Title: Cute 2
Author: aiyn@writeme.com
Author Page: Ai'yn
Spoilers : Past and Present, Shades of Grey - Season 3; season 4
Summary:
Rating: PG-13
Category: J/D

He didn't know when it had started. When he'd started...noticing.

Colonel Jack O'Neill sat back and watched his kids run around and play in the dirt. Okay, technically, Carter and Daniel had called it 'site segmenting', shoveling sections of dirt out to make little pits and tagging each spot with a number before sifting through it and -

Hell, they were playing in the dirt. He didn't need a Ph.D. to tell him that.

With a soft grunt under his breath, Jack leaned against the tree sheltering him from P9L-634's twin suns and studied Daniel carefully. The archeologist straightened and wiped his forehead with his sleeve, not realizing the bandana he had wrapped around his head had slipped a bit, revealing light strands of hair sticking out. Darker hair which the sun had missed feathered off in a neat line at the base of the 'kerchief, tapering down his tanned neck.

Jack shifted in his seat. No. He didn't know when he'd first started noticing.

Mind you, it wasn't like he'd been walking through the guy and all - although Jack sometimes did have nightmares of how Daniel must have felt when that crystal skull made him transparent and Jack had walked through his cries for help. But there was noticing when your resident geek was about to cluelessly go la la la walking off a cliff and noticing how tight that black T-shirt seemed to stretch across your teammate's chest. Jack had gone from the calm gray area of noticing to screaming, hot blooded, noticing.

Jack mentally ticked back time in his memory and shook his head. Come to think of it, Daniel never had told him much about his ordeal when he was out of phase, although in the days afterwards, Daniel could be found wandering the hallways, one hand brushing the walls with a barely disguised look of relief. It was enough to tell Jack. Enough to paint horrific images that woke him up at night. He studied Daniel squinting at one pail full of dirt. He shuddered, thinking how he might have walked right through Daniel during that time. Unable to see him, touch him...

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Teal'c giving him his usual "O'Neill?" eyebrow, the one that went all the way up, tilting the dark face into a semi-frown. Jack shook his head again, waving a lazy hand, silently telling Teal'c to watch the two mad scientists making mud pies in the center pit instead. No, no, wait. Carter would correct him. "Sedimentary layer analysis, sir," she would call it. And she did. Countless times. Sure, they were making itsy bitsy piles of dirt, Daniel squinting at them as he patted them down into more manageable mounds.

Mud pies, he would call it. Mud pies.

Anyway, Teal'c nodded and went back to his dirt watching a few meters away, staff weapon firmly planted on the ground like a flag pole without its flag. Suns glinting off the tattoo on his forehead. The big guy didn't seem to mind the heat. Standing there in uniform, watching the wonder twins play.

Jack quirked a grin. And play it was. Daniel had this wondering look in his eyes, no frown, completely oblivious to the fact that his glasses were skewing off his nose, a streak of dirt across his left cheek. Completely and utterly content, at ease under the hot climate, and chuckling at what Carter had to say.

No, when had he started really noticing Daniel?

Jack again went rummaging through his own mental file cabinet. No, there wasn't any one time where he'd suddenly sat up and gone "Hey, Daniel is a pretty good looking guy. Think I want to go over there and suck face." Nope. There wasn't any definable moment where he'd suddenly had the urge to run up to Daniel, grab his face and...you know. Although nowadays, Jack did find himself staring at Daniel's mouth a lot. Mm, yeah, his mouth. Daniel had a way of nibbling on his pen that really made Jack want to er - do things. To Daniel. A lot. Many times.

Jack scowled; when Carter glanced his way and gave him a silent and puzzled, "Sir?" Jack quickly schooled his face to a neutral expression before he gave anything away. Luckily Daniel hadn't noticed otherwise Jack would have had a seriously hard time explaining why little colonels were standing at attention when he was around.

But nothing had trumpeted in screaming, blaring "You're gay!" at Jack. Hell, he didn't feel gay. He turned and gave Teal'c a quick glance out of the corner of his eye. Nope. Didn't do a thing. Although Junior would have been a pretty big turn off. Oy, talk about your conversation killers.

He pursed his lips. Siler? Nope. Not a thing either. He'd come across Siler in the showers before, did the usual guy checking out guy thing, wondering where the soap was, noticing that it looked like the sergeant needed to work out more, before smirking and turning back to his own stall. Didn't exactly make him clasp his hands together and swoon. Conner? No. Jones? Nope. Ferretti? Hell, no! Hm...

"Look at that!"

His P-90 went up before he realized it was just Carter hopping on one foot, pointing at one pile of dirt. Oh, lookie, lookie! It's brown! It's Eureka time.

Daniel was also doing some sort of dance, too. Not a hip swaying, hands waving kind of move, although he'd never seen Daniel dance before. More of a little bounce, head bobbing, hands waving madly at the same pile of dirt sort of thing. Okay, got it, the two kids were excited. Now, they were looking his way. No, no, don't show Uncle Jack your dirt. No, no, aw crap!

"Sir! We found some high levels of nitrogen and naquada in the samples!" Carter waved a sample bag at him. Jack glanced over her shoulder, over to Daniel, who was still down in the pit. Jack's right brow rose a fraction. Weird. Usually Daniel would be up here as well, hands flying in the air, words tripping over themselves as he tried to convince Jack how important that brown muck was. Instead, Carter was doing her pitch solo. Something about an odd compound, needing to do some carbon dating, could be the link they needed to whatever, recipe for apple pie, yeah, yeah, yadda.

He nodded absently, absorbing what he needed from Carter's rapid-fire report - need to call in the scientific team, need to get more samples, need another hour to gather them. Okay. "Fine," he muttered, not seeing Carter's surprise at his quick acquiescence, too busy frowning at Daniel.

Daniel glanced up tentatively over the pit's edge. Kinda reminded Jack of a gopher he'd found in the backyard. Always poking its head out just enough for the ears to show, then ducking back down before Jack can dig it out with his shovel. Damn thing always dug holes the size of hockey pucks the minute he finished trimming the yard.

Said gopher was now peering over his glasses, looking at Jack wistfully like he wanted to come over, even had one hand on the pit's edge to hoist himself up, but then ducked his head down to the fascinating dirt again.

Jack felt his gut twist. Well, everyone knew whose fault it was for that reaction, huh?

"Daniel, shut up. Is that clear enough for you?"

"Apparently not much of a foundation, huh?"

His mouth soured. He nodded curtly to Carter, who went back to Daniel, eager to finish with the unexpected reprieve of a few more hours Jack only then realized he'd agreed to. Great, now he was going to have to bake there for another two hours. Swell.

Daniel looked surprised, a quick dart of his eyes over to Jack, silently asking "Really?" Jack shrugged, made a show of sighing and tapped his watch. Daniel still looked puzzled, his head in a little tilt, one Jack would have called cute if he were not in his right mind. Daniel appeared confused, but gave a small smile, then paused like he wasn't sure it was acceptable, and crouched down out of sight before Jack could return the gesture.

And there was the kicker.

He'd pushed Daniel away, well before he even knew it.

Jack fidgeted in his seat again under the tree. Sadly, he looked at the back of Daniel's bowed head.

When was the last time he'd come up to Daniel and seen if he wanted to catch some dinner?

Or lunch?

Hell, or even talk?

The more he thought about it, the more his throat tightened. Jack grabbed the canteen hanging from his belt, twisted the cap off and took a long swig of the lukewarm water. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes still glued to Daniel.

It must have felt like they were boring through his head because Daniel looked up, brow puckered, before he turned and caught Jack's stare. He blinked - reminding Jack of a deer in front of headlights - and angled his head questioningly towards Jack.

