Wings

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=160 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="012a0643.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=435 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f64643.jpg"> <div> <B>Wings</B></div> <div>  <A NAME="wings"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <bR> <div> Jack O'Neill moved quickly through the holiday crowds.  His truck was parked at a meter that had about thirty seconds left and he could see the 'parking gestapo' barreling down the street in his tiny Cushman, taking dead aim on his truck.</div> <bR> <div> "Bastards must transmit a radio signal," Jack groused as he dodged out into the street to quickly open the driver's side door and jump inside.  He started the truck and clicked on the turn signal just as the parking patrol officer eased slowly past.  In true holiday fashion, Jack flipped him the bird before pulling out into traffic.</div> <bR> <div> He was heading toward the on-ramp to the freeway when he suddenly pounded the palm of his hand against the steering wheel.  </div> <bR> <div> "Dammitdammitdammitdammit!"  Guests were on their way over and he'd forgotten to buy the promised foodstuffs.  He looked around him quickly and smiled when he saw "Joe's Old Fashioned BBQ & Grill."  He whipped his truck around and pulled into the parking lot at the back of the establishment.  As he exited his truck, the smell from the wood smoking pits hit him full force and made his mouth water.  This wouldn't turn out so bad after all.</div> <bR> <div> Joe's was famous for the best barbecue and southern cooking to be found anywhere outside of the deep south.  Jack was reasonably surprised to see so few people.  He passed the small alley that separated the restaurant from its neighbors, and just naturally cast a quick glance down the narrow throughfare.  He paused as the man who was leaning against the wall beside the outside door turned to look at him.  The bluest eyes Jack had ever seen gazed at him coolly as the man took the last drag from his cigarette before flicking it away from him.  He was dressed in what used to be a white t-shirt.  It and the worn blue jeans were covered with smudges of sauce and what Jack presumed was soot from the smoke pits.  On his feet were heavy work boots.  The cloud of exhaled smoke circled around his honey-brown hair in the gathering Christmas Eve twilight as the man pushed off the wall with the foot he'd propped up, before turning to re-enter the door.</div> <bR> <div> Jack felt his stomach tighten and swirl and he let out a long, slow breath.  Now was not the time for these particular needs to reassert themselves.  With a shake of his head, he hurried into the eatery.  Walking up to the counter, Jack noted that he could look straight into the area where food was prepared.  The smell of slowly roasted meat, wood smoke and seasonings made Jack's stomach rumble in appreciation.  "Can I help you?" asked a perky, teenaged girl behind the counter.</div> <bR> <div> "Give me enough ribs, chicken and sausage to feed about fifteen people.  Hungry people.  Very hungry."  Jack's eyes roamed over the faces of the workers until they came to rest on the man he'd seen in the alley.  He watched with fascination as the man brought his thumb to his mouth and licked off a spot of barbecue sauce.  The man held eye contact and gave a teasing smirk as Jack licked his own lips in response.  He then turned back to a large garbage can full of wood chips and began spreading them over the hot coals of one of the smokers.</div> <bR> <div> " . . . with three large containers of potato salad.  Will that be enough?" asked the girl.</div> <bR> <div> "Extra ribs," Jack said, still watching the man.</div> <bR> <div> "Another five pounds be okay?" asked the girl as she began ringing up the total.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, great," Jack said, realizing he'd better start paying attention or he'd be buying the restaurant next.</div> <bR> <div> "Your total comes to one fifty six fifty three," she said.</div> <bR> <div> "'Scuse me?" Jack asked, wondering just what exactly he'd agreed to purchase.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, there's fifteen pounds of ribs, ten pounds of chicken, ten pounds of sausages, four large baked beans, three large coleslaws, three large macaroni salads and three large potato salads."  The girl looked at him smugly.</div> <bR> <div> "Just making sure you got that last five pounds of ribs," Jack covered.  He looked up when he heard the snort of laughter and saw the blue-eyed man smiling while he worked.  No one else was around him and Jack knew he'd been caught outright.  He handed over his credit card.  "My truck's parked out back."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll have DJ carry it out once it's ready.  Did you want to have a seat to wait?"  The girl ran his card through the reader and handed over the receipt for him to sign.</div> <bR> <div> "How long will this take?"</div> <bR> <div> "We're right in the middle of some huge catering orders, so I'd say about half an hour?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'll go have a beer in the bar."</div> <bR> <div> "We'll let you know when that order's up for you."  The girl veritably bounced off to transfer the order to the cook staff.</div> <bR> <div> With one last look at the man tending the pits, Jack made his way to the bar.  It was mostly empty, being nearly 4:30 p.m., and Christmas Eve at that.  The bartender was arranging a new shipment of beer in one of the coolers when he saw Jack ease onto a wooden stool.  "Evening," Jack said.</div> <bR> <div> "Evening.  Waiting for an order?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, I am.  Why don't you give me a Coors?"</div> <bR> <div> "Bottle or draft?"</div> <bR> <div> "Draft."</div> <bR> <div> The beer was poured and set carefully in front of Jack who laid a fifty on the counter.  "Keep the change.  Merry Christmas."</div> <bR> <div> "I guess so," chuckled the bartender as he rang up the beer and put the change in his pocket.  "Thanks."</div> <bR> <div> Jack let his mind wander as he nursed his beer, the constant recollection of blue eyes keeping him company while he waited for his order.  Before he realized it, his name was being called.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. O'Neill?" came the girl's voice from just outside the bar.</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Jack nodded to the bartender and followed the girl out.</div> <bR> <div> "If you want to go around back to your truck, we're carting your order out right now."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you," Jack said as he made a bee-line for the door.  He trotted back to his truck, digging his keys out of his coat pocket as he went.  Just as he approached his vehicle, he heard the clang of the door in the alley opening and a large metal cart being pushed through.  Jack tried not to grin as the man he'd seen before rolled the cart out across the parking lot.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. O'Neill?" he asked, his voice a soft, low tenor.</div> <bR> <div> "Yup," Jack said as he pulled down the tailgate of the truck.</div> <bR> <div> "Looks like you've got some people to feed."</div> <bR> <div> "You could say that," Jack said.  "I take it you're DJ?"</div> <bR> <div> The man looked up at him as he bent over to retrieve some items from the bottom of the cart.  "Lindsey calls me DJ."  He straightened up and held out his hand.  "Daniel Jackson."</div> <bR> <div> "Jack O'Neill."  Jack grabbed the strong hand and gave it a shake.  He could feel the stirring start in his jeans.  "Can I help you with this?"</div> <bR> <div> "I got it," Daniel said easily, quickly transferring the items from the cart to the truck.  "Just don't do any panic stops."  He gave Jack a teasing little smile.</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched the way Daniel's strong arms and back moved under the t-shirt, the muscles flexing fluidly with every motion.  He reached inside his coat and pulled out one of his business cards, scribbling his home phone and address on the back.  After Daniel lifted the tailgate back into place, Jack handed him the card.</div> <bR> <div> "What's this?" Daniel asked slowly, examining both sides of the card.</div> <bR> <div> "I think you know what that is," Jack replied.  He cocked an eyebrow quickly at Daniel before he walked away.</div> <bR> <div> "Aren't you making a pretty big assumption?"</div> <bR> <div> "Am I?" Jack countered as he unlocked the driver's door.  "Merry Christmas, Daniel Jackson."  He got in the truck and was adjusting his seatbelt when there was a light thump on the window.  He turned his head to see Daniel leaning against the truck, his arm across the top of the door.  Jack started the truck and hit the power window control, lowering the glass.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel handed Jack a business card of his own, one from the restaurant, with his phone number on the back.  "Let me know if you feel like being naughty or nice," Daniel said softly before tapping the top of the cab in farewell.</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched as Daniel dragged the cart back to the door and walked through it without so much as a backward glance.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "Lindsey!" shouted Daniel as he walked back into the restaurant.  "Total out the register."</div> <bR> <div> "Okay, DJ," came the perky voice from the back office.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head at the name and began banking the fires.  The prep crews would be in at six in the morning to start packaging up the meat for the charity Christmas dinners the next day and if he wanted everything cooked to perfection, he had to get things into the smokers in at least two hours.</div> <bR> <div> "He seemed pretty taken with you," Lindsey chided as she walked past him to the front counter.</div> <bR> <div> "Mind your business," he scolded.</div> <bR> <div> "Your attitude is just so 80s," she sniffed.  "Everyone's bisexual these days.  Heck, even I've . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "Stop!  Right there.  Don't . . . well . . . just don't.  I hardly need to know the sexual exploits of a 17-year-old girl."  Daniel ran a large rake through the coals that were still a few hours away from being ready.</div> <bR> <div> Lindsey laughed and sauntered away.  Daniel rolled his eyes, wondering when such a casual approach to sex had become customary for kids her age.  Daniel was 35 years old - old enough to know what he liked, what he didn't, what he would do and what he wouldn't.  Lindsey's generation just seemed to do . . . whatever.  It didn't seem right somehow - but that was probably his age talking.</div> <bR> <div> "He was extremely good looking though," continued Lindsey over the constant clattering of the cash register.  "If you're not interested, I could always . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "Did I not say 'stop'?" Daniel asked.  "It's a good thing I'm as patient with you as I am or you'd be out of work pronto."</div> <bR> <div> "DJ, you're all bluff and bluster.  Besides, Grampa won't let you fire me."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you threatening my granddaughter again, Daniel?" came a paternal voice from the other end of the cooking area.  George Hammond, the proprietor of the establishment, eased into the kitchen, patting Daniel warmly on the shoulder.  "What's she done this time?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel chuckled.  "Her nose seems to be in everyone's business but her own," Daniel said, throwing a small piece of wood at the girl's back.</div> <bR> <div> "Ah yes," George chuckled.  "She does that on occasion.  How'd we do today, sweetheart?  Worth staying open on Christmas Eve?"</div> <bR> <div> "We made a killing," Lindsey crowed.  "Catering just left with the last order for the Phillips' party, and that man who was drooling over DJ left with twice as much food as he needed for his party tonight."</div> <bR> <div> "Lindsey!" Daniel snapped.</div> <bR> <div> "It's alright son," George said quietly.  He gave Daniel a warm smile.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't usually announce my business to the world," Daniel said, a little angry at Lindsey's lack of discretion.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll have a talk with my granddaughter and resolve that particular situation," George promised.  "You about done here?"  George reached down and rubbed at his hip.  The hip replacement surgery hadn't gone as well as planned and he was still in quite a bit of pain.</div> <bR> <div> "I've got a handle on the rest of this," Daniel said.  "Why don't you and Lindsey head home?"</div> <bR> <div> "We'd still like you to come spend Christmas with us," George offered one last time.</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you, really . . . that's incredibly kind of you.  I just prefer to keep the holiday in my own fashion."</div> <bR> <div> "Alright," George said, resigned.  "But, if you change your mind, the invitation remains open."