Disclaimer: Alas, I still own nothing.


I had this published a while ago but took it down because I couldn't figure out the ending. But it's done now and full of fluffy goodness. Enjoy!


Chapter 1: Apartment Hunting

"What are you doing?"

Vala looked up to see Daniel stalking into his office with an annoyed expression on his face. She couldn't help the grin that lit her own because she knew it wasn't real...mostly.

"Hello, darling. What does it look like I'm doing?" She pointed at the newspapers scattered about the room. "I am searching for an apartment."

"I can see that, but why are you doing it in my office when you have one of your own?"

"Because, darling, yours is much cosier." She laughed when he hung his head and sighed. "Besides, I just got mine all prettied up and didn't want the clutter. It's much less noticeable in here." She glanced meaningfully at the vast array of artefacts and books taking up most of the small office and was rewarded with another sigh.

"Fine." he acquiesced. "Just...don't get in the way." He sat in his chair and began working. Vala glanced at him once more before going back to her task. When Jack had called and told her she was finally being given permission to live off-base, she'd been ecstatic. It had come with a stiff warning, though. If she got herself into even the slightest bit of trouble, she'd be back at the SGC before she could blink. She'd been a part of the SGC for three years now and was thrilled that they finally trusted her enough to allow her to live as one of them. She'd worked so hard for that trust and she wasn't about to do anything to jeopardise it. No, she would be on her best behaviour. Now all she needed was an apartment. Vala bit her lip as her eyes drifted to Daniel again. She'd actually found the perfect apartment. One bedroom, good neighbourhood, low rent...And one handsome archaeologist just down the hall. She was disappointed that Daniel hadn't mentioned it to her. Obviously he didn't want her anywhere near him. With a barely discernible sigh, she shrugged and looked back to the papers.

Daniel heard the sigh but kept himself from looking up until her was sure she was engrossed in her task again. He wondered what that was about but figured she'd tell him if she wanted him to know. He was getting better at knowing when to push an issue with her, he thought somewhat smugly. He hadn't been surprised when she'd told him about being able to live off-base. In fact, it had taken a lot of arm-twisting and called in favours from both him and Jack to get the IOA to even consider it. He wanted Vala to know that they trusted her and this was his way of showing it. Letting her live like a normal person...well, normal for Vala, anyway. Not that she would ever know about his role in this. The last thing he needed was an overly-grateful Vala. He grinned at the idea of just what she'd do if she found out but quickly shook such thoughts from his head. He had work to do and now was not the time to start fantasising. Especially about Vala. He had to remind himself, yet again, that she was his co-worker, his team-mate, his friend. The mantra played over and over in his head. Glancing over at her, he wondered if she'd noticed the goofy smile he was afraid he was wearing but she was still bent over, intent on her chore.

He thought idly about the open apartment down the hall from him and wondered if she'd come across that ad yet. And, if she had, why she hadn't mentioned it. Maybe she didn't want to be that close to him in her time off. Which was odd since she was always begging him to take her out. Of course, that could just be because he was so readily available. With Sam off on the George Hammond, Teal'c spending much of his time off-world and Mitchell doing only the gods knew what, he was really the only one around most days. That depressed him for some reason he didn't want to analyse just now so he pushed the thoughts away. But his new thoughts were even more depressing. With her living off-base, she'd be making new friends. Male friends. The shot of jealousy that tore through him was a surprise and he tried to tamp down the feeling. Co-worker, team-mate, friend...Blowing out a breath, he tried concentrating on something else, like the logic of her living in his apartment building. It was a safe neighbourhood and the apartment was nice, clean and affordable. With her just down the hall, he'd be able to keep an eye on her. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but the Trust was still out there. It wouldn't hurt to have a friend for a neighbour, either. With that thought in mind, he stood abruptly and smiled when her head shot up in surprise.

"Why don't we go get something to eat?" he asked. "Off-base."

