Title: THE BEST POLICY

Author: Imagine

Rating: NC17

Pairing: J/D

Category: Slash. First Time. Drama. Romance.

Date: 21st May 2006

Status: Complete

Season/Spoilers: Four or Five, Nothing specific

Archive: AlphaGate; Area 52; The Cartouche. Anyone else please ask.

Synopsis: It takes being stranded on a distant planet for Jack and Daniel to understand that honesty is definitely the best policy.

Notes: This fic was first published in the Zine - Sodality

Warnings: None

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THE BEST POLICY

by Imagine

"Wake up, Daniel please, come on!" Jack knew he sounded desperate but how else was he supposed to feel when his best friend had been out for hours and showed no signs of waking. Absently stroking Daniel's brow as the young man lay across his lap, he continued to speak to him, trying to send comfort, support and after what seemed an eternity the younger man stirred a little.

"Daniel, come on, come on, that's it," he said, joyful relief filling him as Daniel finally showed some sign of waking even if it was only the flickering of eyelids. That had been the first movement he had made since the lightning strike almost twelve hours ago. "It's me, Jack, open your eyes..." Please! Jack wanted to shake him but was afraid to add to any brain injury he may have all ready suffered.

"Mmmmmm...."

The first sound from Daniel's mouth had Jack sighing. He often wanted to shut Daniel up but just now what he wouldn't give to have to listen to one of his lectures.

"That's it," Jack murmured, gently stroking Daniel's cheek.

"Shhh...let me sleep now..." Daniel smiled languorously, his eyes still closed tight, "you can...," he laughed gently seemingly trying to squirm closer against Jack's thigh, which was doing nothing for the colonel's already shaken self-control, "disturb me again in the morning."

As if the movements weren't enough the tone of Daniel's voice jolted Jack, it was so sultry. Jack realised that Daniel must be dreaming and what a dream if his tone was any indication. Wondering who was sharing Daniel's dream to make him sound like that tightened Jack's gut. He shook his head, now was so not the time for thoughts like that.

"No, Daniel, now. Wake up now!" Jack demanded, speaking close by Daniel's ear, hoping to get through to the man.

"Veeerry pushy....you already wore me out..."

"What?" Jack gritted his teeth. Oh god, wish it could be me he was dreaming about. "Daniel!"`

"Jaaaack, tired, so tired...." His eyes flickered and for the first time Jack saw a hint of blue but all too soon they drifted shut again.

"Aw, I know, Daniel but you can't sleep now. Open your eyes, damnit!" This time Jack resorted to slapping Daniel's cheek and the younger man muttered in one of his many languages. Jack smiled to himself imagining what the words would have been in English. Daniel could curse fluently in each of his languages, as Jack knew from long experience.

Finally, Daniel's eyes opened blearily and he was frowning, desperately trying to focus.

"That's it, that's it. Can you see me?" Jack asked peering closely at his team mate.

"Can't see anything but a grey fuzz. Turn the light up."

Jack sighed, hoping it was just a lack of light and not a symptom of a serious concussion. "Sorry, Daniel, there's no more light at the moment." Jack searched his top pocket withdrawing Daniel's glasses, which he had put there following the accident and cautiously put them on for his friend. "Is that any better?" he asked but he didn't wait for a reply before explaining. "We're in a cave and the only light at the moment is from the small fire I lit. I had hoped for some moonlight but there isn't any tonight."

"We're not home?" Daniel sounded puzzled and looked around trying to see what he could in the gloom but it was obvious from his squinting that he couldn't see much even with his glasses on.

Jack felt Daniel squirm a little against him and a squishing sound of cloth rubbing on cloth. "What'cha doin’?"

~~

When Daniel had awoken to hear Jack's voice he'd been confused, still imagining he was lying in Jack's bed, in the arms of the man he loved. Slowly the fog in his mind cleared and he realised he really was looking up into Jack's face; knowing then it could only have been a dream. Oh god, if only it could be real.

Only of course, it wasn't real, it couldn't be. He had his fantasies because he knew that was all he would ever have of Jack. His friend was just being a good team leader, looking out for his subordinates. He rubbed a hand across his forehead trying to erase the pain throbbing through his head. Daniel knew he needed to concentrate, listen to Jack and try and discover what the hell was going on. Damn this headache!

As he finally became more aware of his surroundings he realised with dismay exactly where he was lying, half across Jack's lower body with his head resting against his abdomen and he tried to move. This was too tempting and his defences were down.

"What'cha doin’?" Jack asked in a concerned voice, his hands gripping Daniel tighter.

"Trying to ...find my water bottle," Daniel replied hesitantly. He could hardly admit the real reason for trying to move away from Jack, couldn't tell him that this closeness was just too hard for him to cope with when he felt so low.

"Huh, sorry I have it. Here," Jack said passing it over to Daniel. "Just a few sips though."

On second thoughts, a drink would be good about now Daniel realised and taking the bottle he sipped the water gratefully and to his shame his body leaned treacherously into the support Jack offered.

"There. That better?" Jack asked gently. "I don't think you have any major injuries but you've been out for hours. How's the head feel?"

"Aching but not too bad. Still feel a bit hazy. Hours?"

"Yeah, over twelve hours since you were hurt."

Daniel frowned, that long? He shook his head in dismay, which proved a mistake as he immediately felt dizzy and nauseous. He groaned and Jack held him even closer against his chest. Daniel couldn't help the feeling of well-being that suffused him to be held by the man who meant everything to him. He couldn't find it in himself to be sorry that he allowed himself to enjoy the sensations that he could never get enough of.

"Well that was stupid," he admitted and he felt Jack's gentle laughter.

"Yeah, wasn't very smart for someone with a possible concussion."

"Guess that should be elevated to a probable concussion," Daniel replied ruefully.

"You want a painkiller?"

"Nah, it's not a nail-in-the-head pain, just a regular ordinary hammer, so I'll save it till I need it."

Jack snorted. "That's my lo...err boy."

"What's that sound?" Daniel suddenly asked.

"Do you mean the rain?" Jack asked, sounding worried. "You sure your head is okay? How about your hearing?"

"My hearing? It's fine. Just that I thought it was rain. I like the rain," Daniel replied, not understanding the concern he heard in Jack's voice.

Jack frowned and commented, "You like the rain when you can watch it through a window, I know but I don't think you'd like this rain, it's very heavy and has been coming down since the lightning strike."

"Lightning?"

"You don't remember a thing, do you?"

"No." Daniel was puzzled and even a little scared. He hated feeling so out of it. The idea that his mind could be affected, that his memory wasn't to be trusted, that scared him. "The last thing I clearly remember was having dinner with you on Friday...." His face fell as unwelcome fear gripped his heart and he asked nervously, "That wasn't a dream was it?"

~~

Jack's gut clenched at the doubt in Daniel's voice and yet he knew why Daniel was unsure of even that. They had indeed shared dinner at his house on Friday, the day before this fateful mission. It had been the first time they had spent any time together outside of work in months and it had been a slightly strained attempt on both their parts to get their friendship back on track.

They'd had a long talk a few days previously, following a particularly difficult debriefing when Daniel had approached Jack in the parking lot, as he had been about to leave for a two-day trip to Washington. He could still see the confusion in Daniel's eyes and hear the pain in his voice as he spoke.

"Jack, I can't go on like this any longer and it seems clear that you don't want to either. If you..." he dropped his eyes for a moment then raised them again to stare at Jack, "If what you really want is for me to ask for a transfer then I have decided that I will comply."

Jack had been shocked. He had never entertained the idea of Daniel transferring to another team. In fact he had done everything he could think of to keep Daniel on his team, going so far as to back off when he realised he wanted more...so much more from their friendship.

Falling in love with his civilian specialist was never something he thought he would do, said civilian being a man and all. However, Daniel Jackson was special in more ways than one and an Air Force colonel could no more stand against his particular charms than could just about any other person who ever met him. Jack had decided it was better that Daniel never knew of his feelings; never believing the man could share them and thinking to protect them both Jack had pulled back. He hadn't realised until it was too late just how far back he had pulled, nor what walls he had unintentionally thrown up between them.

