Above image edited by Slida.  No Infringement Intended.

I just *love* this pic!!
 

** Please Note:  This is a LONG story **

"Daniel!"

Jack's voice was slow and cautionary. The young archaeologist's head snapped around to look at his Colonel, sitting opposite him at the Debriefing table.

"Yes? Jack?" he asked, with a small tilt of the head, the tone almost defiant.

"I think what the General wants to hear is..."

"Oh, I ... know... what the General wants to *hear*.." Daniel nodded, his eyes squinting a little behind the lenses of his glasses, his brow a little damp with perspiration. .

Jack detected the challenge in Daniel's tone and tilted his head, his eyes fixed onto the blue eyes opposite him.

"So?"

"So, I don't think that I know the answer," Daniel said, then looked back at the General, "I mean, I honestly don't know if I understand it, Sir.." he shrugged.

General Hammond looked at Jack, who shrugged.

"Permission to go back through the gate and see if I .. can't.. find .. a way of getting Teal'c back.. Sir?" Daniel suggested.

Hammond frowned then looked at Jack once more. Jack shrugged slowly, his hand waving slightly near his face as if to say *well, hell, I don't know!*

Hammond looked at Daniel again.

"Permission granted. Colonel, you will go with him," Hammond stood up.

Jack sighed - as if he had a choice in the matter. It was his turn to go - afterall!

"And Doctor," Hammond stopped at the door, "try to come back with Teal'c this time.."

Daniel nodded then looked down. Jack waited until they were alone in the room then lent across the table on his knuckles and looked at Daniel.

"What is this all about, Daniel?" he frowned.

Daniel shrugged. "I have no idea.." he looked a little embarrassed. Jack lifted his brow.

"No?"

Daniel looked up then shrugged. "I .. can't.. " he shook his head, gathered his papers together and left the room quickly..

Jack sighed then ran to catch up with the younger man in the corridor.

"And we're going.... where?" Jack asked, matching Daniel's quick steps down the corridor.

"*I'm* going to visit Sam in the Infirmary," Daniel looked at Jack, clearly he wasn't inviting him.

"Oh.." Jack nodded and Daniel sighed. "Okay," he checked his watch. "You've got 5 minutes, then meet me in the..."

"5 minutes? Make it 15," Daniel shook his head.

"15 minutes? What for!" Jack frowned.

Daniel's eyes widened as he looked at the Colonel. It was none of his business what he wanted the time for!

Jack shrugged. " *10* minutes then meet me at the gate.."

Daniel watched the Colonel go then headed into the Infirmary.
 

.o0o.

Sam carefully sat up as he approached the bed.

"Hi," she smiled. Daniel sat on the edge of the bed and, placing his hand on her covered legs, smiled at her.

"Hey Sam, how're you feeling today?"

"Like I fell through a floor.." she laughed, then held her broken ribs.

"Well, that's probably because.. you ..did!" he laughed lightly despite the serious nature of the issue. She nodded.

"Don't remind me!" she groaned and laid back against her pillows. "How I wasn't bitten by any of those snakes is beyond me!" she frowned.

"Because I promised him if he hurt you, I'd kill myself..." he shrugged nonchalantly. Sam stare at her blue eyed friend, willing to sacrifice his own life in order to save hers.

"Thanks, Daniel," she said, her voice charged with emotion.

"It was the least I could do... considering what was ... about ...to happen...." He stammered shyly.

There was a long silence. The two friends just stared at each other.

Finally she broke the awkwardness with, "You heading out again?"

He nodded.

"Back to..."

He nodded again.

"You be careful!" she sighed, worried for him now. He nodded again.

"I will."

"Who's going with you?"

"Jack, it's his turn..." he sighed despondently. "He thinks he's coming back to save Teal'c," Daniel snorted ironically then shook his head.

Sam rolled her eyes.

"Geez Daniel. What about Janet then? Ask to go with her.."

"No!" he shook his head. "She wasn't part of the original team. They'd never accept her! Besides..." he shook his head.

"She'd understand.. really she would," Sam assured him.

He shook his head again. "No!"

"Maybe you should put it off until I can come with you instead," she laid her hand over his. He looked up at her, his blue eyes blinked quickly then he shrugged.

"I can't. If I don't go now..." he said.

She nodded. "They'll kill you.. I know.."

He cast his eyes down then nodded.

Sam shook her head then bit her lip. "Well, um..." she shrugged as he looked at her again.

His fate was complete, there was nothing more she could say to him. He nodded.

"I know," he sighed and slipped off the edge of her bed.

"Sure wish I was going with you," she held her hand up and he took it in his, sandwiching it between his two hands as he nodded.

"I'll be fine... Maybe he'll concentrate Jack this time.." he shrugged.

Sam gave a bitter laugh. "Somehow I think he's after you!"

Daniel nodded then shrugged.

"Take it easy, Daniel," she squeezed his hand and he licked his lips quickly as he gave a nervous shrug.

"I will. Who knows, this might turn out for the best," he said, a failed attempt of lightening the moment.

"Just as long as you come back again! Everything else.." she gripped his hand tightly and squeezed, making sure he understood her completely, "everything else.. can be sorted out once you're safely back here again!"

He nodded. Sam squeezed him again.

"Daniel. Come home.." she said. He blinked quickly then his mouth opened to say something but he just shrugged slightly.

"Daniel!" she grew worried.

He swallowed. "We'll see..." was all he could promise her.

Sam knew then that Daniel thought he wasn't coming home from this assignment, and suddenly she was scared. Scared for Daniel. Scared about losing her best friend.....

"Get me Jack!" she demanded.

"No!" Daniel's eyes grew wide and he shook his head.

"You're not going in there with him.. You and I both know you'll fail the test with him! It's not fair..."

"NO!" this time his blue eyes pieced through her.

"Daniel, either way, if you .... pass ... or if you fail... you're going to be hurt...." She was so worried for her friend, both physically and mentally now. "You and I both know he wont agree to that test.. as much as you might want.." she stumbled on her word as he looked up at her, his eyes full of pain and anguish, and a hint of anger at her choice of words, " sorry... need him to."

"Enough, Sam, enough!" he threw his hands over his head as he walked away from her then turned and pointed at her, his voice choked with tears, "he is never to know. Promise me that Sam.. he is NEVER to know!" His finger jutted at her to punctuate his statement as his eyes narrowed and she knew what he meant so, slowly, nodded her acquiescence.

She looked at her friend, his face red, his eyes teary, his body shaking. He lifted a trembling hand to his face, and ran it down to wipe away the tears. He thanked her quietly then he stepped over to her bed, leant forward and kissed her cheek softly.

"See ya, Sam," he headed out the room.

"Daniel," she stopped him by the door, all her being wanted to throw herself on top of him, stop him from going, fearing he wasn't going to return. "Let me know the minute you get back, okay?" Her voice was steady, belying her true inner tremors.

He nodded, then bowed his head as he walked out of the room. Sam bit the inside of her bottom lip apprehensively as she worried about the fate of her friend.
 

.o0o.
Jack adjusted the strap under his chin on his crash helmet then turned to watch Daniel enter the embarkation room.

"Oh, finally!  Did you get to say what you wanted to say..?" he muttered. Daniel pulled his helmet on, staring at Jack as he did it. He shrugged.

"She, um, pretty much knows how I feel, yeah," he muttered quietly.

Jack raised his brow then looked up in time to see the gate explode down the ramp. He held his hand out and Daniel stepped up onto the ramp.

"After you," Daniel suggested. Jack frowned then shrugged as he stepped through the gate. Daniel took one more look around the embarkation room then stepped through behind Jack.
 

.o0o.
By the time he got out the other end, Jack was already on the landing, his hands in the air. Daniel raised his hands in the air and then suffered the invasive frisking by the young natives, then had his hands cuffed behind his back before being pushed along behind Jack towards a small all-terrain vehicle.

Getting inside, he sat opposite his team member, the two men exchanging glances, then Jack rolled his eyes and looked the window.

Why didn't Daniel tell him about this?

Daniel lent forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked out the back window at the others walking behind the vehicle.

Maybe he should have told Jack about this.

The vehicle finally reached it's destination and the two men alighted, and were pushed into the large pyramid building.

Daniel had noticed the first time through that this was unlike the pyramids back on earth. For starters its interiors were void of all markings and the floor was made of cement, not dirt. They shuffled along the familiar corridors until they reached the door that led to the ornate banquet hall.

"Ah, DanielJackson!" the Host greeted the young earthen with gusto as the pair were forced into the room.  Daniel flinched as he heard his name being called out.

"Easy Danny," Jack muttered as he turned to look at the Host.  A squat man - for lack of a better word, dressed in a flowing red robe, with a lop-sided grin that bared irregular teeth, almost animal like in their shape and sharpness.  A cold shiver went up Jack's back.

"I see you have returned," the Host grinned as he stepped up to Daniel.

Jack watched Daniel, a good foot taller than the weasel, jut his chin and sigh, "I had no choice!"

The young Host tittered then patted Daniel's chest. "Don't say that. You came back because you wanted to!"

"I came back because I .. had .. no .. choice!...." he spat angrily.

Jack watched him from the corner of his eye, hoping that Daniel was going to be able to keep that usually cool head of his.

Clearing his throat softly Daniel sighed. "Where's Teal'c. I want to see him .. NOW!"

"Danny..." Jack cautioned in a low voice.   Angry outbursts were not part of Daniel's usual nature. It concerned the Colonel.

"He didn't play by my rules.." the Host shrugged. Daniel cringed.

"Play?" he burst out angrily. "You.. you think this is some game?" he cried passionately, his skin glowing red with anger again.

The Host turned to look at him, then with a flick of his eyes, had Daniel pushed to the floor infront of him. Reaching down now, he gripped Daniel's face in his hand, a small squeak came from Daniel's opened mouth, his defiance was replaced by fear as he was held in this submissive position. Slowly the Host licked up the length of the archaeologist's face, moaning lustfully at the pleasure it brought him.

Jack flinched as he watched this then looked away.

So this is what it was like over here? This was why Daniel didn't want to discuss in details before they came through?  Jack wasn't surprised!

Daniel, hands restrained behind his back, his arms held by two guards either side of him, was unable to retaliate.

"You are very much handsome when your eyes flash like that," the Host laughed.

Jack groaned softly as his thoughts were confirmed.

"For crying out loud..." he mumbled to himself as he kept his eyes diverted.

Daniel didn't hear him though. He was concentrating all his thoughts, all his hatred, on the man before him. Suddenly the guards grabbed him and hurled him to his feet again.

Anger boiling over and he found himself fighting against his restraints, trying to lunge at the Host. Surprisingly, he was quite strong and his two guards had some difficulty in restraining him. The Host stepped back slightly.

Jack heard the commotion and looked back, seeing Daniel dragging the guards behind him as he strained to reach the Host.

What was he going to do? He was restrained. He'd probably only end up hurt.

"Daniel!" Jack yelled and Daniel stopped immediately.

The Host turned to the Colonel now, his eyebrows raised in admiration at the power this man seemed to have over his younger companion.

"Who would you be?" he sized up Jack in one long stare.

"Colonel Jack O'Neill.  I've come to talk peace negotiations.." he said, jiggling the cuffs behind his back.

"You have come to talk? Wouldn't that be disappointing for you, my love," he said to Daniel who clenched his jaw tighter.   The Host laughed then walked away heading back to his large, golden chair on the other side to the table.

The two team members exchanged quick glances. Jack noted the look of frustration and embarrassment on Daniel's red face.

"Please, eat!" the Host held his hands out over the fine spread of food infront of him.

"I'd choke.." Daniel muttered bitterly then heard Jack sigh.

"We can hardly eat with our hands tied behind our backs, for crying out loud," the colonel suggested. The Host considered this then indicated for Jack to be released.

As he rubbed his reddened wrists he looked at Daniel, who was forced to the floor on his knees infront of Jack. Daniel held his back straight even though a slight look of resignation flashed across his face.

"You're not going to free him?" he frowned, looking down at his resolute friend.

"No," the Host chuckled.

"Well how is he going to eat?"

Daniel looked at Jack over the top rim of his glasses. "You have to feed me," he said through clenched teeth. He'd been through this before. Twice, in fact!

