Fic: Something Old (Jack/Sara)

[moonshayde]

This is a short, rare pairing fic written for...me! No real reason aside the fact I rather like Jack/Sara. Poor Sara gets butchered a lot in fic, both in ship fic and slash fic. Very sad :(

I'm fond of tragic pairings, I think. And in fandom, you can play with just about anything. So, even though I'm probably one of two people that like them, that's okay. This is for me anyway :)

Title: Something Old
Author: Moonshayde
Season: Nine
Category: Ship, Drama
Spoilers: Only Jack's whereabouts as of Season 9
Pairing/Character: Jack/Sara
Summary: Something old can easily become something new.
Warnings: none
Rating: PG

A/N: Any errors mine. Just another excuse for me to avoid my long gen fics. Let's see how long it takes for this one to get flamed ;)

Disclaimer: Stargate, Stargate SG-1 and all of its characters, titles, names, and back-story are the property of MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Productions, SciFi Channel, and Showtime/Viacom. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be printed anywhere without the sole permission of the author. Realize this is for entertainment purposes only; no financial gain or profit has been gained from this fiction. This story is not meant to be an infringement on the rights of the above-mentioned establishments


------------------------------


Another year, another problem.

Only these days, they were different kinds of problems.

Jack sighed and leaned back into the cushions of his booth. All around him people buzzed and chattered about this and that, lost in the loud hum that typified the bar scene. He couldn't hear a damn thing on the TV, but that's not why Jack had come here tonight anyway.

He glanced down at his watch before he scanned the room for his buddy Chuck. He caught sight of a few young couples flirting, some college age boys roaring at the game on the tube, and some singles just hanging around the bar itself. So far, no Chuck. But Chuck was notorious for being late; it wouldn't be the first time.

Jack remembered the times when he, Chuck, and their buddies would hit the town and get themselves into whatever kind of trouble they could. Those were the days before he'd gotten married. Those days seemed so long ago.

He cleared his throat as he picked at the label on his beer bottle.

Time had a way of changing things.

His thoughts turned to SG-1. Normally, around this time of year, he'd invite them over to watch the big game. They'd always come up with some lame excuse to get out of it, but they'd end up at his house anyway.

He wondered how his house was doing.

He wondered where the hell Carter, Daniel, and Teal'c were now.

Jack tapped at the edge of the table and searched the room again. Still no sign of Chuck. Bastard. Well, there was no way he was going to sit here and wait all night.

After downing the rest of his beer, Jack started for the bar. He saw a couple of ladies sitting there, one a brunette, the other a blonde. Jack ignored the flare of pain he felt in his knees and slid into the seat next to the blonde.

"Hey, Mike," he said. He held up his bottle. "I'll take another. And how about one for the pretty lady here?"

While the bartender went to grab them a couple of cold ones, Jack cleared his throat and put on his best smile. But when she turned to face him, the smile was wiped clean off his face.

"Damn."

Sara eyed him for a moment before she turned her attention back to the bowl of nuts in front of her. "Nice to see you too, Jack."

"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked.

Sara shrugged. "I could ask the same of you."

"Yeah." Jack nodded as he accepted the bottles. He held up the one for Sara and waggled it invitingly.

She bowed her head, attempting to hide a smile, as she grabbed the beer. She stared at the bottle for a moment before she finally looked at him. "So, tell me that you're still not trying to pick up women this way?" she asked.

"It worked once, didn't it?"

"You only thought it did."

"Or maybe I'm just that good," Jack said, flashing a grin.

Sara rolled her eyes, but he saw the sparkle in them, a gleam that caused the unwelcome memories to bubble to the surface again. He felt his grin start to fade, the dull ache return. He stared at his bottle and tried to push them away.

"So, what brings you out east?"

Sara shrugged again. "My dad passed away last year and I wanted a change. So, I made a change."

Jack nodded, still focused on his bottle. "I heard about that. I would have –"

"You were busy," she said quietly. "I know."

"Yeah."

The two fell silent. Jack never thought a bar could become so quiet, but in that moment, it seemed like everyone had stopped talking. He shifted in his seat, just waiting for the din to block out any of the discomfort he was feeling. Talk about awkward.

