Title: ONE STEP

Author: Imagine

Feedback: on list or imagine647@msn.com

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

Rating: NC17

Pairing: J/D

Category: Slash. First Time. Drama. Humour. Romance.

Date: 14^th September 2005

Status: Complete

Season/Spoilers: Seven

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

Synopsis: Daniel attempts to persuade Jack to take that final step.

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

Warnings:

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ONE STEP

by Imagine

At last! After waiting for so long, dreaming but never believing it could ever be real, Jack was finally in his arms, and he was kissing and touching him, his fantasy really had come true.

Suddenly, wrenchingly, Jack broke the kiss and backed away. Daniel opened his eyes to find his would-be lover staring at him with huge eyes. For a split-second, Daniel began to smile and lifted a hand to reach for Jack, then he registered that the eyes staring at him were not wide with passion and longing. They stared out at him from a pale face beaded with perspiration and they were filled with shock and... and revulsion?

Daniel felt his world come crashing down and his dreams turn to ashes. "Jack?" he said helplessly.

"I...I'm sorry. I can't do this. I thought I could, I thought I loved you enough to try, but...but... I'm sorry." Jack sounded desperately unhappy.

Daniel stared, hurt and lost and for once not a single word came to mind. He'd known, of course, that Jack had never had feelings for a man before; he had been completely honest about that. Jack had also been completely sure he was okay with it, with his new found relationship with Daniel, with his yearnings to touch him. Daniel would never have let his walls down otherwise, released his long held control over his buried passion for Jack if he hadn't trusted Jack just as much as the older man was trusting him.

And now?

Finally the words came. He met Jack's troubled gaze and, his voice hoarse with suppressed emotion, he said, "I'm sorry too, Jack. More than you'll ever know." He sighed. "Goodbye, Jack."

~~

Watching as Daniel grabbed his jacket and keys and walked out of his door, Jack felt like the worst kind of heel. He'd seen the despair in Daniel's eyes but didn't know how to ease it. He'd been so sure, so damned sure he could overcome his doubts over the realities of an intimate relationship with another man -- no, damnit, not just another man, it was Daniel. Daniel: his very close friend, the person he felt closest to in the whole world and who he trusted completely. That was why he felt he could do it. Perhaps that was the whole problem, the whole cause. He hadn't seen a man, he'd seen a person, the person he loved heart and soul and gender hadn't been an issue. That was how it should be, of course, but when it came down to actually, physically touching Daniel, suddenly Jack saw the man.

And god, he'd hurt him so much! Jack had seen the pain, the rejection reflected in his eyes. No wonder he'd left, no wonder he'd said goodbye!

Wait -- goodbye? Daniel never said goodbye. He said, see ya, see you later, see you tomorrow, Monday, after the weekend. But he never said....

No, no, god! He was a stupid, repressed fool but one thing he knew deep in his soul was that he loved Daniel and he couldn't do without him in his life. It was that need, that love that led to his declaration. He had known for a while how Daniel felt about him, so when he finally acknowledged his feelings, telling Daniel hadn't been too difficult.

He couldn't lose him over this... this fiasco! What did he mean goodbye? Could he be leaving? Permanently?

Leaping to his feet, Jack grabbed his keys and raced outside prepared to chase Daniel. However, he saw Daniel's car still parked at the end of his driveway and he felt like he'd been punched in the gut when he saw Daniel slumped over his steering column, his head down on his folded arms. He was the picture of dejection.

But, at least he was still there.

Jack walked quickly around to the passenger side of the car and opened the door, slipping into the seat.

Wearily, Daniel lifted his head, not needing to look to see who it was. "What are doing here, Jack?"

"You said goodbye; you never say goodbye. I...I was afraid...I can't lose you, Daniel. Please...I..."

"What were you thinking?" Daniel frowned, giving a sad smile as he finally faced him. "That I was leaving?"

Jack shrugged, "Yeah, I was afraid you might be." There was an uncomfortable moment until Jack continued, "I know I don't deserve any consideration but I do love you and the thought that you might...well...."

There was silence in the car for a few moments as both men considered the situation.

~~

Daniel looked at Jack replaying the man's last few words and knowing that in one way nothing had changed, yet everything had fallen apart. Staring at the unhappy profile of his erstwhile lover, Daniel wondered if he could do it again, risk his heart, his soul. He loved Jack so much that his elation at finally attaining his goal had perhaps swept away his common sense. Jack, a formally straight man had supposedly embraced his changing sexuality, but now Daniel realised belatedly that he'd never questioned Jack's assuredness, not thinking that his best friend was even fooling himself with the speed of the change.

And now Daniel accepted that this was as much his fault as Jack's. He ought to have known better; his own experience should have thrown up a few clues. When at aged 18 he'd realised his own proclivities, it hadn't been without an inner struggle that had taken a long time to come to terms with. Jack was almost fifty, and had the habit of his whole life up to that point as a heterosexual to contend with. Was it any wonder he'd panicked at the first hurdle?

With a clearer insight Daniel recognised that if he wanted Jack as his partner he would have to be prepared for a long campaign. He took a deep breath and said, "Okay, Jack, let's talk."

Jack was visibly relieved, "Thanks, Daniel. You'll ...come back inside?"

In answer, Daniel got out of his car and Jack followed him back into the house. He looked uncertain but Daniel went directly to the kitchen, returning with two beers.

"You don't even like beer," Jack stated as Daniel came back into the sitting room where he handed one bottle to Jack who sat down on the sofa.

"No, but I need it," Daniel said, taking a long swallow and, as he lowered the bottle, he found himself staring into a pair of confused brown eyes. "I don't want this, us to end just because... You say you still love me and believe me, Jack you mean more to me than you'll ever know. I want a relationship with you, a full healthy, sexual relationship, Jack. I want to make love with you. Is that what you still want?"

"God, Daniel when you say things like that, my body is screaming yes. But that was how I felt before, yet...I ...I couldn't. I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose you, help me, Daniel."

Daniel sighed, it was what he'd wanted to hear. "I realised as I sat in the car that this ...problem is as much my fault as yours, maybe more because I should've known better. He moved to stand in front of Jack and smiling he said, "I'm going to court you."

"What?" Jack sat up straight. "You're going to what?"

