Fic: Unlike the Perfect Package

[moonshayde]

No, I am not straying from my Season 9 Novel. But I have a fried who has been begging for Sam/Barrett for the longest time and I finally got an idea for a short little fic for them. Mainly because I am writing them in a strictly gen fashion for my novel.

I'll be updating my journal with chapter 4 either tonight or tomorrow, for those who are interested.

As for this fic, well, if you are curious feel free to read it. Very tame and mainly a character study piece.

Title: Unlike the Perfect Package
Author: Moonshayde
Season: Nine
Category: Ship, Character Study
Spoilers: Nothing in particular
Pairing/Character: Sam/Barrett
Summary: Sometimes the best things aren't all that extraordinary after all.
Warnings: none
Rating: PG
Word Count: 469

Author's Notes: For Misty who wanted some really bad.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Just having fun.


He was different. She couldn't really pinpoint how, but he was.

In some respect, he reminded her of Daniel. He held the same kind of drive to do good, to make a difference in the world. He sought the truth. He didn't treat her as some kind of object. They were equals, complementary, and above all – friends. He genuinely liked her for her mind, for herself.

In other ways, he reminded her of Teal'c. He was strong and firm, but soft underneath, bound by duty and honor. While lethal and deadly, he could hold the gentlest caress. And he granted her that same kind of dignity as well.

Sometimes he was like Cameron. Energetic, positive, and full of compliments. He knew what made her who she was and wasn't afraid to depend on her.

He could be like Jonas. New, fresh, and adventure-seeking. He caught the thrill in the chase, and wasn't afraid to expand on it. He wasn't afraid of her.

But he could be like Jack O'Neill. Tough, sly, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done. While he could compromise his morals for the good of the nation, he never lost perspective. He never stopped protecting those he cared about, whether he knew them personally or not. He protected her.

Yet, conversely, he could be like Pete. Kind, gentle and loving, he could bring sunshine on a rainy day. He could make her feel like she was the only person in the world, and better, he could make her feel like she was the one person that could turn his frowns into smiles, to make his pain melt away, and to erase the jaded perspective he'd gained from his experience in the world.

And even though he could be all these things, he wasn't special. He wasn't alien. He wasn't godly. He wasn't genetically enhanced. He wasn't a genius. He didn't have a tragic past. He wasn't a knight in shining armor.

No, he wasn't the perfect package. Despite his difference, he was normal. He was average.

"Are you ready?" he asked her.

Sam smiled, taking the proffered hand he'd extended to her. The two of them walked into the restaurant – nothing fancy, but nothing tacky – and sat down to start their meal.

As they waited for the waiter to greet them, Sam leaned across the small table and kissed him sweetly on the lips. When she withdrew, she caught him watching her, his eyes dancing with a mix of amusement and excitement, while his face remained cool and pristine.

"I think that was the best appetizer I've ever had." He leaned forward, offering her a subdued grin. His faded freckles were brought to life, reminding Sam of warm sandy beaches. "What was that for?"

She took his hand. "For being you."

He was just Malcolm Barrett. And he made her feel human.

Comments

[pellucid.livejournal.com]

Aww, Sam/Barrett!!! And this line:

He wasn't alien. He wasn't godly. He wasn't genetically enhanced. He wasn't a genius. He didn't have a tragic past. He wasn't a knight in shining armor.

Love that line! Because deep down, it's what Sam wants, I think. Lovely little ficlet, m'dear!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I really think Sam needs someone who is somewhat normal. Mind you, I don't think anyone is normal, but someone that doesn't really have all the baggage some of the other characters she's met have had.

[pellucid.livejournal.com]

Oh, I completely agree. And really, that's what Pete should have been and could have been if only he hadn't been so...something that really turned me off. Not smart enough for her, maybe? Because while she doesn't necessarily need someone as smart as she is, she does need someone who can keep up. Barrett can keep up. Plus, he's awfully hot. ;)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Pete was too perfect, which is why I named this fic the way I did. They made him into this king of suburbia. He was sweet and nice. He had this image of perfection with the house, and the dog, and shared secrets. He didn romantic sugary things. He put Sam on this pedestal and treated her as if she was glass.

For Sam, that was exactly the opposite of what she was getting from Jack. I can see why she would fall into it. But even though Sam has some emotional problems, she isn't a high maintenance type of person and she values her independence. She needs someone to treat her as a person, not a princess. At the same time, she needs someone that would respect her and as you said, keep up with her. She can't have someone that is too aloof (like Jack) either.

So, once Sam realized she wasn't getting what she wanted from either angle, that was it. That's how I explain why we got classic Sam back this season. She's also more relaxed now and has a sense of humor.

Sam has found herself :)

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

Aw, my soft spot for Malcolm overcame my knee jerk anti-ship aversion. LOL

How sweet! I loved the description, with the faded freckles. A sweet character study. Comparing him to the men in her life, and yet being there as himself.

It's such a shame canon-Sam finds he comes on too strong. ;-)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Well, you see, this takes place after Sam realizes that Malcolm wasn't too strong at all ;)

[draco-somnians.livejournal.com]

What a nice fic! It was perfect. I can really imagine those two together and you make them sound perfect for each other! :)

Kirst.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I don't ship on the show, but I like to play with it in fanfic a lot. Mostly for friends and such. But these two? That could have worked. Really.

I'm glad you enjoyed!

If you are interested, there's a comm called sam_barrett. There isn't much activity there at all, but I think a few people posted fics there. if you haven't joined or taken a look yet, I recommend checking it out :)

[draco-somnians.livejournal.com]

I'm the same. I wouldn't want them to get together on the show but in Fanfic...well, that's exactly what fanfic is for! :) Thanks for the comm link, I'll check it out! :)

Kirst.