Fragile Imbalance I

by The Huntress

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ash/huntress/fragbal01.php
Summary: Jack's clone returns to Colorado Springs

Meisner High School, Denver:

John O'Neill took the paper and made a face as he saw his grade. "F? You gave me an F?"

"We deal in facts here, not fiction. Quoting from that particular paper...he was a lunatic, you know."

"No he isn't," John said firmly. "He's a genius. And don't talk about him in the past tense. He's not dead." 'Not anymore,' said his inner voice.

"Fine. He is a lunatic, especially with these theories of his. His grandfather was the same. They locked the old man in a padded cell, which is probably where they both are now. Insanity is hereditary."

"He's not insane, and if you'd take a moment, you'd see his paper was...."

"Mister O'Neill, I have had enough of this. Since you arrived last month you have done nothing but question everything I teach."

"Maybe if you actually taught we'd learn something."

"That's enough!" the teacher interrupted.

"No, it's not."

"I say it is."

"You're an asshole!" John spat back.

"Okay, that's it. You are to report to the principal's office immediately."

"Fuck off. I don't need to learn this shit. I know it all already." The young man turned to leave the class but was grabbed by the teacher. "Get your hands off of me."

"You will wait for the pass."

"Shove it."

Five seconds later Mister Allen was lying on the floor and John O'Neill was leaving the classroom.

~*~*~

Jack was on an off-world training exercise with some new recruits when the call came in on his private line. Daniel was cleaning up the colonel's office as a thank you for allowing the linguist to live with him since Daniel's return. He eyed it and then warily picked it up. Everytime he'd picked it up over the last seven years it had been Jack's mother and Daniel got stuck listening to her rant about the fact that her only son "never calls or writes." She, in turn, had unofficially adopted Daniel as her surrogate son.

He nearly blurted out, "Hi mom," but caught himself. "Uh, Colonel O'Neill's phone. This is Doctor Jackson."

"Daniel?"

"Who's this?"

"Danny, it's me."

"Me who? And why are you calling the colonel's private phone?"

"It's Jack. Er, John."

It took Daniel a moment to figure out who was on the phone. "John? Oh yeah, little Jack," Daniel snickered.

"Don't call me little, boonie boy. I have a slight problem and I need some help." He explained the situation and Daniel realized he'd have to go to the general.

General Hammond then made a call to the president and ten minutes later Daniel was on his way to Denver.

"Disrupting classes, fighting, the list goes on," the principal was saying. "He thinks he knows more then his teachers. Mister Allen wants to press charges. I have no idea how he was granted emancipation. Personally, I think this child is in need of some psychiatric help."

The last two words did not go over well with John and Daniel saw the look in his eyes. It was a look he knew well and quickly headed off what could have turned into a violent situation. Daniel glared at him and John backed down. "Mister Farlan, I have a letter stating that John is to be released into my custody. I'll be taking him back to Colorado Springs."

"Mister Jackson, I don't care who that letter is from," Mister Farlan stated. "I want this child arrested."

Daniel pulled out the letter. "The original will follow, I assure you. If you have any questions as to it's validity...." He handed the letter to the principal who read it, eyes widening.

"This is from the President."

"Yes, it is. John is a...special child."

"Ya hear that," John smirked. "I'm special."

Daniel had the urge to smack the smirk off John's face but held his temper. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I have to take him home so he can pack." He stood, John standing also. "Tell Mister Allen his medical bills will be taken care of. If you have any further questions you can direct them to the White House." Daniel took John by the arm and led him out.

They got outside, and John chuckled. "Did ya see his face?"

SMACK

"What the fuck was that for?!" John growled.

"I oughtta kick your ass from here to NORAD!" Daniel raised his hand again and John went into a defensive stance.

"Don't do that again Daniel. I'm still trained to kill a man, no matter what my age."
Daniel took the chance and threw a punch, knocking the younger man off his feet. "Okay Jackson, you asked for it." John jumped to his feet, making a fist.

"You won't hit me."

John shook his fist. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because you're still Jack. And Jack would never hit me."

"Don't tempt me Dannyboy."

Daniel reached out, grabbing John by the collar. "We're going back home. And when...Jack...finds out what you've done...he will kick your ass."

"You don't even know why!"

"I don't care!" Daniel pushed him to the car. "We'll have someone pick up your stuff later."

The ride back to Colorado Springs was silent, neither one speaking a single word.

~*~*~

Two hours later John was seated in General Hammond's office along with Daniel, Sam, and Teal'c.

"Mister O'Neill, we allowed you to become an 'emancipated minor' and to leave this base because you were...Colonel O'Neill and we didn't consider you a security risk. Now you have been suspended indefinitely from High School because you broke a teacher's nose."

"I'm not going to see Mac The Quack," John stated. "Those teachers, they teach warped versions of history. One of 'em gave some sugar coated version of the Iraqi war."

"Jack...."

"John."

