MY STINKY VALENTINE "Ya know," Jack said as he stared at the pot of gloop that was supposed to be paella, "I had this night all planned out.  Got time off from the Mountain, made sure there were no impending crises waiting to happen."  He pitched the pot in the sink and turned on the water. Daniel was blotting the wine from his shirt - from the bottle that had dropped through Jack's fingers when he realized his dinner was sizzling and not simmering as it was supposed to.  He couldn't help but smile.  "Wouldn't seem right somehow if things went smoothly."  He heaved a sigh and put down the towel.  "I don't suppose you have a shirt I could borrow?" Jack looked apologetically at Daniel's shirt front.  "Yeah, I do.  You wanna grab a quick shower?"  He moved forward and wiped some wine away from Daniel's sideburn.  "Looks like I got ya pretty good." "Would you mind?" Daniel asked. "Nah, go ahead.  I'll just order some pizza - that okay with you?" Daniel stepped into Jack's space and gave him an understanding kiss.  "We'll get the hang of this sooner or later." "If it's much later, I'll be too old to enjoy it," Jack said with a chuckle.  "Go wash up.  I'll grab you some sweats." Daniel nodded and left the kitchen.  Jack finished cleaning up the mess from the spilled wine and the burned dinner.  Once things were tidied up, he walked down the hall to his bedroom, dug around in his dresser until he found a suitable pair of sweats and made his way to the bathroom.  Knocking lightly he turned the handle.  "Gonna set these on the counter." "Thanks!" came the reply. Several minutes later a freshly washed and shampooed Daniel stepped into the living room.  "Pizza on its way?" Jack turned to look at his companion and his eyes dropped slowly down the form of the man.  Daniel was wider everywhere - shoulders, chest, thighs . . . except the hips.  The result was that the sweats were practically sliding off. Daniel was carrying the t-shirt Jack had given him, unfolding it carefully before putting it on.  "You're staring." "Uh huh," Jack said with a lecherous grin. The t-shirt landed on the kitchen counter as Daniel strolled toward Jack.  "Like what you see?" "Oh yeah," Jack nodded.  "If you're not careful with those pants, I'm gonna end up seeing a lot more." "Yeah, that'd be a damned shame, wouldn't it?" Daniel's breath was soft and sweet against Jack's face.  He leaned in and let his lips fit comfortably against the thinner lips of Jack . . . before his stomach let out a loud gurgle. Jack pulled back and stared down at Daniel's stomach.  "Hungry?" "Uh . . ." Daniel said, placing his hand over his abdomen, "I don't think that's the issue." "What?" Jack asked, confused. "Oh dammit," Daniel said and bolted back to the bathroom. Jack stood, blinking.  The door slammed shut, but that wasn't enough to stop the next - unmistakable - sound coming from the hall.  "Turn on the fan!" he yelled and slumped against the counter. ++++ Jack handed Daniel a large glass of ice water.  "You want to run that by me again?" From his position on the couch, Daniel scowled.  "I was hoping we'd end up . . . you know . . ." "Doing the horizontal bop - yeah.  Got that.  Why did that lead you to take a double dose of laxative?" Daniel winced as another cramp passed through his stomach.  "I just wanted to make sure I was . . . clean." "I think that's what the enema's supposed to do," Jack said gently.  He sat down next to his friend. "I just didn't want there to be any - surprises."  Another gurgle and Daniel sprinted past Jack and back into the bathroom. "Surprise," Jack said, taking a drink of the water. ++++ "How're ya feeling?" Jack asked, rubbing Daniel's back.  They were currently sprawled on the couch, Jack sitting by the arm and Daniel laying down, head perched on Jack's thigh.  "You made it through the movie without a mad dash to the can." "I think the worst is over," Daniel said, feeling wrung out and tired. "Think you could eat something now?" "Not pizza," Daniel said.  "I want nothing with any sort of acid or spice involved." "Little tender down there?" Jack chuckled.  He patted Daniel's rump carefully. "I was planning on being 'tender' after tonight - but not from laxative poisoning," Daniel said sullenly.  He finished his fourth glass of water and sat up.  "I'm getting some more.  You want something?" "Just some food," Jack replied.  "How about rice - you up for that?" "Didn't you try that once tonight?" Daniel chided. "Everyone's a critic," Jack muttered.  "I've got some turkey soup broth in the freezer.  Add some rice and a nice, calm sandwich and we've got dinner."  Jack followed Daniel into the kitchen. "I'm sorry," Daniel said, stopping suddenly.  "I ruined everything tonight." Jack put his arm around Daniel's shoulder and got him moving again.  "Nope.  You're here.  That's all that matters.  Sex would have been nice, but if we can't even get through dinner - I'm thinking it's probably safer this way." "Would you mind if I took a short nap?" Daniel asked, sipping at his drink. "Go ahead on into my room.  It's warmer in there than the guest room." "You sure?" "Yeah.  I'll wake you when dinner's ready."  Jack smiled understandingly. "Thanks."  Daniel shuffled off leaving Jack to the meal preparations. ++++ Jack entered the room quietly.  Daniel was curled up on his side under the covers, breathing deeply.  Jack couldn't resist - he peeled off his jeans, kicked his way out of his shoes and slid into bed behind him.  Daniel awoke slowly, feeling the weight behind him on the mattress. "Mmmmpphhh?" "If that means 'is dinner ready' then the answer is yes, just about.  How ya feel?" "Better," Daniel mumbled.  "Stomach doesn't hurt any more." Jack nuzzled into the warm neck and placed a kiss on one exposed shoulder.  "You feel good." "I wouldn't go that far," Daniel chuckled.  "By the way - it might disturb you to know that I'm not exactly wearing anything - so unless your hand wants a big surprise, it should probably stop right about now while it's still north of the border." "Big surprise, huh?" Jack snickered and licked behind Daniel's ear. "Well, moderate," Daniel said as a shiver ran the length of his body. Jack's fingers trailed down past Daniel's navel where they danced gently over the skin.  Daniel laughed and tried to move away but Jack held him firm.  "Ticklish?" "Yes, ya bastard."  Daniel turned so his upper back was pressed down into the pillows. Jack moved and allowed him to turn over fully, laying the flat of his large, warm hand over the solid abdomen.  "Sure you feel okay?" Daniel nodded, waiting in anticipation until Jack slid his hand lower.  He smiled when he saw Jack's eyebrow arch up in a question.  "Shaved," he whispered.  His back arched as Jack glided his hand all over the smooth groin, rubbing and caressing him until he stood fully erect against his stomach. Jack wrapped his long, calloused fingers around the velvety shaft and began to jerk slowly, his eyes watching Daniel's face intently.  "Nice and easy," he whispered as Daniel leaned in for a kiss.  "Don't need to break any records this time around." In the midst of the kiss, Jack felt Daniel's hand snake down inside his shorts.  "Yeah," he breathed softly as Daniel began working in the same rhythm. Daniel splayed his legs wide and Jack took up the invitation to explore further.  Letting go of the hard shaft, he rolled each nut between his fingers, watching the reaction, seeing what Daniel liked best.  He continued on and when his fingers stroked over the soft skin of the perineum, Daniel slapped his free hand over Jack's and pushed hard, increasing the pressure. Jack lifted his leg, bracing his foot on the bed.  "Me too," he said, his voice nothing but air against Daniel's ear. Daniel's fingers slipped down past the heavy ball sac to stroke and push at Jack until both men were moaning quietly into each other's mouths.  They squirmed and wriggled, Daniel finally getting Jack's boxers off, and ended up facing each other.  