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Sam walked down the steps leading to the Stargate and looked around. Sunlight broke through the trees surrounding the small clearing. Ivy and lichen grew around the base of the DHD, giving it a splash of colour. "Wow. This place is right out of a fairy tale."

"All we're missing is the castle and knights," Daniel commented as he stepped up behind her.

She smiled, shaking her head. "And a princess in a flowing gown? Nice try, but I don't think so."

"Maybe one of these days..." He smiled back at her.

She canted her head to one side. "One of these days what?"

"We may step onto a planet and find an Arthurian culture."

"Maybe." She studied the DHD. "Looks like it's operational."

"Always nice to know we can get home," Jack said as he and Teal'c walked over to them.

"So, shall we?" suggested Daniel. "I'm just dying to check out the ruins that the MALP detected."

"Okay, campers, you all know the drill."

Sam fell into step beside Daniel. "And here I thought you were talking about seeing me in a dress..."

Daniel looked over at her, lightly bumping her shoulder with his. "Liked the last time... whatever happened to that blue number?"

"Don't go there, Daniel."

"It did appear like there'd been recent activity at the ruins. We just may run into some of the natives while we're here..." He quickly changed the subject to a safer topic.

"You're like a kid in a candy store," she said with a grin. "Always excited about a new find."

"And what about you and a new technology?"

She shrugged. "Guess I'm the same way."

"You should see the way your face lights up when you have something new to play with."

"Me? You could light up half of the Springs when you get going."

"Carter, Daniel, are you two going to join the rest of us today?" asked Jack sarcastically.

"Yes, sir!" Sam said cheerfully.

With a nod Jack turned around and started down the path again, periodically looking over his shoulder.

"Well, he's no fun," said Daniel.

"We are technically here to work."

"Who said that work can't be fun?"

"Then come on, let's see if we can't find you that castle."

"Only if we can find you a dress to match."

"Careful... or I may have to find you a kilt."

"A kilt... hmm...."

"A kilt with all the trimmings, worn the way true Scots wear them in a hurricane force wind..."

"Regimental, huh?"

"Full dress."

"Oh."

Sam playfully poked him in the shoulder. "It can be arranged if you insist on me wearing any more dresses to act native."

"I've done it myself, Sam."

"I'm not an archaeologist or an anthropologist."

He smiled. "That's not the point really. We're explorers, right?"

"Have yet to see the three of you go native."

"I've gone native when the need has called for it."

"Not in the same way. You weren't treated as property as a result."

"I suppose that's true."

They caught up with Jack and Teal'c, who stood waiting for them at a fork in the path. Both directions appeared to be well travelled.

"Now what?" asked Daniel.

"Coin toss or we split into two teams."

"We could split into teams," suggested Sam.

"Carter, you and Daniel take the path leading towards the ruins. Try to keep Danny out of trouble. Teal'c and I will see where the other path leads."

"Yes, sir!" she said, smiling. "You just don't want to have to be there while Daniel checks out new artifacts."

"You're right, rock avoidance is the name of the game."

"Wimp..."

"The perks of being in charge."

Sam shrugged. "I happen to like 'rocks'."

"Scientists."

"You love us anyway though..." said Daniel with a grin.

"Can't prove a thing and I'll deny it if you ever tell anyone," Jack teased back.

"Of course, sir. What's the plan?" she asked.

Daniel stepped up to them, paying closer attention to the conversation.

"Initial recon showed that the ruins are about a four hour hike from here. We're scheduled to check in with the SGC in 36 hours. Let's meet back here tomorrow at... he looked at his watch 1800."

"Yes, sir."

"Let's do it," said Jack. "You kids stay out of trouble."

"Always do, Jack," Daniel said as he headed for the path.

Sam saluted Jack, smiling at him. "You stay out of trouble too, sir."

"That's what Teal'c is here for."

She nodded. "Heading out. See you tomorrow." Sam ran to catch up with Daniel. "So, any idea who inhabited those ruins?" she asked.

"Not a clue yet. Should be able to tell when we actually get there and I can see them. They looked like they could be a place of worship."

"A temple then... cool."

"Four hours...." Daniel lamented.

"Oh, come on... that's not as bad as it sounds. We can play a word game to pass the time... or something..."

Daniel raised a hand to run it through his hair. It dropped when he encountered the short cropped cut. "Why did she have to cut the hair?" he rhetorically asked.

"She?"

"Hathor."

"Oh. I think it looks good, Daniel. But I have to say that I did like your hair long better. You could grow it out."

"Will admit this is easier to take care of."

"It does look good."

"You think?" He looked over at her, gauging her sincerity.

"Yeah."

"Thanks."

She smiled. "Makes you look like a total intellectual... especially when you're wearing your glasses."

Daniel smiled over at her.

She smiled back. "It's a good look."

"Then I guess I'll keep it."

"I like the rugged look too..."

"Rugged?"

"Yeah... you know... kinda scruffy..."

"Scruffy?"

"Rugged... scruffy... puppy dog... you know... kinda cute."

"Tend to go for the more natural look myself too."

"It's a good look."

"Yes, it is."

She walked beside him in amicable silence for several minutes, taking in the beautiful scenery. "It's really nice here."

"The company's good too."

She smiled. "I have no complaints in that department either."

Daniel stepped closer and playfully bumped her shoulder with his. "Guess what?"

"You're playful today. What?"

"Beautiful scenery, fun company, gorgeous weather. I'm in a good mood." He pointed to his watch. "We've been walking for over an hour."

"Told you it would fly by."

"It's got to be the company."

Sam reached into one of her pockets. "Hungry?" she asked offering him a candy bar.

"Thanks." Daniel took the candy bar. "Didn't think to grab any for this jaunt."

"Figures."

"Sorry."

She laughed. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Daniel. I brought plenty for both of us."

"At least one of us thought ahead."

"I know you, Daniel. You get so excited you forget things."

"You know me so well."

"We've been friends for a long time, Daniel. I know how you get."

"How else do I get?"

"You lose track of time... you forget that there are others around when you really get into what you're doing." She smiled. "You can be pretty intense."

"You also just described yourself."

"I know... must be a scientist thing."

Daniel chuckled. "Must be. Maybe that's why only scientists understand one another."

"True. Maybe why usually scientists marry scientists..."

"Soul mates?"

She nodded. "Something like that."

"You seem lost in thought. What's on your mind?"

Sam kicked a pebble a ways ahead and kicked it again when they caught up to it. "Just wondering if I'll ever settle down... have kids..."

"Sure you will, once Mr. Right walks into you life."

She kicked the pebble again. "Maybe."

"Sam, you're an intelligent, beautiful woman. When he comes around, he'd be damn blind not to want to settle down if you're ready."

She cast him a glance, contemplating his words.

"What?"

"I don't think he even knows I exist..."

"Who?"

She shrugged. "It's probably better if I don't say. It... wouldn't be appropriate..."

Daniel watched her for a moment. "Oh... sorry..."

"It's okay, Daniel."

"Still say he's a fool."

Sam kicked the pebble again, sighing softly.

Daniel fell a step behind her, staring into the wooded forest around them, taking in the way the shadows played over the ground.

Sam looked back at him. "What is it?"

He looked up. "Nothing," he softly replied.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"What about you, Daniel? Given any thoughts to settling down?" she asked, slowing down to walk beside him.

"Recently started thinking that would be nice again... but..." he sighed.

"But?"

"She's interested in someone else."

"Who?"

Daniel shook his head.

"Fair enough. She work at the base?"

"Yes."

"She's a fool."

"Guess we're surrounded by fools then."

"Maybe."

"Sorry," Daniel whispered again.

"Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything wrong."

"Made you uncomfortable."

"No, you didn't, Daniel. It's okay. I just sometimes wish that he'd see me the way I want him to."

"I know that feeling."

"Why don't we take a break? We've been walking almost two hours."

"Okay."

Sam took out her canteen and took a drink of water. She then offered it to Daniel. "Here..."

He flashed her a grateful smile before taking a drink. "That hit the spot.

"We're not in any hurry to get there. If you want to stop, just let me know." Sam checked her watch and looked up at the sky.

"I'm doing okay. Just eager to get there so I can take a look at the ruins."

Sam sat down on large rock. "We'll be there soon."

He sat down next to her. "Two more hours. Then we need to set up camp..."

"Nothing like sleeping under the stars."

"Especially on a new planet. Looking up there, wondering what their constellations are... how they see them...."

"Wondering what they call them... or what they see when they look at them."

"If they wish upon them too..."

"My Dad used to tell me that each star was someone's dream... and that the sky was full of his dreams for me."

"That's so sweet."

"I always felt like I let him down. All those dreams."

"He's not disappointed in you. How could he be? Look at what you've done... what you're doing," he said in a soft voice.

"The only time I really thought he was disappointed in me was when I told him I couldn't go to NASA when he got me in. But now I realise I was wrong."

"You couldn't tell him you were already exploring space... just not in the way he was thinking you should be."

She shrugged. "What I do know is that he knows now... and he's out there doing it too."

"And you saved his life."

"Selmac did that."

"No, you did. If you hadn't have gotten him there, there would be no Selmac."

Sam looked at him. "I couldn't let my Dad die."

"And you didn't."

"Come on. We should hit the road again." Sam smiled at him. "Thanks."

Daniel pushed himself off the rock.

"We're off to see the wizard?"

"Lead on Dorothy."