"John, would you kindly tell us why you felt the need to hit a teacher?"

John opened his mouth to answer, when Jack came in. The older man looked pretty pissed off. "You belted a teacher? I did some pretty nutty things in High School, but...."

"Does anyone want to listen to me?" John asked. "You've all jumped to your own conclusions."

"Ya hit a teacher!" Jack snapped.

"Perhaps we should listen to his reasons," Teal'c said. "He is still Colonel O'Neill, and even though I am well aware of his temperament, I cannot imagine him hitting someone without a valid reason."

"You don't hit your teachers!" Jack yelled again.

John jumped out of his seat, coming nose-to-nose with the colonel. "He gave me an 'F' because I quoted Daniel's paper."

"My paper?" Daniel asked. "What paper?"

John took a deep breath, turning to Daniel. "It was an archaeology class. I quoted from that paper you presented all those years ago about the pyramids being built by aliens."

"Then what happened?" Daniel asked.

"He said you were a lunatic, like Nick, and that you were probably in a padded cell somewhere. I wanted to tell him the truth but I knew I couldn't." John shook his head. "I know what I did was wrong, but Daniel's my best friend. I couldn't let someone talk about him like that. And I'd do it again without a second thought. He shouldn't be trashing anyone's theories, especially Danny's."

"That's what ya get for going back to High School," Jack said with a slight smile. "I didn't like this emancipation business to start with. A fifteen year old should not be on his own. You can't even drive, for crying out loud!"

"I only look fifteen. Inside I'm...."

"Old," Daniel snickered.

"Shut up Daniel!" both O'Neill's told him.

Jack sighed. "You're coming home with me. If that's okay with General Hammond."

"Under the circumstances," Hammond said, "I'll agree to it. I guess I can understand why you did what you did John. Colonel, I'm giving you a few days down time to help...John...acclimate himself. If he still wants to go to school...."

"That's okay general," John said. "I know what I need to know. Could I get a job here on the base? I did pretty well in that briefing with the pilots."

"Yes," Sam groaned, "the pilots."

"Don't worry Major," Jack smiled. "I had a nice chat with them about respecting an officer, no matter what the officer's size, age, or gender."

"I have a better idea," Hammond said, turning to John. "I'm going to put you in charge of the new recruits. Most of them are young and they could relate to you better. I think that, and the bonus of your experience, will make a great combination."

John snapped to attention. "Yes sir! Thank you sir!"

"Don't overdo it," Jack muttered, hustling the younger man out of the office.

The general turned to Daniel. "Doctor Jackson, I think the two of them need some supervision. Therefore, you will assist the elder with the younger."

"Yes sir." Daniel left and saw the two O'Neill's gawking at a nurse...actually, at her chest. "I think Thor had it all wrong as to just who the advanced being is around here."

~*~*~

"Stop that!" Daniel yelled at John. "You're going to give my fish cardiac arrest."

John ignored him, continuing to move the toy shark around while humming the theme from 'Jaws', watching the fish scatter all over the tank.

"OWWW!" John grabbed his hand in pain. "What'd you hit me for?"

"Leave my poor fish alone."

"Ya know, you never even thanked me, rather Jack, for taking care of the stupid things while you were that lit-up squid thingy."

"Ascended being," Daniel corrected.

"Squid thingy," John shot back. "Ya looked like that creature in 'The Abyss'."

"You did Daniel," Jack agreed. "Only not as big. Now, pizza is served. Let's eat."

They sat at the table and John grabbed a beer, but Jack snatched it back.

"Hey! I'm old enough to drink."

Jack put a coke in front of him. "That's what ya have. Now, tell me about High School. Was it just as shitty as I remember?"

"Yeah, it was. The teachers still don't teach, they just give you facts. I did like some of the girls though."

"Did ya get lucky?" Jack asked, smirking at him.

"At first, I got kinda friendly with a few of 'em."

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Daniel said.

"So what happened?" Jack asked.

"You too," Daniel said, sighing at him.

"I kissed one," John grinned, but just as suddenly frowned. "Then I realized they were kids. I may look fifteen but kissing a fifteen year old girl seemed somewhat...perverse." He smiled at Jack. "Ya think you can get me an older woman?"

"If that's what you want, you know it can be arranged."

"You'll do no such thing Jack!" Daniel almost growled.

"Why not Daniel?" Jack asked. "He wants to get laid, so I say we get him laid. John, get me my little black book."

"Our little black book," John grinned. "We'll call Teresa. Well, you'll call her. I want a redhead, tall, big tits, tight ass."

"I'm going to wash your mouth out with soap in a minute," Daniel said.

"What did I say?" John asked innocently.

"Go walk the dog," Daniel told him.

"Yessir!" John giggled, calling the dog, and taking her out.

"Jack, who's Teresa?"

"Woman I know. She can get you anyone, anytime. No matter what you're into."

"She's a madam."