Feeling a little foolish, Jack wiggled his fingers at Daniel. He was dismayed to find Daniel only frowning further, an obvious "Huh?" flashing above his head. Damn, had they grown that far apart that Jack couldn't even smile Daniel's way without the guy questioning it? Jack recovered, pretended to frown and tapped at his watch again. Daniel nodded, dropping his head down to his work; the tentative smile that looked like he was going to give Jack had faded as quick as it had come.

Jack's hand tightened over his canteen. Damn. He lifted the container up and took another long gulp of lukewarm water before wrestling the cap back over the container. Daniel never bothered looking up again.

You did this, he told himself as he watched Daniel pivot around to hand Carter a shovel. The minute you realized you were starting to stare at Daniel too long, started feeling like Daniel wasn't sitting close enough to you on the couch, you shoved him away.

Brilliant. And what had he done after that? Fanned the inkling of interest he thought he'd felt from Carter into a full-blown teasing game, leaving Daniel bewildered at the sudden abandonment. And Daniel never really said a word. Never asked why suddenly Jack didn't come around to his office anymore Friday nights to drag him out for dinner and a game on TV he didn't really want to watch. Never asked why Jack didn't even want to touch him, not even a pat on his back. Daniel did his work, biting back words when the arguments got hot as usual, then quietly slipped into his office to cope.

Coping with being alone...again.

For some reason, Jack's eyes began to sting. And that was it, wasn't it? Daniel was used to being alone. Had as a child, had as he was regarded as some sort of maverick in school, and then when Sha're died...

He remembered taking Daniel back to his apartment after the funeral. The younger man had been in a daze. Pain had permanently etched lines around his eyes and mouth. Daniel had looked utterly spent, lost, not even aware he'd been telegraphing for help so loudly he'd got pitying looks from soldiers as he'd walked down the halls upon his return from Abydos. Jack hadn't got so much as a protest as he'd commandeered his friend, hustled him to his jeep and driven him back to his apartment. Daniel had barely even acknowledged Jack as he'd been steered around the living room, then sat down. Hadn't even blinked when Jack wrapped his hands over his to hold a warm cup of tea. Hadn't even said "thank you" and Daniel was usually a polite sort of guy when he wasn't distracted by squiggles in rocks. Daniel had only finally reacted when Jack had begun taking his shoes off for him. In a voice barely louder than a whisper, his eyes dull and bleak, he'd asked Jack if it was true.

If Sha're was really dead.

How was he supposed to have answered? Jack had stared at Daniel, speechless, one hand holding the heel of Daniel's left shoe, when the younger man's face had crumbled. The shoe forgotten, Jack had risen to his feet and pulled Daniel into his arms, wrapping him in a way he'd wished could really make all the bad things go away even if just for a moment. Daniel had never said a word, the only sign of his distress the suspiciously warm droplets that had dampened Jack's shoulder, choked sounds muffled by his jacket as fingers had twisted Jack's coat into wrinkles.

After that...

Jack folded his arms and scowled at his boots. Daniel had withdrawn behind walls he'd built, his office his own exile. And Jack had tried. God, he'd tried, and Daniel'd seemed to finally return, cautiously, haltingly struggling to accept the comfort given to him.

Then...Linnea happened.

Bitch.

Hm, okay, maybe a few issues left unresolved there. Jack could feel the hot churning in his gut thinking about the intelligent looking waif who had looked lost yet so sure of herself, dancing around Daniel's grief like a siren, drawing Daniel to her side, her defense, with a seemingly innocent smile and the proverbial crook of her finger. Oh, yes, come save me. You couldn't save her but you can save me.

"I'm not saying the first woman you fell in love with isn't a peach..."

Jack winced. Not exactly flowing with words, huh, O'Neill? He hadn't exactly reacted like an understanding, sympathetic guy. Come to think of it, Jack'd felt hostile towards Linnea even before he'd known what went on between her and Daniel. All he'd known and the rest of the team had known was this woman was not as simple as she seemed and had her targets set on their currently grieving friend. The more he thought about it now, the more Jack regretted not shoving Daniel aside and planting a damn bullet between those eyes back then, or tossing her through the Stargate by the hem of her skirt, or even dragging her back to the Taldor and letting them have their damn prisoner back.

...

Okay. Definitely having serious issues with that woman.

He chewed on his lower lip, returning his gaze to Daniel who was talking to Carter. The major suddenly smiled, pointing at his face, then with a light tap of her index finger, pushed Daniel's glasses back up on his nose.

Hey!

He could feel the scowl on his face. What the hell? The gesture looked intimate, close, and -

Daniel made a face at her and readjusted his glasses. Carter laughed, patted his shoulder and turned around to continue her work.

Sisterly. Family.

Whoa, calm down. You were going to rip her head off for being...nice.

Jack willed his shoulders to relax. Yikes, that was definitely a cave man moment there. Last time was back in the cafeteria, watching Daniel sleep. He was that close to grabbing a chair and taking a swing at anyone leering at his Daniel.

...

His Daniel?

Oy.

Jack forced himself to glance away. Very serious problem here, O'Neill. Acting like he owned Daniel when he barely even equated to a friend at this point for him. He was going from one extreme to another here. Not good. He'd better learn to hammer the nails down on this weird sensation he had around Daniel. Gotta learn some self-control before he totally destroyed any ties with him left. Or worse, destroyed the team with his desires. Jack winced. Then again, he'd already nearly done that hadn't he when he'd begun to shun Daniel like an addict going cold turkey.

Great way of seducing the guy. Ignore him. Pretend he doesn't exist. Sure. That'll get him fired up and running to you.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a freaking minute!

Seducing?

Okay, that was totally unexpected. Jack squinted and flipped down his shades to cover his eyes and hopefully his astonishment. Seducing? Shit, when had he gone from cute to seduce? He wasn't gay, remember? Hell, neither was Daniel! None of that now! Cute was fine, but don't go stripping the guy naked with the eyes! Unbidden, under the cover of his shades, Jack casually turned back towards Daniel. The archeologist was climbing out of the pit, crouching down to reach for another sample bag.

Jack's mouth went dry as he watched the fatigues covered...er...ass, going up and down as Daniel reached, then his back tensing as he rose to his feet. Jack found himself glued, tracking Daniel as he headed for his backpack a few feet away, long legs stretching across the ground. The colonel found he needed to swallow - hard - as Daniel reached one hand back to massage an apparent sore spot on his shoulder, his neck craning from side to side, his black t-shirt growing taut as he moved. His muscular arms were bare and Jack watched them reach behind Daniel and stretch, arching back his long, lean form to get the knots out.

Momma.

Jack rested his P-90 on his lap, suddenly feeling very...cramped. He could feel a flush creeping up his neck, another type of heat tenting below. Definitely a problem there. Bad Colonel, bad! Distance admiration was one thing, downright lusting out in the open was another. Not good. Look away, O'Neill and while you're at it, wipe that line of drool that is probably trickling down your chin. Daniel doesn't need this. He so did not need this right now. Or ever! For Jack to go from friend to stranger and now what? A perv leering at him like half the base was? Not that Daniel would probably notice though. The guy could find some obscure syllable on a pile of dust, but to see the tongues wagging after him as he went by? Nope. Daniel had no idea and if Jack had his way, was going to make sure it stayed that way. Knowing the archeologist, being aware of the attention would make him uncomfortable and Jack would be damned if anyone made him feel that way - including yours truly.

But things had to change between them. For the better. Jack nodded to himself, studying Daniel as the younger man worked. The solitary figure standing off to the side made Jack's chest ache and the distracting discomfort in his lap went away promptly. The downcast eyes staring at the little piles of dirt went unnoticed by Carter and Teal'c, but Jack knew how to pick the clues out of the stance. Daniel may have gotten pretty adept in concealing his loneliness, but Jack had taken a course in Jackson Observations 101 the moment he'd brought Daniel home from Abydos. Little signs - tiny shrugs as Daniel tried to control his frustration, tight smiles to rein in the despair, and bald-faced excuses of having lots of work so he could hide in his office to drown in his own isolation. Nope. Couldn't fool Jacky boy. Those two may have gotten their Ph.D.'s in the sciences, but Colonel O'Neill had gotten one in Daniel Psych.

