Formal Dress

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=120 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="01078642egerdp.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=428 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f64643.jpg"> <div> <B>Formal Dress</B></div> <div>  <A NAME="formal_dress"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> Jack pulled the dry cleaning bag away from the hanger, slipping it carefully over the shoulders of the formal dress uniform.  He'd put this thing away years . . . hell, decades ago and hadn't looked at it since.  When the invitation had come in the mail, he knew that only this would do for the occasion.  Fingertips traced the collection of ribbons and medals pinned so proudly on the chest and lapels.  There were some new ones . . . but that didn't matter really.  It was the memory this particular uniform held.  He'd gotten married in this . . . taken Charlie to his christening . . . taken Charlie to his grave.  People had thought he was nuts to dress that way . . . maybe he had been . . . but he still didn't regret it.  He smiled as he thought of Charlie watching over him now.  "It still fits, ya know," he said smugly with a little glance upwards.  "Not too bad for an old man, eh son?"</div> <bR> <div> "Jack, you done in the bathroom?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, it's all yours."</div> <bR> <div> With careful and deliberate movements, Jack began to dress.</div> <bR> <div> Just as he buttoned the last button of his shirt, he heard the bathroom door thump open and rapid footsteps race down the hall.</div> <bR> <div> "We've got time, ya know," he called.</div> <bR> <div> "Sure, and be late to the church?  I don't think so."</div> <bR> <div> "What took you so long, anyway?" Jack called out as he stood in front of his mirror and worked at fixing his tie.</div> <bR> <div> "Fitting . . . they couldn't get the waist right," came the frustrated answer.</div> <bR> <div> "Did they get it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, finally."  There was thumping and the rustling sounds of clothing bags.</div> <bR> <div> The coat felt warm and familiar as Jack pulled it up and over his arms to sit perfectly atop his shoulders.  A very slight push to close the front button and he was just about ready to go.  He looked down at his feet and wiggled his toes.  The only part he hated about this uniform was the shoes . . . they were damned uncomfortable.</div> <bR> <div> Sitting on the bed, he slipped his feet into the dress shoes and tied the laces tightly.  The reflections from around the room played in the shiny surface and Jack grinned.  Nothing like a high gloss shine on a shoe to make an impression.</div> <bR> <div> "You about ready?" he called down the hall.</div> <bR> <div> "Just about," came the voice.</div> <bR> <div> Making sure his pants and coat were spotless, Jack checked himself in the mirror one more time before stepping into the hallway. . . and coming face to face with a very formally dressed Doctor Daniel Jackson.</div> <bR> <div> The two men stared at each other in stunned silence.  After a moment, Daniel turned away, but not before Jack saw the slight flush appear high on his cheekbones.</div> <bR> <div> "Cuff links," Daniel muttered and hurried down the hall to the living room.</div> <bR> <div> "I think you left that bag in the kitchen," Jack suggested helpfully.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh.  Yeah.  I did."</div> <bR> <div> Jack strolled into the living room and grabbed his full-length black wool coat from the arm of the couch and slipped it on.  Daniel hurried down behind him, pulling his tuxedo jacket on as he walked.  For the first time, Jack got the full effect.  He took a moment to do a little staring of his own.</div> <bR> <div> "You look good."</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="228debe0.jpg" border=0 width="222" height="446" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> "Yeah?" Daniel questioned.  "I wasn't sure about the style."</div> <bR> <div> "No, it . . . uh . . . suits you."  Jack shrugged helplessly at the unintentional pun.</div> <bR> <div> "I was thinking maybe I should have gone with gray?"</div> <bR> <div> "Nah.  Black's working for you."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel straightened his coat self-consciously.  "Thank you."  He gave a small smile.  "I've never seen you in your formal uniform before."</div> <bR> <div> "Not a lot of call for it at the SGC," Jack said.</div> <bR> <div> "It's . . . impressive."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded his thanks.  "You ready to hit the road?"</div> <bR> <div> "As I'll ever be," Daniel said, wrapping a scarf around his neck before slipping into his own full-length coat - his a soft tan color.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> The church was adorned in colors of the holiday season with lighting provided by candles which filled every available space in the sanctuary.</div> <bR> <div> "Never thought I'd be this nervous at someone else's wedding," Daniel said to Jack as they stepped inside the church.  