Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kela'an had different ways to wake Sam up. Sometimes she just "spoke." Other times, she thought soft sounds. Bird chirps were one of her favorite methods. She could simply make little adjustments in her host's body, or go into her dreams and tell her to wake up.

Of course, she didn't always wake her either. Sam was capable of sleeping while Kela'an walked around in her body. Today though…

Kela'an wiggled.

Sam slowly woke up to the feeling of movement in the back of her neck. She yawned a bit, touching over her symbiote.

You must wake, my sweet Samantha.

Why? I'm tired.

You asked me to wake you, remember?

Why? Oh. Right. Sam rubbed her eyes, enjoying the feel of warmth on one side of the bed. She looked over to her sleeping husbands.

So handsome.

Lantash is the one in control, Sam thought.

Really? You think you can tell while they are asleep?

Yes. Sam touched the necklace he wore. A simple chain that held his wedding ring. Then she caressed the side of his face, and the slight furrow in his brow relaxed.

You risk waking him.

She carefully slipped away, and the air chilled her skin as soon as she left the blankets.

Cold, Kela'an thought.

Sam quickly dressed more warmly, slipping her feet into slippers.

"Samanatha." It was Lantash's deep reverberated voice.

She turned quickly, but he was still asleep. Then she smiled.

Oh no.

I told you so.

Kela'an groaned. How can you tell while he's asleep?!

You're a symbiote. Figure it out, she teased.

Kela'an groaned again.

Martouf is always more relaxed in his sleep than Lantash. Jolinar noticed it years ago. Sam replied as she slipped away into the night.

Their home, of course, was entirely made from crystals. Their personal quarters had been mostly dark, but the light crystals in the hallway to their quarters were already on.

That means… Kela’an trailed off. Yep. There he is.

"Aldwin," Sam greeted.

"Your father came back last night," he said, still in his pajamas. It was a softer, more comfortable, version of the Tok'ra uniform.

"Lantash and Martouf were up late with guard duty. They'll be out for a while."

"The same goes for Malek and Amb." He glanced over. "Anise has agreed to help."

"Anise? Really?"

"Daniel has taught her about Hanukkah, Rohatsu, and Solstice. Now it is time for Christmas, then Kwanzaa."

Sam laughed a bit, then followed him into another room. Her eyes widened when she saw the boxes.

"All this?"

"Is that not enough?"

"That's more than enough." Sam approached as Anise opened one of the boxes. Already, she could smell the cinnamon scented pine cones.

"Others have contributed, but these are mostly Earth decorations." Anise said as she opened more boxes. "I suppose that puts you in charge."

"First, we need to organize everything, make one box for every room that will be decorated." She looked over what they had. "Is Dad getting the trees?"

"He took a small group to chop down trees," Aldwin answered.

"I hope they return in time." She opened another box, then said in alarm. "They're the wrong color." She picked up a cream colored candle.

Aldwin smiled. "It will be fine."

"Martouf will be offended."

He grasped over her hands. "The candles his people used in rituals were made from beeswax. This is clearly not beeswax."

"You're sure?"

"Remember that Selmak was married to a Kiron. She would not buy anything that is potentially offensive."

Sam nodded.

~+~+~.

A few others joined them as they began organizing. Garshaw walked in, and Sam was amused to see that the councilwoman was not fully awake. She wore a fuzzy nightgown, and her feet were bare. She held a steaming cup in her hands.

"Your father said that hot chocolate was necessary, so our chef has made two different varieties."

Sam smiled, knowing what that meant.

~+~+~.

Wanting that hot chocolate, they went to the mess hall first. Sam poured herself a cup of the "Earth-style" hot chocolate, knowing that the second type would be almost bitter. She dropped in a peppermint candy.

"I didn’t know what those were for," Per’sus said.

Sam smiled as she turned towards him. "It's peppermint candy."

He sipped the "Tok'ra-style" hot chocolate. Sitting next to him was another Tok'ra, Hurton, who was working on center pieces for the tables.

"Did you want to try it?"

"Maybe later."

They strung up garland and lights, and hung up wreaths and bows. Aldwin also focused on the center pieces, and Sam wondered if it wasn't just so he stayed near his hot chocolate.

He's drinking more than hot chocolate, Kela'an thought.

Sam smiled.

Pine leaves, pine cones, ornaments, and slow burning vanilla-scented candles were artfully arranged.

Sam paused, taking in the scent. Soon, the tunnels would all smell like this.

As her blood almost felt like it vibrated, she knew another Tok'ra came into the mess hall. She turned to see Delek.

"Tau'ri trinkets in every major room," he said dismissively.

"You are not going to help decorate?" Aldwin asked.

"Most certainly not." He headed towards breakfast.

"Oh, you have to wait. Garshaw has ordered that until the decorating is done, only the decorators can drink…outside of water of course." Aldwin gestured.

Delek looked to the chef, who was still putting out food. "Is he serious?"

"He's serious. Not even the larvae have eaten yet."

"Most aren't even awake yet." Delek looked to Per'sus.

"Garshaw doesn't outrank me," Per'sus replied with a bit of a grin before retreating, giving Einar control.

Aldwin chuckled.

"Are you finally awake?" Hurton said as he gave Einar a small kiss.

"Yes." He frowned as he looked down at his cup. "What am I drinking?"

"A beverage made from hot milk and black cocoa."

Einar drank. "I must decorate?"

"Relax and have fun. I have you covered."

"And Per'sus already hung the socks up," Aldwin added.

”Hung socks?" Delek replied in disbelief.

"Yes."

"I don’t know what that means." Delek went to a pitcher of water, but his eyes were drawn when a Tok'ra came out with another drink.

"Gun rex tea?"

"Freshly made," the chef said.

"That takes days of preparation," Delek said in awe.

Sam looked to Aldwin with confusion, who retreated so that Gete could answer more quietly.

"His favorite…for a few hundred years now," Gete answered in a quiet whisper. "However, it is complicated and time consuming to make."

"Made traditionally?" Delek asked the chef.

"Of course."

~+~+~.

This isn't that bad, Delek's host, Tian, thought as Delek tied a bow.

Grumble, Delek grumbled.

Sam was amused until Delek somehow ended up in charge of decorating.

That's rude, Kela'an thought.

Well, he does outrank us.

Garshaw is helping, and she didn't take charge.

However, despite her worries, he didn't just dictate, but worked with everyone else. He also took the job seriously. Too seriously. Way too seriously.

Sam was happy to have a chance to leave when told that her dad was returning. She went to the surface and saw a Tel’tac landing nearby.

