Area 52: 48 Hours After

Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back?
Would you cry, if you saw me cry?
And would you save my soul, tonight?

"Yep," he continues, walking around my office, picking up my priceless artifacts before dismissing them randomly. "He looked pretty pleased with himself."

I refuse to rise to his bait, let Jack think what he wants. Besides, it's laughable really; Paul and I spent the whole time arguing over this whole Russian situation. If Jack wants to believe we spent most of the time in bed, that's up to him. I don't care anymore.

"Still haven't received your postcard," he continues, "...guess the post's a little slow."

It's not the only thing that's slow. My fingers cease their movements and I finally look up for the first time since he's entered.

"No postcard," I say casually. "Nothing really to write about." I leave out the word 'home'. I've never had a home to write home to.

"I had half an hour to pack," I point out reasonably. "Besides, you were in the infirmary at the time."

I bite back the urge to say, 'shame.' I wish I wouldn't let him get to me like this. He stops directly in front of me, hands slammed down on my desk as he leans towards me.

"You should have told me." His knuckles turn white where they're crushing the desk, his jaw tight; his eyes filled with an unjustified anger.

"Why?" I grate out. "What difference would it have made? I mean, really Jack. Not as if you could have come and held my hand."

His eyes narrow even further and he pushes forcefully away from the table. I watch him warily as he slowly straightens up, rolling his shoulders back. He stuffs his hands in his pants pockets while he tilts his head slightly and cockily raises an eyebrow. I brace myself for whatever new game he's playing.

I raise my eyebrows more in response to the tactic rather than the words; he thinks I care that he met up with Maybourne?

"Years ago," I correct. Jack admitted to me one drunken night that they'd been fuckbuddies for a while- nothing more and that was past history.

He smiles, doing that smug I-know-something-you-don't-know, topping it off with a quirk of his scarred eyebrow, and says nothing.

"No." Yes. I don't want to be jealous but I can't help it...the thought of him and Maybourne? I shake my head trying to clear it of the vile images that paint themselves in my head. "Just didn't think you were into criminals on death row."

I stay still until the crisp clip of his shoes against the hard floor have disappeared before I bury my head in my hands and let out a frustrated growl. Why is he such a stubborn, irritating son of a bitch? Why did he have to weave himself into my life in such a way that I can't breathe without him? So that every pull he makes tears me apart inch by painful inch. I don't want to love him but I don't know how not too.

He's in bed but I know he isn't sleeping. To his credit he sits up; he's not pretending to be drifting in a peaceful slumber.

The images were dancing behind my closed eyelids; his words pounding into my skull until I couldn't take the unconfirmed rumors any longer. I need to know. Jack knew I would crack; it was just a matter of when. I can feel his smug smile in the darkness of the room.

Knowing his quarters well, too well, I walk over to the far wall and slide down it, pressing my knees to my chest.

"What did you want to happen?" I hold my breath in anticipation of the answer. In some ways this question is more vital than the first.

"You know what I want from you." His tone is unkind but I don't let that stop me.

Excuse me? I was sensitive to his feelings, cautious of his hidden emotions. "When did I *ever* laugh at you?" I ask incredulous, my voice rising; I'm almost laughing now at how ludicrous this is.

With that I get up and head for the door, suddenly glad of the shield the darkness offers. I don't want him to see how much he can get to me; I don't want to see how much I can get to him.

I find the door mechanism easily and slip out before it's even completely open. When my straight male military friend told me that he wanted to be more than just friends I admit I was a little surprised. Well if I'm totally honest I was a lot surprised. It turned my world upside down, confusing the heck out of me, making me revaluate everything about myself.

My blue eyes bore into his shit-colored ones. If he's trying to be purposely cryptic to piss me off I haven't got the time.

"Your mission report. I'm supposed to hand it to Hammond in fifteen minutes and I haven't even read it yet."

I try to take a deep breath to calm myself down; Jack and I have done nothing but argue recently.

"Oh for crying out loud. One little report! Is that honestly too much to ask for?"

I grind my teeth, slowly. What's the big deal; it's just another report. I'm sure Hammond won't mind giving me extra time seeing as I'm doing this translation first priority for him via his request; he can't expect me to do everything.

"Bullshit Jackson." My eyes narrow. He's started using my surname way more often than I like. "You've had plenty of time."

I place my pen down carefully on my open book, taking a deep breath. Then I look back up, my jaw tightening.

"Just because I told you how I felt," he hisses, "doesn't mean squat when we're on base, you got that? On base I'm still your team leader and I expect to be treated as such."

I watch as he leaves, resisting the urge to throw something at his arrogant retreating figure. He thinks I'm taking advantage of his feelings? That I'd recklessly play with his emotions like that; press them to my own advantage? Does he really think I'm that selfish and manipulative?

"It's the truth ain't it?" He doesn't even look up from the papers on his desk which I know he isn't reading.

I can't believe Hammond called me into his office to ask what Jack meant by, 'Daniel couldn't be bothered to finish his report.'

"No." I come to a stop only because of the wooden desk blocking my way. "I had more important things to do."

He gives a small ironic chuckle. "You always do don't cha Danny? There's always something more important, more pressing...more exciting."

"Why do something old," he continues, "something that's had it, when you can do something new, something more exciting and unknown?"

A light bulbs clicks on above my head. I move to sit in the padded chair opposite his desk; my voice trying for calm but not patronizing.

One eyebrow goes up and I can't help thinking I should have used his more formal last name.

"Want me to give him *your* number?" I ask getting a little annoyed; Paul isn't an issue so why does he always have to bring him up?

"Maybe not," I agree honestly. "But I do know what I don't want and that's Paul."

He studies my eyes and I let him. I know he's only being so cold because my indecision is hurting him.

"But I haven't got him." I swallow at the pain in Jack's voice; pain I put there.

Not wanting to eavesdrop further I allow them their privacy. Hands in my pockets, I walk back to my designated sleeping quarters; guess I'll have to try and meditate in my own room tonight...try and find some answers.

I pour a fresh cup of coffee, praying this will keep me awake through the briefing. Why am I so tired? It might have something to do with the fact that I stayed up all fucking night working. I did Hammond's translations but then did I go to sleep? Nope, not me; I did Jack's precious report so I'd feel less guilty but no less angry. It's his fault I feel angry; his fault that we're both in so much pain.

He didn't have to tell me he wanted me. He didn't have confess his deepest desires to me. It was livable before I knew what he wanted, what he allowed himself to want. How dare he work out all his feelings then announce them to me and expect them to be returned just like that. How dare he not let us work things out together; slowly.

Downing the steaming liquid as quickly as it will allow, I make my way, unwashed, unchanged, and unshaved towards Jack's office; let's see if he still wants me looking like this. I stride down the corridors, colliding with some uncooperative airmen that don't bother moving for the geek. I get to Jack's door and pound on it before giving it a shove. It doesn't open.

Pissed that I'd stayed up the whole night trying to tactfully word how our diplomatic relations with the Russians went and then Jack can't even be bothered to have the decency to be in his office, I slam the damn report onto the concrete floor and kick it under the door. Jack will find it when he can be bothered- he can tread on it for all I care.

I bite back the retort as I purposely sit the other side of Teal'c instead of the empty chair by Jack. Let's see if he can take the hint and keep his mouth shout for a while.

"For what?" I'm getting damn fed up with his behavior. "I'm not late because the General isn't here and therefore the briefing hasn't officially started yet."

"You're late when the briefing starts at 0800 and you arrive at..." he makes a show of looking at his watch, "0809."

I close my eyes at his childish behavior. "Oh and those nine minutes hurt you how?"

I open my eyes as he leans forward in his chair, his eyes mere slits of anger. Anger directed at me. "That's not the point, Daniel."

"Then what is the *point* Jack, because I'm finding it hard to see one anymore."

My eyes burn into his as I watch his brain join the imaginary dots. See, Jack; you're not the only one who can do double entendres. I'm tempted to illustrate my point by walking out. I've got much better things to be doing than sitting around here- coffee being one of them. I feel his dagger eyes on me as I leave my chair.

I pointedly walk past him to my destination. "To get coffee; didn't realize that was a crime now," I complain as my shaking hands try to aim the burning hot liquid into the cup. I still miss.

"Damn it," I curse, as the said liquid finds the vulnerable skin on the back of my hand. Slamming the mug down I try in vain to shake the spilt coffee off my hand.

"Fine thanks, Sam," I grate, ignoring my burning flesh in order to pour another cup of coffee.

All I've got to do is drink my coffee and grunt when necessary. If Jack does it I don't see why I can't. I'm aware of the team's scrutiny as I carry my mug and collapse back into my chair. I ignore Sam's confused stare, Teal'c's sympathetic gaze, and I don't even bother looking at Jack; what's the point, right?

I stomp back to my office, red-faced from anger and humiliation. That was the worse debriefing *ever*. It was a fucking disaster thanks to Jack; Hammond even made the two of us stay behind for detention. He asked what the problem was and of course, Jack and his ego refused to admit to anything being wrong...on his part, which of course led to Hammond asking me what was wrong and for just that second Jack looked scared. He was actually scared that I was going to report his sorry ass.

He doesn't trust me, believes I would tell on him. I haven't told anybody, which is more than I can say for him. He's not only *told* Teal'c but he's opened up with him more than he has to me. How does he expect us to have a relationship when he won't even talk to me civilly, let alone deeply. Communication is the foundation of any relationship...any good relationship.

I'd told Hammond I was tired, which isn't a lie, so what did he do? He reports me to Janet who not only lectures me as if I'm a two year old but insists I take the day off to sleep- how ironic. Doesn't she get I haven't got the time to sleep, let alone catch up on missed sleep. I have work to do.

Besides, the mind of my subconscious isn't exactly a place I want to be right now. Shifu once told me that dreams teach; mine don't; mine haunt. I'm haunted with images that burn themselves onto my eyelids as I wake up in a cold sweat.

"Then..." I comment continuing to flick through the pages looking for the section dedicated to Karnak's Great Hypostyle Hall. "You can report that I'm sleeping like a baby."