"Does that make you Toto? Or the Scarecrow? Or the Cowardly Lion? Or maybe the Tin Man?"

"Toto, I think."

She walked up to him and gently patted his head. "You make a cute Toto."

"Arf arf," Daniel grinned at her, left leg tapping against the forest floor.

She smiled. "You really are cheerful today."

He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Come on, Dorothy. If we get a move on it, we can get there, make camp and chose between, chicken, chicken, or chicken for dinner."

"Mmmm, chicken..." Sam playfully grinned at him, mimicking Jack with her tone.

Returning the grin, Daniel assumed a faux French waiter's accent. "Would that be chicken noodles, chicken steak, chicken beans, or chicken Jell-O?"

"I'd settle for chicken chicken," Carter replied with a soft chuckle.

"There's a concept."

"Isn't it though?"

Daniel looked around the forest around them. "Wonder if we'll run into the natives..."

Sam shrugged. "Never know."

"I certainly wouldn't mind," he said with a smile. "This is every anthropologist's...every archaeologist's dream. Getting to see what these people lived like gives me so much insight into the ruins and artefacts."

"Well, as long as I don't have to sport the local attire, I wouldn't either," Carter reminded him of their earlier conversation.

Daniel wagged an eyebrow at her. "We'll see."

Sam found another pebble and kicked it up the path.

"What's wrong, Sam?" Daniel asked, noting her sudden seriousness.

She smiled. "Nothing, really."

"You seem kind of pensive."

Sam shrugged again. "Just thinking."

"About?" he gently prompted.

"Lots of things."

He smiled softly, looking over at her. "That narrows it."

"You ever wonder what your kids would look like... if you ever had any?" she asked in a thoughtful tone.

A sad smile crossed his features. "Allowed that thought a few times on Abydos with Sha're, but we never had any..."

"Oh, Daniel... I'm so sorry."

It was his turn to shrug, his gaze dropping to the leaf covered forest floor. "It wasn't meant to be."

"I should have thought..."

He quickly steered the conversation away from him. "What about you?"

"Sometimes. Have to wonder who the father would be... since I'm not seeing anyone..." A contemplative expression settled onto her features as she stared ahead along the path they traveled.

"That is a problem."

"Can't figure out what they'd look like if I don't know what their father looks like."

"Ever thought about what they'd look like if you did get together with the one you're interested in?"

"Try not to... since that isn't likely." Her voice held a note of sadness.

"He involved with someone else?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Then what's stopping you from letting him know you're interested?" he asked.

"He's not interested in me." Sam continued to keep her gaze adverted from him.

"You sure about that?" Daniel gently pressed.

"Yeah, pretty sure."

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

"Not your fault."

"Making you uncomfortable again." Daniel kicked a pebble down the trail.

"You aren't, really."

He glanced over at her.

Sam looked up, feeling his gaze on her. "What?"

He shook his head. "Nothing."

Sam looked over at him. "What? You've got one of those pensive looks..."

"Guess you just have me thinking..."

"About?"

"What things might be like if she weren't interested in someone else." He kicked the pebble again.

"Who is she interested in?"

"Someone she can't have," Daniel vaguely replied.

"Oh..."

"Yeah."

"Does she know she can't have him?" Sam kicked the pebble away from him and down the path.

"Think so. But I see the way she looks at him."

"I'm so sorry, Daniel. That must be hard for you."

"Not the first time this has happened."

"You're a handsome, sweet guy. How can that be?"

"Most people look at me and see geek." He found the pebble and kicked it again.

"Then they're either blind or not looking in the right place."

"I always fall for the unattainable."

Sam nodded. "So do I."

"What is it about us?"

"I don't know... misery loves company?"

"Well come on, Misery, we're less than an hour from those ruins."

"Okay, Company."

Daniel smiled as they picked up the pace a little.

Sam nudged his shoulder, grinning. "You're it!" she said as she broke into a run.

"HEY!" He took off after her.

She laughed as she easily dodged him.

With a laugh of his own, Daniel chased after her, trying to tag her back.

"Missed!" Sam called back as she felt the breeze from his hand swipe passed her arm.

"Gonna get you."

"Oh no you aren't!" She danced out of his reach, putting on a little speed.

Daniel made a move, acting like he was going to try and catch her from the left.

Sam laughed as she dodged right.

Anticipating the move, Daniel quickly reversed his movement, snagging her around the waist with one arm. "Gotcha."

She spun out of his grip and stuck her tongue out at him. "No you don't!"

"Still tagged you."

Sam got a feral grin as she tackled him. "You're it again!" she said triumphantly as she sprinted away from him.

He scrambled back to his feet, bolting after her. "You're going to get it!"

"Right!!!"

"You are!"

"Uh huh!" Sam put on a burst of speed, surging away from him.

Daniel dodged around trees as they ran, trying to gain some ground on her.

Sam hid behind a large rock, watching as he approached.

He slowed down a little, searching for her.

She waited until he came into sight before tackling him again. "Gotcha!"

Using his greater weight, Daniel rolled them over, straddling her legs, holding her in place. Grinning, he tickled her before flying to his feet and taking off at a run. "You're it!"

"Not for long!" Sam was on her feet in a flash and tore after him, jumping over everything in her path. She poked his shoulder as she past him. "You're it!"

With a playful growl her tore after her again. The ruins suddenly appeared before them as he caught her with a flying tackle.

Sam squealed with laughter, squirming to get away from him.

He trapped her hands, holding them above her head with one hand as he tickled her with the other. "I'll teach you..." he laughed.

Sam screamed with laugher, squirming. "Uncle!"

Still holding her in place, he stopped his tickle assault, looking down at her laughing.

Sam took several deep breaths, still laughing. "I feel like a little kid..."

"Feels good to laugh. We were getting a little serious..."

She looked up at him. "Yeah... very definitely."

Daniel noticed a movement around them. "Uhm, Sam..."

"Hmmm?"

"We got company."

She looked around at the robed figures surrounding them. "Oh... uhm... let me up, Daniel.”

"Oh… sorry..." He got up then held a hand out to her.

She took his hand, allowing him to help her to her feet.

"Hello," he greeted the natives, her hand still in his.

Sam looked around, listening to the unfamiliar words the natives spoke. "I don't think they understood..."

"I don't recognise the language," Daniel softly admitted.

"You don't?"

"Nope."

"Can you identify it at all?" she asked in a concerned tone.

He shook his head.

"Wow."

"I feel like I should, but I can't grasp it.”

"Samantha," she said, pointing at herself, trying to look non-threatening.

The robed figures talked amongst themselves before one of them stepped towards them with a huge smile on her face.

"Samantha," Sam repeated. She then pointed at Daniel. "Daniel."

The figure spoke to them, bowing her head slightly, arms open in a welcoming gesture.

"What do you think?" Sam asked.

"They seem friendly enough. Looks like they're having a festival or celebration. Religious one I'd say."

"So... we do what?"

"I think she wants us to go with them. Join in."

"Do you think we should?"

"They don't look like they're going to do any ritual human sacrifice..." he said, looking around at the natives.

"Whatever you think is best, Daniel."

"Uhm… I think we should go with them."

"Okay."

Daniel gently squeezed her hand. "Who knows, this could be the party of the millennium."

Sam smiled. "I somehow doubt it, but let's go."

Daniel flashed the woman a smile and indicated that they would follow.

She bowed at them, beckoning them to follow her deeper into the ruins. She looked over her shoulder several times, making sure they followed.

Sam let Daniel guide them through the ruins. "Where do you suppose we're going?"

"Looks like they're taking us deeper into the ruins."

She looked around, marvelling at the intricate statues within the ruins. "This place is amazing."

"Extremely. Can't wait to be able to explore them."

"They're kind of... uhm... erotic..." said Sam as her eyes fell on a particularly well formed male statue, sporting a very large erection.

"Highly."

Sam tore her eyes from the statues depicting sexual acts. "God..." she whispered.

Daniel's eyes met hers. "Wow..."

She blushed slightly, looking away from him.

He gently squeezed her hand again. Moments later they entered a large opening between the ruins. A large gathering was congregated there. Their guide came to a halt.

"What are they doing?" Sam asked as she watched the proceedings.

He pointed to a large pole in the middle of the clearing. "That looks like a maypole... Spring celebrations I'd say."

"You mean as in Beltane?"

"You're familiar with it?" he asked softly.

"Not very."

"This could be or it could be completely unrelated to Earth's Beltane."

"What do we do?"

"Play along,” he suggested.

"I'll follow your lead."

"We may have to go native..."

She grimaced. "That better be a ‘we' as in both of us..." she said in a serious tone.

"Everyone seems to be wearing the same style of robes."

"Just as long as we understand each other...."

"Don't worry, Sam. I won't let anyone sell you."

"Gee, thanks..."

"Relax, Sam. Enjoy the party."

"I'll try, Daniel."

"If this is anything like Beltane, this could be fun."

She smiled at him. "Okay."

Their original guide and a man walked up to them. She talked quickly, indicating that Sam should follow her and that Daniel should follow the newcomer.

"Oh, Daniel, no. I don't think this is a good idea...”

"If we don't go with them, then we head back and wait for Jack and Teal'c at the rendezvous... that would be a long day and a half."

"Okay, Daniel." Sam reluctantly let go of his hand and followed the woman.

He followed the man, who led him to a tent and handed him a set of robes. Daniel slipped inside and quickly changed into them.

