kitchen. Had she been flirting with her or just her usual playful self?

After a while, Sam and Lt Simmons moved their conversation outside. Shelley followed them out of idle curiosity and a little jealousy.

She stood far enough away to see them but also far enough not to be noticed. She watched as the two of them chatted with each other about, motorbikes.

“It’s a beautiful machine.” Graham said.

“Thank you.”

Shelley watched them, curiously. Wandering what they were talking about. Were they flirting with each other? And why was she so jealous? She moved closer, trying to get a better view. Her attempts at convert undercover ops, failed as she knocked over a trashcan next to her. Both Sam and Simmons looked at her.

“Miss O’Neill,” he said, startled.

“I…err…I was just…”

“We’ll I’d better get back to the party.”

Shelley smiled as he walked past her back towards the house.

“I’ll go too.” Shelley said.

She turned back slowly; picking up the trash can first.

“What were you doing?” Sam asked.

“Getting some fresh air.”

”I thought you might be spying on me.”

The redhead turned back, coming face to face with Sam.

“Don’t be silly. Why would I do that?”

“You tell me!”

They looked at each other, like that time in the cave.

“I think we need to talk.” Sam said, backing away a little.

“About?”

“What happened in the cave, when we nearly kissed.”

“You didn’t want to talk about it yesterday.”

Sam shook her head slowly and then raised her hand to the redhead’s face.

“I want to talk about it now.”

“Okay,” Shelley whispered.

“I know there’s something going on between us Shelley. You can’t deny it. Not after what happened in the kitchen.”

Shelley smiled as the blonde brushed her hand against her cheek.

“Are you attracted to me?”

“Yes, very. I’ve never wanted to be with a woman before…”

“But now. You want me to kiss you?”

“Yes,” Shelley said, breathlessly. “I want to know how your lips…”

The redhead moved back, coming to a stop against Sam’s bike. The major moved closer till there wasn’t an inch of daylight between then. Shelley moaned softly as she felt Sam’s body pressed against her. Her breasts pressed against her own. Sam looked at her deeply. The attraction between them was so obvious. A moan deepened as soft lips made contact. Her tongue searching out Sam’s in exploration as they kissed softly.

“Do you two want some more cake?” A voice asked from behind them.

Jonas stood on the porch, watching the two women kissing in the driveway. What had started out as something soft had turned into something hot and heavy!

“Guess not,” he chirped.

The young man turned back and headed back in doors’, trying to stop whoever was about to go outside. 

Sam pulled back, letting them both breathe for a moment. The redhead ran her finger across her wet lips.

"That was..."

But she was at a loss for words. That line from that Meatloaf song popped into her head. ‘You took the words right out of my mouth. It must have been whilst you were kissing me.’ It made her smile.

"Yeah." Shelley said, panting.

She grabbed the side of Sam's face and pulled her in for another kiss. Their lips tasted each other. Sam pulled out the redhead's shirt from her skirt and ran her hands across her stomach. She pushed her further against her bike and Shelley sat on it as they still kissed. Shelley's heart was pounding. Nothing had ever made her so excited before, turned her on so much. But she'd never had Sam Carter standing between her legs, running her hands all over her body and kissing the life out of her before. Sam's hand began to slip down, trying to pull up her skirt. Now Sam was getting more adventurous. She left the redhead's lips and began kissing her neck as her hand traveled up her legs.

"Sam. We...can't. Not here."

"Then come home with me?" Sam asked. "Please come home with me."

Shelley managed to slip out of Sam's way.

"We're, we're going to too fast."

Sam turned, seeing the redhead back away from her.

"Did I do something wrong?" She asked.

"No, no. It's not you. The kiss was, unbelievable. It's me. I don't want to rush this."

The major moved towards her and reached out for Shelley's hand.

"We don't have to do anything. I'd never force you to... take the next step."

Shelley smiled.

"I just need time. Maybe a few days...."

"...Maybe a few hours."

Sam grinned at her and gave her a knowing look.

"We'll see."

She took Sam's hand and pulled her against her. The warm summer breeze flew around them as they stood there, kissing.

PART IV: The Eagle Lands

Sam watched her from across the room. The last month hadn't been easy, finding time to be alone together and finding the time to go on dates. But they'd managed it. This was their third date. Well technically their second date. The one in between had been lunch in the commissary three days ago. And technically this wasn’t a date. It was dinner, at Janet’s house. Everyone was there though. So Shelley had kept her distance. But nothing was easy. It wasn't the not being able to spend time together that had been frustrating; it was what they did with the time when they were together, which wasn’t much. Shelley had wanted to take things slow. Not jumping into bed together straight away, leaving one very frustrated major. It had been her own fault, agreeing with her. But what else could she do? She wanted to be with her and knew Shelley felt the same way too.