"Transfer? God no, Daniel. What the hell gave you that idea?" He realised his voice was harsh and that attitude would hardly convince Daniel of his sincerity. He took a deep breath and started again. "Look, Daniel, I know we've had..." he shrugged his shoulders and grimaced, "are having problems but believe me I don't want you to transfer. Damnit, you try and I will put every block in your way I can think of!"

For a moment Daniel was speechless, eyes flashing and clearly on the edge of anger and then the real message had gotten through and a slight smile touched his lips.

Then it faded as Daniel asked, "Well, what’s wrong then, Jack? Why is it that you find fault with whatever I do or say? Today was the last straw; you shot me down at every opportunity. Why?"

Instead of answering the questions, Jack pointedly looked at his watch and said, "Look, we need to talk and you couldn't have picked a worse time."

"Talk or the lack thereof is one of our main problems and I'm not speaking of your..." Daniel stopped, obviously not wanting to start another argument. "I'm talking about real communication. We seem to have stopped really talking or, maybe even more important; we've stopped listening to each other. All we seem to do now is yell at each other."

Jack stared at Daniel seeing, perhaps for the first time because he really looked, how stressed his friend seemed and he carefully said, "Daniel, come to my place for dinner and I promise I will try and straighten this whole mess out. I'll be back on Friday morning, will you come Friday evening?"

Daniel lifted an eyebrow and chewed on his lip, clearly giving the suggestion serious thought and finally he gave Jack a tentative smile. "Friday, bit of a coincidence?" Daniel commented, referring to their once regular Friday night routine, before adding, "Okay, Friday night it is. But Jack if we can't sort something out, well something has got to give."

Jack nodded, determined that come next Friday he would at least convince Daniel not to even think of transferring and hopefully make the man believe that he really was still his friend and that he wanted to mend a few bridges.

Now the injured Daniel's confused question about whether that Friday evening had been a dream also made a little more sense in conjunction with his other odd, disjointed statements on coming round a little while ago; though not that much sense. Jack wondered about that dream and couldn't help an unreasoned jealousy of whomever Daniel had been dreaming about, whoever 'wore him out'. He was jealous of the unnamed woman who gave his best friend such dreams.

Jack couldn't help thinking --wishing -- it might have been him that Daniel dreamt of as his name was the only one Daniel had mentioned but Jack knew that was all it was -- wishful thinking. Daniel only used his name at the end when he was finally coming to and it was a long ingrained reaction of Daniel's to call for Jack in times of extremis, something that he had never lost even during their recent estrangement.

"No, Daniel that definitely wasn't a dream," Jack told him firmly, "but we're not home now, we're off-world. P4X-644, the temple you wanted to investigate, remember?"

~~

"Temple?"

Daniel was still stuck between his dream world and what Jack was telling him was his present reality and Daniel so much preferred his dream where he was sharing his body and soul with Jack. Deep inside he knew it was a forlorn hope but hope was all he had left. Or so he thought until Jack's words sunk in and he belatedly remembered their time together on Friday evening. They were both determined to get their friendship back and the pleasant memories of that evening made Daniel relax.

He recalled how nervous he had been when he'd first arrived but Jack had been at pains to make him feel at home, the way he used to when their Friday night get-together had been a regular occurrence. Jack had prepared one of Daniel's favourite meals; nothing fancy just good spaghetti bolognaise topped with cheese and served with freshly baked garlic bread and a tossed salad. Jack had made him laugh the way he used to and Daniel had been happy to enjoy dinner and not push the serious talking until later.

They'd been sitting in front of a warm fire with a glass of good whisky each and Jack had finally opened up and admitted that he had been forced to see his best friend hurt, even killed just one too many times and he'd resorted to building a wall around himself as if it could somehow protect him. He also admitted that he'd never realised how far he had gone with his self-preservation until Daniel pulled him up short with his offer to transfer. He told Daniel he'd spent most of the two days in Washington going over the last few months and he was ashamed of how he had treated his supposed best friend.

In the end Jack had asked if Daniel could forgive him and give their friendship another chance.

Daniel wanted to simply jump at the chance but the part of him that had been so hurt by Jack's attitude made him ask instead, "And what happens next time I get hurt, Jack? Is this all going to start again?"

"God, no. I've learned my lesson. I'll do the same thing I used to always do, sit by your bedside and pray you get better. I've seen the expression on your face when I've been hurt and woken up to find you sitting by my side. That's the risk you take when you allow someone to get close I guess. I was only fooling myself because I didn't hurt any less over the last few months whenever you were injured. All I did was throw away the right to be at your side and all that did was add to my anger, which I then took out on you. Looking back I wonder you put up with me as long as you did!"

And here they were on the very next mission and he'd been hurt again. He turned to look at Jack's expression wondering if he was remembering his words from that evening but instead he found himself looking into a pair of wickedly sparkling eyes.

"Big huge site, you were in heaven," Jack was grinning as he explained about the temple. "I can still see how excited you were when you first saw the pictures gathered by the UAV. You were almost dancing with joy."

Daniel felt the heat rise in his cheeks and he wished he could refute Jack's claims as outrageous but he knew he couldn't. Instead he just grimaced and said, "Prick!"

"I am shocked at such language, Doctor Jackson!" Jack grinned. "We've been here two days and you had me fetching and carrying for you while Teal'c was helping Carter with her soil samples. She was pretty happy too.... Do you remember any of this?" Jack asked anxiously, obviously realising that Daniel was still confused.

Knowing him as well as he did, Daniel guessed Jack would be wondering just how bad Daniel's headache really was. Daniel had no wish to correct him just at that moment and tell him what he was really thinking about.

"I think so. I clearly remember Friday evening," Daniel smiled at Jack but quickly moved on. "I remember the MALP images and asking to send an UAV...it's fuzzy after that. A few images maybe," he tailed off, thinking. He looked around again as it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't seen the rest of his team. Frowning at Jack, he asked, "Are Sam and Teal'c on guard or something?"

"Afraid not. They're not here any longer, Daniel."

"What?" That was the last thing he expected to hear.

"Like I was saying, Carter was very pleased with her results. She found lots of very useful minerals and something she's never seen before. In raptures about all the possibilities. She wanted to go back early with her results and you wanted to stay longer to study the temple. You two kids nearly came to blows," Jack smiled as Daniel ducked his head.

"I can imagine," Daniel admitted, smiling up from under his lashes.

"You look and sound better," Jack said, squeezing Daniel's shoulder.

"Yeah, I feel a bit better," agreed Daniel, revelling in even the simplest of touches from Jack, wishing it could be so much more. Talking a deep breath, he asked, "So, what did you do?"

~~

Jack's heart was still slamming against his ribs from that unintentionally seductive glance Daniel had given him from under his lashes. He was then forced to cough to clear the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. Belatedly realising his hand was moving to caress Daniel's cheek he diverted it to squeeze his shoulder instead, commenting, "You look and sound better."

"Yeah, I feel a bit better," Daniel agreed. Then, he asked, "So, what did you do?"

"Do?" Jack queried, distracted by the sudden sadness in Daniel's eyes, wondering what had caused that look.

"To solve the presumably good-natured disagreement between Sam and me?"

"Ah, I decreed we would go to the Gate and see what Hammond wanted us to do. He asked Carter to take her samples through and then Teal'c was gonna come back and keep us company. I got the general to allow you another twenty-four hours." Jack remembered how grateful Daniel had been and he guiltily kept the fact to himself that he had done it just to see that smile on Daniel's lips. The same particularly sweet smile that Jack had single-handedly wiped from Daniel's face some months earlier when he'd started being a bastard to his best friend.

Daniel smiled, "I bet I was very happy with you about then."

