Title: THE FAVOUR

Author: Imagine

Feedback: on list or imagine647@msn.com

Webpage: http://www.oocities.org/limagine647

Rating: NC17

Pairing: J/D

Category: Slash. First Time. Angst. Drama. Hurt/Comfort.

Date: 25th March 2005

Status: Complete

Season/Spoilers: Seven - nothing specific

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

Synopsis: When Jack asks a favour of his best friend they both get more than they bargained for.

Notes: Thanks to my Beta, Gateroller, for her help and encouragement

Warnings: Some unintended violence and much soul searching

________________________________________________________

The Favour

by Imagine

"Aw, come on Daniel, you know you can do it a lot quicker than I can."

Frowning at the man leaning his hands on the desk across from him and looking down at him with an expectant expression on his face, Daniel began, "Maybe but that is hardly..."

"...and a lot better at it than me," the colonel interrupted. "You know what needs to be said and you could explain more clearly, more thoroughly...."

"Jack, don't try and do a snow job on me. I know you too well and I know you have a ticket for tonight's game."

Jack dropped his head and sighed. He should have known better than to think he could fool his best friend. "Okay, I'm busted. I owe you big time, anything you want..."

"Anything? Oh, careful Jack I might just hold you to that!" Daniel said laughing.

Pacing now, Jack went on, "It's the final, Daniel and I’ve got the perfect ticket. It cost me an arm and a leg. Seriously, Danny, if you could just finish the report for me so it can be on Hammond's desk by oh-eight-hundred tomorrow, you can ask any favour from me you want."

"Can I get that in writing?" Daniel grinned, swivelling his chair and watching the older man move back and forth in front of his desk.

Jack put his hands together in mock prayer and said dramatically, "Signed in blood."

"Good thing I know you keep your word my friend 'cause you will definitely owe me big time for this. I have just spent five hours preparing my report for the general and all I wanted to do was go home and relax with a good glass of wine."

"I'll buy you a case," Jack said quickly.

"Oh no, you don't get off that easy!" Daniel said raising a finger. He smiled, eyes twinkling. "I'll think of something. Now be off with you to your precious game and let me get on with this. I would like to be home by midnight!"

With a grin and a careless wave of his hand Jack hurriedly left the office and Daniel could hear him whistling as he made his way to the elevator. Shaking his head, he didn't really mind too much finishing Jack's report; the colonel had had a tough time recently with one difficult mission after another and Daniel felt he deserved the real treat of enjoying his favourite spectator sport.

The last mission had been a search and rescue which had taken Jack, SG2 and SG3 four days to bring home the two surviving members of SG8, after they had been taken by the locals in retribution for some misdeed that never became clear, even though it cost the lives of the other two members of the team.

The rest of SG1 were still in the infirmary when Hammond had instructed Jack to lead the rescue and he reluctantly left them to their recovery. None of them were seriously hurt -- unusually it was Teal'c who had come off worst in their last mission, sustaining a broken ankle which would heal much faster than any human's -- but it still irked Jack to have to leave them in the infirmary and go off-world. He always felt better when he was with his own team, especially going into such a volatile situation as he expected this one to be.

Thankfully he had arrived back safe if unutterably weary and sad at the loss of yet two more good men. As usual his team had gathered round and supported him, though only those who really knew him could see through his brash exterior to the hurting man beneath. Generally, most would only see the strong, smiling colonel who took all the universe threw at him with a lame joke in return, it took something like this when members of the SGC came back hurt or in body bags to release his anger and sometimes his guilt.

Daniel, as his best friend, was one of those who knew only too well that Jack was close to his limit and something as mundane as watching a hockey game was probably the best medicine for him just now.

Dismissing his wandering thoughts about his friend because he really did want to get home before midnight, Daniel settled down to study Jack's report. Most of the meat of it was already there as a series of rough notes and out of order reference comments; he just needed to organise Jack's points and put his thoughts into coherent order. With a grin at some of Jack's more colourful phrases Daniel began to work.

~~

Jack leaned back in the elevator savouring the knowledge that he was on his way out of the mountain to see the final. He'd been looking forward to this for some time having managed to get the ticket to a ringside seat through an old friend. He'd known, of course, that the odds were he would be off world on some mission when the day finally arrived but he lived in hope; a hope that for once was going to be fulfilled.

So when at the last minute, the general had demanded the report twenty-four hours earlier than originally required, Jack was angry that once again fate was playing a cruel trick on him. He had actually made sure he had everything ready to finish his report in plenty of time the next day. Everyone knew he hated paperwork but that didn't mean he didn't do it and do it well but just this once....

In truth he'd known all along that Daniel wouldn't let him down, his friend knew how important this game was to him. After all, he'd pinned his ear back at lunch in the commissary. Sam and Teal'c had made their excuses and left as soon as they'd finished eating and left poor Daniel to face his excitement on attending the match that evening. As he remembered the indulgence with which his friend had listened to him he suddenly wished that Daniel was going him to the game. He knew that even though hockey -- any sport actually -- was far from Daniel's idea of fun, he would've happily accompanied Jack if he'd asked him to. He sighed realising that for once having another ticket would've only made things more complicated; he'd have wanted Daniel to accompany him and he'd have needed him to finish his report... It seemed life really was being a bitch to him at the moment. What was with that?

Then he quashed that thought. If life was that bad he wouldn't have such a good friend whose generosity allowed him to go out tonight.

~~

Daniel had been working for about an hour when he realised that he had no information on one of the reference points Jack had scribbled in the margin. With a frustrated sigh, he knew he would need to go to Jack's office for the relevant literature. As he stood and stretched to get the kinks out of his back, he decided the walk would probably do his aching muscles some good anyway. He downed the last mouthful of his coffee and strode out of his office to make his way to Jack's a couple of floors below, smiling as he remembered the running joke that no one knew where the colonel's office was because he so rarely used it.

He passed Sergeant Siler as he exited the elevator on level twenty and nodded at the man absently noting his vague similarity to Jack. Was that accurate, he wondered as he moved down the corridor or he was just seeing Jack everywhere? He wouldn't be surprised, the man seemed to have taken over his life more and more in recent months and with a sad sigh Daniel wished he could control his feelings better. Usually when he was caught up in his work he could keep them at bay but even that had become more difficult since Jack had slipped back into his old habit of dropping by his office again.

Whatever had been bugging Jack since he'd descended seemed to have disappeared, which was a source of joy and relief to Daniel, but what he hadn't counted on was that this very act of unconscious reconciliation on Jack's part would fuel his own desires and make his coping strategy fail by degrees. However, he decided on balance he would much rather have his friend Jack back and have the difficulty of keeping his feelings under tighter rein than have that odd ...distance between them.

Sitting down in the chair behind Jack's desk, Daniel allowed himself a brief meander through his usually forbidden thoughts about his team leader. He drifted back through pleasant memories of laughter and tears; of days spent together during down time, either just the two of them or the whole team when they needed to reconnect after a difficult time. He recalled times holding Jack's hand in the infirmary or of waking to feel the hand he knew so well as Jack's thumb rubbed absently over the back of his hand.

Once again, he felt the slaps on the back for a job well done, or for coming back safe when Jack was worried about him, or, even more special, the arms that hugged him and the hands that held the back of his head -- he sighed as he remembered the words of relief and care. His remembrances turned to fantasy as he turned the soft breath on his neck as Jack hugged him to a soft kiss on his pulse point and the hand on his head began to run through his hair tenderly, lovingly....

He sighed, pushing the tempting but impossible thoughts aside. He forced himself to look for the papers he needed instead.

He had just picked them up when he heard the terrific bang and simultaneously felt the floor lift beneath his feet and the ceiling seemed to be rushing towards him, even as the lights went out. He was aware of a strange sensation of floating even though his mind told him that wasn't possible -- which was proved true when he slammed into something and fell with a thud to the floor below him. He felt a sharp pain along his right side, an odd ringing in his ears and a burning feeling across his pupils made him realise his eyes were still open before they slid shut and he knew no more.

~~

It was almost ten and Jack was on his way home, desperate for a beer to quench his thirst; his throat was raw from yelling his way through most of the game, he grinned at the memory of some of the fantastic plays. He could've picked up a beer before he left but he wanted to check that Daniel was home; he was feeling a little guilty and hoped the younger man wasn't still working on his report this late. Grinning and shaking his head, he thought not even Daniel would take five hours to finish his report. Then he recalled the archaeologist saying it had taken him five hours to write his own and knowing how thorough he was...

He was dragged from his thoughts when his pager went off and he quickly pulled off the road and took his cell out of his pocket. He reported in, wondering what was wrong this time and as the words washed over him he almost dropped the phone. He disconnected the call and, tyres squealing, he reversed direction and drove at a recklessly high speed to the base.

The recall message kept repeating in his head. A massive explosion had taken place in the armoury on level nineteen causing extensive damage to floors eighteen, nineteen and twenty resulting in multiple injuries to a variety of personnel.

Carter's lab was on nineteen but he knew she had gone home before he'd left.

Daniel's office was on eighteen.

There had been no mention of Daniel being injured, however, that didn't stop Jack's panic kicking in big time -- fuelled by his guilt. The man would've gone home hours earlier if the archaeologist hadn't been doing him a favour. God, how could I put a hockey game before Daniel's safety! No, no it wasn't like that, it wasn't. He could tell himself that logically and know it was true but it had no affect in assuaging his guilt. Please let him be all right, please.

The thought did slip through his mind that if he had been working on the report in his own office on level twenty, almost directly below the armoury, it was probably him the rest of his team would've been worrying about right now.

He finally pulled into the parking lot and ran to the guard station, where the sergeant on duty waved him through, just giving his Pass a cursory glance.

"Sounds bad down there, sir," he said but Jack was almost at the elevator when the words registered.

The car seemed to take an age to come and Jack was ready to crawl out of his skin. It was only then that it occurred to him that he'd never even tried to call ahead and he quickly pulled his cell phone from his pocket. He dialled Hammond's direct line and was actually in the elevator when someone answered. It was Master Sergeant Davis.

"O'Neill, I'm on my way down. Do we know anything about casualties? Dr. Jackson was working late. Had he left before this happened?"

"Sir, everything is still very confused. We had two fatalities on level nineteen, two technical staff working in the laboratory next to the armoury. Casualties have been taken to the infirmary which thankfully sustained no damage. There are trapped personnel on at least two floors. I don't have any information about Dr. Jackson."

"Could you check on his whereabouts for me? I'll be there in a matter of minutes."

"I'll do what I can, sir. The rescue operation is being directed from level twenty-one, sir. General Hammond is there."

"Thank you, sergeant, I'll report to the general."

"Sir."

Jack clicked his cell shut, dropping his head and taking a breath. His first reaction was relief; there was no information that Daniel was injured. Then he snapped his head up, no information of any details at all.

He got off the elevator at level twenty-one which also happened to be where the infirmary was situated. The first person he saw was Teal'c who was talking to an SF.

"Teal'c!" he called and the Jaffa turned swiftly at the sound of his voice.

"O'Neill, I was concerned that you had not arrived before this though I was informed that you had left the base earlier this evening and I remembered the sporting event."