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Daniel said with a warm smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Lindsey, let's head home."  George prodded the girl in the back with his cane as she gathered up her coat and purse.</div> <bR> <div> "Grampa!" she complained, swatting at her grandfather.  "Night, DJ.  Do I get a Christmas kiss?"</div> <bR> <div> "No."</div> <bR> <div> "Aww, not even a little one?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not even.  Good night and Merry Christmas."</div> <bR> <div> "You are so missing out."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll just have to deal with the loss," Daniel said as he began scooping wet wood chips into another smoke pit.</div> <bR> <div> Lindsey walked off in a huff, George smiling indulgently after her.  He turned to Daniel.  "I left a little something for you in your mailbox.  You have a good holiday, Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> "George, you didn't need to do that," Daniel said, up to his elbows in water and wood.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," George smiled, "I did.  More than that, I wanted to.  And now, I'm off to drink myself silly and sing Christmas carols."  George limped from the restaurant, shutting and locking the door behind him.</div> <bR> <div> "Five o'clock, Daniel.  Time to hit the road," came Chris the bartender's voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Have a great Christmas," Daniel said, dodging a large puff of smoke that came up from the steaming coals.  The overhead fans grabbed the vapors and pulled them up immediately.</div> <bR> <div> "You know, I can stay," Chris offered, seeing the three barrels beside Daniel and knowing that it would take at least another few hours to get things to the point where the cooking could begin.</div> <bR> <div> "I got it," Daniel smiled.  "You head on home to that pretty new wife of yours."</div> <bR> <div> Chris smiled.  "Hey - did you see the bonus we got this year?"</div> <bR> <div> "Haven't even been back into the office today.  George was generous, huh?"</div> <bR> <div> "God, I'll say," Chris said as he shrugged into his coat.  "I'm locking up the front on my way out.  You're it for tonight, dude."</div> <bR> <div> "Okay, thanks.  Merry Christmas."</div> <bR> <div> "Same to ya," Chris said as he walked away.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel finished getting the chips arranged in one of the large cookers before closing the lid to let the wood begin to smolder.  He dried his hands and walked back to check his mail box and saw a festive envelope sticking out from the slot.  He smiled as he opened it, flipping the check over to look at the amount.  He set the check down, took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, then picked the check back up and looked at it again.  He blinked rapidly a few times, then concentrated on the amount.</div> <bR> <div> "Holy shit," he breathed, then shook his head in wonder.  The check was for three thousand dollars - exactly twice the amount that he needed to pay off the last of his debts.  George had just written him a check on a brand new future.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack took the last of the metal trays out of the oven and arranged the mountains of meat on large serving platters that lined the buffet table in the dining room.  He heard his front door open and the laughing voices of two of his closest friends as they came into the house.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh my God, that smells good!" came Samantha Carter's voice.  "Did you have Joe's cater?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sort of," smiled Jack as he accepted a hug from first one then the other woman.</div> <bR> <div> Janet Fraiser, a well known surgeon in Colorado, looked in stunned silence at all the food.  "Expecting an army?"</div> <bR> <div> "I was a little distracted when I placed the order," Jack snickered.  "But, I figure Teal'c's gonna be here after being out of the country for a few days, so he'll probably take care of most of this.  You know how little he eats when he's in a foreign country."</div> <bR> <div> "I hardly consider Canada a foreign country," laughed Janet, "but you're right.  He'll make a huge dent in this."  She reached for a chunk of sausage.  "I love this stuff."</div> <bR> <div> "We brought dessert, shall we put it out?" asked Sam as she dove into the large paper bag she was carrying.  She pulled out three covered pie carriers.</div> <bR> <div> Jack supervised the preparations and just as they finished, his party guests began arriving.  Business associates mostly; past, present and a few 'futures' gathered in small clumps in Jack's large, comfortable home.  They ate, drank, talked, even sang a few songs as the night went on.  Jack began to worry when Teal'c was late in arriving, but his fears were alleviated when a cell phone call drew him away into his den.</div> <bR> <div> "Teal'c?"</div> <bR> <div> "It is I, O'Neill.  I was unavoidably detained in leaving from the airport in Vancouver.  I should be arriving at your home within the next fifteen minutes."</div> <bR> <div> "I was getting worried."</div> <bR> <div> "There was an electronic problem on the plane and I lost the ability to communicate with anyone other than air traffic control.  We will need to service the aircraft immediately."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll make arrangements for it on Monday.  Hey, I hope you're hungry.  I've got a ton of food here."</div> <bR> <div> Teal'c's smile echoed in his voice.  "I look forward to it with great anticipation."</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "So you think Bailey Construction is on board?" asked Sam, licking her fingers as she covered the few remaining ribs with some foil before putting the plate in the refrigerator.  She shook her head in astonishment.  All that was left of the food was two drum sticks and four ribs.  Everything else was gone.</div> <bR> <div> "I've got a handshake says they are," Jack answered as he finished putting away the bottles of liquor into the cabinet.  "That contract will be huge if he keeps his word."</div> <bR> <div> "Dr. Sorenson seems to be pretty excited about using your services as well," Janet said from the sink where she was rinsing out the last of the dishes to put in the dishwasher.</div> <bR> <div> "You just want the finder's fee," Jack teased.</div> <bR> <div> "You bet your ass I do!  I've got a daughter to get through college."</div> <bR> <div> They all laughed as they continued the clean up.  Jack had arranged transportation for the guests who had over indulged, made sure their cars were safely back home with them, and closed up a few business deals all in the space of a couple hours.  He was feeling relatively pleased with himself when the phone rang.  He looked up at the clock on the wall and saw that it was nearly midnight.  He picked up the phone from its cradle and walked into his office.</div> <bR> <div> "O'Neill."</div> <bR> <div> "Um, hi.  It's, uh . . . it's Daniel.  From the restaurant."</div> <bR> <div> Jack thought his heart would fly out of his chest the moment he heard the voice.  "Hi.  You're calling a little late, aren't you?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry - is it too late for you . . .?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, no, it's fine.  I just got the last of my guests off and on their way.  So . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "So . . ."</div> <bR> <div> Jack heard Daniel chuckle and the sound of it made his knees a little weak.  He propped himself up on the edge of his desk.  "Is there something . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, actually, there is."  Daniel swallowed before continuing on.  "I'm in a mood and could use some company.  You up for it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not trying to be dense here, but . . . are you offering what I think you are?"</div> <bR> <div> "That and much, much more," came the velvety reply.</div> <bR> <div> "Really," Jack said, a slow smile spreading over his face.  "Tell me."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed again.  "I'm assuming you're taking the 'naughty' option."</div> <bR> <div> "With the way you sound right now?  You bet your ass."</div> <bR> <div> "No betting necessary," Daniel practically purred.  "It's yours if you want it . . . as often as you want . . . and as hard as you want."</div> <bR> <div> Jack ran a hand over his face, trying to slow his breathing.  "Your card didn't have an address."</div> <bR> <div> "I live above the restaurant.  Go to the alley and take the fire escape up.  I'll leave the emergency door open.  Go left down the hall and through the door."</div> <bR> <div> "Give me about an hour to get there?" Jack asked, his blood running hot and fast through his veins.</div> <bR> <div> "Hurry."</div> <bR> <div> The line went dead and Jack almost screamed in frustration.  His cock was pushing insistently against his zipper and his body felt like it was on fire.  He needed to calm down, get control of himself.  As steadily as he could, he walked back into the kitchen to his friends.</div> <bR> <div> "Jack, you okay?" asked Sam coming to stand beside him.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, why?"</div> <bR> <div> "You look a little upset.  Did something happen?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, no, nothing happened.  Um, I'm gonna need to leave in a few minutes.  Hate to call an end to the festivities . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "No, it's fine," Janet said, concern coloring her voice.  "You sure you're okay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, I am," Jack said.</div> <bR> <div> "Okay, well, I guess we're done here," Sam said, looking around.  "Teal'c, have a Merry Christmas."  She hugged the large man warmly.</div> <bR> <div> "You as well, Samantha," he said softly.  "Doctor Fraiser, I wish you a cheerful holiday."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you, Teal'c," Janet said, reaching up and putting her arms around the broad shoulders.  "You'll be over for dinner tomorrow?"</div> <bR> <div> "Indeed," Teal'c intoned.</div> <bR> <div> Jack laughed.  There wasn't a morsel of food safe anywhere in the city when Teal'c returned from a trip.  He hugged Sam and Janet once more as they departed, then began locking up the house.  Teal'c gathered his mail and headed for the stairs.  "Sleep well, O'Neill."</div> <bR> <div> "You, too, T.  Oh, I uh.... I may not be home . . you know . . . till tomorrow some time."</div> <bR> <div> Teal'c smiled knowingly.  He was acquainted with Jack's 'jaunts.'  "I have my keys," he said with a smirk and gracefully took the stairs to his apartment that had been built in the lower level of Jack's home.</div> <bR> <div> Jack made his way to the bathroom and washed up.  Running his fingers through his hair nervously, he contemplated what he was rushing in to - and despite the blatant stupidity of it all - he was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation that he hadn't experienced in . . . well, too long to remember.  He changed his clothes to a more comfortable pair of jeans and a sweat shirt, pulled on his coat, and before leaving the bedroom, grabbed a handful of condoms and a small tube of lube from the bedside table.  Tucking them into the front pocket of his jeans, he headed out into the night.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack stood looking up at the metal stairs leading up to the third floor of the restaurant building.  A metal fire door was propped open.  Taking a deep breath, Jack climbed up the rickety steps until he was face to face with the door.  Shaking his head at the absolute lack of sense that had overtaken him, he kicked away the door stop and stepped inside.  The door closed heavily behind him and he followed the hallway to the left.  The full moon shone through the windows, lighting his way enough to see where he was going.  He placed his hand on the latch to the second door and it turned with a click.  He pushed it open and stepped inside.</div> <bR> <div> The space he entered was large - almost warehouse like.  There were no walls or rooms, except for what he assumed was a bathroom at the far end to his right.  The faint smell of wood smoke hung in the air and as Jack walked, his footsteps echoed on the solid wood floor beneath his boots.  "Daniel?"</div> <bR> <div> "Here," came the quiet voice.  Jack stepped a little farther into the room and saw, situated next to the bathroom, an area closed off by oriental screens and what looked to be mosquito netting.  He walked slowly through the living space, noting the incongruity between the tattered furniture and the marvelous antiques strewn throughout.  His thoughts shattered and fell to dust when he entered the sleeping area.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel lay sprawled on an enormous bed, naked, legs splayed to show off an impressive erection.  Jack had to fight to draw breath into his lungs.  He could feel himself begin to sweat almost immediately.  "Damn.  That's some how-do-you-do."