     AUTHOR: Brian'na RATING: PG-13 for sexual situations PAIRING: Sam/Daniel (is there any other?) SPOILERS: None DEDICATION: To Becc, for the thorough beta-ing and much more. To the SDR, for keeping me inspired. DISCLAIMER: None of these characters are mine. I'm just borrowing them to write a non-profit story for entertainment purposes. Oh yeah, and I might decide to keep Daniel out on permanent loan. “Cupid,” Colonel O’Neill repeated disbelievingly from across the briefing table. “As in...Cupid.” Daniel nodded slowly from his seat next to Sam. “Cupid, Eros; The god of love had a different name in each – ” “A naked baby with wings?!” Daniel caught Sam’s eye and she flashed a look of sympathy. Turning back to O’Neill, Daniel arched his eyebrows and tilted his head - which meant, Sam realized, that he was about to be diplomatic when he felt like shouting. “Well, that is one way he was represented.” Daniel replied reluctantly. “But Eros – ” “Does it strike anyone else as odd,” the colonel interrupted again, “that a freakin’ Goa’uld would choose to be named after the god of love?” Well at least he’d listened that far, Sam thought to herself. She watched silently as Daniel sighed and tried again. “Well, when you think about it,” Daniel began, “Eros is a very influential mythological character. Love is a very powerful emotion, after all. In mythology, Eros’ efforts often started wars.” “Oh please. Don’t give me that ‘power of love’ crap.” O’Neill guffawed. “If this Goa’uld can’t come up with anything better than Cupid, I say we ignore him and focus on the real bad guys.” He looked around the table, as if he was signaling for back-up troops. “I agree with Daniel....Sir,” Sam put in. Okay, so a stirring counter-argument it wasn’t. But when she agreed with Daniel’s point of view over her Commanding Officer’s, as was often the case, usually all she could do was say so. Usually, all she had to do was say so. Either the Colonel would see reason, or he wouldn’t. And if she got into any more impassioned discussion, she could end up saying something she definitely shouldn’t be saying to a higher-ranking officer. At least, not at the briefing table. What she told him on their down-time...Well, that was a different story. But for now, she’d just say she agreed with Daniel – implying by inference that she disagreed with the Colonel – and hope that was enough. Daniel flashed her a smile of gratitude, and she knew it was enough for him. “I do not believe the Tok’ra would have requested our assistance if the matter was not of great importance,” Teal’c spoke up. “I’m inclined to agree,” General Hammond put in. “General....” O’Neill began to protest in anticipation of Hammond’s decision. “Judging from previous experience, Colonel, if the Tok’ra think this is important, we’d better pay attention.” Hammond insisted. The Colonel groaned, but kept his comments on the Tok’ra to himself this time. “What exactly did Jacob tell you about the matter, Major?” Hammond asked, turning his attention to her. “Well, sir,” Sam began, “he said that Eros has been laying low since the Tok’ra got the better of him several centuries ago.” “Obviously, they didn’t get enough of him if he’s still around.” O’Neill griped. Ignoring her CO, Sam continued. “Apparently, Eros has resurfaced and has begun gaining support rapidly. Lately, though, there seems to be some confusion and discord within his ranks. The Tok’ra feel that if we strike quickly, we can prevent him from becoming a future threat.” “I thought the Tok’ra wanted us to keep more Goa’uld around, for Anubis’ sake.” The Colonel pointed out with relish. “So they could fight it out with each other, and keep Mr. Dark Side of the Force from becoming all-powerful. What’s so special about Cupid?” “Eros.” Daniel insisted wearily. O’Neill waved his hand dismissively. “Potatoe, potato.” "Sir," Sam directed her remarks at the General rather than the Colonel. "For whatever reason, the Tok'ra believe that this particular Goa'uld is too dangerous to be allowed to gain power. Dad told me that they've gathered enough intel to make it work, but there aren't enough Tok'ra operatives available. However, the Council is in unanimous agreement that Eros needs to be dealt with, and soon. That’s why they came to us." General Hammond nodded decisively. "That’s good enough for me. I'm authorizing SG-1 and SG-6 to assist the Tok'ra in this matter. Colonel, have your teams ready to depart in 4 hours." "Yes sir." * * * * "Well, that was a piece of cake." Colonel O’Neill muttered, surveying the destruction from where they stood in