Jack was embarrassed to feel an unaccustomed flush creep up his cheeks and hoped that Daniel hadn't noticed. Odds were Daniel would be naive enough to ask what caused it.

"Yeahsureyabetcha!" Jack answered with one of his catchphrases, which he knew sometimes annoyed Daniel. He hoped to distract him and apparently it worked because Daniel never said anything. Jack plastered a grin on his face for a second and then it faded as he went on. "Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan."

"Do they ever?" Daniel shrugged.

"True. Anyhow, you dialled the Gate and Carter and Teal'c went through and then out of a clear blue sky with no warning whatsoever, a bolt of lightning struck the still open Gate and arced across to the DHD. The Gate sparked, kinda like it did on the planet with the Ancient time-looping machine, arced to the DHD which crackled and blew. You'd moved away a little, walking back towards me and that probably saved your life. You were hit by some flying debris and knocked for six. I hate to think what might have happened if you had been next to the DHD when it blew." Jack could still remember the numbness he felt as he saw the exploding DHD and he knew that Daniel was too close. In that split-second he had been sure that Daniel was going to die right in front of him.

"You mean both the DHD and the Gate are out of commission?" The shock in Daniel's voice was evident.

Pushing the morbid memory away, Jack replied, "Not positive about the Gate but seeing as how no one has attempted to dial in since, I'm not holding my breath. The DHD is definitely a write-off. The central crystal is in a zillion pieces and I don't think much of the inside of the thing is where it's supposed to be!"

"You said, no one has tried to dial in but were they supposed to? I mean what was the check-in schedule?"

"Daniel, the Gate was still active and I'm pretty sure that even if the strike didn't travel all the way to Earth through the wormhole it would have registered on the equipment back at base. Carter would've been all over it in seconds."

"Oh, of course. What was I thinking?"

Jack laughed, "Daniel, don't be so hard on yourself. You've been out for hours and I'm pretty sure you have a concussion though luckily it seems a mild one. Unless you're doing your 'I'm fine' crap and keeping things from me?"

"No, no. I have a headache sure but that's it. I can see and hear fine."

"How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Three, Jack."

"Three?" Jack said looking at the two fingers he was displaying.

"One on the other hand, Jack," Daniel said patiently.

"Just checking," Jack grinned.

"Don't ever change," Daniel said softly.

"What?" Jack said, touched by that simple comment.

~~

Daniel could have bitten his tongue off. Why on earth had he said that aloud? Sometimes he could be such a flake! Not that he would ever admit that to Jack, of course.

Deciding to play on his concussion Daniel chose to ignore Jack's question. There was just no way he could explain that and instead said, "So, we're trapped here. No way of fixing the DHD?"

"Uh, no. Unless you got a particularly large crystal about your person I don't know about? Even Carter couldn't fix that one!"

Daniel grinned. "At least we're together Jack, no one I would rather be stranded with."

"Aw, that gives me such a warm glow," Jack said, theatrically putting his hand over his heart. "Ah and of course, you couldn't bitch at Carter or Teal'c the way you do at me."

"No, I'm not as at home with them as I am with you," replied Daniel without thinking and he immediately snapped his head up to see how Jack reacted to that.

"Well thank you for the kind compliment," Jack said softly and Daniel smiled ruefully. He just seemed to be putting his foot in his mouth again and again today. He wished he had the courage to admit the truth but he had just gotten back his friendship with Jack and he couldn't, he wouldn't risk that.

"Damn, imagine letting that slip. Obviously my concussion is worse than I thought."

Jack guffawed and hugged Daniel to him. "I've missed this. It's worth getting stranded here with you just to hear that."

His head hidden against Jack's chest, Daniel flushed with pleasure and bit his lip to hold in the gulp the tender words brought to his throat.

~~

As the night passed and dawn slowly began to break, the light in the cave improved. The fire was dying and Jack was doubtful that he would be able to keep it going. However, he also doubted he would be able to relight it because the only wood available would be soaked and therefore difficult, if not impossible, to burn. Even if it did burn it would only fill the small cave with smoke.

The obvious solution was to return to the camp but if this weather persisted they would need a better place to stay in the longer term until they were rescued. Jack didn't like to assume how long that might take. If the Gate was permanently damaged and unusable, then the only other way of rescue would be to find an ally willing and able to provide a ship. Jack wouldn't hold his breath for that one.

Daniel had dozed on and off most of the night and Jack had stayed awake, partially to keep a guard against any wild animal which might want to use the cave but mostly to watch over Daniel. They had stayed together, Daniel leaning against Jack to sleep. Jack had suggested it as the best way for them to keep warm while they slept and while it was necessary for that reason, Jack couldn't deny his own pleasure at the close contact.

Reluctantly, Jack eased out from underneath a peacefully sleeping Daniel and went to the cave mouth. The rain had stopped sometime after dawn but everywhere was still dripping and the sky seemed heavy with rain though Jack thought it could be clearing from the west. Even now, he didn't understand where the storm had come from yesterday, it had literally appeared from thin air.

Hearing a sound behind him, Jack turned back to Daniel to find the younger man twisting and turning under the blanket, the only one available that had come from Jack's pack. Daniel's own pack had been damaged by the destruction of the DHD and Jack had left it at the Stargate when he needed to carry Daniel out of the extreme elements into the safety of the only nearby shelter he could find. Jack covered Daniel again, hoping his restlessness wasn't a sign of illness and was relieved to realise that he was dreaming again though this was clearly a less pleasant one.

Deciding it was probably better to wake him up, Jack gently shook Daniel's shoulder but he just moaned and tried to move away.

"Come on, Daniel, wake up."

Jack's voice seemed to stir him and almost immediately he opened his eyes.

"Jack?" he asked warily, "what's wrong?"

"Nothing except that you were having what I guess was an unpleasant dream and you were starting to thrash about. Didn't want you knocking that hard head of yours any more than you already have," Jack grinned.

"I see the fire is nearly out. No coffee then?" Daniel said, not referring to his dream at all.

Jack recognised that Daniel was trying to come across as philosophical but really he just sounded sorry for himself and Jack had to laugh, "You are so predictable!"

~~

Ah, if only he knew! Daniel attempted to glare at Jack but failed miserably when he couldn't help but smile at the huge grin on his friend's face. "Bastard!" he growled.

"Ah but a nice bastard. I managed to keep the coffee pot hot, just for you. Couldn't risk your temper!"

Never stay angry at you Jack, not for long anyway. Aloud, he said, "Smart man. Always knew your dumb act was just that."

"You sound better this morning," Jack smiled as he handed Daniel a fairly hot mug of coffee.

"Yes, you're right, I feel better. The headache is just a lingering fuzziness now."

"I was just thinking we need better shelter. Think you can walk back to camp and see how it withstood that storm? Otherwise we'll have to take shelter somewhere in your temple."

"Shouldn't we stay near the Gate?" Daniel queried. "Just in case they can get through. Sam might have already found a way to get a lock and then all they need is to send us a power source and we can dial out by hand."

"Daniel, you can't know that. We have no idea what the problem is either here or with the Earth Gate."

"No, but they're not going to give up on us," Daniel sounded almost angry. He didn't mean to, he wasn't really angry but he was afraid of being left alone with Jack for too long, he wasn't sure he could trust himself. He was afraid he could spoil everything.

"I never said they were and if anyone knows that, I do!"

Daniel knew exactly what Jack was referring to; his three months trapped on Edora. They hadn't given up on him then and, of course, they wouldn't be abandoned now either.

"Of course, I didn't mean to suggest that. It's just ...I ...I can't help feeling we should stay near the Gate. The temple is half a day's walk."

"And we have our radios. The MALP wasn't damaged so if they can get a connection they can still contact us."

Jack began to fill his pack with everything they needed and Daniel watched thoughtfully. He was realising that he might have no choice but to spend a long time alone with Jack, just the two of them.

"Jack, if they can't get to us by Gate they would have to try to get someone to come for us in a ship."

"Yeah."