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled seductively and reached down to stroke his cock.  "I like sex.  I like it a lot.  Just wanted to make that clear before we got started."  His eyes raked over Jack's tall, lean form.  "Take your clothes off."</div> <bR> <div> "I think you just did," Jack said, pulling his coat from his shoulders.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled.  "And you're too far away.  Come closer so I can touch you."</div> <bR> <div> "Keep doing that," Jack said, motioning toward Daniel's groin and the hand that had stilled.  "I like it."</div> <bR> <div> "You like to watch?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Jack said as he pulled his sweatshirt off over his head.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel reached out with his free hand and quickly unbuckled Jack's belt while Jack worked on the buttons of his 501s.  Without preamble or warning, Daniel reached inside Jack's briefs and clasped his hand around the straining shaft.  "I want this," Daniel said, his voice husky and low.</div> <bR> <div> Jack ripped his jeans down, toed out of his boots and crawled onto the bed.  "All yours," he whispered.  His body glistened with a thin film of sweat.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel released him and rolled onto his stomach, lifting his ass in the air.  "Do it."  He handed Jack a bottle of Astroglide and a condom he had stored under a pillow.</div> <bR> <div> "No prep?" Jack asked, his hands shaking so badly he didn't think he'd be able to roll the condom on by himself.</div> <bR> <div> "I've been babysitting a dildo for the past hour while I've been waiting.  Trust me, I'm more than ready."  Daniel waved his ass in the air.  "Waiting here."</div> <bR> <div> "Pushy," Jack growled.  He got himself sheathed and slathered on a liberal amount of lube, then lined the purple head of his cock up with Daniel's slick entrance.  One push and he slid easily inside.  "Jesus fuck," Jack gasped.</div> <bR> <div> "Ohhhhh yeah," Daniel grunted into the pillow.  "That's it, right there."  He began to swivel his hips against Jack, who could only hold on and try not to come as quick as a 15-year-old on his first date.</div> <bR> <div> Jack ran his hands over Daniel's broad back and trim hips, reveling in the surprisingly soft skin.  Moonlight flooded through full length windows and mixed with the candle light from the sconces around the room to give Daniel's skin an almost luminous look.  He noticed an intricate pattern tattooed on Daniel's extreme lower back and he traced it with his fingers down to where it ended just inside the cleft in Daniel's butt.  Jack began to rock his hips, rolling them slowly until Daniel was groaning with need.  He saw him reach underneath for his cock and Jack gently moved the hand away.  "That's mine.  Leave it be."</div> <bR> <div> "Need to come," Daniel panted.  "So hard . . . need to."</div> <bR> <div> "You will," Jack promised, leaning forward and lavishing kisses on Daniel's shoulders.  "Let's make this last for a bit."</div> <bR> <div> Jack was true to his word.  They continued to thrust and work against each other, changing positions often until both knew that there was no more stopping the inevitable.  By that time, Daniel was straddling Jack's hips, impaling himself over and over again on Jack's shaft.  Jack grabbed Daniel's hips and held him still, causing the man to look down with eyes gone nearly completely black.  "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just this," Jack said and began rapid, shallow thrusting into Daniel's body that pounded on his prostate.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel began to shout, curse, beg for more and Jack gave as good as he could.  Leaning backward, head thrown back, eyes closed, mouth open in an effort to breath, Daniel let out one long, guttural shout just before the first ribbon of come flew onto Jack's chest.  It was enough to undo Jack and he joined Daniel in a loud, fully abandoned orgasm that had them both dizzy and seeing stars.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Three o'clock in the morning arrived and Jack lay sprawled, sweating and overheated, in a lump in the middle of the bed.  Daniel was currently licking him clean from their third session and Jack knew a fourth was not too far in the future.  Shaking his head, he tried to understand where his energy was coming from tonight.  "You put Viagra in the water or something?" he asked, raising his head to watch Daniel swipe his warm, soft tongue tenderly over the base of his cock.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel winked and nuzzled under Jack's testicles.  Jack lay back with a groan and let the man have his way.</div> <bR> <div> "Told you I like sex.  A lot."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, you did.  But I had no idea you meant this."  Jack spread his legs a little farther apart.  "And you have an amazing tongue."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked up, licked his lips and smiled.  "Thank you."  He lowered his head and began sucking softly in the crease between Jack's hip and groin.</div> <bR> <div> "Ah Christ," Jack inhaled, feeling his cock jerk.  "You're gonna kill me."</div> <bR> <div> "Nice way to go, though, isn't it?" Daniel asked, his voice muffled against Jack's thigh.</div> <bR> <div> "Can I ask you a question?"  Jack ran his fingers through Daniel's soft hair.</div> <bR> <div> "Mm hmmm," Daniel hummed.</div> <bR> <div> "That design on your back - where'd you get it?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel draped his upper body over Jack's thighs and toyed with his pubic hair.  "Designed it as a commemoration of my last job."</div> <bR> <div> "You worked in Peru?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel perked up slightly.  "You recognize it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not that the lighting in here is conducive to anything but sex tonight, but yeah, I recognized the basic pattern.  It's based on the hummingbird from the Nazca Plain, isn't it?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled as he pulled himself to his knees beside Jack's right shoulder.  He leaned forward and clicked on the light above the bed, then turned himself so he was facing the edge of the bed, his back to Jack.  Jack rolled to his side and propped himself up on his elbow and began to examine the design.</div> <bR> <div> In full light, the pattern was beautiful; the hummingbird had been stylized with a Celtic cross pattern and done almost completely in bright yellows, blues, reds and greens.  The tail of the bird narrowed to a fine, multi-colored rope pattern which disappeared between Daniel's buttocks.  Jack carefully parted the soft globes and let his tongue trail over the bottom of the pattern.  He felt Daniel tremble beneath his touch.  "This had to hurt."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't really remember," Daniel chuckled.  "I was pretty drunk at the time."  He leaned forward so his hands were braced on the edge of the mattress.  "It hurt like hell the next morning though."</div> <bR> <div> "So how was that your last job?"  Jack's tongue continued to flick and lap over the colored lines.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel sighed.  He hadn't planned on opening past wounds, but something about Jack urged him to trust.  "My theories and ideas were pretty well laughed out of academia.  I'm an archeologist and anthropologist and after a rather severe fall from academia, the only work I could find was with a crackpot group of UFOlogists trying to prove the Nazca lines were actually ancient runways for space aliens.  No one in the academic community took me seriously - and those idiots didn't take my work seriously enough.  So, I packed up and came home.  But not without this little memento."  Daniel patted his tattoo.</div> <bR> <div> "I've actually flown over this a few times," Jack said, leaning forward to kiss the colored skin again.  "It's an amazing area."  He nibbled lightly at the pattern.  "So's Nazca."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed lightly.  "You're a pilot?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah.  I own a charter business.  Used to be in the Air Force."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned to look over his shoulder at Jack.  "I'm in bed with a Fly Boy?"</div> <bR> <div> "Hi, I'm Jack O'Neill..... fly me."</div> <bR> <div> "Would you mind?" Daniel asked, his eyes darkening.</div> <bR> <div> "Being flown?  Hell no."  Jack reached for another condom and the lube.  "Been awhile, so I'd appreciate a little . . . consideration."</div> <bR> <div> While Jack grabbed the required items, Daniel shifted himself in the bed so he could look into Jack's handsome face, then smiled.  "I can certainly do that."  He leaned down for a long, lingering kiss.  "I guess it's official now," Daniel said looking at the clock before clicking off the light.  "Merry Christmas."</div> <bR> <div> Jack pulled Daniel down into his arms.  "Ho ho ho," he laughed against the warm skin of Daniel's neck.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack smelled coffee before he even opened his eyes.  He grunted as he rolled over, his body sore from the night's exertions.  He heard Daniel thumping around the apartment, muttering softly to himself.  Jack pulled himself from bed and made his way into the bathroom to clean up and get dressed.  He came out a few minutes later and ambled into the kitchen area of the apartment.  "Hey."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned and looked at him, giving him a brief smile.  "Morning."</div> <bR> <div> "You seem like you're in a hurry," Jack said, moving to pour himself a cup of coffee.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, one of the guys called in sick and so they're shorthanded downstairs.  I need to get down there and get things going for this morning."  Daniel finished his cup of coffee and set the mug in the sink.  "Look, it's really early and we basically just caught a nap . . . if you'd like to stay, catch up on your sleep?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Jack said, "that sounds good."</div> <bR> <div> "Good.  Good.  Okay.  Well.  I gotta go."  Daniel moved off quickly to the door.  He stopped just before stepping through and looked back at Jack, not really making eye contact.  "See ya."</div> <bR> <div> "See ya," Jack said to the closed door.  He set emptied his coffee mug and shuffled back toward the bed.  He just needed a few more hours and then he'd go.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel opened the door to his home quietly, knowing Jack was there - his truck was still parked in the parking lot outside.  He smiled when he heard the snores coming from the direction of his bed.  After taking off his boots, he moved silently to the bathroom and quickly took a shower, washing the smell of barbecued turkey and ham from his body and hair.  After drying himself, he dressed in a clean pair of briefs, brushed his teeth, then stepped carefully into his bedroom.  The sight before him stopped his breath in his chest.</div> <bR> <div> Jack lay face down on the bed, on top of the covers which surrounded him like a cloud.  His tall, lean form was relaxed, but even so the lines of muscle appeared to ripple beneath the skin.  His legs were spread and Daniel could see the light covering of hair give way to the soft skin of the firm, full buttocks.  A tan line marked where Jack managed to enjoy the benefits of a tanning booth.  His spine was long and straight, the back broad and strong.  Long arms were folded under his head and his face was relaxed in sleep, the lines easing in deep slumber and making Jack look much younger than his nearly fifty years.  Silver hair sparkled in the faint sunlight and Daniel wondered briefly what his hair must look like in full sun.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's eyes roamed over the body before him, lust beginning to pool in his gut.  He followed the flow of the back down to the crease between the pliable cheeks to the tight entrance.  Knowing the pleasure of being joined to Jack O'Neill had only made him want more.</div> <bR> <div> Jack's cock lay nestled just under one thigh, cushioned by the thick comforter beneath him, his balls snuggled up close to the shaft.  Daniel licked his lips as his eyes moved back to the enticing opening that lay exposed just above Jack's perineum.  Without waiting any further, he eased himself onto the bed and dragged his tongue slowly from the heavy curve at the bottom of Jack's sac, up along the silky flesh just behind them, then at last to his prize.</div> <bR> <div> Jack moaned softly and shifted his hips.  He was still sound asleep.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel settled down on his bed, grinding his own hips into the mattress in order to provide some friction for himself, as he began to lap his tongue slowly over Jack's anus.  Jack grunted and ground his cock into the sheets, muttering something in his sleep that sounded like a plea to continue.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack made it through the rest of the day, albeit a little distractedly.  