There had been the odd impulses that she had to control. Shelley had gone with SG1 on their last mission and the feeling in the gear-up room had been very heated. Sam had found it hard to keep her hands to herself during dinner. They’d past each other several times, smiling at each other. It was kinda fun, flirting when no one else knew about them, all except Jonas.

“Dinner’s ready.” Janet said as she came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of plates and food.

Sam turned around, noticing where Shelley was sitting and sat next to her. Shelley looked up, feeling slightly awkward. But she couldn’t help but smile as she sat next to her. Jonas sat across from them, in between Cassie and Jack. Teal’c sat at the bottom and Janet at the head.

The conversation was the usual work related. Shelley always felt a little left out of it. She didn't spend that much time with them really, in the field. But she knew what was going on. And since her relationship with Sam had started, she had heard about things more and more. Sometimes not liking what she heard. She was scared that she would lose the ones she cared about. Now Sam was one of them. To be honest she already had been but now they had gotten closer, the loss would have been deeper. So Shelley moved over to the couch, where she was more comfortable. The major followed her, excusing herself and sat down.

"Hi," she said.

Shelley turned and smiled at her.

"Hi."

Sam smiled, turning around to look at her better. There was a glint in her eyes as she ran her hand down Shelley's arm, causing the redhead to shiver.

"Don't"

"Why?"

"Someone might see."

"Let them. We've got nothing to be ashamed of Shelley. So what if I touch you, here?"

Her fingers made their way back up the redhead's naked arm and moved closer. Sam's other arm moved around, the other hand brushing against her face. Jonas saw the two of them and smiled. But she wasn't the only one. Janet had seen them too.

"What the...."

Jonas' head turned quickly and ushered the doctor in to the kitchen. She kept looking at them as he did, wondering what they were going to do next. Neither Sam nor Shelley had noticed and were too caught up in each other to notice anyone else but each other.

"When are you going to relax?" Sam asked.

"I just don't think we should be doing this here."

The major pulled away.

"Well, here, when were alone. What does it matter where we are? You never wanna be close to me. We've been going out for over a month and we haven't...." Sam said, standing quickly.

"Sam."

But she didn't answer her. Shelley sat alone on the couch, feeling hollow. Jonas saw her sitting by herself as he came out from the kitchen. He'd succeeded in getting Janet not to tell anyone about what she saw and told her his own secret.

"Hey."

Shelley didn't even look up. Her eyes stayed on Sam who was sitting at the dinner table talking to Teal'c.

"What happened?" Jonas asked.

"I don't know. We were talking and."

"Yeah, I saw that." The young man said, smiling.

"Then...She said that I never want to be close to her."

"Is it true?"

"No, of course not. I've just. I’ve never been with a woman before. It just feels a little strange for me, being intimate with another woman."

Jonas began to giggle at himself as he looked across the room towards Jack.

"Yeah I know what you mean."

"I want to be with her, I really do. It's just such a big step to take. I didn't know I could feel like this about anyone, especially another woman."

A smile appeared on her face.

"God, I sound like a stuck record. I don't know why I’m so nervous for."

"I'm not the person you should be telling this too Shell. You should talk to Sam."

***************

The evening ended on a high, everyone was laughing and joking. Apart from Sam and Shelley who were quiet. Shelley's car had been in the shop for the last two days and Sam offered to drive her home.

The redhead opened her door and stepped inside. She turned back to see Sam still standing on the out side.

“You’re not coming in?” She asked.

“I really should get back, it’s late.”

“Not even for one drink?”

The major sighed and nodded, entering Shelley’s apartment. She hadn’t been there many times before. Only to pick her up on the way two work a few times. She liked her place. It was quirky. Everything seemed out of place but not to Shelley. For her everything was where it was supposed to be.

“What do you want to drink?” Shelley asked as Sam made her way over to the couch.

Sam turned shaking her head.

“Look, I might skip the drink. It’s been a long day and….”

Shelley appeared in front of her, placing her own drink on the coffee table next to the chair.

“I wanted to talk,” she said.

“About what?”

“I think that was obvious.”

The redhead sat nervously, not sure what to do or how to act.

“I need to explain to you why I haven’t… why we haven’t…”

“You don’t need to explain Shelley. You don’t want to sleep with me.”

Shelley rested her hand on Sam’s.

“I do. You know how much I’m attracted to you. How I feel when you’re close to me.”

“Then why?” Sam asked.

