Chapter 4

***I own nothing of SG1, SGA, or their characters; I just love to play with them from time to time. No money being made, etc….***

***A/N—this is after AoT and before Continuum*****

A/N—Thanks to my beta Becca, she always has the best ideas! ;)

Daniel watched Vala surreptitiously as they left the Mall. She had her head back and eyes closed. He could see how fatigued she looked. "Feeling tired, Vala?"

"Yes, Darling, all of that shopping was exhausting. Are you taking me back to Sam's now?" Opening her eyes a bit, Vala rolled her head on the back of the seat for a quick glance at him before turning away and closing her eyes again. She'd really enjoyed the day with Daniel but was puzzled as well. How am I supposed to move forward in my life, if Daniel is always around being as charming as he is today?

"I did promise you dinner and I thought we could pick up something and take it to my place, ah, so you can help me decorate my new bedroom." He hoped Vala hadn't noticed the small overnight bag in the back of the SUV. While she had been at the salon this morning, he had gone back to Sam's and packed her things. He decided he wasn't letting her out of his sight. He needed help on that translation and that was a very good reason to keep her nearby. And the idea of her sleeping in your apartment doesn't enter into it at all? No, Daniel told himself, not at all. Right, sure! That voice in his head had a tendency to sound a lot like Jack O'Neill.

"I don't know, Darling; I think I just want to go back to Sam's and sleep. That food from the sea filled me at lunch." Vala kept her eyes closed. Daniel had been charming all day and it was taking all of her willpower to not succumb to it. She needed to get away from Daniel's smile and blue eyes so she could think clearly.

This wasn't working as easily as Daniel expected. Vala was usually so eager to be with him, she would jump at every opportunity. Having to convince her to spend time with him was highly unusual. He gave her his best pout, "Vala, you promised to help on the translation today after we went shopping." He couldn't believe there was a bit of a whine in his voice. Sheesh I'm pathetic.

Finally, Vala opened her eyes. "You're right, I promised." She sighed. "But I want something light and cool to eat. And no wine, you get too sleepy when you drink, and then I'll have to call a taxi to get back to Sam's." She was trying to not remain obsessed with Daniel, but when he pouted he was simply irresistible. Like he isn't irresistible the rest of the time? Oh hush!

"That's okay; we can stop and pick up a fruit tray at a grocery store. Maybe some bread and cheese too for a nice light dinner." Daniel smiled in relief. Wine, now that is an idea, if I have a glass or two maybe I can convince her it is easier to stay at my place. Yeah, and what about the bag you already packed? You are so busted! Daniel just ignored the voice. "So what kinds of fruit from Earth do you like? It's the season for melons and strawberries. There are other berries too you know." Not going to mention whipped cream, nope no whipped cream!

"Whatever you think will be good is fine with me Daniel. You know I don't get nearly this exhausted shopping for myself. It must be something about dressing a man as finicky as you." Time for a return to flirtatious Vala; maybe that would convince him to end the day early. "Although, Darling," her right hand caressed his thigh, "you should have modeled the underwear for me." She winked lecherously at him.

"I don't think the sales people would have found that entertaining." Daniel laid his hand atop hers. Pressing it to his thigh as he drove, he chuckled. "If you keep that up we'll end up in an accident." Surprising himself as well as Vala, Daniel winked at her. "There is a time and a place, you know, and a busy city street is neither."

Vala was speechless, had Daniel just flirted with her? Winked at her? What sort of alternate universe was this? She half turned in her seat to look at him. He seemed different today, more relaxed. What could have caused that? "So, Darling are you implying that we will have a time and a place? Are you finally going to take me up on my many offers?" She arched one brow challengingly. "If so we will need to stop at Sam's or go back to the mall, I am sure I can find some fantastic lingerie there.

Daniel felt the color seep into his face, now what had he gotten himself into? "Why don't we just play it by ear, Vala? Make no plans and see how things go?" Now where in hell did that come from? Daniel couldn't seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth. He glanced at Vala and saw she had turned forward again and was staring at the road ahead. Daniel squeezed the hand still on his thigh gently. "Is that okay with you?" Damn it, why was his mouth talking without asking his brain first?

Slowly slipping her hand from under Daniel's, she barely was able to squeak out, "okay, that's fine with me."

She stared straight ahead, again. What in Netu is Daniel up to? He never flirts with me, never responds to my advances, he is predictable! What is going on? Not paying any attention to the streets they passed, Vala seemed lost in her thoughts.

Daniel was a bit nervous, sneaking glances and wondering what she was thinking. Maybe she really was just messing with me all along? Why is she so pensive now?

After a stop at the grocery store, where Vala declined to shop with him, Daniel finally pulled into his apartment's parking lot. He looked at Vala, giving her an innocent smile. "You know where the kitchen is, why don't you take the keys and the groceries and I'll bring the rest. It'll take two trips, for me." Daniel nodded, thinking, this way I can sneak her bag up without her noticing. He decided not to worry about what would happen when she realized what he'd done.

Vala let herself into Daniel's apartment and began unloading the groceries into the refrigerator. She wasn't sure what was going on with Daniel, but noticed he had bought two bottle of wine. Hmmm something tells me the good doctor is …. I don't know what he is up to! Vala really hated not being able to figure out what someone's angle was. Daniel having an angle, that is just not …right. That is not my Daniel!