At least Sara seemed just as uncomfortable. She kept glancing over her shoulder, as if she were looking for some kind of escape. But Jack had to give her credit. She was a strong woman. She'd always been a strong woman. She'd always stood her ground, no matter what.

No matter who'd hurt her.

"So," she said, forcing a smile, "I heard you were promoted. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy it."

Jack sighed. "I got some stuffy desk job. I spend my day pushing paper for bureaucratic assholes."

She shook her head. "You never were one to take to the humdrum of an office job."

"Desk job," he enunciated. Then, he took his hand and started making a straight, thrusting motion as he continued. "I swear, these pencil necks have are so tight, you'd think they had –"

She placed her hand on his and brought it down. "As much as you love the field, Jack, you're not as young as you used to be."

"Hey. I still have what it takes." He sat a little taller. "I'm like wine. I get better as I age."

She laughed. "I wish I could say the same."

"Oh, come on, Sara," he said, raising the bottle to his lips. "You look the same as when I first met you."

"I think the beer's clouded your head."

"Maybe," he said with a shrug. "But…" He turned away from her, averting his gaze to the game on the TV. "It doesn't change the way I see things."

She looked away and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He was positive he saw her blush. Satisfied, Jack leaned back on his stool and took another swig of beer.

"Oh, you can wipe that smug look off your face," she said with a smirk.

"I have every reason to be smug," he said.

And he did. He found the fine lines by her mouth didn't bother him. Neither did the crow's feet by her eyes. Even now, after all these years, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever known.

He had to fight the urge to reach out and touch her hair, just once. Setting his jaw, he glanced back down to his bottle and fought the sharp pain that suckered him in the gut.

"Jack," she said, her voice becoming soft and sorrowful, which had the immediate effect of tensing him. "Do you ever have regrets?"

"All the time."

She reached out to touch his hand again, but after pausing for a second, she withdrew and ran her fingers through her hair instead. "Sometimes I wish we could change things," she admitted. "Fix those mistakes."

"Me too." He swallowed hard. "But I can't ever be that man again, Sara."

He thought of all those promises he'd made. He thought of all the promises he'd broken. There were just some things he could never forgive about himself.

Jack glanced at her, seeing the tumult of mixed emotions brewing in her eyes.

"I know," she whispered. "But I'm not asking for that man."

Jack arched his eyebrows.

She smiled, a nervous but confident smile, and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Sara."

A slow grin spread across Jack's face. "The name's Jack." He squeezed her hand and slid a little closer. "So, what brings a pretty lady like yourself here tonight?"

THE END

Comments

[destina.livejournal.com]

Aww. There's a part of me that believes Jack never really got over Sara, that what happened only happened because at that point in his life, he couldn't share his grief. It has always made me sad. So I really loved this; the way it was left the last time we saw the two of them was...not good enough, and this fixes it, some. :)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I think he'll always really love her, even despite all the flings or feelings he might have for other people. (I feel the same way about Daniel and Share, too.) He just could not get over his grief at the time, like you said. It's all very sad. He still had pictures of her in his house in Season 7 (though they were family pics with Charlie).

Fanfic is fun because you "fix" things. But I think I will always have a special place in my heart for Jack/Sara because their relationship and its problems were very real.

[http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/]

No flames from me. I'm actually one of those people who like this pairing! :)

This was such a great story. Jack and Sara could have been good together, and I've always wondered what a chance encounter would be like for them. And the ending was perfect! The introductions were symbolizing a new beginning for them. Absolutely brilliant!!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll always like them. They were just so sad that I can't help it.

[dknightshade.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! You wrote Jack/Sara. It's very sweet how you have them introducing themselves at the end. Nice. And I like the wording for Jack's - in character (it's the little things, you know). I love tragic couples too and they totally fit that bill. Thanks for the lovely read.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

*stares at the pretty icon*

Thanks for reading. I didn't think Jack/Sara was even a blip on anyone's radar anymore. I have a very special fondness for them.

