A Serious Proposition

by SwordQueen

URL: http://area52hkh.net/ass/swordqueen/serprop.php
Summary: Colonel O'Neill catches Teal'c with a sexy female Goa'uld and is NOT happy about it!

General Hammond, Colonel Jack O'Neill, Captain Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson and the alien Jaffa, Teal'c, all sat around the conference room table having a debriefing. The SG-1 team had just returned from their latest mission on planet PX34299, a/k/a Kolofkus.

"What I'm trying to figure out, is whether or not this Shakaara woman is a potential threat to our objective!" General Hammond stated irritably. "So far, I've heard nothing to make me believe that she is not."

"Sir, I honestly don't believe that she is," Captain Carter stated. "None of us was ever in any *real* danger, and despite what happened with Teal'c, she never gave any indication that she intended us any harm."

The General didn't look convinced. "She possessed a Goa'uld inside of her that was as strong and as powerful as the one inside Apophis! Then with it she takes conscious control over the mind of the young, infant Goa'uld inside of Teal'c and then uses it as a means to manipulate him into doing her bidding!" The General shook his head from side to side. "I'm sorry, Captain, but that doesn't sound like the actions of a person who means no harm."

Seated next to Carter, Daniel sighed loudly and looked around the table; first at Jack, who was sitting across from him staring down at his hands; and then at Teal'c who was seated next to Jack and looking angry enough to punch a hole through the nearest wall. Realizing he wasn't going to get any help from either of the two, Daniel returned his attention to General Hammond. "Sir," he began, "I agree completely with Captain Carter. She and I were the first ones to encounter Shakaara. The woman looked right at us, but didn't say a word. In fact, she treated us as if we were of no significance to her at all. It wasn't until she spotted Teal'c that she began to show any interest -- and I suspect that the only reason she did so was because he was a Jaffa!"

The General acknowledged Daniel's statement with a nod, then turned to look questioningly at Jack and Teal'c. "Colonel O'Neill? Teal'c? You two have been pretty quiet during this debriefing. You were both there, and you, Teal'c, were the one attacked by this Shakaara woman, don't either of you have anything to say?"

"No, Sir," Jack replied, sharply.

"I have nothing further to add," said Teal'c.

General Hammond sat back in his chair. "Well, I'm afraid Gentlemen," he began in a loud voice, "that 'No Sir' and 'I have nothing further to add' are NOT what I want to hear! Now I want some answers, and I want them now!" he demanded angrily.

Teal'c looked over at the General and then glanced quickly at O'Neill. "I have told you all that I know," he stated almost stubbornly.

O'Neill looked over at Teal'c, but only for a second. The expression on his face was a mixture of anger, disappointment, and total humiliation.

Carter caught the exchange. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew both men well enough to know that they weren't going to get anything more out of either of them. "Sir," she interrupted, turning back to the General, "Teal'c is right. There really isn't anything more we can tell you."

"Well as I said before, Captain, I'm afraid that's just not good enough!" the General replied firmly.

Carter threw up her hands with frustration. "I understand how you feel, General, but I honestly don't know what else to say. Teal'c obviously wasn't harmed, and from what I could tell, Shakaara's interest in him appeared to be purely sexual, and nothing more."

O'Neill looked up sharply at Carter.

Sam paused, her attention temporarily fixed on the dark brown eyes now gazing at her with unconcealed anger. "Well . . . it's true," she stammered out nervously.

Jack didn't respond. Instead he returned his attention back to his hands.

Teal'c, however, was beginning to look very uncomfortable.

Sam looked over at the Jaffa. "Teal'c," she said. "You said yourself that Shakaara made no attempt to extract any vital or strategic information from you."

"Is this true, Teal'c?" General Hammond asked.

"Yes," Teal'c replied, glancing at Jack, "It is true. Her control over me was restricted to my body, not my mind. Although I was unable to resist her physically, my thoughts, as well as my feelings, were solely my own."

Teal'c's last statement was directed at Jack, but aside from a slight shrug, the Colonel chose to remain silent.

"Did you try to fight her control over you, Teal'c?" the General asked with concern.