"Jack, I've got too much work to do to play your games today. Why don't you go and play with Sam."

"Daniel." I glance at him, seeing him scrubbing a hand through his graying hair and across his pained face.

"Jack," I say as patiently as possible. "I did your report, did what you wanted-"

"So it's my fault you're depriving yourself of sleep?" he asks incredulous. "My fault you just can't stick to the damn deadline you're given?"

Bastard. How does he manage to make everything about him all the damn time? The universe doesn't revolve around him and neither do I.

"Jack, I'm not blaming you; this has got nothing to do with you." I find the page I want and mark it with a scrap of paper. "This doesn't concern you."

"It shouldn't concern me that a member of my team is working himself into an early grave?"

I curse. I hadn't meant to say anything. Didn't want to give Jack the chance to interfere.

"Before what?" He sits up straight, his eagle eyes pinning me in my place and stripping me bare.

I pick up my pen, starting to scan through the page for references. This conversation is finished.

I bite down on my lip at the strong emotions running through me. I'm angry. Angry that he thinks he can make demands on me; angry that he has the nerve to touch me. Angry at my weakness. My weakness that makes me feel guilty for not telling him my plans. My weakness that I like the way his hand burns into my skin. My weakness that I don't want him to ever let go. Damn this.

I wrench my arm away from him with such a force that I almost fall backwards in my chair. "I don't have to tell you anything, Jack."

"Hell you don't." He stands up, towering over me, his voice dangerous. "I'm your leader," he spits out as he braces his arms on my desk.

I stand up, mirroring his pose; I refuse to give him the dominating power he wants. His eyes lock onto mine, such emotions running through the military man.

His eyes are passionate, burning into mine as our faces remain mere inches apart.

The electricity crackles and sparkles between us. I glare at him. He always thinks he can just get any answers he wants from me.

I suddenly feel stupid standing up but I refuse to sit down until he does. Stalemate.

"Of course." I'm not stupid enough to agree to go on a dig without permission- who the hell does he think I am?

"I didn't have too. Hammond okayed it and was going to inform you of it closer to the time."

He glares, not liking my reasoning but knowing there's nothing he can do against it. I'm playing by the rules.

This time I give into the urge, hurling stapler hard against the closed door. Doesn't he see speaking to *Hammond* isn't going to change anything? Isn't going to resolve the hole he dug for us.

"How kind of him." Damn it. Why the hell did he have to go and tell on me? Just because I'm going away for a few weeks without him? I never knew he could be so petty.

Has he been talking about me to her as well? Hasn't he heard of 'don't ask don't tell'? I bite my tongue. He's not worried about me, just worried about himself.

"Janet, let me just finish this off then I'll get some sleep." She studies me. "Please?" I add, batting my eyelids.

"It was getting the way," I dismiss. I'm a grown man for fucks sake- why can no one see this but me? "It hardly hurts anymore."

I refuse to look at the empty cups surrounding my desk and Styrofoam ones filling my waste paper basket.

"No, Daniel." She stares me down. "Commissary now and don't make me have to accompany you."

I bite down a growl of frustration. I'm not hungry. I don't see her picking on anyone else. Why is it always me they assume that can't look after myself?

"Want me to bring back the empty plate?" I grate out standing, my legs protesting from the cramped position I've forced them into for so long.

"Daniel..." She sounds almost sympathetic. "If there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. Doctor patient confidentiality and all."

I fix my eyes on her for a moment. She's genuinely concerned for me but I don't know why; I thought I've been hiding all this crap pretty well. Obviously I've failed at that like I have everything else.

He's in the commissary sitting alone at one of the tables- he probably told on me so he'd have someone to sit with. I push my plate along the row of servers, accepting whatever they want to pile onto my plate. It all has that dull taste here anyway.

There's no where else to sit. Of course there are plenty of empty chairs and tables but there's only one place I can sit. If I ignore him then what does that say about me? I'm not as petty as he, that's why I'm going to choose that seat opposite him. Not because it breaks my heart to see him sitting there so alone and lost.

Looking for something to do, something to end the awkward pause I pick up my fork and start poking the grey chunks on my plate. Could my life get any lower?

"Sorry. She asked, I told." My brow creases as I study him and his choice of words.

I stab a piece of meat that probably came from a dog before putting the vile smelling thing into my mouth. Yep, tastes as bad as it looks; Janet thinks I'm going to get better eating this crap?

"Egypt. My old stomping ground." I smile slightly. This is weird. I haven't had a normal conversation with Jack for so long now; not just the two of us together like this.

I don't know if he genuinely wants to know or whether he's just making small talk but I tell him anyway. If I don't we'll face that void of silence again; I can't take that.

He reacts to the fact that my friend is male but to his credit he doesn't voice his jealousy.

"Yes." No point lying. "It'll be nice to get out of here for a change. Go back to doing what I was meant to do."

I'm taken back by his emotion as he quickly stands and walks away from me. I feel alone, suddenly feeling the cold and the exhaustion I've been running from. Dumping my tray onto the rack next to his, I make my way to the sleeping quarters, my head spinning. Is this what I want? Time without Jack? Is he afraid that I'll like it? Am I afraid I'll like it? He must think I'm going to prefer the desert life and decide to stay there. Afraid that I'm going to leave him like he did me; afraid that I'm going to completely walk out of his life. And he knows he deserves it, all of it.

I'm sitting on my bed, looking at the photo of the team I used to feel so a part of. It's different now; now I feel apart from them. Is that my fault or Jack's? I honestly don't know any more.

I followed Janet's orders. I slept for eight hours before driving myself home to think. Maybe I don't need Jack to give me time but I need to give myself time. I stare down at Jack's image, looking so happy...and dare I say attractive? My head's so confused. I've never fancied men before, never even considered being gay because I liked women so much. So what does that make me? Bi?

But I don't find men attractive; they don't do anything for me. It's only Jack and only now. Is it only because he's offered that I think I like him? Is it because I haven't taken the time to go and get myself laid?

I let the photograph slip from my fingers and onto the softened carpet as my hands scrub across my face. Is it just about sex or is it that I'm craving to be loved again; love like I haven't experienced since Shau're. I need to find answers but it's hard. How can I ever imagine myself in a loving relationship with Jack when every conversation we have ends in arguments and pain?

Okay, so I can't figure out the Jack side of the problem but I can work out if it's just getting laid I need. Getting up I head towards the bathroom to get ready. I haven't tried picking up a girl for quite a while. Let's hope this gives me some answers.

I think I've connected. She's been eyeing me up across the bar- guess I better go and make my move. I breeze across the floor with an air of confidence that I'd forgotten I had. Raising myself up to my full height, I approach with what I hope is a smile on my face.

I offer her a drink and she accepts. Good- at least I don't have to hire a hooker now; not that I wanted to. We drink and flirt, her hand running up and down my shirt-covered arm. When we're finished I finally ask if she wants to take this someplace private and she informs me that she lives just across the street; how convenient.

At her house she offers me another drink and I accept, suddenly needing the alcohol. She places my drink on the coffee table and practically jumps in my lap, straddling my thighs as we kiss passionately. Her hands are in my hair, her breasts pressed against my chest, and she's rubbing against my groin. I should be excited, aroused, and thanking my lucky stars but I'm not. I'm not feeling anything but a sense of wrongness which I can't shake. Why should I feel guilty? It's not like I'm dating Jack.

She groans shoving her tongue further down my throat as one of her hands finds the gap in my shirt, teasing my bare skin. I can't do this.

Would you tremble, if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh?
Oh please tell me this.
Now would you die, for the one you loved?
Hold me in your arms, tonight.

I ring the doorbell. I don't know why I'm here but this is where my feet brought me. I've never been nervous of showing up at Jack's before, not even that first time he took in that homeless stray.

The door opens to reveal Jack wearing battered jeans and a white top; door in one hand and beer bottle in the other. He looks good. He does a double take when he sees me on his doorstep- a sight he hasn't seen for too long.

I shrug. Haven't really got an answer to that. He looks me over with those skilled eyes.

I shrug again wondering if I'm going to have to push myself through Jack's barriers. I don't; he sighs and pulls the door back. I can feel his gaze on me as I pass him heading towards the living room. I'm a little tipsy but I'm not drunk so I make it there with dignity, throwing my coat on the back of the chair before sitting down, simply letting the atmosphere surround me. I feel more at home here than I do any where else; even after all the trouble we're having. The place breathes of Jack and instead of making me feel edgy I feel safe.

I smile. Knowing Jack it's either that or water. I take the opened bottle and take a long swig from it. Placing it on the coffee table I look up to meet Jack's concerned eyes. Last he knew I didn't even like the stuff; I don't but tonight I'm taking any branches of friendship he's offering me.

"Enjoy your evening on the town?" he asks as the smell of perfume from my clothes slowly fills the enclosed room.

"No," I answer truthfully. I found answers but not what I wanted to learn- not what I expected.

I look up at him, noticing the moonlight dancing with the silver strands of his hair.

"To some bar to get laid," I reply honestly, watching as he tries to hide his emotions behind the beer bottle.

I've come to the conclusion that if I want honesty from Jack I'm going have to be the one to start and there's no point in sugar coating it; he can handle it.

"Oh. Did you, uh, get lucky?" He's trying to sound casual, miserably hiding his hurt from me.

I take another swig of my drink as I study him. He's nervous and curious but he's obviously taking my earlier advice and for once isn't pushing.

He swallows again, his adam's apple bobbing in disappointment as he looks down at his hands, coming to the conclusion I'm straight and I'm satisfied. I'm not.

"We went back to her place..." I continue, watching him carefully. "We made out, her on top of me..."

He's jealous and hurt- it's radiating from every pore of his body. I hope he doesn't think I came here to brag, to rub his face in this, because I didn't. I came here to resolve this. He's tense but he needs to know what happened.

"And I stopped it." His head jerks up, his eyes studying me as intensely as I'm studying him.

"Because it was wrong. Jack, I went to there to see if it was what I wanted, what I needed."