"Yes, I only just found out a few minutes ago on my way home. What the hell happened?"

"I'm afraid that is still something of a mystery, Colonel," Hammond spoke up.

"Sir," Jack turned smartly at the sound of his commander's voice. "Sorry I didn't report immediately on arrival but I was concerned about Daniel. He was working in his office and ..."

"Dr. Jackson? His office has been checked and there was no one present. It had been damaged but not too severely."

Jack sighed with relief. "He must have finished and gone home then."

"Excuse me, sir," Sergeant Davis said approaching the general. "The colonel asked me to check on Dr. Jackson's whereabouts."

"It's okay, sergeant it sounds as if he'd already left," Jack said.

"No, sir, he hasn’t," Davis said turning to Jack, his expression making Jack's stomach twist. "Dr. Jackson has not signed out and according to Sergeant Siler he was seen on level twenty shortly before the explosion."

~~~

Daniel wasn't sure if he was caught up in a nightmare. He felt trapped unable to move, as if the weight of the world was on his chest and if he took just one more breath, it would dislodge everything to come tumbling down on top of him. If he could just turn over he would awaken, somehow he knew that. If he could just wake up he would open his eyes and find himself in his bed, or maybe he'd fallen asleep at his desk or on the couch in his office. Maybe he would even be in Jack's guest room though it had been a while since he'd spent the night there. Anywhere would do, just so he would escape from this nightmare.

Only he couldn't turn over, he couldn't even move. Just the thought of moving and the pain would begin, first in his head and then his shoulder and finally all the way down his right side. Was this part of the nightmare, or was the nightmare that this was all real?

He wanted to open his eyes but he was afraid. Afraid of what he would see, even more afraid that he wouldn't be able to see anything. Steeling himself he slowly opened his eyes.

It was black, pitch black. No, wait. Allowing his eyes to adjust he saw shades of grey, a deep dark shade of charcoal fading to a murkiness that told him this was all too real. Drifting everywhere was the familiarity of dust. He was in a cave-in. He'd been in enough in his life to recognise the signs.

But where? He couldn't even remember being off-world and yet why would he be in a cave on Earth? Think Daniel, think! But it was too damned hard to concentrate with the pounding in his head and as if one injury set the others off the pain travelled throughout his body increasing as each new injury made itself known until he succumbed to the peace of unconsciousness.

~~

At Sergeant Davis's words, Teal'c saw all colour drain from O'Neill's face and knowing the close friendship between his team mates he understood his commander's concern. All of them felt the need to protect, to keep close, their returned friend and the idea that he may have been hurt, or worse, here where he should have been safe was terrifying.

Jack felt the chill creeping up his spine and he only heard the general's voice as if from a distance.

"Colonel, Colonel O'Neill?"

"Sir?" he finally answered and his voice sounded strained to his own ears.

"Don't jump to any conclusions, Jack," Hammond said kindly, "Level twenty is badly damaged and we know there are a few injured personnel brought to the infirmary from down there but Daniel wasn't among them. It is possible he may still be trapped but I will ensure he is not elsewhere."

"If you wish, sir, I will send out word to check if Dr. Jackson is somewhere else on the base," Sergeant Davis spoke up.

"Thank you, sergeant," Hammond said, nodding to the man to confirm the order.

Just then one of the engineers called for Hammond's attention and while he was otherwise engaged, Teal'c turned to speak quietly to O'Neill.

"Do you have cause to believe that DanielJackson might be on level twenty?"

"It’s very possible," Jack replied softly. He looked at Teal'c squarely and continued, "He was doing a favour for me. I ...I asked him to help me by finishing a report that Hammond needed first thing tomorrow." His face twisted by his expression of self-disgust and he added harshly, "I had something more important to do; I had to attend a hockey game!"

Teal'c inclined his head slightly and asked, "Was he working on your report in your office?"

"No," Jack sighed heavily, "I left him working in his own office but I guess it's possible he may've needed reference material that I kept in mine. If Siler said he was seen...."

"Then we must assist in the excavation work to break through to level twenty immediately," Teal'c said crisply.

"Sir, sir!" Carter's voice came from down the corridor. She pushed her way through to them. "I was helping in the infirmary and I heard that Daniel may've been on twenty. Do you know anything about this?"

"Yes," Teal'c replied saving Jack from another confession. "DanielJackson was assisting O'Neill in the preparation of a report and may have visited his office just prior to the explosion."

Eyes wide, Sam said in a soft thoughtful way, "Your office is directly below the armoury."

"I'm aware of that!" Jack snapped back and then when he saw her expression, he added, "I'm sorry, Carter, I'm just...."

"Please, sir, I know. I... What are we going to do?"

"Help get him out," Jack said, turning to see if the general was free yet. He was determined to do everything he could to get Daniel out and he just prayed he was still alive and not too badly injured. He would never, ever forgive himself if anything happened to Daniel because of his own selfish behaviour.

~~

Daniel drifted back to consciousness and slowly tried to recall how he came to be wherever he was. He knew now that he was lying at an odd angle, his body twisted from the waist, his legs were bent, almost as if he were in a sitting position. He was lying half on his back and on his left side, with something pressing on his right side. Most of the pain was centred in his right side but he wasn't certain if it was damaged or if it was the pressure causing the pain.

He also wondered if he had concussion because, besides the continuous headache, he was sure his eyesight was affected. His glasses were gone so obviously everything was blurry but there was also an area on his left that he couldn't see at all, almost as if there was a black screen blocking that part of his vision.

He tried to put that out of his thoughts for the time being. What was worrying him the most was whether anyone knew he was there? He had tried calling out but no one answered him though he doubted if his voice carried very far, he was so hoarse. If he was off-world his team, or at least one member, usually Jack, should be nearby. While he hoped that Jack had been with him -- he was afraid of being trapped here without anyone knowing -- he was even more afraid that Jack had been with him and was lying hurt, or god forbid, dead somewhere close.

Suddenly he heard a sound, an odd clicking, a subtly grating sound from somewhere behind him. It could be an animal, something dangerous. He tried to twist to see what might be there and he gasped as pain shot through him.

The sound came again and Daniel called out. "Is anyone there? Help, I need help!"

The sound continued, growing in volume and suddenly there was light, it flickered and faded and slowly died but there had been electric light behind him and slightly above. Wherever he was it was no cave.

~~

Hammond showed Jack, Teal'c and Carter a rough layout of the damage as surveyed by the engineers. Apparently the explosion had occurred in the right hand side of the armoury causing the worst damage to that side of it and to the lab situated next door, killing the two technicians working there.

The explosion had also destroyed the two offices situated directly over the armoury on the floor above, level eighteen. Daniel's office was at the far end of that corridor and Jack now knew that any damage was reasonably minor, and that if he had been working in his own office, Daniel would most likely have come away virtually unscathed.

For some reason, as yet undetermined, the main focus of the blast seemed to have been directed downwards to level twenty and four offices on that level had been virtually destroyed. Jack's was the one on the far left of those four, the one next to his had taken the brunt of the damage and the two on the other side were also badly wrecked. As far as anyone knew the four offices were empty, all belonging to senior officers such as Jack. Jack and one other officer were known to have signed out, one was off-world on a mission and the other was on sick leave. At first they had concentrated on levels nineteen and eighteen as personnel were known to be working on those two levels. The few casualties from level twenty had made their own way to the infirmary.

A thorough search had been conducted while Hammond and the others had discussed the situation with the engineers and Sergeant Davis had reported that Dr. Jackson could not be located anywhere on base. Jack's fear was confirmed, Daniel must be in his office on level twenty.

Siler had again confirmed that he'd passed Dr. Jackson leaving the elevator on level twenty and heading towards Colonel O'Neill's office. He estimated it was only about ten minutes before the explosion rocked the base.

The sergeant had already gone to discuss with his superior taking members of the engineering staff to form another team to try and break through to level twenty. Two teams were working on levels eighteen and nineteen and volunteers were requested to strengthen those teams while specialists were gathered to break through in a sure-to-be-precarious situation on level twenty. Siler already knew the remainder of SG1 would want to assist in the rescue of their team mate.

Luckily they weren't short of willing bodies as virtually everyone on base had rallied to help the expert personnel Hammond had called back in from the engineering and mining teams. When word got out that Daniel Jackson was trapped and almost certainly injured they had more offers of help than they could handle. The general explained that it would be delicate work and that everyone must follow the instructions of the engineers. Major Holgate was co-ordinating the rescue for all three floors and he explained that in a situation like this, too many would only be a hindrance not a help. He asked that they hold themselves ready until required.

Hammond nodded to Holgate and the major turned to the engineers he could spare from checking the damage and shoring up as necessary; together with SG1 and three other volunteers; that made a total of twelve personnel. The plan involved splitting the team into two, section one under his command going to level nineteen and attempting to get into O’Neill’s office from above through the already damaged floor and ceiling. The other section would attempt to get into the office from level twenty, from the left hand side of the corridor nearest to Jack's office. This section would be under the command of Master Sergeant Siler in whose competence the major had full confidence. SG1 would accompany Siler's section.

~~

Jack was struggling to keep a grip on his emotions. The idea that he could have unknowingly sent into danger the person who meant most to him in the world was cutting him to the core.

Waiting around while Holgate and his engineers checked, double-checked and confirmed their findings before they approved the plan to try and get to Daniel had only allowed time for Jack's feelings to finally coalesce. Daniel had been important to Jack since the beginning and that importance had grown year by year until it became part of him, as important as breathing and just as automatic.

Now, suddenly it hit him like a pile driver that if he lost Daniel he lost everything. He was not only Jack's best friend, he was the person he loved, the person who made life worth living, the person who made him laugh, who made him cry, who made him see value in not only the large things in life but the little vital things that were always there but rarely recognised. He was Jack's link with life and without him he had nothing.

If he lost him now because of his own stupid culpability....he'd lived through that once -- with the help of a certain young archaeologist -- and he knew with soul deep certainty that he couldn't do it again.

He felt hot tears pricking at his eyes and he fought to keep them from falling. For that he needed privacy, which he didn't have and couldn't afford. If he needed to grieve he would do that later, just now he needed to act. If that act came to nought he would only grieve long enough to put the bullets in his gun.

Pushing aside that morbid thought he made himself a promise. When ...when they freed Daniel, when he was safe and they were alone Jack would tell him the truth. He would tell Daniel how much he meant to him, how much he was needed, how much he was loved. He didn't know how Daniel would react to that, whether he could ever see Jack as more than just a friend but he felt that Daniel had a right to know that he made at least this old colonel's life worth living and that if nothing else came of it, at least he would know.

