Back In The World

by J. M. Griffin

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asj/jmgriffin/backworld.php
Summary: On a sultry night in Colorado Springs, a chance meeting in a bar propels Jack and Daniel to look at one another in a different light

It was a hot, humid night more indicative of D.C. than Colorado Springs. Jack O'Neill grimaced and tugged at the collar of his navy tee shirt. It had been cool and breezy on PX5 3782, but there was no breeze in town tonight. Jack sighed and kept on walking down the street. He wished there was some way to get lost in this town. What he would have liked was to be in some really big city where he'd have a choice of any number of clubs. He'd find just the right one and go in and lose himself in the music, smoke and laughter. Here in the town closest to the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, there were precious few options for a man who wanted to go incognito and...pickup another man.

With another long drawn-out sigh, Jack ducked into Arthur's Pub. It was a little place known for its live bands and imported beer and ale. Jack ordered a pint of ale and leaned against the bar eyeing the clientele. It sure wasn't the Vagabond up in D.C., but it would have to do. At least it was packed on this Friday night, which made Jack feel as if he might actually be able to get lost for a while to drown his sorrows.

What he was sorrowing for, he found difficult to admit even to himself. How long had it been since he'd gone out on the prowl like this? Nearly three years since he'd lost Charlie and driven Sara away. Only two years, though, since he'd had begun lusting after his closest friend and teammate at the SGC. Two years because he'd barely felt a twinge of desire during that horrible, hectic time when he'd first gone through the Stargate. He'd still been too crazed over losing his son to lust after Daniel. But when the man had returned a year later, well, it had taken no time at all for the flame to build.

Tonight it was a roaring fire. Jack grinned at his own analogy. He had certain ideas about just how he wanted to put out this conflagration. His smile did not linger, however, because it wasn't going to happen. It couldn't happen. He was Daniel's commanding officer, for crying out loud. Even if the other man wasn't military, he was still under Jack's command. He just wished he could get Daniel under...no, no, out from under his skin. Yes, that was what he'd been thinking.

Yeah, sure Jack. Ya can't kid a kidder.

His beer was gone and he signaled for another. SG-1 had been given a two day stand- down, so he didn't have to get up in the morning and go to work. He could always call a cab to get himself back home. Now if he could drink enough to get a certain part of his anatomy to stand down...he'd be okay.

The band was getting ready to play. A little Celtic group called Clandestine, from, of all places, Houston, Texas, was slated to perform. Jack leaned back against the bar and surveyed the crowd. Arthur's was packed, standing room only, for this particular group. The whine of a bagpipe tuning filled the air and the ambient noise got louder as folks tried to talk over the din. The man standing next to Jack leaned toward him.

"Have you heard them before?"

"Nope, first time," Jack hollered back.

"They're good," the other man promised.

The fiddler was tuning now, along with the guitarist. Jack's second drink arrived and he paid for it, then turned back toward the stage.

The foursome began with a jig and a reel, and, though this was not what he'd had in mind when he'd wished for music to get lost in, it was surprisingly good. Many of the pub-goers were drumming the tables along with the woman on the Irish bohran. The liveliness of it all lifted Jack's spirits and when the two women in the band began to sing something called "Dunlavy's Castle" Jack was entirely hooked, jolted out of his ill mood and transported in a way not unlike going through the Stargate.

The drummer was singing the eerie chorus of "Knock, knock, knock..." when a voice sounded in Jack's ear.

"Jack!"