He nods in understanding, his eyes begging answers to questions he doesn't feel he has the right to ask but I'll answer them.

"Why'd you come here?" he asks gently. He's not being rude, for once, but genuinely curious.

"Because I miss my best friend," I confess. "I still don't know for sure what I want but I want you to be my friend whatever happens."

Alcohol is probably where I'm finding the courage and the sappiness, but that's not important right now. I need to tell him the truth; even if it is only for this one night. One night without the fighting.

Relieved, I nod as he clicks it on with a press of a button. Hockey's familiar. Familiar's good.

"The game's finished." Is that another double meaning? I hope so. "Come on, bed." His voice is teasing, without that sharp bite it's had recently.

"Ja-ck," I warn as I stand up stretching; I meant what I said about being friends.

"Relax. I'm not about to rape you in your sleep or anything." The words are playful but the tone's slightly defensive.

"I didn't say you would," I point out calmly. Guess our friendship is going to take a while to mend as we explore the newly laid boundaries, but it'll be worth it.

I head towards his spare room but I am already staggering by the first couple of steps.

"Here." Before I can utter a word Jack's once familiar arm is over my shoulders, letting me lean against his side. I know I probably shouldn't, and if I was more awake I wouldn't, but I lean against his stable warmth anyway.

"Thanks," I mutter into his shirt, breathing in the smell of fabric softener and that unique smell that is just Jack.

I close my eyes, half asleep as alcohol threatens to overtake me into slumber; I let him navigate us up the stairs.

"Here we go buddy," I crack open an eye to see I'm sitting on his spare bed, Jack bending down to remove my shoes; I smile at the fatherly image.

I grunt, hoping when he said morning that he actually means afternoon; late afternoon.

A well-prepared fool; but a fool none the less. I sit up, accepting the warm peace offering. Ignoring the slight fuzz in my head.

"Thanks." I watch him over the rim of the mug. He doesn't know whether he should stay or leave.

"You're losing weight, Daniel. Besides it's after twelve- it can hardly classify as breakfast."

I nod, not wanting to argue with him again. He sounds concerned...worried like Janet suggested.

He smiles in relief. "I've put some towels in there all ready for you and there are some clothes of yours in the bottom drawer."

With that he leaves me alone with my coffee to contemplate him. I didn't know I'd left clothes here but Jack's kept them hoping I'd come back some day. That's one side of Jack I could see featuring prominently in any relationship I get into with him. He's thoughtful, always has been, although he often tries to hide it. I let my mind wonder for a moment; let it imagine that we've spent the night together, like every night and we've got the morning to laze around. I imagine that I awake to a morning kiss before I get shoved towards the shower as he makes breakfast.

"Hey," Jack greets from behind the morning newspaper. This is so weird because it's so normal.

This is such a normal Saturday morning routine; would it be this normal if we were a couple? I cover the pancakes in maple syrup and butter before biting down on them.

"Hmmmm," I let out a small groan of pleasure as its flavor fills my senses. "This is good."

I open my eyes to find his fixed on my mouth, on the tiny bit of syrup that spills from its corner. He swallows hard and looks back at his newspaper. He doesn't want me to feel uncomfortable but I do, only not in the way he thinks. My pants feel uncomfortable because just by that one gesture from Jack I become instantly hard. Last night that woman was all over me and I felt nothing, but Jack doesn't even have to touch me to get me aroused? That's a scary thought.

I shake my head and quickly finish the pancake off. I'm wondering if letting my mind explore this 'every possibility' thing is such a good idea. I'm starting to get nervous about what I'm finding. My mind can be a dangerous place.

My tongue cleans the stickiness from around my mouth and I'm about to start on my equally victimized fingers when a kitchen towel is rudely shoved in my face.

His jaw is tight as he quickly dismisses me with a shake of his head. I watch as the man who is the center of all this confusion starts walking towards the counter.

"I made toast," he croaks, his voice edged with huskiness. I just nod; Jack's as bad as Janet when it comes to feeding the archaeologist...at least he use to be.

"Because we're going on a little trip is why," he says casually, returning to his paper.

"Ah." He cuts me off with a familiar twinkle in his eyes. "You have to support the area."

I refrain from commenting. I know I want to mend this relationship but how far am I willing to go? Am I willing to waste a whole day? Endure Jack's driving? Be surrounded by sport hooligans while sitting on an uncomfortable plastic chair for hours that is so far away from the rink that I have to squint to make out the little men pointlessly chasing a little puck?

Resigned to my fate, I go back to buttering my toast as I study Jack. I was right; all it took was for me to take that first step and he eagerly followed. He's making an effort that I really appreciate. Okay, I may have been more impressed if he'd made the effort to take me to a museum or something but the thought's there.

Would he make this much effort in a relationship? Would he take me places and surprise me with trips out? Would he be romantic or would he continue being an irritable son of a bitch?

I smile. I don't think Jack will ever stop being an irritable son of a bitch- he's had too much practice. I can't believe I'm sitting here theorizing whether a man can be romantic to another man. I can hardly see Jack, the military soldier, turning up with flowers and a box of chocolates.

Oh I know Jack is a real softy underneath that armor, despite the front he's been putting up these last few months, but soft doesn't equal romantic. And would I even want flowers? Nope, not with my allergies, but the chocolates...ah, definite possibilities there.

Could I do the romantic thing for him? Can I picture myself surprising him with a candlelit dinner when he gets back late from work? I could turn the lights down low; have some soft relaxing music in the background. I'd take his coat from him and ask him how his day went before sitting him down in the armchair as the lasagna finishes its appointment with the oven.

He sends me a quizzical look; his eyebrows raised, head cocked slightly to the side.

"Yeah," I reply, actually getting a thrill from the look of disappointment that crosses his face.

This is fun. If someone had told me yesterday that today I'd not only have spent the night at Jack's house but I would now be teasing him I wouldn't have believed them. This friendship thing with Jack is like riding a bike...only getting back onto a newer, bigger bike instead. The familiarity is still there, lurking behind the excitement of the unknown. I should be afraid but as usual I'm jumping in recklessly with both feet.

The smile that splits his face in two tugs at my heart strings. This is weird but I'm not freaking out. Yet.

Truth be told, I'm not watching the game but the man standing up next to me. I don't know why they bother putting seats in these places- I think I'm the only person in this stadium that's sitting down.

I did start out trying to take an interest in the sport- honest. But then something happened...Jack's butt made it into the corner of my vision. It was just for a split second but it was enough.

Since then my eyes have been glued to that tight ass and those strong thighs covered in black denim. I'm guessing that staring at that part of his anatomy answers the question of whether or not I can see myself with a man because as I've been starring at part of one and I can think of nothing but being buried inside him.

This is a serious revelation and in truth I'm dumbfounded. Yesterday I thought I was straight but today who knows? I thought the idea of being in a relationship with Jack would be a gradual thing and don't even start with how slow I imagined we'd take the intimacy. But with the thoughts going through my head at the moment you'd think I'm a regular subscriber to gay porn.

"Uh huh," I reply, wondering if Jack would have any objections if I gave into the temptation of reaching out and touching those firm buttocks.

I swallow hard looking up quickly to see if Jack's noticed and decided to tease me. He hasn't, his eyes still rooted firmly on the game as he continues.

I tune out the hockey statistics that he's throwing at me. I take a relieved breath, basking in his ignorance; it gives me time to try and force down this tent in my groin.

I forced Jack to take us to the store on the way home so I could buy some ingredients to cook him a meal. He'd tried to protest that I was a guest so I suggested we could go to my house instead so he'd be the guest. He declined quickly; the last time he came over was when he found me on the balcony ready to end it all.

I carry the plates through, setting them onto the table that Jack's set. It's been a long time since we've eaten a regular meal together like this.

He looks up and catches my gaze, looking confused, unsure if that comment was about him or the food; he should know by now I rarely compliment anything I've made. I smile at him and tuck into my own plate.

"Thanks for taking me to the hockey game," I try after a few minutes of silence.

"Don't even pretend you enjoyed it." He grins, taking the edge out of his words.

"I did," I protest. "I discovered some interesting new insights." Again I keep my eyes on him hoping he's getting my meaning.

He studies me intently. The ball's in my court and we both know it. Jack can't afford to take the risk because if he's read me wrong, and he pushes, he stands to lose me and my trust. However, risk is my middle name.

I take a deep breath. I'm still not one hundred percent as to what I want but I've got a good idea.

"I mean like you like you." I'm suddenly wondering if that linguistic degree was a waste of my time. "I think I'm attractive to you."

I look down at my empty plate for a moment, putting down my fork, desperately trying to fight down the demons.

"Jack, can we try something?" He blinks suddenly looking very nervous but he nods, trusting me.

I swallow and stand up, walking around the table. He stands too, unsure of what to expect. I want to kiss him. I want to see if this feels right, if I've finally found the answer.

"Can I kiss you?" I don't want to hurt him, mess with his mind or his feelings. I don't want him hoping for something only to have me change my mind.

We are both hesitant, so much rests on this one kiss. If this goes wrong, if I've been wrong, then I'm fucked...or should that be if things go right? Licking my lips nervously I ignore my internal babbling and take a step closer to him, entering his personal space. He smiles reassuringly, letting me lead this, letting me have the control that he knows I need.

I lean towards him closing my eyes in anticipation. I feel his breath against my lips for a second before I fully close the gap between us. My lips brush across his, a testing touch at first. He goes to pull back but I don't let him, following his retreating mouth with my own until I latch onto it.

It's a little clumsy, we're both shaking with pent up emotions. My head's spinning as my tongue nudges against his closed lips, they open immediately. I explore the caverns of his mouth and tease his own tongue, dancing with it in joy. I can't believe how good this feels, how right.

I hear a small groan and at the same time I feel it in my mouth; I can't get over how good this feels. I made him groan, me. I answer him with my own moan as his hands slowly start caressing my back, warming the hidden skin.

Heart pounding, I slowly pull back to breathe. I'm not surprised to find my arms firmly around his waist, holding up my suddenly weak legs. He's looking down at me with so many emotions dancing across his face. He enjoyed it, no question, but he doesn't know if that was the only kiss we are ever going to share.