Eros' lab. "How many is that you owe us now?” He added, slapping Jacob on the back. "You do realize Eros got away?" Jacob replied, decidedly unimpressed. "With his tail between his legs - and without his cronies," O’Neill replied, gesturing to where many of Eros' troops lay on the floor. "Judging by this lab, sir, the biggest coup may be that he left without all this." Sam said, gesturing around her. They were standing in a dimly lit room. One wall was lined with clear, topless crates of varying sizes. In the room’s center sat a tall, lengthy table covered with several unfamiliar instruments and dozens of vials. “Do you know what any of this does, Carter?" "At the moment? No, sir.” "Teal'c, have you seen anything like this before?" Daniel asked as he surveyed the room slowly. "Indeed I have not, DanielJackson." Sam turned to her father. "Do the Tok'ra know what Eros was trying to accomplish here?" It was Sel’mac that answered. "I am unaware of any intelligence reports regarding this laboratory. We should appropriate as much of this as we can, but be careful." O’Neill sighed. “Fine. I’ll radio SG-6 and we can start hauling this stuff through the ‘Gate.” He stepped out of the room momentarily. Daniel was squatting to assess the crates’ contents. “I think there’s some tablets underneath here,” he mumbled, almost to himself. “Need a hand, Daniel?” Sam stepped nearer when she noticed him struggling to lift something out of the crate. “Yeah,” Daniel acquiesced. “It’s heavier than it looks, ” he added in a mockingly macho tone which was a dead-on impression of too many Air Force men Sam knew. Men who were reluctant to accept any kind of help from a woman, even if she was an Air Force officer. Or perhaps, especially if she was an Air Force officer. Apparently, Daniel had noticed that too. Sam grinned accommodatingly at his impression, then swung her P-90 behind her back and crouched down across from him to help lift. The object, which was alarmingly heavy, was a gold pyramid shape with access panels on all three sides, and support grips protruding from the base. As they raised it out of the crate, they had to shift their hands to get a better grip. “You okay?” Daniel asked, noticing her jerk suddenly. “Yeah,” Sam said. “I must’ve... I just got a chill, that’s all.” They set the pyramid on the table and Daniel rifled through the tablets that had been underneath. Sam glanced over his shoulder at them, even though she couldn’t read a word of it. “Well, it appears like most of these are just inventory logs,” he said, disappointed. “Maybe you’ll discover something useful when you have more time to work on it,” Sam offered. Jacob was looking at the small pyramid thoughtfully. “Actually, I think it would be better if the Tok’ra worked on it.” “Oh-kay.” Daniel said. “No offense, Danny.” Jacob said quickly, “but Sel’mac thinks he might recognize this.” Daniel and Sam raised their eyebrows simultaneously. “Really? What is it?” Sam asked. Jacob shook his head. “I’m not sure. But I think the Tok’ra may be able to answer that.” * * * * “You’re sure we’re gonna get the 411 on this stuff when you guys are done with it?” Colonel O’Neill prodded, as they were loading up. “Absolutely. I personally guaranteed it to General Hammond when we made radio contact.” Jacob insisted. “You trust me, don’t you Jack?” “You, yes.” O’Neill replied. “The rest of the Tok’ra, not so much.” Sam turned away from the conversation and started gathering up items from the lab. Her eyes roamed to her left, where Daniel was shunning his fatigue jacket, letting it slip gently over the ripple of his gently muscled arms. He bent over to grip one crate, and his pants outlined the firm– “Car-ter!” Sam turned sharply, and spoke as nonchalantly as she could manage. "Sir?" O’Neill looked at her quizzically. “I asked you to load those crystals onto F.R.E.D. Three times.” Sam looked down at the crystals in her hand as if seeing them for the first time. “Sorry, sir.” Seeing the colonel was still looking at her strangely, she added hastily, “I was just...calculating the energetic capacity of these crystals. You know, based on their approximate mass and –“ “Just load them up, Carter,” O’Neill interrupted, quickly losing interest. “Yes sir.” Sam said, ducking her head guiltily. She just lied to her CO. Screw that, she was just ogling her best friend. What am I doing? She chastened herself silently. * * * * “...And we all lived happily ever after.” O’Neill finished his mission recap sardonically. Sam hadn’t heard the beginning of his speech, because across from her seat at the briefing