"I know what's wrong, you view yourself in a certain way. I can't expect you to completely change your lifestyle virtually overnight," Daniel said moving even closer, kneeling down in front of Jack. "You fell in love with a person, not a gender, which is very adult of you," Daniel grinned and Jack couldn't help but grin back even though he knew Daniel was laughing at him. "But you're finding it difficult to equate your conflicting emotions. I'd known for a long time how I felt about you and as soon as you admitted your feelings I ... well, I guess I rushed you. So I suggest we start slow. Try and give you time to adjust. We are going to date."

"Date?" Jack flushed.

"No hearts and flowers," Daniel smiled. "Just two friends, two very special friends taking their friendship a step further. You've always been very tactile with me, Jack, so now you touch me with something deeper. That's all, Jack, just one step further."

"One step."

~~

The next morning, Jack arrived at the Mountain early as was his normal practice and was surprised to find that Daniel had already signed in. Usually the only time Daniel was in before Jack was if he didn't go home the night before, but when he’d left Jack at his house last night following their heart-to-heart talk he was going home to sleep.

Jack had almost asked him to stay over in the spare room the way he often did but, when Daniel suggested he needed to think over what he'd said, Jack knew he was right. A lot had happened in a short time and he knew he was still struggling to come to terms with his feelings. Jack had lain awake for a while thinking over the idea of dating Daniel and while he agreed that it was sensible to slow things down he wasn't sure if he would really be able to date Daniel. It wasn't that he objected to the idea, anything but, he always loved the time he spent with the archaeologist; even arguing with him was fun.

He was relieved that Daniel had firmly rejected the idea of hearts and flowers type stuff. That was okay when a guy was dating a woman but two guys? That would be weird. Trouble was he didn't know what was normal for two guys dating. For instance if he took a woman out for a meal or something he would insist on paying for both of them, so would Daniel expect to pay, or did guys go Dutch? He laughed at the idea of Daniel draping a coat over his shoulders as they left the restaurant, him being the nice little woman.

The laughter faded as for the first time Jack looked honestly at that side of himself. He knew damn well just what an alpha-male he was; it was as natural as breathing for him to take the lead and with a woman that just seemed natural but with another man? He knew he'd have to be prepared to give and take, could he do that? In his mind's eyes he saw Daniel last evening when they had been kissing -- Daniel had been no shrinking violet, in fact it'd been Daniel who'd initiated it -- before Jack had panicked and pushed him away. Like a puzzle falling into place Jack realised that with Daniel his life was give and take and had been since the beginning. He'd met his match with Daniel and instead of the idea making him uneasy, he realised it was exactly what he wanted. Someone who could give as good as he got. Feisty Danny at his best, he grinned.

Now he felt better about that, Jack began wondering what his friend had in mind for their dates, though surely he'd be open to suggestions. They already had the Friday night thing down pat, sharing beer and watching sports or when Daniel could persuade him, watching some movie or other. He knew he was good at giving, he even put up with those foreign subtitled arty movies that Daniel liked.

He had this sudden image of the two of them in the back row of some cinema holding hands and sharing popcorn. Maybe sharing a kiss? He could do that couldn't he? Thinking of Daniel's bright eyes smiling at him he grinned at the idea, until he had the uncomfortable thought of them being seen by someone who knew them. Then he dismissed that thought, Daniel would never put them at risk. He would plan carefully.

Perhaps Jack could finally get Daniel to go fishing with him, he'd been asking the guy long enough. With sudden dismay he wondered if Daniel would want to take him to a museum!

He had finally succumbed to sleep after his decision to talk to Daniel again in the morning. Just hadn't expected the other man to be in so early, presumably at least he’d got a good night's sleep!

Jack quickly checked the commissary but there was no sign of Daniel so he headed to the other obvious place to find him, the good doctor's office. Sure enough he was there, head already buried in a book, his computer on and coffee grasped in one hand. Jack had to smile at the picture and wasn't surprised at the warmth flooding through him. One thing he no longer denied was that he loved the man, loved him with everything he was. Ah, no, that wasn't quite true was it? He loved him with his heart and soul, but the part about his body.... Jack sighed heavily and Daniel looked up smiling at whom he saw in his doorway.

"Hi," he said softly.

"Hi yourself," replied a smiling Daniel, but when he looked closely at Jack a slight frown marred his brow. "Is something wrong, you look..." he stopped, an unwelcome thought occurring. "You haven't changed your mind?"

Daniel had worried all night that in the cold light of day Jack would have second thoughts. It would be all too easy to dwell on how difficult a relationship with his civilian team member would be. If Jack needed an excuse that would be a perfect one for him to fall back on, after all it was only the truth. Daniel was prepared to do whatever it took, no matter how difficult to achieve -- and keep -- a relationship with Jack. He was afraid that the older man didn't have the same need, the same determination as he did. He hoped that he was wrong.

When it became clear that he wouldn't be able to sleep Daniel had finally got up just as dawn was breaking. He made a pot of coffee and sat down to drink and to plan. He wouldn't allow himself to think that Jack would back out so he needed some idea of what kind of dates they could safely go on. As he told Jack, hearts and flowers were out; not because his heart wasn't fully engaged in this but because besides the obvious fact that guys didn't behave that blatantly, didn't have their hearts on their sleeves, it would be too dangerous to do anything overt in Colorado Springs. So deciding to look at the problem from a different angle Daniel planned a campaign that would have made Jack proud -- if only he knew about it.

Jack closed the door and walked towards Daniel's desk. "No, but I have been thinking. What if someone saw us on one of these...dates? A lot of people know us, Daniel and if anyone..."

Smiling with relief, Daniel interrupted, "Yeah a lot of people know us and those same people know we spend time together out of work. Besides team nights, it is well known we spend Friday nights together at your place when we are on the planet and let's not forget our trips to the hockey games. You have been too busy worrying, Jack to look at the complete picture."

Jack stared at him and a slow smile broke out. "Oh yeah, the hockey game." It was at a hockey game that Jack finally became aware that while he went to watch the game, Daniel's time was spent watching him, a fact of which he'd been blithely ignorant until then. That particular night they had gone alone, other times they might have been accompanied by Sam and Teal'c, on occasion Lou Ferretti tagged along.

"You haven't noticed but we've really been dating for a while," Daniel said with a sly grin. "Want coffee?" he asked rising to his feet.