Jack pushed away the covers and looked down between their two bodies. Daniel's cock was pale with a rosy head that was partially covered by a snug foreskin.  Jack gave a few strokes and watched the skin slide up and down over the crown, spreading the precome, making the head glisten.  His own cock, in comparison, was a dark reddish purple, heavily veined and circumcised.  Daniel's hands and fingers seemed to be everywhere, exploring it, learning its terrain.  When Daniel rubbed back and forth through the slit with the tip of his index finger, Jack grunted and thrust his hips forward roughly.  Daniel raised the finger to his mouth and licked it, his eyes locked on Jack's. "Ah god," Jack hissed, his cock twitching wildly. Daniel pounced, pinning Jack down with a kiss, grabbing the throbbing cock in his hand and jerking roughly.  Jack cried out in pleasure, his hips working a staccato beat as Daniel yanked the orgasm from his body.  Keeping enough presence of mind about him, he powered Daniel over into his own release and they covered sheets and skin with thick ropes of come as both shouted through their climax. When they managed to pull some brain cells back together, Daniel snorted his laughter into Jack's neck.  "Well that was . . . lacking in finesse." "Good though," Jack grinned, his eyes still closed.  "Damned good." "Mmmmmmmm," Daniel agreed lazily.  "Looks like I'm gonna need another shower." "I'll share this one with ya," Jack said.  He opened sated eyes and looked long at the face beside him.  "I knew we'd get there eventually - just like you said." Daniel smiled. "Love you," Jack said quietly. "Right back at ya," Daniel said.   Then, deciding that wasn't enough, grabbed Jack around the neck and rolled him on top, his tongue stroking and licking inside Jack's mouth.  "I love you right back," he stated firmly. Jack's eyes sparkled happily.  "Come on, or I'm gonna have to start referring to you as 'my stinky Valentine.'" "You may have to do that anyway," Daniel snickered as he rolled with Jack out of bed. Jack looked at him. "Why do you think I was naked?" "You mean ... Daniel, those were my favorite sweats!" This time when the bathroom door slammed shut, there was nothing but laughter heard on the other side. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Carron

SECRET ADMIRER "Jack," Daniel said, walking into the newly-appointed General's office and shutting the door, "it's the funniest thing, but . . . there seems to be a dozen roses on my desk." "Oh?" Jack said, watching his friend sit down across the large desk in one of the chairs. "And considering that it's Valentine's Day . . . it's not really that strange, per se, considering that is what people do for one another . . . give gifts that convey a sense of affection and desire." Jack tapped his pen on his desk and looked out into the briefing room where SG-9 was waiting for him.  "And?" "Aaaaand," Daniel drawled, slouching down into his chair, making himself completely at home, "it wouldn't be the first time I had a secret admirer . . . contrary to popular belief, there are some people who actually do find me attractive." "You don't say?" Jack asked. "I do say," Daniel said, suddenly springing up to his feet and leaning over Jack's desk.  "In fact, if someone had only mentioned this fact earlier, we could have been having wild, sweaty, crazed monkey sex for years instead of trying to kill each other."  Daniel lowered his voice to something resembling a low purr and his blue eyes locked with Jack's.  "Dinner's at seven.  Don't forget to bring the chocolate sauce and sable paint brushes."  He turned and left as abruptly as he'd shown up. Jack sat, slightly dumbfounded, staring at the door.  "Walter!" The Sergeant hurried into the room.  "Sir?" "Did I . . . order roses for anyone for today?" "No, sir.  Not that I know of," came the perplexed answer. "I didn't think so."  Jack's brow furrowed deeply.  "Thank you, Walter." "Yes, sir," said the man with a small shake of his head as he hurried back to his duty station. Jack grinned.  He didn't get to be a General of the most secret military base in the world by passing up tactically advantageous situations that fell like a dead goose into his lap.  With a lighter step than he'd had in years, he strode into a briefing that was about to be cut drastically short.  After all - it would seem he had a date. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Carron

BE MINE      Daniel walked into the briefing room, a bemused frown on his face.  Jack looked up to see him studying the items in his hands. "You got one, too?" he asked with quiet amusement. Daniel looked down at Jack and saw a bright red card and a box of candy hearts on the table in front of his friend.  "Do I know this person?" Daniel waved his card, the box of candy taped to it rattling merrily. "Nurse Lambert."  Jack said.  He chuckled when he saw the blank look on Daniel's face.  Cupping his hands in the air a goodly distance from his chest he said with more emphasis, "Nurse Lambert." "Oh!" Daniel said, his eyes going wide in sudden recognition.  He took his place at the table across from Jack.  "Little forward, isn't it?" "Yeah, well . . ." Jack said vaguely.  "I like the candy." Daniel couldn't help but smile at that.  "Why is it these only taste good on Valentine's Day?" "Everything overly sweet is okay on Valentine's Day," Jack said as he flicked one of the small candy hearts across the table.  It spun to a stop in front of Daniel. Daniel opened the card and read the hand written message, blushing slightly before putting it back in the envelope. "What'd she say?" Jack asked, popping a heart in his mouth. "She misses my long hair," Daniel muttered and dumped his own candies onto the table, picking out a green one and sending it skittering across the table toward Jack who grinned in response. "They could have given you a better cut," Jack agreed with a serious nod.  Without looking, he shot another heart across the table. "I thought you'd be glad the mop was gone," Daniel said, sifting through the imprinted messages and settling on a white one.  It made a 'click' as it impacted those laying on the other side of the table. Jack looked down at the heart and smiled.  'Be Serious' was imprinted in pink across the surface. Sam and Teal'c entered the room, talking quietly.  Sam settled herself beside Daniel and stole one of his candies, giving him an impish smile.  Jack waited until the Jaffa was settled then shot a heart at him, rolling his eyes when it went off the table to land in his lap.  Teal' glanced down, raised his eyebrow and gazed at O'Neill with barely contained tolerance. Daniel was busy sorting and organizing his hearts when General Hammond walked in and took his seat.  He saw the two piles of Valentine confections on the table and gave Jack a withering stare.  Jack smiled weakly.  "Very well, people, let's get this briefing started.  Major Carter." Sam stood up and began her presentation, the lights dimming slightly and the visual presentation starting on the monitor.  General Hammond had to turn his back to Jack and Daniel to watch the video screen. An idea began to form in Jack's mind.  He'd been searching for a way to clue Daniel in to his feelings for him without making the other man uncomfortable.  Over the past two years his fondness for the man had gained depth to the point that Jack couldn't fool himself into thinking it was 'friendship' he was feeling.  Jack had never acted on any of the attractions he'd had toward other males . . . he'd lived for the Air Force since he was old enough to realize it was what he wanted to do with his life.  As with everything else, Daniel had changed that in him.  He looked across the table to the scholar who was casually writing down notes and nibbling on the candies. Jack looked through the small pile of hearts before him.  He saw Daniel glance over and get a little smirk on his face.  Carefully selecting one heart, he sent it across the table.  