Title: Home
Author: dvshipper
Rating:
G
Spoilers/Warnings: none, a little sad
Summary: Daniel comes home to a dark apartment that just doesn't feel the same.
A/N: Thanks to taraleesg1, the awesomest beta ever!
Daniel stepped into the dark shadows of his apartment. Setting his keys on the table by the door, he breathed deeply, inhaling the feeling of being home. Without any lights, the apartment looked a bit sad and empty. Blue and eerie by the moonlight, it had a familiar shape to it, but not quite comfort. Daniel flipped the light switch and a lamp in the corner of the living room turned on. A soft glow of warm light swept through the living space, making everything come to life.
Slowly taking off his denim jacket and placing it on the back of a chair, Daniel looked at all the memories that surrounded him. Digs in Egypt represented by jackal figurines guarding the coffee table, Abydos and Sha're by a journal and a photograph. Team night was marked by a bottle ring on the wooden surface of the side table and a few popcorn crumbs. The resulting hangover was still evident by the blanket left on the couch and an empty coffee cup. That was the last time Daniel had been home; movie night with the team three weeks ago.
Being off base and having time to spend in peace was nice, but it just didn't feel right for some reason. Over the years he'd spent more time at the SGC and off world than at his apartment. Like some people, Daniel had come to think of Cheyenne Mountain as home and his place as just a space to crash. Oddly enough, he didn't mind at all.
Daniel quietly moved into the kitchen, flipping lights as he went. Opening the fridge and looking inside, all he found was mustard, expired milk and three bottles of water. First, he poured the milk down the drain, rinsed it down and threw the carton in the trash. After pulling a bottle of water and the mustard out, Daniel set a small plate on the counter. He looked through a cupboard of stale snacks and chips and grabbed a bag from the back. Pretzels and mustard; perfect.
Flopping down on the leather couch, Daniel turned the TV to the hockey game. Avalanche up by two against the Canucks in the second period. Not so perfect. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, much better. Stewart's blasting of the administration and stupid news reporters was something that felt strangely comforting. Though laughing at politicians was comforting, it didn't make Daniel feel any more at home. At this, his cell phone rang and vibrated in his pocket.
"Hello?" Daniel answered. "Sounds good. I'll be there in about ten minutes. Oh, wait. Is Vala going? Uh, no reason, just curious. And she's got a ride? Good. Yeah, I'll be there."
Daniel grabbed his jacket and keys, going to meet the team at the rib place near Cam's. This felt right; being with his friends, but more importantly with Vala. It was a little confusing but Vala was more of a comfort and relaxation than his own home. Daniel flipped off the lights and closed the front door behind him, leaving the apartment in silence and darkness. The only evidence of him being there was a dirty dish and a milk carton in the trash. He liked to think he had a lot more impact on Vala. Daniel knew for certain that Vala had a major impact on him. Vala was more home for Daniel than anywhere else. That was where Daniel finally found his comfort; Vala.