Missing You

by Annie

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asa/annie/missing.php
Summary: Jack thinks of Daniel on his birthday

Jack sat on the couch watching the fire die, the once-cold beer in his hand now warm.

It's today. He should be here.

He couldn't believe that the time had passed so quickly, that the SGC had moved on. Yes, he had allowed Jonas onto the team but that didn't mean he had accepted him. It didn't feel right; something was missing.

Someone was missing.

Yes, Jonas could talk the languages, had read the journals & notes and even knew the myths thanks to his great capacity to learn. That didn't mean he brought the right mix to the team. He didn't bring the compassion, the understanding, the goodness, the courage, and the willingness to see the best in everyone.

He didn't bring the heart.

Why? Why did you make me let you go? For crying out loud, why couldn't you have fought to stay? With us? With me?

There was no answer, and he didn't expect to get one.

He had gone out earlier with Sam, Teal'c, Janet and George and they had all toasted him - the one who was missing. They hadn't stayed long though; they were all caught up in their own memories.

Getting up and crossing to the fire, Jack bent down and made sure it was completely out before standing up to walk to the kitchen. His knees creaked as he did so and he thought of the Lethal Weapon films. Murtaugh had it right when he said he was getting too old for this shit.

Getting? Try got. I AM too old for this shit. Especially as you're not here.

Once in the kitchen Jack emptied the beer into the sink and threw the bottle into the trashcan. He made sure all the lights were off; the doors were locked, and then went upstairs to the bedroom.

He quickly stripped his clothes off and climbed into the empty bed, missing what had once been there.

Missing who had once been there with him.

Just before he fell asleep he said

"Happy birthday Space Monkey. Wherever you are."