For all of a second he wondered if that would be a mistake, if Daniel would turn from him in shock or even disgust; then he dismissed that fear. Whatever Daniel was he was an open understanding man, with more compassion than anyone else Jack had ever met. He had nothing to fear, Daniel would never turn away from an admission of love. He may not return it but he would never denigrate it.

Another fear did raise its ugly head though, how would Daniel feel if he was hurt, seriously hurt because Jack had persuaded him to stay and work on that report? This was one answer he wasn't quite as sure of. What he did know was that if he'd caused Daniel any suffering, if he needed help, looking after, anything, then Jack was prepared to do whatever it took.

By the time Hammond gave Holgate the go ahead Jack was ready. He was an expert at threat assessment and forward planning. He had assessed and planned for every eventuality -- the first step was to get Daniel out, the next step would depend on his condition.

Jack accepted that his life depended on Daniel's - in more ways than one.

~~

Slowly Daniel's memory resurfaced. First he realised he was in an underground complex and like the light that had flickered on behind him for a few short seconds; his own understanding was slowly illuminated. He was in the SGC, for a moment he thought it was his own office but what little he had managed to see convinced him he was wrong. So where was he? He tried to think back but his last clear memory was of welcoming Jack back from the last search and rescue mission.

Jack. Somehow Jack had something to do with it, he was sure but he couldn't pull the memory in. Okay, think about Jack -- his best friend, his commanding officer, his pain in the neck. The love of his life; but, of course, that was his secret. Where had he last seen him? The infirmary? No he had seen him since then, if only he could -- of course, the commissary where they had lunch, all four of them. Sam and Teal'c had left early ...why? Why? He felt that mattered. They had been laughing, well Sam had, Teal'c just raised his eyebrow in that certain way with just that little lift of his upper lip but Daniel had known a laugh when he saw one. And Sam had wished him good luck. What for? Damn he needed to remember and this headache was ...what he wouldn't give for one of Janet's pills right now.

Concentrate! Good luck, Sam wished him good luck. With Jack. Ah, that usually meant that Jack was up to no good. Something that would bite Daniel in the ass or something that would cost him. Oh, nothing serious, Jack would never go too far; though obviously his definition of that was not always the same as Daniel’s. What was it? What had he wanted?

That was it; he wanted Daniel to do something. But not at lunch, no, he had just talked ...talked about ....talked about, what the hell had they talked about!

Hockey! Jack had a ticket for that night; he was going to see a game. He'd been so excited and he couldn't stop talking about it. Quoting scores, who had beaten who, who got the most goals, on and on. No wonder the others had left, Jack could talk for hours about his favourite sport. All he’d wanted was for the day to end so he could go and enjoy himself at the game. The realisation hit Daniel then that at least Jack was safe, miles away from the mountain.

That was all well and good but how did it help him now? He still had no idea where he was or how he’d got there. Suddenly he had a recollection of a loud noise and the sensation of falling. He remembered the taste of fear. An explosion! He’d been caught in an explosion.

Suddenly the lights sputtered fitfully again and in the dim flickering Daniel saw something he recognised and everything clicked into place and he knew where he was. Lying only a few feet away, its frame and glass shattered, was the photograph of Jack with his son, Charlie, which was usually displayed on the wall in the colonel's office. He'd been doing a favour for Jack and while he was in his office something had happened to cause an explosion and he was now trapped in the remains of it.

Daniel closed his eyes against the stark reminder of his situation and sighed at the thought that they would be working hard to free him and anyone else who had been caught up in whatever disaster had befallen the SGC.

Then, out of the blue he realised that no one knew he was there.

~~

Dr. Janet Fraiser moved away from the bed of Lieutenant Porter, a rather lucky young woman she thought absently as she turned to see who needed her next. Her eyes fell on General Hammond who was doing a tour of her facility checking on the injured. He was a good commander, one of the very best she had ever served with and just then he looked up and caught her eye and she swiftly crossed over to speak with him.

"General, I'm pleased to report everything is under control," she reported formally. "We have sent the most seriously injured to the Academy Hospital, crush injuries and one severe burn case, but most of the others will be fine here. We have a few broken bones and two minor burn cases. How many more are still trapped?"

"There are two trapped on nineteen and we don't have confirmation yet but Dr. Jackson is still missing and he was last seen on level twenty."

"Daniel?" she asked her eyes wide. Why was it always Daniel? "Wait, level twenty? Why would Daniel be there? If you had said eighteen or even nineteen for Sam's lab I could understand."

"Apparently he was going to Colonel O'Neill's office."

"God, is he missing too?"

"No, no, the colonel was off duty at the time but apparently Dr. Jackson was assisting him with some paperwork and it seems he might have gone to Jack's office for some information."

She read between the lines, knowing the close friendship between the two men and she could imagine how the colonel had probably persuaded Daniel to help him with whatever it was and she could also imagine how he would be feeling now. Daniel didn't have the guilt market entirely cornered. "Where is the colonel now, sir?"

"He and the rest of SG1 are involved in the rescue attempt." He sighed and added in a quiet voice, "I don't know how he'll cope if ...anything happens to Dr. Jackson."

"No, it would be bad enough under," she raised an eyebrow "normal circumstances but this ...this would break him."

"We will just have to hope, doctor."

~~

Jack followed close behind Siler as they climbed over the rubble in what had once been the corridor not far from his office on level twenty. Siler had already been down there and a team had partially cleared a path. The sergeant told Jack that the whole corridor was blocked because part of the ceiling had come down when level nineteen collapsed in that area and that they had cleared the way to just short of where his office had been. The more he learned from the sergeant the more afraid he became for Daniel, the less belief he had that his friend could still be alive.

A hand fell heavily on his forearm and without looking he knew who it was. "Have faith, O'Neill, DanielJackson has survived against greater odds."

He wasn't surprised that Teal'c knew what he was thinking. "Ya think?" he replied but the words were spoken softly without any sign of his usual bite.

"I do," Teal'c intoned.

Jack stared at the Jaffa and nodded his acknowledgement unable to confirm his own confidence, his guilt outweighed everything. His only respite would be in seeing Daniel safe and sound.

Just then Carter moved forward, one of her devices in her hand. He'd tried to listen as she explained how it would help locate any person who was trapped under -- in god damn it, in! -- the rubble. Something about it being infra-red thermal scanning and electromagnetic fields and probably something else she found fascinating; all he cared about was that it would help find Daniel quicker.

"Yes, yes," she said, talking to herself as she aimed the device in the direction of what should have been his office, moving it in tiny incremental arcs. "Yes," she finally reported, "there is definitely a live one about twelve metres in that direction," she pointed, a hopeful smile lighting up her face.

Relief poured through Jack that at least someone was alive in there and the odds were very high it was Daniel.

Siler approached what resembled of small hill of broken concrete slabs intersected with metal beams and snaking electrical cables. The cables had been pulled to one side and fastened off; power to the area had been isolated and emergency generators were in use, but it still paid to be careful for the safety of the rescue workers. The sergeant began to climb -- cautiously as some of the chunks of masonry shifted precariously as he moved.

Once at the top, where what was left of the ceiling was resting, he turned back.

"This is where the problem starts, we have to get past this without disturbing that," he pointed at the remnants of the ceiling, or was it the floor of level nineteen, still perilously hanging overhead? "And that means finding a way through without disturbing any more of this." He looked directly at Jack, "Your office should be no more than six or eight feet from here, sir and I’m going to try and break through." Jack made to speak and Siler cut him off, "It's too dangerous for more than one person at a time to work up here, sir. Just give me a little time to see what I can do."

Jack wasn't happy to just stand by and wait but he trusted Siler's expertise. He watched as the man moved very economically shifting pieces of building material to one side until he studied the situation again.

"If you would assist me, sir?" Siler asked. "I need to move this next section and it is more delicate."

Jack was up there before Siler had finished speaking, still remembering to move carefully, he stopped just below the sergeant. Siler passed him pieces of debris and he leaned to pass it to Teal'c who reached up to take it from him and the Jaffa passed it on along the human chain. As Jack worked time seemed to slow as he imagined Daniel trapped and in agony amongst this rubble. He welcomed the roughened, sharp pieces of stone and metal as it abraded and cut into the palms of his hands, the pain reminding him of his guilt. He felt that each fresh pain was due punishment for his irresponsibility, for failing to finish his work and expecting someone else to do it in his stead.

After what seemed an age but was really little more than ten minutes, Siler stopped, stood back and raised a hand for them to stop. He dug into his pocket and pulled out his flashlight which he shone into the pile of rubble.

"I think I’ve found a way through," Siler said looking back at Jack and then he turned and spoke to one of the other engineers, "Pearson, pass me the big flashlight." His colleague sent up one of the powerful heavy duty lights and when he finally got it he shone it into the pile of rubble where he had just been working.

Impatiently, Jack waited for his conclusion.

"There is a beam holding this lot back," Siler reported, indicating what looked like a dark gash in front of him that was little more than three feet square. He edged in a fraction shining his flashlight again, before backing out to report, "I can see into what I believe are the remains of your office, sir. It's very dark, there's one fluorescent tube that flickers on and off. There's a lot of damage but I've seen filing cabinets and I think I saw part of your desk."

"No sign of Daniel?" Carter asked and Jack was grateful to her for putting the question.

"Sorry, no but there's a lot of debris in there, sir."

"You will not attempt to call to see if DanielJackson answers?" Teal queried.

"No, I don't wanna risk too much sudden sound, not only from me but from Dr. Jackson if he shouted back a reply."

"I understand."

"I can help guide you once you are through, sergeant," Carter commented.

He nodded and switched on his radio. Aloud, he said, "I'm going through here now, give me a minute or two then follow me," he eyed each person in turn, "but one at a time and ...careful."

Jack moved forward as soon as Siler had finished speaking and watched intently as the man disappeared through the opening trying to see inside the dark aperture.

Siler's soft voice came over the radio. "Even with the flashlight, can't see much, dust swirling everywhere."

Working with her device again, Carter replied, keeping her voice low, "I have you in relation to ...the subject, try about two o'clock from your present position, say five, six metres."

Pulling his flashlight from his pocket, Jack quickly thrust it into the space but he had to take a breath to calm himself and stop his hand from shaking. Unfortunately, he could see little except swirling dust which must have risen in response to the sergeant’s movement through the gap. Delaying no longer he slid into the opening and followed Siler.

Carter came next moving swiftly and sure-footedly up the incline and without resorting to a light, plunging directly into the narrow tunnel.

Teal'c hung back allowing the other two engineers to make the assent first; he was unsure if his bulk would fit through the opening and had decided to stay behind to help with the passage through of DanielJackson when they retrieved him. He would not countenance any other outcome.

~~

Daniel was disappointed when the light flickered out again. For a moment it had seemed to increase in intensity but then it had faded and now it had gone out again.

He was just about managing to block out the pain, his headache had faded a little and he thought he could see a little better, though without light he couldn't be sure. He wanted to try calling out again but he was so dry because of all the dust that his throat hurt.