"Daniel!"

~~~

God, seeing Jack in this place, clad in tight jeans and a dark blue tee with a black leather jacket slung over his shoulder, was not what Daniel expected. If he'd been smart he would have said nothing, just slunk away, caught Rob coming out of the restroom and hustled him out of there fast. But he'd been so startled to see Jack O'Neill in this place, leaning casually against the bar, he'd said the man's name before he could stop himself.

"Come here often?" Jack asked, while Daniel struggled to gather his thoughts.

"Uhh, no. Yes." He was making a mess of it, Daniel was sure. "An old friend of mine is in town. I came here with him." Lame, but the best he could come up with on such short notice.

"An archaeologist friend?" Jack asked.

Daniel opened his mouth to respond just as Rob came up behind him; he saw Jack's eyes widen at the other man's approach. "Ummm, no," Daniel stammered. "Rob's in the military."

"Captain Robert Simms," Rob said leaning around Daniel and extending his hand. Rob was tall, slim, older than Daniel. His hair was not silver-grey, thank god. Still, Daniel had to hold back a grimace as the two quite physically similar men shook hands.

"Where'd you two meet?" Jack asked.

Rob grinned. "Around."

Daniel had to hold back his sigh of relief. For a moment he'd been afraid Rob would say, "At the compound, one night when your boy here was waiting for you." Simms knew how Daniel felt about Jack. He also knew that this thing between he and Daniel was nothing serious, that Daniel was making do. They had a lot of fun together. Fun and good sex. Yet there were times when Daniel had to bite his lip to keep from saying Jack's name when he was deep in the throes of passion.

"You must be Jack O'Neill." Rob gave that shit-eating grin that had drawn Daniel to him. "The kid talks about you all the time."

Daniel watched as Jack turned sharply to peer at him. "He does?"

"Only good stuff. And nothing classified." Again with the grin, Rob was living on borrowed time here, Daniel thought desperately. The Air Force captain wound an arm about Daniel's waist. "Come on, Dannyboy, " he said sweetly. "Time to go. Night, O'Neill." And he headed for the door towing Daniel with him.

Once they were out on the sidewalk, Rob burst out laughing. "God, you should have seen his face when I called you Dannyboy."

"I did," Daniel gasped, but he wasn't laughing. He felt like he was going to have a panic attack and leaned over with hands braced on knees fighting for breath. "Rob, Rob, why did you do that? I am so dead."

Rob patted his back soothingly. "Daniel, you goose. He's so crazy in love with you. You're not going to have to DO anything."

"What? Jack? In love with me?" Thankfully, breathing was getting easier. "No, no. He couldn't be."

"Oh yes, he could. Take my word for it, kid. He is." Rob shook his head. "You gonna be okay?"

Daniel nodded.

"Come on then, I've got a plane to catch. I'll drop you off at home."

"You know, Rob, I think I'm going to walk. It's not very far."

Rob sighed. "Suit yourself, kiddo." His eyes swept the area, taking in the fact that they were alone outside the bar in the twilight. Stepping in close, he slipped his arm around Daniel's waist again and pulled him tight. The kiss they shared was searing. When they parted, Daniel stumbled back a bit. Rob reached out and touched Daniel softly on his lower lip. "O'Neill's a fool, you know. He doesn't know what he's missing."

"I'll call you when I'm back in town," Rob called out as he walked across the street to his rental car.

Daniel stood and watched the captain drive off. He looked over his shoulder at the door of Arthur's. If there was any justice in the world, Jack would come out that door right now, tell Daniel he really was a fool and they'd walk to Daniel's apartment together. But the world was a dim, dark place, and Daniel walked home alone.

~~~

The Celtic band was singing a long, sad dirge. Within the haunting chorus was the echo of a train whistle in the distance. The mournful sound made Jack think of dumb luck and missed chances. He kept seeing Daniel leave the pub with Captain Simms. God, he was such a fool. Why hadn't he realized Daniel went out with men? Because that was what that had been, a date.

Chugging back the last of his ale, Jack swiped at his mouth. He watched as a young man angled toward him, saw the intent behind the dark eyes as the kid edged his way up to the bar, "accidentally" bumping Jack as he did, then ordered a drink.

Jack stood there thinking this could work; he could just say "yes" to those dark eyes and in no time at all they'd be at a hotel. It would be so easy.