Jack shrugged. "I like to think of her as a matchmaker for one-night stands."

"You actually do that?" Daniel asked incredulously.

"Daniel, the women on base don't want me. Lou told me most of 'em are afraid of getting involved with the 2IC. And I don't exactly have time to meet women any other way."

"You've met enough of them offworld," Daniel muttered.

"That was a cheap shot," Jack said, a bit hurt.

"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't mean it."

"Yes you did Daniel. I'm gonna go catch up with John." He grabbed his jacket and headed outside.

"Well Jackson, your big mouth does it again."

~*~*~

Jack caught up with John in the park, the younger man sitting down while the dog ran around.

Jack sat beside him. "Hey."

"Jack, I know I'm you, but...."

"Raging hormones?"

"Yeah. Gotta be the fifteen year old thing. I really liked one girl. I took her out to a movie, then took her home. I kissed her goodnight, and it felt good until the little voice inside me reminded me she was a kid. I felt like a dirty old man."

"I know," Jack answered in sympathy, "'cause that's how I would feel."

"It kinda hurt," John said. "I really liked her."

"Meet any guys?" Jack asked without thinking.

"In High School? Yeah, right. Most of them don't even know how they feel about girls."

Jack grinned at him. "You know, maybe when you get your first batch of recruits you'll meet someone."

"I think I need to talk to mom. She always understood."

"John, you can't call her or see her."

"But I really need to talk to her."

His voice was breaking and Jack saw that his eyes were welling with tears.

"It'll be okay."

"I wanna talk to mom! Please Jack. Lemme call her."

"You can't."

John broke into a full blown bawl and Jack was at a loss of what to do. He thought back to what his mother had done when he'd discovered his own sexuality and had a few crying moments himself. He was hesitant but finally gathered his younger self into his arms, rocking him back and forth. "I'm sorry. Sorry that this happened. Sorry you have to go through these feelings all over again." John hiccuped and Jack knew he was calming down. "How about if I arrange for you to get your driver's license a year early?"

"Okay," John said softly. "Sounds good." He lifted his head, smiling at Jack. "Where's Daniel?"

"Back at the house. We, uh, had a few words."

"You had a fight, you mean."

"Nothing new there. How about we take the long way home and stop to get Daniel a cherry cheesecake?"

"As long as you get him some Jamaican blend he'll forgive you. He always does."

~*~*~

The two stopped to get ice cream and by the time they got home, two hours had passed. Everything was cleaned up and Daniel was asleep in the guest room. John watched Daniel sleeping, saw the rise and fall of his chest, feeling his dick growing hard.

"Careful Johnny," came the soft voice in his ear. "Don't be thinking what I know you're thinking. Daniel's my...our...best friend. That's why I never approached him. And did you know it's past your bedtime?"

"I'm not tired. Can we call Teresa now? She's 24/7."

"Calm your hormones. You're not getting laid so quick."

"But you said...."

"It was wrong and you know it. Besides, remember the last time? Whose name did I shout out? It was kinda embarrassing."

"Then do something! Jesus Jack, if you don't do something, I will."

"You?" Jack actually laughed aloud. "You're a kid. Now go to sleep."

"How come I gotta sleep on the couch?"

"Because I only have two beds and you're not sleeping with Daniel."

"Then we'll share."

"You snore, I know this for a fact. I need my rest. I'm old, remember?"

"Yeah Jack, I remember." John was down the hall before Jack could say anything.

He stood at Daniel's door for a few more minutes watching as John had. "Damn Danny, of all the people I know, why did I have to fall in love with you?" He then went to his own room not seeing the big grin that came across a very much awake Daniel's face.

Daniel woke up, feeling the hands on his body, cracking his eyes open to find John leering at him.

"Feel good Danny?"

"What are you doing John?" Daniel attempted to push the younger man away but instead found himself straddled, arms pushed over his head. "Stop it."

"No, I won't." John pressed down hard, feeling the erection beneath his. "Your lips say no," he smirked, "but your body has other ideas."

"No." This time Daniel's voice was harsher. "Let me up."

"Why?"

"Because it's wrong. Because you're...."

"Because I'm not Jack." John nodded, grinning from ear to ear, releasing Daniel's arms. "I had to know Daniel and this is the only way I could find out for sure."

"You knew?" Daniel asked.

John shifted back, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Jack wasn't looking. I was. I saw. And I'm sorry for...this. I love you Daniel. Jack loves you."

"A night of revelations," Daniel muttered.

"Yeah, finding out I love you is a bit of a shock for you, I'm sure."

"Uh, no, I already knew that." At John's surprised look, Daniel nodded. "You heard me. Jack doesn't mumble so quietly."

"What did he...mumble?"

"Oh nothing. Just that he's fallen in love with me. I didn't know you were gay though."

"Bisexual," John corrected. "But for you, I'd stay on one side of the fence."

"The Air Force knows?" Daniel asked. "And you made full colonel?"