Jack paused, his head lowering until the brim of his cap cast a long shadow across his face. Then again, over the past few months though... He hadn't really been applying his knowledge very well, had he? He lifted his chin and looked on sadly, the corner of his mouth twitching as he watched Daniel give Carter one of his patented "I'm okay" smiles before quickly diverting Carter's attention away from his moment of loneliness with a question. Sure enough, it drew Carter's analytical half out and the puzzled concern she had cast Daniel's way dissolved into a look of intent curiosity.

God, he'd done so much damage. It was a bit frightening and humbling to realize he could have this effect on anyone. Especially on Daniel who stoutly believed in self-reliance and in proving to the world he wasn't some poor little orphan boy - helpless and needy. Daniel always had a wall around him, a wall with cracks he wasn't aware of. Didn't even seem to realize a hole the size of Jack had crumbled away, giving Jack access. Daniel had been reluctant to let Jack in, to get even close enough to be regarded as a friend. But he had, and they'd gotten to that gray area of friendship and that something more which Jack couldn't put a name to. Daniel'd finally grown comfortable with it, with the knowledge someone wasn't going to let him be alone and gone along with the flow of friendship like a reluctant swimmer on the incoming tide.

Now, though...

Jack pulled his cap down even further, shielding the suns and Daniel away from his sight. His stomach churned uncomfortably. No more. He had decided weeks ago that enough was enough and had pondered on a way to slowly revert back. He couldn't ignore Daniel any more than he could have ignored the ill whimper of the abandoned puppy he'd found huddled in his bushes. Jack'd barely gotten it shivering in his cupped hands before it'd died.

He raised his eyes enough to see Daniel's hands patting at the mounds of dirt, a small test tube hovering over the soil. Daniel was whimpering, even if the guy didn't know he was. He was whimpering, wanting help, wanting someone to finally notice, but not knowing how to ask. Jack would be damned if he neglected it again. Jack was going to be...well...Jack again. Good ole buddy Jack. He could do it. He could. The guy who harassed Daniel till he ate at a decent hour, in his face during missions, brash, totally - what had Daniel called it once - oh yeah. "Ignorant and condescending". He was going to be the same Jack who rolled his eyes at the "rumors, lies, and fairy tales". Be the same person Daniel could always rely on for help even when he didn't know how to ask for it.

It was about time.

Jack winced. Yeah, it was, wasn't it? He rounded back his shoulders and rose to his feet. Leaning back against the tree again, Jack set his jaw. No more pushing away. Enough already.

With that decided, Jack felt the knot in his stomach loosening, like a decision he had been dreading to make had finally passed with satisfactory results. It felt right. Hell. It was right. The right thing to do. Jack was going to be Jack again and the other thing...well... Could never happen unless he really wanted to drive the guy away for good.

A little outcry pulled Jack's attention back to the site. Daniel was chuckling, the momentary stab of darkness apparently passed, as he helped Carter up to her feet. Dirt scattered all over the place, the two giggling as they took in each other's faces. Daniel grinned, offering his handkerchief while pulling off his bandana to wipe his own face. Jack gulped, shifting and crossing his legs. Crap, he should have just stayed by the ground. He watched Daniel's sinewy arms flexing as they rose to reach his head and scrubbed at the sweat-dampened hair. A soft fringe stuck up from his hands' movements and Jack felt his own hands twitch with the urge to reach out and pat them down again.

Christ, this was going to be hard. Jack groaned inwardly, ignoring the eyebrow Teal'c cast over at him. Jack mentally threw a "Hands off" sign over Daniel and willed himself to think about something else. He glanced at his watch. His shades bobbed once when his eyebrows shot up.

Twenty minutes? It'd only been twenty minutes? He stared at his watch in dismay. He'd had probably the biggest revelation ever and made an even bigger decision and it'd only taken twenty minutes? Jack quickly calculated the math and swore under his breath. That meant another hour and a half to go. Why the hell had he promised Carter the extra time? Jack slide back down to the ground again, ignoring Teal'c's questioning look over to his way. He tried very hard not to look over to the dig site again. It was going to be a long mission.

***

"So how about dinner?"

Jack paused by Daniel's office. Dinner? Wait a second that was going to be his line. He frowned, freezing just outside the doorway. He was torn between walking straight in and pressing his ear to the adjacent wall.

"Not tonight, Sam." Daniel's regretful voice floated out to Jack. The colonel cocked his head towards the sound. "Um...actually, I have plans tonight."

"You do?"

He did? Suddenly barging in didn't seem like such a good idea. Jack took a step back from the threshold.

Carter coughed. "Sorry, Daniel, I didn't mean to sound so..."

"Surprised?" Daniel laughed. It sounded kind of sad to Jack. The older man's mouth crinkled downward. "I guess it is surprising to realize I can have some sort of life outside this base."

"Daniel, I didn't mean it that way. I meant...well...you never really seem to...you know...go out much any more."

That's because I became a jerk and stopped coming around anymore. Jack banged the side of his head lightly by the doorframe.

"Uh...you know how it goes, Sam. Work just got so busy and all..."

Jack winced. You never were a very good liar, Danny boy.

"Guess we haven't had much time to hang out together with everything's that's been happening," mused Carter, not catching the soft hesitation in Daniel's voice. But Jack did. And it surprisingly hurt.

"Um... Yeah."

Carter's voice brightened. "So where are you going?"

"Uh, new exhibit in the Natural History museum back in town."

Jack scrunched up his face. Uh, a museum? Maybe he should barge in. A nice steak dinner over at O'Mall - Crap, no, they were barred. He couldn't even ask for driving directions anymore there. Maybe that new Thai place at fifth. Or -

"Oh, I know that one. One of the techs was talking about it a few days ago. The one about the-"

"The Assyrans. Yes. The traveling display of statues. It's in town for a week. I was worried I wouldn't have time between missions to catch it and it's always hard to get tickets, but Jake-"

"Jake?"

Jack narrowed his eyes and leaned closer. His cheek rubbed against the rough painted surface of the wall. Jake? Who the hell was Jake?

"Oh...uh, the new lieutenant just transferred in to SG-12? Jake Lynch."

Jack could hear Carter pausing. "I don't remember him. No wait, I think Janet mentioned him." She laughed suddenly. "Said he just about had half the nursing staff volunteering to do his post-mission checkups. You're in for some competition for their affections there, Daniel."

"Huh?"

Rolling his eyes, Jack shook his head. Hadn't he just said it before? Guy was oblivious to what a tempting package he made. Wait a second... Jack's brow furrowed as he tried to recall the name, faces zipping by his memory as he searched through them like a Rolodex. Lynch...Lynch... Shit! Jack was tempted to storm in now. Jake Lynch...he remembered him now. Back at the cafeteria, the fresh-faced lieutenant who was watching Daniel. Guy'd had a grin that was too white, too straight to have been real. His whole stance had that ripped off the magazine pages look to it. And damn it, the way his eyes'd lingered on Daniel's back, you would have thought dinner was in front of him, not down on his tray. Apparently Jack's silent glare warning the young soldier off hadn't been enough. His frown grew and grew as he stood there.

"Too bad," Carter sounded regretful. "Maybe next time?"

Next time? What did she mean next time? There sure as hell wasn't going to be a next time! Lynch wasn't going to even get near Daniel, not within a hundred feet! He'd have the beach boy booted off to Beta base! No, wait, doing patrol at Area 50. No, maybe -

"There's this new grill open in town I thought we might want to check out," Carter continued. "Maybe next time we'll go there."