A snow storm was expected for that night and the flakes had just begun to fall.  Daniel was glad to see that the majority of the wedding party had arrived at approximately the same time as him and Jack, so there should be no delays.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't see the car . . ." Jack said as he looked around expectantly.</div> <bR> <div> "I did," Daniel said, pointing out a long black limo sitting at the far end of the parking lot.</div> <bR> <div> "Ah," Jack said.  "The intendeds must be here."</div> <bR> <div> "General O'Neill," came the pleasant voice of Pastor Ronald Kidman.</div> <bR> <div> "Pastor," Jack said, extended his hand in invitation.</div> <bR> <div> Kidman shook it firmly then shook Daniel's hand.  "Doctor Jackson, good to see you as well."  He clapped his hands and rubbed them together briskly.  "Despite an extreme case of nerves on the groom's part, I think it's all going very well.  Looks like the guests have started to arrive."</div> <bR> <div> People were beginning to shuffle in from the cold, blowing on their hands and removing their coats.</div> <bR> <div> "Should be a full house," Jack smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "The photographer's just finishing up in back.  Why don't we go wait in my study until we're called for?"</div> <bR> <div> "Shouldn't we go talk to . . ." Daniel began.</div> <bR> <div> "No, no . . . they said they don't want to see anyone before the ceremony.  They have your rather large friend . . . Murray . . . standing watch outside the door.  Like I said - a bundle of nerves."</div> <bR> <div> "Understandable," Daniel chuckled.  His eyes suddenly went wide.  "The rings."</div> <bR> <div> Jack knew better than to joke at a time like this.  He pulled the gold bands from his pants pocket and showed Daniel.  "I got it covered, Daniel.  Will you relax?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry, I'm just . . . ."</div> <bR> <div> Jack clapped him firmly on the shoulder.  "I guess the bride and groom aren't the only ones nervous about today."</div> <bR> <div> "Well if that rehearsal was anything to go by, there shouldn't be a single problem - that was probably the most organized run through I've ever seen," commented Kidman.</div> <bR> <div> "Not surprising," Jack said as he followed the Pastor through the sanctuary and to the study where they would wait for the ceremony.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "It is time," came Teal'c's low voice.  Pastor Kidman, Jack and Daniel all turned toward the door to see the large man standing proudly, wearing a custom made tuxedo . . . a gift from the groom.</div> <bR> <div> "You cut a mighty fine line in that get up, T," Jack said with a smile.</div> <bR> <div> Teal'c inclined his in thanks and waited as the men filed out of the room.</div> <bR> <div> "Alright now . . . just like last night," Kidman reminded them and the four stepped out into the sanctuary.</div> <bR> <div> Jack, Daniel and Teal'c took their places at the front of the church and turned to face the aisle to await the bride and groom's entrance.  Jack could feel the warmth from Daniel behind him and he fought the urge to lean back slightly against the broad chest.  He let out a small sigh.  He wished he could stand so that he could take in the amazing sight that was Daniel in that tux.  He'd foregone the glasses and had in his contacts so that his eyes were unobstructed.  His hair was professionally tousled - thanks in part to Cassie's early morning intervention.  Wielding mousse and styling gel, and a ridiculous amount of patience, she'd borne down on Daniel with something akin to psychotic glee . . . and had given him a hairstyle that was . . . well . . . sexy.  At least Jack thought it was sexy.  Hell, at that moment, he thought Daniel was a little <I>too</I> sexy and had to resort to conjured images of a naked Harry Maybourne to cool his ardor.</div> <bR> <div> For his part, Daniel was having a hard time not taking that extra half step that would plant him firmly in Jack's personal space and bring their bodies into contact.  He'd seen Jack in his dress blues frequently - it was how he'd first met Jack all those long years ago.  But he'd never seen Jack look the way he did on this day . . . hair glossy and combed perfectly, skin shaved so close and clean it shined . . . Jack had even manicured his nails the night before, taking care of the unsightly hang nails he seemed to constantly have.  And he smelled good . . . not just nice, but <I>good</I> . . . something woodsy and rich.  Daniel wanted nothing more than to nuzzle up into the back of Jack's hair and simply breathe him in.  He shook himself from his reverie, deciding that standing in the front of a church full of people was probably not the best place to get a hard on.</div> <bR> <div> The familiar chords of the organ began, announcing the arrival of the bride and groom.  A simultaneous smile spread across the faces of Jack, Daniel and Teal'c as they watched the processional slowly make its way down the aisle.  Jack caught the blue-eyed look thrown his way and he winked playfully.