"It was going to take over a year last time, when you..."

"I know, you told me."

"I just wonder how long it would take this time. This planet is farther away I think. Of course if someone is nearer, or if they can persuade the Asgard..."

~~

Jack knew that Daniel was worried, hell so was he but...

"Daniel, it's no use guessing. We haven't the faintest idea of what our chances..." his voice faded. "Sorry, didn't need to remind you of the obvious did I?"

"No but I'd rather we were honest with each other, wouldn't you?"

"Yeah, course." That got Jack thinking.

It wasn't long until they were on their way back to their campsite, just below the hill topped by the sprawling temple. They walked in silence, which for them was never uncomfortable. This particular time it was Jack who was busy thinking, worrying to be more accurate. Whirring round inside his head and just out of control was his fear that if they were stuck on this godforsaken rock for any length of time whether he would be able to keep his hands to himself and off Daniel! The truth was he didn't want to, he couldn't think of anything more erotic than his hands on Daniel's body and keeping his hands off was getting harder even when he was on Earth, but out here, just the two of them, alone...

He glanced over at Daniel, ostensibly to ensure that the archaeologist was all right following his recent injury but really Jack wanted to see if his friend was picking up on his unease. He and Daniel had this uncanny knack of sensing each other’s moods; they even joked about finishing each other's sentences as if they could read the other's mind. At the moment though, Daniel just seemed to be calmly putting one foot in front of the other and watching carefully where he was walking in this mud-swathed world. Jack guessed that he too was lost in his own thoughts and that brought to mind those simple words Daniel had spoken only a short while earlier. It hadn't been anything startling; just Daniel being Daniel but no less thought provoking for that.

I'd rather we were honest with each other. Of course, Daniel was scrupulously honest, even on occasions when Jack wished he weren't. Jack was now struggling with the notion that he had been dishonest with Daniel for a long time now. Hell, he hadn't even been honest with himself until a few months ago when he had finally gotten his head out of his ass and admitted how he really felt about his friend. And what about last Friday when they'd shared dinner? He’d only told him part of the truth.

Just what would Daniel do if Jack were to tell him how he really felt about him? What would it do to their friendship, a friendship they were only just getting back on track after his stupid behaviour over the past few months? Honesty, that was something that Daniel treasured and with a clarity he had been missing for so long it suddenly occurred to Jack even if Daniel didn't reciprocate his feelings, he would never hold it against the man he considered to be his best friend. Daniel was the most open, the most generous person Jack had ever met. He didn't think that Daniel would find any kind of love between two humans to be wrong or distasteful. God, after all the man was an anthropologist!

Daniel wouldn't turn against him, discard their friendship for a feeling Jack had no control over. If Daniel didn't...couldn't feel like that for him then Jack would just have to prove to him that he could control his emotions, keep his feelings under wraps. After all, he had managed to do so very successfully all this time and he would never, ever do anything that Daniel didn't want.

Feeling pleased and relieved with this...this revelation, he smiled to himself. He would tell Daniel. God was it that simple? After years of wondering. doubting himself, questioning his own sexuality and then months of wallowing in angst, he could decide just like that. I will tell him.

He realised how stupid he had been. A stupid blind fool! Well no more. When they reached the camp or maybe the temple if the camp was ruined, he would tell Daniel the truth. He would tell his friend that he was in love with him.

~~

Daniel was very aware of Jack walking beside him, he knew his friend was worried about something and he didn't think it was the damaged DHD or the fact they might be trapped here for an unknown period of time. He didn't know why he felt that but he knew he was right. Something else was preying on his friend's mind. A sudden fear swept through him. Could he possibly have said something while he was out of it? In his delirium, perhaps? What if he had said something that made Jack realise how he felt?

He did have a vague memory of the erotic dream he'd had while he had been recovering, knowing of course that it had been about Jack; they always were. He had a sudden flash of hands touching his flesh, caressing him, kissing him, touching him the way no man ever had ...loving him. He closed his eyes against the image, afraid of it and yet wanting to keep it safe. Oh god!

He had tried so hard, for so long to keep his feelings under control, never to allow them free rein. Not that he didn't want to, he did, very badly and had for a long time but he was afraid of Jack's reaction. He found it hard to believe that Jack could possibly feel anything remotely as strong for Daniel as Daniel did for him. True, he was a good friend who would do anything for him and Daniel was grateful that Jack had finally acknowledged the damage the relationship had suffered recently but he didn't expect anything more, not really. Daniel was too afraid to risk what he had by trying for something he believed was beyond his reach; he just had a keep a tight rein on himself.

They were almost at the campsite now and Daniel tried to bring his mind back to the mission.

He wasn't surprised to find the campsite virtually ruined. The tents were flattened and most of the gear was washed down to the edge of the area where it abutted the rising hill behind which was topped by the sprawling temple site.

Jack and he salvaged as much as they could, which wasn't much and took it up the hill to the ruins. At least within the ruins there were a few places they could bed down where the structure was reasonably intact.

~~

Jack allowed Daniel to pick the best spot to hunker down; after all he had spent two days exploring the place and had been enraptured over some of his discoveries. Jack had just been enraptured over seeing Daniel so happy.

Eventually everything was squared away and they made two comfortable beds which by mutual unspoken consent, they set side by side, not too far from the safety of the fire pit they’d excavated in the centre of the stone floor. As they had no idea if the storm the day before was the beginning of some kind of rainy season, Daniel had made the sensible suggestion of providing for an indoor fire by removing one of the large slabs of stone and digging into the earth below and then lining it with broken slabs. Jack grinned, knowing only too well that Daniel would never have suggested it if it had been part of the flooring in the main chamber. That was apparently a particularly complicated mosaic design that Daniel wouldn't even allow Jack to walk on!

When they were settled Jack was a little concerned by how quiet, even distant Daniel seemed to be.

"You worried about us being trapped here?" Jack asked quietly.

"I guess," Daniel replied with a slight shrug.

Jack knew it was something else because otherwise Daniel would have been explaining all the reasons why by now. Jack wondered then if it was possible that Daniel knew of, or more likely sensed that something was bothering him and that the younger man was concerned for him. Deciding this was fate telling him to talk to his friend, Jack lifted his gaze from the stone floor he’d been staring at and looked over to Daniel instead. He wasn't surprised to find his friend watching him, nor was he surprised when Daniel's eyes slid away quickly when he realised Jack was gazing back at him. Whatever was going on in Daniel's head was clearly bothering him. Enough was enough. Bite the bullet, O'Neill.

"Daniel," he began carefully, waiting until the other man looked his way again. "You know this talking thing isn't really what I do best," he hesitated as Daniel frowned a little but realising he had his full attention he ploughed on. "The thing is you mentioned earlier about wanting us to be honest with each other, well the truth is I haven't."

Daniel stared at him, eyes wide in disbelief. "Jack?"

"We're friends, right, have been for a while and then things went wrong? That was my fault. I ...I didn't cope very well with.... oh god!" It was all very well to decide to tell him but to actually say the words!

"What is it Jack? You can tell me, you can tell me anything." Daniel sounded really concerned.

"Yeah, I know, I just hope..." He stopped, pursed his lips and blew out a long breath. Licking his lips, Jack began again, "Daniel, I love you." Daniel's mouth dropped open in shock. "I guess I have for over three years, but it really got under my skin a few months back and I couldn't cope with being so close to you and I...well I pushed you away. I didn't lie to you on Friday but I didn't tell you the whole truth either. I should've told you everything but I was afraid." Jack took a step closer to the surprisingly silent but obviously flushed Daniel Jackson. "Tell me I shouldn't have been afraid, Daniel. Tell me I was right to be honest because whatever else you might feel, you understand."

Daniel stared at him, mouth opening and closing and Jack couldn't help but compare him to the proverbial fish. Then Daniel snapped his mouth shut, his face paled before flushing once again only this time his face really went red and to Jack's dismay a clearly angry Daniel careered past him and marched out in the corridor beyond.