“I’ve led a fairly unremarkable life. I’ve never even thought of being with another woman, with someone who’s my best friend.”

“So it’s me. You don’t want to sleep with me.”

She shook her head furiously.

“No Sam, no. It’s me. Being with a woman is something I never thought would happen to me. I never thought I could be bi-sexual, Sam. Maybe it’s the sex I have a problem with.”

Sam shifted in her chair, sitting upright, smiling.

“It’s not sex, Shelley. Well it is. But sex with another woman its more making love.”

“You’ve done it before?”

She smiled, gripping her love’s hand.

“Just a few times in college. With no one special, until I met you.”

“I’m not special.” Shelley said.

“You are Shelley and I can make you feel it, if you’ll let me?”

Shelley looked at her, feeling swept away by her words. She was even more swept away by the feel of her hand on her cheek. They moved closer, unable to stop the sexual tension between them. It had been evident every time they kissed.  Every time they kissed, Sam hadn't been able to stop touching her and knew how her body felt. But Shelley was the novice. Not knowing how much pleasure another woman could give her. But that was about to change. Sam was gonna show her how could she could feel.

"Sam, I’m scared," she whispered.

A soft finger pressed against her lips as Sam whispered her response.

"So am I... but only that this will be so perfect the first time, we won't have to practice to make perfect. And I love to practice."

Shelley smiled as Sam took her hand and stood up.

"Why don't we start to build on perfection?”

Shelley looked up, apprehension in her eyes. However much she wanted this to happen, she was still unsure about taking that next step. This was a big deal for her, being with another woman. Even with guys, first times were a big thing for her. But now, being there with Sam, her mind was racing. If they did this, would it change things in the future if they broke up? If things stayed as they are and their romantic relationship ended, then their friendship would probably remain intact. But if they slept together now, Shelley wasn't sure if things would stay the same.

Sam smiled and ran the back of her hand across Shelley's face.

"I want to be with you," Shelley whispered.

The major stood, taking Shelley's hand. She lead her towards the bedroom but stopped for a moment as she tried to work out which Shelley's bedroom was. The redhead giggled behind her. It was cute. But it was the only hesitation that Sam had as they entered the bedroom. She turned to look at Shelley, releasing her hand for a moment. Sam just looked at her totally amazed at how beautiful the woman in front of her was. Shelley's hair was brushing against the bare skin of her shoulders. It was so long and soft that she loved to run her fingers through it. Her finger's parted slowly; making long ripples through Shelley's hair. They ran through her hair, brushing against her face as her hand lowered. Shelley took it, leading her the rest of the way to the bed.

***********

Sam’s eyes opened. A smile crept on her face as she felt a warm body lying besides her. She looked down, seeing Shelley lying on her stomach. Both were wrapped up in a satin sheet from the bed. Now she remembered the previous night. How they’d made love for the first time and the second and the third time. Sam had been right it had been perfect. Shelley had been incredible and such a quick learner. There hadn’t been a part of her body that the redhead hadn’t explored. She could still feel her fingers, her lips, and her tongue on her skin. For an hour Sam had lay there, guiding her, letting Shelley feel and taste. She'd never felt anything like it before. True, she'd only ever been with two other women before Shelley. But this had been different. That had been just sex, but this. What she had with Shelley had been loving, caring and more. She just couldn't put it into words.

Sam ran her hand down Shelley's hair, all the way down her back. She began to stir. Sam continued to smooth down her hair and smiled as green eyes looked up at her. The redhead stretched and rested her hands on Sam's legs.

"Morning," Sam said.

"Mmmm morning."

Sam smiled at her as Shelley rested her head on her stomach again.

"Do you always look so beautiful in the morning?" Sam asked.

"It's a curse, believe me."

The blonde above her laughed and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. She ran her down across her neck, moving her long locks of hair away.

"You certainly slept well. I've been waiting for ages for you to wake up."

Shelley began to run her hands along Sam's legs, which were clearly visible, as she'd just pulled the sheet from her.

"Must have been that exercise." Shelley whispered.

She pulled herself up, slowly trailing her fingers up the blonde's leg. All night long, she had touched, tasted, and experienced everything that Sam had to offer her. And she had been so willing to learn. It had been an experienced Shelley would never have thought would happen to her and was so glad that it had and with Sam too. There was no doubt that she was very attracted to her and her feeling for the major seemed to be growing stronger day by day. Shelley pulled the sheet up with her. Then her hand disappeared underneath it. It moved up Sam’s body, eager to explore her body again. The blonde smiled and a soft sigh escaped her waiting mouth as Shelley moved in for a kiss. Her lips melted into Sam’s and shifted herself, positioning her self on top of her. Sam broke free of the kiss and pulled the blanket from around Shelley’s waist. The blonde looked up at her, smiling due to Shelley’s new ‘take charge’ of the situation attitude. Her hands ran up the redhead’s thighs, resting on her hips.