"Dad," she greeted when he came out. She looked inside. "Dad? Really?"

"What?"

"How many trees is that?"

"Hey, this is the first Christmas for my youngest great grandchildren. It has to be special."

Sam smiled as the Tok'ra that had been with him began taking the trees out. 

"I thought we were just getting a few trees. I volunteered to help," Liandra said as she approached. "No, first your father only takes four of us. Then waits until he has all of us on another planet before announcing that he is getting one for each grandchild."

"Thirty-four trees?" Sam replied in surprise.

"Thirty-five," Jacob corrected, then teased, "and shame on you for not knowing how many grandchildren you have."

"So he has five foot, hundred pound me hauling trees that are each half my weight," Liandra continued.

Sam laughed.

"I was going to get less trees," Jacob explained, "but Selmak thought more was better."

"Malika and Iasis each need a tree?" Sam asked. "They share a body."

"There are still two of them. They might each want to decorate a tree."

"I’m taking a bath." Liandra stormed off.

When they went down to the tunnels, they saw that Delek was already decorating one of the trees.

Delek is helping? Selmak was surprised.

I’ve never seen someone look so angry while hanging candy canes, Jacob replied as he picked up one of the presents. He was amazed by how perfectly wrapped it was. Instead of bows, each box was decorated with a personalized and handmade ornament.

"Delek made Aldwin wrap the first one three times before it was 'acceptable.'"

"Who are the presents all from anyway?"

"Shouldn't it be obvious?" Sam scoffed in a teasing manner. "Santa Claus."

Jacob laughed, shaking his head. "Sam, I need to get some sleep. It's been more than twenty hours…at least. More so for Selmak."

"Yeah. We have this."

~+~+~.

Sam decorated her quarters last, and it was just her so that Martouf would not accidentally be woken. She knew Aldwin was doing the same for Malek.

"Samantha?" Someone came in.

"Liandra…" Sam approached. "Martouf is still asleep."

She nodded. "Why is it dark?"

"That would wake him, and he's been extra sensitive to light since he lost an eye."

"Oh, yes. That would make sense." Liandra was holding a tray with three pitchers and five small fruit tarts. "I was asked to deliver this to you."

"Thank you." Sam took the tray.

Liandra left.

When it was almost time for him to wake, Sam turned off the alarm and put on soft Christmas music. She watched Martouf shift in his sleep.

She set up the small breakfast for five. Grabbing glasses, she poured two Tau'ri-style hot chocolates, one bittersweet, and two hot apple ciders.

"Are Fathers awake?" She heard a whisper.

"Not yet." Sam gestured for her daughters to come in.

"Neither is Iasis." Malika walked in, holding a bowl. She set it down on the table. "Just the thirty-eight of us?"

"Your grandparents are sleeping, though we could invite whomever you are secretly dating."

Malika blushed.

"Christmas would be the time."

"I don’t think father would approve of spending Christmas morning with the ones having sex with his daughters."

"Probably not," Sam admitted.

Malika smiled, then went to a chest high river and tapped a bell.

Sam smiled.

The river was soon filled with thirty-three larval symbiotes. Nine were clones that Per'sus had rescued. They varied in age. Iasis had since given birth to the rest of them.

"Merry Christmas," they squealed softly.

"Merry Christmas," Malika replied. "Are you ready, children?"

"Ready."

Malika turned off the music.

Sam was curious.

The larvae all began squealing a tune.

"Mmm." Martouf turned, slowly opening his eye.

They kept singing as Sam smiled.

"Good morning, Dad…Father," Malika greeted.

"What is that song?" He slowly sat up, looking very confused.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

"Oh, right. Christmas. That was today." He looked up as more people came into the room. "Malek, why are you blindfolded?"

"Uncles!" The larvae all squealed.

"I have no idea," Malek answered as he waved to greet the larvae.

"You can take it off now," Aldwin said.

Malek removed his blindfold.

"Surprise!" Aldwin declared, as if this was the surprise. "We are all eating together today."

"We haven't done that since…yesterday."

"Enjoy the Christmas spirit."

"Hm." He yawned.

Sam laughed. "Aldwin, did you even give him a chance to wake up, or did you drag him out of bed while slapping a blindfold on him."

"I haven't even had a chance for my morning relief," Malek complained as he headed to their restroom.

"Why are there objects all over our walls?" Martouf asked as he yawned as well.

Sam smiled. "You’ll have to see for yourself."

He frowned, then laid back down.

Aldwin grabbed his hand. "We have hot apple cider," he said in an enticing tone.

"Do you realize how late we were up last night?"

"Come on. Don't be a Delek."

That got Martouf to sit up.

Malek came out, drying his hands.

Martouf headed to the restroom.

Sam turned on the lights, knowing that Martouf would do the same for his morning routine.

"He'll be a bit."

Malek sat down, still looking half awake.

Sam smiled as she pushed his drink towards him.

"I do not favor chocolate."

"No added sugar," Aldwin explained. "Trust me, you'll like it."

Malek tasted it. "Hm. Interesting. That tastes quite good." He yawned, then laid his head on the table. "Wake me…when Mar…"

"He doesn't take that long," Aldwin argued, then… "Malek?"

Malek snored softly.

"Amb," Aldwin whispered, calling for Malek's host.

No response.

"Amb."

Martouf came out, then better explored the decorations. "This reminds me of your brother's house in December."

Sam smiled.

"It's beautiful." He approached and kissed her. "Thank you."

Sam kissed him.

"Can you help me?" Of course, he already knew the answer.

"Sure." And she knew what he was asking.

He went to a shelf and opened a small chest. Inside were a few different eye patches. After he selected one, she carefully helped him, tying it behind his head.

"We tried making one that was sewn to the size of my head, but it didn't seem to fit right."

"Oh? You didn't tell me."

He looked to her after. "Lantash was a bit embarrassed about the failure."

Sam nodded.

"Does this look right?"

Sam responded by kissing him. "You are always handsome."

"We can help you, next time," Aldwin said.

"Are your friends coming?" Martouf asked Sam as he walked over to the larvae.

"Later, yeah."

"Good morning, my favorite grandchildren." Martouf smiled.

They all squealed in laughter. That greeting always made them feel special.

Martouf rubbed each one, "Have you eaten yet?" 

"No." They kissed his hands with gentle nips.

"I'm getting their food ready right now," Malika said. "It's the first Christmas for most of them, so I made something special." She stirred cold soup in a large bowl.

"Is that carbonated?" Martouf asked.

"Yeah. Iasis liked the feel of carbonated liquid on her skin." She brought the bowl over to her children.