He made his rounds at the homes of his friends, enjoyed a Christmas meal with Janet, Cassie and Teal'c, then slowly drove back to his house.  He checked his cell phone for the nth time that day, and still there'd been no calls forwarded from his home phone.  He sighed once more as he stopped at a light.</div> <bR> <div> Jack was no stranger to one-night stands.  His life since his marriage had fallen apart had consisted mostly of brief encounters and anonymous sex.  But Daniel had turned him upside down and shaken him to the very roots of his soul.  There was something that called to him from Daniel and he'd readily answered.  He wasn't so naive as to believe in love at first sight, but the night they'd shared had sure seemed like more than just casual sex to him.</div> <bR> <div> Jack turned onto the road leading to his house when the phone rang.  He looked at the display and saw Daniel's number.</div> <bR> <div> "O'Neill."</div> <bR> <div> "Hi.  It's, uh . . .me."</div> <bR> <div> "So I noticed on the caller ID."</div> <bR> <div> "We either have a bad connection or I got your cell phone.  Didn't I dial your home number?"</div> <bR> <div> "I forwarded the calls."  Jack swallowed his nervousness and surged ahead before Daniel could say anything.  "Look, did, uh . . . did you maybe feel like coming over?  I've got a truck full of left overs from dinner tonight . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "Why don't you come here?  My fridge is pretty empty - I could use some home cooked leftovers."</div> <bR> <div> Jack could hear the smile in Daniel's voice.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack parked his car on the street just up from the pool hall.  He was on the opposite side of the road from the glass-fronted business and could clearly see inside without being seen.  He leaned against a car and observed the goings on inside.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel walked slowly around the table, measuring his next shot.  Someone said something to him, and he turned to respond, then laughed with the others around him at what was said.  He took a long drink from his beer, then leaned over the table to make his shot.  The reaction of the other men around the table was obvious as Daniel stood up and grinned.  They all began digging into their pockets and putting money on the edge of the pool table.  Daniel made a great show of picking up the bills and arranging them neatly in his hands.  He then began to count through them, before laughing again and receiving a few punches in the arm from those around him.  Jack smiled in spite of himself as he watched Daniel interact.</div> <bR> <div> He'd been trying for almost a week to make contact with Daniel again, going so far as to leave a small note taped to his door.  There'd been no response.  Daniel had steadfastly refused any and all communication.  In the intervening time between their last night together on New Year's Eve and tonight, Jack had been busy, scheduling flights for executives traveling over the holidays and hadn't been in town much, but when he had been, he tried everything he knew to get a reply from Daniel.  Nothing had worked.</div> <bR> <div> His recalled their last meeting over dinner at a small café in town.  The conversation had flowed easily from one topic to another until Jack had mention that he wanted Daniel to accompany him on a weekend flight to Canada.  Daniel had seemed to consider the idea at first, until Jack had mentioned a business dinner he had scheduled.  "So, how should I introduce you?" he'd asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Introduce me?"</div> <bR> <div> "You know," Jack had said, waving a hand between them.  "Calling you my 'boyfriend' sounds a little junior high-ish."</div> <bR> <div> "Let's just, uh . . . let's see what happens," Daniel had said quickly.  "I'll need to check my work schedule with George, see if I can get the time off."</div> <bR> <div> "It's a weekend," Jack had countered, noticing the sudden tension in Daniel's body.  "You can't get weekends off?"</div> <bR> <div> "Weekends are our busiest time usually," Daniel said before finishing off his cup of coffee.  "You ready to go?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Jack had replied, a little stunned at the abruptness with which their evening had come to an end.</div> <bR> <div> And now here he was, lurking outside a pool hall, watching Daniel play pool with his friends.  As he watched, he noted that Daniel continually kept his distance from one man in particular, always putting the table between them, never coming anywhere near him.  Jack's warning bells began to sound when he noticed the man growing more determined to get within reach of Daniel.  A couple of the other men seemed to try and interpose themselves between the two, but were pushed away by the advancing man.  Daniel lay down his cue stick, held up his hands and backed off, obviously indicating he didn't want any trouble.  The other man continued to go after him.</div> <bR> <div> Finally, Jack could stand it no more and he began to cross the street.  He was halfway there when he saw the larger man jump across the pool table toward Daniel.  Daniel picked up another cue from a table behind him and swung it at the man's head.  It broke in two as he was tackled to the ground.  Jack could only see the flurry of punches being rained down on Daniel.  He burst through the doors and launched himself into the attacker, knocking him clear of Daniel and slamming his head into the side of a nearby table.  The man groaned and tried to roll away, giving Jack enough time to gather Daniel up and hurry him out the door.  One of the bystanders shoved a leather coat in Jack's direction.  "Thanks," he said absently and hustled Daniel from the pool hall before any real trouble could commence.</div> <bR> <div> The cold night air served to rouse Daniel a bit and he glared at Jack.  "What the hell are you doing, stalking me now?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, and aren't you glad?"  Jack hurried him toward his truck and threw open the passenger door.  "Get in."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not going anywhere with you," Daniel barked.</div> <bR> <div> "There they are!!" came an enraged voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Argue with me later, just get in the truck.  Now!" Jack demanded and shoved Daniel inside the cab.</div> <bR> <div> Running around to the driver's side, Jack started the engine and dropped it in gear even before he was fully settled in.  He heard and felt two large impacts just before he pulled away into the night.</div> <bR> <div> "There's blood on my shirt.  Why is there blood on my shirt?" Daniel asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Probably from the gash in your lip and the bloody nose," Jack said dryly.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel reached up to touch his face and pulled away fingers stained with blood.  "Fuck!  I'm bleeding."</div> <bR> <div> "We'll be home in a few minutes."  Jack fumbled in the glove compartment and handed Daniel a small pack of tissues.  "Here, use these."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel applied some of the tissues to his lip and nose and groaned when he saw the amount of blood.  "Crap."  He touched his lip carefully.  "Ow!  Dammit."</div> <bR> <div> "That guy beat the shit out of you.  You wanna head to the hospital, make sure nothing's broken?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel felt his nose carefully.  Other than being bruised and sore, it didn't feel broken and he shook his head.  "No, I'm fine."</div> <bR> <div> "You're far from fine," Jack growled.  "Who the hell was that guy?"</div> <bR> <div> "Someone who doesn't play pool as well as I do," Daniel said behind a heavy sigh.  "Just take me home."</div> <bR> <div> "That's what I'm doing," Jack murmured.</div> <bR> <div> "My home," Daniel amended.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, who's in charge of this rescue?" Jack demanded.</div> <bR> <div> "Shall I just add kidnaping to your list of current offenses?" Daniel asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Sure, what the hell," Jack countered as he sped toward his house.  He gave a little sideways glance.  "You could've just returned my calls."</div> <bR> <div> Both men fell silent and Jack let the conversation drop for the rest of the trip.  When they turned into Jack's neighborhood, Daniel's eyebrows climbed.  "Fancy."</div> <bR> <div> "Not really," Jack said as he eased his truck into the garage.  The door closed behind him and he and Daniel got out of the car.  Jack went around to the passenger side and looked at the rear quarter panel, letting out a loud groan as he did so.  "Dammit to hell, look at that."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned to see two large boot prints kicked into the side of the truck.  "Ouch."</div> <bR> <div> "Glad I paid that insurance premium this month," Jack said.  "Come on, let's get you cleaned up."  He lead Daniel into the house and immediately into the guest bathroom.  "Sit down, let me take a look at this."  He pointed to the toilet and Daniel eased himself down.  Jack took his face in his hands and turned it this way and that, flinching at the damage.  He examined the lip carefully.  "You probably should get a stitch or two in that."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head.  "It's fine, really."</div> <bR> <div> "Christ, you're stubborn," Jack grunted as he got the first aid kit from under the sink.</div> <bR> <div> "Takes one to know one," Daniel snorted.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, well . . ."  Jack pulled out some disinfectant and butterfly tapes.  "This is gonna hurt."</div> <bR> <div> "It already hurts," Daniel reminded him.  "Just do your Florence Nightingale impression so I can call a cab and go home."</div> <bR> <div> With no little cursing and some hearty squirming, Jack finally got Daniel patched up.  He threw away the used wrappers and supplies before turning back to the injured man.  "Why don't you stay here tonight?"</div> <bR> <div> "No.  No way," Daniel said, standing up.</div> <bR> <div> Jack put a hand on his chest and sat him back down.  "I've got four spare bedrooms," he said.  "You can sleep in one of those.  I'll wash your clothes, feed you breakfast then you can go on your way in the morning."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel studied Jack's face carefully, looking for any hint of deception.  Finding none, he finally acquiesced and nodded his agreement.  "You go ahead and hop in the shower if you want.  I'll bring you some sweats and a t-shirt."  Jack closed the door behind him as he left.  Daniel quickly stripped out of his clothes and turned on the shower.  He carefully washed his hair, avoiding getting his face too wet, then scrubbed down the rest of his body quickly.  When he emerged, he found a folded set of clothes on the counter just inside the door and he noted that his clothes dirty clothes had been removed.  He smiled inwardly, realizing that both he and Jack had been behaving pretty badly over the past week.</div> <bR> <div> Dried and clean, Daniel stepped out into the hall and realized he had no clue where he was in the house.  "Jack?"</div> <bR> <div> "In here," came Jack's voice from the room across the hall.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel padded through into the room and watched as Jack finished putting clean sheets on the large bed.  "It's closest to the bathroom," Jack shrugged.  He finished by fluffing up the pillows and placing them at the head of the bed.  "Let me give you the grand tour."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel followed him back down the hallway where they'd first entered the house and into the large country style kitchen.  "Garage entrance is through that way," he said, pointing to his right.  "The hallway has all the guest bedrooms."  He walked through the kitchen and came into a high-ceilinged great room.  "This is the main living area.  Upstairs," he said, pointing to the second floor landing to his right, "is my office, library and bedroom."  He pointed to the left.  "That's the tv and entertainment room through there."  He walked past the stairway leading upstairs and into an atrium and sun room.  "This is the reading room.  Leads out to the pool, sauna and Jacuzzi."</div> <bR> <div> "Very impressive," Daniel said, a bit intimidated by the obvious wealth it took to live in a home like this.</div> <bR> <div> "Wasn't when I started.  This used to be a two bedroom house with an unfinished basement.  Ah, yes, the basement.  My business partner lives with me.  He's got a full apartment downstairs.  You'll know him if you see him.  Tall, black . . . about the size of my garage.  Name's Teal'c."</div> <bR> <div> "Teal'c?"</div> <bR> <div> "Born in Nigeria, raised in Israel, moved to London, now lives here.  Flew with the Israeli Air Force for a while.  Hell of a pilot."  Jack retraced his steps and ended up back in the main living room.  "You hungry?  I could heat up some stew from last night."</div> <bR> <div> "No, I'm fine.  