“You’re eager.” Sam said.

Shelley kissed her softly.

“Why waste time.”

“I can go with that.” Sam said.

For a moment, Sam got the upper hand and flipped Shelley on to her back. Her hair fell across her face and Sam removed it.

“That’s better.” Shelley giggled.

The palm of Sam’s hand ran across the redhead’s face.

“You’re perfect,” she said. “Last night was perfect. I told you it would be.”

“You were right. What you said about practice and perfect. We don’t really have to stop practicing, do we?”

The smile on Sam’s face widened as she kissed her lips.

“Don’t worry, I told you. I LOVE to practice.”

Shelley pulled her close to her again, letting her lips bond with Sam’s. It was deep and sensual. Hands roamed all over each other, touching, caressing soft skin, soft breasts and aroused bodies. They kissed slowly but with an underlying need to experience everything.

Part V: Telling Jack

It had been an incredible few days. Shelley had spent a few nights with Sam at her house. It wasn’t just the sex. There seemed to be this connection between them that neither had noticed before until that moment in the cave where their attraction to each other became evident. Now all Shelley wanted to do was to enjoy it but Jack had invited her to dinner and asked her to bring the guy who had put a smile back on her face. Shelley hadn't known what to do. She wanted to tell Jack that it hadn't been a man who had put that smile on her face but a woman. That information would put their father over the edge. Not only did he have a bi sexual son but also a bi sexual daughter. Jack wouldn't mind that she was seeing another woman. He might be a little pissed off with her that she hadn’t told him straight away. Truth was, Shelley was just slightly embarrassed about the whole thing and she felt guilty for it.

Shelley sat on the couch in her brother’s living room, waiting for his other guests to arrive. She could hear the pots and pans clattering in the kitchen. Jonas stood and watched. He wasn’t one for cooking and preferred to let everyone else do it for him.

“So,” Jack shouted. “What’s this guy like?”

Shelley looked up quickly, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

“Well…erm…”

“Does it matter,” Jonas said from behind them. “As long as Shelley’s happy!”

“I guess not. Just as long as he treats you properly.” Jack said, smiling at his sister.

The worried look on her face disappeared making way for the biggest smile Jack had seen in a long time.

“I can see that by the look on your face.”

Jonas smiled too. He knew why Shelley was always smiling and he couldn’t wait for it to be out in the open. He was just no good at keeping secrets and this particular one was killing him.

“So what time did you tell him to get here?” Jack asked.

“About five minutes ago.” Shelley said.

She practically bolted upright as she heard the doorbell ring. There was a quick glance across the kitchen to Jonas as Jack moved towards the front door. Shelley stood up quickly, trying to catch him before he opened it.

“Look Jack, before you…”

“Before I what?”

Jack pushed passed her and reached out to open the door. Shelley closed her eyes and turned towards the door. Jack sighed as he saw Carter standing in the doorway.

“False alarm, it’s only Carter,” he said.

He turned back towards his sister and shook his head.

“I’m sorry Shelley. Looks like you date hasn’t turned up.”

Sam stepped in to the hallway and reached out to hold Shelley’s hand.

“He did, Jack. Or she did.” Shelley whispered.

Jonas appeared out of the kitchen, waiting for the reaction. Jack turned slowly, seeing his sister and Sam hand in hand in the hallway. Sam was looking up at Shelley, smiling.

“So…. You and…”

The redhead nodded slowly.

“Yeah. I know I should have told you before but I didn’t know what you’d say!”

“What did you think I was going to say, Shell?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“It’d like I have anything against it” Jack said, turning his head back towards Jonas. “Anyway, dinner won’t be long.”

He turned and went back into the kitchen. Shelley stood in front of Jonas and Sam, a little bewildered at her brother’s reaction.

“Is that it?”

“You were expecting something else?” Sam asked.

“I don’t know. It just all seems like an anti-climax now.”

“Is that so bad?” Jonas said.

“I guess not.” Shelley said.

She led Sam into the living room and sat down on the couch. Shelley gave her a slow kiss as Jonas wondered off in to the kitchen.

“So… What happens now?” Shelley asked.

Sam leaned in slowly then devoured Shelley’s mouth in an earth shaking, heart pounding, and searing kiss.

“I don’t know. But I can’t wait to find it.”