The larvae all made little splashes as they jumped in.

She brought the bowl to the table. Not all the larvae came from Iasis, but she and Malika had unofficially adopted the clones.

Martouf went back to the shelf and took out a brown leather glove. He pulled it on to his left hand. It gave the appearance that he still had all of his fingers, though there was very little strength in the artificial fingers.

"They were up later than me," Martouf said as he saw Aldwin rubbing Malek's back. "Let them sleep."

Aldwin nodded, though he was a little disappointed. He moved Malek's tart and drink so that they weren’t accidentally knocked to the floor.

They waited until Martouf sat down before they began eating.

Chapter Text

After eating, they relaxed so that Malek could have his nap. Martouf took advantage of the situation and laid back down in bed.

Since her children were still eating, having to absorb nutrition through their skin, Malika left to meet with her girlfriends. She found Pel reading in her quarters.

"Pel?"

"Yes? Liandra sleeps." Pel set the book down and crossed the room. "What is that?" She looked up as Malika held something over her head.

"Mistletoe. If you walk under it, you have to kiss someone."

"Does it count if you hold it over my head?"

"Yes."

Pel smiled as she pulled the taller woman closer.

Malika kissed her.

Pel closed her eyes briefly, then smiled as she felt a shift in control. She knew that Iasis had taken control.

"Good morning." Iasis held her close. "Mom asked about inviting you to breakfast."

"You do have to tell your parents eventually. A number of Tok'ra already know about us."

Iasis frowned.

"They will keep your privacy, but it will soon be obvious to all." She brushed Iasis' hair back. "I am quite certain that your father is going to figure us out soon."

Malika had control again.

"You are making a bigger issue out of this than there needs to be."

"It’s not just that. I like the sense of privacy. That is rare in the tunnels."

"I am used to no privacy, but we are starting to feel…awkward."

"Sorry." Malika sighed. "I think you are right…about me making this an issue. The longer I wait, the…harder it is to tell them."

Pel smiled.

"Soon, I promise." Malika kissed her as she passed on the mistletoe. "Hang this in your doorway."

"Then I would have to kiss everyone who walked into my room."

Malika laughed.

~+~+~.

Malek sat up and yawned as he frowned slightly. "I fell asleep?"

"And completely ruined breakfast," Aldwin teased with a dramatic flair.

Malek chuckled, then began eating his tart.

Aldwin poured himself more hot chocolate, and they waited until Malek was done before Sam grabbed the bowl of larvae. They went into the main hallway. Sam smiled as she saw Martouf's eye brighten with joy when he saw all the decorations.

"How early were you awake?"

"I am not entirely sure. We had a lot of help though."

Malek pulled Aldwin closer. "You are so thoughtful."

Aldwin kissed him. "Even Delek helped."

"No." Malek replied in surprise.

"I have holographic evidence."

"Oh, that, I must see." He laughed before tracing his fingers through Aldwin's hair. He kissed him softly.

"The Tau'ri will be here soon," Anise said as she approached.

"I'll take the little ones to the mess hall," Malek offered as he pulled away from his husband.

"Thank you," Sam said.

Malek took the bowl and left with Aldwin following.

The rest followed Anise to the rings, and Iasis soon caught up with them.

"Does Uncle Jack know that the place will be decorated," Iasis asked with a yawn. She had allowed Malika to mostly sleep while she decorated.

Anise smiled. "No. In fact, he thinks he was requested for a mission that has been required of him. Daniel says he has been grumpy about it."

Sam laughed.

"Uncle Daniel knows?"

"He and your Uncle Teal'c both know."

To keep the illusion, as they arrived closer to where they would be greeting them, there were no decorations. Music could not be heard. Even the scent of it all, which had spread throughout the tunnels, was neutralized.

The three men rung down.

"Daniel." Anise approached quickly and kissed him.

Daniel smiled. "I missed you."

"You saw her yesterday," Jack pointed out, then sighed. "Never mind me." He smiled a bit when he saw Sam. "Merry Christmas." He offered her a gift.

"Thank you." She accepted it.

"Iasis." He could tell who was in control. "I gave your gift to your grandfather the last time he visited."

"Thank you."

"Did you like it?"

"I was waiting for your visit to open it."

"Oh? We have time?" He had expected to go straight to the briefing room.

"Yes."

"In fact, Martouf and Amb just woke up," Sam added. "If you don't mind breakfast."

"Oh no, we-"

"That would be acceptable," Teal'c replied.

"What?" Jack was surprised. "Uh, Teal'c?"

Sam smiled as she walked off, knowing exactly what their conversation was going to be. It would most certainly start with a complaint.

"Teal'c," Jack then lowered his voice as he looked towards the departing Tok'ra. "Their food is bland, and what happened to 'The Tok'ra are low on supplies. We must not eat their food.'"

"Colonel Carter clearly wants to have a Christmas breakfast with us. You have emphasized the importance of this holiday many times, and when the four of us do not spent it together you are…cranky."

Daniel laughed.

"I am not cranky."

"You're cranky, and we won't have much time before the mission," Daniel added. He was much better at bluffing than he was when he had first joined Stargate Command…so many years ago. "Let's enjoy what we got."

Jack sighed. "Fine." He gestured before they began walking, catching up with the others. He soon frowned. "Is that music?"

"Sometimes, the Tok'ra do play music for us," Sam answered, thankful that it was currently not Christmas music.

This is one of Einar's favorites, Kela'an thought.

Jack thought this was strange, and he wondered if the music was Jacob's doing. Then he smelled the mixture of cinnamon, vanilla, and…pine?

Okay, the Tok'ra were definitely not acting normal. Only their baths smelled this good.

Then he saw garland, ribbons, and a wreath.

"You are doing Christmas!" He grinned widely.

Sam, Daniel, Iasis, and even Anise laughed. Teal'c was clearly amused as well.

"What happened to the mission?"

"This is the mission," Sam replied with a smile.

Jack grinned. "No wonder you are all acting so strange. I…" He trailed off as they arrived at the mess hall. "Wow. You went all out."

"Samantha," Aldwin called out. "We saved you all seats."

They approached. The larvae were on the table. Some still in the bowl. Some were in a bowl of water, bathing after they ate. A few had jumped out and were playing on the table.

"We made you, Martouf, and Iasis plates."

"Thank you."

Anise took Daniel's hand. "I'll show you what we have."

As they approached, Jack saw that it was a combination of traditional Tok'ra food, an attempt at a Christmas breakfast, and more that he didn't know. He immediately went for the Christmas food. Teal'c selected a variety. Daniel went for the unknown food, and they were delayed because Anise explained everything to him.