"I could not. She focused her powers on the infant Goa'uld which I carry. Her hold on it was too strong, and it was much too young to resist her influence. Had I not cooperated with her, she could have done it irreparable harm." He turned to look directly at Jack. "This, I could not allow!"

If the General picked up that there was something going on between the two men, he didn't let on. "Do *you* believe Shakaara to be a threat to us, Teal'c?" he asked in a reasonable tone.

"No," Teal'c answered honestly. "Shakaara has not left Kolofkus for over 7 centuries. I do not believe she will do so now. She considers it her home. As long as we do not return and interfere with her personal goals, I believe she will leave us in peace."

"And just what do you believe her 'personal goals' are?" the General pressed.

"To protect herself and the lives of the people of her world. Although they obviously worship Shakaara, she does not rule over them. She has allowed them to develop naturally, and the only time she has ever interfered with their culture is when they have been threatened by outside forces."

"How do you know this, Teal'c?" Daniel asked.

Teal'c glanced down uncomfortably. "It was communicated to me." he said quietly.

Jack swirled his head around to look at the Jaffa. "HOW?" he asked in a nasty tone.

Teal'c looked up at Jack. "Some of the knowledge which the Goa'uld inside of Shakaara possessed was passed on to me through the telepathic link it maintained with the Goa'uld which I carry."

"But why would it do that?" Daniel questioned. "Why didn't it just take control of your Goa'uld's mind and leave it at that? Why feed it knowledge?"

Teal'c turned to Daniel. "I believe it was Shakaara's wish. She wanted me to know that she meant no harm. She believed that if I knew this it would make me more amenable to her advances."

With a loud sigh, Jack leaned back in the chair and folded his arms. "Well, apparently it worked!" he said sarcastically. "You couldn't have been more *amenable* if you tried!"

"COLONEL O'NEILL!" General Hammond yelled out angrily. "Unless you have something *important* to add, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from making anymore pointless statements!"

"Sorry, Sir," Jack said softly.

"Good," said the General before looking around the table at the others. "Now, I take it that the rest of you agree with Teal'c that this Goa'uld, Shakaara, is not a threat to us?" he asked.

"Yes," Carter stated.

"Yes, Sir," Daniel agreed.

"And you, Colonel O'Neill?" General Hammond asked, looking directly at Jack.

Jack sighed and rubbed at his eyes. "Yeah . . . yeah, whatever," he said impatiently. "Can we just get outta here now?"

The General looked, for a moment, as if he wanted to physically hurt O'Neill, but instead he took a deep breath and turned his attention back to the others. "I will carefully consider what information you have provided me. When I have made a decision as to how best to handle things, I'll get back to you. Until that time, you are all on temporary leave. Dismissed!"

Jack was the first to rise. He jumped up out of his seat and quickly headed toward the door. The General, Captain Carter and Daniel all stood up and watched as he left, but Teal'c stayed where he was, obviously deeply troubled.

Sam looked over at the Jaffa with concern. She glanced inquiringly at Daniel, who shook his head and took hold of her arm, indicating they should leave. She paused for a moment, then relinquished, and quietly followed Daniel out of the room, leaving Teal'c alone with his thoughts.

***

A few hours later, Teal'c sat in the locker room and pulled on his T-shirt. He had just taken a long shower, and was now preparing to get dressed. Although his hands moved automatically, his mind was fraught with thoughts of O'Neill. He and the Colonel's friendship had just recently evolved into a tentative, yet very intense intimate relationship. During that time, Teal'c had found that his feelings for O'Neill had grown far more quickly then he could ever have imagined they would. Overall, things between them had been progressing rather well -- until now.

After putting on his pants, Teal'c reached down and picked up his belt and carefully slid it through the small loops at his waist. Suddenly, he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. Turning quickly, he spotted the tall, slender form of Colonel O'Neill as he stood quietly in front of the locker room entrance.

"O'Neill," Teal'c said. "I did not hear you enter."

Jack nodded his head and pursed his lips. "Yeah, well . . . putting your belt on requires a lot of concentration. Sometimes I can get pretty caught up in it myself."