Oh. Oops. Heh, heh. Common mistake.

The pause in Daniel's response was painstakingly clear. Jack returned back to the conversation inside. "...Sure."

"Daniel?" This time, Carter did catch the slight crack.

"Nothing." Daniel could be heard shuffling around, the chair creaking as he rose from his seat. "See you Monday?"

Stop him, Carter. Stop him, Jack wanted to say. His hand gnarled to a fist and Jack wanted to go in.

"Daniel-"

"Hm?"

"You sure you're okay?"

Jack folded his arms, his head leaning against the wall. No, Daniel wasn't and now Jack didn't even have a chance to try and fix things.

"Sure. Fine. I'll see you Monday, okay?"

Carter sounded like she wanted to say something else, but the resignation in her voice was clear as she only replied "Okay."

Jack tensed. Footsteps were loud, coming closer to the door. He could hear Daniel getting his jacket, the coat rack's hollow metal ringing as the jacket slipped off its hook. Okay, standing by the door was not going to be good right about now. He pivoted around, ready to backtrack some steps even as Daniel was already coming through the door, just as Jack was twisting around to escape  - wham!

There wasn't even a chance to say anything. Jack suddenly found himself standing over Daniel, who was gazing up at Jack a bit dazed, a little confused.

Oops.

"Daniel?" Carter with a mild frown, poked her head out the door and started. "Sir?"

"H-hey, Carter," Jack said weakly. He waggled his eyebrows at Daniel, stretching out a hand in apology. "So where's the fire, Danny?" he teased.

For some reason, Daniel paused, staring at Jack, looking mildly astonished, his surprise growing for some reason at the word Danny. The odd expression faded quickly before Carter noticed, but not before Jack did. He never got a chance to question it though as Daniel grasped his hand firmly and drew himself back up to his feet. The younger man mumbled his thanks as he pulled his hand away with a small tug.

Jack couldn't help but stare at Daniel. He could still remember when Daniel'd dressed in those god-awful plaids and tweed. They'd always looked like hand-me-downs, which of course, they were not. Finally, Carter and Fraiser had decided once and for all, the guy needed someone to steer around and take shopping. Jack remembered seeing pleading blue eyes cast his way before he was dragged away by two very determined women to the mall. After that, his wardrobe did improve. Although Jack had to wonder sometimes with the pair's apparent obsession with gray and cream colored clothing. Especially Carter's fascination in making Daniel buy all those cable knit sweaters. Lately though, Jack had grudgingly admitted that they did bring out the blue in Daniel's eyes, even while at the same time cursing the fact that they did. However, Daniel still had the tendency to just grab anything out of the closet, especially when he was running late, or when Jack was banging at the door hollering when he had to pick Daniel up again because the old clunker Daniel'd bought refused to obey the laws of motion. Daniel was just Daniel. Never really thought about his appearance. Then again, it was a hassle especially when one was only going to change out of them the minute they stepped foot onto the SGC.

This time however, it seemed like Daniel's outfit was picked very deliberately. A comfortable pair of blue jeans a tad tight around certain...er...areas hugged his legs before ending in a pair of oxfords, the leather jacket Jack'd given him for Christmas gleamed and looked soft like butter and the soft gray shirt that seemed to wrap possessively around the man. Was that a new shirt? It was a stupid question, of course. He seemed to be asking a lot of stupid questions lately. Of course it wasn't a new shirt. The cotton was worn to a softness that begged to be touched, stroked and -

Shit!

"Something you wanted, sir?" Carter asked.

Daniel, he wanted Daniel, but he couldn't, shouldn't. Jack forced himself to smile, hoping it looked like he was just wandering by. "Nah, was heading out. Figured I'd see if you kids wanted to grab some dinner in town?"

"Dinner?" Daniel echoed, glancing over to Sam as he took off his glasses. Jack was struck by how open Daniel's face was. He fought the urge to tell Daniel to put them back on. The blue eyes, unshielded, looked even bluer, brighter and intelligent. "You're in luck," remarked Daniel as he slipped the eyewear into one of the jacket's pockets. "Sam wanted to get something to eat, too."

Jack grunted, still glued to Daniel as the younger man toyed with the zipper on his jacket. He watched the long fingers touch the metal teeth lightly and automatically his eyes tracked up to Daniel's throat, then mouth. Daniel must have been chewing on the lip before. He had a habit of doing that and it always made his it look moist, pouty, inviting.

Jack's own mouth went dry. Think, O'Neill. Look away from his mouth, damn it. If Jack could feel himself gravitating towards Daniel's er - assets, what about Lynch? Jack had a sneaking suspicion Lynch would want to do more than look. Damn it! Ordering Daniel not to go with Lynch wouldn't work. Telling Danny boy he couldn't go because Lynch wanted to have his ass for dinner? Sure. Definitely as effective as telling Teal'c to smile and greet the natives. Yeah, okay. Maybe telling Daniel Lynch was a Budge reader? Oooh, that would probably send Daniel here screaming for a lighter to burn the books. He could never figure out why Daniel's nostrils would flare up the minute you-know-who's name came up. But nah. Probably backfire. To his dismay, Jack found himself shifting his feet. "Uh...so, you kids want to?" he croaked out. "You know...go out?" Like right now? This very instant?

Daniel blinked at the word "kids". "Oh..." He looked over to Carter again. Daniel glanced away, a hint of white as he nibbled on his lower lip thoughtfully. It irked Jack for some reason. Why did he keep checking with Carter?

Shrugging, Jack slipped his hands into his slacks. "Yeah," he drawled. "You know...dinner? Me, you, Carter." His eyebrows waggled in the air. "I hear it's one of the three meals of the day, you know."

Carter grinned. But for some reason, Daniel looked a bit taken aback. What? It wasn't like Jack'd never tugged them along to dinner before.

Just not recently.

Jack bit back a frown.

"Actually, I can't..." Daniel hedged. He nodded towards Carter. "But Sam was just talking about it. Maybe...uh...you two should go." He smiled tightly, looking strained. "You know what they say about three."

Huh? Jack stared blankly at Daniel. Three? What the hell was Daniel talking about? Jack watched Daniel's eyes dart back to Carter, then look away suddenly. He mumbled about running late, his fingers playing with the zipper again. Daniel offered another smile, one that looked more painful than happy, before slipping away. He didn't look back as he walked slowly down the hallway.

A little light bulb lit over Jack's head. Hey, he could have epiphanies, too! Jack stood up straighter. Hold on, did Daniel still think - He took a step forward, about to run after him but too late, the elevator swallowed Daniel up before Jack could call out to him. Damn it. He shoved his fists into his pockets and breathed out sharply. A voice calling to him pulled him back to the remaining person standing beside him.

"Sir..." Carter sounded very thoughtful. "I think we need to talk." She glanced towards the elevators, then back at him expectantly.

Jack nodded, staring at the silver doors at the end of the corridor, frustration growing inside him. "Yeah, Carter." He met Carter's eyes and sobered. "I think we do."

***

The clock was beginning to annoy him.