[jarrn.livejournal.com]

Hee~ Very nicely written. I like it, even if I do prefer Jack/Daniel :D

*loves*

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That's what is fun about fandom. You can dabble in just about any pairing you want. :)

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

:) Only the other week I was discussing with dknightshade that there needed to be Jack/Sara fic because there was/is obviously so much there and "Cold Lazarus" really leaves us hanging (when I first watched it I fully expected to see more of her). And you wrote it!

They're so sad and so obviously still care about each other. *snuggles fic*

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

What a coincidence LOL I've been thinking about this is one for a while now, but I hadn't bothered to sit down and write it. And wait, I thought you weren't this far into the series yet? What are you doing reading S9 fic?

But yes. I do very much adore Jack/Sara. There will always be something there. Always.

[niamaea.livejournal.com]

Aww, Sara! I really liked this -- especially how there's a level on which they seem to still be very much in tune, despite so many years apart.

There isn't enough Sara fic. Thank you for writing this. :)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading! There really isn't a lot out there, especially now. I like that pairing.

[azarsuerte.livejournal.com]

Oh man. *grins foolishly* Add me to the list of Jack/Sara 'shippers that is ever so much longer than two! And I know two others I'll have to point in the direction of this story. That was fantastic! If they ever did get back together--and oh I wish they would have!--I bet it would happen something a lot like this. :-)

(I still firmly believe that any attraction Jack may feel for Sam is because she reminds him of Sara. They even had the same haircut in season 1! ;-) )

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

(I still firmly believe that any attraction Jack may feel for Sam is because she reminds him of Sara. They even had the same haircut in season 1! ;-) )

I've always felt this way too. I think it's because of Solitudes. I'm not knocking Sam in any way, but I think that the attraction Jack has felt is routed a lot in Sara. They look similar and they are both obviously strong women. I don't think Jack ever fully got over her. And I don't see any reason why he should. There were so many hints of it in S1 and in S7 he still had her picture in his house. It was just the mistakes and the pain that tore them apart.

but hey, you can do anything in fanfic right? Glad to know I'm not alone!

[maevebran.livejournal.com]

Oh. I love this. I have a soft spot for Jack/Sara fic. There needs to be more of it in the world.=)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

There should. I wish more people would write it.

[ellegirl-83.livejournal.com]

Wow it's been so long since I've even thought about Jack and Sara let alone read a fic about them but that was great, so bittersweet and touching. You really showed the ripples of unresolved issues stirring the surface but handled it in a light way that didn't cross over into frivolity. Brilliantly written!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I appreciate that. I do believe they have always loved each other, but the pain just was too much to keep them together. They are such a very sad couple. But a very real couple. Tragedy always gets me. But I'm big on hope too ;)

[sela21k.livejournal.com]

I love this. I think - no, I know Jack never stopped loving Sara. Like he told Carter, if things had been different he wouldn't be at Stargate Command. He moved on because she moved on. He never, ever stopped loving her. I do hope you will continue with this series. We need some fresh Jack /Sara. You need to write it! :)

As for other Jack /Sara fic, there's an author that has written quite a bit of those two together. It's the 'Colors' series by Badgergater and I don't know how I happen to stumble on it. She only wrote Jack / Sara and considers them as the OTP. There's been nothing new in the series in almost a year, but the older stuff is very good. I've attached a link to my favorite story which has a great description of Jack that will knock your socks off! You can also find the link on my sidebar under "O'Neill's House".

http://www.geocities.com/sg1_oneills_house/charismaticcolors.htm

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link. I think I might have read this one before. I know that I've read some of her fics before. She writes Jack very well. And I know she's a big Jack?Sara shipper.

Jack will always love Sara, no matter what other relastionships he might have. It is so sad!

[pellucid.livejournal.com]

Jack/Sara!!! I don't think about this pairing very often, but I am rather fond of it--even more so if I've seen "Cold Lazarus" recently because they've got such fantastic chemistry there. Anyway, this is lovely! I like the idea of them starting over again after so many years.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I really do like this pairing very much. I've always been fond of it. Thanks!

[paian]

Aw, I love this. What a nice setup and a perfect ending. In my head it keeps going, too. It would have been so, so good for them to find each other again.