Teal'c's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked carefully at O'Neill. He was fairly certain that the man was attempting to make fun of him somehow. "Yes. I have found that if I miss even one of the little hoops, my pants do not fit me as well."

Jack smiled slightly. "Yeah. That can be a real bummer."

Several very long seconds went by.

Finally, Jack put his hands in his pockets and began bouncing nervously on the balls of his feet. "Teal'c?" he began. "I was thinking. Since the General has given us a little time off, I figured I'd spend the next couple of days at the house." He paused then, and looked directly at his Jaffa companion. "I . . . uh . . . well, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me. I thought maybe we could . . . talk . . . or something."

Teal'c carefully considered O'Neill's offer. He knew that it had not been easy for the other man to come to him. "I would like that," he responded solemnly.

They continued to stare at each other for a long moment. It was clear that, despite the awkwardness between them, making things right again was something they both wanted.

Jack breathed in deeply and took a few tentative steps toward his massively built friend. Then abruptly, he stopped, less than two feet away. "Good," he said, looking at Teal'c. "I'll go tell the General that you'll be staying with me for a few days. When I'm done, I'll meet you at the base entrance, okay?"

Teal'c nodded.

"Great! I'll see you in a few," then he turned and quickly left the room.

***

The ride to Jack's house normally took about an hour, and the two men had been driving in silence for just over 45 minutes. Glancing over at his companion, Teal'c noticed that there were several occasions when it seemed as if Jack wanted to say something, but for some reason would decide against it. Teal'c briefly considered asking O'Neill outright what was on his mind, then decided it would be best to be patient.

"We should be at the house in about 10 minutes," Jack said lightly a short time later.

It wasn't what Teal'c had hoped to hear, but it was a start.

"It just occurred to me, though . . ." Jack continued, ". . . I don't really have much at the house in the way of food. Are you hungry?"

"No," Teal'c answered. "I had something to eat at the base."

Jack glanced quickly over at his friend. "Good. Most of the stores in the area would be closed by now anyway. We can pick up some food in the morning."

Teal'c turned to Jack and raised an eager eyebrow. "Can we go to the Superstore?" he asked with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Jack smiled with amusement.

Teal'c noted that it was the first time that O'Neill had smiled since they had returned from their mission.

"Only if you promise not to embarrass me like you did the last time," Jack stated teasingly before turning back to watch the traffic.

Teal'c frowned. "It was not my intention to embarrass you. If you had allowed *me* to pass the groceries through the scanner device then it would not have been necessary for the store guards to detain us."

Jack chuckled at the memory. "Okay, okay! I'll let *you* scan the groceries this time. You happy now?"

Satisfied, Teal'c nodded and turned back around to gaze out the window. They were quickly approaching O'Neill's house. A few minutes later, they arrived.

"Teal'c. Why don't you take the bags inside. I'll go put the jeep in the garage," Jack said as he pulled to a stop.

"Very well," Teal'c replied as he opened the door and climbed out. "Will your house make that loud noise again?"

Jack grinned. "Don't worry about it, Teal'c," he said, holding out his hand. "Here are the keys. When you get to the door, punch in the sequence of numbers engraved on the keychain and the alarm will shut off. You think you can handle that?"

Teal'c studied the alien figures on the keychain. "I believe I can," he said.

"Great. I'll meet you inside in a couple of minutes then."

After parking the car, Jack entered the house. Pausing at the door, he reached to his right and flipped on the switch embedded in the wall. He blinked as the lights in the hallway came on.

"It is cold in here," he heard Teal'c say from where he stood, further down the hall.

"Yeah, I noticed," Jack replied. "Why don't you take the bags into the back room, and I'll go see about the heat."

"Very well," Teal'c said.

***

After entering Jack's bedroom, Teal'c put down the bags and sat down on the bed. As he glanced around the room, he recalled fondly the first time O'Neill had brought him to his home.