Jack glared at the numeric face sitting on his mantle as it hummed and ticked the seconds away. Was it just him or was time going backwards? He could have sworn an hour must have passed by now. Instead, a scant few minutes had gone by. He debated turning on the TV, but he'd tried that before, after his dinner with Carter. Nothing had interested him, their very serious heart to heart still echoing in his head. It was awkward, a bit embarrassing, a few "But you know you mean very much to me, to us as a friend" moments, before they had parted status quo. It was with mutual relief they had resolved the unspoken question Jack knew both of them were turning around and around in their heads. What was thought to be something more, turned out only to be a fondness born from their family of choice. Nothing more, nothing less and it unnerved Jack to realize they'd nearly destroyed it by experimenting with the borders to see how far it could bend. But the fences had been mended, feelings defined and affirmed. A dynamic that he never should have tampered with had been repaired between him and Carter. Suddenly, all the speculation was over and Jack truly felt comfortable around her again without any of the wondering. Something clicked right between him and Carter again, something he should have left alone in the first place. The blatant relief on Carter's face made him feel guilty as hell for not trying to fix it sooner. All that was left to do now was for Jack to repair one more thing and so far, he'd been scoring zero. The cordless phone tapping on his knee, Jack debated trying again.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

He shouldn't be calling Daniel at this hour. No. It was late, Daniel was probably heading home or was home by now. What kind of reason would Jack need to call him at such an hour?

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

Then again, Jack had never needed a reason before, right?

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

Stupid clock. Whatever happened to the tock tock part? All it kept doing was the ticking. Maybe it was broken. Jack eyed the clock on his VCR across the room and compared it to the mantle. Nope. Working just fine. Jack rotated the handset around in his hands. He worked his jaw, eyeing the redial button.

He could just as easily go over there in the morning. Sure. Bright Saturday morning. Daniel was bound to be sleeping in. Jack could never figure out how Daniel could spend so many sleepless nights working on scribbles, then waste a perfectly good Saturday off sleeping under a mound of blankets. No. It was Jack's duty to drag Daniel out. Maybe to a movie? Nah. The last movie they'd checked out had had subtitles and while Daniel didn't need the subtitles, Jack had gotten a headache trying to read and watch at the same time. Daniel'd found it amusing though. Grrr. The movies were definitely out. Hell, he would even be willing to check out that exhibit with Daniel if the guy wanted to go again. Maybe Jack could drop by with some tickets and a peace offering, too? Yeah. Some of that Hawaiian coffee Daniel seemed to worship.

Jack's mouth quirked into a crooked grin. He'd caught Daniel breathing in very deeply into the opened bag, forgetting for a moment he and Carter were waiting by his couch with their empty mugs. The guy had turned a bright red as Teal'c had peered in the bag, curious to see what held Daniel Jackson's attentions and found nothing but roasted beans.

Jack's smile faded. God, how long ago was that? He couldn't remember the last time the entire team had dropped by Daniel's place it'd been so long. No surprise Sunday visits, no "Let's show Teal'c the world" spur of the moment trips. Nothing. In Jack's attempts to keep his confusing emotions locked away, he had inadvertently severed all ties with Daniel.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

The sound was starting to grate on him - the endless tempo seeming to pick up pace into a louder and louder racket. Jack glowered at the clock. How could it still be only eleven? Stupid thing was deliberately going slowly to annoy him. That's it. It was all a conspiracy to make Uncle Jack go bonkers. He ought to go to sleep, ignore it and do the sensible thing - find Daniel in the morning. No reason why he should be waking Daniel up at such an hour and -

TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK.

Argh! "All right, all right!" Jack muttered hotly, flipping around the phone until the glowing keypad faced him. He stabbed the redial with his finger and pressed the receiver to his ear and waited.

After a few dials, it picked up.

"Daniel, uh hey I was-"

"Sorry, no one's here. Leave a message after the beep. Thanks."

"Damn it!" Jack ended the call with an angry thumb over the send button. He was tempted to end the call by chucking it into the fire.

What the hell was Daniel still doing out at eleven?

Jack paused. Okay, now that sounded ridiculous. Daniel didn't have a curfew. He wasn't a library book and didn't need to be back at a certain time although it would have been nice on Jack's nerves, damnit. So the guy was still out with Lynch. Not a problem. Not at all. Nope. Daniel was a grown boy. He'd been around Jack and everyone long enough to take care of himself. Hell, Daniel had always had quite an independent streak under that unassuming demeanor. Probably just went to grab some dinner after the exhibit, maybe they had a drink or two and then the two would head back to Daniel's apartment and Lynch would smile again and he -

Shit!

The phone went plop on his couch as Jack lunged to his feet. Muttering under his breath, Jack snagged his jacket draped over the armchair. Picking up his car keys with the hook of his finger, Jack barely remembered to extinguish the fire, before heading out the door with only one arm up his sleeve.

***

Okay. Now he felt stupid.

Jack leaned back in his car seat, his fingers drumming on his arm as he folded them across his chest. He glared banefully at the double glass doors.

He was stalking. This was stalking. Yeah. Pretty much. Driving to the museum and rattling the door 'til the guard came out to tell him brusquely that yes the exhibit was over at ten, yes everyone had left and no, no one by the name of Daniel Jackson was locked in by mistake, and no, he couldn't let Jack in to check every room just in case. Then driving around very slowly to study every restaurant and bar still open to see if he could spy Daniel and Lynch inside. Not exactly the norm, O'Neill. Yup. Stalking. Jack O'Neill had now officially resorted to stalking. Time to make an appointment with Doc Mackenzie. Swell.

Hunched over in his seat, huddled in his jacket, Jack stared at the doors, debating on leaving. It was a little after one. He could easily drive away, with none the wiser, get back home and sleep. Sleep was good. After standing around baking under a pair of alien suns, sleep was very good. All he needed to do was turn the ignition key, turn around and leave. Leave. Head home. Bed. Bed was good. Just one twist of the key. One little twist. Just reach over with his hand and turn the key.

Jack sat there. His foot began tapping the floor mat.

Just one turn of the key. Come on. Wasn't too late to catch a few winks in his own bed, get up early and take a good invigorating jog around his neighborhood.

A stray cat darted past in front of the jeep. It paused, glowing eyes reminding him of a Goa'uld before its tail shot up high and the feline zipped by. Eh. Now he was seeing Gou'alds everywhere. Definitely time for a nap. Jack tracked the imitation snakehead down the ally, which automatically led his eyes up the red bricked structure, up to the dark window on the eighth floor. He snorted, the sound loud inside his jeep. This was ridiculous.

All he needed to do was reach over and turn the key.

...

So why the hell wasn't he moving?

Crap.

O'Neill, you are one sorry case.

Jack glowered at his own reflection off the rearview mirror. He was concerned. That's all. Lynch looked shifty. Yeah. Very shifty. A shifty, Adonis faced, strutting, asshole, rat bastard lusting after his archeologist!

His fingers froze over his arm. Yeah. Definitely not like he was jealous or anything. Sure.

"Said he just about had half the nursing staff volunteering to do his post-mission checkups. You're in for some competition for their affections there, Daniel."

Jack jumped at the sound of a low growl before he realized it was from him. Great. It was like back at the cafeteria all over again. Luckily he hadn't caught up with Daniel that time. Gave him enough time to remember why he was trying hard not to notice how...ah...cute Daniel was. Gave him enough time to recover and walk down the other way, far away.

But there were times...

Shadows staggering down the sidewalk nipped at the corner of Jack's eye. He slid down in his seat and watched as Daniel walked up to his door. Jack sat up, about to call out to him when he saw Lynch lurching up behind Daniel. Jack immediately sank back down in his seat, his throat tightening as he heard Daniel chuckling over something Lynch said. Damn. Daniel did a little hop as he bumped into the foyer's wall before he righted himself. They'd definitely had drinks. He watched as Daniel patted his pockets, Lynch for some reason finding it incredibly funny. The lieutenant smiled, crap, his teeth looked white and perfect even where Jack was. Lynch said something and his hand went whack on Daniel's shoulder.

Daniel started, his keys tumbling out of his hands and to the asphalt. He stooped down to pick them up, Lynch still laughing, loud and deep. As Daniel scooped the keys up, Lynch for some reason, stopped laughing. Jack leaned forward, his nose practically pressed to the glass. He narrowed his eyes.