After being led to a similar tent, Sam took the robes the woman handed her and eyed them sceptically. She waited for the woman to leave before changing. "Great..." she murmured to herself.

Minutes later, Daniel stepped back out of the tent dressed in the robes. He looked around, taking in the celebrations taking place around him. Stepping away from the tent, he joined the crowd of people.

Sam walked out of the tent she had been taken to and approached the circle, searching for Daniel.

He stood just outside the large circle of people, still watching the crowd. Someone walked up to him and handed him a large goblet.

Sam walked over to him, gently resting her hand on his arm. "I know we haven't been given any indication that these people mean us harm, but we don't know what's in that..."

"Everyone else is drinking from similar goblets..."

She bit her lower lip. "What if that's spiked with something?"

"Sam, if this is similar to Beltane, it's a festival of rebirth. The end of winter the beginning of summer. It's a time of life, not death."

She nodded. "You're right. Sorry, I guess I feel like I have to be paranoid in the Colonel's absence."

"We've eaten and drank with natives on other worlds."

"I know. I'm sorry." Sam took the goblet from him and took a taste of the contents. "It's pretty good..."

He took it back and took a swallow. "A spiced wine..."

"Tasty..."

"Quite." He held the goblet out to her.

Sam took another sip. "Maybe this isn't so bad. Good wine, comfortable clothes..."

He sniffed the air. "Food smells good too."

"It does."

"Shall we?" He indicated the growing crowd in the clearing.

"Okay."

He held his arm out to her, taking another healthy drink from the goblet. “Milady.”

Sam smiled, taking his arm. "So chivalrous."

"Call me old fashioned."

"I think it's nice." She walked beside him.

He offered her the wine again. "Seems to be the code for the day." He indicated the other couples around them with a small nod.

"What do you mean?"

"Look around us."

"Everyone's paired up."

"Almost everyone, but close enough."

"Just promise you won't sell me..." she teased.

"I won't sell you.

"Thank God."

"Bartering's another matter," Daniel teased with a smile.

She poked him in the side. "Don't even think about it."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"Good."

"You know, this party could go pretty late tonight..."

"And...?"

"Was more of a warning."

"Oh... okay. Don't worry, Daniel. At midnight I won't turn into a pumpkin..."

"Bummer, I like pumpkins."

"And just what do you like about them?"

He shrugged. "Don't know, just always liked them."

"Hmmm... maybe I'll make an exception for you then..."

"Thanks, I think."

She kissed his cheek quickly.

He blinked at her in surprise, resisting the urge to touch his cheek in awe.

She smiled at him. "Let's join this party."

He took another healthy swallow of the wine then flashed her a smile.

"Yes?"

"I see I'm not the only one feeling playful today"

"Could be." Sam took the goblet and drained it in one swallow.

"Definitely." Someone handed them another goblet, taking the empty one.

Sam took another swallow before handing the goblet to Daniel. "Need to get the recipe for this."

He took several long swallows. "Remind me in the morning to ask for it."

She laughed softly. "You're going to get smashed."

"It's a party."

"Colonel's going to kick my butt if I get too drunk."

"He's not here."

"No, he isn't," she said smiling.

He handed her the goblet again. Music filled the air around them as the musicians started playing traditional music. “Good thing… he can be a bit of a party pooper.”

Sam drank several swallows. "Think they'd mind if we danced?"

"The other couples seem to be."

"When in Rome?"

"Exactly."

Sam turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck in the same manner as the others had. "This isn't in any of the things I remember hearing about Beltane...."

"They could have their own variations." His arms wrapped around her waist as they slowly moved to the music.

Sam relaxed as the wine effected her. She rested her cheek on his chest. "Kind of nice to have a chance to unwind."

He ran a gentle hand along her spine. "Very nice," he softly murmured.

"Could almost... pretend..." she whispered.

"Pretend what?" he softly asked.

Sam closed her eyes. "Nothing," she sighed.

"What is it, Sam?"

She pulled back slightly, looking up into his eyes. "You're the one, Daniel. The one I know I can't ever have..."

He blinked at her in confusion. "What?"

She looked away. "I'm sorry..."

He caught her chin with gentle fingers. "Sam..."

She tried to pull back.

"Look at me, please."

"It must be the wine. I'm sorry... I don't know why I said that..."

"Did you mean it?"

She closed her eyes. "Yes," she whispered.

"Oh Sam..." he softly breathed. He raised her chin, brushing his lips over hers in a gentle kiss.

"Please don't..." she whispered.

"You're the one too... I... I thought you wanted Jack..."

"Jack? No... Daniel, he and I flirt because it's safe. We know we wouldn't ever cross the line of CO and 2IC. Why would you think I didn't want you?"

"Because you were flirting with Jack... we always seemed to just be friends."

She slowly looked up at him. "Our friendship is very dear to me. You've always been there when I've needed you... even when I didn't know I needed you."

"As you have been for me..." He gently kissed her again, then rested his forehead against hers.

Sam closed her eyes. "What do we do now?"

"See where this takes us?"

"I'd like that," she said softly.

"So would I."

She caressed his cheek. "Oh Daniel..."

He kissed her fingertips. "Sam."

She smiled at him, biting her lower lip. "Do you think it's the wine?"

"God I hope not."

"I'm afraid the alarm clock's going to go off and all this is going to disappear."

He nibbled at her fingers, then kissed his way down to her palm. "Not going to disappear."

She closed her eyes. "I hope not."

His tongue flicked out, tasting the skin on her palm. "I promise."

"Daniel..." she whispered softly.

"Yes, Sam?"

She looked up into his face. "This is really happening..."

"Yes, it is." He smiled down at her.

She hugged him tightly, enjoying the closeness. "I never knew, Daniel."

"Neither did I. I would have sworn on you and Jack..." said Daniel softly.

"I never let you know because you never expressed any interest."

"Didn't think I could compete."

"Jack and I flirt... it can't ever go beyond that.. and even if it could, he's not really my type. I like the intellectual type..."

"We know now."

She rested her cheek against his shoulder as they swayed to the music. "This is so nice..."

"Extremely," he softly breathed, his breath washing over her ear.

A shiver coursed through her body. "Hmmm...."

A hand on their shoulders alerted them to the others around them.

"This better not be a reality check," Sam muttered.

Daniel looked into the smiling face of their original guide. She motioned for them to follow the other couples as she handed them another goblet of the wine.

Sam kept her arm around Daniel's waist, not wanting to let him go. She took the goblet and drank a small amount of the wine. "God, that's good."

He brushed his lips over hers, tasting the wine. "Not as good as you."

Sam ducked her head, blushing slightly. "Daniel..." she pleaded.

"Hmmm?" he softly asked with a smile.

"Where do you suppose we're going?"

He looked up, taking in the area around them. "Looks like the religious part of the festival is going to begin. We're heading towards that altar."

"Religious?"

"We're about to find out. See those two over there. Their robes are different. They're probably the High Priest and Priestess."

"Are we part of this? Or just observing?"

"Join in? Experience and learn?"

"I'm following your lead, remember?" She looked around at the assembled
couples.

"We're a team. I want your input."

She smiled. "You're the cultural expert. If you feel that we should participate, then I feel comfortable with that. I value your opinion."

"Let's participate. We have been since we got here. Why stop now?"

"Let's do it then."

Remembering the goblet, he gently took it from her and took several swallows. With a tender smile, he held the goblet out to her.

Sam took another drink. "What do you suppose is in this?"

"We'll try and find out in the morning."

"Oh, Daniel... we haven't set up camp."

"Don't think we have to worry about that. This will likely go on all night."

"Haven't partied all night in years."

"Neither have I. This should be fun though."

She leaned against him. "Yeah, I think so."

He hugged her closer with a smile. "Could get used to this..."

"So could I."

Their guide appeared at their sides again, the ever present smile in place. She gestured towards the altar.

"I'm game if you are..."

"Always game."

Sam handed him the goblet. "I think she wants us to follow her."

He finished the drink with in. "Then let's."

Sam took his hand, twining their fingers. She tugged him to follow the young woman. "So, what do you think the purpose of this ceremony is?"

"They're celebrating the end of winter the beginning of summer. On earth the Goddess and her Consort the stag came together at Beltane."

"Came together?"

"It is a celebration of life and rebirth."

"Life and rebirth..."

"Winter is death. Spring birth. Summer life."

Sam nodded. "Makes sense."

They came to a stop in front of the altar.

"Any idea what's going on?" she asked curiously.

"Looks like things are beginning. Wish I could understand what they're saying."

"So do I. While this is all really interesting, it's disconcerting not knowing what's going on."

A lone singer began her song, her voice filling the clearing, her voice echoing off the ruins around them.

Sam closed her eyes, listening to the beautiful melody. "Wow...."

Daniel held her closer, resting his cheek against the top of her head. "It's beautiful," he agreed softly.

"This is all so amazing. This place, those statues, the wine, the dancing, you..."

"Perfect night."

"Perfect..."

The song ended and the High Priest's voice filled the air.

"Wonder what he's saying." Sam relaxed in Daniel's embrace, leaning contentedly against him.

"Don't know."

"Guess we should just follow everyone else's lead."

All of the couples turned so that they were facing each other while still able to see the High Priest and Priestess. Sam looked back at Daniel. "Guess that's our cue."

"Looks like it." He smiled at her. The couples around them started repeating after the High Priest. Their guide prompted them through it.