"I got special dispensation from my time in Black Ops. It's no secret, although I don't advertise it. But more important, what are we going to do about these feelings?"

"We?"

"Yeah, Dannyboy, we. Jack is a repressed, sullen individual who hates to share his feelings because he doesn't want to get hurt anymore. And obviously I know this for a fact."

"And how do you fit into this John? For all intents and purposes, you're Jack also."

John shrugged. "I...I do love you, but you're sorta too old for me."

Daniel laughed. "Yeah, you're right about that."

"Man, this is rough. Jack and me, we're the same, yet different." John blushed. "I can't believe you love me."

"It must be rough for you, going through those feelings again, a teenager with raging hormones."

"You and Jack are sure meant for each other. I had almost the exact same conversation with him. I really need my mom now. She always knew what to say." Daniel opened his mouth, but John put his hand up. "He already told me I can't call her and he's right. But as far as you and Jack...."

"I know that look," Daniel said. "Everytime I see it, Jack gets into trouble. Whatever you're thinking, forget it."

"Hear me out Danny. Do you know I'm the jealous type?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Just follow my lead tomorrow. This is going to be fun." He headed back to the couch. "What's gonna be even better is that if things go the way I plan, I won't have to sleep on the damn couch anymore."

"I can hardly wait."

~*~*~

The airman on duty nodded to Jack and Daniel as they came into the mountain, but stopped John. "I need to see some ID."

"He's me," Jack said.

"Uh, Colonel, he has to have ID or...."

"He is me," Jack repeated.

"Your son, sir?"

"NO! He's me! Jack O'Neill! Only shorter!"

The airman was thoroughly confused. "Jack O'Neill junior?"

"Why don't you remind him he can just sign me in?" John asked.

"Oh no. This is much better." Daniel bit back his laughter.

Jack looked like he was going to have an aneurysm by this point. "He is me and I am him. Got it?"

"No sir."

Jack got in the man's face. "Do you know I can kill a man six ways with a spatula?"

"Danny, if he's making with the threats, I think you should do something."

Daniel nodded. "Airman, this is...this is...John O'Neill. He will have ID later today. I'll just sign him in."

"You could have just done that in the first place Doctor Jackson."

"I know but this was much more fun."

Jack narrowed his eyes at the airman, nodding to John. "He's a colonel, and he can have you scrubbing toilets same as me."

The airman cocked an eyebrow in scepticism. "A colonel?"

Jack smirked. "Wait'll you see his ID."

~*~*~

"Colonel O'Neill, I told you to take some down time," the general said, seeing the three exiting the elevator.

"It was my idea general," Daniel said. "If I didn't get them out they would have spent the whole day playing video games, eating junk food, and fighting. They started the day with an argument over the merits of Frosted Flakes versus Fruit Loops, then dumped the contents of both boxes to get the toys...it quickly went downhill from there."

"I see. All right then. Doctor Jackson, I'll trust you to keep an eye on John."

"I can do it sir," Jack smiled.

"Doctor Jackson, I'll trust you to keep an eye on John."

Daniel, once again, had to fight a laugh. "You got it." He paused, the general raising an eyebrow at him. "Sir."

The general nodded and went to his office.

Jack and Daniel each grabbed one of John's arms, pulling him in opposite directions.

"He's coming to the artillery range with me," Jack stated.

"He's going to my office with me," Daniel insisted.

They each let go of John, facing each other.

"Guns."

"Office."

"I'll go with Daniel," John said. At Jack's look, John shrugged. "I already know all there is to know about weapons. My brain's still young enough to learn something new."

Jack looked offended. "Okay. Go with Daniel. Have fun cataloguing or whatever it is he does during the day." Jack turned on his heel, huffing as he stalked down the hall.

"The plan has begun," John grinned.

"The plan?"

"Trust me Dannyboy."

"Stop calling me that."

"Okey-dokey Spacemonkey." John moved away as Daniel's hand reached out to cuff him in the head. "As soon as we get to your office, we have to call Sam, Teal'c, Janet, and Lou. We're gonna make this short and sweet. You guys have wasted enough time already."

~*~*~

"Yo Jack!"

Jack turned, smiling at Lou, who was coming down the hall. "Whaddya want Feretti? I'm busy."

"Yeah, I can tell," Lou chuckled. "Hey, I just wanted to ask who the fresh meat in Daniel's office was."

"Fresh meat?" Jack realized Lou had been offworld for over a month and hadn't met his younger self. "He's...."

"Is he Daniel's new boyfriend?"

Jack's eyes grew wide. "Boyfriend?"

"You know, you really should tell Daniel not to have his boyfriends all over him like that."

"Excuse me?"

"Kissing and making goo-goo eyes at each other. And in Daniel's office of all places."

"Kissing? They were kissing?"

"Yeah. And the kid looks like jailbait too. Must be one of the new recruits. I'll catch you later Jack." Lou continued down the hall, Jack not seeing the malicious grin on his face.