table, Daniel was deep in thought. Which wasn’t unusual, per se, but he also happened to be caressing his upper lip with his tongue. With an effort, Sam turned her attention back to her commanding officers. “And Jacob thinks the Tok’ra will be able to uncover what Eros’ lab was for?” Hammond asked. “Yes, sir.” Sam answered. “The principal object in the lab was a small, pyramid-shaped device. Judging by its weight, it probably uses some sort of naquadah-based power source. We have no idea what it’s purpose is, but Sel’mac vaguely recalled a legend centering around a similar object.” “But he couldn’t recall any details?” “No, sir.” “Very well.” Hammond nodded. “It appears we’ll have to wait until the Tok’ra initiate contact to learn anything further.” * * * * As Sam’s lips claimed Daniel’s, his hands slid underneath her shirt and up her back, sending shivers through her spine. She grabbed onto his fatigue jacket with both hands, pulling it off his chest and ripping buttons heedlessly. He leaned into her, lowering her until she was sandwiched between the hard surface of Daniel’s desk underneath, and the warmth of his body above. As his arms gently pinned down her own, Daniel’s lips moved from her mouth to linger on her neck, then down her chest. “I love you...Samantha...Carter...” Daniel mumbled between kisses. “Daniel...” Sam whispered breathlessly as his lips explored her skin. She freed her arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him down to her until there was no space left between their bodies. They both jumped suddenly as his phone rang loudly in her ear... Sam’s eyes jerked open, as the phone continued to ring - only she wasn’t in Daniel’s lab. She had been working in her own. At least, before her mind wandered, she’d been working. She took a moment to steady her rapid breathing before answering the phone cautiously. “Hello?” “I thought you’d still be here.” “Hey Janet.” Sam breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been half-hoping, and half-dreading, that it was Daniel calling, and she didn’t think she could handle listening to his voice right now. His masculine, mellifluous voice that spoke so many languages so articulately. A voice that she could hear echoing in her head. I love you Samantha Carter. “Sa-am?” Janet called into the phone. “Sorry, what did you say?” Sam said hurriedly. “I’ll tell you tomorrow. It’s late, go home.” Janet insisted. “Janet...” Sam could have told Janet she wasn’t the least bit tired, that in fact she couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt this awake off-duty after midnight. She could have told Janet that the reason she was distracted had nothing to do with fatigue. “Yeah?” Janet prodded. She could have told Janet that she was having racy dreams about her best friend. “Nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hanging up the phone, Sam looked down at her desk and noticed that her notes for the entire evening consisted of just two paragraphs. It didn’t look like she’d be getting much work done tonight – she’d have to find some other way to pass the evening. Sam drummed her fingers on the desk impatiently, feeling as if she could bounce off the walls. She definitely had to find an outlet for her energy. Deciding on the base’s gym facilities, she jumped out of her chair. She exited her lab and ambled down the corridor, intent on the locker rooms. “Hey Sam.” Sam told herself her insides only leapt because she was startled. She turned around to face Daniel. “Hey.” She replied. “I was just coming to see you. I figured if you were here at this hour, you could use a cup.” He held a styrofoam cup of steaming coffee out to her. His deep eyes were holding her, forbidding her from looking away. Eyes alight with excitement over whatever it was he’d been working on. Daniel was the only person Sam knew who looked his best at 0200. And damn, did he ever look good. Sam realized that he was still offering her coffee, so she reached out to take it hurriedly. As his fingers brushed hers, she unwillingly remembered the feeling of his hands on her skin. The dream came back to her with frightening intensity and she blushed despite herself. She jerked her hand away from his touch, sending the cup flying and dumping its contents all over her. “Are you okay?” Daniel said, alarmed. “That was really hot!” He stepped nearer to her, and his eyes were clouded with concern. He almost split his own coffee in his haste to set it down. “I’m fine,” Sam said dismissively. But Daniel insisted on taking her hand and examining her left arm, which had received