"This is a traditional meal on Gete's world. It's spicy fish, stuffed with cheese, herbs, and garlic."

"Yum," Jack replied, keeping the sarcastic tone to himself.

Knowing better, Teal'c gave him a look to not be rude.

"It is quite delicious," Anise replied, missing the true meaning. "On his world, only nobles were allowed to eat this. Now, this is traditional on Martouf's world."

"Is that bugs?" Jack asked.

"Fried larval wasps, sweetened with honey."

"I'll pass."

Daniel gathered some. As did Teal'c, who was curious.

"And now here…"

~+~+~.

Jack was glad to be sitting and eating. He saw that Sam was the only one who waited for them, though Martouf and Iasis were still eating.

He noticed that Martouf was wearing his glove. He knew frostbite had taken fingers, but to this day, he had no idea how many. He wondered if Martouf realized that wearing one glove simply called attention to his hand.

"You didn't try any new food?" Martouf asked.

"Um…" Jack looked at his plate.

"Not even the wasps." He frowned.

"You know me. I don't really…explore new food, and…"

"That was my mother's recipe."

"Alright, I'll get a wasp." Jack got up.

Daniel promptly followed.

Jack sighed, knowing what he was going to say.

"You should try more than the wasps."

"The Tok'ra made muffins. They cooked bacon…and eggs, and you want me to eat baby insects and fish cheese."

"Fish cheese?" Daniel grinned in amusement. "It's just fish and cheese, not that different than adding cheddar cheese to your tuna melt."

Jack added unknown foods to his plate and returned. He held back a sigh before grabbing a wasp larva, then ate it as quickly as possible. It had a slight nutty taste. He looked up to see Lantash frowning at him, which meant that Martouf had been offended.

"It's good. Nutty. Crunchy," Jack said to please the men.

"Creamy and sweet," Teal'c added. "Martouf's mother must have been an excellent cook."

"This one was one of Martouf's favorites." Lantash gave a slight smile. "Unfortunately, once he had to work in the mines, he couldn't help in the kitchen anymore. Many of her recipes were lost."

Jack took a bite of the fish, and Daniel was oh so wrong. This was nothing like a tuna melt. He drank some cider to force the bite down.

"How are the grandkids enjoying their first Christmas?" Jack asked to change the subject.

"You could ask them," Sam replied.

"Good?" He looked to the nearest one.

The larva squealed.

He knew "chirping" was negative, so that must have been a "Yes."

Daniel looked over them. "Alright, let's see if I can…" He began pointing. "Jumper… Happy… Red… Roshe…"

"Roshe?" Jack questioned.

"Roshe has asked to honor Rosha by taking her name," Lantash explained. That seemed to put him in a better mood.

"She only renamed herself two days ago," Daniel added. "She also still goes by Earth." He then continued naming all the symbiotes.

Jack wondered how Daniel could tell them apart. Red wasn't even red.

~+~+~.

After breakfast, Jack headed to one of the trees in the room.

"I believe Einar decorated that one," Sam said as she and Gete approached.

"He was detailed."

"Well…" She smiled. "Look at who his symbiote is."

Jack admired the Christmas tree. "Did you leave any undecorated?"

"Well, that was the original plan," Sam said, "but then Delek said it would look messy. Then he decorated them when no one was looking."

"I think he secretly enjoyed it," Jacob said as he approached.

"Dad, good morning." Sam smiled.

"Where were you?" Jack asked.

"I spent most of the night helping to chop down and haul in all the Christmas trees. Excuse me for taking a nap."

Sam smiled a bit.

Jack touched one of the Christmas ornaments.

"Don't let Delek or Per'sus catch you doing that," Gete said.

Jack moved his hand away. "Is that a symbiote…dressed like Santa Claus?"

"Yes." He grinned. "Speaking of which…" He grinned, turning to the few larvae still in the room. "I think he left us presents," he singsonged.

They all squealed in excitement.

Jack smiled and followed them to one of the larger rooms. He was immediately impressed. There were two more beautiful trees, and a pile of presents under both.

"Look what Santa Claus got us!" Gete said excitedly, as if he and Aldwin hadn't been the ones that wrapped many of the presents.

"The Tau'ri have an unusual fascination with intruders," Malek replied.

"Indeed," Teal'c agreed.

"Intruders?" Jack asked.

"A man comes in, riding a magical sleigh, enters your home uninvited, while you sleep, and gives presents if he is fed cookies and milk," Malek replied.

"Well, I suppose if you put it that way?"

"And why would he keep a list of children's behavior? Do not all children deserve gratitude? Maybe the naughty ones are so because your Santa Claus dismissed them the year before."

"Don't be ridiculous," Gete teased. "That's just how parents keep their children in line. Santa Claus is clearly a symbiote."

"A symbiote?" Daniel asked in amusement.

"A nice one who only takes willing hosts. After all, he is…long lived, has a flying vehicle, clearly has enhanced strength to carry so many presents-"

"And the way he gets into houses… It must be transport rings," Malek added.

"And isn't he supposed to have a deep voice?" Gete asked.

"What?" Jack frowned.

"You know…" His eyes glowed as Aldwin took control. "'Ho ho ho!'"

"Clearly an imitation of our voices," Malek agreed with a smirk.

"No. That was Aldwin imitating Santa Claus."

"His eyes are said to twinkle," Martouf added.

Aldwin gasped. "That’s our eye glow!"

"Do you think the Easter Bunny is a symbiote too?" Malek asked.

"That would explain why a rabbit has the intelligence and strength to deliver baskets," Aldwin replied.

Jacob raised his eyebrows. "Is the tooth fairy a symbiote too?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Malek replied.

"A symbiote wouldn't fit in a fairy," Aldwin added with a laugh.

"Oh, of course," Jack said.

Sam laughed. "Come on, the others are waiting for us."

They found places to sit. The people who didn't decorate volunteered to hand out presents. That included Daniel and Teal'c. Jack couldn't because he couldn't read the labels.

"Thank you," Garshaw said as she was handed her gift. She was wearing a fancy dress because they had company.

Near her was Per'sus, who was also dressed for the occasion. He retreated when Martouf handed him a gift.

"It's beautiful." Einar smiled. "Thank you."

Jack was surprised that he was given anything.

"Don't," Sam said when Jack was about to shake it.

Jack wondered if it was considered rude or if something breakable was inside.

After the gifts were handed out, it was time to open them. Some Tok'ra did so right away, ripping into the paper, and Aldwin laughed a bit as he saw Delek's reaction. Some opened very carefully, preserving the paper. Others delayed, not wanting to ruin something so beautiful.