Jack stood where he was, watching as Daniel paced up and down outside the entrance to their temporary quarters and all he could think of was that this wasn't the reaction he expected. As Daniel marched back and forth he was waving his arms about and ranting but Jack had no idea what he was saying because whatever language he was speaking it wasn't English. Then again, Jack recognised a curse when he heard one even if he didn't know the precise word or phrase. He debated going out and confronting Daniel but decided that caution was the better part of valour. He hoped that Daniel was just venting and that he really hadn't taken his confession as badly as it seemed. Jack had such hopes that Daniel might, possibly, share his feelings but he could live with not having his love returned as long as he could at least keep Daniel's friendship. He hated to admit how afraid he was feeling at that moment and also perhaps, in this case, honesty was not the best policy.

Just then Daniel stormed backed in and stopped directly in front of Jack.

"Three years? Three years!" he roared at him and Jack decided he should step back.

"Er, yeah, well maybe longer, but I knew for sure three years ago," Jack replied quietly, thinking that one of them had to keep calm.

Daniel stepped forward again until he was almost toe-to-toe with Jack.

"Bastard!" he snarled at him. "Three fucking years and you knew all that time and never said a word. Three wasted years, why the hell didn't you say something?" He grabbed hold of Jack's coat and yanked the older man to him before shoving him back again and walking away to pace the room.

With an inward smile Jack understood that Daniel was only angry because Jack had never said anything earlier. It was pretty obvious now that he shared Jack's feelings but Daniel didn't seem to realise that he'd never said anything either! So much for honesty! But, Jack was a strategist, so....

With an evil grin, Jack said, "Er, Daniel, you don't have to get mad, just get even."

Daniel stared at him for a moment, eyes flashing fire. Jack could hardly keep still as he stared at the sexy figure prowling about the room. Coming to a halt, Daniel had no idea what he was doing to Jack as he simply stood there smouldering. Jack's cock was filling and his heart was hammering against his ribs.

Suddenly a slow smile crept over Daniel's face and without a word he launched himself at Jack who just about managed to stay on his feet as he staggered backwards with an armful of very excited archaeologist.

"Jack, Jack," Daniel murmured as he brushed his lips against Jack's and with a moan Jack opened up to allow him entry.

~~

Oh this was just so perfect. Daniel had dreamed and fantasised of this for so long that he could hardly believe he was actually in Jack's arms and that it really was Jack he could taste.

He couldn't believe that he had been angry with Jack for finally -- finally admitting that he loved him. How fucked up was that? He belatedly realised that he had been no more honest. He'd been just as afraid, for just as long as Jack had. Realising how strong Jack had been to finally admit his feelings openly, Daniel broke the kiss and leaned back a little so he could see Jack's face and stare into those gorgeous eyes.

"I love you, Jack, I always have," he said softly, letting his lover see everything he felt.

Jack stared back at him, searching his face, looking deep into his eyes until suddenly with a growl he crushed Daniel to him and kissed him with such passion that he forced Daniel's lips back against his teeth. Daniel didn't care; just to know that he made Jack feel so much was liberating for him. He wanted to give everything he was to the man he loved.

Gasping for breath they finally broke apart again and Daniel dropped his head onto Jack's shoulder.

"I'm sorry I was such a coward," Daniel murmured. "I'm grateful you had the courage."

"Daniel, it was your simple words that made me realise how stupid I was being."

Daniel snorted. "My words?"

"About being honest?" Jack prompted.

"Ah! So much for words," he replied sheepishly. "But I think it's confirmed now that honesty is the best policy." Before Jack could reply, Daniel was busy kissing his neck, pulling back his collar to get better access and the older man arched against the sensations flooding him.

"Can we get rid of this?" Daniel asked fingering the shirt.

"What do you think?" Jack gasped, moving to unfasten Daniel buttons too.

In no time they were both gloriously naked and they lay down face to face on the makeshift bedding where they took their time getting to know the feel and the taste of each other's skin with much judicious practice. They wanted to know how each of them liked to be kissed, where each was most sensitive, where each was ticklish. That proved particular fun for Jack as Daniel giggled when he was tickled and he seemed to be ticklish in the most wonderful places.

Jack was all set for more exploration when the radio squawked, "Colonel O'Neill, report," instructed Hammond's voice, clear but low.

Groaning, Daniel bleated, "No, no, not now!"

Giving him a quick kiss, Jack muttered, "Shuussh, love," as he reached over to recover the radio. "We're about to be rescued," he grinned.

Daniel quivered at the softly spoken endearment, which Jack said so casually, so naturally.

Jack clicked the radio on, saying, "O'Neill here, Sir. It's good to hear your voice."

"Colonel, I could say the same," the general replied, the relief plain in his voice. "Is Doctor Jackson with you?"

"Yes, Sir. He was injured but is recovering well."

"That's good to hear. We were very concerned when Major Carter and Teal'c were followed through the Gate by a huge shockwave. We had no idea what had happened."

Jack explained as succinctly as possible about the lightning that struck the Gate and then destroyed the DHD injuring Daniel in the process. He described the terrible storm that followed and how he'd carried Daniel to the nearest shelter he could find in a nearby cave until a few hours ago when they had made their way to the relative safety of the temple ruins.

The general explained how the Gate had been offline for sometime as the power of the shockwave had overloaded it. Siler had worked non-stop to get the Gate back online because they had no way of knowing whether the other half of SG1 had died during the trip back through the wormhole or if they were trapped on the other side of the Gate.

Sam Carter's voice was heard next. "Sir, I'm so relieved that you and Daniel are okay." She didn't wait for a comment before she continued, "Do I understand that the lightning discharged from the Gate completely into the DHD?"

"I think so. It was certainly enough to blow the middle out of the DHD. But I didn't stay around to study the damn thing, I needed to get Daniel out of the elements and check him over, he was out for hours."

"DanielJackson has recovered?" Teal'c's deep voice queried.

Jack passed the radio to Daniel who answered, "I'm fine thanks, Teal'c. Jack said I'm lucky to have such a hard head."

Jack had to clamp his hand over his mouth when he heard those words from a very naked, aroused Daniel and his eyes were dancing as he looked at Daniel's penis. Daniel saw his glance and flushed furiously as he belatedly realised what he had said. He waved a hand at Jack who grinned devilishly back at him.

"I doubt Janet will be pleased to hear you have yet another head injury," Sam told him and he could actually hear the smile.

"So, what's the plan for getting us out of here?" Jack asked, desperately trying to keep his voice normal.

There was silence for a minute or so and Jack and Daniel glared at each other until Jack shrugged a silent apology at his lover. Jack nudged him quickly and glanced at the radio and they could both imagine the talk flowing back and forth as Carter made a proposal and the others threw in their opinions. The general did like his checks and balances.

After a few minutes General Hammond replied, "The Gate on P4X-644 seems to be working perfectly from what we can tell from this end. I've just sent the major to get a naquada generator prepared. As soon as it is ready we will send it through and then you and Doctor Jackson will have to attempt manual dialling." Teal'c's deep voice could be heard in the background. "Wait a moment," the general added.

Daniel glanced at the radio and raised an eyebrow. Jack got the message and nodded that the connection was broken for the moment.

"I could just wish it would've taken another hour to get the Gate working," Daniel shrugged.

Jack grinned and gave Daniel a quick kiss, "Doesn't matter, you'll see," he said with a wink.

"Jaaack?"

Daniel was interrupted when the radio clicked and Hammond asked, "Are you certain that Doctor Jackson is fit enough to assist in the dialling? Teal'c has volunteered to bring the generator through if necessary and assist you."

"That won't be necessary, Sir," Daniel said quickly, "I'm fine now, really. No need to risk anyone else on my behalf."

"Very well, son, but the slightest problem and you let us know. You hear me, Colonel?"

"Yes, Sir, of course, Sir." It was a damned good thing the general couldn't see the expression on Jack's face as he grinned like a loon at his lover.