'Kissing,' Jack thought. 'John told Daniel I was...that I was bi? Yeah, he must have. But why was he kissing Daniel? I told him to stay away from Daniel.' Jack's temper was rising and he stormed toward Daniel's office.

Lou peeked around the corner then ran to the nearest phone to call Daniel's office. "He's on his way...."

Jack opened the door to Daniel's office, not seeing anyone. "Where did they go?"

"O'Neill," Teal'c's deep voice intoned, and Jack turned around.

"Not now T. I'm busy."

"I just wanted to inform you that I believe JohnO'Neill and DanielJackson make a...cute couple."

"A cute couple? Have you been eating tofu again? You know that stuff fucks with Junior."

"I have not."

"Then what makes you think they're cute?"

"DanielJackson was feeding JohnO'Neill some jello in the commissary. JohnO'Neill got some whipped cream on his nose, and DanielJackson licked it off. It was...cute."

"Whipped cream?"

"They then moved on to other desserts, but I found the...mushiness...to be too much for me."

"Mushiness?"

"Yes."

"I'll see ya later. I'm hungry." Jack's face was turning dark red as he left Daniel's office.

Teal'c then made a phone call. "He has departed Daniel's office. And what is the meaning of 'mushiness'?"

"Sir, I need to talk to you about...."

"Not now Carter. I have to get to the commissary."

"Colonel, I know it's none of my business, and I know he's you inside, but do you think Daniel and John should be...you know."

"No, I don't know. Enlighten me."

"They were in the locker room and...."

"The locker room?"

"Daniel said he was going to wash John's back."

"Wash his back?!" Jack ran down the hall so fast, he slipped on the waxed floor and slid through the locker room doors on his knees, grimacing in pain. "I'm gonna ask the Asgard to fix the knees of this 'advanced human being'." He looked around, not seeing anyone. "Okay, they're not in here. Where'd they go now?" He left the locker room continuing his search.

John was laughing as he and Daniel came out of hiding and exited the locker room.

"He's pissed," Daniel said softly.

"Yeah, ain't it great?" John covered his mouth as he continued to laugh.

"Great for you maybe. He's gonna kill me."

"Daniel, don't be an ass." John smirked. "He loves you. He's so wound up over the fact that you and I are...."

"Exactly," Daniel said firmly. "Maybe this wasn't the best idea. How did I let you talk me into this?"

"My killer smile? My good looks?" Daniel glared at him. "Don't worry...be happy. Now, we're going to leave the base."

"And....?" Daniel waited for the other shoe to drop.

"We're gonna leave him a note."

John wrote a note but refused to let Daniel see it. He folded it up, leaving it on the colonel's desk.

They headed up in the elevator, stopping only to pick up John's ID.

"Colonel John O'Neill. Wait until I show this to that airman at the front gate. By the way, how are we going to get home? I didn't think of that."

"There are a dozen cars in the motor pool or did you forget?" Daniel grinned. "I'll even let you drive."

"Cool," John grinned. "Can we take that Mustang?"

"We'll take a nice conservative car," Daniel answered. "I know how you drive."

~*~*~

Jack hadn't been able to find either one of them, so he finally went back to his office. He saw the note, with his name on the folded paper, recognizing the scrawl. 'At least my handwriting improved with age. Now what?'

Jack stared at the note, seething. His phone rang and he picked it up. "WHAT!"

"Colonel?" Janet Fraiser.

"Yeah Doc? What is it? I have to...."

"Colonel, I know it's none of my business, but John is only fifteen."

"I know that!"

"Well, sir, I didn't want to, but he insisted. And he should be safe."

Jack panicked. "Safe? From what?"

"And so many also. Then again, he is fifteen."

"So many of what?" Jack's blood pressure was rising.

"They come twelve in a box but I didn't think he'd need two boxes. And six tubes of lube?"

"Twelve...box...LUBE?!"

"He and Daniel had a brief argument over regular or ultra thin. I gave them both to satisfy the two of them."

"Satisfy?" Jack's voice cracked.

"Yes sir. And could you please make sure that they return the restraints they borrowed?"

"Re...Restraints?" Jack swallowed hard.

"Yes. I really didn't ask why. Daniel said they needed them for an experiment."

Jack didn't answer her, he merely hung up the receiver...then tore the phone out of the wall and threw it through said wall, putting a nice hole in the middle of his office. He turned, seeing General Hammond standing there. "Sir, I have to get home right now." He didn't wait for permission, just barreled right past his CO.

George's mouth split into a wide grin. "Oh, to be a fly on the wall when he gets there." He glanced at the wall in the office. "Speaking of walls." He went into the hall and picked up a phone. "Get me Sergeant Siler...."