Hoping to get the message through to him I let one of my hands run up his chest, across his shoulder, and into his short, incredibly soft hair. He keeps his eyes fixed firmly on mine, not pushing; never pushing.

Smiling, I use the strategically placed hand to pull his head down and kiss him again. This time I'm a little more confident and he a little more certain of where he stands. It's his turn to explore my mouth before drawing out my own tongue and inviting it back into his mouth where he sucks on it mercilessly.

His arms tighten their hold on me, pulling me harder against his body and I'm surprised by his erection that's currently against my thigh. He doesn't know if it's welcome but I move a hand down and hesitantly place my palm against it. He groans loudly into my mouth as he tries to devour me. I do this to him.

In need of oxygen we pull away again but keep our bodies pressed together. His eyes are darkened with desire but I know he doesn't expect anything; won't force me to do anything I'm not comfortable with.

"Wanted to do that all day." My voice is husky as I regretfully remove my hand from his groin and place it on the more neutral territory of his hip.

He laughs softly, leaning down to rest his forehead against my sweaty brow. "Been wanting that for a long time."

I smile, relaxing slightly into the embrace; he feels me relax and hugs me. I move my head onto his shoulder as we regain control of our minds and bodies. I think I've found the answer to my question.

I chuckle as he releases me and gives me a little shove towards the table. What was I saying about him being romantic? I am grateful though that he hasn't asked what the kiss meant. It's not that he doesn't care, on the contrary-he cares too much to ask.

We collect the dirty plates off the table in companionable silence and carry them through into the kitchen.

Reluctantly I pull on the rubber gloves and set to work; I won't ask what happened to his dishwasher.

Jack laughs; I can feel the action vibrating through his chest. I sigh contentedly. We're watching a film together on his couch, snuggled in each other's arms. It didn't start like this. We did the usual bickering over what to watch- I let him win and so I'm currently watching Die Hard for the hundredth time.

We'd started on the couch a respectable distance from one another, small bowl of popcorn sitting between us. But then Jack had stolen the popcorn, placing it in his lap, eating nearly all of it. My stomach argued so I shifted nearer and my hands dove in searching for the few remaining pieces- that's when my brain helpfully informed me my hand was practically in his lap.

I instantly gave up my quest for popcorn and Jack had had the nerve to laugh before offering the last few survivors to me. I'm sure he just intended for me to take them from his hand but I set out for revenge. Leaning down I sucked each piece from his fingers, ensuring I got a taste of his fingertips with every treat.

His eyes were fixed on me, darkened with passion- neither of us laughing. Moving the bowl out of his lap I leaned forward and kissed him again, enjoying the feel of his lips as he surrendered to me. My hand found the smooth skin of his neck, caressing him as I held him in place.

The kiss broke, neither of us ready to take it any further yet. We looked into each other's eyes and laughed, breaking the tension. Then Jack had pulled me next to him, his arm over my shoulder.

And that's where I've stayed, breathing in his presence. I've missed him. I nudge my bare toes against his sock covered ones that are stretched out on the coffee table.

"This is such a classic." I don't know how he can still get excited over explosions he has seen hundreds of times.

"You only like this film because Bruce Willis is in it," I boldly announce, curious to see his reaction.

He looks at me and grins smugly, nudging my toes back. "Bruce Willis, explosions...what's not to like?"

I let out a small laugh, as his toes caress mine. I love this easy teasing we have back even though it now has an added twist.

"I don't think it's a good idea," I admit regretfully yet still enjoying his blush.

"Daniel." He comes to stand next to me, taking the coat out of my hands and hanging in back up on the stand. "You can have the spare room again...it was alright last night, right?"

Smiling he throws an arm over my shoulder, pulling me closer to his warmth as we head to 'my' room.

"Why not?" Have I been pushing him too far, just taking it for granted that he's wanting all this too? Am I doing what I promised not to do; hurting him? I don't want to hurt him; this isn't some twisted revenge.

"Cause with you next door and the effect your kisses have on me I'll be jerking off all night."

I close my eyes at the instant memory my mind has supplied for me. I saw him jerking off once. We were off world and I was on watch duty when he headed off into the trees to take a leak. He'd been gone slightly longer than necessary so I'd traced the route he'd taken only to be stopped in my tracks.

I'd watched in fascination as he pleasured himself, cheeks flushed, panting hard. My reaction should have told me that I felt something more than friendship towards him but at the time it didn't register, I just stood frozen to the spot, his quiet grunts of pleasure the only thing to jolt me back to reality, telling me I better head back to the fire and my journal.

I open my eyes to see him smiling smugly; glad that his bold statement has affected me the way he meant it too.

Grinning he leans down and places the briefest of kisses on my lips before stepping away.

I stare at the ceiling, pointedly ignoring the current state of my body. It was just a damn peck on the lips, nothing to get excited about, but I am. I keep feeling that brief touch as I run through the day's events in my head. And I want more.

No. I refuse to touch myself in someone else's house- well, within reason. Sure, I jerked off in foster homes but that's different. This is Jack's house and I have my own house, my own bed.

I turn my head to stare at the wall between us. Is he really in his bedroom right now jerking off? I strain to hear anything in the silence of the darkness but I can't. He could be just the other side of that plaster touching himself while thinking about me.

I groan in frustration. I've spent all this time trying to work out my feelings and now that I have I'm still wasting my time. Jack wants me. My penis is very interested in that thought.

I get out the bed and awkwardly head towards the wall between our bodies. I press my ear against it and hear nothing. Maybe he has just fallen asleep. I can't believe I've been reduced to this; that one night at Jack's has reduced me to this.

Before I know it my treacherous feet have carried me to Jack's door. I can hear his soft snores drifting through the slightly opened door; he always leaves it open when he has a guest staying.

Cautiously I push the door causing it to open further. I hold my breath as the dim hallway light creeps across his bed creating mysterious shadows across the sleeping man. As if drawn to him, like a helpless moth to that fatal flame, I silently cover the distance between us; will this be the last flame I'm ever drawn to?

I don't know what I'm doing, standing here in Jack's bedroom under the cover of darkness watching him sleep. This isn't me. I'm not romantic or poetic. I shouldn't be here contemplating the way the light softens the hard lines of his face; or how his eyelids flutter gently as he dreams his peaceful dreams; or how his chest rises and falls in perfect time.

Sighing quietly I perch on the bed, my hands running across the soft material of the bedspread, occupying my fingers and keeping them from touching what they really want.

I stiffen immediately, caught red-handed at my most sappiness. Orphans like me aren't supposed to get sentimental.

Jack chuckles, finally sitting up. I guess he hasn't realized just how bold I've become in the absence of his friendship.

I turn to see his brown eyes sparkling and act on impulse. Maybe it's the lateness of the hour, or the crazy hormones chasing round my body, but right now I don't care. I blindly plaster myself to him, my lips instantly latching onto his as I push him back forcefully onto the bed. He groans, his arms automatically circling around my waist and pulling me closer to him.

My blood is racing, my heart pounding, as I devour him. My hands clutch his head as my whole body traps his in place. I plunge my tongue into his heat as my hands find the blanket and try and tug it out of the way.

Teeth clashing, I raise my body slightly and get rid of the sheet before crashing down on him once more, pressing him into the bed. He's not wearing much, just a pair of tight boxers. I break the kiss, starting to place hot kisses down his neck, tasting his skin as my hands run through his chest hair.

I never knew I could be so aroused by another man but right now I'm harder than the first time I saw a porn flick. I grind my hips into his hardness as I start to pant. This is good. So good.

Before I know it I'm on my back, hands held above my head with a heavy sweaty colonel on top of me. He's starring down at me, his chest heavy but held out of my reach.

What? No fucking way can he be serious. He's not leaving me hanging here like this.

"Why not?" I pant as I thrust my groin into his. He's still hard so why's he putting up a fight?

Not ready? This is not the time or place for his mother hen routine. I thrust my hips into him again, harder, just to show him how ready I am. He closes his eyes at the contact; I think I'll be able to convince him.

He growls and leans down, kissing me passionately, his tongue caressing my mouth before he pulls back abruptly.

"Jack, what's the fucking problem?" I'm too frustrated to care about language. "Isn't this what you wanted? Well you've got it so what-"

I swallow, a flush spreading across my cheeks, burning my skin. I feel stupid, really stupid. I assumed, I pushed. I go to get up but he finally lies fully on top of me, his strong body covering mine.

"Daniel," he says softly. I look into his eyes to see they're darkened with desire and a deeper emotion. "I want more than a casual fuck, okay. I want you and me, the whole...shebang."

His rough fingers run over my cheeks, my stubble covered jaw. I knew he wanted a relationship but I guess I never considered how permanent it would be, how final.

"Forever," I whisper, the air knocked from my lungs. Can I picture me and Jack growing old together? It would certainly make retirement less boring I suppose. I use one of my hands to trace the shadows across his face. "I'd like that."

Jack stares down at me. I'm held, captured, in his critical gaze for what seems like an eternity until he rolls off me.

I'm no good with sap, and I'm not particularly good with feelings either. I can express myself on missions, help others find their own emotions. I'm a good listener and shoulder to cry on but when it comes to expressing love...I'm not very good. I'm sort of inept...or emotionally handicapped.

"My bastard," I agree gently pushing him onto his back. "My annoying..." I straddle his waist, "...irritating..."I lean down and place a teasing kiss on his chest. "Frustrating..." I try a little nip on his collar bone, delighting in the gasp he lets out. "Impossible..." I lick his neck. "Stubborn..." I nuzzle the hair on his chest as it heaves up and down. "Trying..." I latch onto a nipple causing him to buck. "Intolerable," I move down and blow some air into his belly button.

"Daniel..." he groans as I trace a teasing finger down the front of his boxers. I've never done this to a guy before but I'm not scared, just curious.