"Yeah," Jack said, absently watching his friend as he moved towards the coffee maker. Daniel was right of course. Their relationship was special, always had been. He'd never had a friend like Daniel, no one else ever challenged him the way Danny did. They argued like cat and dog yet they somehow managed never to allow their disagreements to interfere with their friendship, which remained deep and true. Not for the first time he wondered what a man like Daniel saw in him -- not as a potential lover, that was even more mysterious to Jack -- but as a friend, as the man Daniel called his best friend.

Jack turned his gaze on his friend pondering this question just in time to watch as Daniel had to reach for another mug, which was on the top shelf and the tee he was wearing rode up showing an inch of flesh above his pants and Jack found he couldn't take his eyes off it. His eyes seemed drawn to the slim patch of pale golden coloured skin. He forced his eyes lower, away from that alluring sight. Abruptly he realised his mistake. His gaze was now centred on Daniel's ass, which suddenly seemed very well defined in the tight BDU pants. Surely his pants weren't usually that tight?

Daniel turned back just then, "Jack, do you...?" he stopped, frowning slightly, "You look flushed, everything okay?" A slight smile curved his mouth.

Jack stared at the younger man, had he set this up just to make him squirm? No, he wouldn't do that, it was just...just what? Proof that Daniel was right and he was fighting his own body's natural inclination to take the younger man where he stood? Oh, god, where had that come from?

"I'm fine," he replied, shrugging when he realised he had used one of Daniel's stock phrases.

Daniel handed him the coffee and returned to his desk, Jack sitting opposite him.

"You're in earlier than I expected, had a good night?" Jack asked.

"Yes, thanks, slept like a log," Daniel lied.

"Ah." Jack nodded, wishing he was as calm about this whole situation as Daniel obviously was; he certainly couldn't claim a good night, damn it. Finishing his coffee he got to his feet. "Gotta meet with Hammond. See ya later." Jack moved to the door, turning at the last moment, "Thought of anything for our date yet?"

"Nope, not decided yet."

"Right," Jack drawled the word and left.

Daniel smiled, Jack was such a man of action and by the time he had finished, he'd see some action.

~~

Late that afternoon, Jack went to the gym for his usual work out session and was surprised to find Daniel there. He was well aware that Daniel regularly spent time in the gym ever since Teal'c had taken him under his wing shortly after his descension. In fact, Jack had been hurt a little at the time that the younger man hadn't sought him out to help when he decided he needed to add some muscle mass, though Daniel had simply explained he'd been discussing the idea of doing extra exercises with the big guy and he had volunteered to help. Looking at the Jaffa's physique, who in his right mind would refuse the offer?

Today, however, Teal'c wasn't around as he was teaching a class of recruits the finer points of how to piss off a squad a Jaffa -- and how not to piss off one particular Jaffa!

Jack made as if to join Daniel on the mat but was stopped in his tracks as the younger man ceased his warm-up exercises and proceeded to perform a kata, one which Jack soon recognised as a particularly complicated sequence of Teal'c's. He wasn't surprised to see Daniel make the movements with concentrated precision; that was just the way he did everything.

The slow sure movements delineated the muscles of Daniel's back and shoulders very clearly and Jack had an uninterrupted view as his top had very narrow shoulders, cut low in both back and front. Jack's eyes were glued to the sleek skin shining with perspiration and Daniel then slowly twisted from the waist, leaning first left and then right sliding both hands down the outside of one leg at a time before slowly straightening again. Next he bent forward, again sliding his hands downwards, this time one hand on each thigh moving over his knees and down his shins to his ankles making the gluteal and thigh muscles flex and tighten.

Jack had the perfect view of his ass as the material of his shorts was stretched taut over his buttocks, his mouth felt as dry as a desert and his body as hot as if he were indeed under a burning sun. At the same time he felt a definite twitch in his groin.

Jack suddenly became aware that his were not the only eyes drawn to the archaeologist's body. Gathering his wits, he swung his towel over his shoulder and marched forwards, a little uncomfortably under his present circumstances, coughing loudly as he did so and the other personnel quickly lost interest in this one particular civilian.

However, Daniel did not stop performing the kata, continuing with the precise arm movements until he drew himself up straight and slowly let his arms return to his sides. Only then did he turn to face his friend.

"Hi, Jack," he said reaching for his own towel draped across the bench nearby and wiping it over his arms and legs and draping it around his neck.

Daniel," Jack replied, relieved that his voice sounded normal. "That was very good."

"You saw me? Thought you'd just arrived."

"You did seem very...deep into it."

"Yeah, Teal'c showed me how to use meditation techniques to help my concentration."

"You looked..." Jack began but was unsure how to continue. Daniel raised an eyebrow, "good, really good." Jack winced at the lame comment. It wasn't what he wanted to say and they both knew it but they were in a public setting right in the heart of the SGC and it was the last place they could talk about things like that.

After a few seconds that felt much longer to Jack, he said, "Have you had enough or would you like to spot me?" He knew this was probably a mistake but there was no way he could let Daniel go without at least touching the silky skin.

Daniel shrugged, "Sure."

~~

Holding Jack's hands, sitting opposite each other with their legs bent and feet touching to provide purchase as they mirrored movements, Daniel could feel the heat emanating from his partner and he knew it wasn't all from the exercise. The first part of his plan was working nicely. When he began to perform the kata just after Jack had arrived he made certain that Jack would get the best view of his body. He wasn't vain but he knew how his body moved when he did that kata, having practiced it in front of his mirror at home as Teal'c had suggested, a way of ensuring he had the movements correct. Daniel could guess how arousing it would look to the man if Jack felt half what he believed he did for him.

He had felt the other man's presence the entire time, his sense of where he was and that there were other people present fading into unimportance. When he finished and finally faced Jack he knew he was right. The fine sheen on the colonel's skin, the darkening of his eyes, the faint tremor of his lips and the most telling proof for Daniel, the slight bulge in his shorts.

Breaking their contact, Jack changed his position on the mat lying on his back and putting his arms behind his head, clasping the back of his neck. Realising he was going to do sit-ups, Daniel knelt either side of Jack's ankles and leaning forward a little put his hands on the older man's shins, providing leverage for him. Jack smiled a little and Daniel guessed he didn't really need any help but he didn't move and Jack didn't speak, just began his exercise. Steadily he curled up bringing his elbows towards his knees and Daniel felt the pull beneath his hands and he looked down and found himself caught by the play of the muscles in Jack's legs as he repeatedly did his sit-ups.