Jack raised his brow. "Pardon?" he looked at the Host but was knocked to his knees before he got a response. Groaning slightly at the pain, he rubbed his knee then looked at Daniel.

"I have to feed you?"

Daniel nodded, looking slightly embarrassed. Jack shrugged. That wasn't too hard. He picked up a piece of white meat and placed it in Daniel's mouth. His companion ate it silently.

"Good, good!" the Host smiled. "More!"

"More?" Jack frowned then looked at Daniel, who shrugged. Jack picked up something else that looked like it might be tomato based. He cringed.

"You have an allergy to any foods I should know about Daniel?" he screwed his nose up and tossed that selection back onto the table.

Daniel swallowed the meat - which most definitely did not taste like chicken. "Egg."

Jack looked at him. "Really?" he tilted his head.

Daniel nodded, again looking over the top rim at him.

"So am I," he smiled at the coincidence.

Daniel gave a quick sardonic grin then nodded. That's nice!

Jack picked up some green gherkin-like thing, speared by what could almost be described loosely as a toothpick. He held it up to Daniel's lips and then looked at his friend. Their eyes met and Jack smiled.

"This is not so bad," he shrugged, placing the food into Daniel's mouth. He closed his lips around the little wooden stick and Jack withdrew it slowly. Daniel chewed then turned his head and spat out the food.

The Host burst into an uproar of laughter.

"Sorry Danny," Jack tossed the stick across the table, then reached for the drink, trying to help rid his friend of the bad taste.   Drink split down Daniel's chin and Jack mopped at it with his half gloved hand. The Host continued to laugh joyously.

"Should I just stick with that white meat stuff?" he whispered. Daniel nodded. Of all the food, it was the most palatable. Jack placed some more into his friend's mouth, Daniel's lips closing around his fingers before he could pull them away.

The Host fell silent as the men's eyes locked onto each others.

Again, Jack placed a piece of white meat into Daniel's mouth, watching intently as the younger man chewed then swallowed.

The Host sat forward, intrigued by them now. By this time, with Sam and with Teal'c, Daniel had complained so much that the session was finished and they moved on to the next one.

But these two looked like they were not worried in the least as Jack pushed another piece of white meat through Daniel's lips.  Followed by another, then another. Always with the slow withdraw of his fingers from Daniel's lips, always without either man diverting their eyes from the other.

The Host watched as Jack swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving Daniel's face, even as he reached for the food from the plate next to him.

"Good, good!" the Host laughed and clapped.

The spell was broken and Jack flinched and looked at the young man opposite them.

"What next?" he shrugged. Daniel blinked quickly then swallowed his mouthful of food, before turning to look at the Host.

"Are you finished, my love?" the Host asked Daniel who nodded.

"Three meals in so many hours.." he shrugged then screwed up his nose as he said, "I'm done!"

Jack laughed lightly at this then stood up. Holding his hand out to the guards he reached down and helped Daniel to his feet himself. The Host smiled at this gesture. It made things a little more interesting now!

"Wait!" the Host came and stood infront of Jack, making sure he remained on a step so that he could be eye to eye with the tall colonel.

"What?" Jack frowned then looked at Daniel who gave a little shrug.

"Do you Claim DanielJackson?"

"Huh?"

"Just say Yes Jack," Daniel muttered.

Jack lifted his brow and nodded. "Sure."

"Oh, you have to.." Daniel began to say, but the Host held his hand infront of Daniel's face, making the younger man flinch a little. Jack gave his arm a squeeze, letting him know that while he was able, Daniel wasn't going to be hurt. Daniel gave him a small appreciative smile.

The Host looked down at the way Jack still had a firm grip on his friend's arm.

"No, that will be fine.. this time!"

Jack frowned and so did Daniel.

"Next session!" the Host announced as he waved his finger high in the air above his head.

Jack held Daniel's arm as he walked to the next room behind the Host.

"Jack, I'm really sorry about this.." Daniel sighed. Jack shrugged.

"Don't worry about it. So far I can't see how Teal'c and Sam failed this test," he shrugged.

Daniel sighed then muttered, "it gets harder.."

"Oh?"

Daniel blushed then nodded. Jack sighed. He'd have to take Daniel's world for that, and wait and see.

As they entered a dark room Jack felt Daniel get pulled away from him and started to protest loudly before hearing Daniel's reassuring words.

"It's okay Jack," Daniel assured him.

He'd done this before, too!

Jack sighed. He didn't like the dark! He didn't like the dark with Daniel snatched away from him. He felt for his side arm, but it was missing. The frisk. He recalled that now!

Suddenly the room filled with light and Jack saw Daniel on a pedestal in the middle of the large empty room. He frowned.

"What's this test?" he wondered, looking across the room to Daniel, tied to a totem pole, like some absurd 'femme fatale' figure.

"You have to rescue him," the Host giggled. Jack frowned.

Rescue him? It's an empty, bare room. What was the challenge in that?

He took a step off his pedestal towards Daniel.   Suddenly the floor fell away, revealing a long beam that stretched between Daniel and Jack.

Daniel rolled his eyes. It was just like what happened on their way to Thor's Chariot, only when they fell the floor closed up. Damn his memories!

Jack looked at the beam, quite wide and no real challenge for the deft footed Colonel. He stepped down onto the beam, it felt solid and was more actually quite wide - for a beam. At least wider than Jack's hips. He wondered what the challenge was in that!

"Look out!" Daniel yelled and Jack suddenly felt himself showered by something falling from above him. He looked down and suddenly wished he hadn't! The beam now swarmed with insects. Jack caught his breath then jumped backwards onto the pedestal behind him. He hated insects!

He looked over at Daniel who sighed. He knew Jack feared insects, too. Closing his eyes he cursed himself for getting Jack into this.

"According to our scans of DanielJackson's mind.... you dislike insects, Colonel O'Neill." The Host laughed joyfully.

"Well, Daniel's mind told you the truth," Jack flinched as he watched the thick carpet of tiny black bugs ripple and squirm below him.

"Sorry Jack.." Daniel turned his face away, almost unable to watch what Jack had to do in order to pass this part of the stupid ritual.

"If you cannot Claim DanielJackson, I will," the voice boomed. Jack flinched.

"Claim?" he looked over at Daniel who shook his head and looked away.

Again with this Claim?  Jack wondered.

Daniel's bowed head shook slowly, his dark hair shining under the intense light. "Claim me Jack," he said, as if he'd had to say it.. oh? twice before? Once for Sam, once for Teal'c.

"Claim you?" Jack repeated warily.

Daniel looked up at him and shrugged. He was really tired of this game and knew he had no way of winning it anyway, so lost all purpose to complete it with Jack.

"You know," he sighed in a tragic humour, "Oh! Help, Help.. come and save me... Jack..!"

Daniel muttered it with such dripping sarcasm that, had it not been such an absurd situation, Jack might have appreciated the deadpan humor of his young companion.

However, the insects were real. The unending drop either side of that beam was real. The situation was real, and whatever this Claiming was.. was real. Jack steeled himself.

He told himself that this was all an illusion, that they weren't really there - the best technique he had for facing such fears on missions.

Tentatively he hung a foot over the edge of his pedestal then one quick glance up at Daniel, he saw the frustration and anger in the archaeologist's eyes. He just knew Daniel was cursing himself, for dragging Jack into this situation, yet again!

"Hey," he called to him, keeping his voice light as he balanced over the edge of the white stand he was on. Daniel looked at him and blinked.  "I've been in worse situations than this, Danny boy!"

Daniel snorted ironically then looked away. He doubted that, very much!

"Daniel," Jack called to him slowly, trying to get his attention again. Finally Daniel looked back at him.
"Stick with me, kiddo," he said, waiting to catch his gaze. Daniel's blue eyes finally lifted and locked onto Jack's. "'Adda boy!" Jack smiled and Daniel found himself returning the Colonel's smile.

Jack's foot pressed down onto the squelching mass below him. His stomach lurched and his throat contorted but he swallowed and kept staring at his friend, knowing that he needed him to pass this test. Whatever this test was for! Whatever ANY of these stupid tests were for.

Another step. More squelching, and whatwasthat...? Crunching of exoskeletons. Great!

Well Jacko, you're two steps closer to him now, only about 20 more to go..

"Keep coming Jack," Daniel's soft voice beckoned him now, and Jack made another step, then another, as he kept his friend's gaze. The nearer he got, the broader Daniel's smile became.

Jack heard some of the insects slap against his leather boots as he made his very tentative way towards Daniel. At one point he almost over balanced and would have fallen face first into the writhing blanket of beetles and bugs, or worse, off the beam altogether, had Daniel not called out to him.

"Jack! Be careful!"

The room echoed with a insane giggle from the Host now. Daniel groaned and pursed his lips.

Gaining his balance again, Jack's stomach lurched as he clamped his eyes shut. One hesitant step after another, more blood curdling crunching under foot, Jack made his way over to Daniel.

The Host watched, his gleeful smile slowly fading as Jack neared Daniel.

Daniel's encouraging smile also faded as he saw how white Jack's face was and how wet his brow was with perspiration as he strained against all thoughts of flight to save his friend.

"Oh god! Jack, I'm sorry," Daniel cried from the pedestal.

"That's okay, Danny," Jack tried to sound in control of his senses. "I've been in worse situations remember?" he sighed, then swallowed the bile that rose up his throat again.

"Really?" the Host laughed and ordered yet more insects to be dropped on Jack.

It was the first time Daniel could recall ever hearing Jack scream.

"Careful Jack!" Daniel warned him. "Don't fall...! This is where Sam fell!"

Jack already had experience with punctured lungs from cracked ribs. He didn't need to go through that again thanks, so he steeled his mind to ignore the insects raining down on him, hitting at his face, slipping down the neck of his shirt, catching in the back tuck of his top now.

"Oh.. god!" his voice quivered as he felt the insects crawling up his back.

"Just a little way more, Jack," Daniel called to him.

"Jesus, Danny!" he sighed.

"Jack, I'm sorry," Daniel jumped a little as he cried out and Jack looked up at him.

Their eyes met and locked again.

"It's okay," Jack's voice was quieter this time, more relaxed.  Daniel tilted his head as he continued to stare at Jack.

"Just a few steps more.." he said softly. Jack finished the course, without taking his eyes off Daniel until he reached the pedestal with him.

"Oh god!" he squirmed now as he hurried to release Daniel's hands first, then he turned around and Daniel pulled his shirt free, releasing dozens and dozens of insects from his back.

Jack grabbed his tops and tossed them off completely now, stamping all over the t-shirt to kill anything the might still be living in it while Daniel rubbed his hands over his body, brushing off any on his skin.

Finally convinced that he was free of insects Jack reached down and flicked his shirt twice, ridding it of  the dead bugs. Daniel brushed his shoulders once more then looked at him as he started to turn to face him.

"Thanks," he gave his courageous friend a warm smile.

Jack slowly turned to face him fully as he gathered his top up his arms.

"That's okay," he smiled. Daniel blinked then realised his hand was still on Jack's shoulder. He pulled it away quickly, Jack noted the action then slipped his shirt back on. Daniel blushed and looked down.

"You okay?" Jack asked quietly. Daniel nodded then lifted his face to Jack.

"I'm really sorry to drag you into this..:" he said almost breathlessly he was so upset. Jack blinked quickly then shrugged.

"Do you Claim DanielJackson, Colonel O'Neill?" the voice filled the room.

Jack frowned then looked at Daniel who was nodding to him to accept the Claim.

"Yeah," Jack's face screwed up a little as he answered.

"Do you Claim DanielJackson?" the voice asked again. Jack and Daniel exchanged confused glances then Daniel lifted his brow.

"You have to say it this time, obviously.." Daniel whispered.

"Say what?" Jack leant nearer to him.

"Say 'I claim Daniel Jackson'..." Daniel's fringe brushed Jack's cheek as he spoke to him.

"Oh," Jack nodded, now understanding a little better. He lifted his face up and announced loudly , "I Claim Daniel Jackson!"   he patted his friend's shoulder as he made the announcement.

They heard a tittering of laughter through the walls and looked at each other then shrugged.

A trapdoor beneath them opened and both men plummeted through.