Inside, everyone found small cookies.

"A gingerbread woman," Jack said with a smile.

"That is a gingerbread Tau'ri," Teal'c declared.

"What makes you say that?"

"She is wearing fatigues and boots." He pulled out another cookie. "This is a gingerbread Jaffa."

"Because he has muscles?"

"Yes," he replied, drawing out the word slightly, clearly pleased.

Daniel lifted a cookie, smiling at the shape. "A gingerbread symbiote."

"What about their hosts?" Jack asked.

Daniel then pulled out another cookie. The silhouette implied the Tok'ra uniform. Unlike the first two, the gender was ambiguous.

"Who made the cookie cutters?" Jack asked.

"There are some Tok'ra who know how to work with metal," Sam answered before eating a cookie.

Many Tok'ra left after, taking their cookies with them. The ones who stayed had personal gifts to exchange.

"Dad." Malika took a small box out of a pocket. "I hope you like it." She offered it to him.

"I'm sure it's wonderful." Martouf took the gift, then read the label. "We love you. From Malika, Iasis…" He kept reading. Each grandchild had been listed.

"You are going to have to shorthand that when you have more kids," Jack said.

Malika smiled. "Yes, but for now, it's easy to list them all."

Do you want to open it? Martouf asked.

I know what it is, Lantash replied.

You do?

They asked me first because they didn't want to offend you.

Martouf slowly opened it. Inside, he opened a little box, smiling slightly when he saw a new eyepatch. He was surprised when he lifted it. There is no string?

It bonds to your skin.

But that would irritate you.

I think I could get used to it. Love, you barely wear the prosthetic because you know that I don't like it, but I hate watching you struggle with the eyepatches.

Martouf smiled, then hugged his nervous daughters. "Thank you. This is very thoughtful. I'll go try it on."

Malika smiled.

He left, finding his quarters. He felt a symbiote approaching as he took the current eyepatch off. Martouf cleaned it, then put it away. Then he cleaned his face before putting the new one on.

"Grandpa," the larva squealed.

Martouf smiled. "Defender, how does it look?"

"Beautiful."

Martouf picked Defender up and stroked teir fins as he looked into the mirror. The eyepatch was definitely custom-made to fit so perfectly.

You were asleep, Lantash thought. I was sneaky.

Very sneaky. Martouf gave Defender a kiss on the head before walking out.

~+~+~.

Meanwhile, Jack approached Einar, who was talking to…

"Hurton, correct?"

"Yes." Hurton smiled a bit as he took Einar's hand.

"Einar," Jack greeted. "I just…wanted to thank you for having us."

Per'sus took control. "Jacob did most of the work." He pulled his hand away. "He wanted to make this Christmas special for his grandchildren."

"I didn't mean to…" Jack sighed softly. "You can hold his hand. It's a party."

"We are glad you could make it," Per'sus replied.

"Thank you." Feeling a little awkward, Jack began heading back towards the table when he noticed Delek holding a picture of several larvae. "Are you in there?"

"Yes." Delek pointed to a larva. "Me…and my batch mates." He touched lovingly over the others. "They are gone now."

"I'm sorry."

"Most of us are the last of our batch." He gestured to the larvae near Sam. "Hopefully, they will not suffer so many losses."

"Yeah," Jack agreed.

Martouf returned, holding Defender.

"Dads, you look great," Iasis said.

He hugged her.

Jack smiled when he saw a new gift on the table.

"You all have to share this one," Iasis said.

The larvae squeaked and squealed, then used their sharp jaws to rip through the ribbons and paper.

Jack saw that Einar was in control again, leaning against Hurton. "I have known you all for over twenty years, but some of you still can't relax around me."

Jacob chuckled. "Believe me, with having guests over, this is relaxed."

The gift for the larvae was revealed to be a tank of colorful fish. They squealed excitedly, then immediately began jumping towards the nearest river.

Iasis followed, then poured the fish into the water. The fish immediately swam off, and the larvae chased after them.

Chapter Text

"Malika…would your date like to have dinner with us?" Lantash asked.

"They're older than me."

"They would have to be, and they watched you grow up, and who initiated this relationship?"

Malika groaned.

"Tell me, at least, that the symbiote is younger than me."

"Faaaatherrrrr."

His jaw tightened.

"Alright, she is younger than you, but not by much."

He made an angry snort.

"Did you want to have dinner with them or just be angry?"

"I will behave."

Malika was unsure.

"So…who is it?"

"Liandra and-"

"Liandra?! She's fifty-three years older than you."

"So? Dad is almost ninety years older than Mom."

Lantash huffed slightly, then retreated.

"He will be polite," Martouf said with a smile.

"Thank you."

Martouf immediately left to find Liandra, and he soon found her dipping a gingerbread cookie into her cider.

She looked up to him. "You know."

"Yes." Martouf stepped closer, looking to her cookie. "I like doing that too."

She smiled.

"Lantash very much wants to give you the 'If you hurt our daughters' speech,' but he promised to behave, and I'm certain you have heard him say it to others."

Liandra laughed. "Yes, we have."

"We would like to invite you to dinner with the family."

"Oh." She smiled. "I would love that, but Per'sus invited me to eat with him and Hurton." She tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps he would be willing to arrange for a larger gathering."

"Perhaps. I will offer any help that I can."

Liandra smiled. "He would like that."

~+~+~.

Much later in the day, Jack approached Martouf in his quarters.

"Samanatha is not here." Martouf looked irritated, holding a small box.

"Look, I'm sorry if I offended you…about the wasps." Jack felt a little uncomfortable. It was rare for Martouf to be annoyed with him.

"I understand." Martouf looked over. "I should not have been so sensitive. I just…miss my people."

"Holidays remind us of those we lost." Jack sat down. "Where's Malika?"

"She is helping Councilor Per'sus prepare our dinner. I will soon be doing the same."

"We're eating with Per'sus?"

"Yes." Martouf looked to the box he held. "I have to get ready for dinner."

"Comb your hair?" Since Martouf had already changed clothes, Jack wasn't sure what else there was to do.

Martouf frowned.

"Never mind."

Martouf did a long blink, hiding the eye glow as Lantash took over.

"Lantash."

"Jack?"

"Yes?"

"Leave."

"Oh." Jack left, annoyed. He saw Sam in the hallway. "I think I angered your husbands. Are they still angry about the wasps? Because I was polite."

Sam smiled, amused.

"I was," he defended. "Actually polite, not Jack polite."

"They aren't angry about the wasps."