Just then he thought he heard a sound and for a moment he thought he'd heard a voice but he realised it was just some more debris sliding and his fear rose. It had happened once before, he couldn't be sure how long ago, his appreciation of time was all skewed but he didn't think that too much time had passed. If the ceiling or walls or whatever it was began to slide again then he was afraid he would be buried but this time he wouldn't find himself in a safe pocket like this one.

He was pretty sure that Jack's desk was behind him preventing him from turning onto his back but also he expected it was protecting him, holding some of the concrete slabs at bay somehow. He had managed to move one arm and had felt along what he recognised as concrete. He felt one jagged end only about six inches from his left shoulder and he knew he had something to be grateful for.

There it was again, the sound of stone sliding on stone. God, don't let it fall again! Please, please. Then the light came on again. No, wait, there had been none of that clicking sound that usually accompanied the flickering light and this time it came from a different direction.

Then a soft voice called, "Dr. Jackson, are you here?"

He closed his eyes in utter relief. "Oh, god, yes," he whispered back.

Silence followed. Had he imagined the voice in his desperation?

"Dr. Jackson?" The voice sounded confused. The familiar voice.

Taking a breath he answered, "I'm here, Siler, here!" He still kept his voice low but after years of lecturing he knew how to project it.

Then he heard another voice, deep, low, husky. "Thank god!"

Jack! Jack had found him -- thank god indeed! It was only then that he realised he'd been afraid that he would never see him again. He also acknowledged what a terrible waste it would have been that Jack would never have known how much he meant to Daniel. In that moment he promised himself that whatever happened he would tell Jack how he felt. Jack was enough of a man of the world, the military notwithstanding, that he would understand. Whatever Jack was, he wasn't prejudiced. For all his bluster the man had never shown any discrimination of any kind. After all, he did claim an alien as a close friend - well, two including Thor.

He smiled at the thought and closed his eyes as dust began to drift towards him again.

~~

When Jack heard Daniel's weak voice reply to Siler he was overwhelmed with relief. Daniel was not only alive he was aware enough to recognise Siler's voice. He attempted to clamber over the rubble towards the sound but Siler put an arm out to stop him.

"No, sir, wait. I know you want to get him out but we have to work slowly or we'll have the whole lot down on us."

"You've found him?" Carter's quiet hopeful voice drifted over to them from where she had just exited the tunnel.

"Yes, stay there for now," Jack ordered softly.

Jack stood quietly and watched as Siler moved forward, remarkably light on his feet for a man of his size. He glanced around properly at the remains of his office for the first time having ignored it before as his only concern had been to locate Daniel. He found it very difficult to recognise this wreckage as his office. Other than the filing cabinet, lying on its side half under a slab of concrete and his desk, also on its side with only two legs visible, he could see little else that he could identify.

That was until his flashlight reflected off some broken glass and he peered as closely as he was able from where he stood. With a knot in his stomach he recognised what it was, he couldn't make out the actual photograph but he knew it by heart anyway. It was his Charlie. The day was burned into his memory and the image of his arm around a smiling, happy child lived behind his retinas. It helped him cope when the nightmares came; nightmares that had lessened the longer he had known Daniel. He saw his happy son more and more and knew deep inside who gave him that gift.

With a sigh he realised he could always replace the photograph; he had the negative safely squared away so all it would need was a new print and a new frame. He had a sudden image of Daniel lying as broken as that photo frame and prayed that he could be put back together just as easily.

"Siler?" he asked his voice low and strained.

"I see his legs, sir," Siler replied and shone his flashlight at the far edge of Jack's upended desk and sure enough a pair of black boots and the hem of a green uniform could be seen. "Just one moment."

"D'you think you could move the light?" asked Daniel in a hoarse voice.

"Sorry, Dr. J," Siler said and Jack could actually hear the smile in his voice. "Don't move, we'll get you out of there as soon as we can."

"Couldn't if I wanted too," Daniel replied wearily.

"Siler?" Jack repeated a little more strident this time.

"Come across, sir and be careful as you round the table, there’s a slab overhanging there that is pretty precarious."

Not needing to be told twice, Jack moved quickly but carefully, taking note of Siler's instructions and keeping a wary eye on the disaster area above as dust and grit fell on his head as he ducked underneath the overhanging block until finally he saw Daniel.

His archaeologist was lying down as if he had been thrown from his chair and landed in the self-same position as he had been sitting, which from the positioning of the table looked likely. However,e He w there was no sign of the chair. What scared Jack was that the overhanging slab was only being held off Daniel by the strong oak table and the criss-crossing of two steel beams that had come crashing down with the ceiling. Those beams seemed to be all that were supporting the tons of twisted metal and chunks of concrete that resembled a giant's jigsaw puzzle overhead.

"Is there anything ...holding him in that position?" Jack asked, terrified that after finally finding him it would prove impossible to extricate him from the concrete and metal tomb.

"I think one of the table legs maybe trapping him, I think it is jammed into his right side from what I can see," Siler said, quickly followed by a gruff apology as Daniel moaned when he tried to move him fractionally to get a better look at what was trapping him.

"Where do you hurt, Daniel?" Jack asked him softly, needing to get closer but Siler was in his way.

"Right side, shoulder," he gasped, stopping to take a short breath, "head, concussion, blurry."

"Have you tried to move your legs?" Jack asked. Daniel's legs didn't seem hurt but he was worried about any back injury possibly affecting the legs.

"Too much pain in side," Daniel replied hoarsely.

"Right. Carter," he called as quietly as he could, "Pass the message back for some water and then come and take a look at Daniel."

"Hang on," she replied, passing the message along from man to man behind her knowing Teal'c was still on the other side of the tunnel and that he would get water as soon as he could.

She slithered as carefully as she could around the obstruction and squeezing past the colonel and Siler she smiled at Daniel.

"I'll be as careful as I can but I need to check you out," she said gently and he nodded.

She ran her hands over his legs and then across his abdomen reaching as far as she could to the far side and she pulled her hands away when he sucked his breath and stiffened as she touched his right side. She continued to examine his chest and his shoulders, very gingerly touching his obviously injured shoulder before very carefully feeling up the side and back of his neck and then moving her fingertips over his scalp. Using her small flashlight she peered into his ears as best she could and was relieved to see no sign of blood, then she checked his eyes and nodded at what she saw.

"Okay, Daniel, I've finished now," she said and he sighed with relief.

She backed away, brushing the dust that kept falling out of her hair before turning to speak quietly to the colonel confirming much of what Daniel himself had told Jack.

Meanwhile, Siler had contorted his body into a peculiar angle to try and get a better look at Daniel's back and after a moment he gingerly retreated. He bent over taking a few deep breaths before turning to Jack to say, "I gotta better look that time, sir. The table leg is jamming him against a jagged piece of material but it doesn't appear to have pierced him in any way. The easiest thing would be to saw the wood but the way this is all jumbled together even that could be risky." He hesitated a moment and then said to Daniel, "I'm sorry Dr. J but the best way to get you out would be to pull you; to put it bluntly it would safer to remove you from the equation than to move any of this stuff."

"But the condition he is in, that would be agony!" Jack said sharply.

"I'm aware of that, sir," Siler replied calmly, then after holding Jack's eye for a split-second he looked above them. He didn't need to say anything else, it was clear even to a layman that it was a miracle the whole lot had not already come down.

"If it's the only way," Daniel said, looking at Jack.

Jack saw the pain and fear in Daniel's eyes but he also saw resignation. He sighed and met Daniel's gaze squarely. "Just a minute, just give me a minute," he said quickly. Turning, he called to Carter.

"Just getting the water, sir," she said reaching to take a bottle from Pearson, the engineer, "coming your way now," she added.

"Get the Doc to that hole up there," he instructed as he reached full stretch to take the water bottle from her.

"Right away sir," replied Carter, a frown on her forehead as she guessed the probable reason for his request.

~~

When she got the message that she was needed urgently on level twenty, Janet Fraiser didn't know whether to feel relief or trepidation. It obviously meant that they had found Daniel alive or else their need wouldn't be urgent. Then again, if they needed her in situ then presumably he was badly injured and they didn't want to move him until a doctor had seen him. Otherwise, they would have simply called for a gurney.

She gathered everything she could possibly think of and left Dr Warner in charge. She quickly reported to the general on the way, to discover he already knew that they had found Daniel and that he was trapped in the wreckage of Jack's office. When he heard they had sent for her, Hammond decided to accompany the petite doctor on her mercy mission.

~~

Siler backed off and let the colonel move in closer and sipping the water that Jack dribbled on his lips now, Daniel had a pretty good idea why Jack had sent for Janet.

"Gonna knock me out, then?" he asked with the ghost of a smile, as Jack carefully wiped away all the dust and grime from his face, grimacing as he passed the wet handkerchief over the tender skin where it was scratched and scuffed.

"Be for the best, Daniel," Jack replied, reaching out to touch Daniel's hand and giving it a small squeeze. As if to confirm his words there was a creaking sound from above and more dust and grit cascaded down and even as Jack looked up, shading his eyes from the dirt, one of the huge stanchions shifted fractionally. He heard Daniel gasp and then cough and turned back to him swiftly.

Studiously ignoring the inherent danger above him, Daniel said, "Don't want to wake up with anything missing though." Daniel grinned but that fear was gnawing at his stomach.

"No, no, don't think like that," Jack quickly said. "It's just so you won't feel anything when we get you out of this mess." Jack forced himself not to look at Siler for confirmation of his assertion.

The sergeant, however, understood anyway and commented, "Don't you worry, Dr. J, it's not like that, just don't want to hurt you any more than we have to and we need to get you out of here as soon as we can."

"Siler, you think Teal'c could get in here?"

"Yes, sir, it'd be tight but he could do it. Think we might need his strength?"

"Yeah," Daniel breathed, "the gentle giant," and Jack laughed softly.

"I think he could make a difference," Jack agreed. "There is no way we could get any kind of stretcher through that narrow passage we have to climb through." Looking back over his shoulder, he called, "Didja hear that, Carter?"

"Did you ask for Teal'c, sir?"

"Yeah, see if he can get through, will ya?"

A minute later, she announced, "Janet is here, sir. With the general."

Turning to Siler, Jack asked, "Shall we ask her to come through or is it best if we just get advice. Carter can probably administer if it's just an injection."

"The less people in here the better now, sir, we really just need advice, so unless she insists I recommend she stays out there."

"Okay, Carter, talk to her, give her all the details you can. Tell her we can't move this...stuff to get Daniel free, it's too dangerous; the roof might collapse at any moment. We can move him but the act of getting him out would cause a lot of lot of pain," he squeezed Daniel's hand again as he spoke, "so we need something to knock him out for long enough to pull him free and get him through that tunnel."

"Sir," Carter replied briskly. On reaching the other side she told Teal'c that the colonel needed him inside with Daniel and he nodded. She watched a moment as he carefully entered the opening, noting his shoulders didn't have much clearance. For such a large man Teal'c could move with consummate grace.