But he'd never liked easy. So Jack smiled nicely, shook his head "no," and left the bar.

~~~

There was no food in the fridge. Daniel peered inside anyway, hoping for a jar of pickles, at least, but no, nothing. He sighed and contemplated going shopping. He could buy enough for two days. Wine, ice cream, milk and cereal. That would work. The team would be back "on- line" by Sunday night, and anything else would just wilt or spoil.

Somewhere he had one of those pasta dinners that had a shelf life of twelve years. He could eat that. Or he could order pizza. But he hated to eat pizza alone.

He could call Jack.

"Umm, yeah, Jack. That guy I was with at Arthur's, well, he's headed out, so, umm, I'm all alone here and I thought maybe you'd come on over and we'd order a pizza or something." Daniel actually said the words out loud. God, he was such a fool.

~~~

Jack's house was depressingly quiet. He stood in the middle of his living room and stared at the fireplace. He should have taken that kid up on his offer. Then he'd have something to do other than stand here in morose silence. By now they would be on the couch making out like fools. Daniel was sure to be a good kisser....

Only it wouldn't be Daniel in his arms and so it wouldn't be enough.

He was a friggin' idiot. He should have just shoved that Simms guy away from Daniel's side. He should have said, "Damn it, Daniel, if ya just happen to go for men, why couldn't ya go for me?"

Shoulda, coulda, woulda. Shit, fuck, damn.