Sam did her best to imitate the words, smiling up at Daniel.

At the guide's prompting, Daniel repeated the words, trying not to stumble over the pronunciation.

Sam looked on as the guide brought a chalice to them, nodding for her to reach in. She pulled out a ring and looked from the guide to Daniel. "Uhm...Daniel?"

His eyes widened as comprehension set in. "Oops."

"Oops?" Sam's next words were cut short as the guide urged her to repeat several phrases. She reluctantly repeated the words.

The woman indicated that Sam was to slip the ring onto Daniel's finger.

She did as she'd been encouraged, then looked up at Daniel. "What do you mean oops?"

Daniel reached in and took out the second ring. "Mass handfasting ceremony..." He quickly explained before repeating the vows and slipping the ring on her finger.

"Handfasting... as in marriage?" she asked, wide-eyed.

"Yeah... well marriage for one year and a day."

"A year and a day..."

"Yep." Daniel got in before their guide bound their hands with a red cord.

"Oh my..."

"And it's official..."

"Official? As in...?"

"The cord is the end of the ceremony, now come the blessings and then the celebrations."

"Blessings?"

"The usual marriage blessings... oh we've also got to jump the fire..."

"Jump a fire..."

He nodded. "Uhm one other thing..."

Sam bit her lip. "Yes?"

"My marriage to Sha're was considered legal on Earth... this one will be too..."

"What...?"

His face fell slightly. "Well, if we don't tell anyone... then I guess it didn't happen..." he stumbled over the words.

Sam looked at him, feeling guilty. "Daniel, it's okay."

"It's only binding for a year and a day. If at that time we don't want this, then we can walk away like it never happened. But there are no witnesses from home... so if no one saw it..." the words rapidly flew out, his eyes not meeting hers.

Sam stepped forward and pressed her lips to his. "It happened. It's real."

He tentatively met her eyes. "Don't want you to feel like you have to..."

She smiled at him, giving his hands a squeeze. "I don't have to... I want to."

The guide reached over and removed the bonds as Daniel gave her a smile. "So was our walk here our courtship?"

"It would seem that way." Sam smiled.

"After all you did make me chase after you and you did play hard to get..."

"Tackled you a couple of times too."

"Bowled me off my feet a long time ago," he said softly.

"You had me at hello."

"And here we are..."

"Rings and all..."

"No proposal..."

"No... you going to do something about that?"

"Wedding then proposal?"

She shrugged. "Whatever works..."

"Samantha, will you be handfasted to me for the time of one year and a day, at the end of which time we can either go our separate ways or make it official for life?"

"I will," she said softly, smiling up at him.

"Going to be fun breaking this to the others."

"At least we don't have regulations to worry about."

"Thank goodness for civilian status."

"Yeah..."

"Let's go leap the fire and celebrate our wedding."

Sam held out her hand to him. "Here we are... married... and we've never even been on a date..."

"We can spend the next year doing that... getting to know each other more outside of work..."

"What about living arrangements?"

"Whatever you'll be most comfortable with."

"Guess we'll have to figure that out later."

"Yeah, talk when we get home..."

"Come on, let's go leap over the fire."

"Leap of faith?"

"Something like that." She gave his hand a squeeze. "A new beginning."

He guided her over to the small fire. "To new beginnings and new loves," he said before they leaped over it, hand in hand.

Sam laughed as they walked away from the fire. She turned to face Daniel and caressed his cheek. "I feel so... free right now..."

He wrapped his arms around her, swinging her around with a grin. "Feels good..."

She shrieked with laughter. "It does."

Someone walked over to them and handed them each a mug of ale and a small cake.

"Thank you," Sam said with a smile as she took the offered items. She nibbled at the cake. "Yummy."

Daniel took a bite of his. "Oh delicious. Almonds, fruit, spices..."

"Try the ale... it's amazing..." Sam said.

Daniel took a huge swallow. He smiled. "It is... and I think I'm a wee bit drunk..." he admitted.

Sam smiled. "You aren't the only one," she said softly. "Daniel..."

"Yes, Sam?" He leaned in closer, his eyes bright in the light of a huge bonfire.

"Kiss me..."

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer and he brought his lips down to hers. He let all of his emotions and passions come through in the kiss.

Sam closed her eyes, sighing softly. She wrapped her arms around him, returning the kiss.

His half eaten cake dropped to the ground as his hands roamed over her back, slowly sliding lower. He cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer, grinding his hips into hers.

She responded hungrily. "I want you," she murmured against his lips.

"Need you," he panted.

Sam sighed in frustration as their guide separated them gently, but firmly. She looked up at Daniel, breathing hard. "Guess we have to wait."

He growled softly in frustration. "Thank god these robes are loose..."

"I think she wants us to go with her..."

Taking her hand in his, he nodded to their guide, indicating that they would follow.

Sam held Daniel's hand tightly as they walked back over to the altar. "I take it this is that blessing you mentioned?"

"That would be my guess."

She looked around at the other couples. "Hold me, Daniel..."

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her shampoo.

Sam covered his arms with hers, leaning back against him. "Your place is bigger than mine," she said.

He lowered his head, lips playing with her ear. "It is... but you have the fireplace and skylights."

"You have nice nooks for all your stuff."

"If you want we could look for a bigger place... a new place..."

"For a new beginning?"

"Seems appropriate."

"It does," she agreed.

"Don't want to push you."

"I brought it up," she said with a smile.

"I know..."

She nestled against him. "We'll figure it out."

"We will," he whispered as he nuzzled at her neck.

Sam studied the ring adorning her finger. "Would mean more if it came from you, but it'll always be dear to me."

"We can always do this up properly at home..."

"This is all happening so fast. But it feels right."

He gently turned her in his arms and deeply kissed her.

Sam wrapped her arms around him, giving herself over to the kiss.

"Oh god... I need you..." he whispered against her lips.

She gently caressed his sides. "I need you too, Daniel."

He pulled his head back slightly, looking into her face. "My wife..." he whispered in awe.

"My husband..."

"Love the sound of that..."

"I do too," she said honestly.

He playfully rubbed his nose against hers.

She laughed softly. "I think this could possibly be one of the happiest days of my life."

"I know it is mine..."

"I think we can kiss now," she said, indicating the other couples.

He smiled. "Want to do a whole lot more...."

"So do I..."

He pulled her flush against him, covering her lips with his for a deep kiss, his tongue demanding entrance.

She opened herself to his kiss, moaning against his lips. Sam clung to him, hands roaming his back.

Daniel broke the kiss when his lungs screamed for air. He rested his forehead against hers, panting heavily. "If we don't find someplace private, I'm going to take you right here..."

"Maybe we should go somewhere secluded..." she said huskily. "Because I need you so badly right now..."

Before Daniel could move, their guide reappeared again. She motioned for them to follow a huge smile on her face.

Sam looked up at Daniel. "She looks almost like the cat that swallowed the canary."

"She got us hitched..."

"I think maybe we should follow her."

Arm still around her, he guided her after the woman. "Hope she's taking us somewhere private."

"Very private. Because there are things I want to do with you that don't require an audience..."

"No, an audience is definitely not my thing..."

"Ooh... look... a tent of our very own," she said as the guide, motioned them inside a small pavilion style tent.

"Just what the doctor ordered." He swung Sam up into his arms and carried her into the tent.

She put her arms around his neck, laughing. "I was definitely right... you are playful today."

"Hey, it's our wedding night... I'm supposed to carry you over the threshold."

"Wedding night..." she whispered. "I like the sound of that..."

"You aren't the only one..." he whispered back, setting her down beside a pallet covered with furs.

Sam wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his nose. "Here we are..."

"At last..." His hands roamed over her back and sides. "There is one thing to be said about robes..."

"And what would that be?"

He tugged her robe up. "Easy access."

"Very easy." She studied his face, looking into his eyes for a long moment. "I've wanted you for so long.."

Removing her robe, Daniel stepped back taking in her body. "Beautiful," he breathed.

She looked away, blushing.

"You don't have to be embarrassed, Sam. You are very beautiful."

"I'm just not used to hearing that..." she said softly.

He stepped closer. "You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. And you know what else?"

"What?"

"You're beautiful, intelligent, and most importantly, mine."

"All yours..."

He took another step towards her, hands reaching out to glide along her form. "So soft and hard at the same time."

She stepped closer to him, gently removing his robes. "Mine... all mine.."

"For life."

She looked up at him. "Can we have a wedding when we get back home?"

"We can have whatever you want."

"I want."

"Then we will. Have your Dad there..."

She smiled. "Dad likes you... I think he'll be pleased."

"Small or large?"

"Small... I don't have that many people I'd want to invite. My Dad... my brother and his family, if they'll come... Janet, Cassie, Jack, Teal'c and the General... can't think of anyone else I'd have on my list"

"Outdoors or indoors?" he softly asked as he guided them to the furs.

"Depends on when we have it."

"When do you want to have it?"

"May first?"

He smiled. "May first it is then."

"Outside..."

"On the mountain?"

"Somewhere beautiful... outside... maybe early evening... have a bonfire..."

"Say our vows as the sun sets?"

She laid back, pulling him with her. "I'd like that"

He stretched out beside her, one hand gently stroking over her side. "A huge bonfire reception, wine, ale, want traditional foods?"

She nodded, turning into his caress. "Right now, I want you..."