Daniel picked it up and looked at the message, rolling his eyes before popping it into his mouth.  Jack grinned and went about selecting another one.  He sent that one across as well. Daniel dragged the heart over with his finger and looked at it.  His brow knit into a small frown and he looked at Jack. Jack shuffled through the candies carefully and found another one.  With a push, it whizzed over to Daniel. This one, too, was picked up and read.  Daniel turned to face Jack fully, confusion in his eyes. Jack made a great show of selecting the next heart, pushing all the others aside before sliding it across the table. Daniel picked it up with deliberate purpose, turning it around in his fingers.  His eyes locked with Jack's. One more heart made its way to Daniel, the words a silent invitation to something Daniel had only barely hope for since Abydos. 'Be Mine' Jack shrugged shyly under Daniel's amazed scrutiny and sat back in his chair, fiddling with his pen as Carter rambled on about their upcoming mission. Daniel pawed quietly through the hearts before him, sending one last message to Jack before the briefing concluded. Jack leaned forward to look, his face breaking into a warm smile when he saw the one word answer. 'Yes' Happy Valentine's Day, he thought to himself, settling back to pretend to listen to the rest of the Carter's presentation, his mind on Daniel and possibilities.  Happy Valentine's Day. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Carron

EASY Jack and Daniel stood on opposite sides of the work table, a heart-shaped box of candy in between them.  Both men stared at it like it was a Goa'uld larvae. "You weren't supposed to catch me," Jack muttered miserably. Daniel scrunched up his face in the way only he could and looked squarely at Jack.  "Why . . . uh . . ."  He pointed to the box.  "Why?" "Valentine's Day," Jack mumbled. "Yes, I believe that part's obvious."  Daniel tipped his head slightly to the side and waited. Jack just shrugged, refusing to meet his gaze. Realization suddenly dawned.  "Every year," Daniel said quietly. "What?" Jack asked. "Valentine's Day - every year." "Generally, yes, Valentine's Day does happen every year." Daniel rolled his eyes.  "Every year someone has given me a box of Valentine's Chocolates, a card and . . ." Jack winced and pulled the rose out from underneath his shirt very carefully.  The small plastic end full of water tapped on the marble surface of the table as he set it down. "You are loved."  Daniel's face softened into a smile.  "That's the way every card has been signed for the last five years." Jack nodded and lifted up the box.  A small card lay underneath it.  He gave it a little push toward Daniel then shoved his hands back into the pockets of his BDUs. "I want to show you something," Daniel said, moving to a bookshelf behind him.  He knelt down and from the bottom of a pile of enormous volumes, pulled out his only copy of Budge - kept more as a reminder than a reference book.  He brought it to the table and opened it carefully.  The pages separated at five distinct places. As Jack looked, he saw five rose buds, perfectly pressed, lying in tissue paper between the yellowed pages of the book.  His lips quirked in a little smile.  "Oh." "You don't understand," Daniel said.  "When things were at their worst, every time I didn't think I could take one more day here . . . I'd think of these and know someone, somewhere, loved me.  It helped." Jack shrugged again.  "I never wanted you to know it was me." "Why?" Daniel asked.  "Why couldn't you tell me?" "Sorta obvious, isn't it?"  Jack was clearly uncomfortable. Daniel saw a flash of the anger Jack had been displaying recently toward him and suddenly knew its cause.  "Let's get out of here." "What?"  Jack looked up at Daniel like he'd suddenly lost his mind.  "In case you've forgotten, we've got a mission to Kelowna . . ." "No."  Daniel grabbed the book off the table, put it back where it had been, gathered up the rose, the candy and the card and stared stubbornly at Jack.  "Janet's been treating me for migraines.  I've got one coming on.  She said the next time it happened, I was to go home and rest for three days."  He shoved the phone at Jack.  "Call her and ask." "Daniel," Jack warned. "Call her," Daniel dared.  "You'll see." Thinking to call Daniel's bluff, Jack picked up the phone and dialed Janet's office.  "Doc, it's O'Neill.  Look, Daniel's telling me he's getting a migraine - I just wanted . . . what?  Yeah, just now.  No, no, he doesn't seem sick.  Will I . . . what?"  Jack pulled the phone down from his ear and stared in disbelief at Daniel.  "She wants me to drive you home." "That'd be a good idea."  Daniel's smugness cascaded across the table. "Oooh-kay," Jack said, bringing the phone back to his ear.  "How long's he out for?" Daniel watched as Jack rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead.  "Told ya." "Right.  Right.  Yeah, I'll do that, Doc.  Thanks."  He put the phone back in it's cradle forcefully.  "You're off duty until Monday." "Oh, gee, that'd be... well let's see.  It's Wednesday morning now, so that'd be three work days, just like I said, then there's the weekend.  Looks like I'm persona non grata for five days, huh?  What a surprise." "Why are you doing this, Daniel?" Jack asked, defeated. "Because what I have to resolve with you is much more important to me than a planet full of a mineral I couldn't give a rat's ass about.  Now are you driving me home or not?" Jack sighed in resignation and picked up the phone.  "Yes, sir, it's O'Neill.  Look, we're gonna need to postpone the mission to Kelowna.  I know, but Fraiser's just taken Daniel off the duty roster.  He's not cleared for duty until Monday.  Yes, sir.  Yes, sir, I know.  Oh, I'm sure he'll . . . bounce right back," Jack said, shaking his head.  "I'm gonna go ahead and take him home.  Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir.  I'll let Carter and Teal'c know on my way out."  He hung up the phone, tapping the receiver lightly with the tips of his fingers.  "I just lied to Hammond for you." "I know," Daniel said, determination in his voice. "He's put us all on stand down until Monday."  Jack looked at Daniel.  "Go change.  I'll meet you up top in fifteen." Without another word Daniel wandered off. A bottle and a half of whiskey and eight aspirin later, Jack and Daniel sat on the observation deck of Jack's home, watching the sun creep slowly into the sky.  It was two days since they'd left the mountain. "We never should have let things get to this point," Daniel said.  "I wish you had told me sooner." "I know," Jack said scratching at his face and realizing how badly he needed to shave.  "It hurt the team." "It hurt me," Daniel corrected.  "And it hurt you, too." "I never stopped caring," Jack said as the sunlight grew in strength and began to melt the frost that had collected along the railing of the deck.  "That was the problem.  I cared too much." "It's never easy, is it?" Daniel asked. "Nope," Jack sighed.  "You hungry?" "Starving," Daniel yawned.  "Did we eat yesterday?" "No, I think we just drank."  Jack pulled himself stiffly to his feet, reaching down to give Daniel a hand up.  "I feel like shit." "That's good, cause you look like shit, too," Daniel said as he began to climb down the ladder. "Critic," Jack snuffed.  As his feet touched the ground, the startlingly loud sound of his cell phone ringing cut through the cold morning.  "O'Neill," grunted as he followed Daniel into the house.  "What happened?" Daniel stopped and turned at the tone he heard. "Yeah.  Yeah, I'll let him know."  Jack hung up and tossed the cell phone on the counter. "What?" "Seems the Kelownans managed to blow themselves sky high.  If we'd been there . . ." "We'd be dead.  Or maybe just you.  Or me."  Daniel studied Jack's haggard face before moving toward him quickly.  Both hands held the stubbled cheeks in place as his mouth descended in a firm kiss. The emotions that chased themselves across Jack's face were myriad.  Surprise, shock, embarrassment, anger, joy. Daniel stepped back, waiting for Jack's reaction. "Why?" Jack asked.  "Last night you said . . . you said you didn't think you wanted . . ." "I was an idiot." "I don't want your pity," Jack said tightly. "And you aren't getting any," Daniel fired right back.  "But if you'll have it, my love's on the table for negotiations." Jack seemed to think about that for a minute then nodded.  "Okay," he said.  "Okay." "Pretty easy, once you get some perspective."  Daniel tossed Jack the keys to his truck. "Daniel, where you're concerned, nothing's easy." Jack grabbed his wallet off the table. "Nothing worthwhile ever is," Daniel said as he led the way out the front door. As Jack followed along behind, he saw the rose sitting in a cup of water on the table in full bloom and smiled.  "Nope.  It sure isn't." Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Carron