Jack picked up his black leather jacket from where he had thrown it over a chair. It was time to quit whining and take action.

~~~

Daniel wasn't home when Jack got to his apartment. Standing in front of the door, Jack swore softly, but long and vehemently. He'd fucked up all around. He shook his head is disgust and turned to go back down to his truck. Daniel was just getting out of the elevator.

"Jack?"

"Daniel." For pity's sake, they'd done this before.

"I, uhhh."

Daniel was blushing. Blushing while standing in the hall way outside his apartment, holding a bag that must contain groceries. Suddenly Jack was hungry.

"What's for supper?"

Daniel grinned. "Cheerios." He fumbled his keys, dropping them in front of the door. Jack bent down to pick them up. His eyes traveled up Daniel's body as he straightened slowly. Daniel's grey slacks were tented nicely. Jack fought a wicked grin as he handed the younger man the keys. It seemed he wasn't alone in this.

"So," Jack said oh-so-nonchalantly as he followed Daniel into the kitchen. "Where is Captain Robert Simms, huh? You two fuck buddies have a fight?"

"Jaaaccck," Daniel drug his name out and the sound made Jack's cock go from interested to terribly interested.

Jack raised his eyebrows and gave Daniel a look. A "What, Daniel?" look. An "explain it to me slowly" look. An "it's more fun slowly, Dannyboy" look.

Shit, Simms had called Daniel "Dannyboy." Shit, shit, shit.

"He calls you "Dannyboy?" Jack said after Daniel had put away the milk and ice cream.

"No. I mean, yes. Only just tonight." Daniel flushed bright pink. "To make you jealous."

Jack watched him squirm. It would have been fun except Daniel was squirming for all the wrong reasons.

Jack stepped forward and took the wine bottle out of Daniel's hands and placed it on the counter. "So, tell me what's between you two."

Daniel found himself wondering how he let himself be cornered this way. He hadn't been the only one keeping secrets. Until tonight, he'd had no idea Jack O'Neill was interested in men. He'd hoped, yes, but he hadn't known.

"It's casual. It's nothing."

"He's built like me. He's about my age." Jack couldn't back down now. He needed to know. He needed to hear Daniel say it.

"Yes." Daniel's mouth was open, his breathing too rapid. Jack reached out a hand, only to have Daniel flinch away.

"Danny?" he said softly. He left his hand there, mere inches from Daniel's face. Then Daniel grabbed the hand and brought it to his mouth. The kiss he placed in Jack's palm was warm and sweet. Jack groaned softly.

"Damn," Jack hissed between his teeth as Daniel pressed another kiss into his palm. His knees threatened to buckle. He tugged and closed the distance between himself and Daniel, slid his arms around the man. Held him close. Felt the tremors of passion run through the sleek body. Felt the heat of the younger man's cock against his thigh.

Daniel breathed more slowly, gave a tiny sigh as his body relaxed a bit. It felt right to be in Jack's arms. There was none of that terrible "almost, almost" feeling he had when Rob held him. This was not "almost;" this was "it."

Daniel wet his lips hesitantly, despite how right it felt, he was still unsure of his place. Jack had not moved, not said anything else. So Daniel stood still, waiting for some sign, some word or movement that might propel them both into action.

Finally, Jack sighed, a tiny capitulation. He molded his body against Daniel's and took his mouth in a kiss. The taste, the smell, the rightness of it all, made Daniel's head swim.

"Sweet man," Jack breathed into his ear.

Daniel jolted to awareness. Jack had said that to him. Jack. O'Neill. Had. Said. That. To. Him. Daniel's body arched involuntarily, bringing them even closer. Bringing Jack's hard cock against his own. Daniel gasped, knowing he'd come in his pants if this kept up. Knowing the intensity of it all, of Jack's body hard against him, the tiny sigh that was a huge victory, the incredible words, and now, Jack's hand between them, palming him through his slacks, were all it would take.

Daniel caught in his breath and came, Jack holding him as the shuddering climax ripped through him.

"Yes," Jack whispered in his ear. Daniel slid to his knees and took Jack with him to the kitchen floor. He pushed Jack's shoulders down gently, then opened the fly of the tight jeans. Jack's turgid cock sprang free and Daniel swallowed him whole.

"Oh god," Jack's voice was low and guttural. Daniel slid his mouth up and down the shaft, allowing his teeth to graze slowly along its length. Gently. Treacherously.

Jack reacted by throwing his head back, his hands slipping into Daniel's hair. Soft as feathers of a bird, the hair between his fingers. The movement of Daniel's head, the resulting song his body was singing, were as intoxicating as wine. "Ahhh," Jack climaxed in a series of spurts that seemed to spring from deep inside him. He was sure he'd never felt anything quite like it. "Ahhhh."

"Unnnnh," Jack said next, when he could almost speak again. The floor was cold and hard.

Daniel pushed up to his knees, still straddling Jack. He stood and looked down at the older man sprawled on his kitchen floor. Jack crinkled his eyes in a smile. "Ya gonna stand there gloating, or help an old man up?"

"Both," Daniel retorted as he stretched out his hand and clasped Jack's upraised one. Jack came to his feet with an oomph.

"Next time we do this on a bed."

Daniel ducked his head, suddenly shy again. "Next time?"

Jack gave his lover a lecherous wink. "Such a fine performance demands an encore, don't ya think?"

"I think...." Daniel adjusted his glasses, pretending to give the matter serious thought. It might have worked if his grin hadn't been so wide. "I think, yes."

"But later. I'm hungry," Jack said as he buttoned his jeans. "Where'd ya put those Cheerios?"

~~~

They were sitting at the table eating cereal when the phone rang.

Jack grimaced. "Simms?"

"Can't be, he's on a plane to Georgia." Daniel grabbed the phone on the third ring. "Yes. Oh, yes sir. Yes sir. I'll see what I can do to find him. That's okay, sir."

"Hammond?"

"Yes, Hammond. He says you aren't at home and you must have left your cell phone in the truck because you aren't answering it. Wants me to find you and let you know the stand down has been canceled. Seems the Tok'Ra are summoning and nothing will do but SG-1."

"Nothing earth-shattering?" Jack asked.

"Nothing earth-shattering," Daniel agreed.

"It will probably take you a couple of hours to find me. I went bar hopping tonight."

"Yes, that seems reasonable." Daniel gazed down at his cereal bowl, trying hard not to smile.

Jack got up, scraping the chair legs on the floor. He arched an eyebrow at Daniel. "You might find me in the bedroom."

"I'll be sure to look there, first," Daniel said as he watched Jack saunter out of the room.

They were back at the SGC before Hammond had to call again. But not by much.

The End