"Grumpy," I cup him through the boxer material, smiling as Jack bucks, his eyes closed, his mouth open and panting. Keeping hold of my prize, I crawl back up his body until our faces are a mere fraction of an inch apart. I wait for him to open his eyes in the darkness before I finish. "Sexy bastard," I plant a hungry kiss on him, my hand starting to rub his erection.

He kisses back enthusiastically, his talented tongue making my toes curl as I shove his boxers down. I sit back on my knees and just stare down at the sight that is a naked Jack.

"My very sexy bastard," I murmur, pulling the boxers all the way off and quickly removing my own before leaning down again and stealing another kiss.

He cocks an eyebrow suggestively and I grin evilly; that sounded like a challenge to me.

I swoop down and go straight for a nipple; I have experience with nipples. I can cope with nipples. I suck on one, before gently grazing it with my teeth. Jack's groaning, writhing beneath me, as I give the small nub an experimental nip. He gasps as I quickly kiss it better before moving over to its twin.

"Deal." He grins as I continue where I left off, randomly nibbling and licking his chest. After I think I've explored his chest enough...for now anyhow, I move even further down until I'm face to face with his erect member.

I swallow hard as it stares at me; it's ready and leaking and I don't know what to do with it. There are so many possibilities racing through my mind that I freeze. What will Jack want? What will he like?

"I'm okay," I assure him quickly, my hands hesitantly exploring the hairs on his thighs.

Deciding there's only one way to put an end to his fears and maybe mine too, I lean down and place a gentle kiss on the tip of his cock. His violent reaction startles me, his hips bucking off the bed.

"Fu-ck!" he gasps as I do it again, lingering slightly so I can savor his unique flavor. The only time I've ever tasted anything like this is when previous partners have kissed me after going down on me. This is different, stronger.

Gaining confidence I take just the tip into my mouth, sucking slightly. He gasps again and this time my hands are ready to hold his hips in place. I can't believe I'm evoking such strong reactions in him.

I take more of his length tentatively into my mouth, using my tongue to trace patterns on him. He's whimpering as I use one of my hands to cup his sacs, holding their weight in my palm as I gently squeeze them.

I gently pull away from him, placing a last kiss on the head before moving up his body. I instantly get rolled over and thoroughly kissed. Hmmm. It feels so right, being pressed down by his heavy, hard weight. His dog tags burn into my front as his hands brand my sides, the back of my legs.

I feel one of his hands snake between our bodies as his tongue ruthlessly makes love to my mouth. Suddenly one of his large hands is gripping both our erections, pressing them against each other as it moves up and down.

I groan into his mouth, desperately thrusting up into that hand that's bringing me so much pleasure. I break the kiss to pant harshly into his neck as his hand keeps up its slow torment.

He lets out a harsh chuckle before he starts planting hot wet kisses along my neck. I close my eyes in ecstasy as my head thrashes against his pillow. I let the sensations take over my body as my world narrows down to nothing but Jack; Jack's body on top of me, his sweat mingling with my own; even his scent marking his pillow; his hands jerking our slippery cocks. I feel his hot breathing against my skin as he starts to pound harder against me.

I start saying his name, holding onto it as my only lifeline as the sensations I'm feeling start to overwhelm me.

I'm trying to hold on, wanting to keep these feelings of anticipation forever but I can't. It's too good, too much. Seconds later I explode, showering us both with my release. I see nothing but white stars and through the haze I hear Jack come on top of me, his essence mingling with my own before he collapses on me.

"I know," I open my eyes to see his barely inches away. Coffee I could drown in.

I lean forward and place butterfly kisses on his lips. Jack reaches behind me and lazily I note he's grabbing tissues from the nightstand. I don't protest as he quickly cleans us and tosses the tissues in the direction of the trash can.

I burrow into his warm chest, reveling in the feel of him surrounding me. I slowly close my eyes, placing a final kiss on his chest before I succumb to sleep.

I awaken sprawled out on Jack's bed, covers tangled at my feet. Groaning, I roll away from the daylight spilling through the curtains and turn to find an empty bed. I haven't the energy to go and find him so I simply lay here remembering last night.

"You look happy." I look to see Jack stepping out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his naked, wet body.

He smiles, a wistful smile, as he sits on the edge of the bed. "I still can't believe this," he murmurs, his rough fingers clumsily caressing my nearest leg. "Half expected when I woke up for you to be gone."

I watch a slow smile spread across his face. "Guess I can't believe my luck. I treat you like shit and you end up in my bed."

"I guess I figured by the time I got out the shower you'd have come to your senses and left."

I shake my head. "Not gonna' happen. Think we killed most my brain cells last night," I confess, as I move my hand to capture Jack's, the one caressing my bare leg. "Want to kill a few more?" I suggest innocently.

Jack lets out a deep chuckle as he leans forward to place a quick kiss on my lips; too quick. I follow his retreating lips, my hands gripping the back of his head, holding him in place as my lips find his and crush them under mine.

I swallow his protests, pulling him down so I'm soon pinned down by his heavy weight, his hard body sinking mine into his mattress. My hands greedily run down his naked back, snaking their way down underneath his towel to find a butt cheek.

I growl menacingly and pounce on him. Before he knows it he's covered in one horny archaeologist.

"Point taken," he gasps because I've latched onto his neck. "But Danny we really can't do this."

"Jack." I continue to love his neck, smiling as I notice I've left a faint mark near his collar bone.

"Daniel, she's a teenager, she'll know what we've been up to- teenagers think everything's connected to sex -ah."

I grin evilly. I'm amazed at how quickly I've come to like this man-on-man stuff and I don't want to give him up if I can help it.

I know I'm a mean and selfish bastard but I've only just clued in how good this can be.

"I'm offering an entire day in bed," I coax as I lap at his nipple; hmm and I always thought he'd be the suggestive, pushy one.

He lets out a strangled groan as he reaches out for the phone on the nightstand. I grin in triumph as he struggles to sit up to ensure he hits the right speed dial button.

I just raise my eyebrows suggestively as I peel open the towel that wound itself tightly against his hips, not that I blame it. I pull the blue terry cloth from his waist and drink in the naked canvas before me.

"Carter?" My head shoots up, relieved to find he's addressing the phone. "Where's..."

I can't resist running a single finger down his thigh, delighting in his shiver.

I crawl up his body, resting my head on his broad shoulder. I pointedly remove my hand from his grasp and allow my fingers to trace his scarred skin.

He hangs up the phone and puts a hand out to stop me leaning forward; was it that predictable I was going to kiss him?

Janet? Why the hell didn't he say earlier? I hurriedly make a run for the shower. I do not want to be caught naked in Jack's bed by a sadistic woman and her needles. As much as I love her, I'm terrified of her and don't want to tempt her into making holes in my skin.

I hear Jack's laughter from the bedroom but decide to ignore the bastard. I'm sure he'd be just as scared of her if his last conversation with her included him making stupid snide comments at her. I was tired; I doubt she'll buy that as an excuse.

I enter the kitchen, fully dressed, to find a steaming cup of coffee attached to the hand of a steaming colonel. I accept the cup with a smiled, 'thank you,' before sipping at its treasured depths.

I feel Jack's arms snake around my waist, pulling my back against him as he nuzzles my neck.

"Yeah, about that?" I bring the cup away from my mouth. "Why is Cass coming over?"

He buries his head in my shoulder and I turn slightly to catch a glimpse of his burning cheeks. I do believe the colonel is blushing.

His honesty makes me turn fully and pull him into a hug. I know these last few months have been hard on him too, but I guess I didn't realize just how much time we did spend together until that time suddenly became free time.

"Sap," he says, despite the smug grin swallowing his face. "You just want me in the bedroom."

He splutters, laughing before leaning down to taste my lips. Hmmm. I'm fast enjoying Jack's kisses. I open to his questing tongue only to have it disappear seconds later.

Oops. I should really pay more attention to my surroundings. Finishing the last of my coffee, I hear Jack open the door and some quiet voices. Dumping my cup in the sink I head into the living room.

"Oh just looking after the old man." I grin ignoring Jack's indigent protests. "Where's your mom?" I'm half expecting her to jump at me from behind the door.

I accept her answer with relief as Jack throws a set of car keys over to the teenager.

I swallow hard. I hate traveling in the car at the best of times. I hate Jack's driving all the time; I'm dreading a trainee of Jack's. Guess I'll just have to try and sneak in a few lessons before her test to show her how sane people drive- otherwise she won't stand a chance of passing.

"That!" she laughs, gesturing towards the giant hickey at the bottom of his neck. "I take it you stayed the night." Damn it, why did he have to wear a low cut t-shirt?

"Not my fault you don't look in the mirror when you get dressed," I point out reasonably as his glare reflects onto me.

Muttering curses he excuses himself and heads upstairs in search of a new shirt, leaving me alone with a teenager who's looking mighty pleased with herself. I'm tempted to retreat and follow Jack; he obviously needs help dressing himself.

I let my eyes run over her. She's a friend, hell she's practically family, she wouldn't do anything to hurt either of us.

"Just gathered from what mom and Sam have been saying," she answers my questioning look. "They were worried about the two of you."

"Well, no need any longer," I say, embarrassed. Come on Jack; how long does it take to change a shirt?

"My friend Joe's gay," she tells me happily. "He hasn't has sex with another man yet but-"

"Whoa, hey, hey," I exclaim rising to my feet quickly. "TMI, Cass TMI." I'm blushing, I hate blushing but I'm not going to talk about the art of gay sex with a teenage girl; especially as it will probably turn out she knows more than me.

"Cass," I burst her little bubble ignoring her 'hot' comment. "We can't *be* together, well at least not officially."

"Yep, it's a bitch," Jack comments, entering the room in a dashing black polo shirt; yum.

Russell? I thought she was obsessed about that guy...Dominic? I throw a questioning glance at Jack, who merely shakes his head; he'll explain later.

"You can't tell your mom yet; though she'll probably work it out from the physicals."

We exit the front door and Cass eagerly makes a bee-line for Jack's truck. He takes advantage of her back being turned to press me against the nearest wall. His lips are harsh and demanding against my own and I open up eagerly for him.