"Whhoooa...... shit!" Jack hit the next level with a heavy thud.

Again it was dark! And it was cold. Very cold!  Jack's hand touched the frozen ground and he yanked it from the touch as soon as he could.

Daniel skidded out of the chute seconds behind him, Jack holding his arms out to stop his friend from slamming into him but it was to no avail. The floor, obviously made of ice, was just too slippery and Daniel collected Jack and sent them both crashing up against a solid wall, entangled together, legs and arms entwined.

"Oh, crap..." Daniel sighed, feeling a sting on his forehead as he tried to get his bearings. He suddenly realised how wet and damp the floor was as the moisture seeped through the seat of his fatigues.

"Crap!" he sighed again.

Lifting his hand to touch his head, he realised how entangled they were also.

"What's that?" he asked of the limb trapped within the bend of his arm now.

"My.. thigh.." Jack groaned as he tried to sit up.

"Ouch!" Daniel moaned as Jack's foot brushed his cheek.

"Sorry," Jack grunted then yelped. "Danny!"

"Oh, geez! Sorry Jack," Daniel cringed as he realised what that soft bit of body was he'd just leant on and exactly where it was on Jack.

"Couldn't one of these rooms start with a light on?" Jack grumbled.

Suddenly the light filled the room, reflected off the ice and snow within the room, blinding the men until they covered their eyes. Then the light readjusted itself, dimming until the men were more comfortable with it's luminosity. Slowly looking around themselves now, Jack and Daniel realised how closely they resembled two contestants in a game of Twister and tried to unhook their bodies.

Jack got up first, offering a hand up to his friend. Daniel gladly accepted it then jumped to his feet, dusting himself down.  Slipping a little, Jack grabbed him by the waist to stop them both going over again.

"Okay, what now?" Jack asked. Daniel looked around, readjusting his glasses.

"I'm not sure. There wasn't an Ice room last time.." he looked at Jack. "Oh," he bowed his head.

"What?" Jack frowned.

Suddenly going red, Daniel shrugged. "It's probably from my memories of you when you were caught in the Antarctic," he muttered and looked around.

"Oh," Jack nodded. "Great. Love ice!' he sighed sarcastically. Daniel smirked then he saw what looked to be a small cement square in the centre of the room. He pointed to it and the two men , carefully, went over to it.

With a sudden jolt of the room, tossing Jack a little and almost making him fall, the walls started to come together.

Daniel looked around then sighed. "Great. This one - again!"

"What?" Jack frowned.

"The walls are going to come together until we're crushed..." Daniel sighed without emotion.

"What the...?" Jack frowned, then turned a full circle trying to look for a way out.

"No way out," Daniel said in a sing song tone as he leant back on his out-stretched arms.

"OH?" Jack lifted his brow, more surprised by Daniel's 'I don't give a damn' attitude than at the walls closing in on him.

"Teal'c and I searched the room thoroughly. One thing about reliving the same thing over again, is you learn from your previous mistakes.. " he sighed, sitting up and rubbing his palms together to dust them clean..

Jack suddenly forgot the room, and squatted next to his friend.

"Danny," he frowned and waited til he raised his head to look back at him. "I'm not used to you being so..."

"Apathetic? Lackadaisical..?" Daniel offered.

"Unwilling to try..." Jack countered with plainer words. Daniel pursed his lips and shook his head.

"Jack. Give up! Okay? Just.. just go home now. This is a charade.. there's no way I'm leaving here with you..."

"Why not?"

"We are never going to pass all these pointless tests!" Daniel shook his head.

"What makes you so sure? Have you ever seen me give up on anything? Especially on one of my team members?" Jack asked earnestly.

"Come on, Jack! Please. Let's just.. not even embarrass ourselves with this any longer, okay? Just.. go!"

"And what?" Jack snorted sarcastically as he looked at the encroaching walls before looking down at Daniel again, "you'll watch my back?" He remembered once before Daniel telling him to go. When he was shot in the chest on Apophis' ship as it headed to earth. Back then Jack had no choice but to leave him behind. But this was different! There was nothing that was going to make him leave him behind a second time!

"Something like that," Daniel dropped his chin and suddenly the room was filled with wild cackle from the Host.

"Oh, DanielJackson! Are you worried he's not going to Claim you? Or are you really just eager for this to be over with, and for me to Claim you?"

Daniel's jaw flexed and he shook his head, muttering something under his breath.

"Okay Daniel," Jack's no-nonsense cut through the young anthropologist's self pity, "you're just gonna have to tell me what this is all about? This Claiming test?"

However, before he could get an answer from Daniel, he realised how close the walls had become and jumped up again. Then he looked around them for something to hold the walls at bay.

Daniel looked around the room then back at Jack.

"I wouldn't bother," he sighed forlornly. "Teal'c already looked around for something, eventually having to use his own body to hold the walls apart until the Host accepted his Claim on me," Daniel shrugged and played with a handful of snow again.

Jack frowned. "Daniel, what are you doing?" he looked at the rapidly advancing walls then back down at the young man by his feet. Daniel sighed and leant back onto outstretched arms again and looked up at Jack.

"Danny?" Jack squatted and looked at him. "If you haven't noticed, the room is getting smaller and last time I checked, neither you nor I were built like Teal'c. Help me find something to keep these walls apart, will ya!" he started searching through the snow.

Daniel got up reluctantly and helped him search.

"Jack," he said as he fossicked through the snow.

"Uh huh?" Jack replied.

"Last time you checked....?" Daniel said then stopped and looked at Jack, who also stopped and turned to him slowly.

"Oh, for crying out loud.. it's a saying..." he shrugged.

Daniel licked his lips and shrugged. "Maybe.." he sighed and returned to searching.

Pity, it might have helped quite a bit, Daniel thought to himself.

Jack frowned as he looked at him, then the immediate danger of the walls caught his attention again.

Daniel threw his hands in the air then sat down again.

"Danny?" Jack squatted next to him.

"He's not going to kill us," Daniel sighed as he looked around the ever enclosing room.

"And you know this.. how?" Jack did too.

"He wants me.." Daniel shrugged. Jack tilted his head to look at his friend.

"Pardon?" he rubbed his eyebrow with his index finger, suddenly aware of what all these tests meant. Daniel looked up at Jack and blinked.

"Want's me.. as in..."

"Wants you.. I gettit," Jack nodded, then looked at him again. "That's what you couldn't tell the General?"

Daniel nodded then shrugged in the one movement. "I could hardly tell him that Sam fell off a walk way trying to save me in a room full of snakes because of some sick man's fantasy..."

"Insects," Jack looked at the walls.

"No, you had insects, she's afraid of snakes.." Daniel told him.

"Oh," Jack nodded, then tilted his head, "I didn't know that."

Daniel sighed. "Unfortunately, I did."

"So where's Teal'c?" Jack started to worry as the wall pressed against Daniel's back, skidding the archaeologist across the snow floor. Unperturbed by that, Daniel shrugged.

"I haven't seen him since he failed the next test.." his blue eyes looked up at Jack sheepishly. "I told you and Hammond that."

"Yeah, I know.. but you haven't been exactly forthcoming with the information on this mission, Daniel.."

"Well, okay. Umm, when Teal'c went missing the sent me back to the Banquet room. But apparently you had refused to come through.."

Jack nodded. "I demanded that they send either you or Teal'c through.."

"So I was sent through to get you...and the rest.. you and Hammond know.." he shrugged, biting his bottom lip lightly.

Jack considered this information then nodded.

"So, what's the next test?" Jack wet his lips as he held his hand out to stop Daniel from slamming into him as they both skidded across the floor towards each other now.

Soon the gap was so small that the men stood now, giving them a fraction more room. Jack looked up then around them as he was slowly crushed against Daniel, who still looked remarkably calm about the ordeal. Almost resigned, even!

"Danny?" Jack said cautiously, reaching his hands out either side of Daniel's shoulders, trying in vain to keep the walls back.

"Well, if the walls don't stop Jack, there's one thing you really ought to know.." he said calmly even though the two men were now crushing against each other, despite Jack's efforts to keep the walls back.

"What?" Jack didn't think they had long enough to hear this - whatever it was.

"I really love.... " Daniel licked his lips then looked down, his fringe brushing Jack's cheek they were so close now, "working with you.." he said quickly.

Jack sensed there was more to that statement and touched the back of Daniel's head, making the young man look up at him.

"Danny?' he frowned. Daniel bit his bottom lip and shook his head, his eyes pleading Jack not to push him.  They stayed in silence a few moments, eyes locked together.

"I Claim DanielJackson," Jack said softly.

Daniel frowned.

"What?" the Host asked, his voice raised in surprise.

Jack stared into Daniel's eyes.

"I Claim DanielJackson!" he said a little louder.

Suddenly the wall stopped moving.

"They've stopped," he sighed happily then saw that Daniel was staring at him.

The room ended up being no wider than the two men's shoulders and no deeper than their pressed together bodies. Daniel flinched as Jack moved in the confined space, but smiled as he felt the older man cup his face in his hands and kiss his cheek happily.

"They've stopped!" He would've have skipped, had there been room.

Daniel lowered his face again, his forehead resting on Jack's shoulder now, his heart beat racing and his cheeks flared red.

Slowly the room expanded again, but neither man noticed it as Jack lifted his hand to the back of Daniel's head again.

"You okay?" he frowned.

"I've got a headache," Daniel tried to make light of the situation. When he didn't look up Jack made him, by cupping his hand under his chin.

"Danny?" he frowned, then he reached up and gently touched the small red graze on his friend's forehead, from when he bumped his head on the way in.

"You've got a small bump..." he said softly, then lowered his eyes to look into Daniel's intense blue rings.

Daniel went to speak, his lips moved slightly then he shook his head and looked down again. Jack noticed the walls were gone yet they were still pressed together. He stepped back slowly, not taking his eyes from his friend. Had he stepped back half a step more, he'd have avoided the trap door, but again, the men fell through to the next level.

Their bodies tossed together as they headed down the slippery dip together, landing amidst the falling snow from the previous level into another dark room.

"Oh Christ!" Jack groaned in pain.

"Jack?" Daniel felt around in the dark for his friend.

"Danny!" Jack called sharply then groaned.

"Jack?" Daniel's voice rose in concern now as he tried to find him in the dark.

"Here," came the muffled response. Daniel turned his head to the direction then cautiously crawled across to him. He felt Jack's booted foot, which made Jack yelp as he patted him too hard.

"Sorry!"

"It's okay.." Jack groaned. Daniel continued up his chest then felt his face.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his fingertips touching Jack's cheek.

"I think.." Jack sighed, "I've twisted my ankle..."

Daniel groaned as he sat next to him. "Great!"

There was more in that statement than there should have been, and Jack wondered why it bothered Daniel so much that he'd hurt his foot.

"Great!" Daniel yelled now.

"What?" Jack frowned, but Daniel stood up and threw his hands over his head as he paced in the dark.

"Well, this is just great! How the hell are we meant to finish this test if this happens?" Daniel sighed. Jack patted his friends leg and Daniel reached down and helped him stand.

"Hey," he patted his face clumsily in the dark. "Danny, I'm here for you, okay? A little ankle sprain wont stop me.."

"Yeah?" Daniel swallowed then shrugged. "Maybe not, but, who are we kidding here Jack.. I'm not getting home on this one.." he sighed. Jack worried for his friend.

"What do you mean?" Jack wondered.

"Teal'c hurt his foot coming down that one as well," Daniel sighed.

"Well his Goa'uld should have helped him with that," Jack said.

"Exactly. As soon as the Host discovered he could self-heal, he sent guards in to take him away. I haven't seen him since.." Daniel sighed.

"Well, isn't that part of why we're here? To get them to release him?"

"Yeah, but.." Daniel shook his head.

"But what?" Jack frowned. "You said yourself, that you had the promise that if you and I make it through this test, the Host will release Teal'c.."

"I know, but you and I aren't going to make it through this test," Daniel said finally able to make out Jack's face in the dark, now that he's eyes had adjusted to it.

"Why?" Jack was glad he could now at least see some of Daniel in the darkness, now that his eyes had adjusted.

Daniel shook his head and Jack touched his cheek, causing him to look up.