the brunt of the spill. Her pulse raced under his touch, and it was a moment before she realized what he was looking at. To her surprise, she discovered the skin on her palm and forearm was red and blistering. “You’re not fine.” Daniel said firmly. “C’mon.” He led her around the corner from which he’d came, and to the water fountain in the hallway. “Just keep running cold water over it while I call down to the infirmary, "he told her. As he ran off to find the nearest phone, Sam looked down at her arm and only then felt it throb with pain. Wincing, she ran it back and forth under the stream of water until Daniel returned a short time later. “Janet said keep doing that for no less than ten minutes,” Daniel told her. He moved to her side and took over, holding down the fountain’s button for her. “And she wants to see you in the infirmary after that.” He was standing so near her now that she could feel his breath on her face. She tried to focus on anything but his body warmth. “You know, I’ve heard caffeine can be good for the skin. Keeps it young and flawless.” She spoke suddenly. “Maybe I should try spilling hot coffee on my face next time.” “I don’t think any dermatologist would recommend that,” Daniel smiled. “Anyway, you don’t need it. Your face is already flawless.” When Sam glanced at him, she was sure she saw the color rise in his face. “I mean, you know, your skin...” Daniel faltered, then changed the subject. “I’m really sorry about the coffee, Sam.” “Not your fault.” Sam told him sincerely. It’s not as if she could fault him for being a distraction. “How badly does it hurt?” He glanced at her blistered arm, wincing in sympathy. “It doesn’t, actually.” Sam shrugged. She hadn’t even noticed the pain while she was talking. Talking to Daniel, anyway. “I don’t think I even need to go to the infirmary...” “Oh, no you don’t.” Daniel interrupted. “You’re not getting out of here without seeing a doctor.” Sam smiled. She’d told Daniel that same thing numerous times before. If he wasn’t so worried about her, she wondered if he might enjoy paying her back. “Anyway, Janet will have my ass if I don’t get you down there.” He went on. “And you know the infirmary’s like my second home. I can’t afford to have her mad at me.” “Well,” Sam began, pretending to think it over. “I would hate for Janet to go all Nurse Ratchet on you.” Truth was, she never could refuse Daniel anything. “Thanks,” he said wryly, grinning at the mental image of Janet as the frightening nurse from One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. “And if you try and bolt, I’ll tell Janet you said that.” Sam laughed. Daniel glanced at his watch. “Time to go down to the infirmary.” “You know,” Daniel began as they boarded the elevators, “they really should move the infirmary up here. So when I’m being held captive by Janet, I can still be close to my research.” Sam laughed. “Let’s bring that to General Hammond’s attention at the next meeting.” “I’ll bring it up if you back me on it.” Daniel looked at her, his eyes dancing with mischief. At that moment, Sam would have backed him up if he told the General they needed to paint the Stargate neon yellow. She broke eye contact under the pretense of choosing a level. “If the infirmary is your second home,” she began thoughtfully, “where does your lab fit in? It’s where I see you spend most of your time.” “Oh, the lab would have to be my first home.” Daniel said without hesitation, “and I’m sure I can push my apartment further down the list. There’s got to be other places I spend more time at.” “You know, I can’t even tell you what color my bedroom carpet is?” Daniel finished with a wry smile. “It’s gray,” Sam blurted out. “Hm?” Daniel queried. “I said it’s - it’s crazy, isn’t it?” Sam stammered. She was grateful when the elevator doors opened, before her mind had time to wander to other parts of Daniel’s bedroom. Janet was waiting for them when they arrived at the infirmary. “You ran cool water over it until the pain stopped?” Janet interrogated Sam. “Yeah.” “And you got to water within 30 seconds of the burn?” “Daniel saw to that.” Janet gave Daniel an approving nod. “I’ve had to treat myself for coffee burn a few times,” Daniel shrugged. Janet began to make a thorough appraisal of Sam’s wound. “Well the good news is, it appears to be largely superficial. But even superficial secondary burns are extremely painful. The water probably did more good than anything.” “I usually let the skin air out, and don’t apply a bandage.” Janet explained. “But I’m going to apply a light dressing in this case, to minimize