"Jack," I groan at the mental image he has once again put into my head; I'm destined to a whole day of going around with a boner.

I close my eyes, my head leaning back against the hard wall as I hear Jack head towards his jeep and its driver. If this ride doesn't cause my death, I'm sure Jack will. I hear a loud honking, dominant amongst the Sunday background noise.

I smile and slowly walk towards the car, towards Jack. These forty eight hours haven't been as hard as I'd imagined they'd be. I think as we slowly restored Teal'c, we slowly restored part of my soul, made it complete.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

"Jon," I grunt as Jack stands behind me, his hand finding one of my butt-cheeks.

"Lovely weather isn't it?" Jack comments casually as he continues to torment me.

"Surprisingly pleasant," he agrees chattily. "Not expected to last long though."

"You've gotta love these Colorado summers," Jack jokes, throwing us both a charming smile.

Smiling back, I purposely head towards the elevator hoping that Jack can take a hint. If he'd rather stand around chatting about the weather than come upstairs with me I think we seriously need to reevaluate this relationship.

These last few months have been the craziest of my life. We still argue like cat and dog and rub each other up the wrong way...but now we can also rub each other up the right way and boy is it right. Yep, crazy but brilliant, and I wouldn't exchange a single second.

Thankfully Jack appears to have his priorities in order as he hurriedly says his goodbyes and races to join me just as the elevator doors are about to close. He dashes in, the doors sliding shut behind him.

"So..." He gives me another sexy smile in the artificial light as he slides his arm around my waist.

He plants a kiss on my smiling lips before tightening his grip on me. My hands find the back of his head, my fingers settling amongst the soft silver strands as I pull his head down for a deeper, longer kiss.

It didn't take long for us to realize that the lifts in my apartment building don't have security cameras; a fact that I never bothered investigating before I started dating a certain ex-special ops colonel.

The elevator finds its floor all too quickly for my liking as it comes to a halt. Regretfully we pull apart and keeping Jack's gaze I slowly lick up lips, capturing his sweet taste.

Jack lets out a little whimper, automatically capturing my lips just as the elevator lets out a ding and its doors open. We hear a gasp and guiltily separate.

She glares pointedly at me. Damn, she's got her hearing aid in and her prescription glasses on.

Jack throws her a shit eating smiles as he bounds out of the elevator taking my hand. The bastard does it on purpose.

She throws me a disgusted look as she steps into the elevator, looking around to ensure we haven't left anything unpleasant. Guess I won't be winning neighbor of the year any time soon.

"Jack," I admonish, letting him keep hold of my hand along the short corridor. "Her name is Mrs. Crab*berry* not *belly.*"

"She's 87," I point out reasonably as I insert the key and turn it. "And deaf without her hearing aid, which is probably the only reason I haven't been kicked out of here already."

"Guess I do make ya scream, huh?" Jack smirks, his front pressing into my back, pushing me inside.

"Excuse me?" I shut the door and find myself pressed against it. "I thought you were the scream-ah."

I gasp as Jack presses my entire body against the door with his and devours my mouth. I groan, losing myself in his kiss. You've gotta love the man. His talented tongue wraps around mine as I feel his rough hands hold my head in place.

The feel of a lover as strong as me was strange at first but now it's already become the norm. I expect it; this feel of his hard body, his strong hands and five-o-clock shadow (or is that 1700 hours stubble in Jack's case?) are now things I welcome, desire. I need the feel of this man to constantly remind me that I'm actually with Jack, that it isn't a dream. This is my reality.

"Daniel," Jack groans, pressing harder against me, rocking our hardening cocks together.

I groan back in response, my hands sneaking down to his denim clad butt cheeks, pressing him even closer to me. Jack breaks the kiss in favor of planting biting kisses down my neck. I let my head loll against the door, savoring the feel of this moment.

"Bedroom," I repeat with a smile. Walking past him I grab a handful of his shirt, dragging him in the right direction. We make it about two steps until I'm covered in a horny colonel again.

He turns me around, planting one of his specials on me, leaving me breathless and brainless. He grabs my hand and leads me down the steps and into the living-room.

I don't bother pointing out that it's also smaller. Instead I push him onto it and climb onto him. I grin down at him, letting my hands run over his shirt. Hmm, that has definitely got to go. My hands slide underneath it and find his hairy chest.

His hands try to undo my shirt but I stop him, pushing his hands above his head. Using one hand to hold them in place, my other continues to roam his chest, going in search of a hard nipple nipping it through the cloth.

Jack nods, quickly sitting up to remove his shirt then placing his arms above his head in anticipation. I smile as his bare chest is revealed to me.

I answer him with a deep meaningful kiss. Phone or Jack? Hmmm, hard choice- pun intended. One of Jack's large hands finds and ass cheek, giving it a massage before pushing it down , making our groins grind together.

I try to ignore the answering machine, concentrating purely on the bare chest beneath me. I kiss a nipple, teasing it with my tongue. I love how Jack's so responsive.

<<We're going to be pushed though, which is the real reason I'm phoning. Karen Spencer's had to drop out and I've been phoning round to see if anyone can suggest a replacement. So if you've got any ideas give me a call. I've keep you posted. Bye.>>

Slowly I sit up feeling him struggling to do the same next to me. I run a hand through my already messed up hair as I hear his heavy sigh from behind me.

I turn my head slightly to observe him. He's mirroring my pose, hands in his lap, head down.

He removes the hand from his thigh and captures it in one of his own. "You don't *have* to do anything."

There's an awkward silence again as I desperately try to find the right words to communicate to him how I feel. I need to go on this dig, rediscover the archaeologist in me that's become buried by neglect. But at the same time I don't want to lose the lover that's been awakened. I know Jack will wait, it's only for five weeks. But in a relationship still going through the early stages of its development it's going to seem like forever.

"Jack. I'm an archaeologist, your archaeologist." That gets a small smile and a squeeze of the hand. "But...sometimes I need to do the things I was born to do."

He sighs, leaning back on the sofa and settling me against his naked chest, an arm securely around my waist.

"Jack. I'm not leaving SG-1 okay?" I stroke his bare arm. "You guys are my family and I realize that we get opportunities that no one else on earth does and I appreciate that. I do. But occasionally I've just gotta..."

He does. I guess that's one way we're both alike. We both enjoy and value the Stargate project and the things it offers us, but we both have other passions that we're forced to sacrifice for it. Jack only manages to squeeze in the minimum amount of flight time required. I know he loves to fly; that's his real passion.

We sit like this for a while in silence. Jack must be thinking too... he doesn't seem to be in any pain so I'll let him be for now.

"Originally no," I confess, still caressing my safety blanket that is Jack. "But now, yes. I don't want to be away from you but..."

"Something like that." I acknowledge the irony of that. Once it would have been digs being the mundane norm and a chance to study alien civilizations the real life opportunity. I know for sure though that I'm not doing this any longer to run away from Jack.

I glance up from my notes as Jack wanders into my office. I watch as he swipes his card through to lock the door.

"Hey," I reply, curious. Conversations that need locked doors are never good; especially with our 'not at work' rule.

"Hey," he repeats, sitting down heavily in the chair opposite. I raise my eyebrows; Jack repeating himself is never good.

I carefully set down my pencil, my fingers locking to show he's got my full attention. He finally looks up, smiles half-heartedly before reaching out and grabbing the discarded pencil. Jack talks better if he has something to play with- something that isn't me.

He sighs, the pencil stilling in his hands, as he finally looks up to meet my eyes.

That doesn't sound too bad. Sure, it's Friday and we only have one week left together before I'm off to Egypt but what budget meeting could last a whole week? Or start on a Friday night for that matter? So why is he looking incredibly guilty? Perhaps...

"Next weekend? As in our *last* weekend? The weekend before I leave incredibly early on the Monday?"

I bite my lip and close my eyes trying to swallow my anger. It's not Jack's fault.

Surely Hammond owes us a favor or two? I mean we have saved the world a few times. That's gotta be worth something?

Frustrated, I push away from my desk and start pacing. There has to be a way out of this. There's always a way. Where there's a will there's a way, right?

"They handcuff you on arrival and lock all the doors to ensure there are no escapees."

Jack throws what is definitely a filthy smile in my direction. "Looking forward to it."

Damn him for inventing and implementing the 'not at work' rule. Right now I'd happily take him right here, maybe bent over my desk. I glance at the said desk in question and sigh wistfully.

"Daniel?" Jack asks questioningly. "Didn't your mom teach you it's rude not to share?"

"Oh," I keep my gaze on my desk as I shrug casually. "Just imagining bending you over my desk and fucking you."

I laugh, getting up and brushing a friendly hand across his shoulder as I return to my chair.

As far as sex goes every minute counts. With our schedule it may take some planning but I'm dedicated to the cause.

I nod swallowing down my disappointment. Just our fucking luck that it's me seeing Jack off instead of him me. If I thought that five weeks without sex sounded like a long time, five weeks and three days sounds like a life time.

I glance at the stack of papers on my desk that have to be finished before my last day on Friday. Better make that five weeks and four days. Maybe Hammond will let me have Friday off and work Saturday instead? He knows Jack and I are friends, that we'll want to spend his last day together.

"I, ah, saw Carter on my way here," he comments oh so casually. She suggested we all go for a farewell drink."

I groan. It's never a 'drink' with Sam and Janet. It's always 'drinks'. Plural. She won't let us stop until we're completely rat-assed. The only problem is Jack. How are we meant to remember to keep our hands off each other? We'll be off our heads, horny, and let's face it, desperate.

"Jack!" I embarrassingly let out a giggle which I'm hoping is from the left-over alcohol in my system. "Stop it."

At least I hope we are. We're not in mine or Jack's bath, and Teal'c doesn't have a bath, so we're either in Sam's bath or in big trouble...or both.

He stops his nibbling and lifts his head to inspect our surroundings for himself.

"So we are," he agrees, looking adorable as he tries to piece together what happened. "Daniel," he uses *that* tone of voice. "Why are we making out in Carter's bath as opposed to our bed?"

