Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
by Ithildin
c 2002
Jack gazed fondly at the golden haired form that slept curled up on his bed. Ever so gently, so as not to waken her, he sat down on the edge of the bed. It had been a long day, and he had the urge to join Ilsa in her deep slumber. But Jack pushed that thought away he'd promised her a home-cooked dinner after all, and if he fell asleep now, dinner, home-cooked or otherwise, would be out of the question!
He continued to watch her sleep, the light of the setting sun catching the golden highlights in her hair.
"You're a gorgeous creature," he whispered. Jack regretted all the time they spent apart, but did his best to make it up to her when he was home. And he thought he'd accomplished that today. They'd spent the entire day outside in the late summer warmth down at the lake. Ilsa hadn't even begrudged him the time he'd spent fishing. But he'd made sure to show his appreciation for that understanding later in the day. He grinned, remembering.
Jack gently placed his hand on Ilsa's shoulder, but she didn't stir, just sighed a little in her sleep as his firm yet delicate touch stroked softly across her.
"You're a lucky man, Jack O'Neill!" he said to himself.
He eased himself off the bed, making sure not to wake her. Ever so carefully, he took a step back before turning away towards the bedroom door. One step, then Jack found his right foot tangled in the bedspread. As he tried to regain his balance he tripped over the hiking boots he'd carelessly tossed next to the bed. His arms wind milling uselessly, Jack fell face first onto the hardwood floor with a resounding crash.
"I knew I should have gone with carpet," he muttered darkly.
Ilsa, awakened by the noise, snapped awake, leaping to Jack's side where he lay tangled with the bedspread on the floor. Rolling over, Jack was assaulted with Ilsa's kisses as he tried to reassure her that he was fine.
"Hey!," he exclaimed, attempting to hold her back as he tried to regain his feet. "What did we discuss about the slobbering thing?" He tried to sound stern, but gave up as he looked at her, Ilsa's eyes full of love for him.
Putting his arms around her soft neck, he gave her an affectionate squeeze.
"How about that steak dinner I promised you?" A woof and kiss was his answer. "Yeah, I love you too, you mutt!"
Finis