</div> <bR> <div> Once the bride and groom were in place and the murmuring about how handsome they both looked died down, the Pastor began to speak.  "You may be seated."  He waited patiently for everyone to take their seats before he smiled down at the couple before him.  "I have been asked to make this as short and sweet as possible.  You'd think these two were in a hurry to get out of here, wouldn't you?"  The assembled crowd chuckled happily.  "So, since I aim to please . . . let's get this party started.  Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the vows between this man and woman as they enter into holy matrimony before their friends, and their God."  He addressed the couple.  "Please turn and face one another.  This dear couple has requested that the groom state his vows first . . . they say that he will be easily overcome with emotion and will not be able to speak if delayed . . . I think the bride wants to make sure he says his piece before he decides to change his mind."  There was more good-natured laughter from the crowd as the couple turned to one another.  "Now . . . repeat after me.  I, George Theodore Hammond . . . "</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack snagged a glass of champagne off a passing tray as he walked into the reception in one of the ballrooms at the Broadmoor Hotel.  Daniel followed suit and soon both men were making their way through the guests who were already laughing and dancing.  They spotted Pete and Sam standing off to one side of the bar.</div> <bR> <div> "General," Pete smiled, raising his glass.</div> <bR> <div> "Detective Shannahan," Jack drawled back.</div> <bR> <div> "That has such a nice ring to it when he says it," Pete smiled and looked out over the crowd.  "Some turn out."</div> <bR> <div> "When Hammond first mentioned he was getting married, he said something about a <I>small</I> wedding," Jack said and rolled his eyes.  "I'd hate to see the food bill for this shin-dig."</div> <bR> <div> "But you plan on running it up a little," Daniel deadpanned.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, you betcha," Jack smirked looking lustily toward the prime rib which was just being carved.</div> <bR> <div> "So what's the plan here, sir?" asked Carter.</div> <bR> <div> "Invitation said to eat, drink and be merry.  I plan on going over and getting my plate full of merry right now."  He sauntered toward the buffet table, getting in line behind the other guests who had already begun to move down the serving line.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked over the offered foods and shook his head.  "I haven't eaten like this since my foster parents took me out for my sixteenth birthday," Daniel muttered.  He grabbed a plate and let the servers begin piling food at their leisure.  "So . . . you don't suppose Hammond and Roberta are up in their room . . . you know . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel!" Jack exclaimed.  "I'm getting ready to eat here - I don't need that image running around in my brain."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel chuckled and motioned for extra mashed potatoes.  He looked up at Jack who raised an eyebrow.  "What?  Let it go to waste?  Do you have any idea how many people in this room are on a low carb diet?"</div> <bR> <div> "Good point," Jack said.  "Slap some more of those over here," Jack said, motioning to his own plate.</div> <bR> <div> They walked carefully to the head table where name cards indicated where each member of the wedding party was to sit.  Jack was pleased when he saw his and Daniel's seats were next to each other - to the right of General Hammond, while Carter and Teal would sit beside Roberta Hammond.  Sam, Pete and Teal'c all approached together and took their seats.  Just as everyone had settled down to their meal, Hammond and his new bride entered the hall to cheers and applause.  Jack watched as the two greeted their families and friends on their way to the dais.  When the two finally arrived, they were served with a flourish from two attendants who had been awaiting their arrival.</div> <bR> <div> Jack stood slowly, tapping the side of his filled water glass with a spoon to summon everyone's attention.  The room quieted and all eyes turned toward him.  "When the General first told me he was planning on getting married, I was . . . to say the least . . . a little surprised.  I had no idea he was even dating."</div> <bR> <div> George looked up, a broad, happy grin on his face.</div> <bR> <div> "George Hammond is one of the two men who have influenced me more than all the experiences, all the heartache, all the joy and all the pain I have seen.  He is, without a doubt, the single finest commanding officer I have ever had the pleasure to know and serve under.  He has been my mentor.  Most importantly, he has been my friend.  For that, I will always be grateful.  That he has found a person of equal quality and stature in Roberta is of great comfort to me.  And so, I offer this toast.  To George and Roberta . . . long may they live and love."</div> <bR> <div> Glasses were raised and hearty agreement was given to Jack's words.  He sat down and noticed the sparkle in Daniel's eye.  </div> <bR> <div> "Nice toast."</div> <bR> <div> "I can be good when I want to be," Jack said and turned toward George who, along with his new bride, had stood to make their own speech.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack sat talking quietly to a group of officers from the base, recounting some particularly funny story when Daniel and Cassie approached the table.  Daniel slid into a chair and Cassie stood staring at Jack.</div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "It's your turn," Daniel said as he took a sip of his drink.</div> <bR> <div> "My turn?"</div> <bR> <div> "Dance," Cassie said, her voice nowhere close to a request.</div> <bR> <div> "Cass..."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't make me have to make a scene, Uncle Jack," she said, raising her chin defiantly.  "You've been avoiding me all night."</div> <bR> <div> The other officers turned and looked at Jack who rolled his eyes in surrender.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gave her a quick thumbs up.  "Good tactic.  Public humiliation."</div> <bR> <div> "It works well," Cassie said smugly, taking Jack by the hand and leading him toward the dance floor.</div> <bR> <div> "This what they're teaching you in college?" Jack sniped.</div> <bR> <div> "This and so much more," Cassie said, twirling herself into Jack's embrace.</div> <bR> <div> Jack snugged her up close to him and gave her a hug.  "How ya doin'?"</div> <bR> <div> "I miss mom," Cassie said honestly, "but I'm okay.  I'm gonna be all right."</div> <bR> <div> "By the way," Jack whispered against her shiny auburn hair, "you are not allowed to look this pretty around boys."</div> <bR> <div> Cassie giggled and put her arms around Jack's neck, returning his hug.  "Thank you, Uncle Jack."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm serious," he said, looking down at her with fondness, "no being pretty on campus.  It's not allowed."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll remember that," Cassie said as she settled her head on his shoulder as they danced across the floor.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel watched them and he couldn't help but smile.  Jack was doing his fatherly best to get Cassie to laugh and enjoy herself and it was obviously working.  After the second song began, he watched as Pete and Sam came up beside them, Pete tapping lightly on Jack's shoulder.  Jack pretended to give him the once over then reluctantly turned Cassie over to him.  Sam laughed and took Cassie's place as Pete swirled the young woman away.</div> <bR> <div> A sharp pang slammed through Daniel and he looked away, pretending to listen to the conversation around him.  At that moment, he wanted to be the one in Jack's arms, swaying gently to the love song being played.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> The front door opened with a small creak as Jack and Daniel hustled their way in from the brewing snow storm.  Daniel took his coat off tiredly and hung it up, shaking off the excess water before placing it beside Jack's.</div> <bR> <div> Jack stretched out his back and rubbed his neck.  "You want a beer?" he asked before walking down into the living room.</div> <bR> <div> "No, I think I'll just change out of this and head home."</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack said tiredly, "don't be stupid.  It's snowing like a sonofabitch out there, the roads are glare ice and in another fifteen minutes you're not going to be able to see your hand in front of your face.  The spare room's made up - just stay here."</div> <bR> <div> "Gee, when you ask so nicely," Daniel muttered sarcastically.</div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing.  Thank you, Jack.  That's very kind."</div> <bR> <div> "So, you want a beer or what?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, thanks," Daniel said, easing himself down into the cushions of the couch.</div> <bR> <div> "Headache?" Jack asked, coming out to flop down into his favorite chair.</div> <bR> <div> "You can tell, huh?" Daniel said with a pained smile.</div> <bR> <div> "I've got one, too," Jack said as he took a long drink of beer.  "That was one hell of a party."</div> <bR> <div> "So who was the other guy you were talking about?" Daniel asked, rolling his head from side to side along the back of the couch, trying to work out the kinks in his neck.</div> <bR> <div> "Huh?"</div> <bR> <div> "In your toast, you said there were two men.  Who's the other?"  Daniel unbuttoned his coat, loosening it around his waist.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh . . . just . . . you know," Jack stammered, "someone I've known for awhile."</div> <bR> <div> "You've gotta give me more than that," Daniel said, his smile coming a little easier as he began to relax.  "The secretive Jack O'Neill never talks about his personal life.  If you're gonna just toss a comment like that out there, you've got to expect me to get curious."</div> <bR> <div> Jack's mind flicked back to just a few hours previously when he'd traded dancing with Cassie for dancing with Carter.  