Daniel felt his own erection fill a little more as his body reacted to being so close to what it craved, feeling the hot flesh under his hands and so close to his thighs as he held Jack's legs down. It was so close to what he wanted to do to Jack in bed that Daniel felt his heart rate increase. Daniel fought to keep his hands still on Jack's shins, he was far too tempted to slide them along Jack's thighs and feel the fine hairs there, or even slip a hand under the edge of his shorts and finally touch his cock, which he guessed would be hot and heavy and velvet smooth in his willing hands.

The sense that he was being watched brought Daniel's head up and he came face to face with a Jack flushed from his exercise. Then their eyes met and Daniel was aware that the exercise was not the only cause for the heated skin. Jack dropped his eyes again as he continued with his exercise and absently licked his lips and Daniel couldn't help but emulate him. He realised he was just as caught up in his little game as Jack was. The only difference was that Jack didn't realise they were on their first date.

Daniel quickly closed his eyes and took a steadying breath before releasing Jack's legs and sitting back on his haunches. Jack faltered in his movements looking at Daniel.

"You obviously don't need my help," Daniel smiled and Jack grinned and did a few more sit-ups to prove Daniel's point.

As Jack jumped to his feet and towelled down, Daniel dropped to the mat again and commenced doing some press-ups.

Jack had the perfect view of the younger man as he rose and fell very precisely and Jack suddenly wondered what it would be like to be lying, naked underneath him as a perfectly controlled Daniel slowly lost it as he drove into Jack's body, taking him, owning him... oh god!

Abruptly, Daniel rolled over and got up and, blowing out a breath, he smiled at Jack and simply said, "Shower."

As the younger man walked away, Jack could only stand there and watch; it was as if here was a man he didn't recognise -- and he wasn't sure if it was Daniel he meant, or himself...

~~

Daniel planned to tempt Jack again the next day but the method he used was not what he had in mind when he left his house that morning. Not long after he arrived at the base, SG1 was called to the briefing room by the General. It seemed they were going on a mission. Jack began to protest, which earned him an admonition from Hammond and an odd look from Teal'c because he usually preferred going through the Gate to being cooped up in the Mountain facing paperwork. Daniel guessed it was because his mind was on Daniel's dating game, which was exactly what he had wanted.

It transpired that the mission they were due to go on the following week had suddenly become an emergency. The mission was supposed to have been a simple one, just a follow up to a meet and greet that SG1 had done a couple of months earlier, for the official signing of a trading treaty. Apparently the portents for the original date were not auspicious and it had been brought forward on the say so of the tribal shaman.

So they were due to go off planet for two days and they had ninety minutes to get ready. First port of call was the infirmary; though Daniel asked his team mates to go on ahead of him while he went to his office and got the treaty to read through again, and to jog his memory.

Nearly an hour later, Jack walked into the men’s locker room to take a quick shower and change uniform before going through the Gate. He found Daniel already there getting undressed.

Sitting down on the bench, Jack began to remove his clothes and looked up as Daniel walked past him wearing a very small towel. Jack idly wondered why the hell he had never noticed before how buff the man was now. He'd seen Daniel in this locker room going for a shower more times than he could remember so why was this time different? Almost like an automaton he continued undressing and followed Daniel into the communal showers, standing at the opposite end from where Daniel was.

The younger man was soaping himself carefully using long steady strokes down his chest and stomach, before swiftly bending each leg at the knee to lift and wash first one leg and then the other. Then he washed his privates and swept his hands behind to wash his buttocks and lower back. Finally he soaped his shoulders and upper back. Jack watched each movement, eyes pinned to the other man's body.

Daniel dropped the soap into one of the dishes attached to the tiles and then turned his head towards the steady stream of warm water, clearly enjoying its effects on his body. He lifted his arms into the cascade, smiling and eyes closed he turned three hundred and sixty degrees.

Jack stood frozen under his own shower spray, his lathered hands clasped together in mid-motion, and his eyes locked into the erotic picture that Daniel had unknowingly made. The water may have been warm but Jack was hot!

Jack watched as Daniel walked past, the younger man not noticing anything as his attention was solely on wrapping the towel around his waist, he seemed to be having trouble making it fit. Jack was grateful for his distraction, because otherwise he could hardly have failed to notice Jack's erection.

Jack quickly finished his own shower -- his suddenly cold shower -- and found Daniel half dressed in the locker room, feeling disappointed to have missed ... fuck, what am I thinking?

Jack turned his back on Daniel and quickly dressing, marched out.

As the door closed behind him, Daniel slumped to the bench and breathed a sigh of relief. Then he raised his eyes to the door and grinned.

~~

The greeting SG1 received on the planet was warm and friendly and they were led to the nearby village where preparations were in full swing for the celebration to follow the formal treaty signing. They were taken directly to the chieftain's hut where everything was ready. Daniel was to sign for the SGC and in consequence for Earth, while Menuin was signing for his people.

Menuin Salafa was a middle-aged man who had an air of wisdom belying his years. The headman was tall with long dark hair tied back in four braids, looped together at his nape. The people of Thaludin appeared to be a mixture of African and Middle-eastern races but the history of their ancient past was lost in the mists of time; they only knew they had escaped a terrible calamity and that Thaludin was their refuge. SG1 assumed the Goa'uld had brought their ancestors to the planet and abandoned them long since. Why, was the question, as Sam had found a deep vein of trinium on the planet? Either the Goa'uld had never known or something else had brought about the abandonment.

Menuin and Daniel had struck up a good relationship and the man was pleased to see him and his team again. He knew, of course, that Jack was the leader of the team but he ignored him and always spoke to Daniel as if he were the leader instead.

Watching Menuin doing it again now, Jack was struck that this time he couldn't care less, whereas last time it had continually bugged him to be ignored in favour of his civilian advisor. Jack made himself comfortable sitting on the edge of the small gathering inside the hut, with Carter and Teal'c flanking him, as they watched Daniel act as the perfect ambassador. Jack felt inordinately proud of him and he was a little surprised by his own reaction.