When Janet heard what the colonel wanted her immediate reaction was that she should first assess Daniel but she was sensible enough to understand the position her patient was in and she knew that Siler was in there with O'Neill and it was his recommendation that she shouldn't enter.

"Is he conscious?" she asked Carter.

"Yes and he is lucid."

"Where is he hurt?"

Carter described the injuries in as much detail as she could and Fraiser said, "I don't want to give him anything too strong with a concussion. It won't take long you say to physically pull him out?" She hesitated, thinking for a moment, realising she needed to add some time to actually get him up and out through that narrow passage.

While the doctor was thinking, General Hammond pulled Carter aside to inform her that the attempt to break through from level nineteen had been abandoned as being far too dangerous. Major Holgate had reported that any such endeavour would just bring nineteen crashing down onto level twenty.

"Right, Sam," Janet said filling a syringe and passing it over, "this should do it. That'll only keep him under for a maximum of thirty minutes so don't give that until you absolutely need to."

"I'll be careful," Sam said, turning to climb the unstable pile of rubble.

"Let him know we are all rooting for him, Major," added Hammond and Sam turned back to smile her acknowledgement.

She slithered back through the gap hoping that next time it would Daniel making that journey.

~~

Daniel began to feel that he was losing his grip on reality. He kept feeling as if he was floating and he felt his eyelids becoming heavy; he knew he needed medical help and quickly. He also knew that they were doing all they could and it wouldn't help to voice his concerns just now.

He bit the inside of his mouth in an attempt to stay conscious.

"Daniel?" Jack said, "Daniel!" Now he was shaking his arm. "Come on, stay with me."

"Trying, Jack, trying. How much longer?"

"Not long now, I promise."

"Goo..."

"Daniel!"

"Isn't it better just to let him be, sir?" Siler asked.

"No, he might slip into a coma."

"Couldn't that happen anyway when we knock him out?"

"Maybe, maybe not." He wasn't sure but something told him to keep Daniel awake. Jack, realising Daniel was obviously trying to follow their conversation, said, "Remember that favour I owe you, well try and think of something really good you want from me."

"Favour?" Daniel asked, puzzled. Jack owed him a favour? He didn't remember that. Why? Had he asked that out loud? Can't have done 'cause Jack hadn't said anything. "Why?"

"Why? Why what?"

"Favour? Why favour?"

"Ah," Jack said softly. He blew out a breath and said, "Because you were helping me to write a report."

"I was?"

Jack was saved from having to answer when Carter spoke, "I'm coming around the table now sir, I've got something from Dr. Fraiser."

"Good, is Teal'c with you?"

"I am here, O'Neill, I have been listening."

"Right, good," Jack said absently.

Moving carefully, Carter edged round the table and under the overhanging concrete block. Jack stepped back again so she could squeeze past him to kneel beside Daniel.

"Is everybody ready?" she asked.

Daniel watched as Jack glanced at Siler for confirmation and the sergeant nodded then Jack said, "Go ahead, Carter."

Smiling gently at Daniel, she prepared his arm. "Don't worry, Daniel," she said, "Janet tells me you won't be out for long and when you come to you'll be safely out of here."

Keeping his eyes on her face he nodded and just felt a slight scratch as she injected him quickly and efficiently. He moved his eyes to seek out Jack, smiling as he saw a pair of anxious brown eyes watching him before they slowly faded from view.

~~

As soon as Daniel's eyes slid shut, Carter got out of the way and Teal'c managed to squeeze himself in the narrow space beside Jack. Siler had already arranged that everyone should leave as soon as the archaeologist was unconscious while only the three of them would be able to work in the available space.

"What do you wish me to do?" Teal asked.

"It's just going to be a case of brute strength," Siler said. "He is jammed up tight against this slab by that table leg," he said, pointing for Teal'c's benefit, "I will stand by ready to pull his legs when the colonel and you have pulled him away from here. You'll see what you need to do," he added as he exchanged places with the Jaffa.

When they were in position, Jack got down on his haunches as Siler settled a good grip on Daniel's ankles. Then Teal'c braced himself against the concrete slab behind and at the side of the archaeologist. Meeting Jack's eyes, Teal'c nodded and they each took a firm hold, the Jaffa under Daniel's arms, being especially careful of the shoulder which appeared dislocated, while Jack manoeuvred one arm underneath his abdomen with the other across his chest ensuring the best grip to lift and pull Daniel towards him.

When everyone was ready Siler said firmly, "Now!" and they strained to pull Daniel free. For a second there seemed no movement and Jack was afraid it wasn't going to work and he strained trying to pull even harder, grateful that Daniel was unconscious for the way he was holding him he was sure to be hurting his injured side. Then as the tendons stood out on Teal'c's neck with the effort to release his friend when, suddenly, like a cork from a bottle, Daniel was free and Jack almost fell as Siler pulled sharply on Daniel's ankles.

"Whoa!" Jack said trying to regain his grip on the younger man as Teal'c also shifted his hold for greater stability. "Siler can you go on ahead and warn the Doc while Teal'c and I bring him around the table."

They would have to ease him past the obstacle and Jack moved to take his ankles while Teal'c kept hold of his upper body.

As they approached the tunnel, Teal'c turned slightly to make it easier to lift Daniel up and Siler stepped forward in case his help was required. As the colonel moved in line with the Jaffa, he accidentally dislodged a small piece of concrete from the block to his left. He was concentrating so hard on keeping Daniel as steady as possible that he never even noticed as Sergeant Siler attempted to jump out of the way of the falling debris. However he didn't quite make it and the small chunk landed heavily on his right foot.

With a sigh and a relieved smile, Siler looked at the steel toe-capped boots he was wearing; for once he'd escaped injury and he wondered if perhaps he should always wear anti-O'Neill boots when on duty. He considered the possibility of developing some kind of all-body protection and he regretted they'd never gotten a hold of a Goa'uld shield; he sure could use one of those around the colonel!

It worked remarkably well and in less time than Jack expected, Teal'c was lifting Daniel up to his team leader so he could carefully pull the unconscious man through the narrow opening with the Jaffa pushing him from behind. Carter's willing hands helped to pull him and his precious cargo through the other end and between them they made their unsteady way down the rubble slope towards Fraiser who was almost dancing on the spot down below as she waited for them. General Hammond was there too, anxious to see what condition his favourite archaeologist was in.

As soon as Daniel was placed on the gurney, Fraiser's tender hands were checking him over for injuries. Using her penlight she also checked his ears and eyes.

Once Jack saw him in the bright light of the corridor, he noticed all the scratches and bruises over Daniel's face and frowned when he saw the extensive abrasions around his left eye.

"Doctor?" the general questioned, as impatient as Daniel's team mates, who were all clustered round, as close as they could get.

She looked up ready to tell them to wait until she had more time but on seeing their concern her expression softened and she said, "Well, from a very cursory examination I would say he has a dislocated shoulder, a head injury which thankfully looks minor though a CT scan will confirm that. He also has extensive bruising and deep abrasions to the right side of his back and I also expect he has a lot more that I’m sure I’ll find on a fuller examination."

"Doc? What about his eyes, he did say something about his eyesight but he thought it was to do with his concussion. But that," he indicated the left eye "looks nasty."

"It looks worse than it is and I can see no obvious damage to his eyes."

Jack breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now if you will excuse me," she indicated to the waiting corpsmen who swiftly wheeled the gurney away.

"Sir?" asked Jack, his eyes on his fast departing team mate.

"Go on colonel; keep an eye on our boy. I think we can leave this in the hands of the engineers now that everyone is accounted for."

~~

Jack sat by Daniel's bedside following his detour to the operating room to have his dislocated shoulder put back in. Dr Fraiser had thoroughly investigated his other injuries and declared he had been very lucky. His back and side were severely bruised but there were no injuries to his internal organs. He would be very sore for a while though the sling immobilising his shoulder should help. His concussion appeared mild but she still had a CT scan performed to confirm her diagnosis.

Part of Jack, the military part, wanted to know what the hell had happened but he trusted the general and the engineers to find out the answers to that. Most of his thoughts, and all his emotions, were wrapped up in the man in the bed. He reached out and gently stroked Daniel's hand where it lay on top of the covers. The infirmary was of necessity busy but Janet, or maybe one of her nurses, had pulled the curtain around Daniel's bed giving them at least the illusion of privacy.

Strange, he thought, as he took a firm hold of Daniel's hand, he'd sat here just like this many times before but this time, knowing that what he held in his heart was soon to be confessed to Daniel, it felt almost erotic. Guiltily, he let go of the younger man’s hand when the curtain suddenly swished open before he realised no one knew what was going on inside his head. Picking up Daniel's hand again, he turned to see Janet Fraiser standing behind him.

"Colonel," she nodded, moving closer to check her patient's vitals. "You look exhausted, sir. Daniel will sleep for a while longer yet, why don't you go and get some rest, come back in the morning."

She put a hand under his arm as if to help him rise but he said, "No, I need to be here when he wakes." He never took his eyes from the sleeping man.

After a moment's deliberation her frown cleared, she understood. "You want to apologise," she said and it wasn't a question. After treating them for years she knew these two men very well.

"He deserves one," Jack said softly.

"Do you really think that he'll believe that?" she asked in the same tone.

He gave a wry smile, "Probably not." Finally, he turned to look at her, "But I need to tell him."

She stared at him for a second, nodded and giving his arm a lingering squeeze she turned and left him, pulling the curtain closed behind her.

Jack turned his full attention back to his friend, who looked peaceful with his eyes closed and a relaxed expression and he inwardly shivered as his mind's eye was assaulted with an image of the trapped Daniel, eyes screwed up against the pain as dust drifted down from above in a parody of soil being thrown onto a grave. He silently thanked a god who, during less desperate times, he claimed to no longer believe in, that Daniel had not only survived but was going to be fine.

The sudden realisation hit him that he too had been saved for he knew he would never survive Daniel's death. Not again.

When Daniel had chosen to ascend it was only the knowledge that he wasn't exactly dead and the vague possibility that he might see him again that kept Jack sane, kept his life ticking over. After he'd finally got Daniel back when he descended, Jack felt his life took on meaning again.

Daniel became restless, moving under the covers and muttering unintelligibly. Jack rose to his feet and put his free hand on Daniel's forehead, brushing the hair back and murmuring to him. Just simple words of comfort, letting his voice drift over Daniel hoping it would calm him enough to allow him to slip back into the realms of sleep and eventually Daniel stilled and relaxed again.

As Jack sat back in the chair he was aware that he was no longer alone.

"Colonel," Hammond said keeping his voice pitched low. "I hear Dr. Jackson is doing well."

Thinking perhaps the general wanted him to leave his friend's bedside, Jack turned to his commanding officer and said, "Yes, sir. Dr. Fraiser says he will be in some pain but his injuries are not life-threatening. However, I would like..."

With a smile, Hammond interrupted him, "...and you want to stay with him until he wakes. I know. Dr. Fraiser keeps me well informed. I just thought as my second-in-command you should know that it appears we were mistaken in our belief that the explosion occurred in the armoury."

"What?" Jack frowned.

"True, it's early days yet, but Major Holgate managed to break through and make the area safe enough for a quick investigation and our munitions experts came to the surprising conclusion that though an explosion had occurred there, it was not the seat of the disaster. Apparently that explosion was set off by a prior one that took place in the lab next door where the two technicians were killed."