any potentially painful contact with other surfaces.” Janet applied a loose wrap to Sam’s forearm, wrist, and palm. “Okay, now if you start to feel feverish, or unusually tired, let me know.” “Okay.” Sam said. She knew better than to try and tell Janet she was fine. “If I recall, I already told you to go home once tonight.” Janet chastened. “This time I’m making it an order.” “I’ll take her home,” Daniel spoke up. “Good.” Janet said. “Now, both of you get.” * * * * Sam sat silently in the passenger seat of Daniel’s car. She smiled, listening to him hum softly along to the radio. Safe in the knowledge that he was focused on the drive, she took the opportunity to watch him unabashedly. She drank in his profile, his hands, even his scent. Before she realized it, they were coming to a stop and Daniel was turning off the engine. “Sam?” Daniel’s voice was a soft, entreating whisper. “Yeah?” “I thought you were asleep.” “No, just...thinking,” she told him. She glanced at her home, reluctant to leave Daniel so soon. “You know, I never did get that cup of coffee. You want to come in and have some?” “Coffee?’ Daniel raised his eyebrows skeptically. “You must be joking.” He looked pointedly at her arm. Sam shook her head. “Well the last thing I want you to do is burn your other arm.” Daniel sighed. “I’ll make the coffee.” Sam grinned, then moved to undo her seatbelt with her bandaged hand. “Here, I’ll do that.” Daniel said quickly. As he leaned over to unbuckle Sam, his face came intoxicatingly close to hers. Before she had time to even think it through, Sam leaned forward and pressed her lips to Daniel’s. She kissed him hungrily and then reason hit her, suddenly and with panicked intensity. She pulled away, albeit reluctantly. Unable to speak, she waited edgily for a reaction from Daniel. “I should go,” he said finally. “Okay,” Sam said, trying to keep her voice steady. She was furious at herself for acting on an impossible desire, and effectively estranging her best friend in the same instant. She moved to open the door handle, but then she changed her mind and drew back. “Daniel - I know I shouldn’t have done that. I’m....doing things I shouldn’t be doing, and feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling. But I can’t stand to leave it like this between us.” Sam finished desperately. “Sam, you don’t understand.” Daniel looked at her pointedly, and Sam held her breath. “I’ve been feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling about you for a long time now.” Sam could hear her blood pounding. Dizzily, she wondered if Daniel could possibly mean what she thought he did. “I should go,” Daniel continued deliberately, “because I want to stay so badly. Because I want nothing more than to come inside and do everything but make coffee.” Daniel’s eyes held hers with a look that quickened her breath. “So, I should go,” he said again. Sam nodded, not sure that she could speak with the same self-control. She opened the car door and stepped outside. “See you tomorrow,” Daniel said softly, more of a promise than a goodbye. Sam smiled at him, then turned and walked briskly to her house before either of them could change their minds. * * * * Sam was at the SGC the next day an hour earlier than usual. She was as wide awake as when she'd left, even though she hadn't slept since. Infused with energy, she'd spent most of the night cleaning. And eating chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Unsure whether to seek Daniel out or to avoid him, she spent over an hour in her lab, making up for lost time. Finally, she headed down to Level 28, running into Colonel O'Neill in the elevator. "Hey Carter." "Morning, sir." "Did I beat you here?" O'Neill asked her that frequently. He never really bothered to alter his schedule, but that didn't stop him from hoping he'd catch her on an "off" day. "Sorry, sir. I've been here for...90 minutes." She replied after checking her watch. "Damn,” he responded half-heartedly. “So what happened there?" He nodded at her bandage. "Coffee burn,” she said sheepishly. "Ah. Y'know, that sounds like something *Daniel* would do. You oughta stop hanging around the guy so much." He mocked. "I'll...take that under consideration, sir." She could hardly keep the grin off her face. "You do that,” he said as he exited the elevator. “MAJOR CARTER TO THE GATEROOM...” The PA system blared. Sam was heading there anyway, but she walked quickly after getting off the elevator. "Sir?" She said questioningly as she met General Hammond. "We're receiving a Tok'ra signal. It's probably Jacob, “ the