"Well I'm sure you realise that it's a series of tests and if I can't get someone to Claim me, the Host claims me.."

"For what?"

"For .... life..." Daniel shrugged, avoiding the proper answer to the question. Jack frowned.

"So you don't get to come back with us? Don't be ridiculous Daniel. We wouldn't leave you here!"

"Jack you have no choice," Daniel lifted his top and revealed a small  box attached to his skin just under his ribs. Jack fingered it lightly, unable to really see it clearly in the dimness.

"What the hell is that?"

"It's filled with poison," Daniel said, unable to see Jack's eyes widen with horror. " and.. if I attempt to leave through the gate without permission .. it activates and I'm dead within seconds..." he said so calmly that Jack frowned.

"You can't get it off?"

Daniel shook his head. "If it's tampered with, it activates..."

Jack sighed heavily and ran his hand through his short blond hair. He stopped then looked up into Daniel's eyes, now even easier to see in the dimness.   It never occured to either men that the room was infact getting lighter.

"Jesus, Danny.."

"I know.." Daniel tried a smile but failed.

"Why the hell did you come back? We could have brought troupes through, you should have stayed ..." Jack yelled angrily.

"Jack, Jack!" Daniel yelled over him now. "That wouldn't have worked. If I didn't return they were going to kill Teal'c and then activate it off world. They have the power to do that," his voice trembled with emotion. "I had to come back.. but you.. " he wiped his wrist under his nose, "you can go.. anytime. If I just let the Host Claim me.. he'll let you and Teal'c go..."

Jack eyes flashed angrily. "If you just let the Host claim you..." he shook his head then looked at his trembling friend. He grabbed him and pulled him into a strong hug, Daniel really appreciating the show of support at that moment.

"So?" Jack's voice was a soft whisper now, "I'm here.. Daniel.. I'll claim you.. Whatever it takes.."

Daniel snorted sarcastically, his voice warming Jack's neck. "I think it's going to take more than you're willing to give me..."

"What's that mean?" he frowned, pulling back.

"Hurry up, or I'll claim you DanielJackson!" came the voice of the Host. Jack and Daniel looked around for him, but the room was empty.

"That's not gonna happen," Jack yelled back but Daniel just shook his head.

They were, in his opinion, delaying the inevitable, but he'd let Jack at least try.

"No matter how many of these tests you put us through, I'm going to Claim him!"

"Well then..." the Host said. "Why don't we just cut to the end then...?

Suddenly a large pair of door opened behind Jack, and bright light flooded the dim room they were in. He turned to look back at Daniel, his face illuminated but the pale orange light. He heard Daniel's whimper.

"Hey?" he frowned. Daniel raised his hand to the room, indicating for Jack to turn around.

"Oh, for crying out loud ..." Jack stood slowly as his eyes focused on the incredibly large, immensely decorated bed in the next room.

"That is why we aren't going to pass this test," Daniel sighed, his inner suspicions finally being realised.

"You knew about this?" Jack spun around and stared at him.

Daniel shook his head then stepped up to Jack, both men looking back at the bed.

"I just.. " he shrugged. Jack turned to him slowly. "I just figured that - eventually - this was the ultimate.. Claim.."

Daniel sighed and turned around, stepping away from Jack now.

Jack looked at him. "And if I fail this test?"

"I'm claimed by the Host, and I stay here forever to be his...prize!" Daniel tried to control the rising anger within him. This was a no win situation.

Jack licked his lips then looked back in at the room.

"So you and I....?"

Daniel sighed then nodded. The Host suddenly appeared through the room, now dressed in a brilliant purple robe, tied around the bulging waist with a gold braided rope.

"You will know why I left you to last," he chuckled at the colonel.  Jack frowned.

"I gathered you took the weakest first.." Jack said.

"Nooo!" laughed the Host. "Admittedly, the human woman was not as physically strong, but her mental powers! She was such a warrior, and she would have gladly accepted this challenge..." he indicated the bed. Jack raised his brow and looked at Daniel, who shrugged.

"What about the Jaffa?" Jack said.

"He too, would have accepted the challenge.... Had he not been a self-healer I might have really been in danger of losing my prize!" he indicated to Daniel.

"Pardon?" Jack blinked quickly as he looked at Daniel, who again shrugged. "Daniel, is there something you're not telling me here about the rest of my team?"

Daniel smiled despite himself then shrugged. "Not that I'm aware of Jack," he shook his head.

"So you're telling me that you took Carter first but sent her home when she hurt herself, and only because she hurt herself? Not because she would have succeeded at this stupid game.?"

"That is correct.."

"And Teal'c was banished because he..."

"He is a self-healer. A cheat, if you will!"

Jack raised his brow and nodded.

"And so you figure you're home free now, because even though *I* made it through the test unlike the others, I still have this one challenge left..?"

The host smiled. "According to the memories of you contained in DanielJackson's mind, yes, I am.. home free! Although," he looked over at Daniel who sighed as his cheeks flushed red again, "I would have loved to see this for myself.. wouldn't you..... DanielJackson?"

Jack frowned as he turned back to Daniel. His younger friend shook his head, his lips moved to say something but he just swiveled away from the others as he headed to the corner of the room, tossing his hand at the Host as he went.

Jack looked back at the host, his brow furrowed and his eyes squinting.

"What in the hell is that meant to mean?"

The Host giggled hysterically.

"Tell me!" Jack grabbed him by the throat.

"Jack!" Daniel called from across the room. "Put him down..."

The Host's eyes flashed as he looked over at Daniel who was heading back towards them now. His pace was quick and he had a determined look set on his face, his jaw was clenched, his lips tight and the crease between his brow was furrowed deeply.

"My love.." he held his arms out to Daniel. Biting his top lip Daniel stopped just short of the eager arms.

"Go home!" Daniel said, looking at Host but talking to Jack. The Host licked his lips in anticipation as he stared into Daniel's eyes.

Jack look between the Host and Daniel then shook his head.   "No way!"

"Jack.." Daniel's eyes flicked down but the still didn't look at Jack.

"My Prize.. My Claim... I Claim..."

"I wouldn't be doing no victory dance just yet," Jack cut off the Host.

"What...?"

Jack gripped Daniel by his shoulders tightly, swinging him around to look at him. Daniel frowned a little then he heard Jack whisper, "I'm sorry, Danny," as he closed his mouth over his young friend's.

The host's jaw dropped.

Daniel didn't know where to put his hands as he felt Jack, who had him securely by the shoulders, kiss him forcefully. Too scared to do anything, Daniel let his arms fall to his sides. Finally Jack pushed them apart and swung around to look at the Host, unaware of Daniel swaying behind him. Jack steadied his balance as he kept his sore foot off the ground.

The Host laughed then clapped. "Very good!"

"So? can we go?" Daniel asked weakly.

"No!" the host sighed as he sat on the bed. "I intend to find out if your Colonel here can really claim you as his own.."

Daniel felt his stomach lurch. "Oh god," he sighed, crumpling to the floor. Jack turned around then reached down and stood him up again. Grabbing his hand, he tried to head over to the bed but Daniel saw he was in pain, so slipped his arm around his waist to help him walk.

"Thanks Danny.." he smiled. Daniel rolled his eyes.

"The least I can do, considering.." he coughed softly.

The two men sat on the bed now and the Host got up.

"You're going to watch us?" Jack frowned.

"How else will I know you are doing it?" the host laughed.

Daniel licked his lips nervously. "You've seen into every other room we've been in, surely you don't need to be in here.."

The Host nodded. "Alright. I will watch from another room..." he turned and left. Jack sat on the bed and Daniel sat next to him, looking very pale.

"Danny.." he said gently but Daniel screwed his eyes shut.

"Jack I'm so sorry I dragged you into this..."

"Why don't you just start from the beginning..? What happened after Teal'c and I were sent back home?"

Daniel looked at him, then swallowed.  "Sam and I fumbled our way through that first test, and she claimed me.. then we went into the room," he swallowed again even though his mouth was dry. "And .. she fell.. she just disappeared into all these snakes.." Daniel's voice quivered with emotion as his eyes filled with tears. "I couldn't do anything, I was tied to the totem!" his voice rose with frustration. Jack patted his back softly. ".. but I told the Host that if she was hurt, I'd kill myself... the minute I could. So they sent her home. I still don't know why she wasn't bitten by any of those snakes..."

Jack sighed softly. "It's okay Danny," he rubbed his distraught friend's back gently.

Daniel swallowed and wiped his cheeks dry with the cuff of his sleeve then sighed shakily.

"After that I guess they summoned for Teal'c....." he held his hand out to Jack, indicating that he'd know more as he was back on earth.

"Well, yeah, they did. A large man in a gold robe came through the gate, pounded this huge staff on the ground and summoned the 'Jaffa to appear and stake a Claim'.."

Daniel nodded. "Well by the time he got here, I was back in the banquet hall, and the whole... *thing*.. started over again..."

"From the beginning?" Jack asked. Daniel nodded.

"He realised what it was. It's an old Hopoft Claiming Ritual," Daniel sighed, watching as he wrung his hands together in his lap.

"Hopoft?"

"Some race that the Gou'alds conquered and destroyed a millennia ago. Seems a few got through though," he sighed.

"Then what?" Jack's voice was soft but forceful. He needed to know.

"Apparently the Hopoft's Claim people and things all over the Galaxy, sort of like 'collectors', so when we came through the gate.. he decided to claim me.." Daniel shrugged.

Jack nodded his head. "We didn't know what the hell happened. One minute we were with you here the next we were in the gate room. It wasn't until that guy came through and summoned Sam to make a Claim that we got our first clue.... We all figured it had something to do with you, seeing as you were the only one not with us..."

"Well, apparently they are honorable to that extent. If someone can claim a chosen prize, they can't take it, or at least that's what Teal'c told me!"

"You don't believe him?"

Daniel looked at Jack. "I don't trust the Host. He changes the rules.. even if it was within our powers to .. pass... this test, who's to say he wont just make a new one?"

Jack sighed. That was a good point.

"Teal'c suggested that some type of test would occur, to test out whether or not he could really *claim* me.." he said.

"Claim .. meaning.. that he owns you, so you couldn't be taken?"

Daniel shrugged. "Sort of. At first we just thought that by declaring it.. that was enough, but..." he patted the bed, "I guess you can see what claiming really involves.. "

Jack looked at the bed, then at Daniel, who avoided his eyes. "And so.. he agreed. I mean, he knew what might need to happen in order to claim you?"

Daniel nodded. "He told me that as a Jaffa he had had to do many things that went against his .. errr.. natural feelings.. and that he had been trained in mind control. He told me that once we got back home, he'd teach a few to me, so that I could get over this... more.. err.. easily.."

"What about Sam? She was prepared for all this? Or didn't she know about it?" Jack patted the bed. Daniel looked down at the elaborate gold bedspread then shrugged.

"Well, she was the first one to pick up on the.. err.. sexual nature of the tests.. Ummm, she said that it might come to this.. though at that point.. we really had no idea what to expect.. But she said that if it was the only way of getting me home safely .. she was willing to go through with it. But that we'd need to discuss it once we got back. As friends, we'd probably be able to put it behind us, get on with things like it never happened...."

Jack nodded then shrugged. "Do you really think that you can put something like this behind you?"

"To be honest, I'd just about do anything to stop this damn game.."

"Anything?" Jack frowned.

Daniel looked at his friend then shrugged. "Well, just about..."

Jack sighed as he rubbed his hand over his mouth. Daniel looked at him now, seeing the concern in his soft brown eyes.

"I'm sorry Jack. I know this is asking a lot... and .. I'd really understand if you said no.."

"And the consequences of that would be that he claims you!" Jack indicated to the ceiling with his hand.

Daniel shrugged. "What choice do I have? What choice do *we* have? I knew the risks when I joined the team, Jack."

"Danny, stop talking like that.."

"It's true!"

"Well it's not an issue at the moment," Jack snapped.

"Oh, yes it is! I will not wait forever!" came the insidious voice of the host. Jack and Daniel both lifted their eyes to the ceiling then looked at each other without tilting their heads down.

"God, why did Sam have to hurt herself..?" Daniel muttered as he rubbed at his stomach.

"I know you'd prefer Sam..." Jack muttered. Daniel blinked.