People oftentimes forgot that just because his hair was silver, his eyesight was still better than most eighteen year olds'.  He saw the look that passed over Daniel's face as he'd taken Sam into his arms for the dance.  He'd seen that look before - on Sara's face when her friends tried to get a little too friendly.</div> <bR> <div> Memories of so many long nights of being alone, with nothing to keep him company but the tv, pushed at his memory as well; as did his nearly constant longing for the man slumped so casually on his couch.</div> <bR> <div> "Jack?" Daniel prompted.</div> <bR> <div> "What?"  Jack looked up.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry," Daniel said with an understanding look, "I shouldn't have pried like that."</div> <bR> <div> "You," Jack said quickly before he lost his nerve.</div> <bR> <div> "Excuse me?  I what?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack swallowed hard.  "The other person I was talking about.  It was you."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel stared at Jack as the import of his words began to penetrate his fuzzy brain.  "You were . . . you were talking about . . . me?"</div> <bR> <div> A brief nod was the only acknowledgment from Jack.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't . . . I mean I had no idea . . . that you . . . I thought . . ."  Daniel let his derailed train of thought drop.</div> <bR> <div> "I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but I don't think I'm alone in this.  Am I?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack's tone held such a note of desperate hope that Daniel answered before thinking.  "No, you're not alone."</div> <bR> <div> Loud exhalations echoed in the room as the dual revelation struck home.</div> <bR> <div> "Come here," Jack said suddenly.  He stood and walked quickly down the hall toward the tv room.</div> <bR> <div> After a moment's hesitation, Daniel followed him, entering the room as Jack was rummaging through a small closet tucked into the far corner.  When he stepped out, he had three large candles and a box of matches.  He set the candles down and lit the first one.  "Close the door and turn out the light."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled and did as he was asked.  He watched Jack light the other two candles, one of them with a gaudy, sparkly snowman carved into the bottom half.</div> <bR> <div> Moving quickly to the entertainment center, Jack powered on the stereo and selected a CD.  He pushed 'play' and turned to Daniel, straightening and buttoning his jacket once again.  The smooth sounds of a jazz sax filled the air.  He took a few steps and stood mere inches from a grinning Daniel Jackson.  "I know it's sappy," he said with a shrug.  "So sue me."</div> <bR> <div> "Who leads?" Daniel asked with a small laugh.</div> <bR> <div> "I have no idea," Jack chuckled in return.  He reached out and pulled Daniel into a hug, eyes sliding shut as he felt Daniel's arms reach around him.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh my God," Daniel whispered into Jack's neck.  He tightened his arms and pulled Jack closer.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't quite expect this," Jack breathed, his heart slamming hard and fast against the side of his chest.  He could feel Daniel's beating equally as rapidly.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't let go," Daniel murmured quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "Never," Jack answered softly.  "Never."</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> - finis -</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="mailto:claforce@plotexpo.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:claforce@plotexpo.com"><U>Give the author's ego a marshmallow . . . please feed the bear.</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id3_sg1_slash.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stargate SG1 Slash Fiction"><U>Back to Fic List</U></A>     <A HREF="id2_directory.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directory Listing"><U>Back to Directory</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=120 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="01178643.jpg"> <bR> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=52 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f64643.jpg"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="161" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 45 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="39" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="29"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Plotexpo.com"><U><IMG SRC="0181d270.jpg" border=0 width="29" height="39" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="15"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="45" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="15" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rock Candy"><U><IMG SRC="017271d0.jpg" border=0 width="39" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="By Dawns Early Light"><U><IMG SRC="016271d0.jpg" border=0 width="39" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>