"Because," I remove the rubber duck that's poking into my back -who knew? "We got rather drunk last night and probably passed out."

He mulls the answer over, glancing at the morning light spilling in through the small window before announcing, "I don't feel hung-over."

I wouldn't put it pass us with the amount we drank. I think the rest of Colorado will have to wait for the next shipment of alcohol 'cause we didn't leave a drop. I don't want to know where Sam and Janet learned those new drinking games; I worry about them sometimes.

I give him a helpful push- so what if the most convenient object to push was his butt; he can't just wave it around in my face and expect me to keep my hands off it. He climbs out of the bath and staggers slightly. Yep, still hammered- thanks Sam. Turning round he offers me a hand and against my better judgment I take it.

For a scary second I think I'm going to end up back in the bath against the hard tiles with a heavy colonel on top of me (not that that isn't appealing mind you). However, somehow Jack manages to haul me up, pulling me forward to land heavily on him instead, forcing him back into the wooden door.

I smile before leaning in and planting a firm kiss on his lips. I pull away, still smiling lazily. "Thanks."

"And? So? Therefore?" He grins smugly, running a hand down the front of my crumpled t-shirt

"Therefore," I pointedly ignore the other hand that's found my right buttcheek, "somewhere in this house is a Sam."

"I'm not scared of Carter," he grins proudly, giving his new toy a squeeze and letting his lips find my neck.

"Maybe not," I continue biting back a groan. "But there's also a drunken Doctor and a very sober Jaffa."

He slowly lifts his head, scowling at my smug grin. "Okay," he admits, "maybe I'm a *little* scared."

I laugh, pulling his pathetic pout into a long kiss. His hand is still on my ass, starting to rub slowly. Humm, maybe I could be convinced to do a *little* something, my hand snakes between us and starts to rub his awakening cock. Okay, not so little.

He starts to rock slightly, humping my hand through his pants. I've made the right choice. Besides, Janet hasn't got any needles with her and Teal'c...I'm sure he's seen worse.

Giving his edible lips one last firm kiss, I sink down onto my knees. Jack's whimpering above me as he realizes what I'm about to do; to think, he used to think I was so innocent. His hands are by his sides, clenching rhythmically as I snap open his jeans and slowly slide the zip down; oh I could so make a living out of tormenting this man...actually in a way I suppose I do.

I shove down his jeans, glad that I persuaded him to go commando yesterday. I get such a thrill knowing all that separates me from my target is just a single layer of clothing; an easily removed layer of clothing.

I swallow him whole, only stopping when he hits the back of my throat. I pull away slowly, letting my tongue wrap deliciously around his hot shaft until I'm left with just the head in my mouth.

I suck on his dick gently before teasing his sensitive slit with the tip of my tongue. He growls, his hands suddenly gripping the back of my head. I smile before slowly taking him in my mouth inch by inch. I love being able to drive him wild- he's so damn responsive.

Once I've taken as much of him in my mouth as possible, I start to suck. Listening to his quiet groans I move a hand to start cupping his sacs, delighting as his groans turn to gasps. Continuing to suck, I let one finger slide in alongside him into my mouth and get slicked up; I intend to make this good.

I empty my mouth of both finger and cock to pay homage to his balls. I take them in my mouth, sucking and nuzzling at the hair there. His hands guide me back to his cock and I gladly follow his non-subtle hint.

I swallow him again, not able to get enough of his taste as my wet finger trails down his cleft, heading straight for that puckered hole. His fingers dig deeper into my scalp as he starts uttering obscenities in my general direction. My finger slips inside and he tries to push back onto it while at the same time pushing his dick further into my mouth.

I suck mercilessly, my finger going deeper and bending slightly to hit the Jackpot.

He shoots, he scores. I swallow greedily before I find myself roughly pulled up and into deep passionate kiss.

Jack just grunts, drinking more of his mineral water. After Jack had repaid me we'd gone downstairs to see what state the rest of our team was in. Sam the, 'I never get hung-over and so am going to rub it in your face,' claims she took a photo of us in the bath tub last night...because we looked 'cute'.

I finally stop my pacing and collapse in the kitchen chair by Jack. Teal'c volunteered to drive us home...I think he was in fear of an explosion if I'd stayed in a room with a laughing Sam and Janet much longer.

"The photo will prove it," Sam had shouted smugly after us. If Jack hadn't grabbed my arm I would have made her take that back. Besides, I'm sure I can dig out some pretty incriminating photos of her as well.

"Let it go Daniel," Jack grumbles. I think his hang-over is starting to kick in.

Glaring at him I make a grab for his water bottle. Hammond expects us to be human by tomorrow; I don't see it happening any time soon.

I smile a little; maybe I should forgive her for the whole 'cute' thing. After all, I can't leave here holding a grudge against my sister.

"I'm sure you'll cope," I offer her a little smile. "It's only for five weeks; you won't even know I'm gone."

"How about Teal'c?" I suggest innocently. It's about time someone got back the Jaffa for all those not so subtle jokes he makes at our expense.

She nods before pointedly looking at my desk. I know what she's after and reluctantly I pull open my drawer and remove my cookie stash.

"Thought you'd never ask." Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she digs into her treat.

"Oh pretty much the usual." She tucks a leg under her and she continues to nibble. "Some naquada experiments are scheduled for next week, a couple of missions to other planets...after that who knows."

"It's going to be strange staying on Earth for so long," I admit. "Think I'll get bored?"

"Oh you won't get bored." She laughs, immediately trying to cover it up; she fails by choking on her food. I pour her a glass of water which she gulps gratefully. Once recovered I simply stare at her with raised eye-brows.

"What I meant is you never get bored with stuff like this. It'll go so quickly for you."

"Plus," she continues, "I'm sure there'll be lots of, uh, things there to entertain you."

It's obviously a rhetorical question as he perches on the edge of my desk amongst the many books. I watch as he leans over, his hands digging around my drawer until he locates my cookies. Hey, I think I'm going to have to hide them a little better when I get back.

He helps himself to a handful then offers them to Carter, who having already finished her first takes another. Maybe I won't miss her.

"I forgave you for the cute comment but cuddly is pushing it," I warn as I snatch a cookie from Jack's hand.

He'll stick his tongue up my ass and other unmentionable places but he won't eat a cookie I licked? Should I be hurt? It's not like I've got cooties or anything.

"No," I throw a glare in Jack's direction. "Every time I start I find myself distracted."

You know, if he wants to sleep with me before he leaves then he's going about it the wrong way.

"Hey," Jack protests. "I'm not leaving until tomorrow. Save your goodbyes till then."

"And just enjoy the night huh?" I smile, turning slightly to place a kiss on his furry chest.

He silently hugs me tighter. What can he say? We may not have been with each other long but our feelings run so deep that being apart from one another is going to be painful. I've been trying to convince myself all week that a little time away from one another will do us some good, but here in the safety of his arms I can't help but think I'm wrong.

"Sure," he shrugs as I search his eyes. "I'm going to have lots to play with and knowing you're happy makes me happy."

"I promise." He leans down and seals it with a soft kiss. "Now get a few hours sleep and then we can go at it again."

I let the feel of his embrace and the sound of his heartbeat lull me to sleep. I don't know how I'm going to manage to sleep without my teddy bear in the desert. Somehow I don't think cuddling up with a camel will have the same effect; besides the camel will probably object. Although it probably won't drool as much as Jack.

He looks into my eyes and pulls me into a brief hug. We can't get away with much, especially not with so many military people around, but there's nothing wrong with two friends saying goodbye to one another.

I smile, nodding, refusing to let any tears surface. I'm not a baby anymore. I can't cry here, over this. I'm going on holiday. I'm meant to be looking forward to it.

He nods, letting us share one last look before he turns and heads into the building. I stay catching the last glimpse of him; that glimpse will have to last me over a month.

Oh, I just want to hold you.
I just want to hold you.
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?

"I found that book you left in my suitcase," I pull the bedcovers tighter around me. "You really are a romantic sap."

"Wordsworth, your favorite. Thought you'd appreciate having some poetry to read with you."

"I have the whole of tomorrow to pack, mother." Trust him to mother hen when he's miles away.

Damn him. Thinking of him hard gets me instantly hard and he knows it. I push my pj bottoms down slightly and start to slowly stroke my cock.

"Touching myself." I hear his groan and quiet curse. "I'm imagining your strong hand slowly rubbing my shaft up and down and up-"

I close my eyes picturing the scene his words paint. We haven't talked much about kinks in the bedroom yet but I'm guessing Jack's going to be into the domination scene. Interesting.

My cock twitches. I love seeing Jack on all fours. Just waiting for me to take him. I love him begging with me to just do it. I still can't believe he trusts me enough to show me this side of himself.

"You start to finger fuck me, making me beg for more. You tell me I can't come until you say."

Jack's breath catches and I know this is effecting him just as much. The thought of him touching himself while fantasizing about me makes my balls start to tighten. I'm losing the battle here.

"And once I can't take it any more you suddenly remove your fingers and thrust your cock into me."

I gasp; my world narrows down to nothing back my hand and cock as Jack's words fill my senses.

"I'm tight Daniel, so fucking tight and you feel so good. You thrust in deep. You're still fully dressed and I can feel the material against my naked ass."

"Then you pull back and thrust again hard, hitting my prostrate, making my cry out."

"Fuck," I grunt with the effort, my hips lifting off the bed in the need to get off.

"And you still won't let me come. You tell me you're in charge as you go so hard and-"

I scream, my world black, as I fall over that dark edge. I see stars as I'm caught in that pure ecstasy. I don't know how it takes me to notice reality again. My hand and stomach are sticky and I'm breathing hard.

My other hand goes in search of the abandoned phone and I lazily bring it up to my ear.

Content, I hang up the phone and sleepily head towards the bathroom to find a washcloth.

I check over my luggage and make my way back to my fan club...all three of them. I'd hoped by some miracle Jack would be here to see me off; imagined him surprising me by strolling around the corner with that loveable grin on his face. I look around. He's cutting it fine that's for sure.

"I don't know," I smile as I pull away slightly. "As substitutes go you're not so bad."