His hand slid up her side, moving to cup one breast, his thumb slowly circled over the nipple.

She closed her eyes, head falling back. "Oh God..."

He lowered his head, capturing the nipple with his lips.

Sam threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. "Oh God..." she whispered again.

He sucked the nipple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue before capturing it with his teeth, tugging gently.

A low moan escaped her lips. "Make love to me..."

"Worshipping first," he whispered.

"I want you so badly..."

He raised his head, looking into her eyes. "Play later?"

She bit her lower lip, nodding. "I can't wait... need you now..."

He pressed her back, gently spreading her legs with his knees. "You are so beautiful... all flushed with desire and need..." he whispered.

Sam put her hands on his hips, urging him closer. "I need you...”

He covered her lips with his, tongue plundering her mouth as he thrust his hard length deeply into her.

Sam dug her fingers into his side, an impassioned cry, tearing from her throat. She arched beneath him, taking him deeper.

With a soft growl, Daniel moved within her, thrusting hard and deep.

She wrapped her legs around him, meeting him stroke for stroke. "Oh Daniel!"

"Dear God... Sam..." he grunted with each stroke, his head thrown back in pleasure.

Sam tightened her inner muscles around him each time he withdrew. She screamed his name over and over.

"So close," he panted. His thrusts sped up as he body began screaming for release.

She raked her nails down his back as she responded to his needs. With a sharp cry, Sam found her release, inner muscles spasming around him.

His head fell forward, forehead resting against hers. Her orgasm triggered his. His hips pounded erratically against hers with a loud cry.

She gently caressed his sides as she came down, showering his face and shoulder with kisses.

Daniel collapsed over her, panting harshly for every breath. "Sweet Jesus..."

"I love you," she said softly.

He tenderly kissed her. "Love you too..."

Sam looked up as the tent flap was flung open. "We have company," she said uncomfortably, watching their guide walk in with a tray of food and two large, steaming mugs.

Daniel quickly tossed one of the furs over them, a deep blush settling on his features.

Sam hid her face against his neck. "Guess knocking on a tent is kind of hard."

"All you get is a dull thud?"

"Nah... the flaps sort of flutter."

Daniel chuckled. "That food smells wonderful. Hungry?"

"Yeah... haven't had more than a bite since that candy bar."

He waited until the tent flap settled back into place before getting up and grabbing the tray, brining it back over to the pallet. "Dinner is served."

Sam watched him in the dim light. "Is that more wine?"

"If it is, they heated it. This drink is hot."

"Smells good... kind of minty..."

He handed one of the mugs to her. He picked up a piece of the meat and held it to her lips.

She took it, gently grazing his fingers with her teeth. "Mmmm...."

"Good?"

"Very..."

He took a bite for himself before offering her a slice of fruit.

She took a small taste first. "Wow... it's like a cross between honeydew melon and tangerine..."

Daniel tasted it. "Oh yummy..."

Sam took a taste of the drink. "I think it's some kind of tea. It's really good."

Daniel gently took the mug from her and set it on the floor. "Lie back."

She pressed her lips to his, smiling. "I love being able to do that." She then laid back, settling into the furs.

"Love it when you do that." He picked up one of the pieces of fruit. He ran it around both nipples, wetting them with the juices before running it down her abdomen. "You know what?"

"What?" she gasped.

"We can now imagine what our kids will look like..." he whispered before lowering his head and slowly licking the sticky juices off her skin.

"Daniel..." she said softly, urging him lower.

He moved down, playing the fruit over her inner thighs before licking the juices off again.

She arched against him. "Oh Jesus..." she gasped.

Gentle fingers parted her inner folds. He playfully ran the fruit over her clitoris.

"Daniel!"

He popped the fruit into his mouth, before cleaning the last of the juices from her, playing his tongue over the hard, sensitive bud.

Sam clutched at his shoulders, crying out sharply.

Daniel continued to tease her with his tongue, flicking it over her clitoris, then alternating, thrusting it as deeply into her as he could.

Sam cried out, her orgasm crashing over her. "Daniel! Oh God!"

Riding out her orgasm, Daniel slowly kissed his way back up her body.

"You are amazing," she whispered.

"You deserve all the pleasure I can give you."

Sam smiled at him. "They'll have blue eyes and sandy hair."

Daniel chuckled. "And their mother's dimples."

"And your smile."

"And oh so intelligent."

"They'll be scary."

"They'll be beautiful and they'll be ours."

She snuggled against him. "I still can't believe this is all happening."

"It has. We're married and we've consummated it..."

She caressed his cheek. "I'm certainly not complaining."

"Nope, didn't hear any complaints in those screams."

Sam kissed his nose. "Guess we were both pretty blind..."

"Either that or too afraid."

"Thinking you weren't interested, I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"And I was thinking you wanted Jack... there's no way I could compete with him.

"You never had to."

"Thought I did."

"Guess I won't ever bitch about having to go native again."

"Love those robes. Think we can take them with us when we leave?"

"We could... ask... maybe not..."

"Why not?"

"They don't understand us... we don't understand them.."

"Yet we've been communicating..."

She looked up into his eyes. "Wish I could show how much I appreciate what they've done..."

"We'll try our best before we head out in the morning."

"So, I take it you've figured out what you need to about these ruins?"

He looked down at her. "I'd say I've learned the important things."

She smiled. "Like what?"

"About what's been right in front of me all along and is now in my arms."

"How are we going to explain this to the Colonel? And what about our post-mission physicals and briefing the General?"

"They're going to have to know. Especially if we move in together and announce a second wedding in May."

"I know... that's why we need to figure it out."

"I'd say be honest up front."

She nodded. "Come right out and say it."

"Don't try and hide or deny anything."

She caught his left hand in hers, gently touching the ring. "Can't hide this."

"Don't want to."

"Neither do I." She kissed his hand. "I do love you."

"As I love you. Didn't allow myself to dream of this moment... never thought it would happen."

"Neither did I. But it's here." She reached behind him and pinched his butt. "And it's very real."

He yelped softly at the pinch, then tackled her into the furs, straddling her hips. "You're playful today too."

"Can't help it... good company..."

He lightly tickled her sides. "Are we going to have two Dr. Jackson's or are you keeping your last name?"

"I'd be proud to take your name, Daniel."

He smiled as he looked down at her, he then leaned down and gently kissed her.

Sam wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss.

He rested his forehead against hers. "I could stay here like this for the rest of my life."

"So could I. Just you and me... this comfortable bed..."

He braced his arms on either side of her head, playing his lips lightly over hers in a series of rapid butterfly kisses.

"Daniel..."

"Hmmm?"

"Want you again..."

He rolled off her, laying beside her before pulling her over on top of him. "Take me this time..."

She gently ran her hands down his chest as she lowered herself onto his throbbing shaft. "Oh God... Daniel..." she whispered.

He arched up towards her with a low satisfied moan. "So hot..."

Sam let her head fall back as she started rocking her hips, moving him inside her.

"Faster... harder..." His hands clutched at her hips, fingers digging deeply into her skin.

She completely stilled her movements. She looked down at him as she tightened and released her inner muscles around him.

"God... Sam!"

"Sit up, Daniel."

He carefully sat up, wrapping his arms around her.

She kissed him tenderly. "Dreamt about this. Never imagined it would happen."

"The object of many a fantasy..."

"Many," she agreed. Sam rested her forehead against Daniel's. "You feel so good...”

"You feel better. Hot, tight, wet..."

"Oh no..." she purred. "You do... long, thick, hard.."

"Your muscles clenching around me, the feel of that alone is almost enough to make me come."

"Your long, hard shaft throbbing inside me... I could come right now..."

"Come for me, Samantha. Come long and hard. Make me come."

She looked into his eyes as she massaged his shaft with her muscles. A soft sigh signalled her release. Her head fell to his shoulder, a soft series of gasps escaping her lips.

The spasms of her muscles around him triggered his orgasm. His body shuddered softly, spurred on by her continued release.

She nuzzled his ear. "God that was good."

He kissed the side of her neck. "So gentle... still hard deep inside you..."

"I know..." she said as she ground her hips against his.

"What are you going to do about it?"

Sam kissed him softly. "Same thing I just did... going to make you come." She tightened around him again, then slowly ground her hips against his.

"Come with me, baby."

She nipped at his neck and earlobe. "So close..."

"Want to come hard, want to hear you scream my name over and over as I scream yours."

She climbed off his lap and laid down on the furs again. "Make me scream."

"Hands and knees..."

She looked up at him for a moment. She then pressed a kiss to his thigh before getting on her hands and knees.

He positioned himself behind her, just pressing his throbbing tip inside her. One hand moved to her breasts, kneading them between his fingers. His other hand sought out her clitoris. He slammed into her as he brushed his fingers over the sensitive nub.

"Daniel!" she cried, arching her back, throwing her head back. "Oh God!"

He withdrew repeatedly only to slam back into her, burying himself to the hilt. His fingers continued their assault on her breasts and clitoris.

"Harder... oh... God... harder..." she panted.

He grunted from the exertion of his thrusts. He tugged on her nipples as he crashed closer to his release.

Sam screamed his name as she came, clenching tightly around him.

His upper body covered her back, his teeth finding a firm purchase in her shoulder as his orgasm brutally swept through him.

Sam cried out again, a second release ripping through her.

He cried out her name into her shoulder as his muscles gave out, collapsing bonelessly against her back.