The Colonel had invited him to come stay with him during a weekend break from their work on the Stargate Project. He had promised Teal'c that he would show him around his world. They had spent the whole day together and each had found that they had enjoyed the other's company very much. Jack had introduced him to one of his favorite earth beverages, beer, and after downing a couple of six packs (as O'Neill referred to them), they were both feeling much more relaxed -- a little too relaxed. What had started off as a random discussion about the diverse mating practices common to their individual worlds, had quickly turned into a more "intimate" exploration.

Teal'c looked down at the bed and rubbed his hands smoothly across the thick quilt which covered it. He recalled vividly how amazing O'Neill's body had felt against his own the first time they had come together as lovers. He could still remember the loud moans of pleasure Jack had made as their passion grew.

He leaned over the quilt and sniffed at it deeply. The thick fabric still held Jack's unique scent. "Umm!" he moaned softly as he closed his eyes with longing. He wanted so desperately to hold him in his arms once more. But, when he opened his eyes back up, the reality of their situation came flooding back. Teal'c sat back and took a deep cleansing breath. Somehow, he would find a way to work things out with O'Neill. He was not going to let what had happened with Shakaara come between them. Glancing down at the bags, he stood up and began to unpack. For now, at least, he would do all that he could to maintain the delicate truce which currently existed between them.

***

Having turned on the heating system, Jack strode lightly down the hall which led to his bedroom. As he approached the entrance, he stopped, virtually frozen in his tracks. Leaning over the bed, rummaging through his dufflebag, was the glorious, half-naked form of Teal'c. He had removed his T-shirt and appeared to be looking in his bag for another one to replace it.

During the time he had known the Jaffa, Jack had frequently seen the man in various stages of undress. Usually, he would avert his eyes or do whatever he could to preserve his friend's privacy, but there were times -- like this one -- when he simply couldn't prevent himself from staring. He honestly didn't think he could ever tire of looking at that amazing body. The simple fact was that the tall, dark skinned, massively built Jaffa was one of the most incredibly attractive men he had ever laid eyes on!

After having found another T-shirt, Teal'c straightened and bent his head slightly so that he could pull on the shirt. As he lifted his arms up to do so, through he corner of his eye, he caught sight of O'Neill standing in the doorway watching him. Turning toward his friend, Teal'c was somewhat surprised to see the hungry look which was etched on the man's face. But even more to his surprise (and delight) was the sight of the prominent bulge currently protruding from O'Neill's pants. Teal'c's pulse began to quicken at the sight.

"O'Neill?" he questioned hoarsely.

Jack blinked, then looked away in an attempt to regain his composure. "Teal'c," he said distractedly, before clearing his throat. "Looks like you've pretty much taken care of things in here."

"Yes. I have already unpacked your bag and put your clothing away." Teal'c responded.

Jack's expression was preoccupied as he walked slowly into the room. Even as he approached his well muscled friend, his eyes kept straying to gaze longingly at the smooth, dark chest, the strong, broad shoulders, the rippling muscles, and that thick, full mouth that he was just dying to taste. When he finally stopped a few seconds later, his eyes were *still* fixed on that delicious mouth.

Teal'c could see how badly O'Neill desired him, but he was determined not to make any sudden moves. The voracious expression on his companion's face was virtually irresistible. Teal'c found that the closer O'Neill came to him, the more labored his own breathing became, and by the time the other man had stopped in front of him, he was practically gasping for air.

Jack took another step closer. He could feel the heat of Teal'c's breath on his face. He knew the Jaffa wanted him just as much as he wanted the Jaffa. Teal'c had never been very good at hiding his emotions. The more Jack thought about it, the more he realized that neither of them had the strength to continue fighting the craving which was consuming them both. "Teal'c," he said in a hoarse whisper as he leaned in closely and gently brushed his lips across the Jaffa's mouth.

He suddenly found himself encircled by two strong arms, and his mouth forced open by amazingly soft, full lips. For a moment, he felt as if he were drowning. But he didn't panic or try to fight what was happening. Instead, he allowed himself to become lost in the intensity of the erotic feelings and sensations flowing through his body. Never before had he known anyone who could make him feel the way Teal'c did. Several minutes went by before either of them could find the strength to pull away, and even then, it was only because of their mutual need to breathe. The two stood bent over in front of one another for a minute, gasping loudly as their lungs refilled with air, each trying his best to regain control over himself.