The little shit! Lynch was leering at Daniel's butt as the man picked up his keys. The lieutenant leaned against the column that stood dead center of the front door, arms folded and his head tilted slightly to the side. He offered no help when Daniel missed again and again. Shit. Looked like Daniel had had a few drinks, too. What happened to being a cheap date?

IT'S NOT A DATE! His own brain hollered so loud, Jack whipped around to make sure he was the only one there. He swiveled back around and watched Lynch straightening up, following behind Daniel. Jack heard the guy laugh again, his hand swinging back and smack! His palm landed squarely on Daniel's rear.

Daniel jumped, spinning around to gawk at Lynch, who only laughed again, swaying as he pointed. Whether he thought Lynch was just too plastered or dismissed the gesture as typical military machismo - hell, Ferretti used to smack his wet towel around the showers until one accidental swipe at Teal'c had him swearing it off for life - Daniel shrugged, smiled hesitantly and continued to open the front door.

Don't let him in! Jack was close to bursting out of his jeep. Even had one hand on the handle. He watched as Lynch suddenly straightened, his walk more solid and strode through the door.

Son of a bitch! He wasn't drunk at all!

Jack didn't even realize he was out of his jeep until his hand wrapped around the front door knob but was too late to catch it before it shut. He jerked, his fist rattling at the door with no give. The doorman was nowhere in sight. Jack swore. Not good. He peered into the foyer and noted the sign reading "Off Duty" on the front desk. Hey! It was supposed to be a twenty-four hour security service! Management was going to get a really nasty call in the morning! Jack shook the knob in his fist. He fumbled around in his pockets. Nothing. Didn't even have his pick. Wait! Daniel's emergency key! Jack spun around and stared at his jeep. Glove compartment.

The solitary car driving by, honked at him as he crossed the road. Jack ignored the angry cursing the driver tossed at his back as he yanked the door open and rummaged around for the key.

***

By the time he'd found the key within the pile of wrappers, unused matchbooks, and a parking ticket, which was so behind that he seriously doubted even the President could help him with it now, Jack noted Daniel's window was lit. He craned his neck, but he only saw shadows walking back and forth. Two of them. Argh. Again not checking for traffic, Jack ran for the building, the key scratching at the lock. With a huge swing, Jack was inside, heading for the elevator, giving the now arriving sleepy doorman a smothering glare.

It felt like an eternity before the elevator dinged and opened on the eighth floor. Jack didn't even need to check the directory panel for the room number. He knew the way, his feet already taking him towards the correct hallway on autopilot. They slowed however, when he sighted Lynch walking towards him.

Jack skidded to a halt.

Lynch was muttering to himself, one hand rubbing his jaw. He didn't even notice Jack, literally inches away off his shoulder when Jack said evenly, "Lieutenant."

"Colonel O'Neill!" It came out as a squeak. The annoyed frown Lynch had worn before was gone, the tanned face draining to white. Lynch knew Jack's presence there was no accident. "Uh, sir...I uh...I..."

Jack's eyes narrowed, leaving no doubt to what he thought of the lieutenant. Just the fact Lynch was leaving gave him a pardon from what Jack had been considering doing. 'Sides, Lynch's body wouldn't have fitted into his trunk. Jack'd never gotten around to unpacking his hockey gear from it. "You were just leaving, weren't you?"

Lynch gulped. "Yes, sir," he choked out, edging away from Jack like he was a chained barking dog. "Was just leaving. Out the door." He scurried for the elevators, his back still to the wall, eyes glued to Jack as he slithered backwards to freedom.

"Lieutenant."

Lynch could be heard screeching to a halt. "Y- yes, sir?"

"See you around the base." Jack smiled thinly to himself as he heard Lynch stammer out a good night before practically throwing himself into the elevator when it opened. He waited until he heard the doors close before heading for Daniel's apartment.

One quick rap on the door and Jack waited. When he heard no reply, Jack frowned. He raised his fist and pounded the door.

"Daniel? You okay in there?"

After a few seconds - but long enough for Jack to start considering how foolish he'd feel if he simply stepped back and decided to kick down the door - a quiet voice filtered through.

"Who is it?" Daniel sounded wary and crap, a bit breathless, too.

"Who do you think it is?" Jack demanded, rocking on his heels. Daniel didn't respond and a long, awkward silence hung as tangible as the door in front of him. Jack stared at the oak, the grain veining up the surface. He swallowed. Was Daniel going to open the door or not?

Forget that. What if Daniel did open the door? Jack raised his hand to knock, then lowered it. He pressed his ear to the door but couldn't hear anything more. Jack took a step back. He sucked in his breath. This was wrong. This wasn't what Jack was expecting - to come barging in, staring at Daniel's door, with no clue as to why he was there besides the itching feeling he had about Lynch.

Finally, Jack could hear the security chain rattling and froze. The more he thought about it, the more his chest swelled with anxiety. What was he doing here? What should he say?

"Jack?" The door opened a crack and a blue eye peered behind the door. It widened and so did the door.

"Son of a bitch," swore Jack as he took in the rumbled shirt, one tail yanked out of the jeans, Daniel's lip appearing to be a bit swollen. "I'll kill him!"

Daniel's brow shot up and he leaned out, searching the hallways for the apparent body. When he found none, his shoulders relaxed and Daniel stepped back. He stared at Jack. "Uh...what are you doing here, Jack?" he asked slowly.

Jack stilled. Very good question. He grinned sheepishly. "Uh..."

"Are we being called back in?" Daniel asked again, his brow furrowed. He twisted around staring at his pager on the counter. "No, no one beeped me. No messages either." Daniel pursed his lips and glanced back over to Jack.

"Came to...talk?" Jack offered lamely.

"Talk," Daniel echoed. His eyebrows rose high. "About what?"

"Er...can we do this...inside?" Jack waved at the hallway. He turned back to Daniel, grinning sheepishly, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.

For a moment, it looked like Daniel was debating it, but the younger man stepped back finally, letting Jack breeze by before he shut the door. But before Daniel could repeat his question, Jack spun around and caught Daniel's chin with two fingers. Startled, Daniel looked wide-eyed as his head was tilted left and right.

"He do this?" Jack asked gruffly, noting the lower lip indeed looked swollen.. "And that?" He nodded towards the shirt, the one that had clung to Daniel like a second skin was now wrinkled with flayed buttons dangling off its fragile threads. The more he looked, the hotter his gut burned, his feet itching to steer him back towards the hallway, after Lynch.

"Who?" Daniel asked, twisting his head away from Jack's hand. Jack's fingers were left feeling empty, the feel of the warm skin snatched abruptly away. Jack rubbed his hand on his slacks, his fingers feeling oddly bereft.

"You know who," Jack said, tracking Daniel as the younger man wandered into the living room area. Daniel absently began folding his jacket away, not looking at Jack. "Lynch."

Daniel stilled.

"Caught him on his way out."

Daniel shrugged as he walked over to the balcony. Jack fought the urge to pull Daniel away from it. He could still remember how his heart had dropped the moment he'd caught sight of those long fingers wrapped on the wrong side of the railing.

"He misunderstood."

Jack could barely hear him. He frowned at the back of Daniel's head. "Misunderstood?"

Daniel lifted one shoulder and lowered it. "It wasn't safe for him to drive home. He uh...asked if he could stay the night. Figured there was no harm."

"No harm." Jack couldn't stop his parrot imitation.

Daniel wrapped his arms around his torso, rocking from his left foot and right as he stared out the French windows. "Invited him in, offered him coffee. I guess he thought I was offering him..." He shrugged again before cautiously glancing over his shoulder to look at Jack. Whatever he saw made him whip back forward again. Jack watched the side profile, Daniel's lips pressed together in a thin line. Daniel stuck out his chin. "He uh...got the wrong idea..." He paused, as if remembering Jack's expression by the door and added hastily, "But he didn't do anything."