I could use some Tylenol or aspirin though."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, sure," Jack said, walking into the kitchen.  He poured a glass of water and took down a bottle of aspirin.  Shaking two into his hand, he replaced the bottle in the cabinet and walked back to Daniel.  He handed over the glass and tablets.  "Just, you know, make yourself at home.  Mi casa and all that."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled and nodded.  He looked around him.  "This really is very nice.  You built most of it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, over about the last ten years.  Started after I retired."  Jack dropped onto an overstuffed couch.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel walked over to the mantle above the large fire place, examining the pictures displayed there.  "Who's this?"  He picked up a picture of a smiling boy in a baseball uniform.</div> <bR> <div> "That's my son."</div> <bR> <div> "He doesn't live here?" Daniel asked, looking around for the obvious signs of a young boy.</div> <bR> <div> "No, he . . . he's dead, actually.  A few years ago."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, god . . . I'm sorry, I had no idea."  Daniel replaced the picture carefully.</div> <bR> <div> "Killed by a drunk driver," Jack said softly.  "My ex-wife, Sara, left shortly afterwards.  Couldn't deal with the depression I fell into.  Can't say as I blame her."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned to gaze at the man, his preconceived notions of him flying noisily through the window.  "I'm sorry."</div> <bR> <div> Jack gave a little shrug and fussed with the edge of a cushion on his lap.  "Shit happens, ya know?"</div> <bR> <div> "I, um . . . I lost my wife as well," Daniel said.</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked up, surprised.  "I'm sorry to hear that.  Can I ask how?"</div> <bR> <div> "My last dig in Egypt, I met a young lady," Daniel said quietly, his eyes going soft at the memory.  "Her name was Shau're.  We hadn't known each other but a few days and got married."  Daniel smiled.  "She swept me right off my feet.  Anyway, I was working just outside an old town named Abydos.  We were raided by a group of robbers and they took her.  I didn't get to her in time and they took her."  He sat down in a chair by the fire.  "I loved her very much."</div> <bR> <div> "So you came back here?"</div> <bR> <div> "I went back to New York and published my findings.  She had wanted me to do that so badly.  She believed in me - believed in my theories.  I figured it was the least I could do in memory of her.  You already know how that turned out."  Daniel fell silent.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know what to say," Jack said softly.</div> <bR> <div> "What is there to say?" Daniel asked, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness.  "Would you mind if I watched tv for awhile?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, go ahead," Jack said, motioning to the tv room.  "I've got some work to do anyway.  I'll be upstairs if you need anything."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel watched as Jack began to climb the stairs.  "How did you know where to find me?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack turned a wry smile on Daniel.  "Lindsey is an absolute fount of information when it comes to you."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel rolled his eyes and groaned.  "I have got to have a talk with that girl."</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel was curled into a corner of the sectional couch, watching a show about dinosaurs on the Discovery channel when Jack strolled into the room carrying a couple beers.  "Thought you might like one," he said, handing Daniel a bottle.</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Daniel said, taking a careful sip.  He hissed as the alcohol hit his lip.</div> <bR> <div> "Drink from the other side," Jack snickered.  He made himself comfortable on the opposite end of the couch and stretched his legs out and propped his socked feet up on the large coffee table.  "Are you watching this on purpose or couldn't you figure out how to use the remote?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm watching this on purpose," Daniel countered.  "I happen to like shows like this."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded slowly and took a long drink from his beer.  Daniel watched as the muscles in Jack's throat moved as he swallowed and he felt the first burn of desire begin in the pit of his stomach.  "Think I'll turn in," he said quickly.</div> <bR> <div> "Didn't mean to chase you off."</div> <bR> <div> "Getting the crap beat out of me sort of wore me out," Daniel said by way of explanation.  "I'll see you in the morning."</div> <bR> <div> "Night, Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> "Night."  Daniel made his way to his room and sat down on the bed.  He took a deep breath and tried not to think of the nights he'd spent in Jack's arms.  To occupy his mind, he began counting backwards from one hundred in Russian as he burrowed under the covers and forced himself to relax and go to sleep.  He achieved his goal somewhere around the number fifteen.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack awoke and listened for the sound of movement from downstairs.  Hearing nothing, he eased out of bed and drug on a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt before heading down into the kitchen.  He saw a note by the phone.  The words hardly surprised him.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Jack,</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Thanks for your hospitality.  I've taken a cab home.  While I appreciate what you've done, I think some space between us would be a good idea.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>D.</I></div> <bR> <div> Jack flicked the note back onto the counter and moved to start the coffee.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> The first two weeks of the new year came and went for Jack O'Neill with hardly a flicker of interest.  January slowly turned into February and in the midst of Jack's tax preparations, he had cause to be downtown and across the street from Joe's.  He looked over at the building, now bustling with lunch patrons, and wondered if Daniel was still there.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. O'Neill?" came a slow Texas drawl from behind Jack.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes?"  Jack turned to see a portly, bald-headed man leaning on an expensive, carved cane - and looking just a little perturbed.  "Can I help you?"</div> <bR> <div> "I believe we have a mutual acquaintance.  One Daniel Jackson."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't believe I've caught your name," Jack said with a sarcastic little smile.</div> <bR> <div> "My name is George Hammond.  I'm the owner of Joe's."  He took a step closer and Jack couldn't help feeling like he was staring down one of his commanding officers from his Air Force days.  "I would like a word with you, sir."</div> <bR> <div> With that, George made his way across the icy street toward the restaurant, making it blatantly clear that he expected Jack to follow him.</div> <bR> <div> Jack threw his briefcase into his truck, locked it and activated the alarm, then trotted off to catch up to George before he entered the restaurant.  As he followed the older man through the kitchen area, Jack looked to see if he could spot Daniel, but the man was obviously nowhere in sight.  He trailed George into the small office and watched while the man shut and locked the door.</div> <bR> <div> "Sit down, Mr. O'Neill."</div> <bR> <div> Jack sat in one of the office chairs in front of the large, metal desk and waited for George to come to the point.</div> <bR> <div> "What the hell did you think you were doing?"</div> <bR> <div> "Beg pardon?" Jack asked, surprised.</div> <bR> <div> "I've seen broken hearts in my life time, Mr. O'Neill, but I have yet to see one that measures up to what I'm witnessing with Daniel Jackson."</div> <bR> <div> "Broken heart?"  Jack laughed sourly.  "Oh, I think you've got the wrong person, Mr. Hammond.  Now, if you'll excuse me . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "We're through when I tell you we're through," George said, his voice low and angry.  "After your <I>encounter</I> with Daniel, he went on a spree the likes of which I've never seen.  Drinking, gambling, various . . . companions.  I've been around the block a time or two and I know depression when I see it.  Is it your practice to find people and do this to them, or did you just make an exception in Daniel's case?"</div> <bR> <div> "You hold on one second," Jack hissed.  "First, what went on between Daniel and I is none of your business.  Second, I'm not the one who pushed him away - he pushed me away.  And third, Daniel's a grown man and he can make his own choices and decisions.  He doesn't need some old fart like you trying to manage his life for him."</div> <bR> <div> "Well someone needs to right now," George barked.  "That young man is upstairs recovering from three broken ribs, a severe concussion and various torn ligaments and muscles.  He was in a bar fight a few nights ago and I'm the one he called to post his bail.  Now if you'd like to suggest someone else who might want to jump in and take care of this situation, please do.  I don't notice any kind of crowd lining up for the job."  George sat back, satisfied with the stunned look on Jack's face.</div> <bR> <div> "Is he all right?" Jack asked quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "Physically, he'll heal.  Emotionally, that boy is a wreck and living a lifestyle that is not conducive to any sort of long-term retirement planning."  George steepled his fingers in front of him and looked long and hard at Jack.  "He talked about you constantly for days.  Then, quite suddenly, he stopped mentioning you altogether.  I don't know what happened, and I don't care to, but apparently you mean something to that young man and being apart from you is devastating - whether he wants to admit it or not.  I'd suggest you try and set things to rights, Mr. O'Neill, or the next time may just be the last time for him."</div> <bR> <div> Jack gave a slight nod before standing.  He unlocked the door and stepped through, then made his way back through the restaurant and outside.  Walking through the parking lot, he stood looking up at the stairs that led to Daniel's door and his memory flitted to the first time he'd stood in this same spot, wondering if he was crazy for trusting a stranger the way he did.  Resolutely, he walked toward the fire escape.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grabbed the walls on his way out of the bathroom, trying to steady himself as the world around him twisted and tipped just enough to knock him off balance.  His back felt like there were daggers shoved through it and his side was on fire from the broken ribs.</div> <bR> <div> When he heard the tapping on his door, he groaned.  He guessed it was Phillip come to check on him, maybe get a little bedside nookie before he scooted off to find someone else to play with.  The tapping sounded again.  "Just hold on!" he yelled, easing himself along by holding on to his furniture.  He got to the door and yanked it open, fully intending to tell whoever it was to go the hell away.  He nearly fell into the hallway when he saw Jack standing there.</div> <bR> <div> Jack's eyes went wide and he immediately moved into Daniel's personal space to help support him.  "Hey, easy there," Jack said as Daniel teetered into him.  "Let's get you back into bed."</div> <bR> <div> "What are you doing here?  Can't anything happen to me without you being around?" Daniel asked angrily.</div> <bR> <div> "Apparently not," Jack grunted as he tried to maneuver Daniel back toward the bedroom area.  He eased him down carefully into the pile of pillows and waited while Daniel's body quit protesting about the change of position.  Jack saw the bottle of pills beside the bed and looked at the dosage.  "When's the last time you took some of these?"</div> <bR> <div> "I dunno, this morning sometime.  Around eight," Daniel groaned, pulling a pillow over his ribs and grunting through a particularly vicious spasm.</div> <bR> <div> "It's two in the afternoon, I think you're due."</div> <bR> <div> "They make me sick," Daniel complained.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you eat anything before you take them?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Daniel countered, kicking his feet under the covers.</div> <bR> <div> "Jesus H. Kee-rist," Jack hissed.  "I'll go make you some toast then you can take some of these."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not hungry," Daniel argued.  "And what are you doing here, anyway?"</div> <bR> <div> "I came to talk.  We've haven't done that since . . . well, it's been awhile."</div> <bR> <div> Jack had found the necessary ingredients and was in the midst of spreading some peanut butter on the toast when his cell phone rang.  He flipped it open to answer.  "O'Neill."  A flurry of language spilled out into the room and Jack held the phone away from his ear until the yelling stopped.  "Mr. Polanari, you have to speak English - I don't speak Portuguese."</div> <bR> <div> Another volley of angry chatter blasted through the phone as Jack finished coating the toast with a top layer of jam.  "Mr. Polanari, please, I can tell you're upset, but if you don't calm down . . ."</div> <bR> <div> Jack walked the plate with the toast in to Daniel and held the phone away from his ear again.  Daniel couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him as he heard the tinny voice rant.  He motioned toward the phone.  "Give it here."</div> <bR> <div> "What?  Why?  He's swearing at me in Portuguese."</div> <bR> <div> "I know.  I speak Portuguese.  Give me the phone."</div> <bR> <div> "You speak . . . you're kidding, right?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head.  "No, I'm not.  Now, give me the phone."  He held out his hand, waggling his fingers impatiently.</div> <bR> <div> Jack handed him his cell and Daniel began chattering back just as fast as Mr. Polanari had been.  After a few moments, Daniel motioned for something to write with and Jack found a pad and a pen beside the bed.  Daniel began translating, asking questions, giving answers and generally handling the situation.  Jack would write his answers down, so he had a record of the conversation for later, and together the two managed to figure out that there had been a scheduling emergency and Jack was needed in South America the day after tomorrow in order to transport some high level dignitaries from one location to another.  Within ten minutes the matter was settled and Jack sat back and stared at Daniel.</div> <bR> <div> "Portuguese?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shrugged.  "One of twenty-three languages."</div> <bR> <div> Jack leaned forward, forearms on his knees and looked squarely at the other man.  "What the hell are you doing working as a short-order cook in a barbecue joint?"</div> <bR> <div> "Paying bills?" Daniel tried to joke.  It sounded as lame to him as it did to Jack.  "Look, I'm fine.  You don't need to worry about me."</div> <bR> <div> "You stubborn sonofabitch," Jack growled.  He leaned forward, grabbed Daniel's face in his hands and kissed him until there were no more excuses, no more justifications, and no more rationales.</div> <bR> <div> "What the hell was that for?" Daniel asked, out of breath.</div> <bR> <div> "You need to let someone in, you pig-headed loner.  We connected."  Jack motioned between them.  "I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did and there's nothing you can do to deny it.  What went on between you and me, it wasn't just about sex.  It started out that way, but it's not the way it ended up, is it?  And you turned tail and ran."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't understand," Daniel said as he turned away from Jack's intense gaze.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't give me that happy horseshit either.  I've got nearly ten years on you - I've lost my son, my wife, and for awhile I lost myself.  You're not the only one to go through pain, so quit acting like you are and let somebody help you."  Jack turned Daniel's face back to him.  "Let me help."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't want your help.  I can handle things just fine on my own."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, this is handling things," Jack said, swatting the pillow over Daniel's ribs and causing the man to grunt in pain.  Jack stood up and paced back and forth a few times.  "You're afraid if you care for me, I'll leave.  Seems to be a pattern in your life, doesn't it?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grit his teeth and glared at Jack.  "I want you to leave."</div> <bR> <div> "No, you don't.  You haven't wanted me to go since our first time together and all this," Jack said, making a motion to encompass Daniel's bruised body, "is the result of an extreme case of denial.  And for your information, you stubborn SOB, I care about you, too.  A great deal.  And that's what scared you off."</div> <bR> <div> Both men fell silent for a few moments before Jack finally spoke again.  "Eat your toast so you can take your meds.  I've got some things to do, then I'll be back in a few hours.  There's a . . . business proposition I'd like to talk to you about."</div> <bR> <div> "Business?" Daniel asked warily.</div> <bR> <div> "After the way I just saw you handle Polanari, I'm thinking maybe I've got a place for you.  Give me a few hours to work out some details then we'll talk.  Okay?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded slowly and picked up a piece of toast.  He bit into it and felt his stomach growl.  He was hungrier than he thought.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "He speaks how many languages?" asked Sam as she finished rescheduling their flights to accommodate Polanari's emergency.</div> <bR> <div> "Twenty-three.  Talked to this guy like he was a native," Jack said as he pawed through some financial papers.  Finally finding the report he wanted, he did some quick math on the calculator then looked at the tape.  "We can swing it.  What do you guys say?"</div> <bR> <div> "I believe he would be a fine addition to the business," Teal'c commented as he stuffed his clothes into his duffle bag.  "If you are able to convince him to join us, O'Neill, I believe we may have the international business we've been hoping for."</div> <bR> <div> "And that means I can finally get that raise I've been asking for," Sam smiled.  "Kidding, kidding," she said quickly when she saw Jack's glare.  "If he's willing to help us, and work with you," she said pointing at Jack who merely gave her a sour look, "then I think he'd be great here.  Even if he is your 'boyfriend'."  She snickered when Jack tossed a message pad at her.  "Seriously though, I hope this works.  It sounds like he'll really be a help."</div> <bR> <div>  "Alright, I'm gonna go talk to him.  T, thanks for covering the flights.  Sam, you too.  I'll see you guys in a few days when you get back."  Jack left his office and headed back downtown for his meeting with Daniel.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "Work for you?" Daniel stated.  He looked at the employment agreement in his hands.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, why's that so hard to believe?  I want in on the international market and you can help get me there.  The compensation package is great, the benefits are spectacular - what have you got to lose?"</div> <bR> <div> "My independence?" Daniel said and set the contract aside.  "I don't know.  It's a bad idea to work for people you know - people you've been . . . intimate . . . with."</div> <bR> <div> Jack sat back in the chair, defeated.  "Do I disgust you that much as a human being?"</div> <bR> <div> "No!" Daniel protested.</div> <bR> <div> "'Cause I'm not getting this.  You don't want to be lovers - fine, I can deal with that.  You don't want to be friends - I don't understand that.  You won't work for me either - I definitely don't get that, especially with what I'm willing to pay you to just talk to people.  So it must be something about me personally."</div> <bR> <div> "That's not it," Daniel groaned, laying his head back on the couch.</div> <bR> <div> "Then why?  You gotta give me something here, Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> "I can't," Daniel said to the ceiling.</div> <bR> <div> "Have I done something to make you not trust me, or to hurt you . . . something I wasn't aware of?"</div> <bR> <div> "No!"</div> <bR> <div> "Then what is it?!"</div> <bR> <div> "I can't tell you!"</div> <bR> <div> "WHY NOT?!"</div> <bR> <div> "BECAUSE I THINK I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!" Daniel shouted, jerking his head upright and glaring at Jack.  He slapped his hands to his face and leaned into the corner of the couch.  "You happy now?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack sat quietly for a minute, digesting the news.  "You suck at showing it, ya know."</div> <bR> <div> "You impossible, obstinate bastard," Daniel spit.  "You make me absolutely insane and if we're together it's only going to be worse."</div> <bR> <div> "So the idea of 'together' doesn't really bother you?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> "The idea of 'together' has haunted me since Christmas Eve, Jack.  But the truth of the matter is, my heart just can't take another loss like Shau're and I'd rather just go from fling to fling than set myself up for the hurt that happens every time I let myself love someone."</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked at Daniel closely, laying in a heap on the couch, bruised and broken - a shell of the man he could be.  Jack knew that together they could be unstoppable if Daniel would only give them a chance.  He came to kneel beside Daniel and took one shaking hand into both of his steady, warm ones.  "You listen to me," he said quietly, "I'm not planning on going anywhere.  If we go into this, we go in believing it's permanent.  We may fight and yell and have some real knock down drag outs, but we'll be in it together."</div> <bR> <div> "Promise me you won't die," Daniel said flatly.  "Can you do that?  Can you swear to me you won't wind up in a fiery heap somewhere in the middle of some god-forsaken mountain range in a country that no one knows about?"</div> <bR> <div> "I can't promise you that," Jack said.  He saw Daniel turn his head away.  "I can't promise that when I cross the street to go back to my truck, some crazy idiot behind the wheel won't plow me over and turn me into asphalt sealer.  I can't promise you anything, Daniel - except that for as long as either of us have, I'll try and make you happy."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel scrubbed the heels of his palms into his eyes and gave a frustrated growl.  "Fine!  Fine.  You win.  Give me the damned contract."  Jack smiled and handed Daniel the piece of paper and a pen.  Daniel signed it quickly and shoved it in Jack's chest.  "Now get the hell out so I can get some sleep.  And by the way, I'm not coming in to work Monday.  Pre-existing illness."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't worry about it," Jack said, running his hand over Daniel's bruised face.  "How about two weeks."</div> <bR> <div> "Great.  Fine.  Fabulous."  Daniel pushed himself haltingly into a standing position and eased back toward his bed.  "Now get out."  He reached back and yanked the back of his t-shirt down and his sweat pants up.  "Quit perving on my tat, Jack.  It's unnerving."</div> <bR> <div> Jack laughed and gathered up his things, made sure there was some food readily available for Daniel to eat with his pain meds, then let himself out.  Before leaving, he made sure he spoke to George and let him know the situation and received a grateful handshake in response.  The two men parted company amicably.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel eased down into his new desk and looked at the stack of folders that surrounded him.  "Been saving up for me, have you?" he asked Sam as he pulled the first one from the pile marked 'urgent.'</div> <bR> <div> Sam smiled brilliantly at him.  "You're the linguist," she said, enunciating the last word carefully.  "I can manage French and a little Spanish.  Teal'c's got Arabic and Hebrew.  Jack can do Spanish and a little Russian.  You, sir... have the rest of the globe."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel chuckled and rubbed at his side.  "Oh goody.  A one man United Nations."</div> <bR> <div> He began to read a fax that had been sent that morning from a prospective client in Greece.  He was halfway through when he suddenly laughed.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Jack asked, coming back into the office from the hallway.  "Something funny?"</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, it's.... it's just how this guy refers to Sam in his fax," Daniel said, still reading down through the message.</div> <bR> <div> "Refers to me how?" Sam asked, coming to stand next to Daniel's desk.</div> <bR> <div> "Well he's asked Jack to make sure and bring . . ."  He stopped to chuckle again.  "His melon-breasted assistant with him."</div> <bR> <div> "Excuse me?" Sam asked.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked up and saw the pink tinge on her face and knew he should have kept his mouth shut.</div> <bR> <div> Jack tried to look serious.  "He likes your business sense, I think is what he meant, and Daniel," he said, nudging the man in the back.  "I'm pretty sure you must have translated that wrong."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed and shook his head.  "No, no I didn't.  He said 'melon-breasted'."  He pointed to the paper and underlined the phrase with his finger.  "Right here."</div> <bR> <div> "That chauvinistic pig.  I'll show him exactly what a melon-breasted woman can do to his sorry ass at about thirty-thousand feet," Sam sneered.  "That sonofa . . ."