Sam's arms gave and she slowly lowered them to the bed. "Oh Jesus..." she panted.

He rolled onto his side, pulling her against him. Snuggling up against her back, his hand rested on her abdomen. "Never been this good before..." he murmured against her neck as he nuzzled it.

"Never..." she whispered softly in agreement. She covered his hand with hers. "Daniel...?"

"Yes?"

"Uhm... I'm not protected..."

He rested his forehead against her shoulder. "And condoms aren't exactly something I pack even if I had my pack..."

She thought for a moment, brain still clouded by the effects of the alcohol. "We should be okay... but I thought you should know."

"Otherwise, we'll be knowing what our kids look like sooner than we'd thought..."

"Much sooner..."

"I'm with you regardless, Sam. You're stuck with me for life. I want to have children and grandchildren with you. If there are ramifications from tonight then it's just nature's way of saying she approves of us."

"Wasn't complaining." She smiled. "I want to have children with you too."

His fingers brushed over her abdomen. "I look forward to the day I can look at you and see you with our child growing safe and protected inside you."

She turned to face him, draping one arm across his side. "May first, lover."

"We make our vows in front of friends and family."

"And then, if it hasn't already happened, we can start our family."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Look forward to it."

Sam rested her cheek on his chest, sighing contentedly. "Me too."

"Though I can't help but wonder how many children will be born nine months from tonight. I'm certain on this planet they'll be considered blessed. Conceived on Beltane..."

"Probably quite a few."

He gently rubbed her back. "So what do we do the rest of tonight?"

"Nap for a while... maybe have a little more to eat... and then, well, I leave that to your imagination"

"The horse is out of the barn, may as well let it run?"

She chuckled. "Something like that."

"Nap or eat first?"

"Nap... I'm comfortable... don't want to move."

He carefully pulled one of the furs over them. "Very comfortable. Love having you in my arms."

"Love being in your arms, Daniel."

"Sleep now, Mrs. Jackson."

"That's Dr. Jackson to you, Dr. Jackson."

"This mean I won't get away with 'hey, wench' either?" he chuckled.

"I think I can let that one slide."

"Want to tell the whole world that you're my wife now."

"Want to tell the whole universe..."

"This part of the universe knows."

"Just this part... want the whole universe to know..."

"We'll call the Intergalactic Goa'uld Times and take out a full page announcement."

She poked him in the side. "Didn't really want to bring the Goa'uld into this... want them all to know though..."

"And we can't forget the Asgaard Universal Reporter know..."

"And maybe a full page colour ad in the SGC newsletter."

"Don't forget the Tok'ra Times."

"And the Denver Post..."

"We can pass on the Rotten Mountain Snooze..."

She chuckled. "Don't like that one, do you?"

"Biased SOBs."

"Don't hold back, now, Daniel. How do you really feel about it?"

He smiled. "Naw I vented, it's off my chest now."

"And a lovely chest it is," she said, kissing his breast bone.

"Nap or play?"

"Nap."

"Sleep," he whispered, rubbing her back.

She closed her eyes, relaxing completely into his embrace. "I love you, Daniel."

He pressed a kiss just below her ear. "Love you, Samantha."

She sighed softly as she drifted off, content just to be close to him.

Daniel rested his cheek against her hair and closed his eyes, falling into a light sleep.

Sam woke up as a single shaft of light broke through the tent flaps, bathing the pallet in light. She blinked several times, taking in her surroundings. She stiffened slightly when she realised she was not alone.

Daniel murmured softly at her movements, snuggling in closer.

Memories of the previous night flooded her. "Oh my God... it wasn't a dream..." she whispered.

"What wasn't?" a half-asleep Daniel mumbled, eyes still closed.

She turned to face him. "Daniel... Daniel wake up..."

His eyes slowly blinked open. As his blue eyes registered hers, they flew open. "Sam?"

She smiled shyly. "Morning, sunshine."

He stared into her face, blinking as the memories came with awareness. "We...."

"We did."

He sat up, keeping them both covered, glancing over at her, trying to judge her reactions.

"Woke up thinking I'd had one wild, erotic dream..."

"No, it was real..."

"Very real." She help up her left hand, the ring still adorning her finger.

"And?"

"I remember it all... the ceremony... the dancing... jumping over the fire... making love with you..."

His body shuddered slightly, reacting as he remembered her touch, the feel of her against him, moving together as one. "And this morning?" he softly whispered.

"I meant everything I said last night."

He looked over at her, his eyes meeting hers as he released a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

She caressed his cheek. "What about you?"

"Every word, every touch, every promise."

Sam settled back into bed beside him. She looked into his eyes, smiling. "I do love you."

He stretched out back beside her, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

Sam cupped his cheek as she closed her eyes and returned the kiss.

His lips and tongue played over hers, exploring and tasting. "A dream come true," he murmured.

"Fantasy has nothing on reality," she said softly.

"Absolutely nothing. I love you, Samantha Jackson."

"I love you too, Daniel Jackson."

"Think we have time to make love again?"

"I hope so."

"If we're late, we're late..." he whispered as he pressed her onto her back.

Sam put her hands on his hips, gently brushing her fingers across his skin. "Shit happens."

He gently parted her legs, settling between them. Nuzzling at her neck, he slowly thrust into her.

Sam arched beneath him, sighing softly as he filled and stretched her. "Daniel..."

"Enjoy, Sam... nice and slow..."

"So good..."

He hissed in a soft breath as he gently and slowly moved with in her with small almost imperceptible movements.

Sam lifted her head, capturing his lips in a slow, gentle kiss.

"So hot and tight," he whispered. "Your muscles grip and caress me. I love the feel of you around me. I love being buried deep within you."

She nuzzled his ear. "So long and thick... you stretch and fill me... love the feel of you inside me. Love being around you."

"Massage me, lover. Bring me off. I want to fill you. I want to come, buried deeply. I want to make you mine in all ways. As I am yours in all ways."

She clenched her muscles around him, massaging him. "Let go, Daniel..."

"Come with me, lover. I want to hear your soft gasps, feel your spasms around me, feel your body tensing as you come."

"Daniel," she gasped softly, her body tensing beneath his. "Oh, Daniel!"

He lengthened his strokes just slightly as they neared their release. "You are a hot sheath around me, warming and massaging me as I move within you. Warming me to the point that my blood is boiling with need..."

Sam arched beneath him, crying out. "Daniel!" she screamed as she came, her muscles spasming around him.

Daniel buried his length completely within her. "God... Sam!" he cried out, his voice mingling with hers as they came together.

She panted, fighting for each breath. "Jesus... that was amazing..."

"Will have to remember that..."

"Remember what?" she asked as she nuzzled his ear.

"How you react to slow and gentle."

"Love slow and gentle..."

"So I gathered."

Sam held him tightly, enjoying his weight above her.

"Wonder why we haven't been disturbed this morning..."

"I don't know. One way to find out."

Daniel moved off her. Reaching for the robes, he handed her one then slipped his on. He headed for the tent entrance and opened the flap. "Uh, Sam..."

She walked up beside him, her arm snaking around his waist. "Yeah."

"Look..."

"Holy Hannah... where is everyone?" she asked, noticing that all the other tents had been broken down. Their packs the only thing in the clearing. "Oh weird."

"They left us our stuff and a tray of food. Guess we can take the robes after all."

She smiled. "Oh good. Guess we should take the tent too?"

"And the furs?"

"Maybe we should leave the tent... it's a LONG walk."

"Seriously wouldn't mind one of those furs though."

"Let's take one then. A souvenir...'

"Two robes and a fur..."

Sam gently turned him to face her. "And our wedding bands..."

He smiled. "Yes, the best souvenir."

"Come on. We should pack up and head back to the rendezvous point."

"What time is it?"

She looked at her watch. "Uhm... you don't want to know."

"Wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know, dear."

"Well then, darling, you might want to sit down," she told him seriously.

"Samantha, love, just tell me."

"It's almost one o'clock."

"Five hours for a four hour hike. We should hustle our butts and get dressed."

"That's what I said five minutes ago." She kissed him lightly before walking out to get their packs.

He followed a step behind her, grabbing his pack and clothes. "One hell of a wedding night, you have to admit that."

"I enjoyed it." Sam picked up her uniform pants. "Hmmm... robes or uniform..."

"Wouldn't mind staying in the robes, but that would mean explaining things to Jack the moment he saw us."

"Going to have to explain anyway," she said.

"I know..." He smiled. "Up to you."

"Robes... they're comfy."

"Then let's pack up."

Sam stuffed her uniform in her pack and shouldered it. "Let's each take a fur and head out."

Daniel popped back into the tent and grabbed two furs. He stepped back out and handed her one. "Ready?"

Sam set her pack down and secured the fur with her bedroll. She then shouldered it again. She looked around the ruins. "I'm going to have fond memories of this place."

Daniel secured his fur in a similar manner. He stepped over and took her hand in his. "We both will. Wonder if it would be possible to come back for our anniversary or honeymoon?"

She twined her fingers with his. "That would be wonderful."

He gently squeezed her hand as the started off. "Sam?"

"Hmmm?"

"Just out of curiosity, but what are the chances of us coming away with more than just memories?"

"What do you mean?"

"What we talked about last night."

"You mean what are the chances I'm pregnant?"

"Yeah," he replied with a small smile.

She thought about it for a moment. "Not very good. Last week they would have been better."

"Oh..."

"But it's still possible." She gave his hand a squeeze.