Recalling how Lynch was holding his chin before, Jack grinned. "I wonder why."

A quick smile flitted over Daniel's face. "Guess he expected me to be...passive."

"You?" Jack gave a short bark. "Little he knows."

Daniel laughed too, but it sounded tired. He stood there, staring at his windows, arms still wrapped around himself. Jack found Daniel's eyes staring at his reflection off the glass. Caught, Daniel looked away.

"So what are you doing here, Jack?"

Jack was wishing he could sit down, the couch just behind his knees, but the stiff posture in front of him beckoned him. He cleared his throat. "I uh...told you already."

"No, you didn't."

"Oh." Jack rubbed the back of his neck ruefully. "Came to...talk."

"Talk?" Daniel didn't turn around. He raised his eyes though to look at Jack's reflection.

"Yeah, talk." Jack stared back at the glass, meeting Daniel's gaze mirrored on the window. "We used to do that before. Remember?"

"Sure," Daniel said very softly. He broke the eye contact from the window and his head lowered. "I remember."

Jack stared at the slumped shoulders, his throat clenching tightly. "Why did we ever stop?"

A small shrug accompanied the flat, "I hadn't noticed."

"Liar."

This time, Daniel did turn around. His jaw set, Daniel lowered his arms. "Look, Jack, I don't know what it is you wanted to talk about but-"

"Did you really miss me?" Jack blurted out. Inwardly, he flinched. What was he doing?

Daniel stilled. "Excuse me?"

For a brief moment, Jack wanted to take it back, salvage it with a quick quip. It would be so easy to flip out a dry joke, rescue the situation and just be the good ole Jack, the friend, the buddy, before falling off the cliff he'd suddenly found himself on. But he stared at Daniel's face, those expressive eyes, and remembered the sleepy smile Daniel'd given him back in the cafeteria. Jack couldn't stop himself from adding, "Back there, when I got back from training those kids. You had said you'd missed me."

Daniel's eyes shifted away. "Sam and Teal'c missed you too."

"Sure, I bet Teal'c was wagging his tail the minute I came through the gate."

"Jack-"

"All I want to know," Jack interrupted, walking up to Daniel. Every nerve in his body was screaming this wasn't right. This wasn't what he was planning to do. He'd just walked off the cliff and now there was no net to catch him. Jack shouldn't have come. He shouldn't be coming closer and closer to the other man, who looked like a frightened rabbit, ready to bolt. " Is if you missed me?"

"Sam and I did miss-"

"I didn't ask about Carter!"

Daniel stared at Jack. He didn't move, rooted in place as Jack approached. He didn't move even as Jack gathered up the nerve to place his hands on the slumped shoulders. Jack was surprised to see his own hands were shaking as they first hovered over the broad shoulders before laying them down on the tensed muscles.

"All I asked," Jack said very slowly, very carefully. He curled his hands, his palms warm from the heat seeping through Daniel's shirt. "All I asked was if you, not Carter, not Teal'c, had missed me?"

Daniel swallowed visibly. "I already told you, Jack."

"Well I want to hear it again." Jack held his breath. God, what if he was wrong?

Daniel looked like he wanted to step away but he didn't, he just stood there looking uncertain.

"Is it really that hard of an answer?" asked Jack. Gently, he rubbed his palms in small circles on Daniel's shoulders. He felt the younger man shudder. Jack gave the shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Daniel? Is it?"

"Jack..." Daniel looked up, his eyes bleak. The despair was heartbreaking to see. Jack almost dropped his hands. "Why are you here? Now? Right here? Why now?"

Jack found himself moving his hands upward. The pain in front of him made his chest ache. Something inside Jack told him to fix it, to wipe the pain away, even while a small voice inside him was screaming to back off. But the ache, the anguish shimmering just below the surface in Daniel's eyes drew him. His palms caressed Daniel's face. Warm skin, faintly rough from stubble scratched his hands. It felt...nice. God, how could it feel so nice? Jack pressed his hands closer, cupping the jaw. The younger man started at the touch.

"Jack?" Daniel didn't sound frightened, or alarmed. Just wary. But Daniel didn't pull away. Jack sucked in his breath, reading the longing on his friend's face. Could it be? Daniel swallowed, shaking as if he was chilled, and shut his eyes. Then, they opened again, Daniel's eyes were dull with despair, with grief, as if the younger man had already determined the very thing he wanted was never going to be his.

A light bulb finally went on for Jack.

"I don't know why it took me so long," he whispered. He could feel his heart hammering hard inside his chest. Daniel's jaw felt strong, hard angles under his palms and somehow it felt right. Daniel's face fitted his hands perfectly. Everything seemed to fit now - all the pieces, the tiny clues Jack had wondered about, everything made sense. This too made sense. "I should have been here a lot sooner." Jack leaned even closer.

Daniel still didn't understand. He shook his head, biting his lower lip. It trembled as Jack rubbed his thumb in tiny circles on his cheekbone.

"I came here because I thought Lynch was going to take something."

Daniel's eyes flew up. "Take something? What?"

Oh screw it. Jack took a deep breath and blew out a "You" before he slid his left hand behind Daniel's neck. The younger man still staring at him, bewildered, puzzled, as Jack pulled him closer.

"Me?" The response was swallowed as Jack sealed his mouth over Daniel's.

Whatever Daniel was trying to say was muffled as Jack pressed his lips over Daniel's, tasting the bitter flavor of beer, the faint aroma of spices from Daniel's dinner.

Jack savored the taste of Daniel on his tongue, the salty tang of skin as he placed light kisses down the jaw, down the exposed throat as Daniel gave a strangled moan. Jack'd only intended to give Daniel a kiss, a small clue to the other man what Jack couldn't convey in words. But once he tasted him, felt the broad shoulders flex under his palm, felt Daniel's hands going up around his back, Jack was lost.

Somehow, somewhere, the back of Jack's knees struck the couch and the two dropped to the couch with an "Oof!" Jack fell on top of Daniel with a grunt. It was like a bucket of cold water, the feel of Daniel's body pressed hard against his, the couch giving under their combined weight, suddenly Jack was reminded of Lynch and his maneuverings. Jack pulled away from Daniel with a groan and stared down at Daniel. The younger man returned the look with a dazed one of his own. He looked like someone'd knocked him off his feet. Jack wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not.

"Am I correct in thinking you did miss me a little?" Jack asked with a smile. The smile wavered as Daniel lifted his gaze up. "Or are you going to do the same to me as you did, Lynch?"

Daniel nervously ran his tongue across his lower lip. Jack inwardly groaned. Whoa there, O'Neill. Give the guy a chance to speak. The silence was torture. Jack was about to haul himself off of Daniel when the younger man finally spoke up.

"I suppose I did miss you...a little."

Jack grinned, relief releasing a long breath whooshing out of his lungs. "More than Carter?"

At the mention of her name, Daniel stilled. Jack mentally kicked himself. Great, foot was back in mouth again. Great, O'Neill. Just great. Thank God he wasn't the CO of the diplomatic team.

Daniel's hands slid away from Jack's back. Confusion returned on Daniel's face. "Jack. Sam-"

"Talked with me and knows," Jack cut in.

"Knows?" Daniel's brow knitted together.

Jack dipped his head back down and nuzzled a spot near Daniel's ear, his hands sweeping down to feel the taut muscles under the shirt before they went around to brace Daniel's back. Jack pulled away, feeling oddly smug to see the disappointment on Daniel's face when he stopped.

"She knows. We talked. About you. Me. Her. About me," Jack placed a kiss between the eyes, then dropped one on Daniel's nose. "About me wanting to kiss you all day, all night."