general replied. "Maybe now we find out what Eros' lab was all about." Daniel's voice came from behind her, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned to glance at him - arms crossed in his fatigue jacket, eyes concentrating a little too hard on the monitor. He glanced up briefly - catching her gaze and smiling - before returning his attention to the screen. The iris opened, and the wormhole activated with a 'Kawoosh'. As her father stepped through and started down the ramp, Sam took the spiral stairway down to the Gateroom. General Hammond and Daniel were following behind. "Hey Sammy." Even when they'd been apart for only a short time, Dad never failed to embrace her when they met. After all, he never knew when they'd see each other next. Sam returned the hug then stepped back, reading his expression. "What's up?" "Has everything been going okay since you returned from the mission?" He asked her pointedly. Sam glanced at the General and Daniel, then replied, "Yeah, of course." "Okay." Relieved, Jacob turned to General Hammond. "The Tok'ra have discovered the intent behind Eros' laboratory, and I'll be happy to give you a full report. But if you don't mind, General, I'd like to talk to just Sam and Daniel for a moment first." General Hammond was puzzled but unconcerned. "Very well. You can use the briefing room." Jacob nodded. "Thanks, George." As Sam followed Daniel and her father down the hall, she felt for all the world like a teenager awaiting her punishment. She tried not to watch Daniel walking in front of her, instead going over in her mind all they knew about the Goa'uld Eros. Once they reached the briefing room, Jacob sat down at the General's usual seat, with Sam and Daniel on either side of him. Jacob took a deep breath before speaking. "We think one of you was affected by Eros' device when you handled it." Sam and Daniel looked at each other with surprise. "Affected how?" "Eros' men found the origin of a legendary object we know as Cupid's Arrow, an object most everyone thought was fictional. He was attempting to modify the device's effects to gain loyal followers. “We now know that the device has the ability to influence the emotions of one person towards another, if they are both handling the device when it is activated. We also determined that the device had been activated before we received it for tests." Jacob paused. "This is very important...which one of you was on the receiving end - the black handles - when you moved the object from its crate?" "I was." Sam said, after a moment's thought. Daniel nodded his agreement. "Did you feel an unusual charge at any point while you were handling it?" Jacob asked. "Well..." Sam thought hard. "I thought a chill went through me." "That's very like what some of the testers reported as we activated the device." "Holy hannah..." Sam said softly. Daniel was looking at her intensely, then he turned away abruptly to face Jacob. "So," Daniel began, "you're saying that Sam's emotions were affected by contact with this device?" "Yes." "And anything she felt towards me since then was just...just because we handled this thing at the same time?" His voice was quiet, but edgy. Jacob looked from Sam to Daniel. "Well, yes and --" "Excuse me." Daniel interrupted. He rose quickly from his seat and left the room just as rapidly. Sam was grateful that they were in the briefing room. If she hadn't been surrounded by the atmosphere of military protocol, she might not have been able to hold back the tears that threatened when she saw the hurt on Daniel's face. "Sammy." Jacob looked at his daughter with concern. "Did something happen between you two since I saw you last?" "Dad..." Sam surveyed the doors and observance window in the room, making sure they were all closed before she responded. "I started to have...romantic feelings for Daniel. Or I thought I did." She sighed. "When Daniel found out, he told me that he's had feelings for me. Not for days, or weeks, or months...Not from a Goa'uld experiment; but real, sincere feelings for me." She finished. "God, Dad, how am I going to get my best friend back?" She leaned her head into her hands, as if that was the only thing holding her up. "Sammy." Jacob said again, only this time his voice was insistent. "I think you've both misunderstood me. “Eros never did accomplish what he needed. Sure, he found some devout followers, but he also made some great enemies. His experiments were a failure because this device couldn't invent feelings. It only took the greatest emotion you had for the person on the other end, and brought it