Panting heavily, Jack looked up at Teal'c. "No!" he blurted out between gasps. "I promised myself that I wouldn't let this happen -- and I meant it! You and I still have some things we need to clear up."

Teal'c inhaled deeply. His own anger was beginning to return. "Despite what you may believe, O'Neill, I did NOT betray you!"

Jack closed his eyes with frustration. "I saw you with her, Teal'c!" he shouted angrily. "I *saw* you! You looked right at me, for cryin' out loud! Yet, you *still* made love to her!" Jack's said with a shaky voice. "Damnit, Teal'c! You STILL made love to her!" he repeated again, just as shakily, hurt and anger evident in his face.

Jack had become so upset that his eyes were beginning to burn. Embarrassed, and feeling more than a bit humiliated, he turned sharply around and took a few steps away from his friend. But, before he could get any further, Teal'c seized him from behind, and Jack suddenly found himself pressed up firmly against the solid wall of the other man's body. Jack shut his eyes with defeat. He knew he had neither the strength nor the desire to pull away.

Teal'c was aware of how hurt and angry O'Neill was, but he could not allow his cherished friend to walk away. He so desperately needed to hold him, to touch him, to taste him. He *needed* to show this man how much he meant to him. Gently, he began kissing and nibbling lightly at Jack's neck, then gradually, he moved to his ear and began sucking gently at the lobe. He knew O'Neill would not try and resist him, and the soft moans emanating from his friend all but confirmed this.

"Is this what it was like, Teal'c?" Jack asked in a breathless whisper as he languished helplessly in his lover's strong arms. "Is this how she made you feel?"

Teal'c stopped what he was doing. "NO!" he stated loudly as he twirled Jack around to face him. "It was NEVER like this with her!"

Jack felt his body jerk as Teal'c moved his hand down to the small of his back, pressing their hips closer together. Any further ideas he may have had about resisting disappeared immediately. His own erection had been straining against his pants now for some time, but what he felt against his crotch when Teal'c pushed their hips together made his eyes roll up in his head with longing.

Relinquishing the last shred of dignity he had left, Jack reached out and grabbed his friend and then pushed him down hard on the bed. In less than a minute, he had stripped off his clothes, relieved Teal'c of what was left of his, and had the Jaffa literally screaming in agonized pleasure as he took his lover's large, engorged cock into his mouth and sucked him until he came with an extended shudder and a loud cry!

As he felt Teal'c go limp, Jack released the other man and collapsed bonelessly along side his lover on the bed. Through slitted eyes, he watched as Teal'c's sweat drenched body gradually came back under control. Although in actual years, Teal'c was at least a couple of decades older than Jack's 40, physically, he was in prime condition -- even better due to the presence of the life extending Goa'uld within him. As a result, Jack didn't even blink when a few short minutes later, Teal'c rolled himself over on top of him. The hazy look in his eyes as he stared hungrily at Jack made it clear that he was anything but finished. Jack gave a satisfied smirk. He knew Teal'c wouldn't let him down.

With O'Neill pinned underneath him, Teal'c wasted no time. The feel of the other man's hands as they roamed across his body told him just how desperately he was wanted. His first thought as he looked into Jack's lust filled eyes was to plunge himself deep inside of the man, but he quickly dispensed with the idea. Although he knew from experience that O'Neill sometimes enjoyed a little rough play, he knew in his heart that to do so now would be a mistake. What Jack needed most at this time was to know beyond a doubt just how much he cared for him, and Teal'c was determined to show him. He leaned down and caught Jack's mouth is a long and tender kiss, and soon he and O'Neill became completely immersed in one another. Their hands roamed freely across the warm flesh of each other's body and their tongues dueled gently with each other during their mutual explorations. Teal'c could feel O'Neill shudder with arousal, and both men began to groan loudly as their intimacy intensified and their bodies became more responsive.