"Time will tell..."

"Post-mission exam will tell."

"That soon?"

"Well, probably not... it does take a couple of days..."

"I should probably go out and buy some supplies when we get home..."

"You don't have to."

"Don't have to?"

"I'm ready to be a mom..."

"Just thought you wanted to wait until after our wedding on Earth..."

She thought about that for a moment. "That's actually not a bad idea."

"Then I need to shop... haven't had any use for... you know..."

"I know..."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence as they walked at a steady pace towards the rendezvous point.

"Want a candy bar?"

"That would be nice. Didn't exactly grab breakfast."

"No... we didn't. We could stop and have an MRE."

"I'm okay, but we can stop if you need one."

She shrugged, handing him a candy bar and fishing one out for herself. "I'm okay for now, but we didn't exactly eat dinner last night either."

"We can stop then..."

Sam walked over to a fallen tree and sat down on it. She pulled out two MREs, handing him one.

"Tastes like chicken," Daniel joked.

"Silly, for once it is chicken."

Daniel dramatically clutched at his heart, falling off the back of the small log to his back, knees and lower legs resting on the wood.

Sam rolled her eyes. "I married a ham."

"But you love ham."

"I love this ham," she said, patting his leg.

"And this ham loves you."

She offered him her hand. "Come here."

He took her hand as he sat up.

She pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "Finish your lunch."

"Yes, dear."

"Good boy."

"What's for dessert if I eat it all?"

Sam smiled at him. "If you got what I want to give you for dessert, we'd have to do double time to get back to the rendezvous point before our deadline."

"Tonight then?"

"Tonight... my place or yours."

"Yours. Fireplace."

She smiled. "We'll have to get a place with a fireplace."

"And a yard."

"A yard... with a small garden plot..."

"And room enough to build a play area..."

She looked at him. "I wonder if the General will allow us to continue working on the same team."

He looked up at her, eyes wide with shock, surprise, and worry. "Didn't think about that..."

She took his hand. "We'll work on him."

"What are the chances of him allowing us to?"

"I don't know. You aren't military, so it isn't against the regs... but.. I just don't know, Daniel."

"I love working with you..."

"Love working with you too. We'll figure something out."

"We will. And we should also be going."

Sam finished up her MRE and put the refuse back in her pack. "Ready when you are."

He followed suit, then stood up. "Ready."

Sam held her hands out to him. "Pull me up?"

He took her hands in his and pulled her to her feet. "Love you."

She put her arms around him, kissing him tenderly. "I love you too."

"Do you have any idea what the knowledge that you're wearing nothing but that robe is doing to me?"

"Same thing that knowing you're wearing nothing but that robe is doing to me."

"This is going to be one long walk."

"We can chat and play word association games like yesterday. We'll make it."

"No more games of tag."

"No tag," she agreed.

They started off down the path again. "So much has changed in just twenty-four hours."

"The structure of our lives, for one."

"Changed for the better."

"Yes."

"Couldn't have asked for a better change."

Sam brought his hand up to her lips, pressing a light kiss to it. "No, we couldn't have."

He pulled her closer as they walked. "Never been this happy before."

"Really?'

"Really."

"Neither have I."

"Have the woman of my dreams as my wife."

She looked over at him, smiling. "And I have the man of my dreams as my husband."

"Life is perfect."

"It is..." She leaned against him, smiling. "Wonder how the Colonel and Teal'c are doing."

"We should know in about an hour."

"I almost dread seeing them..."

"We'll face them together."

"Not so much worried about Teal'c..."

"He'll take it all in stride."

"Teal'c takes everything in stride."

"How do you think Jack's going to react?"

Sam shrugged. "I really don't know. He could make light of it... joke about it... or he could go ballistic... or he could congratulate us."

"You're nervous too aren't you?"

"A little," she admitted.

"A lot," Daniel admitted back.

"We're going to be fine... regardless of his reaction."

"Would rather he be happy for us, but you want to know something?"

"Always..."

"Screw him if he can't be."

"I'd rather screw you."

"Would rather you did too."

"Would love to... but we have a time limit... and you know he'll come looking for us if we're late."

"And that's not something we want him walking in on."

"No, it isn't... that's something I want to keep between you and me..."

"No sharing."

"None..."

"You and me."

"You and me... forever."

"Forever..." he softly repeated.

Sam turned to face him, gently caressing his cheek. "I love you."

He leaned in, gently kissing her. "Love you."

She returned the kiss. "Married..."

"My wife."

"Come on... let's go before we get carried away, husband."

"Lead on."

She started walking again, holding his hand in hers. "Gorgeous day."

"So's the company."

"That you are."

"Was talking about you, lover."

"And I'm talking about you."

He gently squeezed her hand. "Walking with my wife of one day in an idyllic forest... not the world's longest honeymoon, but it's definitely unique."

"So was our courtship... and our wedding ceremony. But that's what makes it special."

They arrived at the crossroads a few minutes later. Jack and Teal'c had not arrived yet. Daniel smiled as he slipped his pack off his shoulders. "We made good time."

"Very good time," she agreed. Sam slipped off her pack and let it fall to the ground.

He pulled her closer, slipping his arms around her. "Good company always makes a hike go faster."

She snuggled against him, resting her cheek on his shoulder. "Love being in your arms like this."

He rested his cheek against the top of her head. "Love holding you like this... the feel of you in my arms, against my body. The smell of your shampoo and perfume..."

"I don't wear perfume."

"The scent of you."

She nestled in closer, closing her eyes. "This is nice."

He ran an idle hand gently along her spine, lightly massaging. "Very nice," he murmured.

"Can't wait to get home... snuggle on the couch... in front of the fireplace."

"Take a nice long, hot bath together."

"I would love a bath..." she murmured.

"Then we could order in..."

"Chinese?"

"If that's what you want," he said with a smile.

"Yes."

"And then..."

"Hmmm?"

"We can make slow, passionate love..."

"All night long..."

"Exploring and teasing one another... learning what arouses the other the most..."

"Playing together... I put clean sheets on the bed before leaving... satin sheets..." Sam said in a sultry voice.

"Our bodies moving together as one, sliding along those sheets..."

A shiver went through Sam. "Daniel... please... if we don't change the subject, the Colonel and Teal'c are going to walk in on quite a scene..."

He smiled. "As it is, you'll be standing in front of me for a while..."

She chuckled. "You are wearing robes... they'd never notice."

"There are some things even robes can't hide completely..."

"True... I'd be happy to stand in front of you, my husband, to spare you any shame."

"Thank you, dear."

"You're welcome," she murmured contentedly.

"God, I love you," he whispered.

"Love you too, Daniel."

"Want you so badly right now..."

She nuzzled his neck. "I've wanted you since we left the ruins..."

"Wish we knew how long before the others got here..."

She looked at her watch. "They'll be here any minute."

"Damn," he softly growled.

She nuzzled his jaw. "Yeah... damn.."

"Wonder how late we could be before Jack came looking.."

"Not very late..." said Jack as he and Teal'c entered the clearing. "Nice robes. You two look mighty cozy."

They both looked over at him, neither making any move to step apart.

"What's going on, Carter?" he asked, amusement tingeing his voice.

Sam looked up at Daniel. "Just spending quality time with my husband, sir."

"Excuse me?" he asked, surprised.

"Sam and I ran into some locals last night. Everyone else was doing it, so we figure why not."

"Doing it? As in...?"

"Getting married."

"You're kidding, right?"

Daniel took Sam's left hand in his. He kissed the gold ring on her finger. "Nope."

"I need to sit down." Jack sat heavily on a log. "I can't leave you two alone for five little minutes."

"Actually it was more like a day, and we couldn't be happier."

"How inhabited can ruins be? I mean, you were supposed to figure out the significance of them and all."

"They can be quite inhabited on the day of one of their major religious festivals. And I'd say we did learn the significance of them. Quite well."

Jack looked at them, studying them. "So, out of the blue, no advanced warning, you two decide to get hitched... or is there something that you haven't been telling the rest of us?"

"We did have four hours to talk and walk yesterday. Some things came up...."

"Four hours?"

"From here to the ruins. We got there, found the party, were invited to join in. More talking ensued. We realised what was happening and boom, here we are."

"Married."

"Happily."

"Advil... aspirin... ibuprofen take me away!"

"You're not happy for us?"

"I didn't say that. I mean, you two look pretty comfortable with all of this... and seem happy together. And that's what counts. But I must say, Major, that wasn't part of the mission objective."

"Wasn't exactly on my to do list for yesterday either. The ceremony was already three-quarters over before we realised what was happening. Daniel didn't understand the local language."

One of Jack's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

"We'd already come to a few realisations before that point, and neither of us objected to continuing with the ceremony. We want to do it again on Earth in a few months..."

Daniel held her in a loose embrace. "I do love her, Jack."

"And I love him." Sam gently tightened her grip on Daniel in a hug.

Jack stood up and walked over to them. "Congratulations," he said with a smile. "This mean I can't flirt with you anymore, Major?"

She smiled. "You'd have to ask my husband."

Jack raised an eyebrow, questioningly. "Daniel?"

"I think everyone on base almost expects it..."

"I'd say that's a yes, Colonel."

"It's going to feel weird for a while." Jack shook his head. "Only you two though..."

"Only us two what?" Sam asked, resting against Daniel

"Could go off to look at some rocks and come back home hitched."