"Well, you have to agree, it's more of a .. um... you know," he turned his hands over and over themselves then shrugged, "isn't it?"

Jack looked at him squarely.

"I will be forced to come and stake my claim if you do not get a move on..." the voice filled the room.

Daniel looked at the bed then at Jack.  "Oh God!" he shook his head.

"It's okay," Jack said softly as he got to his feet.

Daniel felt his stomach flip when Jack touched him, then shied away quickly.

"I.. I .. just.." Daniel paced frantically infront of Jack now, his hands turning over and over themselves as he spoke. "Jack, this has really .. umm, thrown me, to say the least and I'm.. um... "

Jack stopped his friend from pacing by grabbing his shoulders and steadying him. Steadying them both really, as he kept his foot off the floor.

"Listen, you have two choices here," he pointed out blatantly. "Me - this once - or a lifetime of him.."

Daniel looked up into his dark eyes. Jack was a trusted and well loved friend. Daniel knew he'd be gentle, that wasn't his problem. It's not like he wasn't thinking about this. ever since Teal'c was taken, Daniel knew that Jack was next.... And that was his problem.

His problem was facing him again, and the others, once they got back. How would Sam and Teal'c cope knowing what they did here today? What would they tell Hammond? Not for Daniel's sake, but Jack's? How would this look on a Report? How would he ever thank Jack for this sacrifice?

"Oh god!" he shook his head.

"If it helps, close your eyes and pretend I'm Sam.." Jack suggested.

Daniel looked at him, his head shaking ever-so-slightly as he stared into Jack's gentle brown eyes then he rolled his eyes. "Sam doesn't have a shadow," he checked out Jack's slight beard. The older man laughed gently as he scratched at his stubbled cheek.

"Sorry. Way the wrong time to start trying to grow a beard, I know. Not a lot I can do about that here.." he shrugged. Daniel nodded then his eyes locked onto Jack's again. They were soft and caring, a small smile crinkled the edges of them as Jack looked at his friend.

"How will I ever thank you?" he whispered.

Jack shrugged. "We'll think of something... later.."

Jack was concerned for his friend. What sort of a predicament had he gotten them into? It wasn't his fault, but he knew Daniel.  He'd still blame himself, no matter how much Jack asked him not to.

Jack really worried abut the effect all this was going to have on their friendship. As a friend he always thought he'd do just about anything for Daniel - now he was being put to the test.

"You gonna be okay with this..?" Jack frowned and waited for Daniel to nod.

Slowly he pulled the young archaeologist towards him, his lips pressing gently against his. Daniel felt the tears sting at the backs of his eyes now as Jack pulled him closer. They heard the sound of the host's laughter filter through the walls and Daniel felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He shuddered and Jack pulled back.

"What?" he frowned.

"I don't.... I'm not sure I can go through with this.." he put his hand to his stomach as he paced again. Jack sighed and ran one hand through his short blond hair as he watched his distraught friend.

"Danny," he called softly to him. "Danny, stop!" he grabbed him once more.

Daniel looked up at Jack with teary eyes.

"Listen, if you don't want to do this.. then that's just fine, but *I* can't get you home any other way.."

"This is too much, Jack," he shook his head as a tear trickled off his bottom lash. "I'm only thinking of you here..."

Jack thumbed his tears away gently as he smiled at him.

"It's going to be okay.." then as if knowing what Daniel was thinking, he added, "we're going to be okay.."

Daniel sighed softly then nodded. Their lips found each other again and Daniel tried to exhale, to relax his tense body. He felt Jack pull him closer then he startled as Jack's tongue entered his mouth as he started to slide his shirt off his shoulder.

Pushing him back, Daniel stumbled a little then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.

"Who were you thinking of?" he asked, trying to lighten the moment again. Jack licked his lips then gave a little shrug.

"Shouldn't ask a man about his fantasies, Daniel," he grinned. Daniel nodded.

"Janet.. wasn't it?" he smiled. Jack blinked then lowered his face. Daniel smiled.

"Anyhow. We have a choice," Jack coughed slightly now. Daniel frowned.

"Partially clothed or.. fully...nak......?" Jack stopped himself.

Daniel stomach lurched. He never, ever, imagined actually hearing that from Jack. Ever!

"Ummm, I'm not.. sure.." Daniel stumbled out the words, his blue eyes darted around the room before falling onto Jack again. "What do you think?"

Jack shrugged. "Whatever's easiest for you," he said. "Let's just do it and get the hell out of here.. huh?"

Daniel scratched his cheek then sighed. "Partially..."

"Partially...?" Jack asked.  Did he sound a little disappointed?

"What do you think?" Daniel asked then.

Jack shrugged as he stood and unzipped his pants. There was another cackle of laughter from the Host. Daniel's stomach flipped.

"Oh.. god.." he shook his head and walked away. Jack clenched his jaw.

This was going to be hard enough without Daniel constantly rejecting him at every move.

"Ahhh, three strikes and you're out!" the voice cackled and the door opened.

"No!" Jack said as the guards came for Daniel.

"Jack.." he called to him over his shoulder as they started pulling him from the room.

"Danny!" Jack hopped across and thumped on the heavy doors as they shut behind the guards, blocking his way to Daniel.

Turning his back to the doors, Jack slowly slipped down to the floor, then he covered his face with his hands. A door at the other end of the room opened up now, and Jack could see the Stargate easily through it. They had been so close to home, yet so far away.

Feeling the anger boil within him now, Jack stood and thumped on the doors. His ankle throbbed with pain but he ignored it as he thumped louder.

"Give me one more chance!" he yelled.

"Too late. I am preparing to stake my claim now!" the voice boomed back.

"No! Please!" Jack yelled.

.o0o.
Daniel was sitting on the edge of the bed listening to the argument between Jack and the Host. He had his head bowed and his face covered. The Host sat next to him, gently caressing his back.

"You had your chances.. I think your friend would rather I claim him,..." the Host teased Jack in a loud voice.

Daniel glared at him. "You have got to be kidding," he muttered bitterly.

The Host looked at him. "Well, you had your chance, my love.. He was willing, did you notice that?"

Daniel shook his head. "You are a sick, sick person!"

The Host laughed. "I'm not a person, I'm a Hopoft.."

"Well, I'm a person. Jack's a person. How dare you make us go through this!"

"What? Oh, DanielJackson. Admit it. You wanted Jack to pass this test with you.."

".. so I can go home,.. yes!" He knew denying it was futile though. The Host could read his mind!

The host jumped up and thrusted his face into Daniel's. "Oh? Really?" he said then slowly licked his tongue up Daniel's face. Without thinking Daniel had punched him.

"Don't you ever!" he trembled with anger now. The Host held his hands out to the approaching guards ready to restrain the angry archaeologist again.

"Nooo, don't. I like him fiery!" he laughed, then thrusted his face at Daniel again. "I can't wait to see that passion in all its glory!" he indicated to his guards to hold him now while he pushed his top up, licking his way up Daniel's chest, biting his nipples lightly.

"God.. no.." Daniel cried softly to himself as the realisation of what was about to happen to him really hit him.

Suddenly he felt his hair yanked back, as one guard ran a sharp knife up his top, cutting the t-shirt and shirt off him. then they were dropped to the floor. The Host stepped forward now, his hand slipping around Daniel's waist as he devoured him with his eyes appreciatively.

Slipping his hands down onto the archaeologist's bottom now, he pulled him forward thrusting their groins together.

Daniel tried to calm his trembles from the terror he felt rise through his body as he prepared himself for the rape.

The Host's breath was hot against his cheek.

"By the time I'm finished with you.. you're going to wish Jack had passed this test... for more reasons than one !  Come.. let me fulfill your fantasies.." he indicated the bed. When he didn't move, the guard tightened his grip on Daniel's long hair as he pushed him towards the bed.

The young man clenched his teeth, trying to control his fear and emotions as he felt the Host run his hand over his bare chest now, moaning appreciatively at his Claim.

*
Jack had been arguing the whole time, getting no response. His heart raced as he could only imagine what was happening to his friend right now.

His clenched his fist and thumped the door again. "Danny!"

*
The Host indicated for the guard to release Daniel now, and then he grabbed a handful of his hair instead. Daniel grimace as the pain shot through his tender scalp. Suddenly the Host used his grip to toss him onto the bed.

"Jack!" Daniel called out then let out a muffled cry as he slammed against the elaborate bed head.

*
"Daniel!" Jack was glad to hear his voice at last.

*
"I'm about to Claim my prize..." the Host slipped onto the bed with Daniel. "You may listen..."

*
"Noooo !" Jack screamed out. "Don't! Oh God! Don't hurt him..."

*
"Jack!!" Daniel edged back against the bed head, his eyes staring at the encroaching Host.

*
"Daniel!!!!!" Jack screamed for him.

*
There was a deep rumble of a laugh from the Host as he crawled up the bed towards the shivering Daniel, his mouth salivating at the sight of his new prize.

*
"I love him! Oh, God! Don't hurt him! Danny! You hear me! I love you! I want to Claim you!""

*
The eyes of the host flashed angrily at the stunned Daniel as Jack's words filtered into the room.

"Is this true?" he demanded to know. "I never read this in your mind!"

*
"Danny! You hear me! I LOVE YOU!"

*
Daniel was at first shocked by the confession then he figured that he really needed to play along with Jack's new plan and nodded numbly.

"We... errr..."

"Why could he not claim you then?" the host got up, furling his robe angrily at the speechless Daniel, then he tilted his head as he read his mind. "Oh.. you did not know this!"

Daniel shook his head, dropping his chin to his chest.

"You humans are a feeble lot. Once in love, I cannot claim you.." he sighed angrily, dismissing Daniel with a wave of his hand.

Daniel raised his brow. "Errr. Pardon?"

"If this is true, I cannot claim you.." he sighed as he flopped onto a nearby chair. Daniel stood up.

"I can go?" he frowned.

The Host waved his hand and guards came and dragged Daniel to the room with Jack again.

*
"Oh, thank God!" Jack sighed as he saw him returned. He looked at his partially dressed friend and wondered how far things had gone with the Host. He only hoped he'd been in time for Daniel.

"Good thinking to say you loved me, Jack," Daniel ran towards the other door, and the freedom they offered but they closed before he reached it.

"No!" Jack slumped onto the bed again.

"I wish to see this 'love'.." the voice boomed through the room.

"Oh, Jesus! Not again!" Daniel sighed then he looked up as he called to the Host, "you said you cannot claim me.."

"I know. If you're in love, I cannot claim you. But human's are a deceitful race. Daniel does not believe you Jack. I wish to see the claim.."

Daniel looked at Jack who shrugged.

"I'm sorry," Daniel licked his lips quickly.

Jack nodded towards the bed and Daniel headed back to him. Both knew that the inevitable time had come. No more hesitations were necessary. A quick strike and then they could go home, Jack told himself.

Then they'd deal with it.

Jack avoided looking at the partially naked Daniel as he started to undress himself however, his eyes kept drifting back to that well formed chest, tanned and tight, and onto the strong muscular arms as they reached down and undid his belt, letting it fall open as he unzipped his pants.

Jack licked his lips quickly, thinking of what they were about to do together.

Kicking his boots off, Daniel noticed Jack looking at him from the corner of his eyes and stopped. Jack noticed this and looked up at him.

"What?" Daniel frowned, catching Jack with his mouth open. The Colonel shook himself then shrugged.

"Sorry, " he coughed then looked away. Daniel frowned.

"Jack?" he stepped over to him now. "Up till now we've been concerned if I was going to be alright? What about you? This kind of thing goes against everything you hold dear in life."

Jack shrugged. "Don't worry about me.." he sighed.

"But I do," Daniel touched his shoulder and Jack looked at him.

Crinkling the corners of his eyes a little he shook his head. "Don't be .."

Daniel pursed his lips at the Colonel and Jack dropped his head and sighed heavily.

"It's okay. I've had to go out on a limb before for my men.."

Daniel looked at him, an ironic smile teased the corners of his mouth, "somehow I doubt you've been on this limb before.."

"No.. but I've wanted to..." Jack said quietly. Daniel turned to look at him, a frown on his face.

"What?"