Freeing Jack's mouth, Teal’c began licking and kissing his way down the length of Jack’s torso. When he reached his nipples, which were already taut with excitement, he began licking and sucking gently at the small, round nubs. He lingered in the area for a few minutes longer before he felt the tight grip of O'Neill hands as they pushed down on his head, silently urging him to go lower. Getting the message, he eased his way further downward until he had reached Jack's navel. Once there, he began darting his tongue quickly in and out of the small indentation in a demonstration which was agonizingly similar to what both men knew was soon to come.

"Teal'c!" Jack called out loudly with obvious frustration.

The Jaffa's satisfied smile soon faded when he again felt O'Neill's hands on his head, forcing him down even further. Conceding defeat, Teal'c happily resumed his oral journey and was soon face to face with the throbbing fullness of his lover's erection. At last he had reached his destination.

Jack's hips were already moving by the time he felt the hot wetness of Teal'c's mouth as it took him inside. He could feel Teal'c's hand as it cupped his balls while that wonderful tongue carefully circled the head of his cock. Jack didn't even try to contain his excitement. "Damn you, Teal'c!" he called out breathlessly. "Damn you for making me feel like this!"

Teal'c continued his task for a few minutes longer. He could tell that O'Neill was on the verge of cumming. Gently, he removed his friend's cock from his mouth then leaned over and kissed his friend on his stomach as he grabbed him by the hips and lifted him slightly up.

Gasping heavily, Jack opened his eyes and looked up at Teal'c, then nodded his head quickly as he gazed into the questioning depths of his lover's eyes.

Although from another planet, Teal'c was physically human, but the Goa'uld inside of him altered his physiology in such a way that there were certain characteristics that he possessed which most *normal* human beings did not. One of these characteristics was an amazing ability for self-lubrication. The slight discharge, or precum, that most human males emit during their initial stages of arousal was, for Teal'c, dramatically increased. Essentially, he gave off enough of the stuff that he could effectively lubricate not only himself, but his partner as well.

Carefully, Teal'c rubbed at his own throbbing erection until he had coated his hand with a generous supply of the biological lubricant.

Jack lifted himself up, granting his lover free access to the small opening in his rear. First, he felt the warm grip of a hand as it clutched at his cock and began to pump at it slowly. Then he felt the wet slickness of first one, then two large fingers as they gently inserted themselves inside of his body and carefully proceeded to stretch and expand his small opening. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Seconds later, he felt Teal'c's fullness as he slowly inserted himself deep inside of him.

Teal'c watched O'Neill closely as he began a slow thrust in and out, in and out. He stared with delight as Jack's eyes rolled up in his head, his mouth hanging open in a silent scream of torturous pleasure. Teal'c loved the feel of being inside the man and reveled in the profound pleasure he derived from the tight, moist depths of his body. Gripping more firmly at Jack's cock, he moaned contentedly as his hand began to pick up the rhythm.

The two stayed interlocked this way, riding out their pleasure for as long as they could. But by the time he heard the loud groan, and felt the warm wetness of Jack's ejaculate as it flowed down his hand, he too was way past the point of no return.

***

A couple of hours later, Jack and Teal'c were lying under the covers, spooned up against each other and trying their best to get some sleep. After their lovemaking, they had talked a little about what had happened with Shakaara and had finally managed to clear things up. Teal'c's arm was thrown possessively across Jack's waist and Jack . . . well, he was just lying there, basking in the warm comfort of his lover's embrace. He was just about to drift off to sleep when he suddenly felt something slick and solid rub up against his rear.

"Teal'c! Stop that!" Jack whinned tiredly.

Teal'c shifted his position alongside Jack. "Stop what?" he asked with genuine puzzlement.

"You know what I'm talking about, Teal'c." Jack said as he situated himself more comfortably. "Now, go back to sleep."

Teal'c did as he was told.

Less than a minute later, Jack felt it again. "Teal'c!" he called out again. "Stop it! I mean it this time!"

Teal'c glanced down. "I have done nothing," he said calmly.

Jack lifted his head up off of the pillow and turned to look at his friend. "Oh, yeah! Right! I'm sorry. It must have been that other big, horny, guy with a large gold serpent symbol on his head, rubbing himself up against my ass," he said sarcastically. "I sometimes get the two of you confused."