Sam pouted. "We don't do it on purpose."

Jack grinned. "I know, and that's what I mean about only you two... now, Daniel, in keeping with tradition, may I kiss the bride?"

Sam looked from Daniel to Jack. "Can't break tradition, now can we?" she said playfully.

Daniel slipped his arms from around her. "No we can't, and unless we keep the scoundrel happy he may insist we name our firstborn after him."

"Oh lord," said Sam. "Can't have that..."

"What's wrong with the name Jack?"

"Nothing... but it would be weird having a little girl named Jack."

"Jacqueline."

"Oh," said Sam. "I suppose maybe..."

"Jacqueline Charlene Jackson, has a nice ring don't you think?"

She fixed him with a look. "Shut up and kiss me."

He slipped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, pressing a gentle, chaste kiss to her lips.

Sam smiled as she felt his lips against hers. "Thanks, Sir."

"As long as you're happy and comfortable with everything, Carter."

"I am. Happy and comfortable.”

He squeezed his arm around her in a hug. "Then that's what counts."

Teal'c approached them. "Congratulations, SamanthaCarter, DanielJackson." He bowed slightly in their direction.

Sam smiled at him. "Thank you, Teal'c." She turned the smile towards Daniel. "We discussed it last night... I'm going to be taking Daniel's name."

"Oh lord... two Dr. Jacksons... one of them a Major to boot... damn..." teased Jack.

"The base will never be the same again."

Daniel pulled Sam back into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "They'll just have to get over it."

"Just wait for their reaction to the first little Jackson..."

Jack arched his eyebrows. "Uhm... you aren't...?"

Sam shrugged. "Don't know yet."

"Yet? You didn't use...?" he asked, waving his hand.

"Didn't have any."

Sam smiled. "We are married, Sir."

"For one day..."

"Not even a full day yet either," she said, resting her cheek on Daniel's chest.

"And you're ready for Jackson junior to come along?"

Sam shrugged. "I've always wanted kids."

"Yesterday morning you weren't even seeing anyone."

"True."

"Yesterday morning you were only friends and colleagues"

Sam looked up at Daniel. "I guess it was just meant to be."

"Well, campers, it's time to head back so you two can explain to the General how this was meant to be."

Sam sighed heavily. "That's one discussion I'm not looking forward to."

"You two danced, now it's time to pay the piper."

"I guess we'd better face the music, Daniel."

"Unless we want to stay here the rest of our lives, we should."

"Want to go home and soak in the tub."

"Then let's start walking."

Sam looked at Jack, then back at Daniel as she shouldered her pack. She tentatively reached for Daniel's hand. He picked up his pack, then took her hand, twining his fingers with hers. He gently squeezed her hand as he flashed her a reassuring smile.

"Okay, you two, time to move out."

Daniel took a step, gently pulling Sam with him.

She fell into step beside him. "That went well," she said softly, for his ears only.

"He's still in shock..."

"I think so..."

"Wonder how the General's going to react."

"If we're lucky, the same way the Colonel did."

"And if we're not?"

"I don't really know. He might put us on separate teams."

"God I hope not."

"I know..."

"We should ask about contacting your dad. He'd want to know..."

Sam smiled. "Yes, he would."

"Think he'll be happy?"

"I think so. He likes you a lot, Daniel."

"He'll be in shock... even more so than Jack."

"I doubt it. My dad knows me too well."

"So don't expect any lectures?"

"Not from my Dad. You're the first guy in my life he likes."

"That's reassuring to know."

"He likes Jack too, but told me if I started dating him, he'd disown me."

"Oops."

"Yeah, oops."

"Personality differences or the regs?"

"Yes."

"Both?"

"Actually it's the regs and the fact that he knows Jack and I are worlds apart when it comes to having things in common."

"But they say opposites attract."

"Not in my case."

"Thank goodness."

She smiled. "I love you."

"Love you too, Samantha."

A shiver went down her spine. "Say my name again..."

He leaned in, lips millimeters from her ear. "Samantha."

"Again..."

"Samantha," he softly breathed.

"Break it up, guys. This is going to be hard enough to explain without having to explain why we're late getting home," said Jack with a chuckle.

"We have to ditch him..." Daniel whispered with a smile.

"We do..."

"And fast."

"Don't make me separate you two..."

"He sure knows how to spoil a honeymoon."

"You two can celebrate when the General puts us on stand down."

"Yes, Jack."

Sam kissed Daniel gently. "I guess we have to behave."

"Aw shucks."

She kissed him again. "Come on. The sooner we get to the gate, the sooner we get home."

"Lead on."

She tugged his hand, guiding him in double time towards the gate.

Jack laughed. "Those two have it bad."

"Have what, JackO'Neill?"

"Never mind, Teal'c."

Teal'c watched Sam and Daniel and then looked back at Jack. "They are displaying odd behaviour."

"Odd?"

"Standing close together, caressing, kissing. Such behaviour is best reserved for time alone."

"Yes, but it's a little more tolerated in newlyweds."

Sam wrapped an arm around Daniel's waist. "Newlyweds..."

"That we are, wife."

"I don't recall asking for syrup with my day..."

"You didn't check the menu."

"Hahaha..." he said, a huge grin splitting his face. "You guys are just fine."

"It's called love, Jack."

"Did you two eat or drink anything? This is an awful sudden onset."

"Both."

"Bet they were laced."

"We aren't feeling anything we weren't before. The only difference is we've let each other know what we've been feeling."

"I just don't want to see either of you hurt by this..."

"We won't be."

Jack walked up to them and put an arm around each of them. "I just want you to be sure this is what you want."

"More than anything in the world, Jack."

"Carter? What about you?"

"I've never been happier, Sir."

He kissed her cheek. "Good. So, you said something about having a ceremony back home. When?"

"May first."

"Well, we'll have to have a party in your honour."

"A small ceremony. Family and friends."

"Where were you thinking of having it?"

"Somewhere on the mountain, at sunset with a bonfire reception afterwards."

"Sounds nice."

"Not very traditional in a modern sense, but considering last night, it's appropriate."

"It'll be a beautiful ceremony."

Daniel looked at Jack. "Would you be my best man?"

"I'd be honoured, Daniel."

"Couldn't have a ceremony without you guys."

"Teal'c, dial us home. Give the lovebirds a minute together."

The Jaffa nodded and walked over to the DHD, quickly dialling in the coordinate for home.

Sam waited for Jack to walk over to the DHD before wrapping her arms around Daniel. "Hi...”

"Hi, gorgeous."

"Guess we have a minute to ourselves..."

His arms slipped around her waist. "Should make the best of it."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, stepping closer to him. "We should..."

He lightly brushed his lips over hers. "Love you."

Sam smiled, returning the kiss. "I love you too."

"We're going to spend tonight making love..."

"Yes, we are." She kissed him again, her tongue gently caressing his lips.

He pulled her hips against his, his mouth opening to her request, allowing her entrance.

She threaded her fingers through his hair, kissing him passionately.

He slowly ground their hips together, deepening the kiss hungrily.

Sam moaned into his lips. "Daniel..."

"Want you," he moaned against her lips.

"Want you too."

"Too bad we couldn't get any privacy..."

"Not going to happen for a while..." she whispered.

"A frustrating long while."

"Very frustrating." She rubbed against him. "God, you're hard...”

"Not for long if you keep that up."

She smiled. "Would that be preferable to no relief?"

"Relief or explain the stain..."

"It'll just blend in with the robes..."

"Could wrap the fur around me..."

"Works for me..." she said softly, grinding against him.

"Oh god... Sam..." he moaned against her lips. His hands slid down, cupping her buttocks, massaging them with his fingers, urging her on.

She brought one hand between them, caressing his length as she kissed him deeply.

"Dear God," he moaned.

Sam smiled against his lips. "Let go..."

His head dropped to her shoulder. Burying his face, he muffled his soft cries.

"Let go," she repeated, squeezing his shaft gently as she stroked it.

Daniel bit down on her shoulder as he came, knees weakening.

She nuzzled his neck. "I love you..." she whispered as she gently released him.

He panted into her shoulder. "Love you," he whispered back. "God you live dangerously..."

She grinned. "Yeah, I suppose I do."

"Do we have an impatient audience?"

"They're minding their own business over by the DHD.. I think they know..."

"They'd be blind not to."

"At least you won't be squirming where you stand for a while."

"For a short while."

She examined him as she stepped back. "You're fine. They won't even notice."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Love you, Samantha Jackson."

"And I love you, Daniel."

"Let's go home."

She kissed gently one more time. "You guys can have the locker room first."

"Wish you and I could share it."

"Wish we could too."

"Tonight..."

"All night..."

"And tomorrow..."

"And the next night..."

"And the next day..."

"And every day after that..."

"Until we have to go back to work..."

"Don't go there yet..."

"Sorry."

She smiled. "Don't be."

"Want reality to stay away as long as possible."

“Well, we have one more dose of reality before we can go home."

He growled softly. "Let's go get this over with."

Sam held out her hand to him. "Together..."

"Forever."

She laced her fingers with his as they walked towards the Stargate. "Ready when you are, sir."

"Just waiting for you two."

She blushed brightly. "Sorry..."

"Just don't make a habit of it."

"No, sir, we won't."

Teal'c and Jack stepped through, leaving Daniel and Sam to follow.

"Hold my hand?" she asked.

"Always."

She pressed a kiss to his cheek as she guided them through.