He had worked with Daniel for eight years, on and off, counting the year on Abydos and the year his friend spent as a glowy cloud, so why should he feel differently now? There was only one answer, it wasn't that anything had actually changed, just his perception. He saw Daniel now with the eyes and heart of a man in love; he felt differently, he reacted differently. Ever since he'd confessed his own feelings and Daniel had suggested this whole dating thing, Jack had been seeing him in a new light, a...romantic way. A physical, sexual way. It occurred to Jack then that Daniel hadn't mentioned anything definite about a date yet and he wondered exactly what his friend had in mind. And when.

It was with something like shock that Jack realised the signing ceremony was over and everyone else was already on their feet. He jumped up and caught Daniel's eye and the other man gave him a rueful smile, a least one person realised he had been distracted.

Menuin led the way outside where they found the celebration definitely ready to start. In the centre of the village a feast had been spread out and most of the villagers were already sitting around waiting for the fun to begin. Menuin and SG1 had the place of honour and once they sat down it seemed to be the signal for everyone to dive in and grab food and drink.

After long experience the team were very careful what they would consume off world but as this was their second visit they knew certain foods were safe to eat and they picked out the jugs containing fruit juice not the local hooch, which was very potent.

However, half way through the meal, Menuin rose and gave the equivalent of a toast to the new treaty, except instead of alcohol the natives reached for a small piece of what looked to Jack to be a tree root, a particularly sickly-looking green piece of tree root. Without blinking an eye Daniel reached for a piece of whatever it was.

"Daniel?" Jack queried.

"It's a special delicacy called Foacin, they only harvest it for special occasions like this. This is like setting the seal on the treaty," Daniel replied quietly, "If I don't I'm rejecting the agreement. Don't worry," he shrugged, "as long as I eat some that'll be enough, you guys don't have to. I'll just have a tiny bite, just enough to ..." Daniel stopped as he noticed the natives didn't bite the delicacy they popped it in whole and swallowed. "Ah, right," he said and emulated them.

"Daniel!" Jack was exasperated but knew there was little they could do. They needed the trinium.

Daniel swallowed and pulled a face at the taste. "Can't say much for your idea of eating out, Jack," he mumbled to his friend.

Jack grimaced and leaned close whispered, "I wouldn't take you anywhere this exotic, and you’d get steak." Daniel laughed.

The celebration went on for quite some time and it was fairly late when SG1 was able to slip away to the hut they'd been given for the night to get a little sleep before they were due to bid their farewells and leave next day.

However, by early morning half the village, including Daniel, were suffering rather badly from what seemed to be some form of food poisoning. The Shaman came to see if Daniel was ill too and when he saw that he was being violently sick he drew Carter aside, knowing from previous conversations that she was interested in his herbs for their possible medical uses.

Jack kept an eye on them while he supported Daniel and after a few minutes the man left and Carter hurried over to speak to the colonel.

"It seems that some of the Foacin was spoiled, and Daniel must have got some of that batch."

"Of course," Jack groused.

Sam ignored him and continued with the explanation. "Apparently it might get worse before it gets better," she grimaced as Daniel moaned again wrapping his arms around his stomach, trying to curl up over his abdomen. "The Shaman told me this is rare but has happened before, something to do with the rain and a certain kind of soil, I didn't understand all of it. The gist seems to be that the result is unpleasant but it is not dangerous."

"But then DanielJackson has never had this substance before, could it not attack his system more violently?" Teal'c questioned.

Of course it could! This was Daniel they were talking about. Jack shook his head, a simple mission Hammond had said and once again they were returning with an infirmary-bound civilian. Had the universe stuck a target on Daniel's back? Enough already, let the man alone, hasn't he had enough? Jack stared at him and wished things were better for his friend. He suddenly wondered if he would really be better for Daniel, or would he only add to his problems?

"Damn it! Let's get him to Fraiser."

~~

Arriving back through the Gate with Teal'c carrying Daniel hadn't exactly been what the general was expecting and yet he wasn't entirely thrown by it either; he had seen something like it too many times before. As Daniel was rushed off to the infirmary, Hammond detained Jack long enough to confirm that the treaty was indeed signed and that SG1 had left the planet on good terms with the natives. Personally the General's priority might be the health of his personnel, but professionally it had to be the success of the mission.

"Report to the infirmary for your post-mission check-up, colonel. I'll expect a formal report once we know Dr. Jackson's condition."

"Yes, sir, thank you."

When he reached the infirmary, Jack found that Carter and Teal'c were already being examined and he knew where Daniel was because the bed in the corner, which was commonly known as Daniel's bed, had the drapes pulled around it. Ignoring protocol and his own examination, Jack headed for the curtained area. He could hear Dr. Fraiser's voice and another female, one of her nurses obviously and he was pretty sure he could hear Daniel too, but his voice was very low and breathy.

If he wasn't so scared of the Doc, and after seven years on SG1 he knew he had cause to be even if he'd never admit it to a living soul, he would've pulled the curtain aside. As it was he paced and waited.

"Don't wear a hole in my floor, colonel," Fraiser's voice floated to him, "he will be fine. Sit on a bed and wait for me."

He wondered how the hell she did that. She'd claim practice, Jack was sure it was witchcraft. "Right, Doc, just so long as he's okay."

While Jack was waiting for his examination, he made a few choice comments about a certain Shaman's belief in portents and wondered if the Thaludin knew how to read them. Daniel's pithy answers had helped convince him that Janet was correct.

Finally, Janet pulled the curtain back and Daniel was in bed, lying on his side looking at Jack. He was pale but at least he wasn't curled up holding himself in pain any more. Jack smiled at him and Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"Can't take you anywhere, can I?"

"Wasn't my fault," Daniel groused.

"You keeping him, Doc?"

"Twenty-four hours," she replied as she began Jack's check-up.

"I'm feeling better now," Daniel piped up but she ignored him as she concentrated on Jack's examination.

About an hour later, Jack had been examined, taken a shower, changed his uniform and now he was back in the infirmary. He wouldn't have left in the first place if Janet hadn't assured him that Daniel would be fine, uncomfortable for a while certainly, but given twenty-four hours and he would be his normal self.

Now Jack leaned casually against the wall as Daniel grumbled at Janet, trying to convince her that he was fine and couldn't she release him. She simply ignored him as she checked his vitals. As he watched, Jack wondered just how much time he spent in the infirmary watching over Daniel, holding his hand, worrying over him, praying he would get better, begging him not to die.... He closed his eyes as he was bombarded yet again by the nightmarish vision of Daniel swathed in bloody bandages in this very infirmary and his utter helplessness at what was happening to his best friend. He could still recall the awful pain he'd felt watching his friend suffer horribly and then die before his eyes. He'd wanted to make someone pay. God he'd wanted someone to kill!