"No?" He frowned. "Then I don't know what I did. Lantash told me to leave."

"What did they say before that?"

"They are getting ready for dinner."

"Ah."

"Yeah?"

"They're probably going to put in the prosthetic eye. They don't like even me watching. It's very personal between them."

"Then why not just say so?"

"Jack…"

"I've known them…how long has it been?" Jack frowned. "Twenty…twenty-nine years. Almost three decades, and I'm still kept at an arm's length."

Sam frowned, sensing that he wasn't finished. She waited.

"I haven't retired because when I do…" Jack sighed. "I won't be part of the family anymore."

"Jack." Sam took his hand. "We're not SG-1 anymore, but we are family. We'll always be family. You're Uncle Jack. Now you're Great Uncle Jack."

Jack smiled. "I guess I feel like you all pulled away. Teal'c with his Jaffa stuff."

"He did have to build an entire new nation."

"Daniel is all over the place, married to Anise, and it feels like he's here half the time."

"Not nearly that often."

"And you went and got yourself Tok'rafied."

"That was seventeen years ago."

"And you had to go marry my rivals before that."

"Your rivals?"

Jack gave a small smile.

"Jack, if I ever lead you-"

"Nah. We're good." He sighed. "It actually helps to say it out loud."

Sam glanced down.

"I'm happy for you. I just…wish I could have found the same."

"Well, Martouf is bisexual."

Jack laughed. "Not quite what I meant."

Sam smiled.

Martouf approached them, confused by the last bits he heard.

Sam approached him, taking his hands. She noticed that she had been right about the white prosthetic eye.

"You look very handsome."

"Thank you." He glanced to Jack as the other man left. "Did Jack suggest dating us?"

"No. I was teasing him."

He made a short nod. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

~+~+~.

Per'sus grew a new table to accommodate his guests, then had food brought in.

Thirty years ago, we never would have imagined dining with any Jaffa in our personal quarters.

Einar didn't reply.

Einar?

Yes?

Per'sus smiled. Rest, my love. I'll wake you when it is dinner time.

While some hosts had trouble falling asleep while their symbiotes were walking around, they had been together for so long that Einar had no trouble.

Hurton and Iasis were already there. Iasis had brought them a new drink, one that was rich and creamy.

Martouf and Sam arrived next.

"Martouf…" Per'sus looked towards him, then gestured.

The two of them stepped away from the others.

"You might want to take off the glove."

"Why?"

"The guests I invited earlier will be making it. They find more strength in not hiding one's disability."

Martouf frowned.

"It is up to you."

"Lantash agrees with you." He hesitated, then slowly took the glove off. Looking down at his hand, he slowly flexed his thumb and most of his pointer finger.

"If you ask me, you look better without the glove."

That made Martouf smile. "I am more comfortable without it when it's just us Tok'ra, but…"

"I understand." He gestured. "You can put it away in one of my boxes until later."

"Thank you."

Liandra, Malek, and Aldwin arrived next, bringing in one of the Christmas trees that Einar had primarily decorated.

That made Per'sus smile.

"Merry Christmas," Aldwin greeted.

"And Merry Christmas to you as well. Einar will be most pleased when he awakes."

Iasis approached Liandra, taking her hand.

"Is my hair alright?" Per'sus touched his head lightly.

"You are too worried about your hair," Liandra replied.

"Your hair is perfect," Malek answered.

"Thank you."

Teal'c arrived with Jack, Daniel, and Anise. Jacob and Garshaw were last.

"Is this all of us?" Jacob asked.

"Not quite," Per'sus replied. "We have three more guests arriving." He sat down, pulling out a comb to fix his hair.

"You…smell different," Jack noticed, hoping the councilor didn't take that the wrong way.

"Thank you. Einar and I bathed earlier today with nutty cinnamon scented oils. We wanted to smell Christmassy."

Jack smiled. Never would he have suspected that a Tok'ra would want to smell like Christmas.

They were beginning to settle when Teal'c heard a familiar voice.

"Father."

"Rya'c." Surprised, he smiled warmly as he approached the trio, first hugging his son. "Kar'yn." He hugged his daughter-in-law, then… "Ishta."

"The Tok'ra have invited us to celebrate a Tau'ri holiday that celebrates family. Unfortunately, we couldn't come earlier, but we are here now." She took his hands before kissing him.

"It is a most interesting holiday." Teal'c turned to Per'sus then bowed his head. "Thank you for inviting them."

Wake, love. Per'sus bowed slightly in return. He felt Einar slowly become aware of his surroundings.

"The chef has prepared a number of traditional foods," Jacob said. "At least as much as possible." He gestured. "Roasted waterfowl. Green bean casserole. The tuber and Lon Lon cheese casserole is similar to Au Gratin Potatoes."

"It looks good," Jack said. He could actually tell what everything was, or at least what it was supposed to be. "Is that cranberry sauce?"

"Not quite, but that sauce is made from a tart berry." Jacob smiled. "Our chef is pretty good at reproducing meals from other worlds by description alone. He even made eggnog."

"Ah, where's the rum?"

"Jack," Daniel said in annoyance.

"Oh, come on. You know I'm kidding."

"It has already been added," Aldwin answered.

"Oh." Jack was surprised. He honestly had been joking.

"The meals are what you would call self serve," Per'sus said, 'and Einar and I have personally selected the music for this evening."

"If it were entirely up to Per'sus, it would be the same twenty songs on repeat," Jacob added.

"Actually, I have personally approved of multiple Christmas songs for your celebration," Per'sus replied with a smile. "I particularly enjoyed 'Jesus Refulsit Omnium' and 'Corde natus ex Parentis.'"

"I never heard of those," Jack replied.

"'Jesus, Light of All the Nations' and 'Of the Father's Love Begotten,'" Daniel translated.

"They are from the time period that you call the fourth century." Per'sus smiled. "Einar preferred the much more modern song…'Good King Wenceslas.'"

"Nineteenth century?" Jack guessed, again, keeping the sarcasm to himself.

"Very good, General. The lyrics are indeed nineteenth century, though the tune is from your thirteenth century."

Jack frowned. He was surprised to be right, but he also felt that Per'sus was being a little condescending.

"Anise may have missed your sarcasm," Gete whispered to Jack softly, holding an amused smile. "Per'sus will not."

Jack smiled slightly.

"If you don't mind me asking, what is the most recent song we will be listening to?" Daniel asked.

"A song from Amb's world," Per'sus answered as he went to the music player. "It was formed in what you would call…early twentieth century." His fingers graced over the controls.

Malek bowed his head, giving Amb control. They listened to the song.

