Changing Lives 48/55 (Sam/Janet femslash) Stargate SG-1
"I can't believe we're back here," Cassie excitedly squeezed Anna's hand as they sat together in the back of the cab. "It seems like a lifetime ago."
"In some ways it is," Anna smiled, "so many things have changed since you first arrived in London." She leaned forward and spoke directly to the cab driver. "Can you drop us here?" she asked, "and then take the big bags to the hotel? I'll just take the back pack."
The cab driver nodded and smiled, pulling over where Anna indicated. Anna leaned through the window and paid the driver, giving him a hefty tip. "Thanks!" she grinned, as she waved him off.
"Half way across Westminster Bridge? Why here?" Cassie wanted to know.
"Because it was when we first came here," Anna took Cassie's hand, "that I realized I had fallen in love with you. But then," she took a deep breath, "then, I thought you were straight, and would have no interest in having a relationship with me. We were already well on our way to being really good friends. But I thought that would be as far as it went. So," she kissed Cassie softly, "I wanted us to come back here this week, so that I could hold you in my arms, on this bridge, knowing that you're going to be my wife. That we're going to be together for ever."
Cassie noticed that Anna's eyes were damp. "Oh Annie," she said, her voice cracking. "That's just beautiful. I think I fell for you as soon as I saw you. You were, you are so beautiful, and you were so excited about books, and literature and poetry. I was so relieved when you lent me that book, so that I would have an excuse to come back and see you again. What was that poem you recited when we first came here, the one about Westminster Bridge?"
Anna smiled. "This one?" she asked, and recited:
"Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty."
"Yeah," Cassie said wistfully. "That was it. I'm so pleased we decided to marry here, Annie," she said, "it's just the perfect place to do it. Where we met."
"And where we had our courtship," Anna said.
"Yeah," Cassie said. "In that funny little apartment. I don't think I've ever been happier than I was then, Annie. Apart from now," she grinned. "Now, being here with you, knowing that soon we'll be married. Now, I'm happier than I ever imagined possible."
"Me too, sweetheart," Anna pulled her into her arms. "Everything's perfect. We're getting married, Mum, Dad and Izzie have moved to Colorado, and Sam and Janet are having a baby. And we'll soon be moving into our own place, thanks to Sam and Janet. We're so lucky, aren't we Cass?"
"We sure are," Cassie agreed. "So what happens next?" she asked, with a twinkle in her eye, guessing that Anna had the next few days planned out.
"I thought lunch," Anna said. "Wherever you want."
Cassie grinned. "How about we head to Covent Garden, and eat in Ginelli's, for old-times' sake?"
Anna smiled widely. "I was hoping you'd say that," she said. "I want to tell Mario all about our wedding. Show him our engagement rings," unconsciously she touched the ring that Cassie had given her. "He'll be so excited."
"Ginelli's it is then," Cassie smiled.
= = =
"I think he's almost as excited as we are," Anna smiled, once Mario had finally allowed them to sit at his small cafe.
"He's a lovely guy," Cassie agreed, "I'm so glad we came here. Annie," she smiled at her lover, "I know it sounds kinda dumb, but in many ways I wish we weren't going to the hotel tonight. I wish we were just going back to the apartment over the bookshop. I know," she laughed at herself, "it's hardly the best accommodation London has to offer. But I loved it. I loved every minute I spent there."
"Do you really mean that?" Anna's eyes twinkled.
"Oh God yes," Cassie said, "every word."
"I'm so pleased to hear that," Anna said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a door key, which she placed on the table. "Because that's my 'surprise'! That's where we're going. We don't check into the hotel until Friday morning. We've got three nights at the flat."
"Are you serious?" Cassie's face lit up, as she reached across for the key which she recognized. "Oh my God, Annie," tears filled her eyes. "That's amazing. And so romantic. I can't believe you thought of that."
Anna reached over, and kissed her very gently. "That flat means everything to me, Cass," she said, her tone serious. "That was where my life was transformed. I thought I was happy enough, and then I met you, and you opened up a whole new world for me. I just wanted," she smiled shyly, "I just wanted to recreate that. For a few days. Just you and me, and London. And great Italian food," she smiled as Mario delivered two steaming plates of tagliatelle.
"I love you so much," Cassie took her hand.
"I had the place cleaned," Anna assured her fiancee. "And I ordered groceries online, which Uncle Joe was going to put in the fridge. It should all be ready and waiting for us."
"You're incredible," Cassie said, "I can't think of a better surprise. So that's what the back pack is all about, huh?" she pointed to the large bag at Anna's feet.
"Yeah," Anna grinned. "The cab driver's leaving our suitcases at the hotel. Don't worry, I cleared it with the hotel, they're going to store them for us until we get there. I just brought a few clothes for us for while we're at the flat, jeans, t-shirts, that sort of thing."
"I'm kinda hoping we won't be needing too many clothes, Annie," Cassie grinned wickedly. "I have great memories of that pull-out bed; I'm hoping to revisit those memories."
