Pillow Talk

by Sistine

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ass/sistine/pillowtalk.php
Summary: Jack and Daniel contemplate the immediate future

"You're still scared."

"Yes."

"Why?" Jack asks, sliding one arm around my waist and pulling me onto my side as we lie together on my bed. I suppose we could have gone to the hotel Jack is staying at but a lot more people would see us together and that's not what either of us want right now; my apartment offers a lot more privacy.

His hand shifts down to rest on my hip, his thumb stroking my skin lazily. For some reason, it's a lot easier to talk about this after we've had sex; maybe because we're both more relaxed. "These aren't Goa'uld, Jack. The Ori are capable of many things that the Goa'uld can't do, and they will look like gods. And there are many people out there, on planets the Goa'uld have kept suppressed as well as here on Earth, that will believe that." I look at him and see Jack's solemn expression. That comforts me a little; he's taking this seriously.

"They won't get a foothold on Earth," Jack states confidently. "I mean, even if they somehow get here, we don't have a religion where non-believers are burnt to death." His fingers tighten momentarily and he shifts one leg in-between mine, displaying once again how well we fit together.

"That won't matter." I could recite stories from history on that topic but both of us are aware of them and they don't need repeating. "A lot of people will view the Ori's abilities as a sign of the gods." I let my hand rest on Jack's arm and slowly move it upwards, feeling the muscles move under his skin as his thumb starts stroking again.

Jack is silent for a moment as he contemplates that, his eyes never leaving mine. Then he finally says, "I wonder what Kinsey would have said about this?"

I can't help the small smile that escapes me at the thought of the extremely-devout Kinsey faced with the unChristian Priors; that could have been interesting to see. Then I sigh and lean forward slightly so that I'm closer to him. "What are we going to do?"

"We'll figure something out," Jack states confidently.

I wish I had his confidence. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't used that communication device--"

"Ah!" Jack cuts me off. "None of this is your fault." As I raise my eyebrows at his reflection, he continues, "Okay, you shouldn't have used the communication thingie but the rest of the blame belongs to Vala."

Logically I know he's right but that doesn't help much right now. "At least we know what we're up against," I comment.

"There's that," Jack agrees. He looks at me for a long time, his expression pensive. "I'm glad you didn't leave on the 'Daedalus'."

"I know." Part of me is glad too because that means that I can still be here with Jack, but the rest of me really wanted to see Atlantis. "Maybe next time."

"Maybe," Jack agrees. He squeezes my hip in support then moves his hand around to the small of my back to pull me even closer. "The SGC needs you right now," he continues.

"It needs you too," I reply solemnly. "Landry's okay but he doesn't have the experience in intergalactic affairs." Which, logically I know, would count out virtually every General except Jack and Hammond.

Jack knows this too and doesn't call me on it, just stating, "He's a good man, Daniel. Give him a chance." Then he leans his forehead against mine and breathes in deeply; this is the first time we've been close in over a month. "I miss you," he says softly.

"I miss you too." Jack has been my anchor throughout my time with the SGC, and being without him now, when we're facing the biggest threat yet, is going to be very difficult. "When do you have to go back to Washington?"

"Tomorrow," Jack sighs in disgust at the thought of leaving. "Lunch here before I go?"

"Sure." As if I would let him leave without a final goodbye. I place my hand on his cheek and lean in to kiss him hungrily, taking the opportunity we have right now. His kiss is equally as passionate, telling me how much he loves me and is going to miss being by my side.

A minute later, we draw apart reluctantly and look into each other's eyes. It's been a long couple of months since Jack first took the assignment to Washington, during which we've only had phone calls and one or two visits to keep us connected. The only thing that comforts me is that when the Ori threat is over, Jack will retire and we can live together full-time. "I wish you were still here," I say, knowing Jack will understand what I mean.

"Me too." Jack plants one last kiss on my lips and then settles down to sleep, pulling me across to rest against his side; his own personal blanket.

I put my head on his chest and stare at the wall opposite for a long time as I listen to Jack's steady heartbeat beneath my ear. I'm going to have to continue to live without Jack's constant reassuring presence so that I can deal with the Ori threat. I just wish I didn't have to.