Teal'c let go of Jack and turned over onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. "I did nothing," he stated somewhat defensively. "It was the Goa'uld."

Sitting up, Jack glanced down quickly at Teal'c's covered stomach. "Excuse me?"

"I said it was the Goa'uld, that you felt. It was attempting to familiarize itself with you."

Jack didn't miss the hurt tone in his friend's voice. Pulling the covers quickly off of Teal'c, he managed to barely catch sight of the small, eel-like creature as it carefully reinserted itself back into Teal'c's belly.

"Now, let me get this straight," Jack said as he scratched at his head. "You're trying to tell me that it was *Junior* rubbing up against my ass just now?"

"That is correct."

"And he was trying to 'familiarize' himself with me?"

"That is also correct."

Jack sat up and furrowed his brow.

Teal'c could tell that O'Neill was still confused.

"Okay," Jack finally said. "I'll bite." Then looking pointedly at Teal'c he asked, "Why?" purposely drawing the word out.

Teal'c looked slightly uncomfortable. "Because it is a part of me." He paused and turned to face his lover. "And it knows now that you are as well."

Jack stared at Teal'c for a long moment. His lips moved as if to speak, but it was at least a minute before he was able to find his voice. "You mean it can . . . sense what you're feeling?" he asked carefully.

"Yes. It experiences everything that I do," Teal explained.

Jack nodded slowly as he tried to comprehend what Teal'c was telling him. "Okay. So, how come Junior's never done this before? I mean, it's not like it's our first time together or anything."

Teal'c sat up. His dark eyes burrowed deep into Jack's. "It was not necessary before," he stated decisively.

Jack stared at his friend, not sure if he was really deserving of the unspoken affection he saw reflected in the Jaffa’s eyes.

Teal'c smiled slightly, and lifted his hand up to glide it gently along Jack's arm.

Jack felt his face begin to flush, and, embarrassed, looked down quickly. He watched as Teal'c's large hand caressed the hairs on his arm with a touch as delicate as that which one might use on the soft down of a baby bird. Instinctively, he reached over and covered Teal'c's hand with his own.

"Teal'c?" he asked quietly, before clearing his throat. "You're not getting . . . well . . . *serious* on me here are you?"

Teal'c let go of his hand and looked away. "I would not want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable," he responded, lifting an eyebrow.

Jack smiled fondly at Teal’c. "Good. I was worried there for a minute that you might have mistaken my jealous and possessive behavior earlier as an indication of something more serious."

Teal'c said nothing, he merely looked at his friend before leaning back and stretching out more comfortably on the bed. He knew how O'Neill felt about him. He did not need to hear the words.

Jack positioned himself more cozily alongside his big teddy bear of a lover and leaned over to gently rest his head on Teal'c's broad shoulder. Carefully, he rubbed his hand over the Jaffa's perforated stomach, gently running his fingers along the entrance to the infant Goa'uld's anatomical domain. "So," he began in a slightly bemused tone, "Junior likes me, huh?"

Teal'c wrapped his arm around Jack. "It has no choice," he stated definitively.

Jack smiled broadly. "So does this mean we're like, engaged, or something?" he asked with amusement.

Teal'c turned toward Jack and gently kissed his forehead. "You are not attempting to get serious on *me,* are you O'Neill?" he asked in a mocking tone.

Jack gave his lover an affectionate grin. "Who me?" he asked with feigned innocence."

Teal'c smiled and began softly rubbing his hand up and down Jack’s arm.

"So what do you think, Teal'c?" O'Neill asked after a while. "Will the General give us permission to let you move off the base and come live here with me?"

Teal'c thought about it for a moment. "I have seen stranger things happen."

Jack laughed and snuggled closer to Teal'c. "Well, let's hope so. I'd really hate to think what Junior might do if he couldn't rub up against my ass every night."

The Jaffa’s eyes began to glaze over with amusement as he considered the absurdity of O’Neill’s last statement. Then, as he reached over to pull his beloved friend into a warm embrace, he actually started to laugh out loud.

THE END