Daniel tilted his head, and soon heard a rhythm from flutes, percussions on stone and drums, rattles, and at least one bullroarer. Soon, there was chanting.

"This was approximately…1905." Amb smiled. "It tells the story of how night fell upon us during midday. It was…quite exciting and terrifying at the same time."

"You are from Woods, are you not?" Ishta asked.

"Yes."

"Then such an eclipse could last quite a while on your world, especially if both moons were involved."

"Both were involved." He gestured to Anise. "Anise calculated that that particular solar eclipse have lasted 36.459 minutes."

"Long time," Jack said as he saw people begin to gather food. "No kids?"

"They have no interest in a formal dinner," Malika replied. "They are playing with their new fish instead." She smiled.

Formal dinner. Jack suddenly felt underdressed, wearing his fatigues. At least Teal'c was as well. Daniel had changed, and while that was his usual when visiting the tunnels, he did seem fancier than normal.

"Daniel, did you dress up for this?" He asked.

"I just put on what Anise picked out for me," Daniel replied with a shrug.

"She dresses you?"

"Sometimes."

"On Earth's surface, he returns the favor," Anise added. "He knows local clothing far greater than Freya or myself."

"Oh." Jack noticed Aldwin whispering to Martouf, who shook his head. It was only then that Jack noticed Martouf's missing glove.

"Jack," Daniel said in a warning tone.

"Nothing." He frowned at Daniel, annoyed that Daniel thought that he might say something inappropriate. He shook his head and scooped tubers on to his plate. After, glancing back and seeing Martouf struggle a little, Jack suspected that Aldwin had offered help.

They sat down to eat.

"I understand a prayer is often traditional," Per'sus said. "How…precisely does that go?"

"To their deity," Anise answered. "I shall attempt. First, we must put our hands together."

Jack smiled in amusement as the Tok'ra interpreted that as pressing their hands to each other.

"Dear deity of Christmas," Anise said. "May you protect the galaxy from the Goa'uld, and Happy Birthday to your son. Amen."

"Very good," Daniel complimented.

"Thank you."

Jack sipped his eggnog, then coughed as his eyes and throat burned.

"Are you alright?" Garshaw asked.

"That's less eggnog with rum and more rum with eggnog…and not just rum."

"We could bring in the eggnog made for the larvae. That does not have alcohol."

"I'm good."

"You have become open about your relationship," Teal'c said as he looked to Malika.

"Yes." Malika blushed a bit.

"Liandra and Pel are strong warriors. You have chosen well."

"Oh, I don't know if I'm officially chosen," Liandra said, then noticed Lantash giving her a look. She could have sworn that Martouf was in control about two seconds ago. "As honored as I am to be chosen to be involved with the larvae-"

"Wait." Jack frowned. "As I understand it, a queen can reproduce asexually, correct?" He gestured to Malek. "He taught me that one. No man friend needed."

Lantash almost choked on his drink while trying not to laugh.

"'Man friend?'" Aldwin questioned.

"Yes, that is correct," Malika answered Jack.

"But…" Jack continued, ignoring them, "in order to increase the chances of the larvae having a successful first blending, the queen prefers to use DNA from humans."

"Yes," Malika answered. "It is only a tiny percentage of a symbiote, like the mitochondria in our code of life. Egeria used the code of life of her hosts and from Per'sus' hosts."

Per'sus smiled to that.

"And the male's DNA was always transferred with…" Was he actually saying this in front of his nieces?

"Sex," Per'sus answered.

"So…how did that work with Liandra?" Jack frowned. "I mean…" He did not want to finish that sentence. However, since Tok'ra baths were public, he had seen more than he wanted of Liandra multiple times.

"Jack, really?" Daniel looked over to him, thankful that the Tok'ra were amused.

"I am being polite about this."

Liandra smiled. "The easiest way to get my code of life to Iasis was a simple blood transfusion to Malika. She gestured. "Hurton carried out the procedure.

Hurton bowed his head. "I was happy to help, though staying longer with Malika did make Lantash suspect me as a…'man friend.'"

"I don't think Per'sus would like that," Jack said.

"Per'sus and I are not together."

"What?" Jack frowned.

"I am dating Einar, not Per'sus. In fact, Per'sus has his own lady friend."

"How does that even work?"

"Clear communication, honesty, and the truth is, our relationship is what you would call open."

This Tok'ra stuff could get too complicated for his liking. Jack nodded slightly, then glanced to Garshaw with curiosity.

"I am not the lady friend," she quickly declared.

"Perhaps it would be best if we just ate," Malek said.

"That sounds good to me," Jacob agreed.

~+~+~.

After they helped clean up, Anise quietly went to Teal'c.

"Anise," he greeted.

"If your family is interested, we can show them the rest of the tunnels. I assure you, the councilors would understand."

"That would be most kind of you." Teal'c bowed his head.

"I would like that," Ishta added. "Thank you."

The small group went to Einar, who was looking over the decorations that had been brought into his quarters. The tiny Santa symbiotes in the garland amused him.

"I could hear you. It sounds like a wonderful idea." Einar turned to the group. "Thank you for coming. I know you are all very busy, but… It is wonderful that the Jaffa, Tau'ri, and Tok'ra could celebrate a holiday together, regardless of what that holiday is."

"Yes," Teal'c agreed.

"Thank you for inviting us," Ishta added.

Einar smiled.

Rya'c and Kar'yn also gave their thanks. As did Daniel, who planned to spent all the time he could with Anise and Freya. They soon headed out, and Jacob and Garshaw followed.

Jack frowned slightly. "I wasn't expecting your Dad to go."

"He was looking for a reason," Sam replied.

"He's not one for such dinners," Einar added. "Though Selmak enjoyed herself." He went to sit, then picked up the eggnog, taking a sip.

Malika, now open about her relationship, was sharing a larger chair with Liandra. Her arm was around her girlfriend, and the two were quite comfortable to be practically cuddling in front of everyone.

Aldwin handed Jack his cup, refilled.

"Thank you." Jack accepted it before noticing that Einar seemed to be glaring at his drink. "Is something wrong?"

Aldwin joined Malek, Sam, and Martouf on the most uncomfortable couch that Jack had ever seen. Somehow it looked worse than their chairs and beds, a smooth surface of sharp angles and edges.

"This is foul," Einar replied.

"Oh. I thought Per'sus was enjoying the eggnog."

"He does. I don't." He set the glass down a little too hard.

"How have you enjoyed the day?" Malek asked.

"This has been an interesting holiday. I had seen some of it, of course, as Malika and Iasis grew up, but not to this extent."