"We'll be in touch again as soon as the generator is ready," Hammond stated.

"Very well, Sir. We'll keep warm and dry here in the temple until we hear from you," Jack responded before grinning at Daniel as he dropped the radio back onto his pack. He lay down beside Daniel again and said softly, "Now where were we?"

"Here," Daniel whispered, smiling as he pointed to his mouth.

Jack slowly leaned towards him and kissed those tempting lips, gently at first, moving his mouth over Daniel's until the younger man opened up and welcomed his lover inside. Their tongues slid slowly against each other and then separated as Jack lazily mapped Daniel's mouth. Daniel moaned as Jack's kiss evoked such sensations in him and he clung tightly to his lover. Jack pulled back and stared into his eyes and then, turning them both slightly, he pushed Daniel onto his back before continuing with his previously interrupted exploration of his archaeologist.

~~

Jack could hardly believe he was creating such a reaction in his friend, his lover. Daniel was squirming and moaning as Jack moved lower and lower down his body, kissing each inch of hot velvety skin. Daniel's nipples were erect and taut from where Jack had playfully nipped them one after the other and the skin around his navel was shining from where Jack had licked swirls in and around it.

Daniel was clinging to him, his hands alternately digging into Jack's shoulders and biceps, as he kept curling up and planting kisses anywhere he could reach.

"Jack, please, please," Daniel gasped. "I need...I need..."

"What, love, what do you need?" Jack asked lifting his head from where he was licking a path along the crease between Daniel's thigh and his groin.

"You, oh god, I need to feel you ...everywhere ...now. Please."

Jack knew exactly what Daniel meant. The sensations flowing through his body each time they came together were electric and with a smile he lifted himself over Daniel and gently lowered himself on top of his lover so they touched everywhere they possibly could. At the contact Daniel sighed and brushed his hands up and down Jack's back and resting them on his ass as Jack took his mouth again in a passionate kiss.

"I'm gonna show you how much I love you," Jack breathed into Daniel's mouth and the younger man moaned deep in his throat as his hands gripped Jack's buttocks tighter, trying to pull him even closer, as if they could both share the same skin.

Perspiration coated their bodies to make their slide against one another easier, Jack pushing down into his lover, their cocks rubbing together, creating a fire between them. After a minute or so, Daniel opened his legs allowing Jack to slip in between, Daniel planting his feet and lifting his hips in counterpoint to Jack and soon they were rocking and sliding against each other, moving faster and faster. Daniel wrapped his legs over Jack's thighs, gliding the arches of his feet over his lover's calves.

Jack released Daniel's mouth and was kissing and nipping along his jaw and down the side of his neck, Daniel turning his head to the side to allow him better access. Jack began to nibble the tender skin where the neck joined the shoulder, the sensation making Daniel moan as he arched up into Jack. In response the older man pounded against Daniel's willing body, as Jack felt his orgasm gather in his toes and race up his legs. His balls tightened and in that instant Daniel shuddered beneath him and he felt his lover's essence pour out between them. The feeling of the hot sticky fluid flowing between them pushed Jack over the edge and he bit down hard into Daniel's shoulder causing the already spent younger man to cry out, his voice mingling with Jack's own cry as his seed merged with his lover's.

"Daniel, Daniel," he murmured, nuzzling into his neck, tenderly licking where he had bitten his lover.

"Oh, Jack, that was wonderful. I never knew it could be like that. I do love you."

Never knew? Jack's eyes opened wide. "Daniel, are you...? You've never been with a man before?"

~~

Still feeling as if he was flying, Daniel smiled at Jack and told him, "I never wanted to, not till I met you. Now it's all I can think of. I want so much with you, I want everything."

"Oh, Daniel, me too. I'm not ...well I've been with men before but it has never been serious. I mean I've never loved a man before; the only other person I've loved the way I love you is Sarah and I never thought I could feel that way again." Jack smiled the crooked smile that could melt Daniel's insides and then he kissed him on the forehead before going on to say, "I loved the feel of you moving beneath me, the thudding of your heart echoing my own. I want to be inside you, want to feel you surrounding me. I have never felt like this before. It's like..." Jack frowned, looking at Daniel and he shrugged.

"God, Jack and you said you have difficulty expressing your feelings? That was..." Daniel grinned, "very sensitive." Daniel stared at him, looking deep into his lover's eyes. "I think I know, Jack. You want to own and be owned, is that it? To know there is a place you will always belong."

"That's it, exactly."

Daniel rolled over half lying on Jack and half lying by his side while Jack fastened his arms around him holding him tight. Daniel wrapped his free arm across Jack's chest his other arm trapped against Jack's side and laid his head on his lover's chest. Jack kept one arm about him and the other one he drifted down Daniel's back, his hand coming to rest on Daniel's ass where he cupped him possessively. It felt perfect to Daniel as he lay there. He was where he belonged and he'd fight with everything he was to stay there.

As if trying to prove him wrong, the radio beeped reminding him that they had to return to reality soon and then they would have to be the colonel and the archaeologist as far as everyone else was concerned.

~~

They finally managed to get a lock; the naquada generator worked perfectly and between the two of them they dialled the address for the SGC. Taking one last look at each other as lovers until they could be alone together again, Colonel O'Neill and Doctor Jackson walked side-by-side back through the wormhole.

Carter greeted them with smiles of relief, while Teal'c gave them his trademark nod and only his close friends knew to look into his eyes for the real message.

General Hammond walked swiftly into the Gateroom, "Welcome home, gentlemen, it's good to see you both safe and well. You are feeling well, Doctor Jackson?"

"Yes, Sir, I'm fine now."

The general smiled, "I'd still like Doctor Fraiser's confirmation of that, so if you would both report to the infirmary, we'll debrief in one hour."

Jack walked with his team to the infirmary, it seemed Carter and Teal'c weren't ready to leave them yet and he understood the sentiment. He calmly withstood his examination at the hands of Doctor Warner while Daniel was seen by Doctor Fraiser. He couldn't get the thought out of his mind that they had been fortunate he hadn't made love to Daniel the way he really wanted to. If Janet Fraiser was as thorough as she usually was there would have been no way to keep that a secret.

And that was before he took into account the surprising fact that Daniel was a virgin when it came to male/male sex. God that was such a turn on. He hadn't even thought in such terms until now. He had been so surprised by Daniel's confession yet he was only now really having time to realise what that meant. Daniel had been straight, or at least bi without realising it until he had fallen in love with Jack. Just thinking about that made Jack feel warm all over. He so wanted to show Daniel how wonderful penetrative sex with another man could be -- then it hit him it would be the first time he had ever made love to a man either. Hot sweaty sex just to get his rocks off didn't count.

He could hear his lover as he was speaking to Doctor Fraiser behind the closed curtain just across the way and he wondered what Daniel would think if he knew what Jack was planning. He smiled as he remembered Daniel telling him that he wanted everything. He hoped Daniel wouldn't think it was too soon, though if he did then Jack would wait until he was ready. No way would he let his impatience spoil their newfound relationship, it was much too important to him.

Warner cleared him and Jack sat on the bed waiting for Daniel to finish up with Fraiser. He heard Daniel's voice rise a little and then he heard Fraiser's firm clipped voice in reply. Uh oh, don't say she wanted to keep him in. No way! They had plans for tonight and nothing was going to interfere with them. Jack got to his feet and plastered his best ingratiating smile on his face.

In the end, despite both Jack and Daniel's protestations and, in Jack's case, begging, Janet Fraiser was determined to keep Daniel in the infirmary for observation for twenty-four hours. She wasn't happy that he had been unconscious for over twelve hours and no matter how many times, or in whichever of his varied tones of voice he used, Daniel couldn't convince her that he was 'fine'. Jack was disappointed but he wasn't really surprised, Janet Fraiser was nothing if not thorough.