With a slowly dawning insight he knew that it'd been there then, this feeling for Daniel he'd only recently acknowledged. It was why he'd hurt so much as he was forced to watch the life draining from him. He opened his eyes to find Daniel watching him and he wondered idly just how long he'd been in love with Daniel.

Jack stepped forward. "Just wanted to check in on you before I have to go and give Hammond a run down on the mission. I'll come back and see you later."

"I'd like that," Daniel smiled gently.

As he made his way to the Briefing Room, Jack wondered why everything suddenly seemed clear, as if all the pieces miraculously fit now when before they only collided and caused pile-ups, or knocked each other in opposite directions. He could think of one obvious reason, it had been so far outside his normal way of thinking, the possibility simply never occurred to him.

Then a second reason hit him between the eyes; that subconsciously he had seen the possibility and where it might lead and its enormity scared him so he denied it, denied his feelings. Denied Daniel.

Well he wasn't denying his feelings any longer. He loved Daniel and he.... His natural reaction was to say he wanted him. He felt that before once and found he couldn't. Could he now? Was he different? He remembered his feelings in the shower. He imagined taking Daniel into his arms and feeling the other man's lips on him....

~~

That evening Jack brought a tray to the infirmary with enough food for them both to share a reasonable dinner.

"Hey, thought maybe you could do with some cheering up. I know the food's not up to much..."

"Thanks, Jack, it's not the food that matters, it's the company," grinned Daniel.

Jack pulled his chair up close to Daniel's bed and they shared the food, at least Jack ate more than his share, Daniel mostly pushed his food around the plate.

"Not hungry?" Jack asked after a few minutes.

Daniel pulled a face, "Not much in the mood for eating after..." He shrugged.

Jack faked a shudder and they reminisced about the mission with Jack getting in a few well placed jibes which Daniel took in good part, just the way Jack intended. They talked of other people, Sam and Teal'c, Hammond and even Siler as Jack amused Daniel with the latest rumours about his wrench but they steered clear of their own situation until Daniel said, after glancing around to ensure there was no one else there, "I was thinking earlier about the date. I was going to suggest something for Saturday then I remembered you had that barbecue planned."

"Crap, I'd forgotten about that. Invited half the SGC," Jack added thoughtfully.

"Yeah, so I was thinking. Tomorrow is Friday."

"Yeah, and?"

"Well that could be our first official date, Friday night at your place, ease into it so to speak."

Jack frowned, "But we often spend Friday night together at my place."

"Yeah, but this will be different. It won't be as friends, it will be as..."

"As?"

"Boyfriends."

"What? That sounds...teenage."

"Well I can hardly call us lovers, can I?" Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"No, I guess.... Okay, but it sounds weird," Jack grumbled and Daniel shrugged.

Daniel knew Jack was confused by this so-called first date, being blithely unaware that as far as Daniel was concerned they'd already had a couple of encounters; the gym and the showers. He could also probably add certain parts of the recent mission, Jack had definitely been distracted and after all, they had eaten out. Then he decided that would be cheating 'cause Sam and Teal'c were there too.

He was also pretty sure that while he was in the infirmary Jack had experienced some kind of...awakening. Daniel had watched him carefully and seen the emotions flit across his unguarded face and once, when Jack had closed his eyes, Daniel was sure he'd seen an expression of pain pass over his features. Without being arrogant, Daniel was pretty sure Jack had been thinking of him and the time when he'd suffered and died from the radiation poisoning.

He knew how much the memory bothered Jack because a couple of months ago, during a drunken binge one night after a bad mission, Jack had admitted to him how terribly helpless he had felt, how he wanted to do something, anything but there was nothing. He hadn't even been able to put into words to his dying friend how he felt. He had hugged Daniel and then passed out. In the morning Jack had a massive hangover and never referred to the confession. Daniel had thought at the time that he didn't remember the conversation and had never mentioned it either.

Daniel was hoping that when they were finally alone together in a private place that Jack would let go enough to allow his true desires to reveal themselves. Both in the gym and the shower Jack's body had reacted to him, he was pretty sure his mind wasn't far behind.

~~

The next night at Jack's place found everything fairly normal as far as an evening with Daniel went. He'd arrived a little late after getting caught up in a translation at work and Jack had everything pretty much ready. Beer was still cooling in the fridge and the coffee pot was full of the piping hot liquid that Daniel consumed in great quantity. The pizza had already been ordered, Jack was reasonably sure they'd had Chinese last time so it was his turn to choose.

Daniel plopped down on the sofa while Jack went to pour him coffee and get himself a beer. All day Jack had been thinking about this so-called first date and he had the strange feeling that he'd been had, yet for the life of him he couldn't pin down the why or the wherefore. His mind drifted back over the past few days thinking about his interactions with the younger man presently sitting on his sofa. By the time he'd finished he wasn't surprised to find his body was quite definitely telling him something. He looked down at himself and couldn't miss the slight bulge in his sweat pants. God, just remembering the two of them in the gym...and the shower. Jack looked down again and shook his head, he'd better stop it or he'd never hide that from Daniel. He thought of ice cold showers -- no, not showers! Kinsey, think of that slimy bastard.

"Hey, you growing the beans in there?" Daniel called.

Jack grabbed his beer and Daniel's coffee and walked into the living room, placing both drinks on the coffee table. He still felt somewhat uncomfortable and was grateful Daniel hadn't noticed anything.

After a moment though Jack realised he was rattled that Daniel seemed totally oblivious to his raging hormones. Daniel just sat there, TV remote in hand as he flicked through the channels just like any other Friday evening. It was a game they played, Daniel surfed while Jack got beer and snacks; he chose a documentary channel and then Jack silently flicked the station over to sports. Daniel pouted, grumbled and then either settled down to watch or sometimes he would read instead. Jack thought of Daniel's pout, god he wanted to chew on that stubborn lip! He sat next to Daniel on the sofa but this time he didn't take the remote and switch channels. He watched the man he loved instead.

After a few moments of intense staring, Daniel slowly turned to Jack and asked, "What?"

"Huh? Nothin'," Jack frowned.

"Riiiight. You're not arguing about watching this documentary on the mating habits of..."