She grinned, threw down her marker and stood just as quickly as he had. "That sounds wonderful." Coming around the desk, she hooked her arm with his and he didn't even try to pull away as he led her out of the mountain.

()()()()

"So, have you found any apartments you like?" Daniel asked casually as he popped a bite of curry into his mouth. He tried not to let on just how important her answer was.

"Maybe." She seemed almost hesitant to tell him anything more. "I have made appointments to view a few of them today. Which means we should head back. Walter promised to drive me."

Walter? She'd asked Walter instead of him? Was she that uncomfortable with him being a part of her off-base life? Only one way to find out. "Hey, since we're already out, why don't I just take you?"

"I don't want to put you to any trouble, Daniel."

"It's no trouble." he said, wiping his mouth and gesturing for the check. "In fact, I think it might be a lot of fun."

Her eyes grew wide at that but she didn't mention what she thought of the statement, thankfully. "All right. Let me call Walter and tell him about the change of plans. I'll meet you at the car."

Daniel watched her leave the restaurant and couldn't help the grin that lit his face. Take that, Walter.

()()()()

Vala was growing frustrated. She and Daniel had been to three apartments already and he'd found something wrong with each one of them. The first was too far from the base and he said it would be too difficult to get to work each day. Even when she told him that Siler lived only a few blocks away and she could hitch a ride with him until she got her own car, he refused to listen. He actually gave her a lecture on traffic so they quickly left that apartment. The second one was all wrong because the lock on the balcony was too flimsy. She'd admit he was right about that but when she suggested changing it, he went on a rant about it being the landlord's job, not hers. And if that's how the owner kept his building, who knew what else was unsafe. The third one, though, was what really annoyed her. He'd objected to it simply because it didn't have laundry facilities on the grounds. She'd mentioned the laundromat just down the street but he'd batted that down as "unsanitary". They'd argued for ten minutes before she finally gave up and stomped out of the building. He acted like he didn't want her to find a place. Maybe he didn't, she thought. No, he'd seemed happy for her when he'd found out. It had to be something else. But what?

"Daniel, I think you should take me back to the base." she said when they were both back in the car.

"Why?" He seemed genuinely shocked by her request. "I thought you had one more place to look at."

"I do, but you'll probably find something wrong with that one, too." In fact, she was positive he would. It just happened to be the apartment in his building.

"Have I really been that bad?" he asked.

"Yes, Daniel, you have. You are so picky, I'll never find a place to live."

"I'm sorry. Listen, I promise not to judge this next place. It's your decision, just give me directions to it."

She thought about it for a moment before nodding and telling him which streets to take. She didn't want to give him the address, lest he refuse to take her. He seemed to be caught up in his thoughts and didn't even realise where they were going until he pulled up in front of the building.

"Hey, this is my building."

"Very observant, Daniel." she said dryly.

"Why didn't you tell me you were looking at this apartment?"

"I wasn't actually planning on getting this far down my list. I know you probably don't want me as a neighbour, but with your attitude toward the other places, you left me very little choice."

"Why would I object to having you as a neighbour?"

"Firstly, you didn't bother to tell me about the vacancy. And don't tell me you didn't know because you just admitted you did. Secondly, you barely seem to tolerate my presence at work. I don't know how you'll deal with me just down the hall. And thirdly-"

"Stop right there, I don't even want to know what your third reason is. In regards to your first, though, I assumed you didn't want to live near me because you never mentioned seeing the ad I knew was in the paper. As for the second, I only get irritated with you when you interrupt my work. Just promise you won't use your lock-picking skills on my door, and I'll give you a glowing reference for the landlady."

"Really?" she asked and grinned. "You don't mind?"

"Of course not. It might be fun to have a friend living right down the hall. And this way I can be certain you are never late for work."

She squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him soundly on the lips before jumping out of the car. If she would have waited a few more seconds, she would have seen the goofy grin that inched up his face before he joined her.