"But Janet, you have carried out every test you wanted and I am fine, you know that," he insisted, puppy dog eyes begging for all he was worth. Watching, Jack had no idea how she could possibly resist Daniel at his most charming.

"Give me a break, Daniel," she sighed. "Your head might be hard but that doesn't mean you can't be hurt. You both had a stressful time and a few hours rest would do you both good. This time tomorrow you can go home." She turned to Jack, momentarily puzzled by the grin on his face but dismissing that as just another of the colonel's foibles, fixed him with her steady gaze. "Isn't it time you were going to the briefing room, Sir?"

Jack jumped up quickly, he had almost forgotten, he was still enjoying his interpretation of Doctor Fraiser's unknown verbal slip. His vision of Daniel's hard head was on a different part of Daniel's body to the one she was thinking of! "Yes, thank you, Doc. I'll be back in a while and I'll bring us dinner," he said smiling at Daniel.

"Dinner?" Janet asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, yes please," Daniel smiled back, glancing at Janet from under his lashes.

Jack was beginning to believe that Daniel knew exactly what that look did to those on the receiving end.

"After two days of damp MRE's even commissary food would be good," Daniel continued.

"Damp MRE's?" Janet questioned cocking her head to one side.

"Very damp," Daniel replied with a very straight face and Jack couldn't help but laugh.

Janet struggled not to smile as she said to Jack, "Nothing too heavy, Sir, and I'll only allow you to stay for an hour. You both need a good night's sleep."

"Yes, ma'am," Jack replied, throwing a spectacularly sloppy salute at her, his eyes on Daniel. "See you later."

Jack gave a thorough and succinct report to his CO of their two days trapped on the wrong side of the Gate and Hammond asked that they both submit a written report within forty-eight hours. The general stated that the address would have to be locked out and Jack agreed that Daniel would be disappointed to lose what could have been a very interesting archaeological site. General Hammond didn't need to comment that such considerations held no sway with the powers that be in Washington.

Jack left the briefing room and hurried to the commissary where he piled up a tray with enough food and drink for both of them. He had already decided to stay on base that night; he had no desire to go home without Daniel.

~~

Glancing at the time, Daniel couldn't decide if he was glad or troubled that the twenty-four hours were almost up. He should be happy at the promise of seeing Jack, going home with him but the last few hours had been filled with questions and concerns that had plagued him. Ever since he'd awoken early that morning from a strange dream, a dream even more disturbing because he could remember none of the details but the feelings that had swept through him were startlingly clear. Even now, hours later he could still recall the misery and distress; sense the dread and frustratingly he had no idea why. For some reason he couldn't explain, he had the distinct feeling the misgivings the dream generated related to Jack -- or perhaps he could explain his disquiet following Jack's visit yesterday evening.

As promised he had returned following the briefing with the general and brought food for both of them but he had been uncharacteristically subdued and Daniel had been doubly disappointed that he hadn't stayed for the full hour that Janet had allowed.

When Jack had quietly gotten to his feet after only about forty minutes and piled the plates and glasses back on the tray saying, "Busy day tomorrow, Daniel," the younger man had been disappointed but Jack's gentle smile had eased his heart.

"Must you go so soon?" Daniel asked.

Shrugging, Jack replied, "I need to get an early start tomorrow so I can be back to take you home tomorrow afternoon."

Daniel had watched him go, puzzled but telling himself that it was understandable, they'd had a trying few days and he'd gone to sleep looking forward to the next day. The dream had changed that and left him uncertain and unhappy all day for he had began to doubt himself and most especially, doubt Jack's feelings for him.

Had the colonel had time to think and had perhaps realised that he would have to pay too high a price to continue a relationship with Daniel now that he was back in the military surroundings of Cheyenne Mountain? It had seemed so much easier when they'd been all alone. Sadly, Daniel could understand if Jack felt that way but he would just hate to lose the relationship, to lose what he had craved for so long. Could he just go back to being Jack's friend if that was truly all he wanted now?

He finished dressing knowing that Jack would be there any minute and he would find out the answer soon enough.

"Hi, Doc," Jack's voice reached him from behind the curtained cubicle, "is Daniel ready to go home?"

"Exactly on time, Colonel and yes he is ready and waiting," Doctor Fraiser said, throwing back the curtain as she spoke.

"Jack," Daniel said softly. It was wonderful to see him but Daniel couldn't help the underlying uncertainty tainting his feelings.

"Ready and waiting indeed," Jack grinned. "Your chauffeur awaits," he added, giving a mock bow and a sweep of his arm.

Giving a smile of thanks to Janet, Daniel led the way out of the infirmary and headed for the elevator, which came almost immediately, wishing he didn't feel like he was going to his own execution.

Once inside Jack leaned against one side of the car opposite Daniel, studying the younger man and after a moment, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"Wrong? Nothing," Daniel replied, just a little too quickly.

Smiling, Jack said, "No? Sure you're not thinking too much again, Daniel?"

Daniel frowned and looked down at his feet, refusing to answer.

Suddenly, Jack laughed and Daniel looked up wondering what on earth he could find to laugh at. "Oh, my friend, you are so transparent."

Daniel waited for Jack to explain that comment but the colonel didn't say another word, instead turning to face the door of the elevator, whistling off-key and rocking on his heels.

Frustrated, Daniel said, "Jack?"

"Yep?"

"What did you mean?"

"Later."

Jack's tone was firm and Daniel knew he wouldn't get another word out of him until he was ready. Sighing, Daniel raised his eyes and it was only then he spied the camera and felt a fool for not remembering; no wonder Jack didn't want to say anything else until they got out of the mountain.

Ten minutes later they were well clear of the complex and Jack was driving steadily down the mountain.

"Will you talk now, Jack?" Daniel asked, deciding he couldn't stand the suspense any longer. Whatever Jack wanted to say he wanted him to get it over with.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? You're the one who's been over-thinking things again. What'cha worrying about this time? Could it be that I didn't stay after dinner last night?"

Daniel flushed, "Well I was disappointed, an hour wasn’t long enough but you didn't even stay that long, you seemed in a hurry to leave. And you...you were different." He couldn't look at Jack, afraid of what he might see. He was surprised when Jack slowed the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road and parked.

"Daniel, look at me." Jack waited until the archaeologist turned towards him. "I'm sorry if I..." Jack stopped as Daniel squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. "Daniel?" Jack queried.

"It's okay, I understand. I had the feeling it was going to come to this. I should've known it was too good to last. I never..."

"Damnit, Daniel! What the hell did you think I was going to say? I was apologising for confusing you that's all. It seemed so easy at first to visit with you in the infirmary but as I was getting our trays in the commissary I slowly realised how different it would have to be. I already knew that, logically of course, but then I felt it, you know? It hurt...that I couldn't be honest with you there in the Mountain, couldn't be honest about how I feel. That is something we can only be to each other in private."

Daniel just stared, his heart pounding, his gaze held by the passion in his lover's eyes. "I was afraid," he admitted softly, "that now we're back home I wouldn't be enough for you."

"Enough for me? When will you ever learn to stop putting yourself down? You mean everything to me, Daniel and if I haven't convinced you of that yet..."

"Well," Daniel interrupted, the outrageously demure expression on his face totally belied by the twinkle dancing in his eyes, "there is one way...."

Before Daniel could say one more word Jack grabbed him and kissed him before releasing him quickly, saying, "God, Daniel don't tempt me. Too near the base here." He started the engine again and quickly pulled back onto the road, which was luckily virtually empty of traffic.

~~

Jack glanced at Daniel as he stared through the windshield, finding it hard to believe how a man with so much going for him could be so unsure of himself. Still not really understanding what on earth Daniel saw in him, Jack was the one who should worry about the possibility of losing his lover but Daniel couldn't even contemplate that, all he could see was that Jack wouldn't consider him worth taking risks for. If only Daniel knew just how far Jack would go to keep him by his side. It was up to Jack to show him.