Jack's eyes had widened during the general's explanation. "Are they suggesting that whatever the technicians were working on set off the explosion?" he queried.

"It would seem so, though they need more time for a definitive conclusion." The general moved around to the foot of Daniel's bed and stared at the archaeologist for a moment before continuing. "To be honest, Jack, I was afraid that it was sabotage and that perhaps they had finally decided the only way to close us down was to destroy us and maybe only our depth under the mountain, or," he added with a smile, "the quality of the construction was all that saved our asses."

"I don't think I have ever heard you refer positively to the quality of the construction before, sir," Jack grinned slightly, before continuing. "Though, much as I regret whatever happened in that lab, I would much rather hear it was caused by human error than by determined action."

"True," Hammond agreed. "I wouldn't like to think we may have lost him," he stared at Daniel as he spoke, "due to such despicable methods."

His expression hardening, Jack replied, "If I ever found out that he was hurt deliberately I wouldn't rest until I'd killed the bastards." His words were more chilling because they were spoken low without inflection and Hammond thought that perhaps for the first time he saw the face of the Special Operations Colonel Jack O'Neill and he decided he was glad to have this man on his side.

"I will have to insist, however, that you attend the briefing at oh-eight-hundred hours. Hopefully by then we'll have some hard information about what caused all this and took the lives of two good men."

"Yes sir," Jack readily agreed recognising he had already stretched the general's indulgence.

"I will leave you now. Let me know when he's awake, I would like to speak to the good doctor."

"Of course sir, and thank you for keeping me up to date."

Taking hold of Daniel's hand again, Jack listened as the general's footsteps faded and realised for the first time since Janet had left how much quieter it was in the infirmary. He looked at his wristwatch and saw it was oh-three-hundred-hours.

A low moan broke his concentration. He looked over at Daniel just as another moan escaped his lips, the young man tossing his head on the pillow. Jack moved closer to the bed, leaning over him.

"Wake up, Daniel," Jack said softly close to Daniel's ear. "Come on, show me those eyes of yours."

Daniel turned towards the voice and murmured something but Jack couldn't make out the words.

"Daniel, it’s Jack here. Can you hear me?" He brushed his hand gently against Daniel's cheek. "Daniel, open your eyes, look at me. You're safe now. Daniel." He kept his voice low and even and kept up the litany and it seemed that Daniel was slowly waking up. Jack debated calling Fraiser but he knew she was exhausted and decided to wait until Daniel was fully awake in case he was mistaken.

"J'k?" Daniel's croaked.

"That's my boy," Jack said and he reached over and picked up the cup of ice chips left by one of the nurses in case Daniel woke up. He slipped a couple of chips between Daniel's lips before pressing the bell to call for a nurse.

In no time Dr Fraiser appeared pleased to see the blue of Daniel's eyes and that he was aware, even if somewhat vague as to the circumstances of his presence in the infirmary. After examining and questioning Daniel she assured him, and by default Jack who was lingering nearby and listening, that he had no cause for concern; such confusion was perfectly normal and everything would soon come back to him.

She gave him some more ice chips, turned to Jack and said with an air of superiority, "You can resume your seat now, colonel."

Acknowledging her with only a raised eyebrow Jack sat down next to Daniel again and as she turned to leave he said, "Close the curtain on your way out, Doc."

She harrumphed but complied and Jack grinned conspiratorially at Daniel.

"You'll probably pay for that, Jack," Daniel smiled back at him.

Just shrugging, Jack said, "Now, how do you really feel and I don't want to hear anything remotely like 'I'm fine'."

"You want the bald truth, eh?" Daniel smiled.

For once Jack wasn't smiling as very seriously he answered, "Yes, I do."

Recognising the change in Jack's mood, Daniel struggled to sit up straighter against his pillows and Jack automatically leaned in closer to help him. When Jack was almost eye to eye with him Daniel realised that his friend was avoiding eye contact.

"What is it, Jack?" he asked softly.

Jack froze, just for a second but to one who knew him so well, it was telling. "I am so sorry, Daniel," Jack began quietly, eyes slowly shifting to meet Daniel's. "This was all my fault and I can't tell you how sorry I am that you were hurt."

Daniel grimaced and said casually, "Well that's different, it's usually my fault." As Jack made as if to answer, Daniel quickly went on, "Seriously Jack, you gotta give me something to go on, my whole evening, hell my whole day is kinda hazy. Remind me would you?"

Daniel was surprised to see a flush of colour wash over Jack's face to promptly leech away leaving him unusually pale. "Jack?" he said, worried.

The colonel took a deep breath and began to recount the day to his friend and bits and pieces dropped into place for the archaeologist, not unlike the way he pieced together shards of broken pottery. Jack was brutally honest and Daniel was quick to realise that Jack was blaming himself for the unhappy chance that found him in the colonel's office at the fateful moment of the explosion.

"Jack, please, it was never your intention that I should go to your office and, unless you caused the explosion, I don't think you can claim it was your fault in any way, shape or form. I don't hold you responsible so please don't take this on your shoulders."

Jack stared at Daniel who met his gaze squarely before suddenly smiling and adding, "Course, I won't let you renege on that favour you owe me!"

Jack laughed and all his tension flowed away. "Damn, I don't know what the hell I would've done if anything had happened to you this time," he said without thinking.

Daniel sighed and said softly, "Miss me again I guess?"

"Not this time, never again," Jack said harshly, dropping his eyes as he recalled how empty, how lonely he'd been for that year without Daniel while he was off being all glowy. It made him angry now to think about the fact that Daniel had admitted later that he'd felt useless, helpless during that time. He'd confessed to lying to Jack when he had been Ba'al's prisoner, making out like everything was good and he was able to achieve something as an Ascended being when really he was just frustrated.

Daniel frowned but found his head was filling up with cotton wool and without realising it he slid lower down the bed, under the covers.

Hearing his movement, Jack raised his eyes again and on seeing how tired Daniel looked, he said, "You need to rest, go back to sleep. I'll stay as long as I can but if you wake and I'm not here I've got to attend a briefing with Hammond. Teal'c or Carter will stop by later."

Still trying to process Jack's odd words, Daniel just nodded and allowed his eyes to slide shut.

~~

Daniel awoke again and looked around for Jack but he was nowhere to be seen. Surprisingly neither were Teal'c or Sam. He worried for a moment that perhaps something else bad had happened but then he saw Janet Fraiser briskly walking past the foot of his bed.

"Janet?" he called his voice husky.

She stopped immediately and moved to his bedside. "Daniel," she smiled gently and passed him a beaker of water. "Just sips," she instructed.

"I know," he smiled back.

"Yep," she grinned, "you know the routine as well as I do by now. Feeling better?"

"Yeah. My head is clearer though my shoulder aches and my side hurts like a bitch!"

"Know who you hang out with," she groused.

"Talking of the loquacious colonel, where is he?"

"Still in the briefing with the general."

"Sam and Teal'c too?"

"Sam was called to her lab, or maybe I should say to one of the labs that is still standing on level nineteen. Teal'c was called to the briefing room only a few minutes ago. He had been sitting -- standing -- with you since the colonel left."

Daniel nodded and grimaced fractionally.

"Still got a headache then?"

"A little," he replied sheepishly.

"So not fine then?" she smiled.

"You know the routine too," he laughed.

"After eight years what do you expect?" she smiled a moment then allowed it to fade. "Do you remember much?"

"Of the actual explosion? Not really. I have some vague ...images in my head. Jack filled me in what happened before and I remember most of the rescue, or I think I do, but the actual incident.... I remember floating which doesn't make much sense. I clearly remember landing cause that hurt like hell. Other than that, until I heard Siler's voice it's just jumbled, hazy."

"So the colonel told you everything?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, he seemed to think he was in some way responsible for what happened to me. I told him that wasn't true."

"I told him you wouldn't blame him," she said under her breath but Daniel heard anyway.

"He told you?"

"Not the details but then he didn't need to, I know him as well as I know you." There was no conceit in the statement just simple truth. "He did tell me he needed to apologise to you."

~~

Jack sat stiffly in his seat attempting to listen to the report of Major Holgate as he explained the plan for clearing the damaged areas and the necessary rebuilding. Apparently the exhaustive work of his team had brought to light a flaw in the initial building materials used in that part of the original silo. Holgate reported it was unlikely the floor and the ceiling of the levels concerned would have collapsed if the explosion had taken place in another area of the complex.

The major's words only added to Jack's feeling of fate conspiring against him and a vague feeling of the inevitability of yet another failure. He desperately wanted to get back to the infirmary; he needed nothing more at that moment than to see the blue of Daniel's eyes staring back at him.

He forced himself to pay attention to the discussion. It would take quite some time to have those sections of the three floors cleared and repaired and Hammond was trying to work out how, or even if, they could keep operations going through the gate. Besides the armoury they had lost four labs, one of them medical, an isolation unit and six offices.

Lieutenant Colonel Prince, the munitions expert, reported next and he confirmed that the seat of the explosion had been at the bench the two technicians had been working on in the lab next door to the armoury. He couldn't state exactly what had caused it but it had been powerful enough to blow a hole through two feet of thick reinforced concrete and then blow up the armoury. Most of the contents had been destroyed; the only saving grace was that the secondary armoury on Level sixteen contained most of the zats and the few staff weapons they had. Those items were nearly irreplaceable; at least most of the armaments destroyed could be replaced.

Of course, the two technicians killed could also be replaced but the two people, one man and one woman who had been underneath the lab coats were unique. Sam Carter had known both of them very well and was presently trying to discover what exactly they had been working on. They were members of her department but most of them worked unilaterally on projects and only reported to her when they had something specific which needed her input.

"Major Carter is currently talking to every member of her team to find out exactly what Walker and Merryson were working on," Hammond commented.

"Shouldn't she know that already?" Prince queried.

The general glanced at Jack but for once the colonel didn't speak, he kept his eyes on the table in front of him, so Hammond fielded the question by stating that Major Carter had to delegate much of her work to trusted members of her team because of her own team's off-world commitments.

Jack hadn't been able to answer the question because he felt a sudden flare of anger at his second-in-command. If she was in any way responsible... Logically he knew he was being unfair but emotionally it didn't matter. She enjoyed fiddling with alien technology, often without having any real idea what it was for, what it could do. She pushed for the SGC to investigate as much as possible before the stuff had to be packed off to Area 51; it was as if she was afraid she would miss out on something. As if she needed to be the one to make the discovery.

Had one of those items finally bitten them in the ass? With Daniel caught up in it?

Teal'c arrived then, having obviously been called but Jack hadn't heard Hammond make the request and he knew he needed to pay more attention. The sooner this damn briefing was over the better. If there wasn't action he could take and that was looking less and less likely, then all he wanted was to be with Daniel.

Apparently Teal'c had been called at the request of Colonel Prince.

"Teal'c," he asked, pronouncing the name very carefully; he was obviously unused to Goa'uld words, "Are you aware of any Goa'uld explosive material of which a small quantity could result in an explosion of this magnitude?"

"No," he said, "the only weapons I know of that would cause such damage are of much larger construction and usually vessel mounted."