Anna smiled back. "Yeah," her voice was husky. "That's pretty much what I was planning."
= = =
"My God, Annie," Cassie exclaimed. "I can't believe all this!" she gestured at the sparklingly clean apartment. "I don't think this place has ever been so clean. And I love all these candles," Anna had somehow arranged for what looked like hundreds of candles to be put out all over the apartment. "And correct me if I'm wrong," she sat on the bed and ran her hands over the sheets, "but isn't this Egyptian cotton?"
Anna grinned. "Well," she said, "I was planning that we'd spend quite a lot of our time here, so I thought it'd be nice to have a bit of luxury. Wait there," she commanded, returning seconds later with a bottle of cold champagne and two crystal glasses, which she handed to Cassie. "Hold these," she instructed, as she twisted the cork. As the bottle spurted, she managed to get most of the escaping wine into the glasses Cassie was holding. She sat next to Cassie, and took one of the glasses from her. "To us," she said, her voice cracking with emotion, as she clinked her glass against Cassie's. "Now and for ever."
"For ever," Cassie echoed.
= = =
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Janet asked tenderly as they reached their bedroom.
"Yeah," Sam replied tiredly. "I'm fine, Jan, I swear."
"Mind if I check out that bruise?" Janet asked. "I know they looked at it in the infirmary, but..."
"But you just wanna make sure?" Sam smiled. "Of course you can, baby. I love that you care so much."
Very gently, Janet drew Sam's t-shirt over her head, noticing Sam wincing as she raised her arms above her head. The bruising was spreading dramatically against her side. Janet tried not to gasp at what she saw. "Shit, hon," she said, "that looks sore."
"Yeah," Sam admitted. "Hurts like hell. But it's okay, it's only a bruise."
"Arnica," Janet pronounced. "We should get as much of the bruising out as possible, before you're stuck in a 'plane for hours. Wait there," she commanded, returning shortly from the bathroom with a bottle of arnica. Very carefully, she unsnapped Sam's bra, leaving the whole of her torso clear. "I'll be gentle," she promised her lover, as she took the lid off the bottle.
"You always are," Sam replied affectionately, trying not to start as Janet began to apply the ointment to her skin.
"Want something for the pain?" Janet asked, as she finished her ministrations.
Sam shook her head. "It's not that bad," she said.
"Well take these at least," Janet passed her two arnica tablets, "they'll help too."
"Thanks baby," Sam was so tired she was almost slurring her words. She changed carefully into her pajamas with Janet's help.
"D'you think you can sleep now?" Janet asked. It was now almost 9am on the Wednesday morning, and Sam had been up for two full days without sleep.
"Yeah," Sam replied sleepily, reaching out and taking Janet's hand. "I'll bet you haven't slept too well either Jan, why don't you grab a few hours too?"
Janet yawned and then laughed at the timing. "You might be right, Sam," she said with a smile. "I'll just go tell Mom that she's on her own for a few hours. I'll be right back."
When Janet returned to the bedroom less than five minutes later, she saw that Sam was already dead to the world. She changed rapidly and very carefully climbed in beside her, making sure not to touch her bruised side. In her sleep, Sam shifted involuntarily at the presence of her lover, and snuggled up next to Janet, her arm reaching out to claim Janet, her hand resting on Janet's swollen belly.
= = =
"Vala!" Janet cried, as she saw Daniel and Vala were already at the airport. "I'm so pleased you decided to come to the wedding," she looked down at Vala's protruding stomach.
Vala laughed. "Don't get Daniel worried," she said, "the baby's not due for over seven weeks. We wouldn't miss the wedding for the world, would we?" she looked up at Daniel. "Anyway," she said, "I want to see London, from what I hear it's a beautiful city."
"It is," Sam agreed, "or at least it was when I last went, about 20 years ago. So what about General O'Neill and Teal'c? Have they gotten here yet?"
"Jack's getting coffee," Daniel explained, "and Teal'c's getting...."
"Doughnuts!" Sam spoke before he could finish his sentence.
Daniel laughingly agreed. He put an arm round Sam. "You know what this wedding means, don't you, Sam?" he had a wicked twinkle in his eye.
"What?" Sam demanded, suspiciously.
"You and Janet are both going to be 'mothers-in-law'!" he chuckled.
"Oh don't!" Janet cried, "that makes us sound so old!"
"And crotchety," Sam added. "Before you know it, we're going to be round at the girls' apartment every day, interfering, choosing their drapes for them and criticizing their cooking!"
"I hardly think you're gonna be allowed to critize anyone's cooking, Sam," Janet said with a grin.
Sam grinned back. "I have other talents," she said, her voice low and sultry.
Janet swallowed. "Damned straight you do," she agreed.
= = =
"Where are they?" Cassie demanded.
"They'll be through soon," Izzie took her hand reassuringly. She had arrived the day before with her parents, and had insisted on coming to the airport with Cassie to meet the rest of the wedding party, while Anna had stayed behind with her parents, finalizing some of the details of the wedding.
