(1) Sorry for the lack of separating line, but it will only pull up html format in my browser and I'm not quite clever enough to figure out the code.
(2) For the whole three of you who read this earlier in the week, yes it did get deleted, and yes, these are new drafts of Five and Four. Long story short, threw a tizzy at the computer, almost changed majors, swore to never read/write fanfic again, and that only lasted about 48 hours. Unfortunately I deleted everything off my computer, including my wips, meaning I get to start all over again. Sorry about that. But I'm back now.
(3) Just to warn you, this might happen again if I do poorly on another paper. I figure an English major should do better on papers, but apparently that's a flawed judgment on my part.
Five (Company of Thieves)The lad stood partway in front of her with his hand annoyingly close to a sidearm. Vala had obviously picked the outfit for the good Doctor, probably as his punishment for thinking she needed the protection of his proximity.
She had him well trained. Too many of the up and coming thieves these days came in with guns blazing, which made them more than likely to get shot. Vala usually went for shock and awe (both parts usually involving her cleavage,) and her boy seemed to fancy the same route. Though Borzin was willing to law 20 to one odds that Daniel Jackson didn't realize just how many women stared at him on the way in, all do to what was probably Vala's favorite new piece of clothing.
"Borzin, you slimy two-faced grease peddler. Come on, give us a hug."
Vala leapt into his arms with more camradarie than he ever expected out of her, and all to pacify the displeased member of SG-1 following her. That was odd. From what the Alliance had told him, Vala was simply contract labor for the Tau'ri, and it was Trickery 101 that you always made the situation worse than it appeared so when you fixed it you were all the more spectacular. She wasn't soaking Jackson for all he was worth, and that was cause for concern.
"And what poor loser have you conned into your company this time?"
"Oh, this is my apprentice, Seamus." Vala shot an expectant grin back at Jackson, and that was all Borzin needed to know.
"You must be learning a great deal."
"More than I'd like to."
"Actually, I only took him on as part of a bet. He's mentally disabled."
Dear goodness, there was banter. This wasn't just a mark. She wasn't simply attracted to her boss and trying to worm her way into the good graces of the Tau'ri for better pay, she actually liked this boy. There was affection in their fight, something well worn and comfortable, with nothing left to prove and bearing all the strength of something ages old.
And Jackson still had his hand on that gun.
"Don't trust her. She will sell you out for a bad lunch first chance she gets."
Jackson smiled. This sweet, naieve, Tau'ri warrior just smiled and said, "I know." Apparently Vala had pulled such a switch on him before, or maybe the smile he bore was because she hadn't. That would have to make Daniel Jackson the first man she'd never double-crossed.
Vala darling, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. Thieves do not develop emotional attachments to heroes. She knew better than that.
Her smile was genuine and sweet, the kind he didn't believe Vala could have after all she'd seen as she said, "He likes me, isn't that cute?" They both grinned at each other, with a strange mix of sarcasm and glee.
Jackson's hand was still on that gun, and she didn't seem to mind at all.