The Trip Home Part 1 (2nd in this series)

Jack decided to take Danny to visit his parents during their week off.

"Jack, we could go to a dig for the week, they've just unearthed a new artifact at Giza that I'd like to see or we could.."

"No, Danny, we're going to my parents."

"I could go on my own."

"Think again, little boy. I'll think about taking you to Egypt in summer but not just now."

"I'm hoping not to be like this by summer, you're just fobbing me off."

"It's all you're getting."

"What can I do at your parents?"

"Enjoy yourself, be a kid."

"I don't want to be a kid," he shouted. "I'm not going; I'll stay with Teal'c or Sam."

"They're going on a mission. You'll enjoy being at my parents."

"I'm not going and you can't make me," Danny shouted storming off.

The next morning he was strapped into his booster seat with a mutinous look on his face. "Cheer up buddy, Jack said encouragingly. It'll be fun." A kick hit the back of his seat. "Cut that out, "Danny kicked again. "If I have to pull this truck over you'll be sorry."

Jack began to think that this might not have been a good idea. Although he wanted to see his parents and if he was honest let them see Daniel he really wanted Danny to relax. Maybe he'd be better doing what Danny wanted. Another kick to the back of his seat changed his mind. He was not giving in to him. This was the behavior of a spoilt brat. He put his indicator on to pull over. Danny realized what Jack was doing and quickly said," I'm sorry Jack. I'll stop." He still remembered the swats Jack had dealt out and he didn't want a repeat, after all it was a 3 hour journey and he was sitting all the way.

"Last warning," Jack stated firmly. He hated taking this tone with Danny but there were times when he needed to be a father not a friend. He'd had to do this a few times when Danny was big as well.

They arrived at his parents' house in time for lunch. They greeted Jack warmly. "It's nice to meet you Danny," Rose said. She shook his hand and John, Jack's father, ruffled his hair. "Lunch is ready." They went inside. Danny enjoyed the food; he hadn't eaten much at breakfast because he was in a mood with Jack.

"Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill," he said politely.

"It's Rose and John, Danny."

"Can I take my bag to my room?" he asked.

Rose took him up the stairs to the second bedroom on the right. She pointed to the first room and said it was Jack's. "This one used to be Carries; we've redecorated it for when our grandchildren come to stay. You'll meet them tomorrow. Johnny's about your age. Brigid and Michael are older." She helped Danny unpack and put his clothes away. You don't have many clothes."

"No, I've just come from Egypt; we hadn't time to buy many."

"I'll take you today. You could do with some more of everything." She took Danny down to the living room. "I'm taking Danny to the shops to get some new clothes."

"I'll come," Jack said remembering how difficult his first shopping trip had been.

"No, you stay with your dad. I'm sure I can manage one 6 year old. After all I had you." Danny grinned, he liked Rose.

"Here's some money," Jack said handing her some money.

Rose took him to the nearest big store. Danny liked the cargo trousers and shirts she picked out. He also liked the shoes and boots she picked. She also managed to find him a pair of pyjamas. "Can I go to the book store?" Danny asked as they stood at the checkout.

"Of course, do you have any money?"

"I'll use my card," Danny answered.

Thinking Danny was pretending she said,"A boy your age won't have a card, here's $20." She turned to pay. When she turned back he was gone. "Oh! Good grief." She looked around and caught sight of him going into the shop. "Little devil." She picked up the bags and went after him.

As he reached for a book she grabbed his arm and turned him round. "Don't run off again. I was worried sick." As he turned round to pick up the book a wad of notes slipped out of his pocket. She picked it up. "Where did you get this?"

"I told you, I have a card."

"Let me have it." She held out her hand.

"It's mine," he protested.

"Hand it over." She held out her hand and took the card.

"That's not fair."

"What's not fair is running off. Do it again and I'll buy a child lead for you." Danny blanched.

"I'm too old for that."

"Then act it." She could see she meant it. Now he knew where Jack got that look that meant business. He lifted down a book about Egypt. He looked through it.

"Can I have this?"

"Isn't it too old for you?" Danny read the first paragraph to her. "Very well." She took it to the counter and added a jigsaw that had pyramids on it. When she was ready to leave she held out her hand, "Take my hand."

"I don't need to, I won't run off."

"Now Danny." He put his hand in hers.

They drove to the house. "Thanks for helping me get these nice clothes and the book."

"You're welcome Danny."

They went into the house. Danny helped her carry the bags.

"Buy the whole shop, mom?" Jack asked.

"Only what was necessary, put your clothes away, Danny. He took the bags up to his room.

"Wish he did what I told him so easily," Jack said.

"I've had a lot of practice and some difficult children to handle," Rose said and Jack blushed. She handed the card and money to Jack, "I think this must be his father's card. He withdrew money with it."

"Thanks, I'll hold onto it for him. Give you the slip, did he?" Jack asked.

"Once but he won't do it again, will you Danny?" she said as he came back into the room.

"No, ma'am."

"Good boy, "she said ruffling his hair as he passed. "Want to help me with dinner?"

"Yes." He went to the kitchen.

Jack was amazed, Danny being compliant about being treated like a child, no tantrums. How did she do it?"

After dinner Danny settled down with his book. John said," He's a very intelligent boy isn't he?"

"Yes, he speaks many languages as well with all the travelling he did with his parents."

"Is he staying with you permanently?" John asked.

"Well we're working on something just now but it's a bit complicated. His parents are dead and I'm all he's got."

"Danny," Rose said, "Bed time."

"But it's only 8 o'clock. I stay up later than this."

"You've had a long day, I'll run your bath, you get your pyjamas. Go on."

Danny stood up ready to argue, when John intervened," Do as your Grandma says, hurry up."

And for once that's exactly what he did. By half past 8 he was in bed and John was reading a story to him. When Danny was going to interrupt, John said," I know you could read for yourself but I like reading stories and the only chance I get is when my grandchildren stay. Indulge me."

"But I'm not your grandchild."

"Jack treats you like his son, doesn't he?" Danny nodded. "So if you're his son, you're our grandson."

It sounded so simple to Danny. His own grandfather hadn't wanted him but these people did. It was something he'd always wanted, a family. John put his arm around Danny and held him close as he read and it wasn't long before Danny fell asleep.

Rose and Jack were drinking hot chocolate when he came back and he picked up his mug.

"Are you sure about looking after this boy?" John asked.

"Of course I am. God dad I couldn't care more for him if he was my own."

"Good, he needs someone to love him. I know you can't tell us everything about that wee boy but he's had a hard time and I want to see him happy."

"So do I dad." They all drank their hot chocolate determined that Danny would enjoy his holiday.

TBC