to the forefront of your thoughts at all times." "You mean...?" "I mean, this Cupid's Arrow didn't make you love Daniel, Sam. It simply made it almost impossible to concentrate on anything but that feeling." Jacob told her. “I think maybe it's time you thought about what Daniel has meant to you all along." Sam's head was spinning. She found herself thinking about Daniel - before they discovered Eros' lab. About all the things they'd shared. About how she couldn't wait to talk to him first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening. "One more thing you should know.” Jacob said. “I've got an...antidote of sorts. It will reverse the effects of the device, so you can focus on your feelings only when you want to. “We had to develop several different antidotes, actually, depending on the people involved. If you got stuck on the other end of the device with someone from the Senate Appropriations Committee, you'd have a different problem altogether. But this one,” he gestured to the vial, “ is actually an anti-antidepressant drug of sorts. It reduces the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your system." "Norepinehphrine and dopamine are..." Sam thought rapidly to answer her own question. "The body's natural chemicals which heighten when you're... in love." Jacob nodded. Sam reached out to take the antidote from him. "How long does it take to work?" She turned the syringe around in her fingers. "For humans? Probably about half an hour." "Ok." Sam paused. "There's one other thing I have to know." "What's that?" "Why didn't you bring any other antidotes?" "What?" "Well, if I felt only friendship for Daniel, then repressing my dopamine and norepinephrine levels wouldn't work. How did you know I'd need this one?" "Well, actually I brought it for you or Daniel. Remember, I didn't know which one was on the receiving end." Jacob smiled. "But I was pretty confident the antidote would be the same in either case." Sam stared at her father. "I know you too well, Sammy. And I can see how much Daniel cares about you,” he said. "And if you don't get out of here and go talk to him, I'm gonna find him first and give him a fatherly chat." "Dad...." Sam said uncertainly. He smiled. "Go." * * * * She didn’t go to Daniel, at least not right away. When she did finally seek him out, she found the door to his lab was shut. That was always a bad sign with Daniel. “Daniel?” Sam knocked tentatively. “Come in, “ he said, after a longer-than-usual pause. She took a deep breath and walked inside, shutting the door behind her. “Hey.” “Hey.” Daniel replied without looking up from his desk. “I’ve, uh, I’ve asked General Hammond for a leave of absence.” Sam sighed. “Daniel, don’t go.” “It’s not your fault, Sam. And it’s just a leave of absence. I’ll be back, I just need some time to...” He broke off, either unwilling or unable to finish his sentence. The silence hung between them for a moment - neither one of them knew quite what to say. “You’ve got bad timing, Daniel.” Sam began suddenly. That got his attention. He looked up at her questioningly. “First you leave my house when we both want you to stay. Then you leave the briefing room before Dad can tell us the whole story. And now, you’re taking leave from the SGC... just when I find out I’m in love with you.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “Sam, you heard what your dad said. Whatever you’re feeling is just the product of some...Goa’uld science project.” “No, it’s not.” Sam shook her head emphatically. “Eros and his team of scientists failed, Daniel. That device can’t make anyone feel anything new. All it did was take the strongest emotion I had for you, and forced me to think about it. All the time.” Daniel exhaled. “The Tok’ra are sure of that?” Sam nodded. “And I’m sure of it.” “I took the reversal agent 40 minutes ago, Daniel.” She continued. “Whatever influence the device had over me is gone.” “...And?” Daniel tilted his head, awaiting her response. Sam smiled, walking over to him before replying. “And I’m still wishing you’d stayed lastnight.” “Me too.” Daniel said. Her lips claimed his possessively. He wrapped his arms around her and lowered her gently until she was sandwiched between his desk and the warmth of his body. She freed her lips from his with reluctance. “Hang on.” She reached over and yanked the cord out of his desk phone. “This time, no interruptions.” Sam said. He started to ask what she meant, but Sam cleared the question from his lips with an intense, provocative kiss... THE END
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