ANTICIPATION anticipation n 1. the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen Jack led the way through the crowded aisles of Wal-Mart, threading his way to the customer service area.  He and Daniel were out running errands, both enjoying the closeness their new physical relationship had brought.  They were still in that phase where they could barely keep their hands off each other, where they reveled in the newfound intimacy. Jack glanced back over his shoulders.  Daniel was watching his ass.  He rattled the plumbing fixture in his hand.  "Wish I'd bought the right size in the first place," he groused.   "I can think of better ways to spend the afternoon." He heard Daniel snort a laugh.  "I don't mind.  Kinda like the view from back here." Jack glanced back again.  "All part of my evil plan," he said with a laugh.  He made his way through the large crafts section and on impulse reached out and ran his hands over some bolts of velvet cloth.  He stopped suddenly and Daniel bumped into him.  "Jack?" Jack fingered the cloth, marveling at the softness, remembering that the skin high up on Daniel's inner thigh was velvety soft.  He looked up into Daniel's eyes with a smile.  "This reminds me of you." Daniel raised his eyebrows.  "Velvet reminds you of me?" "Parts of you," Jack smiled. Daniel laughed and felt the soft fabric.  "I played with a pair of cuffs lined with this stuff once," he said absently. "You did?"  Jack looked a little . . . troubled.  "Did you like it?" "Hmmmm?" Daniel shook himself back to the present.  "What?  Oh, it was okay.  Thought it'd be better than it was."  Daniel gave a wry smile.  "Fantasies are usually better than reality, ya know?"  Daniel shrugged.  "It was pretty stupid of me, really.  I didn't completely trust him and he was a selfish lover."  He noticed the look on Jack's face.  "Don't worry," he teased.  "I'm not gonna ask you for that." Jack let out the breath he was unconsciously holding.  He did have a thing about being tied up, a lasting gift from the time he spent in Iraq.  "Is that something you might want, though?" he asked, searching Daniel's eyes.   "I don't need it," Daniel reassured him.  "I like what we have now." "Well, Doctor Jackson, you never know.  You've opened my eyes to other kinky things." Daniel rolled his eyes.  "Chocolate sauce isn't that kinky, Jack." "No," Jack agreed with a smirk.  "But the places you put it are." Daniel raised his eyebrows.  "Starting to enjoy the rimming, are you?" Jack merely waggled his eyebrows and continued toward their destination. ~~~~~~~~~~ Valentines Day dawned clear and crisp.  The remains of a blizzard lay over the city.  The streets were plowed, but everything else was blanketed in glowing white.  Daniel made coffee and gazed outside while he sipped.  As much as he hated the cold, he loved snow.  It brought a serenity to the landscape, a kind of peaceful calm. The team had been off-world for several weeks, and had returned home wet and bedraggled.  Daniel had considered going straight to Jack's, but needed to make sure his own house was still standing and feed his fish.  The snowstorm had hit right after Daniel got home, and forced them to cancel their plans to get together that night.  The blizzard had been ferocious, making the roads dangerous.  They agreed to get together tonight, Valentines Day, their first holiday together.   Daniel felt anticipation grow in his belly.  Jack could be irritatingly juvenile at times, but surprisingly romantic at others.   Most of the time he was somewhere in between.  Daniel secretly hoped tonight was going to be the romantic sort.  He'd never really had a good Valentines Day.  He'd either been alone, too involved with his work, or, for the brief time he was married, celebrated Sha're's holidays, leaving Earth's traditions behind to immerse himself in hers.  He grinned and headed to the shower.  With the snow and the slow-going traffic he was going to need some extra time getting to the mountain so he'd better get started with his day. It was mid-afternoon before Daniel looked up from the translation he was working on.  He glanced at the clock with a start.  Time had flown by, as it usually did when he was deeply involved with his work.  He'd give it another hour or so, then head out.  He was due at Jack's house at five, and didn't want to be late.  He got up and walked over to a bookshelf, looking for a particular tome, but not really paying attention. Jack promised that it would be special. Sex with Jack was special.  There was an intensity between them, a depth of passion that shook Daniel to the core.  He'd never experienced anything like it.  He smiled when he realized that he was addicted to the things Jack did to him.  His cock gave a lusty twitch at the memory of Jack's touch.  Daniel closed his eyes and focused on the recollection of Jack's fingers wrapped around him, Jack's mouth sucking his balls, Jack's cock buried to the hilt . . .     He heard someone clear their throat. Daniel opened his eyes with a start.  "Hi Jack."  Time had carved character onto Jack's face, etching his strength and courage there for all to see.  The silver hair only enhanced the effect.    Jack smiled and sauntered casually into the office.  "You gonna be working late?" he asked, toying absently with an artifact on Daniel's desk. "No," Daniel answered easily.  "I've got a date tonight." "Anyone I know?" Daniel shrugged.  "He said he had something special planned." "Did he, now?"  Jack moved closer, not stopping until Daniel could feel the heat from his body, and locked eyes. Daniel swallowed and struggled to control his cock, his body swaying unconsciously toward Jack.  The air had suddenly turned electric.  "I'm looking forward to it, whatever it is." Jack's eyes darted to Daniel's parted lips then back to his eyes; he shifted closer.  "Do you trust me, Daniel?" Daniel licked his lips as his cock jumped.  He used all his willpower to keep his voice level and his cock from filling completely.  "You know I do.  Why do you ask?" Jack smiled mischievously and he shrugged, breaking the tension.  "You'll find out.  See you later."  With that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the office, leaving a curious Daniel behind. ~~~~~~~~~~ Daniel set the shower to very warm and stepped under the spray.  He leaned straight-armed against the wall and let the water pound his shoulders, massaging some of the tension away.  After a few minutes he soaped up a washcloth and started gliding it over his skin, paying special attention to the crack of his ass.  Jack had embraced rimming with vigor, and Daniel kept himself clean for just that purpose.  His cock started to fill at the memory of Jack's tongue.   Daniel had planned on abstaining for the day, not jerking off, letting the tension build, but the desire to come had suddenly changed from a dull ache to a sharp need.  Why not?  It would take the edge off, allow him to last longer tonight.  He cupped his balls with one hand, his fingers pushing back against his perineum, and gripped his dick with the other.  