Really 1

Really

by J. M. Griffin

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asj/jmgriffin/really01.php
Summary: Jack reflects on Daniel's choice of words.

He stands there with his mouth open and says "Really." Makes me wanna hit him. Naw, not hard, just a good slug in the shoulder.

Yes, really. I really do love you, ya big lug.

I don't say it, though. I can't. Shit, damn, fuck, and all that.

"Really," he says again when I don't say anything.

"I get it, Daniel." I tell him.

"But Jack...,"

Damn, he stands there with that pouting lower lip..., uh, yeah, pouting, and I'm mush inside. Yep, me. Tough, cynical Jack O'Neill. Hell. Tough, cynical Colonel Jack O'Neill. Ain't that a pisser?

Daniel hates it when I say ain't. He wrinkles up that snub nose of his every time. Makes me smile.

God, I love him. Okay, I said it.

But really, I do.

Oh shit, now he has me doing it.

"Jack?" Daniel takes a step toward me. We're in my house, did I mention that? He's come home with me, again. And we are debriefing the debriefing, again.

And he has said "Really" about twelve times, tonight. Which means he's got his own thoughts on things and they are diametrically opposed to mine, but he is too polite to say so.

"Daniel," I say, "close your mouth."

He shuts his lips with an audible snap. God, how I love his mouth. Have I mentioned that? I love the way he stands there with it hanging open. He's a mouth breather, my Daniel.

"Jack?" He says again. "Are you okay?"

"Daniel, what did you mean a minute ago when you said 'really?'"

He's no dope. "I meant I'd think about your idea."

"You meant you don't agree, but you aren't going to stuff your opinion down my throat." I almost coughed when I hear myself say that last bit. I'd like a certain part of him stuffed down my throat.

His blue eyes crinkle with laughter. "God, I love you."

Damn. He doesn't mean it. I know he doesn't. But I know my own mouth has dropped open.

He takes another step towards me, reaches out a hand and I think he's going to pat my cheek. Instead, he keeps coming closer, zooming in, and then... he kisses me.

Yes.

Really.

FINIS

Next: For Crying Out Loud