</div> <bR> <div> The guys stared as they recognized the tell-tale signs of a full blown rant when Jack stood up, his finger pointing.</div> <bR> <div> "Risk the business with that man and you're out on your pert little derriere."  He saw her eyes narrow and he shook his finger. "Aht!  Don't even start.  There are men - and women - like this all over the world and this is what we'll have to put up with as we go international."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not some jiggly piece of eye candy," she stated firmly.</div> <bR> <div> "No, you're not," Jack agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "So explain it to him, or I will."</div> <bR> <div> "No, I won't.  And neither will you.  Not everyone's going to be politically correct and I don't need you carrying on a crusade for women's rights with every arrogant bastard we come across.  And believe me, we're going to run across lots of them. We'll just decline his request for your services and explain that you're unavailable - permanently," Jack explained calmly.</div> <bR> <div> "And if he decides not to do business because he can't get a little action with the melon-breasted assistant?" Sam challenged.</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, it wasn't really 'assistant'," Daniel interrupted before he could stop himself.</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack warned.</div> <bR> <div> "What exactly did he call me?"</div> <bR> <div> "Um…"</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?" demanded Sam.</div> <bR> <div> "What can only be translated as 'office girl,'" he explained a little sheepishly.</div> <bR> <div> Sam growled in frustration as she stalked off to her office and slammed the door.</div> <bR> <div> "Full disclosure is not always a good thing," Jack snarled.  "And now I have to go in there and deal with that.  Thank you.  Thank you very much, Daniel.  Tell me again why I hired you?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Twenty-three languages," Daniel said smugly.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, like that matters right now," Jack shot back.  "Teal'c, you may want to have the medics standing by if I don't come out of there in five minutes."  He took a few steps toward the office.  "Or if you hear screaming.  Lots of loud, blood-curdling screaming.  Because that'll be the sound of my nut sac being ripped from my body."  Jack entered the office carefully.  "Sam?"</div> <bR> <div> "I believe you enjoyed that," Teal'c rumbled from his side of the office.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess I better learn to filter my translations," Daniel said.  He couldn't help but give a little laugh.  "She's cute when she gets riled up, though."  He and Teal'c both shared a chuckle.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel put the last file from his desk into the filing cabinet and slid the drawer shut firmly.  He turned and looked at both Sam and Teal'c.  "You two look like hell."</div> <bR> <div> "I haven't slept in my own bed more than six times in two months," Sam yawned.  "What do you expect?"</div> <bR> <div> "It's a good thing Jack's hired some more pilots," Daniel said, turning off the coffee maker beside his desk, "because all of you are working yourselves ragged."</div> <bR> <div> "You're not exactly putting in banker's hours either," Sam said as she straightened out some of the flight assignments on the large magnetic board attached to one wall of the office.  "You run this place now and I know for a fact you rarely get out of here before midnight every night."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shrugged.  "But I'm not in the cockpit of an airplane.  It's a little different."  He smiled at Sam.  "Does it bother you, me taking over some of the administrative work?"</div> <bR> <div> "God, no.  Less for me to do.  I'm a pilot, not a . . . manager.  You take it - have fun - file and shuffle and note and date stamp to your heart's content.  I'll just fly, thank you."</div> <bR> <div> "I just worry that you guys think that because Jack and I are . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "You have proven yourself most capable in the area of business management, Daniel," said Teal'c quietly.  "I, for one, am glad you have stepped forward and relieved O'Neill of the burden of running this business by himself.  He may now concentrate on what he does best.  He has every confidence in you - as do I."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you, Teal'c.  That means a lot coming from you."  He patted Sam on the arm.  "And thank you, too."</div> <bR> <div> Sam gave him a small kiss on the cheek.  "You're family now, one of us.  We trust you."</div> <bR> <div> Jack picked that moment to burst through the door, smiling triumphantly.  "The bank approved the loan.  We've got another three planes on the way."  He waved the papers he was holding.  "Signed these half an hour ago."</div> <bR> <div> "That means we can hire Girshken and Vincent?" Sam asked hopefully.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh yes," Jack laughed.  "Rotating schedules and actual days off."</div> <bR> <div> "This is indeed good news," Teal'c said.</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel, turn the phones over to auto attendant.  Let's head over to The Satellite and grab some dinner.  We deserve it."</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> The Satellite was a sports bar with every conceivable sports channel being broadcast world wide.  It was always crowded, always loud, and always a fun place to be.  Jack pushed his way through the crowds and managed to secure one of the few booths available.  A waitress came over, quickly took their drink orders then hurried off.  Teal'c and Sam chatted about their recent trips as Jack leaned back in the seat and relaxed, his hand rubbing slowly up and down Daniel's thigh.  Daniel looked at him and winked before getting up.  "Gotta use the restroom - be right back.  If the waitress shows up before I get back, I want the large order of hot wings with the ultra hot sauce.  Oh, and extra sauce for dipping."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded his understanding and watched him walk away.  He smiled happily, a warm feeling of affection swirling around inside him.</div> <bR> <div> "He really is great, Jack," Sam said, seeing the look on the man's face.  "You two were lucky to meet.  You're great for each other."</div> <bR> <div> "Doesn't seem like it's been six months already," Jack said with a shrug.  "Feels like it all just happened yesterday."</div> <bR> <div> "I do not understand why Daniel does not reside at the house," Teal'c said plainly.</div> <bR> <div> "He likes to feel like he has his own space," Jack said with a roll of his eyes.  "I've told him he's more than welcome to move in."</div> <bR> <div> "What's he said to that?" Sam asked, sipping at her glass of water.</div> <bR> <div> "He said I'm more than welcome to move into his place, too."  Jack laughed.  "You know how independent the guy is."</div> <bR> <div> The waitress came back with their drinks and they placed their food order, Jack remembering to order the extra hot sauce for Daniel's hot wings.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel had made for the bathroom farthest from the bar, hoping it would be less crowded than the one that was located more toward the center of the restaurant.  He still had to wait for a few men in front of him and as he did, he thought he recognized the man entering the far stall.  He tried to place the face but couldn't.  A urinal became available and Daniel moved to take his place in front of it.  He sighed in relief as he emptied his bladder, his mind flitting here and there . . . needing to make sure he had the language on the Italian contract right before next Wednesday . . . double checking the figures from Lisbon . . . needing to pick up more toilet paper on the way home . . .</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked up from zipping his jeans to see the grass green eyes of the man he thought he'd recognized.  He remembered in a rush not only who it was . . . but what they'd done together.  "Co . . . Colby?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, it's really great to see you," said the man, his eyes running slowly over Daniel's body.  "Been awhile."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, quite a while," Daniel answered as he moved to the sink to wash his hands.  "How've you been?"</div> <bR> <div> Colby moved in beside him, using the same sink.  Daniel gave him a look that asked him not to stand so close.  "I've been missing you," Colby said in a voice that was low and soft.</div> <bR> <div> "We talked about that before," Daniel said, barely above a whisper.  "The answer is still no."</div> <bR> <div> "That's fine," Colby shrugged and grabbed some paper towels.  "Doesn't mean we can't have some fun."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned to face the man.  Colby was tall, like Jack, only broader and heavier.  His eyes were rimmed by dark, long lashes that accentuated the strong, handsome quality of his face.  He kept his thick, raven hair quite long and tied back in a pony tail - except in bed when he let it hang free.  Daniel's cock twitched as he remembered the eroticism of that long hair flowing over his face and shoulders.</div> <bR> <div> Colby saw the slight darkening of Daniel's eyes and smiled.  He pushed a piece of paper with his phone number deep into Daniel's front pocket.  "Call me," he breathed against Daniel's mouth before turning and leaving as suddenly as he'd appeared.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel finished drying his hands then walked back out into the restaurant.  He approached the table slowly and Jack's eyes locked on him immediately.  "What's wrong?" he asked as Daniel slid back in beside him.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing.  Just a little headache," Daniel said.  "Did we order yet?"</div> <bR> <div> "On its way," said Sam.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel jumped when he felt Jack's hand glide back over his thigh.  "Sorry," he apologized.</div> <bR> <div> "You sure you're okay?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah.  Fine."  Daniel sat back and took a deep breath.  He wanted nothing more than to go home.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "Jack, are we out of eggs again?" Daniel asked as he hunted through the fridge in search of breakfast.</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," came Jack's voice from the other end of the kitchen.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, Jack.  I said are we out of eggs again.  I can't find any . . . what?"  Daniel stood up straight when he turned to look at Jack.</div> <bR> <div> Jack was leaning against the far wall, his hands in fists and his face pale.  "Mind explaining to me who the hell Colby is?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel closed his eyes and tried to keep his stomach from dropping through the floor.  "He's an old acquaintance, Jack.  I ran into him while we were at dinner last night."</div> <bR> <div> "Really."  Jack's tone was so even and monotone that Daniel couldn't tell what he was thinking or feeling, other than the fact it wasn't good.  "And you managed to end up with his phone number in your jeans pocket - how?"</div> <bR> <div> "Going through my clothes now, are you Jack?" Daniel countered tersely.</div> <bR> <div> "You had hot wing sauce all over them so I thought I'd toss them in the washer for you this morning.  Given your habit of leaving money wadded up in your pockets, I was checking to make sure I didn't wash a couple twenties along with your jeans when I found this."  He tossed the paper with Colby's phone number on the kitchen counter.</div> <bR> <div> "He asked me to call him.  It doesn't mean I was going to," Daniel said angrily.  "If you recall, I was a little preoccupied with you last night, like I have been every night you've been in town for the last six months."</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched as Daniel stalked into the living room.  He was ready to hurl accusations and insults, perched on the precipice of blaming Daniel for many things . . . none of which he had any basis for, other than some very hurt feelings and not a little insecurity.  "Why didn't you throw it out?"</div> <bR> <div> "Because I didn't think about it," Daniel said, knowing it was a lie.  He knew what he was planning all along, and the truth of it frightened him right down to his toes.  Jack was going back out of town in two days, and he'd fully intended to call Colby.  The thought of his planned infidelity sickened him.</div> <bR> <div> "So we've come to this point already, have we?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel turned to look at the man who'd come to own his heart.  He could see the sadness and the pain etched around Jack's eyes.  "Come to what point?"</div> <bR> <div> "Please, don't treat me like an idiot," Jack said as he walked out.  A few minutes later Daniel heard the garage door open and close.  He closed his eyes against the nausea that threatened to overtake him.