~*~*~

Jack got a speeding ticket on the way home...going seventy in a forty mile zone. He got to his house and parked right on the lawn, running inside, and looked around. There was no sign of John or Daniel. He glanced upstairs, hearing a moan, took a deep breath, and went to his bedroom.

"Daniel, oh yeah, right there."

"John, it's a tight fit. Kinda big here."

"Doesn't matter. Make it fit Daniel. Yeah, that's it, perfect."

"Is that what you want John? Like that?"

"Move Daniel, I can't hold it anymore."

"Squeeze John, come on, you can do better then that."

Jack opened the door, walked in, opened his mouth, and froze in his tracks. He closed his mouth, then opened it again. "I don't believe this."

"You like?" John asked.

"The armoire was a snug fit but we managed it," Daniel smiled.

"You're moving furniture?" Jack asked.

"Yeah," John nodded to him. "I happen to know that you've been wanting to rearrange everything for a while, but you never got the chance. Why? What did you think we were doing?"

"Lou said...and Sam and Teal'c...and then Janet called and...." Jack was at a loss for words.

"Jealous, Jack?" John asked.

Jack blinked at him, realization dawning. "You little son-of-a..." He reached for John, who ducked.

"I'll leave you two alone to work this out." John closed the door behind him, a very smug smile on his face.

Jack sat down, staring up at Daniel. "You set me up."

"Actually," Daniel smiled, sitting next to him, "it was John's idea. We had a talk last night and a few things came out."

"Like what?"

"Well," Daniel drawled, "like the fact that you love me."

Jack was surprised. "He told you that?"

"Not exactly. I mean he did, but I heard you when you were standing outside my door. Something about 'falling in love with me'."

"You were awake?"

"Yes Jack. And it only took you eight years to tell me."

"Better late then never," Jack said, ducking his head.

"Jack O'Neill, you're blushing."

"Yeah, I guess I am. Danny, how long have you....?"

"Since the day I met you. Well, no, that's not exactly true. I think it was when you agreed to set off that bomb in Ra's ship, instead of blowing up Abydos. I saw through that 'male bravado' you like to talk about so much."

"But you stayed with Sha'uri!"

"Jack, if I had any inclination that you liked me, I would have gone back with you in a heartbeat. Now, what about you?"

"What about me?" Jack teased, getting a smack in the head. "Oww! Okay, okay, I'll talk." He turned to Daniel, one finger stroking along his cheek, cupping his chin, thumb running over Daniel's lower lip. "The day West introduced us."

"You yelled at me."

"Of course I did Danny. I didn't like the idea of you going along. You were special, I saw that, and I didn't want anything to happen to you. I thought it was a one-way mission." Jack removed Daniel's glasses, laying them gently on the nightstand. He moved his hand to the back of Daniel's neck. "And leaving you was the hardest thing I ever did." He leaned in for a kiss, and both men turned to the right. Jack stopped, smiled, and both men turned to the left. Jack took Daniel's face in his palms, tilting his head, "Allow me," and kissed Daniel softly. "Wow."

"Wow?"

"Yeah." Jack's eyes glazed over. "Wow." He leaned in for another kiss, this time licking Daniel's lips, sliding his tongue inside, getting his first taste of Daniel. He wound his fingers in Daniel's hair, deepening the kiss, pushing Daniel onto his back.

Daniel gently shoved him back. "Jack, maybe we should take this a little slower."

Jack leered at him. "You really want that?"

"Hell no." Daniel initiated the next kiss, tongue mapping Jack's mouth, sucking Jack's tongue into his mouth, rolling them so he was on top.

"Aggressive archaeologist aren't you?" Jack managed to gasp out between kisses.

"Didn't you know Jack? It's always the quiet ones." He straddled Jack's body, grabbing the collar of his shirt, and ripped it down the middle.

"Fuck Daniel, that's my good shirt!"

"Keep the 'fuck Daniel' in mind, Jack." Daniel attacked one of Jack's nipples like a man on a mission, enjoying the fact that he was making Jack moan. He felt Jack's hand on the back of his head, guiding his mouth across his chest to the other nipple. Daniel took a different tack and laved it gently, hearing Jack's breath hitch. Then he sucked it hard, getting a shout from the older man. He rubbed their clothed cocks against one another, pressing harder, teeth biting the nipple.

"Danny stop! No, I'm gonna...." Jack's eyes rolled back. "Oh God!" Jack felt the wetness in his pants, and opened his eyes to a salacious look coming from Daniel. "Why'd ya do that?"

"Because I can," Daniel grinned. "And now we have an excuse to take off our pants." He scooted down the bed, taking off his shoes, followed by his socks, pants and briefs, which were also wet, his shirt flying into a corner. "Well, Jack? You gonna take your clothes off?"

Jack's tongue slid out, slowly licking his lips, eyes moving up and down Daniel's body. "Why don't you do it for me?"