A few twisting strokes later, accompanied by deep, circular rubs with his finger and the memory of Jack's face when he came had Daniel spilling over his fingers.  He leaned his head against the wall, struggling to catch his breath, letting the water sluice away the mess.  Fast, nasty, and not particularly satisfying, but now, hopefully, he'd last more than a minute. ~~~~~~~~~~ Daniel shifted the bottle of wine he was holding.  He and Jack had firmly decided no gifts.  What did you get a guy for Valentines Day anyway?  Wine was okay, though.  Not really a sappy gift, just something to go with dinner.  He was raising his hand to knock when the door opened. Jack looked like he always did, sexy and slightly rumpled.  "Daniel," he smiled warmly.  "Come on in."  Daniel stepped inside and was pulled into a warm kiss. Dinner was finished, the excellent meal of filet mignon with bearnaise sauce, baked potato, and buttery vegetables sat easily on his stomach.  The wine had helped settle his nerves.  Jack was acting normally, like it was simply another evening in, despite the candles and romantic setting.  Daniel kept his curiosity tightly under control.  Whatever Jack had planned would start soon.  He helped Jack clear the table and went to blow out the candles. "No," Jack said quietly.  "Leave them lit for now." Daniel looked at Jack, eyebrows raised. Jack smiled mysteriously and indicated that Daniel should sit at the table again.  Daniel did, his heart rate increasing.  He watched curiously as Jack got a small black leather case from the top of the refrigerator and sat down.  Jack unzipped the case and opened it so that Daniel could see what was inside.  Daniel looked at him with disbelief.  "A manicure set?" Jack smiled and started inspecting his nails.  He reached for the clippers and trimmed one very short, then reached for a file and started smoothing the rough edges, taking his sweet time. Daniel watched, perplexed.  "Okay, I'll bite.  Why are you doing this now, by candlelight?" "Well," Jack said, inspecting another nail closely.  "I'm going to have these fingers inside of you within the hour.  I don't want there to be any jagged edges."     "Oh," Daniel's breath hitched and a shiver raced down his spine to encircle his balls.  He watched Jack, who pointedly ignored him, and felt the suspense grow.  With every snip of the clippers, and every rasp of the file, a curtain of eroticism seemed to draw closer around them, shutting out the mundane world. Jack was extremely well versed in the psychology of people.  He read them and used what he found to get what he wanted and needed, and he was using that knowledge now to get Daniel to respond.  He watched Daniel's body language out of the corner of his eye and suppressed a smile when he saw Daniel lean closer.  He listened to Daniel's breathing, gauging when it would be the best possible moment for the next step. Daniel's attention narrowed and he focused solely on Jack's hands.  He took in the details of the long fingers, the tiny hairs on the knuckles, the calluses, how Jack's thumbs jutted out at an odd angle, how his hands ended in delicate wrists.  He noticed the lean tendons, and knew how strong and capable those hands were. Daniel imagined Jack's fingertips grazing his body, barely touching, raising a trail of goose bumps behind them.  Daniel remembered the feel of those fingers pushing into him, stretching him to take most of the pain out of penetration, and give him pleasure in the process.  The taste of those fingers was sharp in his memory, slightly salty with the underlying flavor that was distinctly Jack. What would those fingers do tonight?  How long would they stay inside him?  Would Jack be caressing his prostate when he came?  Or did Jack have other plans?  Would they be wrapped around his cock?  Or holding his hips still?  Perhaps they'd be entwined with his own fingers . . .    "Daniel." He jumped when Jack spoke his name.  His eyes traveled up Jack's arms, up past his chest, to focus on his eyes, eyes filled with warmth and understanding.  He swallowed.   "Are you ready?" Daniel flushed hot and cold as his body reacted to Jack's voice.  "Yes," he choked, shocked at his own voice.   Jack smiled and stood up, extending his hand for Daniel to grasp.  "Don't forget to breathe," he chided as he pulled Daniel to his feet.   "Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?" Daniel said, trying to lighten the mood. Jack smiled and pulled him roughly against his chest, capturing their clasped hands between them and circling Daniel's back with the other.  He lightly brushed their lips together, a teasing kiss.  Daniel leaned into him instinctively, demanding more.  His body was reacting now, his cock lengthening and filling.  A slow, rolling boil started deep in his belly.  Jack fit his lips over Daniel's and flicked his tongue out, licking the pliant flesh.  Daniel opened up, meeting Jack's tongue with his own.  Jack's hand moved up his back to grasp the hair at the back of his skull.  He pulled sharply, forcing Daniel's head back, and deepened the kiss, plundering Daniel's mouth ruthlessly, until his breath was whistling harshly through his nose and his knees started to buckle.   Jack caught Daniel's free wrist and curled their joined hands behind Daniel's back, then started walking him backward toward the bedroom, keeping their chests and hips pressed together.  He released one hand and closed the bedroom door firmly behind them, completing the sense of separation from the real world.   Daniel knew that he'd been deliberately seduced, and expertly at that.  He briefly considered mentioning it, but Jack was kissing him again and any coherent thought was swirling away with every caress of Jack's tongue. Jack broke the kiss and Daniel noticed how the flickering light softened his features and made his hair shimmer.  Flickering light?  He looked around the room.  Candles were scattered about, lighting the space with a warm glow.  The bed was turned down, the comforter folded neatly on a chair.  Some bottles and jars sat waiting on the bedside table.  Massage oil, lube, and . . . IcyHot?  What did Jack need IcyHot for?  Had he pulled a muscle in his back that day and wanted Daniel to help loosen it? He turned back to Jack, his mouth opened to ask a question when Jack caught his lower lip and started nibbling.  Daniel's question bled away under the onslaught of Jack's insistent mouth.  Before he knew it he was stretched out on the bed, flat on his back, and Jack was lying over him, rubbing sinuously against him, pressing him down into the mattress. Daniel rubbed back, enjoying the way Jack's erection seemed to rub right against his, how the material of their clothing made the rubbing rougher, increased the sensations, made his balls ache.  The fact that Jack was kissing him again added to it.  Daniel opened his eyes and saw that Jack's were open too.  They both stopped for a moment, acknowledging the look, then started moving together again, kissing and rubbing, their eyes open, watching. Jack straddled Daniel and grabbed his wrists, pulling them over his head, crossed them, held them firmly in one hand, and used the other to start undoing the buttons on Daniel's shirt.  Daniel tugged at his wrists, testing Jack's resolve, and caught his breath when Jack tightened his grip.   Okay, he didn't need to be held down, but he liked it.  A lot.  And something about being held by Jack made it all the sweeter.  Jack–the trained soldier, the special-ops badass, the all-around hero. The best fuck of his life. Daniel's buttons were undone and Jack released his wrists, letting him lower his arms so that the shirt could be shoved off and tossed away.  Once that was done, Jack grabbed Daniel's left hand and kissed the palm tenderly, then ghosted his tongue up Daniel's arm, stopping every now and then to trace a pattern over a sensitive spot, eliciting shivers of pleasure in the process.  