An hour or so later they were sitting side by side on Jack's sofa, comfortably relaxing with coffee after enjoying a good dinner. Putting his coffee down on the side table, Jack reached across and caressed Daniel's cheek and he turned into Jack's palm and kissed it fervently, looking up at Jack from under his eyelashes.

Jack shook his head, grinning. "You really aren't as naive as you pretend, are you?"

In answer Daniel smiled as he began to suckle on each of Jack's fingers in turn until the older man was uncomfortably aware of how tight his pants were. Using his free hand, Jack pushed Daniel down on the sofa and lay on top of him, their eyes meeting for only a second but it was enough. Daniel surged up as Jack leaned down and their lips met in heated passion as their arms entwined, each man trying to pull the other closer and closer still.

They broke apart gasping for breath, desperately trying to remove the last obstacle to feeling skin on skin and shirts and pants were dispensed with in record time. Jack stared down at Daniel lying beneath him, drinking in all the wonderful silky skin that he could at last touch with impunity. He looked at Daniel and found the younger man staring back at him, fire in his expressive eyes as he reached up to caress Jack's chest, twisting his finger in Jack's chest hair.

"I think we should take this to the bedroom," Jack said huskily.

"Don't wanna move," Daniel replied breathlessly, brushing his hand lower down Jack's body.

Breathing hard, Jack grabbed his hand. "Daniel, not here. I want...I want to," he stopped smiling, "convince you...if you'll let me?"

Daniel looked up into his lover's face and he knew how serious Jack was, how much this meant to him and turning his hand that was still held in his lover's grasp, Daniel took hold of Jack's hand and pulling him to his feet, said, "Lead the way."

Not letting go of Daniel, Jack led his lover into his bedroom and turned him so that his back was to the bed. Daniel was like putty in his hands as Jack ran them over his body before pushing him to lie on the bed. Jack lay down alongside him feeling lucky that Daniel seemed to be relaxed; it would make it so much better for both of them if he didn't freeze. Jack knew how hard the first time could be and he was determined to make this good for Daniel.

Still caressing his lover, Jack kissed him and Daniel responded passionately, sucking Jack's tongue into his own mouth, as his hand wove an intricate pattern on Jack's back. Never breaking the kiss, Jack turned them on their sides facing each other and he stroked along Daniel's back until he reached his partner's ass where he slowly brushed his fingers along the cleft. Daniel shuddered and moaned softly as Jack's fingers moved deeper inside and circled the sensitive opening to his body.

Breaking the kiss, Jack slid lower on the bed a little and he kissed, licked and nipped his along his lover's neck and chest, paying particular attention to his nipples until Daniel was moaning and squirming. Kissing his way down Daniel's body, Jack finally buried his face in Daniel's pubic hair.

"Oh god, Jack, what are you trying to do to me?" he muttered.

Jack's only answer was to smile as he licked along the underside of Daniel's rigid cock and then mouthed his balls one after the other.

"Ohgodohgodohgod," Daniel breathed harshly. "Jaa..ack!" he groaned as his lover swallowed him whole.

As Jack licked and sucked him, Daniel arched his back and began to lift his hips and Jack quickly pushed him down again, slowly pulling back to kiss the tip of his penis, licking at the pre-come pooling in the slit. Daniel was still muttering something but Jack had great difficulty distinguishing any of the words. Knowing that his lover was near now Jack went back to work on him, sucking and licking for all he was worth. Daniel's hands were flailing and Jack reached up and placed them on his head but Daniel dropped one hand onto his shoulder where he absently caressed his lover's hot skin. The other hand he entwined in Jack's hair as the older man went back down on him.

Jack felt the vibrations begin in his lover and held him down firmly as he swallowed him whole again and sucked and sucked until his lover's hot semen filled his throat, Daniel crying out his name as he came. The sound was like music to Jack's ears and a feeling of utter contentment flowed through him as he held his lover close to him while Daniel shuddered through his orgasm.

Softly, Jack said, "Turn over, Daniel, while I prep you." Daniel looked at him through glazed eyes and smiling Jack added, "It'll be easier for you this way the first time."

Giving a dreamy smile Daniel turned to lie on his stomach, lifting his hips for the pillow that Jack shoved under him. Turning his head towards Jack, Daniel watched as he opened the drawer beside the bed and took out a small tube.

Flipping the cap open, Jack squeezed some onto his fingers before moving between Daniel's legs, using his own knees to nudge them open a little further. Enjoying how relaxed his lover was, Jack leaned over and kissed his neck, licking up towards his ear where he whispered, "Just so you know, Daniel. I'm not going to do anything you don't like and remember if you want me to stop you only need to say and I will stop immediately. I won't do anything you're not comfortable with. I love you and I want to show you how wonderful it can be between two men but if you..."

"No. no," Daniel said breathlessly, "I do want this but it's so...different. Everything we've done so far has been wonderful and I really want to know what this feels like." He smiled, "I'll be fine."

Jack laughed, "I hope I can take that more seriously than your usual claims to being fine."

Dropping his head on his arms, Daniel giggled and Jack chose that moment to push one finger against the ring of muscle protecting the entrance to Daniel's body and the younger man lifted his head to look over his shoulder. Jack pushed again and the finger popped inside and his lover gasped at the unexpected sensation, dropping his head back to the bed and lifting his hips a little as he did so. Jack continued with the preparation, taking his time to allow Daniel to become used to all the new feelings that were overwhelming him. He squirmed and moaned as Jack stretched him, peppering his body with kisses as he worked inside him until he finally withdrew three fingers.

Daniel turned to look at him again and from the expression on his face Jack knew he was missing the sensation of having Jack's fingers inside him. Smiling he thought, just wait until he feels this. Jack lined himself up and pushed slowly but firmly into him and Daniel gasped as Jack's rock hard cock steadily filled him.

"Oh god! It feels...it feels...oh...oh..." Daniel's mouth fell open and his eyes widened as Jack brushed his sweet spot. "Oh do that again!"

Grinning, Jack complied, striking the spot over and over as he stroked in and out of his lover.

Daniel was shivering almost constantly now, muttering "ohgodohgod," or "again, again," almost continually interspersed with Jack's name and Jack revelled in the knowledge that he brought such pleasure to his lover. He felt his own orgasm begin to gather deep inside and race through him, setting all his nerves on fire.

He pulled almost all the way out, saying brokenly, "Now, Daniel...coming, I'm gonna..." He thrust back in one smooth stroke hitting Daniel's prostate causing him to call out once again even as Jack gasped, "oh god, oh god, Daniiieelllll!"

As Daniel collapsed on the bed breathing heavily, Jack fell with him lying gasping and shuddering along his back. His mind was floating high above lost in his dreams of perfection.

It was only Daniel's groaning and squirming that brought him back to the here and now where he realised his not inconsiderable weight was squashing his lover and he quickly rolled off him.

"God, Jack I've heard of dying from ecstasy but I don't think it was meant to be like this," Daniel muttered.

"Oh crap! Sorry. I was kinda...well, wow..."

"Yep, I think wow does describe that quite accurately," Daniel grinned. "You said it was different between two men but I had no idea. Can we do that again soon?"

Laughing, Jack said, "Yeahsureyabetcha!"

"Er, you seemed to be having a good time too. Do you suppose that one day, eventually I might...?"

"You want to be inside me?" Jack asked quietly.

"Well yeah, when you think I'm ready," Daniel said uncertainly. "Unless...you don't want that?"

"Honesty is the best policy, yeah?" Jack asked and Daniel frowned clearly not liking where this might be heading but he nodded anyway. "Okay, I've never really wanted to have another man inside me. I only allowed it once a long time ago but I didn't think it was for me," Jack admitted and Daniel dropped his eyes but Jack reached out to lift his chin needing Daniel to see his eyes. "But that was before I fell in love with you and I want everything with you too. Just tell me when you are ready."

Staring into the heart and soul of the man he loved, Daniel said, "I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with you. As for the other..." he grinned wolfishly, "the sooner the better...."

FIN

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