"But it is true that you are not a weapon's expert?" he prodded.

"Only in their use," Teal'c replied coldly.

"And it's been eight years," Jack added offhandedly.

"Of course, so anything developed since would be unknown to you..." Prince was thinking out loud.

"Unless we received intelligence," Teal'c answered him anyway.

"You do see all the alien devices that Major Carter and her team investigate, don't you?" Major Holgate interjected.

"I see all those that SG1 bring back and any others about which MajorCarter requires information that she believes I might have."

"So, it is possible there may be something another team has brought in that you have not seen?" Prince wondered.

"MajorCarter usually only requests my assistance on Goa'uld technology."

"And there is technology that other SG teams have brought back that is as alien to Teal'c as it is to me," Jack added.

"Very well, gentleman, until Major Carter gives me her report that avenue of investigation is at a standstill. Major, if you will commence work based on your recommendations and give me a more acceptable time-table..." Holgate squared his shoulders and nodded. "Colonel Prince, would you liaise with Major Carter and see if you can reach a consensus."

"Sir," Prince replied formally.

"Dismissed."

Holgate and Prince left and with a quick glance at O'Neill, Teal'c followed them.

"If you have nothing else for me at the moment, sir, may I return to the infirmary and see how Daniel is progressing?"

"Very well, colonel." As Jack got to his feet, Hammond added, "But, Jack I can't allow you much more time with Dr. Jackson now he is on the mend. I will need your assistance in the reorganisation of personnel and space and this whole investigation has a long way to go yet."

"Of course, sir. I will report to your office in thirty minutes, is that satisfactory?"

"Yes, colonel, it is.

~~

Daniel couldn't exactly claim to hate the infirmary but neither could he admit to liking it; he'd spent far too much time lying in one of these beds. Sighing he realised he'd spent almost as much time there sitting by the bedside of his friends, especially Jack. With a chill it suddenly hit him that it could so easily have been Jack lying injured in that bed and Daniel knew which was harder; he would rather be in the bed that sitting in that hard chair, waiting and worrying.

He tried to settle a little more comfortably but no matter which way he was lying he hurt. It was probably time for more painkillers and he couldn't decide which was worse, the aches and pains or the fuzzy feeling he got from the drugs.

Daniel wished someone would come and visit, spend a little time with him to take his mind off his own problems. Doc Fraiser was being very particular that he must rest, lie back and take it easy. She didn't even like him reading, with his arm in a sling he couldn't even hold a book, at least not his version of a book which she likened to a ten pound door stop. He tried putting one on his over-bed tray but leaning forward to read caused his side to ache. She suggested he wait until someone could read to him.

Unfortunately, her nurses were busy with the other injured personnel and his team-mates were busy with either the investigation or the repairs to the facility and it seemed hours since anyone had visited. His last visitor had in fact been Jack that morning as soon as the briefing was over. Jack filled him in on what had been discovered but had to leave the infirmary all too soon and put his not inconsiderable talents to use assisting the general.

Daniel closed his eyes and thumped his head back against his pillows frustrated that even that wasn't satisfying as they were too soft.

"Someone's frustrated," an amused voice said and Daniel's eyes flew open even as he smiled.

"Jack," he said, eyeing the tray that the colonel was carrying. "What have you got there?"

"Lunch, kinda late cause I've been busy. Wanna share?"

"What kind of question is that? Infirmary food is even worse than commissary food."

That became the beginning of a pattern. Over the next few days Jack would drop in whenever he had a few minutes to spare, just to keep Daniel abreast of what was going on and it became clear it would take some time to complete the repairs. Apparently though, the general, with Jack's help, had worked out a programme whereby they could virtually carry on as normal as far as missions through the gate were concerned.

Jack continued to bring a tray at lunch-time and another one at dinner. Janet turned a blind eye to this breach of protocol as Daniel was much improved for these impromptu visits and she noticed that Jack brought mostly healthy choices, though she deftly removed a chocolate pudding he tried to slip past her one evening.

On the second evening when Sam joined them for dinner, Jack sat back and watched them as they batted ideas back and forth. Daniel sensed that Jack was on edge but couldn't work out why.

Jack would keep Daniel company for an hour or so after dinner each evening, and usually Sam or Teal'c would try to join them. He also took to calling in early in the morning before he officially reported for duty. It seemed he kept longer hours than even Janet these days.

Daniel enjoyed Jack's visits more than he could ever say. He counted the hours until lunch or dinner and every time someone walked into the infirmary he would look up hoping it was Jack.

At first Daniel thought Jack's visits were prompted by guilt but slowly he realised that Jack wanted to spend time with him and on a couple of occasions he seemed put out when a third person joined them.

They were sharing lunch on the fifth day following the disaster when Jack was telling Daniel the latest news from the investigation. The colonel was clearly angry and making no attempt to hide it.

"The stupid man didn't seem to ..."

"Jack," Daniel interrupted, "that stupid man paid for his mistake with his life."

"Okay, okay but it was a stupid reason to do what he did!"

Jack explained to Daniel how one of Sam's technicians, Walker, had been determined to make a good impression on her. It seemed the man kept a detailed journal in his locker and he'd made repeated reference to his attraction to the major and how he wanted to capture her attention.

"Yeah, I know what that can be like," Daniel said distractedly, not noticing Jack's frown.

"What d'ya mean?" Jack asked.

"What? Oh, I ...I just meant I know how hard it is to attract the one you ..." Daniel's voice was low, almost husky but when he caught Jack's expression it faded away and he looked embarrassed, quickly dropping his eyes.

Mentally shaking himself to get rid of the unwelcome idea of Daniel wanting to attract someone's attention in that way, Jack continued to explain that Walker thought the easiest way to impress Carter was with his technological brilliance. So he'd devised a plan to combine an alien power source for which they were still trying to find a positive application; he knew that she thought it might be useful in creating shield technology but so far it eluded her. Walker was confident that he could combine the energy element with naquada and greatly enhance its power output. He hoped to create enough energy to power a shield to protect a planet.

Instead there had been, to quote Colonel Prince, 'an unexpected reaction'.

Jack snorted and said, "Unexpected! Even I know you don't combine two such potentially unstable elements." He smiled but it never reached his eyes which seemed hard and flinty as he went on, "I can't help but wonder what on earth Carter was doing to allow her staff so much latitude; she should know better, she ought to..."

"Jack," interrupted a frowning Daniel, "do you blame Sam for this?"

Jack stopped cold, realising he had allowed his words too much free rein, his feelings were too involved. "Not blame exactly," Jack said ruefully, wondering how he got himself into such messes. "I just ...I don't like that you...Dammit!"

"Jack, you can't hold Sam accountable for..."

"Colonel O'Neill," a voice interrupted from the foot of the bed and an SF stood there at attention.

"Yes?"

"The general requires your attendance on level nineteen immediately."

"Thank you."

"Sir," the man turned smartly and left.

Jack looked uncomfortable as he turned back to Daniel and said, "I'll see you later."

Daniel watched him leave and he knew he was missing something. There was no reason for Jack to hold Sam accountable, she had no control over what a member of her team thought or planned inside his own head. Daniel had never known Jack to be so unjust, especially not with a member of his own team. God, the man fought tooth and nail for his team. He would never ...unless it was for a member of his team -- for him.

Suddenly it all made sense. Jack's behaviour ever since the incident, his attentiveness, his proprietary attitude; he really hadn't liked it when their one-on-one had been interrupted by Sam. He had sat back quietly and listened but he hadn't participated. At the time Daniel had just put it down to Jack watching -- he always enjoyed watching his kids. No, dammit -- he always enjoyed watching *me*. He always had, since the early days. Invariably he had Teal'c watch out for Sam and Jack watched out for Daniel; which he'd always put down to Jack's mother-hen nature and the fact that he was the civilian on the team requiring extra care and he knew that a certain percentage of that was still true but so was the fact that Jack took the responsibility so very personally.

Sliding down comfortably into his bed, he smiled. He knew what he had to do. First order of business was to get out of here. He heard Janet's distinctive footsteps and though he couldn't see through the partially closed curtain, he called her name.

"Yes, Daniel?" she said, briskly sweeping it aside.

Baldly he said, "I want to go home."

"We've been through this before, Daniel. You're much improved but I ..."

"What if I promise faithfully to behave? Follow your every instruction to the letter." Janet opened her mouth to protest and Daniel ploughed on regardless, "and I won't be alone, I'll stay with someone."

She studied him and he met her gaze directly. Daniel was an honourable man; he was also forgetful, easily distracted and he treated medication as a necessary evil. Stay with someone, he said. The only people Daniel felt comfortable enough around were his team-mates, particularly the colonel.

"You mean you'll stay with the colonel?" she asked and when he nodded, she went on, "Except that he'll have to spend most of his days here, don't play games with me Daniel."

"I'm not! I know he will be here quite a bit but I know he would leave for home a lot sooner if I was there and as I said, I will do exactly as you say. I want this damn sling off! Besides, I have bridges to build with Jack."

"You seem to be getting on really well as it is," she frowned, puzzled by that statement.

"Yeah, maybe but I think he is holding back. I don't want him carrying guilt around with him over this."

She regarded him again and then asked, "Why didn't the colonel ask me himself?"

"Ah, because I haven't told him yet."

She laughed at that shaking her head. "Oh Daniel! Very well, I will trust you but don't let me down."

Daniel nodded, knowing a threat when he heard one.

~~

A couple of hours later Jack came in smiling broadly and carrying a lunch tray.

"Er, Jack what's with the MRE's?" asked Daniel, grinning.

"Better than anything they got in the commissary," he shrugged.

"Only you..."

"You betcha!"

Daniel knew that Jack was attempting to ignore their conversation from that morning and he had no intention of pushing things -- not yet anyway.

Jack started to tell him a story about a couple of new recruits learning how not to piss off a certain Jaffa when Daniel interrupted him.

"Jack, the Doc says I can get out of here but only if I can stay with someone."

Jack cocked his head to one side and a slow grin formed. "You talked her into letting you stay with me? Even though I can't get leave right now?"

Daniel grinned back and shrugged, "I told her I would be on my best behaviour, obey every rule."

"Scout's honour?" Jack laughed.

"Well I was never a scout so she took archaeologist's honour."

"Smart woman," Jack said seriously.

"I ...err, told her that you would spend as much time with me as you could. That's okay with you?"

"Daniel, you're welcome to stay with me whenever, you know that." Suddenly he frowned, "You do, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know," Daniel smiled. "I just ...wanted to make sure before I ...err, invited myself over."

"Everything organised?" Dr. Fraiser came up behind an unsuspecting Jack.

"You sure you've not had special ops training?" he groused and pointedly looked down at her feet.

"Took off the heels while I got some practice in," she quipped.

"Give up, Jack, even you can't get one over on Janet."

"Always take good advice, colonel. You can take him home after your duty shift."

"Yes, ma'am," he mock saluted her, waved a hand at Daniel as he turned away whistling as he left.

~~

About an hour before he was due to go home, Sam came for a visit and Daniel knew from her body language alone that she wasn't happy. She smiled at him but it was a poor attempt.

"Sam?" he said, concerned.

"Got a meeting with Colonel Prince in a little while and I heard from Colonel O'Neill that you are going to stay with him for a few days so I wanted to say goodbye before you left."