Jack continued up the inside of Daniel's arm until he reached the armpit, then gave a long, slow lick. Daniel instinctively tried to lower his arm against the tickling, but Jack tightened his grip, and nipped disapprovingly at his shoulder, then licked and soothed the bite mark.  "Hold still, Daniel," he warned. Daniel swallowed and felt his balls tighten.  Jack was quiet and menacing but seductive and sensual at the same time.  "I don't know if I can." Jack smiled, ripped off his own shirt, and lowered himself onto Daniel again, and oh yeah, that was even better than before, because instead of cotton, Daniel felt warm skin . . .  and nipples . . . and chest hair . . .  and the closeness those sensations brought made everything more intense. Jack grabbed Daniel's hands again and raised them back over his head, letting Daniel take his full weight, then ground down, rubbing their still-clad groins together.  Daniel lifted his head and started sucking on Jack's neck, barely noticing when Jack let go of one of his wrists and started feeling under the pillow that cradled his head. The feel of velvet on his wrist snapped Daniel back to reality, and he froze. Jack looped the length of material around Daniel's wrist, then stopped.  He remained stretched out over Daniel, thighs and groins and chests pressed together.  He shifted his eyes from the binding to Daniel's eyes, searching for hesitation . . . or acceptance. "Do you trust me?"  Jack had asked at the mountain.  Did he?  Being tied would give Jack complete control over him.  Jack would be able to torment.  Or taunt.  Or kill.   Or leave. But he'd also be able to caress.  Tantalize.  Give him absolute pleasure. Bliss. "Do you trust me?"   "Yessss, Jack," Daniel hissed, lowering his defenses and letting Jack see. Everything. Including the one thing Daniel had hidden so deeply. Jack caught his breath at the naked want and need he saw in Daniel's eyes.  And something deeper. He lowered his head to catch Daniel's mouth in a scorching kiss while trying to keep his hands from shaking as he secured Daniel's wrists to the headboard. Daniel loved him. "This is for you, Daniel," Jack whispered in his ear.  He ghosted his hands down Daniel's arms, leaving a trail of goose-bumps, slid down until his head was at chest level, trailed his tongue over Daniel's nipple, teasing the nub until it was a hard peak, then he bit, hard, just the way Daniel liked it. Daniel gasped and arched sharply, pulling at the bindings, shocks of arousal racing to his groin, then relaxed again when Jack gave soothing licks and kisses to the hard, tight nub. Jack moved to Daniel's other nipple, giving it the same tender licks, then grinned when he felt Daniel tense, expecting another bite.  Instead, he suckled it, using gentleness to stimulate it to a taut peak before moving lower. Daniel groaned as the flush of pleasure washed over him.  He tugged his wrists, wanting to touch Jack, and felt a shiver race over him when he remembered he couldn't.  This was Jack's show.  He raised his head and watched while Jack nuzzled his way lower, to the top of his pants.   Jack undid the button and lowered the zipper, one tooth at a time, so slowly that it took an eternity before Daniel's solid cock bobbed free of the confining material.  Jack's cock throbbed when he realized that Daniel had gone commando.  "Christ, Daniel," he breathed, looking up into Daniel's eyes.  "You've got the most beautiful cock." Daniel snorted.  "Pretty enough to kiss?"  Then he moaned deeply and let his head fall back to the pillow, because it seemed that his dick was pretty enough to kiss.  And suck.  And lick . . . Jack slurped the head into his mouth, pushing back the foreskin with his lips and sucked, letting his tongue swirl around the firm flesh, paying special attention to the sensitive underside.  He sucked more in, moving at about the same pace he'd unzipped the pants, or so it seemed to Daniel, briefly held him entirely in his mouth, then pulled his head back, withdrawing fully, until Daniel's cock popped out of his mouth and bounced on his stomach. Jack grinned at Daniel's gasp of protest.  "Not yet, baby," he crooned.  "We've got a long way to go."  He started to push Daniel's pants down, and was glad that Daniel obligingly planted his feet and lifted his hips, making the business of getting naked easier.  He tossed the pants aside and got rid of his own, throwing them onto the pile of discarded clothing.  He straddled Daniel's hips, and ground down, pressing Daniel's cock between them, then reached for the jar of muscle balm.   Daniel watched suspiciously while Jack popped the lid and dipped both thumbs inside, then scraped them along the edge of the jar, leaving only a thin film of the ointment on his pads.  "What's that for?" he asked.   "You've never used something like this before?" Jack asked, eyebrows raised. "Only when I pull a muscle," Daniel said lightly, wanting Jack to get back to what he'd been doing.  He bucked his hips slightly. "You know I'd never harm you, right?" And suddenly Daniel did know.  Not just an intellectual knowledge, but an awareness that he felt to his marrow.  He was safe.  Probably safer than he'd ever been. Jack watched the almost imperceptible loosening of tension in Daniel's muscles, the relaxing of sinew and tendons, the change in Daniel's breathing.  There.  That was what he'd been waiting for. "Well, Doctor Jackson, seems like this time you're the one who learns something new."  Jack said  and put the jar back on the table then skimmed his thumbs over Daniel's nipples, spreading the ointment. Almost instantly Daniel felt it.  That hot/cold sensation of menthol and eucalyptus made his skin react.  The feeling was intensified when Jack leaned over, pursed his lips, and blew.  Daniel tightened his stomach and pushed his chest up.  "Shit, Jack!" he gasped. Jack chuckled.  "Feels amazing, doesn't it?"   Daniel wasn't sure if Jack was talking about the IcyHot or the sudden revelation, but it didn't matter, because Jack leaned down further and blew again, this time using warm breath. "The pleasure's just begun, Daniel," Jack murmured.  He offered his fingers to Daniel, who eagerly sucked them into his mouth until they were liberally coated with spit, then moved them down to circle Daniel's nipples before blowing on them again. The moisture combined with the liniment and breath intensified the cooling sensation, and Daniel hissed as his back arched, the tingle from his nipple shooting straight to his groin.  "Awww fuck," he groaned, his body writhing, despite the fact that he was held fast by the velvet around his wrists and Jack's thighs hugging his ribs. Jack teased his nipples a while more, tweaking, blowing, and caressing until they were throbbing and aching.  He reached for a pack of wet-wipes and carefully cleaned the IcyHot from his hands, then slid down, placed a kiss over Daniel's heart, then lower, trailing his tongue from Daniel's sternum to his belly, noticing that the stomach muscles were tense and quivering.  He swirled his tongue around Daniel's navel, then dipped delicately inside once before turning his attention to Daniel's groin.  Daniel's cock was leaking, drops of pre-come leaving wet marks on his belly.  Jack dipped a finger into the fluid and raised it to his lips, moaning at the sharp taste.  He looked up and saw Daniel's eyes fastened to his mouth, so he dipped his finger again and offered Daniel a taste. Daniel's tongue flicked out, caught Jack's finger, and sucked it inside.  He kept his eyes on Jack's, letting Jack know how much he liked it, and suckled his fingers in slow pulses. Jack let him continue until his fingers were wet with spit once again, then withdrew them and trailed them down Daniel's body, past his chest and stomach to his groin.  He kneeled up.  "Spread your legs for me." "Jesus, Jack," Daniel groaned, in a breathy kind of way, and he did, spreading them wide, feet down, knees elevated, opening to Jack, exposing himself, letting himself be vulnerable.  