Breaking Habits

“Sir? What do you want?” Sam asked in surprise as Jack entered her lab

“Jack” he corrected her “not Colonel anymore – retirement awaits!”

She laughed “sorry, old habit... so?” she looked at him questioningly “What are you going to do with your retirement?”

“Ah you know, the usual” he picked up a random piece of technology from her desk and turned it over in his hands “go fishing, write a novel, pick up chicks...” he said trying to be casual

“Chicks?” she smiled, silently laughing at his awkwardness

“Well one chick” he nodded “one in particular”

“Sounds intriguing” Sam said carefully taking the object out of his hand before he broke it

“Carter” Jack finally said, visibly struggling to get the words out

“Sam” she corrected him, determined not to make this easy for him

“Sam... erm –“he seemed to gather himself together “despite the fact that you’ve been a terrific pain in my ass for the past 7 years, and” he carried on before she could protest “generally done nothing but mock me and make me look stupid... I may have, might have” he corrected himself “grown to... love you” he hesitated “I think” he added nervously.

“You think?” Sam asked, trying not to laugh

“Come on Carter give me some slack, I’m pouring my heart out here, I was just going to walk in and passionately kiss you but Teal’c didn’t think it was a good plan”

“Well” she grinned wickedly as she slipped her hand into his and pulled him to her “while that sounds like a good plan, I think I prefer the bumbling, nervous way – so cute”

He shot her an exasperated look “Carter” he warned humorously

Kissing him lightly on the lips she corrected him “Sam”

“Sorry habit” he managed before finally kissing her properly

The End