"Daniel, there's something I think you *really* should know about me.." Jack said quietly then looked at the bed quickly, "especially now.. "

"That being..?"

"I'm gay," Jack shrugged.

Daniel's jaw dropped at Jack's confession.

"You're.. you're..?" he stumbled. "Jesus! I had no idea...!"

"Just as well, it seems," Jack pointed to the direction that the Host left in. "Otherwise he might have bumped me off earlier in the game, like he did with the others that he thought would be successful in this part of the test.." he patted the bed.

Daniel rubbed his cheek with the palm of his hands as he stared at Jack.

Feeling more self conscious than he had ever in his life Jack sighed. "Look, Um, I didn't want to say anything.. in case you felt.. well, you know.."

"I think it makes this easier," Daniel nodded.

Jack sat next to him on the bed.

"It does?" he frowned. "You know I'm not going to make any kind of claim on you afterwards, okay?"

Daniel rolled his eyes at Jack's choice of words.

"Jack, umm, I'm not.. I'm not.." Daniel shook his head unable to say what he wanted to.

Jack nodded, then gave a slight laugh. "That's okay Danny," then he leant closer, "you're not really my type anyway.."

Daniel frowned as Jack leant back. "What is your type?" he asked. Jack raised his brow and Daniel quickly dismissed his question with a wave of his hand.

"Sorry," he blushed.

"It's okay," he looked around the room. Daniel screwed his eyes shut tightly as he swallowed his nervousness.

"You okay Danny?" he frowned Daniel nodded silently. Jack patted the bed then Daniel sat down next to him.

"I've never done this before..." Daniel confessed quietly.

Jack closed his eyes then sighed. "So I've gathered. I'm sorry, but it's gonna hurt like hell.."

Daniel swallowed and nodded nervously.

Jack brushed his fingers over his friend's cheek. "I'll try to be as gentle as I can, okay?"

Daniel felt his heart flutter and nodded silently again.

"I'm sorry it can't be the other way around.. but I need to claim you..." Jack explained.

"Yeah, I gathered that much," Daniel sighed.

"In a few moments, I will seize my claim again," the voice boomed.

"Hang on a minute!" the two men said at the same time.

Jack stared at Daniel's face then he slowly closed in for a kiss. Daniel's eyes fluttered shut as he felt Jack's hands on his shoulder now, gently caressing his skin. He whimpered softly into his mouth and felt his friend reassure him with a firm squeeze of the shoulder then he felt Jack lower them both onto the bed.

He felt Jack's leg slip between his thighs now as the older man laid on top of him. He whimpered again.
Jack fought every fiber of his being to restrain himself, especially as Daniel whimpered.

Despite telling him that he wasn't his type, Daniel Jackson was exactly his type!    Jack had been having fantasies about Daniel for months now, but knew his chances were zero with the gorgeous blue eyed
anthropologist. Especially as it seemed he and Sam had something going together. But it didn't stop him from fantasizing!

Forgetting himself, Jack suddenly slipped his tongue into his friend's mouth, surprised a little by the fact that Daniel's tongue moved within the kiss now. Instinctively, Jack responded with his own whimper now as he began to squirm on top of him as he got lost within his fantasies.

Daniel felt Jack's whiskers burn his chin and top lip and he found it incredibly arousing. Jack's tongue plummeted into his mouth, deeper and more frantic as the kiss progressed. Daniel started to feel himself respond, his hands trailed up Jack's back and into his hair.

Jack thrusted against Daniel's hip and he felt the thick erection through the layers of clothing. Again, it aroused him.

Jack's hand slipped down his body, over his chest and down his stomach and then stopped, hovering without touching, over his groin.

Daniel sensed where he was and lifted his hips off the bed, forcing himself against Jack's hand then he rocked his hips, rubbing himself against his hand until Jack took a firm hold of the awakening groin and Daniel dropped back onto the bed again with Jack fondling him gently.

Suddenly Jack pulled back and looked at the lust drunk eyes of the man beneath him. Daniel smiled, a breath-takingly gorgeous grin.

"I thought you said..."

"I said I'd never done it before Jack," he licked his lips quickly, "I didn't say I never considered it.."

Jack looked him up and down. "With me?" he frowned.

Daniel nodded, a little ashamed to be admitting it, considering he knew he wasn't Jack's type now.

"Oh god," Jack shook his head and started to sit up. Daniel kept him down.

"I know. It's okay. You can think of whoever you want...." Daniel sighed softly. Jack looked at him.

"For crying out loud Danny," he shook his head. "You!! You are who I want.."

"Me? You said I wasn't your type.."

"Well, you said you'd never done this.. I didn't want you knowing I was carrying something for you.." he sighed sheepishly.

Daniel chuckled lightly now.

"Oh Christ..." Jack sighed as he touched Daniel's slightly flushed cheeks. The younger man smiled, causing Jack's heart to flutter.

"I always fantasized that our first time would be a little different though.." Daniel eyes darted around the room.

"First time?" Jack asked in a soft, deep voice.

Daniel smiled. "Never ask a man about his fantasies, Jack.."

A slow grin filled the Colonel's face. He looked down the body pinned below him, his hand hovered just off the soft tanned skin, too afraid to touch.

"Did he hurt you?" he asked, unable to look at Daniel now.

"No," Daniel sighed softly. "You saved me just in time.. must've really frustrated him.." he smiled now. Jack looked into the incredible blue eyes and smiled.

"Why did you resist so much?"

"I didn't want you to know how much I wanted this.. I was embarrassed... there's a part of me that still wonders if the final test would be different for Teal'c and Sam..." he swallowed.

Jack frowned. "Why?"

"He read my mind.. remember..?"

Jack nodded.

"And I started to believe that it was my own fantasies about ... us.. that made this final test.. what it is.... And part of me was worried that after a bit of thought on your behalf.. you might have come to that conclusion as well. I couldn't .." he swallowed nervously, "I was scared you'd think ..."

"That you caused this?"

Daniel nodded. Jack caught his breath then searched the face below him.

"This is your fantasy?"

"No!" Daniel said quickly. "Well, not the guy watching from another room bit.. anyway.."

Jack laughed. "Good. I was starting to wonder..."

Daniel gave a deep, back of the throat chuckle which made Jack catch his breath and hold it a second, before exhaling slowly.

"This.. umm.. bed.. however.." Daniel bit his bottom lip.

"This bed?" he frowned. Daniel screwed his eyes shut as he groaned a little.

Jack smiled. "Nice bed.. "

Daniel laughed lightly then opened his eyes to stare up at Jack again.

"Do hurry up!" came the booming voice.

Daniel's jaw clamped as he continued to stare at Jack.

"We'll get through this Danny, then you and I need to talk.." he raised his brow. Daniel nodded, suddenly a little unsure again.   "Back at my place.." Jack added with a smile. Daniel's eyes grew wide then he smiled.

"Gladly," he said and sighed languidly as Jack closed in for a kiss.

Jack's hand touched his soon-to-be lover's stomach lightly, filling Daniel with a flurry of tingles.

"Oh.. god.." he moaned softly into Jack's mouth. Jack pressed his tongue in further and Daniel opened his mouth wider, allowing him in, as deeply and as fully as he could.

Daniel felt Jack harden against his hip again and a hot flood seeped throughout his body.

Throwing his head back a little, arching his throat towards the ceiling, Daniel sighed as Jack's lips moved down his throat and then up to his ear,. Jack nibbled it gently, his tongue exploring the small grooves.

Daniel gasped loudly, his who body tingled, his breathing very erratic now.

"Oh, god.. Jack.." he cried out softly.

"Danny, shhh," Jack whispered softly into his ear and Daniel could hear the smile in his voice.

"Oh.. I'm.. sorry..." he panted trying to control his urges.

"You always scream out?" Jack asked, his tongue tracing the ear.

"Noooo," Daniel admittedly bashfully, squeezing his eyes shut tight against the incredible barrage of sensations filling him now.

How could he tell Jack that he'd never felt anything like this before in his life? Part of Daniel Jackson wondered if he'd survive the actual act with Jack, considering what this foreplay was doing to him already.

Jack's laugh was deep in Daniel's ear. "Somehow I always imagined you did..."

Daniel gulped his breath now as he felt Jack slowly unzip his pants.. His stomach sucked in as Jack's hand tickled across its surface then up to his chest.

"Relax," Jack whispered then kissed Daniel's cheek softly. "I'll be gentle.. " he kissed his throat.. "Oh.. so gentle.. baby.." he kissed down his chest.

"Jack!" Daniel sat up as the man's mouth brushed the top of his pants aside and he planted a kiss at the top of Daniel's black briefs.

Jack looked up at him, both men's chest heaved now as they consumed each other in their stare. Suddenly Daniel flicked his eyes up and Jack knew that the Host was distracting him. He hadn't even heard the laughter he was so busy concentrating on his own fantasies of what he wanted to do to this body, and the only other voice he could hear was Daniel's - soft and breathy, just as Jack liked to hear him.

Crawling up his body again he laid him back gently.

"It's okay.. remember.. it's just you and me here, Danny.." he assured his nervous friend.

Daniel gulped.

Jack sat back, his thumb brushed Daniel's cheek gently as a soft smile filled his face. "I didn't lie earlier... . I love you Danny and I'm not going to hurt you.. I promise.." he closed in for a deep, passionate, all consuming kiss.

*I love you too Jack,* Daniel thought, wanting to say it aloud but Jack's forceful tongue prevented any speech.

Suddenly they heard a frustrated cry and parted. Looking around the room they saw the door at the end of the room was now open, revealing the Stargate to them.

Jack frowned and looked back at Daniel, who was sitting up, looking at the small patch of red skin on his body where the small grey box use to be.

Jack touched his skin gently.

"What happened...?" he frowned.

Daniel looked around the room then back at Jack, his head tilted slightly. Slowly he smiled.

"I love you Jack.." he said.

Jack frowned then they heard another frustrated scream from the Host.

Both men hurried to their feet, Jack grabbing up his shirt and t-shirt before they headed from the room together, Daniel assisting the limping Colonel.

As they stood at the activated gate now, Jack looked over at Daniel. He smiled and handed his partially naked friend his black t-shirt. Daniel gratefully pulled it on as Jack slipped his shirt back on again.

"Did you mean that?" Jack asked, tucking his top in, leaving Daniel to work out what he was asking him about.

Daniel blinked quickly then stepped up to Jack. He ran his hand up to his face, cupping it gently then he pulled him closer for a kiss.

Jack sighed as he felt Daniel's tongue joust gently with his own. Stepping back, Daniel sniffed lightly then shrugged.

"What do you think?"

Jack tilted his head.

Suddenly they turned when they heard, "O'Neill, Daniel Jackson.."

Teal'c ran up to them and looked at his two friend's with a slight raise of his brow. Jack and Daniel looked at each other then smiled.

"Good to have you back, Teal'c" Daniel patted his arm. Teal'c looked at the hand on his dark skin then at Daniel again.

"I thank you. Both of you," he looked at Jack, who gave him a slight nod.

"So, you've .. umm ... seen the results of this mission," Daniel said, referring to Teal'c discovering them kissing. The Jaffa tilted his head slightly.

"What about Sam?" Jack asked.

"Oh," Daniel sighed. "She's known how I've felt about you for a while now.. Jack," Daniel confessed sheepishly. Jack raised his brow and quickly looked at Teal'c.

"She has?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry, but she's gonna have a few awkward questions, I don't know how we're gonna get around it.."

Jack shrugged.

"I mean.. if she didn't know how I felt.. .. then we could just say anything.. but she's all wound up over me getting hurt by all this.. you know.. unrequited love thing... and she was really worried how I'd react  after   if you did agree and then we had to go back to being just friends.  She was worried how I'd be.."

Jack nodded then looked over at Teal'c.

"I, too, held the same concerns for you, O'Neill, once I realised you would be next."

Jack gave his friend a quick smile. Daniel frowned.

"Teal'c knows.. how.. how you feel.. about me?" Daniel stammered, surprised that the Colonel would have divulged something so personal to him.

"What? A Colonel's not allowed to share his feelings with someone?" Jack asked.

"Sure, I just didn't think.." Daniel shrugged, indicating to Teal'c with a raise of his hand. The Jaffa raised his brow.  "Oh, nothing against you, Teal'c.." Daniel frowned then decided to stop talking altogether.