And it felt so damned good to be like this, tied up, trusting, giving himself over completely. Jack moved between his legs and traced his fingers up Daniel's thighs, feeling the hairs rise to his touch.  He stroked the skin high up on Daniel's inner thighs, close to his balls, and watched the crinkly sac tighten in response.  "Your skin here is what reminded me of velvet.  It's so soft and smooth."  He bent forward and bit at the tender skin, then licked and kissed, soothing the red mark.  He moved to the other side and did the same thing, only up closer, right at the junction of thigh and groin, then stretched out and nosed underneath Daniel's balls, at the perineum.  He didn't bite this time, but latched on and sucked gently before mouthing a ball and drawing it fully into his mouth. Daniel tightened his groin, letting the sensations circle his spine and settle deep inside his belly.  He pushed his hips against Jack's mouth, begging for more.   Jack moved to the other ball and tongued it, almost bouncing it on the tip of his tongue before closing his lips over it, then used his entire mouth to exert the gentlest pressure on the sensitive testicle.   Daniel tugged at his hands again, wanting to feel Jack, run his fingers through Jack's hair, then groaned in frustration when he couldn't.   "Be good," Jack chided, knowing what Daniel was feeling.  He always carded his fingers through Jack's hair when he was being sucked. "Don't want to be good," Daniel gasped.  "Want to feel." Jack laughed lightly and got to his knees, moving back to Daniel's side.  "You will, baby.  Don't worry, you will."  He reached for the lube and popped the cap, squirting a generous amount onto his fingers.  He reached for Daniel's hole and used his thumb to press, like pushing a door bell, not penetrating yet, stimulating the myriad of nerve endings concentrated in that area.   Daniel rolled his hips, his anus hungrily trying to suck Jack's thumb inside.   After an eternity, Jack obliged him and slipped his thumb in, letting Daniel swallow it at his own pace.  Slipping his thumb out, he replaced it with two slick fingers, curling them to brush over the bump inside - Daniel's prostate.  Exerting the pressure he knew his lover liked best, Jack continued the slow buildup until finally he reached with his free hand and stroked the full length of Daniel's erection, twisting his fist when he reached the sensitive head.   Daniel's head fell to the side, his eyes closed, panting.  "I'm not gonna last," he warned huskily. "Yes you are," Jack said, slowing his fingers down.  He leaned close to Daniel's face and moved his hand from Daniel's cock to cup his skull.  "Look at me, Daniel."  When Daniel opened his eyes Jack made eye contact and matched their breathing.  He gradually slowed his down, pleased when Daniel's followed, easing him back from the edge. It was the most sensual moment of Daniel's life.  They were working in tandem, the connection between them so strong it was like they were one organism, had one will.  He felt an overwhelming crush of love wash through him and struggled to swallow the lump in his throat at the intimacy of the moment. Jack let everything he was feeling show in his eyes.  "I love you, Daniel."  He felt Daniel's body respond, clench at his fingers. Daniel tugged at his wrists desperately.  He needed his hands free.  "Untie me, Jack," he gasped, because suddenly being tied wasn't enhancing their lovemaking, it was interfering with him doing the one thing he wanted to do most. Touch. Jack was feeling it too, the bondage wasn't right.  He immediately reached up and pulled the free tail of the velvet rope, gliding his fingers from Daniel's body at the same time that the knot unraveled.  Daniel jerked his arms down, unwound his wrists and turned toward Jack, wrapped his arms around his back and pulled him down into a soul searing kiss, rolling them over until he was on top, Jack firmly beneath him.  "I love you, Jack." "This is going to get sappy, isn't it?" "Most definitely," Daniel confirmed, then rolled them back to that Jack was on top again.  This wasn't about sex at all.  It was about connection, a bond they shared.   Love. When Jack finally entered Daniel, they paused for a moment, acknowledging the deep physical and spiritual link they shared.  It wasn't about Jack filling Daniel's body, it was about them filling each others souls.  They moved, not taking their eyes off each other, showing that this wasn't just sex, wasn't scratching an itch, that is was something so much deeper and more profound than that. Jack set up a slow, steady rhythm, making Daniel writhe and groan beneath him.  He'd planned this night, anticipated tying his lover with the gentle ropes of velvet.  He had hoped for, but hadn't really expected this complete letting go, the trust, the responsiveness.  Daniel was exquisite in his wantonness, in the way he utterly threw aside every pretense and facade and let himself be truly naked emotionally. Their lovemaking was slow and sweet and so very, very tender, both of them wanting to draw it out, make it last.  Daniel came when Jack whispered of love the second time, his orgasm ripping through him, Jack muffling his screams with kisses, their fingers entwined.  The intensity of the moment was too much for Jack and his orgasm flooded through him at the feel of Daniel quaking around and underneath him. Daniel's awareness returned slowly, the feel of Jack's weight and kisses grounding him.  His hands caressed Jack's back, holding him close, not willing to pull apart just yet. Jack lifted his head and smiled into Daniel's eyes.  "Happy Valentines Day, Daniel." Daniel smiled back.  "This one will be hard to top." Jack snuggled down, snuffling at Daniel's ear.  "I'll have to come up with something better for next year.  And the year after that.  And the year after that . . . " Daniel sighed with contentment and held Jack tightly.  "And the year after that," he promised, smiling at the future that lay ahead. Return to Valentine story list Send FB to Feather Autant

THE RED ROSE Daniel opens his door to a wide-smiling Jack. "Hi."  Daniel feels his heart skip a beat at the very sight of the other man. "Hey." Jack greets with a cavalier wave of his right hand. "Oh, uh, come in."  Daniel catches himself before he acts like a complete idiot.  He's glad that he has finally scrounged enough spunk to tell Jack of his feelings. Jack steps into the foyer, facing Daniel, staring intently. Daniel feels his face blush crimson under the scrutiny.  Then, suddenly, a red rose is thrust in front of him. "Happy Valentines!" Daniel is taken aback and can only stare at the rose.  It's a red rose.   Oh. It's.  A.  Red.  Rose. Jack watches as Daniel's face goes from one of surprise to a scowl. "You don't like it?" Jack asks, disappointed.  Daniel had invited him to dinner and he couldn't think of anything to get, so he'd bought this from a kid selling them on a corner on his way over.  It had seemed like a good idea at the time. "What?  Oh, uh, thank you."  Daniel makes to take the rose, but Jack pulls back. "You don't have to take it if you don't like it." "It's fine, Jack.  I like it." "No, you don't.  I guess roses are for women.  I'm sorry, Daniel.  I just didn't . . ." "It's okay.  You didn't have to get anything.  It's just that . . ." "What?" "I'm sorry.  I'm being silly . . ." "Would ya stop saying 'sorry'?  I understand.  I don't know what I was thinking - getting a man a rose.  I've never done this . . ." "I'm sor . . ." Daniel catches Jack's disapproving frown at his apology.  "Uh, it's fine.  It came from you.  I like it." Daniel takes the rose from Jack's hand and strolls into the kitchen to find a narrow-necked vase for it.  Jack trails behind, mentally scolding himself for being an idiot.  He should have gotten a box of chocolates.  He knows Daniel likes those. Daniel finds a vase in one of the cupboards, fills it with water and then puts the stem of the rose inside.  He stops, stares at it, and then brings it to his nose to take a long whiff.  