Homecoming 4

Does He Or Doesn't He?

by Sistine

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ass/sistine/doeshe.php
Summary: Jack and Daniel find it hard to read the mixed signals from each other

"I owe you one."

"Let's call it even."

Not even close, Jack thought, his old resentment returning full force. The only way it would be even was if Jonas had died saving Daniel's life - excrutiatingly and slowly. Jack forced the memory of Daniel's death away, knowing the power the memory had. He needed to focus on the here and now, not the past.

He automatically held his hand out to help Daniel stand. When Daniel took his hand, Jack's heart skipped a beat. It was the first time since Daniel had returned that they had actually touched and Jack found it just as potent as before.

As soon as Daniel was on his feet, Jack took his hand away, fearing what he do if the touch continued. His first impulse upon seeing Daniel arrive earlier - was it really only a few minutes ago? - had been to kiss him, an impulse which he had refrained from carrying out. He had been so relieved to see Daniel again, having feared that he might not have been able to escape Anubis' ship. It was no good - no matter how much he told himself that he couldn't be with Daniel anymore, his feelings told him differently. And if Daniel did remember their relationship, he would remember how they had parted and that would possibly put an end to any hope of a renewed relationship.

Jack could see the emotions in Daniel's eyes - puzzlement at Jack's reaction, and then something else Jack couldn't read. Was it - no, it couldn't be desire; Daniel hadn't remembered about that yet. It had to be something else. But he couldn't worry about that now - he had to complete the mission.

Ignoring the pain in his heart, and Daniel's beguiling blue eyes, Jack turned and walked away.

~~~

Okay, what was that? Daniel thought as Jack walked away. He had seen a number of emotions cross Jack's face as they had touched but couldn't work out what the older man was thinking. Fear seemed to be there, as well as a deep sadness and possibly desire. The touch of their hands had sparked desire within Daniel too, and he was puzzled by it. Was he attracted to Jack and vice versa? Was that the reason behind Jack's behaviour?

Daniel kept his eyes on Jack as much as he could for the next hour, trying not to draw anyone's attention. By the end of the hour, he was sure that he had been mistaken about seeing desire in those dark eyes. Jack hadn't even glanced his way once. As the adrenalin from his near-death encounter wore off, Daniel noticed a tightness in his chest and he realised that it was because Jack was ignoring him. Why did it hurt so much? He had determined that Jack didn't have any feelings towards him but maybe his pre-ascended self had had feelings for Jack. That would certainly explain why Jack's behaviour was hurting him so much. But there was no-one to ask; he would just have to remember it on his own.

A hand on his shoulder startled him. He turned to see Sam staring at him. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine." Daniel dredged up a smile from somewhere.

She smiled in return then patted his shoulder. "Come on. We're going home." Sam nodded towards the Stargate.

Home. Daniel wasn't so sure that Earth was truly his home yet. The people were mostly friendly but was it really where he belonged? There was only one way to find out and that was to remain at the SGC until his memory returned in full - if it ever did. By that time, he might actually be able to work out the reason for Jack's behaviour.

And his own.

Next: The Spare Bedroom