"Crap, gimme that!" Jack grabbed the remote, growling under his breath added, "Have enough trouble with my own mating habits."

"Pardon?" Daniel said innocently, desperately trying to keep his face straight, and hiding his building anticipation. He could hardly have missed Jack's obvious discomfort; almost from the moment he'd arrived his friend had seemed distracted.

Jack ignored him and surfed quickly, choosing a hockey game at random.

"If you're watching this, I'm getting comfortable," Daniel grumbled, picking up a book and swinging his legs up on the sofa, 'accidentally' touching Jack's thigh with his feet. "Sorry," Daniel shrugged -- and pouted.

Suddenly Jack growled, "No, but you're gonna be." Grabbing Daniel's legs he yanked him flat making him drop his book, and Jack scrambled to lie alongside him. He took Daniel's head between his hands and planted such a kiss on him that Daniel gasped and Jack took the opportunity to shove his tongue deep inside.

Daniel remembered the last kiss they’d shared and he held back a little, afraid to push Jack too hard, too fast. After a few moments, Jack broke the kiss again and Daniel stared at him unable to keep the dismay from his face but Jack smiled and said, "Kiss me, Daniel, the way you want to. Show me how much you love me, I want to know, I want to feel it."

Daniel's smile was blinding and suddenly he took possession of Jack, taking his lips, holding his body tightly. As Jack sank under the roiling sensations Daniel was creating he suddenly realised that he'd fallen for the bait and had been well and truly reeled in. He'd have to ask him, later, much later, when he'd had fishing lessons.

~~

A short time later they were lying naked in Jack's bed, and by mutual silent consent they were slowly learning each other's body.

Jack, one hand resting lightly on Daniel's chest, said quietly, "I'm sorry I almost ruined this. I...I didn't know how to cope with...these sensations flooding me when you touched me. I've realised since that I was confused because it didn't feel wrong and I somehow felt that it should."

"It's alright, Jack, all that matters is that you're with me now. I could've got along without ever making love with you, stayed as your friend, but I wanted so much more," Daniel lifted his head to gaze steadily into his...lover's eyes, smiling that he could say that now. "Which is why I tossed some bait out."

Jack cocked his head on one side, studying his boyfriend -- no way, no damned way he was going to call him boyfriend! Daniel was gonna be his partner, his lover. Yeah, he liked that. He liked his body too...

Suddenly his thoughts ground to a halt as he realised, "The gym! You conniving little...," Jack laughed, leaning forward he said softly, "I can see why you thought it might be a good...setting."

"Yeah, I discovered I do enjoy contact sports after all," Daniel grinned. "And, err, don't forget the showers."

"The showers?" Jack's mouth dropped.

"Well how often have you seen me take a shower in the communal area, I always use a cubicle."

"Fuck! I was so...I never realised."

"Yeah, I did notice that you were so...." He finished the sentence by drifting his hand down to Jack's groin and caressing his cock, which was showing his interest very clearly. In a gentle caressing voice, Daniel said, "How far do you want to go, Jack? I know you said you wanted to feel, that you wanted me to show you how much I love you, will you let me...? If it's too soon, or not something you want to...?"

"I want it all," Jack interrupted. "You made me so damned hot for you I need everything."

Daniel was elated at the idea that he could love Jack like that; it was his fantasy, his dream come true. As they were talking Daniel had continued to gently work Jack's cock, moving his hand up and down the shaft and circling the tip rubbing it as he did so and it was now leaking. Daniel leaned up to kiss Jack, shoving him back to lie flat. Then sliding down his lover's body Daniel kissed, licked and nipped as he went and by the time he reached his navel Jack was shivering and moaning. Daniel smiled and lowered his head to lick around his navel, dipping his tongue inside and flicking in and out, finally licking around it one more time before lifting his head again. Jack moaned at the loss of contact, opening his eyes to see what was wrong.

Daniel was leaning over the side of the bed sorting through his clothing. He came back up smiling, "Can't do without this," he said, holding up a tube of lube.

"Came prepared," Jack murmured.

"Hoped to come," Daniel grinned. He squeezed some onto his fingers and knelt between Jack's legs pushing them apart slightly. Then without warning he leaned down and took Jack's cock into his mouth.

Jack yelped out and bucked and with one hand Daniel pushed his hips back down gently, the other hand slipped underneath and he rubbed along the perineum and then circled Jack's entrance.

Jack's body tensed when he felt Daniel's finger probing and Daniel used his free hand to rub circles on his stomach, lifting his head from laving his penis for a moment to say, "S'okay, Jack, it's just me. You're safe." The tension eased and when Daniel took him in his mouth again Jack relaxed, allowing himself to feel.

As he continued to lick and suck Jack's cock, Daniel gently worked a finger into Jack, just the tip at first and then slowly he slid it further inside. At the same time he hollowed his cheeks and sucked Jack in deeper until his cock touched the back of his throat and he carefully pulled back slightly.

Jack was murmuring Daniel’s name over and over. To hear Jack speak his name like that was a huge turn on for Daniel. He pulled his finger out nearly all the way and then pushed in a second finger moving them steadily back inside. Jack spread his legs wider and Daniel smiled around his mouthful of cock.

Jack could hardly believe the sensations centred in his ass, he'd had no idea having someone's fingers stuck up his ass could feel so damned good. And with Daniel's mouth around his cock he thought he must have died and gone to heaven. He knew he wouldn't last much longer, his orgasm was gathering and he tried to tell Daniel but all he could get out was a guttural moan. Daniel must have read him anyway because he pulled back a little so when Jack shot his load Daniel swallowed as much as could.

Jack felt as if he was floating and he was only vaguely aware of Daniel's hand on his body as he was rolled over. He came back to himself to feel warm hands stroking down his spine and he heard whispered words drifting towards him.

"Love you, gonna take care of you, not going to hurt you. Trust me, always, always look after you."

"Daniel?"

"Jack," Daniel leaned down and kissed the nape of his neck and then his ear, and he murmured. "Just trust me, you'll love this."

"I do, I trust you. Do I have to be face down? I want to see your face."

"It's probably easier this way."

"Don't care, don't want it this way."

Jack sounded a little panicked and so Daniel soothed him, murmuring to him, "Okay, just let me finish preparing you and then you can lie on your back." Jack nodded so Daniel brushed his hand down his spine one last time and then caressed his buttocks before pushing two fingers back inside him. "That feel good, Jack?"