She laughs as Sam whacks my arm before pulling me into her own hug. I close my eyes and hug her back. I'm going to miss them. She pulls away, her eyes suspiciously moist.

"Sam," I complain, tugging her to my chest again. "It's only a holiday. We should be happy."

She nods. I let her compose herself against my chest. I know she hates letting go, especially in public. She pushes me away smiling.

"I got some photos for you." She riffles through her bag until she produces a photo pack. I go to open them but she stops me. "They're from the team party," she explains. "Not suitable for minors."

"I'll turn them into postcard for you," I promise Cass, tucking the incriminating evidence into my jacket pocket.

I step so I'm standing in front of him. He puts his hand over his heart and bows his head. It's a sign of respect, one that probably isn't best suited to this very public airport. I smile despite myself and mirror his actions before offering my hand.

"I'll miss you T." His dark hand grips my own in friendship before I find myself pulled into his chest.

I throw her a mock salute as I shoulder my back-pack. This is it. They've just called for my flight again.

We share an awkward group hug before I step away. Sighing, I walk away from them. I turn and offer them a little wave that they return before I head to meet up with the gang.

I half heartedly watch the stewardess go through the safety procedures, my mind still on Colorado and a certain air force officer. When I had agreed to go on this dig to help out the one friend I have left in the archaeological community, I was really looking forward to it. Not just for the thrill of discovery, but also the chance to get away from Jack. Five weeks to put him in prospective, five weeks without the arguments and fights.

Then when we got together I thought it would be good for us. Spending all our time together can't be normal...but then again nothing about my life is exactly normal. Still, I thought that this dig would benefit our relationship in some crazy sort of way. Now, I'm thinking I got it wrong.

I put on a fake smile as I turn to face Jim, noticing that the plane's taken off.

This is something I've been looking forward to and I'm going to enjoy it if it damn near kills me. I'm not a quitter. I'm not going to give up this dig nor let my friend down because I'm already missing my boyfriend. How desperate am I?

"The others are meeting us there," he informs me and I hope I look interested. "We found someone else to replace Karen Spencer."

"He seems more of an apprentice then anything else but we were desperate enough to give him a try. I think I'll have him work for you. You probably have the most patience of all of us."

I give him a small smile. Poor bastard getting stuck with me when I'm not getting any. He'll ask for a transfer...I give him 'til the end of the week tops. Wonder if this is for work experience on his degree? Jim and I managed to get a dig together in our second year; we worked harder than ever but had the best time.

"Do you remember Ben? Ben Green?" He barely waits for my nod. "Well, he's going be able to help out for the last two weeks."

Sounds about right. Leave all the hard work to us but be there for the glory. I was never a fan of Ben Green but it's Jim's dig so I won't spoil his fun.

"Yep, but it just so happens it clashed with his latest book release." The look he gives me indicates he planned that intentionally. I smile my thanks. A Steven-less holiday sounds good.

I pull out the photos from my jacket. I need something to do; it's a long flight after all. I glance at Jim but he's chatting to Anne across the aisle. There're six of us on this flight. The rest are already there and a few more are arriving Wednesday.

Opening the packet I take out the photos and study them one-by-one. Sam's quite a good photographer when you consider how drunk she must have been. We're all looking really happy and relaxed...and totally out of it.

I can't stop myself from smiling as I go through them. I'm really glad Sam gave me these. It's certainly nice to have them. I bring a photo closer, squinting at the laughing Jack. Jack.

I stop as the next photo is of us in the bathtub. We're wrapped around each other, my head resting on his chest as he holds me to him. We both have a contented grin on our faces even in our sleep. Our hair is as ruffled as our clothing, our limbs tangled. I grin studying the photo that's going to be propped up in my tent for the duration of this trip.

Sulkily I watch the landscape speed pass. Jim wouldn't let me drive; claimed he was still recovering from the last time he agreed to let me drive out here. I drive carefully, just ask Sam and Janet. I drove them across a sandy terrain in search of Steven and they didn't complain...but Janet did look a little green come to think about it.

If they think I'm bad they should meet Jack. I bet he'd love to race these things. I look over to the over side where the other jeep is traveling. It's a little distance away to ensure that sand doesn't fly anywhere. We're about level; we'd be ahead if I was driving. I knew I shouldn't have placed a wager with Tom until I found out who was driving.

Jim laughs and I'm this close to pushing him out and taking over. I'm sure he'll get there faster by walking than at the current speed he's driving.

I smile triumphantly, thanking her for her support. I may have only just met her but she's off to a good start.

"I'm doing this for your own safety, Anne," Jim protests. "If I let D drive we'll spend the next five weeks recovering."

It's Tom. I resist the urge to hurl something at him. Something in the shape of Jim. If I'd been with Jack he would have rose to the bait. He'd press his foot to the floor leaving them eating our sand.

I snort. Not as if I ever delivered us not alive. Okay, so *once* we came close to a *little* accident but no one even got injured. Trust Jim to have a long selective memory.

I close my eyes as Anne navigates the map. I breathe in the open air, the smell of Egypt; my old home. I have a new one now. Jack. Maybe when Jack's retired we can come up here for a vacation. I'll show him the places I use to come with my parents, the places I came when I was in college; the places I'd love to share with him.

I open my eyes at Anne's happy shout. That small dot in the distance is where I'll be spending the upcoming weeks. I smile. I've certainly stayed at worse...and I love it.

I jump down from the jeep, grabbing my bags as I take in the beginnings of the site. I know from experience that it's going to grow and grow. I smile, feeling more at ease already as the familiar surroundings comfort me.

I follow Jim and the others away from the cars and towards the site. Some people emerge and we all exchange hand shakes and laughs. Jim hugs his new friends and receives several slaps on the back. They seem like a friendly bunch.

I think I'm the outsider of the group so I let Jim guide me around the small gathering, trying to memorize names to faces as they settle about their own reunions. We manage to squeeze through the bodies making our way to an air bubble near a large tent.

Not as great as the SGC bunch but he can't expect everything. He looks around as if he's searching for someone, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"Hey Lib, where's the new boy? I want to introduce him to Dan." He turns to me. "He better not have quit already."

I stop laughing. I freeze. No way. It can't be. Slowly I turn to the familiar voice, my eyes widening as I take in the equally familiar body. It is. Jack. I know I must be doing an incredible impression of a fish right now, my mouth opening and closing without any words being formed. But how?

He reaches out a hand and dumbly I take it, letting the hot skin burn into mine.

"Pleased to meet ya Dr. Jackson," he says charmingly as he winks. He takes a step back, a beaming smile threatening to split his face into two.

With another flash of teeth he grabs my bags and breezes past me towards the tent area. Wordlessly I glance at Jim who just shrugs. Shaking my head I quickly follow the trail left by my unpredictable lover. My head's spinning; I can't believe he did this for me. I'm...speechless, overwhelmed.

I enter into the tent, my eyes not allowed to adjust to the dim lighting as I suddenly find myself in a tight embrace, a bruising mouth latching onto my own. I devour him, not able to get enough of him as his tongue roughly caresses the inside of my mouth. My hands clutch at his head, holding him in place as I greedily consume as much as him as I can. His arms are firmly round my waist holding me against his hard body. One of his hands grabs my ass, pushing it into his already hard groin.

Groaning I pull away, needing to breath, but he keeps me imprisoned in his arms.

He moves away from my neck grinning that knowing smile before leaning down to steal another kiss from me.

"He left a message on your answering machine and so I answered." He makes it sound so logical that I can't help letting out a little laugh; that seems to delight him as he kisses the tip of my nose.

"Well that isn't a zat gun in my pocket." I grin, leaning forward to explore his stubble-covered grin.

He laughs a sound that warms me to the core of my very being. Only Jack can do that; make me feel so warm and loved. I can't stop grinning and it appears Jack's having the same problem. My fingers trail through his short hair, loving the feel of the soft gray tips.

"So you an archaeologist now?" I challenge, layering light pecks onto his smiling lips.

He presses forward, deepening the kiss; his arms tighten around me as mine tighten in his hair.

"Nah," he gasps as he pulls away. "I've been demoted to your assistant already."

"I got bored and juggled with 'priceless' rocks." He shrugs smiling. "Go figure."

I throw back my head and laugh. He looks adorable. Trying to look proud of his mistake instead of embarrassed. I rest my forehead against his sweaty brow, my arms settling around his neck.

I rest my head on his shoulder. Memories of Jack's fantasy swim around in my mind. I lift my head staring into those warm brown orbs.

"I think I'm going to like being in charge of you for a change." I run a finger down his t-shirt.

"Good," he chuckles. "Just don't get too many ideas 'cause I have plans of my own."

"Danny watching?" I'm trying to bite back the laugh that's bubbling up inside me.

"One of my favorite past times." He grins, his lips nipping along my jaw line. That's nice.

"Oh but you are." He grins again, placing a kiss on my lips. "And after a day of Danny watching-ah..."

He cuts off my immediate protests with a finger. I respond by sucking that finger into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue as he continues.

He leans back, studying my face. "I'm glad," he whispers before smothering his lips with mine.

I allow him to walk me backwards, still locked in an embrace. He gently maneuvers us to his sleeping bag, his lean body pressing mine down onto the cushioned ground. He straddles my thighs as his tongue plays with my tonsils. If we're like this after being apart for five days what the hell would we have been like if it had been over a month?

He plants desperate kisses all over my face, his hands going underneath my t-shirt.

I grip his head in my hands pulling him away so I can look into his eyes, eyes filled with so much lust and love. All for me.

I ignore the sounds of life coming from outside the tent and focus purely on Jack. I can't believe he did this; that he came all the way over here just to be with me. I don't know how he arranged it with Hammond or how we're going to convince anyone here that Jack has any interest in 'bit's of boring old rocks' and 'pointless pottery'. All I care about is that Jack is here with me now. That we're together.

I don't care...You're here tonight.

I can be your hero.
I can kiss away the pain.
And I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.
You can take my breath away.

I can be your hero

48 Hours After

by The Blonde Sheep