"You can drop by whenever you have some free time; you're always welcome at Jack's."

It never even occurred to either of them that Daniel spoke without thinking, almost as if Jack's home was his own -- as if they were a ‘couple’.

"Not sure that's true at the moment," Sam replied. "The colonel seems ...irritated with me and it's pretty obvious why."

"It is?"

"It's no secret that Walker was trying to impress me with his experiment -- not that I had any idea at the time! The colonel's not said anything specific but I know he holds me partly responsible for what happened to you."

Daniel sighed, "No, he doesn't. At least, not really. Truth is he still feels a bit guilty that I was in his office. Oh, I've told him he shouldn't," he added when Sam was going to comment, "but you know Jack; even when we're home we're still his 'kids'."

She smiled but said sadly, "I think I may have lost my membership to the club."

"Sam, Sam. He's hurting so he's lashing out. If Walker was here he would be the target only, of course, he isn't and I'm sorry to say that makes you the easy one."

She stared at him for a moment and dropping her eyes, she asked, "Why, Daniel? I mean why is it wrong to strive for something, to reach out beyond what we ...what I know?"

"I think I'm the last person you should be asking," he answered wryly. He reached out and took her hand. "It's not wrong in and of itself. I think the problem arises when you make it the entire focus of your life."

"Are you talking about me or you?" she smiled wanly.

He laughed softly. "Both I guess but it doesn't mean we can't change, can't find something, someone else to focus our attention."

Eyes widening, she pressed the issue. "Daniel?"

He just smiled and said, "Go, hurry, you'll be late and I have to get ready to go home."

Finding his gentle smile infectious she smiled back. There was something she was missing and she opened her mouth to ask a question and then realised she didn't know what to ask. She tossed her head, smiled again and turning, walked out of the infirmary.

~~

Daniel was comfortably sprawled on Jack's sofa. They had just enjoyed a satisfying meal and he was ...content, the perfect word in all its connotations to describe his mood. He smiled.

"What'cha smiling at?" Jack asked from the armchair near the fireplace.

"I'm happy," he said simply.

"Really? Just a good meal and a comfy sofa is all it takes?" Jack grinned.

"And the most important ingredient, the company."

"Oh, right ...thanks." Jack leaned back, feeling warm but not from the fire.

"Of course, there is one thing missing," Daniel said.

"Oh yeah and what's that?"

"Coffee."

"Is that on Janet's list?" Jack asked, knowing damn well that it wasn't.

"We won't tell her," Daniel whispered.

Jack laughed. "One cup," he said holding one finger to demonstrate.

"Spoilsport!"

"I wanna be able to walk after my next physical."

Daniel burst out laughing and Jack's heart swelled at the sound. It had been too long.

Jack returned with two coffees to find Daniel sitting up and so he set the cups on the coffee table in front of the sofa and sat down next to his friend.

Daniel picked up his drink and Jack watched as he closed his eyes and just let the aroma fill his senses. Then very slowly, still with his eyes closed, he leaned forward and took a sip. He sighed and took one more. Jack laughed.

Opening his eyes, Daniel asked, "What?"

"You're making love to that coffee," Jack grinned and was surprised to see a blush suffuse Daniel's cheeks. He realised then what he'd said and quickly turned away from Daniel's gaze.

Daniel sensed Jack's discomfort and decided to get the other man's mind off himself and, smiling inwardly, Daniel knew just how to do it.

"Sam came to see me today shortly before we left," he said. "She was upset because she ...guessed that you hold her accountable. I tried to ease her mind but I don't know if I really helped. I think I made the mistake of agreeing that she gets too caught up in her work. I didn't mean to suggest that Walker took the right avenue to get her attention."

"You really don't blame Sam at all?" Jack asked.

Smiling, Daniel replied, "How could I? I'm just as blinkered as she is when it comes to my own ...interests." He shrugged and Jack grinned at him. However, Daniel didn't return the grin, instead he stared at Jack before continuing, "And for once I'm not speaking of archaeology or linguistics, hell I'm not even speaking of the SGC at all."

Jack's smile faltered as he felt a lump settle in his stomach. Daniel seemed to be in a sharing mood and he knew what was coming. He'd give anything not to hear this, not to hear that tone in Daniel's voice again when he spoke of someone else, some woman he was interested in. However, there was nothing he could do as Daniel carried on speaking, unaware of Jack's growing distress. He couldn't even look away from the approaching wreckage of his life.

"I decided it was time I looked to my own ...needs and desires. I'm tired of being alone, of having no one to come home to, no one to share my life with, or my dreams. There's so much I want, so much I can give. I want... I want..." Daniel stopped speaking and closed his eyes. "God!" he said in a strangled voice, "do you know how hard this is to say when you look at me like that?" Daniel jumped up and stepped away from the sofa.

Daniel heard Jack's sharp intake of breath and his own heart was pounding in his chest as he heard the blood rushing through his ears.

Jack sat rigid, his breath panting through his lips as he stared at Daniel and the lump that had settled in his stomach disappeared in the heat of his feelings. Before he knew it, he was on his feet standing directly behind Daniel and he reached out for him and for just a moment he hesitated to take that final step, to make that simple contact.

A pair of strong hands settled on Daniel's shoulders and he was slowly but firmly turned around.

"Open your eyes, Daniel," Jack said softly. "Never hide from me."

The tone in Jack's voice took Daniel's breath away and he gasped, "Is that what I'm doing?" as he slowly opened his eyes.

Jack was directly before him now, his expression still giving nothing away but his eyes were alight.

"Never again," Jack said gruffly, "You'll never be able to hide from me ever again."

"Even if I close my eyes?" Daniel breathed, stepping closer, staring into a pair of warm brown eyes.

"No," Jack whispered as he stepped toe to toe with Daniel, "because I know now what lives behind those eyes and I'll always see the truth, see you."

"About time," Daniel sighed. "You've been hiding too, you know." Daniel reached up and slowly, as if afraid he might break, he touched Jack's cheek.

Leaning into the caress, Jack admitted, "I know and I'm sorry. I lost you once and even knowing you were out there," Jack waved a hand vaguely above them, "it was agony. When we ...I got you back I was elated and ...afraid."

"Afraid? Of me?" Daniel was confused.

"For you, for me, for what each day might bring. I couldn't face that possibility again." He gave a harsh laugh. "As if somehow not admitting how much you meant to me would make it any less real. Make it hurt any less. Stupid, I know," he admitted shrugging.

"And?" Daniel prompted.

"And, this time when I thought I'd finally lost you, when I realised what a fool I'd been to let my last chance just slide by, I planned..." he suddenly stopped realising he'd been about to admit too much.

"Planned what?"

"Nothing... I don't know. Just ...just desperate, that's all."

Daniel backed away, frowning and Jack knew he'd said the wrong thing. Crap, I never was any good at talking!

Daniel was actually thinking about what Jack wouldn't say. He didn't need the words to understand. He'd done a lot of thinking over the last twenty-four hours and, even going back to their very first year together as friends Jack had shown how much Daniel meant to him. That time when everyone believed Daniel had died because of the manipulation of their minds by Nem on the ocean world of Oannes, Jack had intended to resign rather than carry on without him. And how many years ago was that? How much closer had they become in the intervening years? Daniel could still recall the man Jack had been when he had first encountered him; embittered and suicidal. The thought that he could ever turn Jack back into that man was frightening.

"Jack, do you love me?" he suddenly asked. His arms were crossed but not the way he did when he was self-hugging; he appeared strong, determined.

Jack dipped his eyes and for a moment Daniel thought he might prevaricate as he seemed unwilling to meet his gaze.

The truth was Jack's heart was thudding in his chest and he was afraid Daniel would see just how much raw need he felt for the man. Taking a breath to control himself he lifted his eyes and attempted a smile. "Oh yeah, can't ya tell?" he declared. There was an air of challenge in the words.

"Thought maybe you did," Daniel smiled, moving purposely into Jack's space and the older man stood waiting for him.

Jack leaned in to kiss Daniel. It was tender, tentative, as they explored each other's lips and their mouths as they gently opened for each other -- and it was over too soon for Daniel as Jack pulled away.

"Jack?" he said plaintively.

"You're still not well," he replied, indicating the sling.

"This?" Daniel smiled, "I only wear it to pacify Janet."

Jack laughed. "Okay but it isn't necessary to rush things."

"Rush... it's been eight years!"

Jack's mouth dropped open and as Daniel laughed at his expression, he said, "Okay, you got me there."

"I don't want to wait any longer to know what it feels like to touch you," Daniel said, his eyes bright. "I love you."

Heart bursting with joy, Jack pulled Daniel into his arms and held him tightly, his lips seeking that tempting mouth once again.

Breaking apart because of the simple need for air, Daniel dropped his head on Jack's shoulder and said, "Jack, you know that favour you owe me?"

Jack stiffened for a moment, before he relaxed and said, "Yeah?"

"Can I have it now?"

"Whatever you want," Jack answered absently, his attention on the skin behind Daniel's ear that he was presently kissing and nipping.

Shivering at the touch, Daniel said softly, "You, I just want you."

~~

Jack lay in the centre of his bed, one arm under his head where it rested on his pillow, the other one holding a warm, exhausted but comfortably sated Daniel Jackson close to his side. The younger man was fast asleep but Jack felt wide awake even though it was the early hours of the morning.

He'd never felt more comfortable inside his own skin than he did just then and he was perfectly content to just be; listening to the rain as it fell outside his partially open window. He had everything he could ever desire here in his arms and he wanted this night to last forever. He had imagined, dreamed of making love with Daniel but the reality far outweighed any possible fantasy.

The covers had slipped halfway down the bed and he carefully leaned over to pull them up, his hand halting in its action as he once again felt his body stirring on seeing the outline of his lover's body, until he was disturbed by the fleeting memory of the kaleidoscope of colours decorating Daniel's torso; proof of how hurt he had been. He could still remember the look in Daniel's eyes the moment he saw Jack's stricken expression when he had first seen him naked. Daniel had taken Jack's face in his hands and holding his gaze told him that he was thankful for the accident for it finally made them each admit their feelings.

Jack's passion spiked and took Daniel's mouth in a desperate kiss, pushing his lover flat on his back as he forced his mouth open and the younger man welcomed him inside with a moan low in his throat. The erotic sound went straight to Jack's cock and moving purposefully over Daniel, he brought them both to the edge very quickly; they had both waited too long for this first time to be anything other than quick and messy as their orgasms coated each other.

Knowing it was only the beginning, Daniel sighed and holding Jack close had whispered that he felt real for the first time since he had descended. Jack made sure he felt real again a little while later when they made love again, this time slowly and very, very thoroughly. Jack had mapped each injury on Daniel's body as he lay beneath him, being neither still nor quiet. Daniel's cry when he came the second time that night would reverberate inside Jack's skull for the rest of his days.

Now, pulling the covers over them both, Jack thanked whatever fate had allowed Daniel to survive yet again and he promised that Daniel could collect on his favour for the rest of his life.

Settling back, he pulled Daniel even closer and the younger man murmured at being disturbed before snuggling back against Jack's side, his head burrowing into his shoulder.

A gentle breeze blew through the drapes lifting them to allow what little light permeated from outside to paint patterns through the rain splattered glass onto his ceiling.

Through half-closed eyes Jack let his vision glide over the sparkling patterns and smiled as his imagination let him see stars on his bedroom ceiling. Then he glanced at his sleeping partner and he grinned at his own sappiness as the thought took hold that he had stars in his heart.

FIN