"Yeah," he murmured.

"Just one more finger, Jack. You're so tight, don't want to hurt you, I want to take this very carefully. Okay?"

"'Kay."

Daniel worked the two fingers inside, turning them to stretch Jack as much as he could, searching too for his sweet spot; if he could find that...Jack bucked and moaned. Oh yeah.

"What...what was that?" Jack asked breathlessly.

"Your prostate."

"Wow, can you do that again?"

Daniel grinned and aimed for the prostate again and quickly pulled out and pressed three fingers inside. Jack was so damn relaxed he didn't react to the extra pressure. Daniel pulled his fingers out and quickly lubed himself.

"Roll over, Jack," he said, pulling a couple of pillows down to slide underneath him.

Jack got comfy, spreading his legs and Daniel knelt in between, pulling Jack's legs over his thighs. He lined himself up, "Ready?" he asked and when Jack nodded he pushed gently in, popping past the ring of muscles. Jack gasped and pushed up on his elbows to watch, fascinated. Daniel met his eyes and smiled as he pushed a little further and Jack dropped back onto the bed, gasping.

God it was...it was... god it hurt! Had he said that out loud?

"Just hang on, hang on, it'll pass," Daniel soothed, running his hands along Jack thighs and he felt the other man relax as his body got used to the new sensations.

Jack felt the need to move and he rocked slightly. Daniel took the hint and he began to move too. As he began to pull out again Jack flung a hand over his eyes and Daniel hoped he wasn't hurting him. He pushed back in slowly but firmly.

"Jack?" he asked, wanting to know that he still wanted this.

"More," was all Jack said, but it was enough.

Daniel set a steady pace thrusting into his lover's body, feeling the heat surrounding him, knowing he was driving inside the man he had loved for so long. The knowledge took over and he leaned forward picking up his pace and Jack uncovered his eyes, each hand grasping the bedding, gripping it tightly as he stared at Daniel who was driving faster into his body, going deeper, deeper.

Jack had never felt anything like it in his life. God, he thought Daniel sucking him off had been like heaven, this...this...he had no name for. He just knew he wanted it to go on forever. He lifted his hips to meet the thrusts; he wanted more, he wanted Daniel so far inside him he'd never get out. "Daniel! Oh god, Daniel," he panted, "Danny...."

Daniel heard Jack calling his name and looked up. The expression on Jack's face, the tears standing in his eyes... it was all he needed to push him over the edge and as his come spurted deep inside his lover's body, he cried out, "Oh god, Jack, I...." He saw stars bursting behind his eyelids and fire raced along his nerve endings.

He returned to reality lying in Jack's arms, the older man kissing his face and neck. "Daniel, Daniel."

"That's me," he murmured.

Jack lifted his head to look at him, his eyes bright, "Yeah it is. And this is still me, I thought for a moment I was changed, I felt different, I felt special and it's all because of you."

"You are special," Daniel said caressing him.

"Nah, just specially lucky to have found you."

~~

The following day they were busy preparing for the barbecue, something Daniel would have stayed over to help with anyway. Sam and Teal'c arrived early to help as usual too. The only difference this time was that Jack and Daniel couldn't stop with the quick glances and knowing smiles and when Sam asked Daniel if everything was okay, he frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you keep giving the colonel odd looks, I wondered if you'd fallen out...or something."

"Or something," he grinned, "I, err, persuaded him to watch a documentary last evening instead of the hockey and he still can't work out how he fell for it."

"Ah, I see," she said but Daniel could tell that she didn't really.

However, it was enough to stop her asking. Daniel sought Jack out and told him they'd better behave because if Sam noticed something then probably others would too.

"I know, I've been getting odd looks from Teal'c too, it's just that after last night... Okay Dr. Jackson I will behave, as a good colonel should.

"Oh no," Daniel laughed, "no one will ever believe that one!"

Luckily Sam's inadvertent warning worked nicely and the barbecue went off very well. Unless one counted the one batch of steaks that Jack almost burned when he had a coughing fit after overhearing Lou Ferretti asking Daniel if he'd thought any more about going on a fishing trip with him. He purposely looked over at Jack and said, "After all, Doc, there's no one else can teach you."

Jack's coughing could be heard all over his yard but he still heard Daniel say very clearly, "Oh, I need no lessons in fishing, Lou, I know exactly how to cast bait. Besides I have finally accepted his invite to go to his cabin, we'll soon see if he has any fish or not."

This was the first Jack had heard that Daniel would be going to his cabin with him but all he did was smile at his friend and say, "I keep telling everyone it's not the fish, it is the fish-ing. Anyhow there are fish in my lake!"

"Well," Daniel smiled back, "perhaps you haven't been using the correct bait."

After everyone had left and they'd cleared everything away, Jack and Daniel simply relaxed by crashing on the sofa, indulging in a little necking in between talking about serious and not so serious subjects. Last night had been the start of something very serious for both of them and neither of them was naive about the consequences for their future, but they were determined not to allow that to spoil their relationship.

Daniel slid a little lower down Jack's chest and rested against his heart, one finger playing in Jack's chest hair.

"I've been thinking what you said once about us being like an old married couple," Jack said, kissing Daniel's hair. "I've realised just how true it is."

"Yeah," Daniel smiled softly, snuggling closer into Jack's arms.

"Yeah, I love, honour and cherish you, always have. Know that more than ever now."

"Mmmm, me too. I thee worship."

"Danny..." Jack kissed his hair again, nuzzling him. "Notice I didn't mention the obey bit," Jack muttered and Daniel lifted his head and the look in his eyes was enough for Jack to quickly move on. "We've seen each other at our very best and very worst."

"Oh yeah," Daniel nodded then he cocked his head to one side, "That's the 'for richer or poorer' bit I guess. No matter how bad things have got, how much we annoy each other, our feelings have always been there, have always seen us through."

"Yeah," Jack kissed his forehead.

"We've always looked out for the other when we're hurt or sick," Daniel said, his breath warm in Jack's ear.

"And we don't need anyone to confirm what we already know. This is till death us do part."

"Or not," Daniel smiled.

"What?" Jack was confused.

"Who says death will part us?" Daniel planted butterfly kisses along Jack's jaw. "This is forever."

"Ah..." Jack liked that. One step, Daniel had said, and it was one step he would forever be grateful that he took.

FIN

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