Daniel silently nodded, pulling Jack's shoes and socks off, hands sliding up Jack's legs, along his inner thighs, unsnapping his pants. He slowly lowered the zipper, bringing his head down at the same time, inhaling Jack's scent. "God you smell good." Fingers moving under the waistband, he eased them down, and when they were off, he chewed on Jack's dick through his underwear. After a few minutes, he pulled the boxers down, mouth descending on the hardened shaft, taking it deep, tongue and teeth turning Jack's brain to mush.

"Danny please, don't tease."

Daniel ignored him, licking and sucking until Jack's cock was full again, until Jack was pushing up, moaning his name over and over. He glanced up to see Jack's hands gripping the headboard slats, eyes widening as he watched the wood begin to splinter. The thought of that strength was nearly his undoing, and he shifted back, eyes half closed. "I wanna ride you."

Jack reached his arm out, fumbling in the drawer. "Only got this stuff I use on my knees."

Daniel snatched the tube, giving it a once over. "It'll work." He flipped the cap, squeezing some out, smoothing it over Jack's cock, then intertwining his fingers with Jack's.

Jack got the idea, getting the cream on his own fingers, hand moving to Daniel's ass, shoving two fingers deep inside Daniel, clearly hearing a groan. "You okay?"

"Oh yeah."

Jack sped up his rhythm, scissoring his fingers, loosening Daniel as best he could. Daniel raised himself up, Jack grabbing his ass, holding him open. Daniel in turn, held Jack's cock as he slowly lowered himself, easing himself down. He winced and Jack saw the pain in his face.

"Slow and easy...that's it. Been so long for me Danny, and it never felt this good, this right."

"You're a sap Jack," Daniel moaned.

"But I'm your sap," Jack smiled. "Ahhh...yesss...."

Daniel closed his eyes as he felt Jack's balls against his ass, knowing he was impaled. He squeezed his muscles, hearing Jack moan, and did it again.

"You slut," Jack murmured.

"Yeah, but I'm your slut." Daniel lifted himself and sat back down. "Want me to ride you now Jack?" Daniel moved back and forth, lifting himself again, slamming back down.

"DANNY!"

"You like that Jack? Want me to do it again?" He pulled almost all the way up and slammed down again, getting another scream from Jack. Then he began to ride. Back and forth, lifting himself up and down, getting lost in the sensation, Jack moving with him, matching each movement with one of his own. Daniel heard a 'crack', his eyes bugging out of his head when Jack pulled one of the headboard slats loose. The sight drove him over the edge, and he shot his load over Jack's chest, nearly falling over. Jack's hands suddenly gripped his waist, holding him tight, shoving deeper, screaming Daniel's name as he came himself, filling Daniel.

"Sweet Danny...my Danny...all mine...."

"Yes Jack, all yours, always yours...."

Jack pulled him down into a hot and heavy kiss, feeling himself soften, slipping out of the tight heat. "Aw, Danny, I wanted to stay like that forever."

"Me too Jack. Maybe instead of looking for new weapons to defeat the Goa'uld, we should be looking for a stronger version of Viagra."

"Danny, baby, I don't need Viagra when I have you."

"You're a bigger sap then I thought," Daniel giggled.

"Yeah, but I'm the sap that loves you."

"I love you too." Daniel moved back, getting off the bed.

Jack grabbed his hand. "Hey, where ya going?"

"We gotta clean up and go eat something."

Jack sighed. "Okay Danny, if you insist." He yanked Daniel back down, kissing him again. "You gonna clean me up too?"

"I guess so," Daniel grinned.

Neither man knew, of course, but John had been sitting outside the door, jerking himself off, coming to climax when they did. "It's the closest I'm ever going to come to making love to you Daniel," he said sadly, knowing he would never listen to them again, just this one time. He quickly got up, ran to the bathroom, and cleaned himself, then went downstairs to leave them with a little privacy.

~*~*~

Sometime later, the two older men came downstairs, hearing John on the phone.

"Yeah Sam, tell everybody thanks from me, and I'm sure from Jack and Daniel also." Pause. "I'm okay with it." Pause. "Yes, I really want to learn how a naquadah reactor works." John hung up. "Yeah, sure I'm okay with it. At least they have each other. Aww, c'mon John. You'll find somebody. Granted, they won't be Daniel, but still, somewhere, out there, there's someone for you."

Jack turned to Daniel, his voice low. "You think he'll really be okay Danny? He sounds so...morose." He looked at Daniel's face. "Uh-oh. You have that look."

"What look Jack?"

"That, 'I have an idea and it's so weird it just might work', look."

Daniel grinned. "Jack, you keep an eye on John. I have to get back to base and take care of something. I'll be back as soon as I can." He shook his head. "Don't ask, because I'm not telling."

"Oy," Jack sighed. "Be afraid Jack, be very afraid."

~*~*~

The young man was standing outside Jack's house with Daniel. "Are you sure this was a good idea?"

"It's the only one I could think of," Daniel answered. "John needs someone to keep him in line and to make him happy and I think, no, I know you're the only one that could do it. And you know it too."