He closes his eyes and lifts his face to the ceiling. Jack watches Daniel's Adam's apple bob as he makes rapid swallowing movements.  He realizes something more is going on than meets the eye. "Daniel?" Daniel jumps slightly at the sound of Jack's voice when he realizes Jack is in the kitchen with him.  He turns to look at him, his vision blurred by the moisture in his eyes. "What's going on?" "I'm sorry, I . . ." "Dan-iel," Jack drawls at the apology. Daniel turns his back to Jack and says, "Sha're had never seen a flower.  She read about them in an inscription.  It talked about the beauty of a red rose, and how it was like a woman - the color as red as the paint on a woman's lips, the aroma as sweet as the fervent kiss of a lover.  She had wanted so much to see one.  I used colored chalks to draw her one and promised to give her one some day . . ." Daniel feels tear beads forming at the corners of his eyes.  He quickly wipes them away before Jack sees them.  This is supposed to be a happy occasion - he's having Jack over for a romantic dinner.  He had hoped tonight they could finally go beyond the touching and necking and get into bed.  He gives a surprised yelp as he feels warm arms wrap around his waist from the back. Jack nuzzles into Daniel's hair and rubs his cheeks over Daniel's neck in soothing motions. "Jack . . ." "Daniel, it's okay.  I'm sorry.  I didn't know." "I know.  And I'm sorry for thinking about Sha're when you and I are . . ." Jeck lets go of Daniel and yanks him around abruptly.  He cups his hands around Daniel's face.  "You loved Sha're very, very much.  I know that.  I'm sorry she was taken away from you.  It's still fresh and raw in your mind and in your heart.  I'm just happy that you're willing to let me into your heart so soon.  As I've told you, I've been in love with you since the day I met you.  I don't mind sharing your heart with Sha're at all, if you don't mind sharing it with me." "Of course not.  As long as you know that part of my heart will always belong to her - but the rest I'm giving to you." "Ah, Daniel."  Jack feels his eyes moisten as he pulls him into a hug.  He pulls back and stares fixedly at Daniel's face.  He so wants to kiss him but doesn't know if it's the right time. Daniel solves the conundrum for him by clamping their mouths together.  This kiss is fervent, wanting, needing, demanding.  Jack meets every thrust of tongue, every grind of Daniels lips, every uttered groan, and demands more.  He feels himself lose track of reality as he's transported into this realm of loud, heaving, cacophonous, short-of-breath pants; unsynchronized thrumming of heartbeats and deafening rushing of blood. Daniel pulls away as he begins to feel light-headed from the lack of oxygen.  He's breathing heavily and so is Jack. Jack leans his forehead against Daniels and they both smile - for and because of the other. "Daniel, I love you so much.  I want to make love to you tonight, but I don't know if . . ." "It's okay.  I have you here now.  I love you and I want to make love to you as well." "Sweet.  Let's go to bed." "What about dinner?" "It can wait.  Can you?" Daniel smiles and nods. Jack grabs Daniel's hand and pulls him out of the kitchen and into the bedroom. "Oh, uh, Jack?" "Yeah?"  Jack is too busy tearing the clothes off Daniel to pay much attention. "I like white roses," Daniel mutters into the air as he luxuriates in the moment. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

OPEN YOUR HEART "Jack, that was a nice Valentine's Day dinner.  Thank you." "You're welcome."  Jack says as he hands Daniel a champagne. He circles his arm around Daniel's waist.   Daniel steps away. "Daniel..."   "Jack, please.  Don't.  I'm sorry.  I can't.  I just can't..." "Daniel, I love you so much.  You need to let go.  You need to learn to let people in.  Please Daniel, let me love you.  Open your heart to me, baby." Daniel looks at Jack with his brows furrowed in irresolution. He knows not what his mind wants, but he knows he wants to let Jack into his heart. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

ONE'S OWN HEART Daniel quickly puts back the Valentine card.   He doesn't know where the thought to get Jack a card crept up from.   Jack would surely know.   He can't let Jack know.   He isn't even sure - of his own heart. All he knows is he wants Jack in his life, for always. Jack is tired of being alone, again.   He thinks of Daniel, wondering where he is at this moment, what he's doing.   He tries to dispel Daniel from his mind.   He can't afford to think of him.   He doesn't trust himself - not his own heart.   He might love Daniel too much. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

TWO BEATING HEARTS Jack opens his eyes, wide-awake.  He assesses that he's in bed. He can't seem to move. It feels like a hefty anvil is pressing down on his chest. He realizes it's Daniel, on top of him. Then he becomes aware of rapid heartbeats. They had drummed so loudly in his ears that they woke him. But it wasn't just his.   There was another beating heart. Then he feels it.   The expanding and contracting of Daniel's chest. He smiles and kisses Daniel's head. He closes his eyes and lets his mind listen, with contentment, to the music of two beating hearts. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

TE QUIERO "Hmmmm....."  Daniel purrs as he rubs his cheek in Jack's chest fur. Jack laughs. "Daniel, don't tell me you're ready to go again?" "No, Jack.  I don't think my ass can take another pounding tonight." Jack reaches his hand into the crevice of Daniel's buttocks. "Are you feeling alright, baby?" "Yeah.  Now shut up, Jack.  I'm trying to bask in the afterglow." Jack laughs again and kisses the top of Daniel's head. "Daniel..." "Hmm?" "Happy Valentine's Day." "Same to you." "Te quiero." Daniel smiles. He has taught Jack well. "And you, Jack, will always be numero uno en mi corazon." Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

OSCULATION "Hmmmm, hmmmmm...."   "Hmmmmm, hmmmmmm...." The room is filled with the din of moaning and groaning. Wet, sloppy suction noises are amplified by the hollow walls. Hot and panting breaths are raising the temperature of the room. Two lips are smashing against each other with loud and slurpy sounds. "G-god, Jack...." "Daniii-eelll.  Hmmm.  Give me your tongue, baby.  Haaaahhh..." Jack sucks on the cherry glossa and revels in the whimpers Daniel makes. He licks all around the swollen lips and takes control. He holds Daniel's head in place, looks into his eyes, and devours the lips again. "Hmmmm, hmmmmm...."   "Hmmmmm, hmmmmmm...." Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

CHOCOLATE IS LOVE "Here."  Jack slid a small box over the conference table to Daniel. "What is it?" Daniel asked. "Open it." Daniel did, and raised his brows in ecstasy.   "Wow!  It's, uh, chocolate." "Uh, ye-eahh!"   "Jack, this is expensive Venezuelan chocolate truffles." "Yeah?  So?  Your point?" "God, Jack!  This is Viviente! Mmmm, the flavor just dances across your palate..." "Daniel - you're making love to the chocolate again." "Sorry.  Uh, why are you giving me chocolate?" "Because it's Valentines. It's a day to show someone you love them." Jack walked out of the room, leaving a stumped Daniel with brows furrowed. Love them? Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr

CRAZY ABOUT YOU "Uuuh, Jack, I thought we're gonna celebrate Valentine?"  Daniel frowns. "We are."  Jack continues to hover close and studies Daniel's face. He's crazy about that face.   He marvels at the ease the emotions flash across it. "Jack, being pinned to the wall in the foyer is not my idea of celebrating Valentines." Jack refuses to remove his hands braced on both sides of Daniel's head. "DAniel.  DaniEL.  Daniiii-ul."  Jack sing-songs the name. Daniel raises his brows.  Has Jack gone mad? "I'd rather stay here like this, for the rest of the night."  Jack whispers in a husky voice. Daniel smiles. Return to Valentine story list          Send FB to Hek'tr