"Now as far as Hammond's concerned.. what happened here today?" Jack asked.

"We did a series of tests.." Daniel started.

"Each designed to test the .. strength .. of the participants." Teal'c added. Both men looked at him then at each other then back at him then smiled.

"Culminating in this huge Indiana Jones kind of ending?" Jack laughed, "where I came in and saved the day..."

Daniel shook his head as he laughed. "Hmmm.. some how you're not quite Harry Ford though, Jack.."

Jack raised his brow. "Oh?" he teased his new companion. "Harry Ford? Daniel?"

Daniel laughed. "We'll discuss this.. later.." he nodded, crinkling his nose up.

"Works for me.." Jack laughed lightly, swaying a little as he lost balance.

"You are hurt," Teal'c caught him, straightening him again.

"Just a sprain," Jack shrugged.

"How about you Daniel Jackson? Are you harmed in any way?" Teal'c asked.

Licking his lips quickly Daniel scratched his cheek. "I'm fine thanks Teal'c, only.." he stopped then blinked quickly. "could you call me Daniel from now on? I really don't like DanielJackson..."

Jack raised his brow as he watched Teal'c give a slight nod, then the Jaffa stepped through the gate.

"Strange.. I happen to like DanielJackson..." Jack leant towards Daniel, swaying a little to keep his foot off the ground.

"Come here," Daniel laughed lightly as he slipped his hand around the Colonel's waist, helping him through the gate.

.o0o.

Hammond was waiting with Teal'c in the Gate Room as the two men emerged through the gateway. Teal'c had already called for a med team and they rushed into the room at the same time as Daniel and Jack sat on the ramp. Hammond stepped up onto the ramp, concerned for his team.

"Everyone alright?" he asked.

Jack nodded as he was helped onto a stretcher. "Just a little test of .. strength, General," he said. Hammond looked over his shoulder at Daniel, who was looking down at Jack.

"You alright son?" he asked. Daniel nodded then gave the General a quick smile.

"I'd like to make a request that we don't visit that planet again, Sir.."

"The Hopoft's are not a friendly bunch," Jack shrugged. Hammond looked between the men then gave a nod.

"We'll debrief tomorrow. 0700 hours," he said. "Meantime, you both head to the infirmary. Jack, see to that ankle, I need to know when you can be ready for Active Duty. Sam's off the team, can't have two members out."

"Sure, General.." Jack nodded.

Hammond turned to Daniel. "You get the Doctor to give you something for that rash on your face. Make sure you haven't caught anything exotic over there!" he said before heading out the room.

Daniel frowned. Rash? He looked at Jack who grinned and just scratched his stubble before being taken away. Daniel's jaw dropped a little as he followed the stretcher to the infirmary, walking alongside Teal'c.

.o0o.
Sam sat up in bed, a huge smile filled her face as Daniel entered the room.

"Daniel" she hugged him as tightly as she could.

"It's good to see you again, Sam," he buried his face against her shoulder.

"What happened? Or shouldn't I ask?" she whispered as she sat back.

Daniel raised his brow and sat on the edge of the bed. He knew she'd be bursting with curiosity to know.

"Did you...?"

He shook his head. "Umm, no!"

Her eyes widened. "How?"

Daniel licked his lips. "He actually managed to convince the Host that he loved me.. "

"Oh?"

"And.. they can't claim someone in love..." he shrugged.

"Oh, and of course,.. because they could read your mind.. they already knew how you felt about him, so .. what? When he pretended to love you ..they just believed you two?"

Daniel smiled then nodded. "Something like that.."

"So how did Jack react when he realised what the ultimate Claim was going to be?" she wondered, almost like a schoolgirl waiting to hear some juicy piece of gossip. Daniel laughed and looked up, his hand nervously rubbed his thigh.

"Daniel?" her eyes narrowed. He looked up, unable to hide his glow from her.

Her face was filled with a confused smile. "Daniel?" she said again. He laughed lightly, his Adam's apple bobbing, then he looked at her.

"We're.. um.. discussing it .. tonight.. back at .. his... place..."

Her eyes widened then she slowly brought her hand to her mouth. "Oh my God!"

Daniel exploded with a laugh now, his eyes twinkling.

"Jack!" she screwed her nose up and Daniel tilted his head.

"What? This is good news.. remember!" he said. She nodded.

"Oh.. I know!" she laughed then shook her head. "Jack??"

"What about Jack?" Jack came into the room on a pair of crutches now.

He stood alongside of Daniel, who stood as he entered the room. Sam looked between the two men. Jack blinked then tilted his head to look at Daniel then back at her.

"Nothing happened on that world, Captain.." he said cautiously. Daniel realised that Jack wasn't about to share with her, so respected that. They were going to have to pretend she didn't know about tonight then.

She nodded, but the look between her and Daniel told Jack that she knew more.

"She knows?"

"Jack.. she knew what the test was.. I was just telling her that nothing happened.. and that you managed to .. umm. convince them that you were in love with me.. and that the Host couldn't Claim me once he knew I was in love... and..." he fumbled through the quick explanation then held his hand out to Sam, "but nothing happened...I assure you!  Nothing happened between us..."

Jack looked back at Sam then he gave a nonchalant shrug. "Yet."

He let that sink in with the both of them, then he gave Sam a quick grin as she stared at him with wide blue eyes.

"Oh god!" she laughed and shook her head. Daniel looked at Jack.

"Oh great!" he sighed. After going through all that, Jack was happy for her to know anyway! "Anyone else you care to share the news with?" Daniel whispered, his cheeks puffing a little as he smiled.

Jack looked at him then shrugged. "Help me to the rooftop..?"

Daniel rolled his eyes and Sam chuckled loudly.

"Your turn to see the Doc," Jack thumbed over his shoulder. "Make sure you get that exotic rash seen too!"

Daniel gave Jack a vacuous stare then flashed a big grin at Sam then left the room.

Sam looked up at Jack.

"So," he gave a small laugh.

"So," Sam sighed. "I guess there's no chance of you coming to my rescue on a mission like that then."

Jack squared his shoulders. "I'll always do what's needed to get a man out, Captain, you know that!"

Sam nodded, suddenly realising she might have over stepped her boundaries. "Sure, Colonel.."

Jack turned to the door then looked back at her. "Or in.. as the case may be.."

Sam swallowed her chuckle as he sat on the edge of her bed and looked her squarely in the eye.

"This is not going to affect the team? Okay. You're still my right hand, do you understand that?"

She nodded. It was nice to hear it though.

"I'll still be expecting everyone, including Danny, to pull their weight.."

She licked her lips quickly and nodded.

"But I don't guarantee that his impulsiveness on missions and his incredible knack for getting himself into trouble isn't going to terrify me at every turn.... And I'll probably be a little more highly strung on some missions... so I'm apologizing in advance to you! "

She nodded.

Jack sighed and rubbed his face as he whispered, "God, why do I love him so much..?"

She lifted her blue eyes to him, a large smile dimpled her cheeks.

Jack shook his head. "He's gonna send me grey quickly, huh?"

She nodded. "He will," she laughed.

Jack sighed then grinned. "It'll be worth it.."

"I'm sure it will be, Sir," she nodded, then she added, "I'm really pleased for you Jack.."

"Just between us...!" he lifted his brow as he got up again, assuring her that only the team was to know abut the relationship.  She nodded.

"Good. We have a debrief at 0700. I doubt you'll be there though," he pointed to her bound ribs. She rolled her eyes.

"Seems I'm off the team a while.."

"Just until you're better. Then you're with us again. I wouldn't have it any other way, Captain!"

Sam looked up at the Colonel. A look of pride filled her face. "Thank you."

He reached out and patted her arm. "Now you get your rest!"

She nodded then giggled. "I'd say the same to you Sir, but..."

He grinned then shook his head. "Stop it!" he laughed. She nodded then giggled a little more.

"Good night, Captain!" he said, as he headed to the door.

"Same to you, Colonel..." she said. He gave a quick look back at her before heading out the room.
 

.o0o.

Jack tossed his keys onto the coffee table in his house and smiled as Daniel stepped into his living room, head tilted back, looking around them.

"Last time I was here..." Daniel looked at Jack.

"Was when you came back from Abydos," Jack nodded, watching him intently.

"Yeah," Daniel looked around again.

"The night I fell in love with you..." Jack whispered as he stood captivated by that gorgeous face in the soft glow of the lamp light.

Daniel lowered his eyes to look at him. "Was it?"

Jack nodded and sighed as Daniel stepped over to him. Daniel took the crutches from him and placed them against the wall then he went back, slipping his hands around Jack's waist, letting him lean his weight against him.

"That was over a year ago, Jack," Daniel swallowed. He shrugged.

"There's a Statute of Limitations on Affections?" he quipped.

Daniel smiled. "No, thankfully," he rubbed Jack's back lightly.

"Thankfully," Jack sighed deeply as Daniel pulled closer to him and their lips met gently. Slowly they pulled back but remained in each other's arms.

"You've still got my clothes, by the way," Jack raised his brow. Daniel smiled.

"I'm a Kleptomaniac, didn't you know?"

Jack nodded, his lips brushing Daniel's softly. "You stole my heart that night too," he breathed deeply.

"That's a romantic thing to say," Daniel laughed softly, their faces too close for either to be in focus.

"I'm a romantic kind of guy," Jack quipped, "what can I say?"

"You are?" Daniel frowned, leaning back, their groins pressing together. Jack stared deeply into his bright blue eyes.

"Incurably.." he grinned. Daniel's eyes flashed.

"Full of surprises.." he traced his finger down Jack's face. Jack turned his face and caught Daniel's finger in his mouth. Slowly he sucked on the digit, his eyes staring deeply into Daniel's, who inhaled a shaky breath.

Slowly lifting his hand to touch Daniel's, Jack slipped his partner's finger from his mouth, then he pressed his lips to the palm of his hand. Slowly he made his way up the tanned arm with small kisses until he reached Daniel's shoulder.

Drawing back with even deeper, shakier breaths now, Daniel felt his whole body tingle lightly. Jack smiled, fully aware of what he was doing to the younger man.

Daniel swallowed as he searched the face before him, allowing himself to get lost in the dark chocolaty eyes of the older man.  Slowly Jack closed in for a kiss, his lips brushing Daniel's softly, then he dragged his tongue along his bottom lip slowly. Daniel captured it in his mouth, slowly sucking on it as the men rocked together lightly.

Jack pulled back and smiled at his young lover-to-be. Daniel blinked quickly then closed his eyes as Jack kissed his eyelids softly. The he slowly went down Daniel's body in small wet kisses. He kissed the soft stomach lightly, feeling it quiver at the touch, then he kissed the aroused groin through the clothing. Daniel dropped his head back, groaning deeply as he felt Jack unzip his pants and then drop them to his ankles. He removed his shoes and socks before getting Daniel to step out of his pants. Jack smiled as he saw the familiar black jocks again.

He kissed Daniel's knees gently then worked his way up, kissing the inside of his thighs until his nose nudged at the awakened groin. Daniel inhaled deeply as he felt Jack brush against him then he whimpered as Jack gripped the tops of his jocks and pulled them down, releasing him to the air. Jack knelt up and rubbed his face against the hot groin, his tongue snaking around the firm shaft while his lips brushed the tip. Then he rubbed his lips against the soft, heavy balls.

"Oh.. god.. Jack.." Daniel sighed heavily, his hand going to Jack's shoulders to support his weakening legs.

Jack stood now, and grabbing his hand, escorted him to the bedroom. He pushed his unmade bedding off the bed then Daniel laid down onto his back as Jack knelt between his ankles. Slowly he made his way up his thighs again and Daniel reached out for a pillow to muffle his groans. Jack by-passed the groin this time and started kissing up the stomach. Daniel slowly uncovered his face as he felt him getting closer.

Jack's brown eyes crinkled and he smiled at his young lover as he trailed his hand over his chest lightly.

"How you feeling?" he asked in a quiet voice.

Daniel swallowed. "Nervous.."

Jack grinned. "I'll be real gentle..."

Daniel nodded. "I know you will..." he sighed heavily.