Daniel walked in, smiling at Jack, who seemed worried. "Something the matter Jack?"

"Where have you been? You've been gone for six hours." Jack's eyes moved to the younger man standing there and his mouth dropped open. "He looks like...."

"Yes Jack," Daniel answered. "He is."

John came downstairs a few minutes later and got a look at the teenager sitting in the kitchen.

"Hiya Johnny," said the young man.

John blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes.

The other teen smiled at him. "No, you're not having hallucinations. It's...me."

"Is that who I think it is?" John asked.

"The Asgard owed you," Daniel grinned. "So I requested this. They do quick work."

John walked over to the other teenager. "Daniel?"

"Yeah. Well, sort of. And call me Danny to avoid confusion."

"You're Daniel," John stated.

"He's pretty smart. Definitely an 'advanced human being'," Daniel snorted.

"Smartass," Jack muttered.

"Takes one," Daniel sing-songed.

"Why?" John asked.

"Because you need me," the younger Daniel grinned. "General George arranged for me to work at the mountain to keep you out of trouble."

"I don't get into trouble."

"Yes you do," Danny nodded.

"Do not!" John fired back.

"Do!"

"Not!"

"Oh yeah," Jack grinned at Daniel. "They're us all right."

"Do you know everything he," John nodded to Daniel, "knows?"

"Oh yeah," Danny grinned.

"Cool. Just so you know, my knees are in great shape. We could get...extra creative."

"HEY!" Jack snapped. "No fooling around. You're not even sixteen yet."

"And your point is....?" John cocked an eyebrow at his older self. "I seem to recall I lost it at fourteen."

Both Jacksons eyes widened. "FOURTEEN?!"

"Yeah," Jack grinned. "She was seventeen, but a fast learner."

"Mary Beth McKinney," both O'Neill's sighed.

Daniel shook his head. "You know, I may have to ask the Asgard to make a 'mini-Teal'c' to keep you kids in line."

"How about a mini-Sam?" John asked. "We could have fun torturing her."

"How about a mini-Janet?" Daniel asked.

"We'll behave!" came the twin responses.

John leered at Danny, licking his lips. Grabbing Danny by the shirt, he yanked him to his feet and pulled him into a slow, deep kiss, letting him go when Danny pushed him away.

"John, I don't know if...."

"Shut up Danny." John dove in for another kiss, pushing Danny against the wall.

"That's enough!" Jack yelled, pulling John away from Danny. "I told ya, you're fifteen!"

"I liked it," Danny grinned. "I wanna do it again."

"Oh no you don't," Daniel frowned, pulling Danny out of the kitchen. "You're supposed to keep him out of trouble."

"I am. He'll be so busy fucking me, he won't have time to get into any trouble."

Daniel dragged his younger self to the bathroom, and the two O'Neill's heard gurgling a moment later.

"He wouldn't," John said, shocked.

"Oh yeah," Jack nodded, "he would."

The two Daniel's came back a few minutes later, Daniel looking smug, Danny making the most horrible face.

"Soap?" Jack asked.

"Filthy mouthed...junior linguist," Daniel muttered.

"Gee, I wonder where he gets it?" Jack remarked sarcastically, leering at Daniel.

"Where are we going to live?" John asked.

"Here," Daniel answered. "Where we can both keep an eye on the two of you."

Jack nodded in agreement. "You'll take turns sleeping on the couch and in the guest room."

"How old do we hafta be before we can...." John waved his hands in the air.

"Get to know each other first," Daniel smiled. "Go out on a few dates, that sort of thing."

"We've known each other eight years!" Danny insisted.

"But you haven't dated. That's important for young people," Daniel said.

"You two didn't date before this afternoon," John said.

"You're wrong there," Jack pointed out. "We've been dating for eight years. We just didn't know it. Dinners, Avalanche games...you know," he smirked, "that sort of thing."

John sighed, smiling at Danny. "I can wait if you can."

Danny nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. How about we go for pizza tonight?"

"You'll be chaperoned," Jack said firmly. John opened his mouth, but Jack put his hand up. "Don't worry. Daniel and I will sit at a separate table and make believe we don't know you."

The two younger men looked at each other, then at the older two, nodding in agreement.

Danny then focused back on John. "Do you really love me?"

John gave him a shit-eating grin. "YeahSureYouBetcha."

"Good," Danny said, "because I love you too."

~*~*~

Epilogue:

"Jack, they didn't listen." Daniel dragged Jack to the other bedroom where both boys were laying, Danny pulled close against John's chest, John holding him tight.

"Yes they did Daniel. I got up last night just as John was going inside. I then did the grown-up thing...yes I said grown-up...and had a talk with them. They only want to be near each other, nothing more right now. And I can understand how they feel. Now come on back to bed so I can hold you close to me."

FIN (For now)

Next: Fragile Imbalance II