"You should come to Earth," Jack replied. "Next Christmas. I'll throw a party at the base. Tok'ra and Jaffa."

"How would you convince your commanding officers to have a party at Stargate Command?" Malek asked.

"It strengthens the alliance between all of our people."

"Tok'ra, Jaffa, and the Tau'ri…" Aldwin said as he raised a glass. "Bonding over Santa Claus."

"For the past several years, just about every time I leave the base, something goes wrong." Einar picked up the drink, sipping it out of habit before frowning. He sighed before putting the cup back down.

Martouf quietly got up, grabbing a glass and a pitcher of gun rex tea.

You can do it, Lantash encouraged.

Martouf smiled. While losing an eye had messed with his depth perspective, he hadn't spilled in a while. Still, he enjoyed Lantash's confident wiggles. He touched the pitcher to the glass before pouring.

You did it!

Thank you.

"I am staying here," Einar continued, "where it is safe."

"You have had a string of bad luck," Sam agreed.

Picking up the glass, Martouf headed back to Einar, offering him the tea.

"Thank you." Einar took the glass.

"You can still do the Christmas party, Uncle," Malika said. "I'll have more children by then…though I don't think I would be allowed to bring them all."

"Did Egeria have so many so fast?" Jack asked.

A head bow and glowing eyes announced Iasis taking control. She immediately moved her arm, touching over the back of Liandra's neck instead.

"No," Iasis answered, "for a number of reasons. I have benefits that she did not, including knowledge that she had to learn through experience."

Martouf settled between Sam and Malek, and after grabbing Sam's hand, he absentmindedly began rubbing his thumb over the back of it.

The conversation continued, though it wasn't really about any one particular thing. Jack felt comfortable…in spite of his chair.

Iasis and Liandra were next to leave, and that seemed to be the cue for everyone to leave. They were followed by Per'sus, who walked them down the hallway.

"Thank you for coming," Per'sus said. "It's…been a while since I hosted a dinner party."

"Thank you for inviting us." Martouf bowed slightly to him. As did the other Tok'ra.

Jack could almost hear Daniel's voice telling him to bow as he belatedly did so towards Per'sus.

"Good night." Per'sus returned the small bow before going back to his quarters.

Only Hurton stayed, and he was sipping apple cider when Per'sus returned.

"Is Twig awake?"

"Yes, though he is tired."

Per'sus gave Einar control, who walked over to him.

"This holiday is…unusual."

"My people had some unusual customs too," Einar replied, "though I really don't understand the socks."

"Ah. No. I didn't understand that either," Hurton pulled him closer. "Did you get your sock?"

"No. Not yet."

"I'm sure there is no harm in waiting until tomorrow."

"What if this Santa Claus takes the socks back?" Einar teased.

"Oh, excellent point. Are you willing to take that risk?"

Einar smiled and kissed him, holding him close. After a moment, he pulled away as his scalp tingled.

"Good answer."

~+~+~.

It was getting late, and Jack was getting tired.

"You can stay the night," Aldwin offered when he saw Jack yawn."

"No. Thank you."

"Teal'c has left, and I believe Daniel wished to stay."

"Yeah, I already gave him permission."

"There is one more thing before you go," Aldwin said as he gestured to another Tok'ra, Jalen.

Jalen made a short nod, then left.

"Yeah?" Jack glanced to Sam and saw she didn't know what this was about either.

"A tradition that your father mentioned," Aldwin explained as he turned to Sam. "I thought it would be fun to surprise you as well."

Sam smiled.

Jalen returned with a small crystal box, handing it to Malek, who looked curious.

"As I understand it, this is usually a tradition for children, but I didn't think you would mind." Aldwin opened the box, then took out a sock. An empty, plain sock. He was very pleased as he handed it to Jack.

"Oh." Jack would not laugh, not even smirk…and it took every fiber in his being to not do so.

"Though, I must admit, I don't understand getting one sock at a time," Aldwin added with a slight frown.

"Oh." Malek smiled, believing he suddenly understood. "Socks are often lost when the Tau'ri do laundry." He looked to Sam. "This is quite a clever tradition to replace the lost socks."

"Yes, very clever of us," Jack replied, seeing that Sam was just as amused. "Uh. Thank-Thank you…for the sock."

Aldwin grinned, then handed Sam two socks.

"Thank you." She saw Martouf smiling with amusement. "Kela'an also thanks you," she added before Jack could ask why she got two.

Jack smiled, and they walked him to the rings.

"Merry Christmas," Martouf said as they approached.

"Merry Christmas…and thank you. This was fun."

They smiled, and Sam hugged him.

He held her gently, knowing it might be a month or so before he saw her again.

"Bye Jack."

"Bye." He waved before going up through the rings.

"Was something wrong with the sock?" Aldwin asked.

"It doesn't matter." Sam grinned as she turned to him. "I guarantee you, he's going to hang that sock up to remember today."

Aldwin grinned, especially when Malek hugged him from behind. Aldwin turned his head to kiss him.

"Do we get a kiss as well?" Martouf asked as Sam approached him.

"First, I have a gift for you." Sam placed two fingers behind his wedding ring, lifting it slightly. She ran her fingers up the chain. Unclipping the necklace, she took it off.

"Hm." One of his eyebrows quirked slightly.

"Since you don't mind wearing pendants…" Sam slipped a gold ring on to it.

He examined the ring as Aldwin and Malek watched. He recognized the language as his own, and the engraving made him smile.

"Beloved Fathers," and "Cherished Grandfathers."

"This is beautiful." He tilted his head slightly. "Do the stones mean anything?"

"The birthstones of our daughters and grandchildren.

"You are going to need a bigger ring," Gete teased, now having control.

Sam laughed. "They'll have to share stones." She put the necklace back on Martouf.

He kissed her as soon as it was on.

"Mmm." She felt his hand over Kela'an, sending a shiver down her spine. When his kiss changed, she knew Lantash had taken control.

"Thank you." Lantash said in a hushed tone.

She gave him another, much quicker, kiss before they turned to the Malek and Gete.

"If we get ourselves chains, will we get uncle rings?" Malek asked.

Lantash smiled as he approached. "Oh, is that a hint?"

"Maybe. Though Amb would probably take it off every time he was in control. He was never one for fancy jewelry." Malek smiled as he examined the new ring. "This is lovely, and you have certainly earned it." He brushed Lantash's hair back before taking Aldwin's hand. "Shall we go play with the larvae?"

"That sounds fun," Lantash replied. "I have not swam with them since yesterday."

"Then we shall."

Sam grinned.

They all headed back.