Jack reached down and kissed him gently as Daniel’s hand fumbled their way to his pants, where he unzipped and slipped them off in almost one smooth movement. Jack turned and removed them and his footwear at the same time, then he turned and knelt above Daniel as he slipped his soft jumper off over his head. Daniel inhaled sharply as his eyes traced across Jack’s body. He’d see Jack in various states of undress before, but this time it was different. This time it was for him and Daniel heated up more at that mere thought.

Jack smiled then he kissed his chest softly, letting his tongue scribble across the brown skin. Daniel sucked a breath in deeply as Jack's hand slipped down his body and onto his firm erection.

"Oh.. God!" he sighed.

Jack's face nuzzled into his neck as he slowly began to stroke him up and down.

Daniel felt his skin over his butt tingle and his legs involuntarily moved, thrusting him against Jack's hand.

"Shhh... settle.." Jack laughed deeply, feeling Daniel tremble all over.

"Sorry.. I've.. I'm.... " he gasped.

"Surely you've had this done before.." Jack kissed his shoulders then up his neck then pulled back to see Daniel, eyes clamped shut, shaking his head vigorously.

"Danny?" he stopped.

"Don't stop," Daniel gasped loudly, his eyes springing open.

Jack started the slow languid massage once more and Daniel melted into the bed again.

"I just assumed....." Jack watched the younger man's face flinch as sensation after sensation, unlike any he'd ever had in his life, filled his body. Without a word, Daniel shook his head, letting Jack know that 'no' he'd never had this done before.

A wicked grin filled Jack's face now. Slowly he pushed down the bed and positioned himself between Daniel's thighs. The blue eyes opened slightly to watch what he was doing, but he clamped them shut again and gulped as he saw Jack's mouth open.

"Oh... GOD!" he screamed out as Jack's mouth engulfed him. Jack chuckled deeply as his mouth slipped up and down the fine shaft. Daniel started to buck. Jack eventually having to hold his hips down to stop him from causing him damage. He pulled his mouth off now, and resumed the slow hand massage.

Daniel's chest heaved as he opened his eyes to look down at Jack.

"Let me guess. Sha're was a missionary position kinda gal?"

Daniel nodded without a word. He couldn't speak. He knew it wouldn't be English even if he tried. His lips pursed together to stop himself from calling out again, but soon they exploded with a strong gasp as Jack moved his hand up, allowing his thumb to tease the weeping tip only.

"Oh.. God.. Please..." Daniel sighed, his body sitting in the very edge of painful pleasure. Jack's tongue came out and tickled the tip, causing a small river of pre-cum to flow from the tip.

"Ooohhh," Daniel squirmed against the bed now.

Jack dipped his fingers into the moistness and then slipped them between Daniel's soft cheeks. Digging his heels into the mattress Daniel tensed up.

"Shhh relax.." Jack cooed softly.

Daniel nodded and Jack found that he could slip his fingers in easily. But carefully.

This time it was Jack's turn to moan softly as he felt the tightness of his lover's ring entrap him in the hot moist cavern. Daniel, head back, throat exposed to the ceiling moaned softly as he felt Jack move with in him gently.

Happy that he was well prepared, Jack pulled the small tube of lubricant, that he'd stopped off to buy on the way home, from his pocket. Using the thumb and fingers of the free hand only, he unscrewed the lid and then squeezed the gel onto the palm of his hand.

Withdrawing his fingers again, he was pleased to hear the soft moan of protest from Daniel. If he enjoyed that, then he's really going to enjoy the next bit, Jack told himself.

He took pleasure in watching Daniel's long legs move as his feet ran up and down the bed in anticipation. Putting his hand onto his thigh now, Jack positioned himself closer to his lover.

"For the first time,.. it might be better if you're facing the other way..." Jack said.

"Then I don't get to see you," Daniel frowned. Jack shrugged.

"It will hurt more this way," he said, unaware his hand was rubbing up and down Daniel's thigh.

"I want to see you..." Daniel said. Jack lifted his brow as he scooted in closer to him now. Sitting up, Daniel wrapped his arms around Jack's shoulders and pulled him towards him for a kiss.

Jack caught his breath. Daniel was aggressive, biting and nipping at his tongue, sucking lustfully at it, panting heavily throughout the kiss.

Jack felt himself straining to contain himself now, as Daniel's hands trailed down his chest, his fingers stopping to tweak his nipples.

"Oh.. god!" he pulled his mouth away, laughing softly.

"Ahhh... got a spot.." Daniel smiled. Jack raised his brow.

"Huge spot.." he nodded.

Daniel grinned then reached forward, his tongue reaching out to circle the small pink nub. Jack sighed softly, then gasped as Daniel clamped his teeth around it gently, while his tongue flicked at it.

"Ohhh.. god.. Danny.." he sighed.

Daniel smiled then laid back down again, his thighs wrapping around Jack now. The older man woke himself up from his lust coma and smiled.

"I'm full of surprises?? You're full of them.." he grinned. Daniel, tucking his hands beneath his head, grinned.

Slowly his eyes closed as Jack touched at his cleft again. His thighs parted invitingly as he felt Jack press his fingers inside of him once more. Squeezing his ring tightly Daniel made Jack moan deeply.

"Oh god!" he pulled his fingers out and quickly positioned himself against the more-that-ready partner. Slowly, Daniel ran his hands down Jack's back, stopping them on his butt as he waited to feel the man press into him.

"Claim me, Jack.." he whispered lustfully.

Jack's eyes closed slowly as his hips thrust, piercing through the tight ring.

"Aggg.. God!" Daniel wasn't ready for the sensation at all. Nor the pain. He curled up, tightening his legs around Jack, which forced the man in a fraction deeper.

"Oh.. ahh!" he cried out softly.

"You okay?" Jack frowned trying to reach his lover but not wanting to move. Daniel screwed his eyes shut and nodded, biting his bottom lip at the same time.

"Danny," he frowned.

Daniel remembered coaching Sha're through childbirth and started to concentrate on his own breathing now. Suddenly, with a loud gasp, he uncurled and laid back

"Baby?" Jack touched his cheek. Daniel smiled then his eyes opened slowly.

"I don't think I'll ever get sick of hearing you call me baby.." he groaned deeply. Jack was taken aback by this then laughed lightly.

"I don't think I'll get sick of calling you that, either.." he said, reaching down to kiss what ever part of Daniel he could reach.

Daniel's hands, still on his butt, slowly pressed him into him.

"You sure?" Jack frowned. Daniel nodded.

Jack slowly pushed into him, enjoying the intense feeling of such a tight ass.

Daniel's head rolled against the bed now as he sighed deeply, Jack watching his chest rise and fall with his heavy breaths.

"Still hurt?" he frowned.

Daniel nodded slightly then his eyes opened when Jack stopped.

Tilting his head a little, he whispered, "don't stop.."

He pushed in, deeper this time, amidst cries from his partner.

"I'm hurting you.." Jack whispered.

"So? Next time it wont ... hurt.. so.. much," Daniel flinched as Jack hit a tender spot. "I know that."

Jack moaned softly, then he kissed the inside of Daniel's knee and thigh as his leg brushed past him.

"Ohh.. god.." Daniel sighed softly enjoying that soft touch. Jack caught his leg again, and gently kissed and nibbled the soft, fuzzy thigh.

With each deep moan of pleasure emanating form this gorgeous lover, Jack felt him relax. Soon he was thrusting in and out of Daniel fully, hearing the man gulping in pleasure.

Jack watched him as his head tilted back, his dark floppy fringe falling over his eyes. His mouth opened, in small gasps while his eyes remained shut. When he increased the pace of his thrusting Daniel reacted with the tightening of his thighs now, encouraging him in further, still deeper.

Jack drank in the sight of Daniel, head back, face damp with perspiration, his lips moist and slightly swollen and opened slightly, the little pink tongue that darted out to keep moistening them. It was an image to carry him through bad moments to come. And the ever-so-soft moan from Daniel's lips, "Jack.. Jack.. Jack.." would ring in his ears forever, he was sure of that!

Daniel's breathing started to come in quick gasps now. Jack suddenly realised that without help, Daniel was reaching an orgasm on his own. Before he could do anything, Daniel had squirted his hot fluid against Jack's stomach his legs tightening around him, pushing him deeper than he'd ever gone in before..

"Oh.. Je.. hesus.. Jack!!!" he called out, his head tossing side to side as he gasped for air now.

Jack had never seen anyone look more gorgeous in his life!

Wrapping his fingers around the still firm shaft Jack gently milked it watching the stream of white liquid seep from the head now as it slowly became flaccid.

Daniel sighed happily, a smile of absolutely contented pleasure filled his face now.

Staring at that face, Jack immediately reached his crescendo, unable to control himself since seeing Daniel riding out his waves of ultimate pleasure with small cries of pure lust.

"Danny!" Jack thrusted deeply within his lover, spurred on by the tired murmurs of pleasure from Daniel as he felt Jack tremble then fill him with hot liquid.

"Oh god!" Daniel was unprepared for the sensation of Jack filling him. "Oh.. God.. that's soooo nice.." he moaned softly.

Jack smiled to himself before crashing down onto Daniel's chest, exhausted, but very, very content.

Daniel lifted his hand and gently caressed Jack's face and neck with his finger tips.

Jack groaned, slipping out of Daniel then snuggling up against him in one movement.

"Sorry," Daniel said softly. Jack looked up at him.

"What for?"

"For.. you know.." he shrugged. Jack smiled. "Only the thought of you .. inside me.. making love to me... " Daniel inhaled a shaky breath then smiled. "It blows my mind, Jack.." he grinned as he touched his lover's damp cheek. "I love you so much..."

"That's probably the nicest compliment anyone's ever given me.." Jack said earnestly.

Daniel smiled. "It was incredible.."

"Even the pain?" Jack quipped.

"Yeah, to an extent.." Daniel nodded. "Because it was caused by you.."

"Oh, that makes it better.." Jack traced his fingers over Daniel's soft chest.

Daniel chuckled softly. "No, just more enjoyable.."

They laid in silence for a few moments, both enjoying the gentle caress from the other.

Finally Jack leant up onto one elbow and looked down at him. "I can't believe that you've never had.."

Daniel screwed his eyes shut. "Oh.. please! Let's not talk about it, please.."

Daniel tucked him to his chest again, kissing the top of his head before languidly tracing his finger around Jack’s ear.

"I’m going to have fun…" Jack chuckled at the exquisite thought of awakening this man to unbelievable experiences and sensations.

"You and me both, babe…." Daniel mummered deeply, his eyes closing slowly.

Again, there was a quiet, contented silence.

"One question.." Jack held one finger up.

Daniel nodded reluctantly as he pulled himself from his memories of what happened on the other world, especially the moment they realised their feelings for each other…

"Before Sha're .. how many women .. had you been with?" Jack asked.

Daniel blinked quickly then licked his lips. "None..."

Jack closed his eyes as he laid onto his back now.

"Oh.. God! No wonder you accepted her so quickly..."

"That had nothing to do with it... I didn't want to break their custom.." he sighed, rubbing at his eye now.

"Custom?" Jack frowned.

Daniel rolled onto his side then traced his finger down Jack's side.

"Let's not discuss this anymore.." he smiled, leaning forward for a series of small kisses, . "Sha’re is a … million… miles.. away .. from my thoughts now…" he slipped his tongue deeply into Jack’s mouth, just in case the guy needed reassurance. Jack groaned and pulled Daniel closer as he returned the passionate kiss.

Pulling back slowly, Daniel smiled as he touched his finger to Jack’s bottom lip. " I just want to be here with you, Jack.."

Slowly he slipped between Jack's thighs, the older man felt his firm erection and was amazed he was nearly ready to go again.

"Already?" Jack frowned. Daniel laughed.

"Yeah?" as in *why wouldn't I be?*

Jack groaned as he felt Daniel kiss down his chest then across his stomach......
 
Daniel Jackson was going to give Jack lots more grey hairs.. and a good many sleepless nights, too!

 
 
The END

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DISCLAIMERS:   The term JackDaniels was actually   invented by Slida but in no ways infringes on 'Jack Daniels' - the alcoholic drink.   It also implies in no way that the drink Jack Daniels and the slashfiction JackDaniels are in anyway connected.