Daniel stammered out, "What about Sam?"

"She can't kiss you," Jack mumbled as he moved down to Daniel's throat. "I'll throw her in the brig." He nibbled at the jaw, grinning as he felt Daniel arch his back, his hands back up around Jack's shoulders, kneading them.

"Jack," groaned Daniel. He squeezed his eyes tight as Jack suckled on one spot behind the ear. "No, I meant...Oh God...Jack...I meant..."

Jack decided he liked making his archeologist stutter and pulled him in again, his tongue diving straight into Daniel's protesting mouth. God, it felt good. Jack reveled in the sensation of Daniel wiggling underneath him, the soft cotton shirt bunching up, exposing smooth planes, warm skin hot and scorching Jack through his shirt.

Once he was sure every nook and cranny of Daniel's mouth had been thoroughly investigated, Jack pulled away. He smiled at Daniel, feeling something warm spread across his chest as Daniel tentatively returned the smile, his hands still flat on Jack's back.

"I know what you meant," Jack said softly. He brushed his palm against Daniel's cheek, feeling the rough texture of the shaven skin and decided it didn't feel weird at all. The fact that this was a guy he was lying on didn't matter. It only mattered that it was Daniel. "And you're wrong."

"I am?"

"Imagine that," teased Jack. He reached a hand and ruffled Daniel's hair. "You being wrong and me having an epiphany. Universe gets stranger and stranger every day." He pushed up on his elbows, giving Daniel room to sit up. . He reached out and pulled Daniel's hands to him, measuring his own against the palms and curiously exploring the long fingers. He watched the way Daniel shyly stroked his back. He rubbed his thumb across the dry knuckles, at an ink spot Daniel hadn't managed to wash out before leaving the base.

"I don't understand," Daniel asked, his eyes no longer had the wariness they held before, but there was still a hint of fear and confusion. "Why all of a sudden...?"

"I missed you," Jack confessed. He felt the fingers still in his grasp. Jack squeezed them reassuringly. "Missed you more than I should have. Even before the training mission. And I didn't originally know why."

"And..." Daniel didn't remove his hands from Jack's, which Jack took as a good sign. "And now you know why?"

Jack brought up the hands to his lips and breathed over them. He watched out of the corner of his eye Daniel, who swallowed hard. "Yeah, " Jack breathed with a smile. "I think so."

The two men fell silent. Jack sat there, Daniel's hands curled in his palm, one hand just stroking back and forth on the knuckles, marveling on how delicate the large hands felt, even with calluses born from years of digs. Jack experimentally slipped his hands around them, intertwining his fingers with Daniel's. He was heartened to feel the fingers weaving into his and squeezing.

"I...missed you too."

Jack's eyes burned. It sounded so hard for Daniel to say. And somehow he suspected Daniel wasn't just referring to weeks ago. He gripped the hands he was holding tightly. "I know. Not going anywhere anymore."

"Really?"

Jack looked up at the wistful tone. Solemnly, he stared back and nodded.

Something in Daniel's face lightened, a fear, an anxiety that disintegrated. Jack was graced with a brilliant smile and from that moment, Jack vowed to make sure Daniel gave him one every day. He sealed the bargain by swooping in and taking Daniel's mouth again. This time, the younger man made no protest, opening his mouth further to let Jack in, his hands now greedily sweeping up Jack's back and shoulders, trying to map out every part of him with his touch. Every part Daniel touched tingled. Jack felt himself needing to bring Daniel closer, closer. It wasn't close enough to have Daniel pressed against him. It wasn't enough! He mumbled Daniel's name over and over again as he fumbled with the buttons on Daniel's shirt, feeling ridiculously pleased when he felt Daniel returning the favor.

A few hours later, Jack had roused, awakened by the sound of a truck rumbling by under Daniel's window. He shifted, groaning under his breath. No, sleeping on the couch with a 170-pound archeologist was not good for his back. He looked down at Daniel, his head pressed over Jack's heart, a silly smile curving his lips, his arms wrapped around Jack like he was a pillow. Jack grinned. Oh well. What's a few popped vertebrae? He chuckled as he watched Daniel wrinkle his nose when Jack tapped it with his index finger. Jack lightly carded his fingers through the short strands of hair, letting his fingers trail down the profile. Daniel mumbled something, a soft sigh breathed out against Jack's shoulder.

"Cute," Jack whispered, his grin growing. Oh yeah. Definitely. Very. And his. Jack couldn't stop himself from pulling his arms tighter around Daniel.

"Mmm..." Blue eyes opened blearily and Daniel tilted his head up. Still fixed somewhere between the world of sleep and wakefulness, it took Daniel a few seconds before the memories of a few hours ago caught up with him. A flicker of doubt cast across his face. Daniel struggled to sit up, his eyes clouded as he tried to find something to say. He yelped when Jack tugged at him, sending Daniel sprawling back across Jack again. Daniel protested faintly until Jack placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Daniel stilled and gazed up at him. Silent, Jack just met Daniel's eyes, his hand drifting down to rub Daniel's back in lazy circles. The flicker in the blue eyes vanished and the happy smile Jack had seen before returned.

"So..." Jack whispered. "How many times should I kill good old Jake, huh?" Jack glowered, remembering how Daniel looked when he'd opened the door. "And should Teal'c get some of the fun, too?"

"Jack..." Daniel breathed out, exasperated. "He didn't do anything."

"He tried," Jack growled.

"He thought-"

"Well, he thought wrong." Jack hugged Daniel to his chest. He rubbed his chin on top of Daniel's head and felt the younger man slip his arms around his torso. "You're mine."

"'Mine'?"

Oops, had he said that out loud? Jack pulled away and offered a sheepish grin. Daniel narrowed his eyes, tapping a finger to Jack's chest. "What were you doing out here so late anyway?"

"Uh...um...yeah...about that..."

Daniel wiggled free from Jack's hold. "I'm listening."

Oh great. Now Daniel was listening to Jack. He mock glowered at Daniel, who merely lay there, acting as if Jack lying on top of him was perfectly normal. Damn straight it was. And Jack fully intended to make this a daily routine if he had anything to say about it.

"Well?" Daniel arched a high eyebrow at Jack.

"Would you believe I was in the neighborhood?"

"At one in the morning," Daniel reminded Jack.

"I was hungry. Wanted to grab a slice over at Tony's."

"Tony's closes at ten, Jack."

Crap. Jack checked Daniel's expression. "Uh...ran out of gas?"

Daniel raised an eyebrow and wiggled a little settling in. He folded his arms across his chest and looked at Jack expectantly.

"Midnight car wash?" Jack tried again. "Stargazing...?" Jack looked hopefully at Daniel. Ah ha. A tiny smile twitched at the corner of Daniel's mouth.

"And what, pray tell, was out tonight?" Daniel asked, a slow smile forming on his lips. Daniel's eyes tracked Jack as he drew in closer. Out of habit, Daniel flicked the tip of his tongue across his lower lip, eyes glued to Jack's mouth. "Uh...was there anything...interesting you saw?"

Jack grinned and leaned closer. "Maybe."

"Maybe yes, or maybe no?"

Jack's mouth brushed against Daniel's. "Definitely yes," he breathed, pulling away just a little. He smiled when he felt hot breath escaping Daniel's lips as the younger man parted his mouth almost reaching, entreating for more. "Guess I'll just have to show ya," he whispered as he slipped his hand around the back of Daniel's neck and drew him closer.

Daniel didn't ask anymore after that.

The End

Disclaimer: Neither SG1, SGC, nor for that matter SG-anything are mine. We all know who they belong to. I've just borrowed them, cleaned them afterwards and left them (sort of) 'as were'. Written for no money, only love, with no intention to infringe on any copyright, purely for entertainment. Please don't archive without my permission.