Thanks for thinking of it and writing it and sharing.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

In my head, it keeps going too. It's a nice thought. Though, if they were to ever actually try this, I can imagine a logn road ahead of them. It all depends on the circumstances.

But thanks for reading!

[6beforelunch.livejournal.com]

Aw, I liked that. I like the idea of Jack and Sara, but most of the fics I've seen don't work for me. This one does.

I have to wonder though (and this isn't commentary on your fic, just me thinking about the characters) if either one of them would be willing to take the risk. 'cause if it ended badly again? Ouch.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I've also read a lot of fics that haven't worked for me either. They are always too light for my tastes, almost as if the hurt and trauma they endured never really happened, or was an afterthought. I really wish there were more out there.

I think if the circumstances were right and they were unattached, they might take the risk. It would take a lot of work, though, so the situation would have to be conductive to snapping into place.

[pulsar4529.livejournal.com]

It's been so long since I've read any good Jack/Sara. I think they do still love each other, even if they might never be able to live with each other again, or be in a relationship. Unfortunitly, she's just often portrayed as a small stumbling block for people to vilify before they write the character of their choice in a relationship with Jack. And the only reason why I can even start to buy the fact that Jack would hook up with Sam is because of Sara. He has something for intelligent, blond women.

I love this fic so much. Thank you for writing this!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I agree. I do dislike how often she is villified.

Thanks for reading :)

[saturn92103.livejournal.com]

That was tremendously sweet.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks!

[catspaw-sgjd.livejournal.com]

Lovely :-) They're so good together and I adore the idea of canon Jack to getting a glimpse of a happy ending!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I really did like them together. One can dream :)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_minxy_/]

You know, I'm not really all that invested in Sara per se, but I really do love it when she shows up in fic. She brings out the best in Jack and she brooks no bullshit, which is so amazing.

This is lovely and it feels wonderfully real and nuanced. Very nice.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much!

Sara has always fascinated me. Not in a strong way, but in a more subtle way. The pictures Jack keeps in his house of not just Charlie, but of Sara as well. They are brief moments where we see that old Jack.

I wish she was explored in fic more often.

[teh-gandu.livejournal.com]

*squee* Jack/Sara!! Adding to mems, so I can read it when I have time.

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks!

[luzitasg1.livejournal.com]

Very nice! Just a conversation, but it really held my attention. You capture all the little details so well, the nuances of body language that truly communicate what's going on. And you've got Jack down perfectly!

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Yay Jack!

I will admit that Jack/Sara is one of my fave possible ships. While I don't think they'll ever get back together, I can see it as a real possibility if the situation was right. And I really really like them.

Thanks for reading it. It's one of the fics that are special to me.

[sorcha-gaia.livejournal.com]

You know I'm not big on het - what's in the past is in the past. But this was so well done, so deftly delineated, that I could believe this second chance with Sara. Nicely done, chica! Kudos. I could almost want to know what happens next! *g*

[draco-somnians.livejournal.com]

"Even now, after all these years, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever known."

Says it all really. :) Great fic. I believe Jack has always loved Sara and always will but the pain of losing Charlie is too much for both of them. :(

[roo1965.livejournal.com]

this was very sweet and nicely done. As a big Jack/Sara shipper myself (Hour of the wolf website) it was nice to read a new one. All of BAdgergater's fics are great not only for the whump and h/c but also the Sara interaction esp the Colours series.there's also random earlier ones- letters series i think.

http://www.geocities.com/sg1_oneills_house/

she also set up jackscabin- now AWOL via wayback machine

http://web.archive.org/web/20071206130955/http://www.jackscabin.net/

ttfn Roo

[cleothemuse.livejournal.com]

*flails* Of all the gin joints in all the towns...

Of course, I'm of the opinion the unnamed person Kerry Johnson referred to in "Threads" was Sara, and the whole "retirement" suggestion was because the secrecy of Jack's job was a large part of the tension between them before Charlie's death finished the job of tearing them apart. *nods*

[campylobacter.livejournal.com]

[surfed in from Gatefic 2010 (http://www.gatefic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=18)]

OMG, this story captures all the complexity and pain and awkwardness of a real, adult relationship that was shattered by tragedy. Absolutely stunning. You get my vote!