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Daniel used his key to unlock the office door.  He could hear Jack on the phone talking with someone and he waited until he heard the call wrap up.  He slowly entered Jack's office.  "Hey."  </div> <bR> <div> Jack didn't say anything, but Daniel saw him swallow as he went back to his paperwork.  "I need to talk to you about what happened back at the house."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not really ready to do that right now," Jack said.  Again, Daniel heard the tight timbre of extreme control in Jack's voice and it scared him.</div> <bR> <div> "Well I need to," Daniel said.  He took another few steps into the office.  He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and turned his head to look outside.  "It all scares me sometimes," he began.  He heard Jack sigh and sit back in his chair.  He didn't let it stop him.  "After Shau're di . . . after she was murdered, I couldn't feel much of anything.  I was numb - I lived in a complete emotional vacuum.  Once the emotions did start to come . . . it was all too much.</div> <bR> <div> "It took about a year, I guess . . . until I was able to grieve.  But the pain of her loss, it never seemed to get better.  Some people turn to drugs, or alcohol to get through.  Me, I turned to sex.  Casual, easy, meaningless sex.  I was able to lose myself in someone else's touch, make myself believe that someone actually cared.  And considering my natural sexual appetite . . . let's just say I wasn't alone very often.  But I was just running - hiding.  No different than anyone else who uses a substitute to dull the pain.</div> <bR> <div> "Then you came along.  I remember seeing you that first time, in the parking lot on Christmas Eve.  I'd never seen anyone like you in my life.  You were - are - amazing.  Strong, disciplined, self-assured.  I stood there watching you watch me, and I damn near came in my pants.  You represented something to me that I thought I could never have for myself again - you believed in yourself.  You know why I called you?  I wanted to see all that careful discipline, all that rigid control melt into nothingness under my touch.  And it did - but not the way I expected.  You led with your heart, dammit, and I wasn't expecting that.  You demanded the one thing from me I didn't want to ever give again . . . and you won.  It wasn't you who was out of control, it was me."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel had been gazing out the window during his entire explanation, and now he turned his eyes back to Jack.  "When I ran into Colby, I didn't think anything of it - he was just someone I'd had sex with a long time ago and that was it.  Until he gave me that damned phone number and all of the sudden . . . the need for control, the desire to manipulate came back and I . . . I . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "You were going to call him when I was out of town," Jack said evenly.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded.  He couldn't raise his eyes to look at Jack.  "And the hell of it is, it has nothing to do with the way I feel about you.  Nothing whatsoever."</div> <bR> <div> "I think you should probably go now," Jack said, his voice trembling with the effort to maintain his composure.  "We'll talk some more when I come back from the job."</div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel said, taking a deep breath as he turned to leave.  He paused in the doorway.  "I never felt anything for any of them, Jack.  Not one of them."  He turned and fixed Jack with a look from eyes bright with unshed tears.  "But I fell for you the second you touched me.  I loved you then, and I love you even more now.  I hope you can believe that."</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched the door close and listened as Daniel's footsteps faded away.  Leaning back in his chair, he let the tears borne of betrayal come.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack put his truck in park and looked up into the third story windows of Daniel's loft.  He could see the slight flickering of the light from the television.  He'd had a few days to think things over, mull them around in his mind.  It was time to give Daniel his decision.</div> <bR> <div> He locked up his vehicle then stepped over to the fire escape.  He climbed it slowly, his feet feeling like lead.  It had been a rough few days; he was tired, hungry, and emotionally wrung out.  He'd pushed himself on the flight back so he could return early.  He'd done it on purpose for the simple reason of surprising Daniel with his early arrival.  Part of him expected his world to fall apart when he stepped into Daniel's apartment, and part of him prayed that Daniel had held himself in check.  He honestly didn't know what to expect.</div> <bR> <div> As quietly as he could, he walked down the hall to the entryway door and unlocked it before turning the handle.  When he opened it, he was greeted by the sight of Daniel sitting alone on the couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, the remnants of his pizza dinner scattered about beside him.  Daniel's eyes grew wide as he took in the fact that Jack was there.  "Hey," was all Jack could manage as he stepped into the room.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey," Daniel said, his voice holding an unspoken question.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm back early," Jack said, closing the door behind him.  "You . . . have time for that talk?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded and cleared away the pizza box and beer cans.  Jack came over to sit down while Daniel threw away the trash and got them both a cup of coffee.  He joined Jack on the couch, turning to face him.</div> <bR> <div> Jack rubbed his palms on the legs of his pants.  His carefully thought out speech deserted him, as did his planned explanation for things.  Instead he turned and looked at Daniel and said simply, "I love you.  I won't leave."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel launched himself into Jack's arms, immediately pulling and tugging at any item of clothing he could reach.  Jack thought maybe he should protest, take the high road and insist they talk things through, but he needed this as badly as Daniel.  Before he knew what was happening, Daniel had him stripped and pinned firmly to the couch.  He could recall very little after that.</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> "I could stay in town more often, hire on another pilot," Jack murmured into Daniel's damp hair.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't be ridiculous.  Trying to keep you grounded is like trying to keep the sun from coming up in the morning."  Daniel rolled out of Jack's hold and propped himself up on one elbow so he could face his lover.  "I was thinking . . . that maybe I should . . . see someone about this . . . compulsion I seem to have."</div> <bR> <div> "You mean, like . . . counseling?  You think it's that big of a problem?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shrugged.  "Couldn't hurt.  One thing this whole episode has taught me is that I have some issues and I need to work through them in a way that's healthy.  I talked to Janet and she gave me a couple names.  I'm gonna look into it."</div> <bR> <div> "If it's going to cut down your sex drive, I don't think I like the idea," Jack said playfully, nuzzling into Daniel's neck.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh yeah, this is a helpful attitude," Daniel chuckled.  He kissed Jack briefly as the other man pulled away.  "I've been using sex in the wrong way for the wrong things for a long time.  I want to bring things back into balance.  It doesn't mean I want to cut down on our sex life."</div> <bR> <div> "Good, I'm glad to hear that."  Jack made himself useful by nibbling on one of Daniel's ears.  "I think you're pretty spectacular the way you are, you know that don't you?" Jack asked seriously.</div> <bR> <div> "I do know that . . . now.  Thank you for wanting to stick this out with me."</div> <bR> <div> "You aren't the only one in love in this relationship you know," Jack smiled.  "Besides, like I told myself while crossing the Atlantic - it's not like you actually did anything wrong.  We all think about stuff that's not right - doesn't mean we act on it."</div> <bR> <div> "I guess, but there was intent on my part.  I am sorry for that.  More than I can say."  Daniel ran his hand over Jack's back.  "Forgive me?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Jack said firmly.  "I do."  He pulled himself into Daniel's embrace and cuddled down into the pillows and covers.  "Have you always been . . . you know . . ."</div> <bR> <div> "What?  This horny or this messed up?" Daniel laughed.</div> <bR> <div> Jack swatted his rump.  "Have you always liked sex this much?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Daniel answered.  "I've always been like this.  It was never a problem before - but I let it become one."</div> <bR> <div> "You are an extraordinarily sexual creature," Jack said as he wound his legs comfortably in with Daniel's.  "You know that's a huge turn on for me, right?"</div> <bR> <div> "Are you afraid I'll change toward you?" Daniel asked.  "Because that's not the point of what I want to accomplish."</div> <bR> <div> "I hope you don't change in that respect.  I love your sensuality and your eroticism."</div> <bR> <div> "You just like to watch," Daniel teased.  "And I like that you like to watch."  Daniel tightened his hold around Jack.</div> <bR> <div> "And now, even though I don't want to, I must sleep," Jack yawned.</div> <bR> <div> "You do that," Daniel whispered against Jack's forehead.  "I'll be right here when you wake up."  Just as Daniel was about to fall asleep a giggle escaped him.  "Jack, will you knock it off, that tickles."</div> <bR> <div> "What?" asked Jack innocently, holding back a chuckle.</div> <bR> <div> "You're fondling the hummingbird.  Quit it."  Daniel pulled Jack's face up and kissed him soundly.  "Now go to sleep."</div> <bR> <div> ++++</div> <bR> <div> Jack walked into his house and sighed at the cool air that washed over him.  It was over one hundred degrees outside and this Colorado summer was proving to be a monster.  Jack let his bag slip from his hand as he made his way to the refrigerator.  He opened it and pulled out an ice cold bottle of beer.  Before taking a drink, he held the bottle to his forehead and ran the cold glass all over his face.</div> <bR> <div> He stopped as he heard small grunting sounds coming from the atrium.  Jack took a long drink from his beer before heading through the house.  The sight of Daniel on his knees on the couch, one hand toying with his ass and the other wrapped firmly around his cock had him hard in an instant.  Daniel turned to look over his shoulder at Jack, a filthy grin on his face.  "Caught me," he breathed.</div> <bR> <div> "You're a damned tease," Jack said as he walked up behind his lover.  He ran the beer bottle down along Daniel's spine, letting the cold condensation drip onto the velvety skin.  Daniel moved his hand and Jack pressed the glass firmly against Daniel's opening.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel yelped in surprise.  "That's cold!" he exclaimed, his laugh turning to a long moan as Jack ran his tongue upward from his opening to the top of his tattoo.</div> <bR> <div> Jack finished off the beer quickly and sat down on the couch, yanking his pants and shirt off as he went.  Daniel sat over his hips immediately.</div> <bR> <div> "I've got something for you," Daniel breathed, stroking his cock rapidly.</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched in anticipation as Daniel powered himself along toward orgasm.  He looked up into Daniel's dark eyes and both men smiled, enjoying the closeness that allowed them such freedom in their sexual relationship.  "Yeah, that's it Daniel," Jack encouraged.  "You know I love this.  I love to watch you."  Jack ran his hands lovingly over Daniel's thighs and hips, knowing the end was close.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, shit," Daniel hissed.  Arching his back, he came in long spurts over Jack's chest and stomach, laughter bubbling up out of him as he slid over the crest of his completion.  Once his breathing had calmed slightly, he turned himself around to face away from Jack, settled himself back over Jack's hips and slid down slowly over Jack's straining erection.  He smiled as he heard the long, low groan from his partner.</div> <bR> <div> "That's a fine how-do-you-do," Jack smiled as he began to rock his hips up and back, his fingers tracing the pattern of the hummingbird lovingly.  Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around Daniel's trim waist and pulled him in tight.  "It's good to be home."</div> <bR> <div> "I missed you," Daniel said between pleasured grunts.  "I hate it when you leave but I love it when you get back."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll always come back for you," Jack said, a smile obvious in his voice.  "Always."</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> - 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