Cassie smiled at Izzie. "You're great, Iz," she said, pulling her into an impulsive hug. "I can't wait until you're my sister-in-law. I can't wait to see you in your dress, too," she said.
Izzie smiled back. "Mum helped me choose it," she said. "She says it's really nice."
"I'm sure it is, Iz, and I know you'll look beautiful in it. The prettiest bridesmaid ever!" she declared.
"There they are!" Izzie shouted, catching a glimpse of Teal'c, and spotting Sam's blonde head.
Sam sprinted over to them, seizing Izzie in a huge hug. "You came to meet us!" she said, surprised and touched.
"We couldn't wait to see you," Izzie said.
Soon the whole group was caught up in greetings, a warm, happy group.
"Let's go see London," Janet declared after they had all calmed down. "We've all got a ton of things to do before the wedding."
= = =
Cassie and Anna spent the night before their wedding in the hotel, parting at 6am with a kiss, as each went to their respective parents' room to get ready for the wedding.
"I'll see you at 12pm, huh?" Cassie's voice cracked as she held Anna that morning.
"I'll be there," Anna said, "I can't wait to see you in your dress. Or your jeans," she remembered something Cassie had said previously. "I can't wait until you're mine."
"I've always been yours," Cassie said.
"How about a last kiss?" Anna asked. "A last kiss as a single woman, that is."
Cassie leaned in, and kissed Anna passionately.
"Wow!" Anna said as they finally pulled apart. "You certainly made it memorable. I love you Cass," she said, as she reluctantly moved toward the door. "Never forget that."
"Ditto," Cassie said.
= = =
"You are so beautiful," Janet's voice cracked with emotion as she stood back from her daughter, who was finally ready. Cassie's elegant, simple cream dress made her look like a goddess. "Anna's a very lucky woman."
"Not as lucky as I am, Mom," Cassie said.
"This is going to be an incredible day," Sam said softly, as she kissed her daughter on the cheek.
"It's gonna be the best," Cassie agreed. "What about you two? Are you nervous Sam?"
"No," Sam said. "I'm just excited."
"I meant about reading the poem at the ceremony," Cassie said.
Janet laughed. "She's practiced that reading so many times, I swear she knows it off by heart. You don't even need the book, do you Sam?"
Sam grinned. "Well it's a beautiful poem," she said.
"Sonnet," Janet corrected.
"Sonnet," Sam agreed with a smile. "It's perfect, for you, Cass, and for Annie."
"Annie chose it," Cassie said.
= = =
When Cassie, Sam and Janet arrived at the London Eye for the ceremony, O'Neill, Teal'c, Daniel and Vala were already there waiting for them.
"She'll be right here," Sam saw Cassie looking round for Anna and not seeing her. "Just give her a moment, huh?" She took her daughter's hand, and realized she was trembling slightly. "It's all going to be great, Cass," her voice was gentle and reassuring.
A cab drew up at that moment, and Izzie emerged, flanked by both her parents. She saw the others, and waved frantically.
"She's beautiful," Janet said to Sam. "And she looks so excited!"
"She's wanted to be a bridesmaid for years," Cassie said, "look, she even got to wear her tiara!"
Anna then emerged from the cab, and Cassie's mouth went dry at the sight of her. She was wearing a long, satin dress in deep red, which complemented her skin tone perfectly.
All the members of the wedding party greeted each other enthusiastically. Sam was particularly touched to see Vala making a big effort to compliment Izzie on her dress, and to make sure that both 'sides' of the wedding party mingled completely.
Anna and Cassie didn't notice any of that, though; they were both transfixed by the sight of each other. Cassie took a tentative step forward, and took both of Anna's hands in her own. "Thank you," she said, tears in her eyes. "Thank you for being here. For being so beautiful. For loving me."
"You are my life," Anna said simply.
They all stepped into the cabin, and before they knew it the ceremony was under way. Cassie kept hold of Anna's hands throughout the 20-minute service, with both women looking deep into each other's eyes the whole time.
Sam and Janet both found the wedding service extremely moving. Sam stood behind Janet in the small cabin, her arms round her lover, one hand resting protectively on her belly. "I love you," Sam whispered in her ear, so quietly nobody else could hear. "So much."
Just before the service concluded, the minister turned to Sam, and asked her to recite the sonnet.
"This is Annie's favorite sonnet from Shakespeare," Sam told the group as she stepped forward to recited, "and she and Cass want to hear it on their special day." She took a deep breath, and recited:
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
Tears filled Janet's eyes as she heard her lover speaking the words, and she looked over at her daughter, whose face reflected pure love and joy.
After Sam had finished the sonnet, the minister asked Cassie and Anna to exchange rings.
"I had them engraved," Anna told Cassie before she put her ring on. Cassie turned the ring over, and on the inside, saw the words, an ever fixed mark.
"That's beautiful," Cassie whispered to Anna.
"So are you, Mrs Ross," Anna replied with a wide smile. "So are you."