Part 4

Vala's hand slipped into Daniel's and he couldn't help but think how natural that simple act seemed. He couldn't understand why he'd fought it so long. Her hand fit perfectly in his and he gave it a quick squeeze before starting a leisurely pace.

"The car's not far," he promised, as she matched his step.

They walked in silence for a few moments, with just the sound of Vala's heels clipping against the pavement. Daniel steered them along the parked cars until they arrived at his. With a final squeeze of her hand he reluctantly released her and pulled open the car door.

"Thanks darling," she gratefully settled into the warmth as Daniel closed the door behind her.

Walking around the car he forced himself to take a deep breath, before climbing in next to her.

"So….where to?" Daniel asked, hands on the steering wheel, staring straight ahead.

"Well, Samantha is expecting me to be returned to the base…" Vala commented innocently.

"That she is."

"But…"

"But?"

They turned and faced each other, their eyes locking with a thousand messages passing between them. Love, understanding, hope.

"Wanna come back to mine?" Daniel asked.

"I'd love to."

Excited, Daniel belted himself in as quickly as possible and threw the car into drive. As he drove he had to remind himself to stay calm; to breathe.

As he expertly navigated his way through the quiet streets, Vala alternated between looking at the passing shadows and studying the outlined face of the man beside her. Occasionally he'd glance her way and they'd share a smile.

It wasn't long before they pulled up into his driveway and were entering through the front door. Daniel flicked on the light switch and Vala briefly glanced around his hallway. She'd been here before on team nights but never when it was just the two of them.

"So?" she waited uncharacteristically nervous.

"Do you want something to drink? I think I have something besides coffee."

"Sure."

He led the way into his living room, dropping his suit jacket onto a back of an armchair.

"Make yourself at home," he smiled as he headed into the kitchen.

Vala looked around the living space before following suit and removing her coat, placing it by Daniel's. Going one step further she kicked off her heels and sighed as her toes wiggled on the soft rug beneath. She walked over to his bookcase and idly fiddled with a few ornaments she found there.

"How's hot chocolate sound?"

"Just fabulous dear."

She looked along the row of old books, recognizing some that had been in his office at some point in time.

Moments later Daniel appeared with two steaming cups in his hands and a cute little hesitant smile. Smiling back, Vala walked over to him and accepted one of the cups, amused to see that he'd put some teeny tiny marshmallows on the top; she loved them and he knew it, "thanks."

"You're welcome," he was still grinning, "say want some music?"

Without waiting for an answer he walked over to his stereo system and ruffled through a pile of CDs. Finally he found the one he was after and popped it in. Vala waited and smiled as some gentle jazz started to play. Perfect background music.

They settled on the couch, close to one another as they sipped their drinks in silence, listening to the soft music surround them.

"Vala?" Daniel broke the silence first.

"Hmm?" she asked, still seemingly lost in thought.

"You know I like you, right?" His kept his eyes on his knees, "that I really like you and that if we do…well this…then I'm gonna want more than just one night. I'd want the whole…shebang."

"Shebang?" Vala raised an eyebrow, trying to encourage him to meet her eyes.

"Yeh," he finally did, "the whole nine yards, the entire meal deal, the whole package -"

"Daniel," she placed a finger over his lips, silencing him, "I love you too, dear."

He blinked, swallowed and continued to stare stupidly at her for a moment before a huge smile cracked his face in two. Vala had never seen such an open expression of happiness on Daniel's face and it thrilled her that it was because of her.

"I love you," she repeated caressing his cheek, "one night with you would never be enough."

He looked at her; her at him and then, with only a second of hesitation Daniel's lips were on hers. It was a kiss of passion and he could feel the heat flooding his body. With a groan he leant forward, slowly lying her back against the couch as he consumed her. They pressed against the other desperate to feel as much contact as possible. Lips, tongues and even teeth clashed. He groaned unable to get enough of the way she felt, the way her lips moved under his.

He could feel her hands exploring his back, then one moved holding the back of his head as she continued to kiss him. One of her legs wrapped around his back and pulled him even closer causing another groan. He felt like he was on fire. Every nerve ending in his body was alive and he was overwhelmed, so glad that they were finally doing this, glad that they had finally opened up to one another.

Eventually the need for air broke them apart. Breathing heavily Daniel kept her in his embrace as he stared into her eyes. Of their own accord his hands came up framing her face as he stared in wonder at her. She was truly beautiful.

"Bedroom?" he panted.

Eyes sparkling with delight she nodded and eagerly Daniel disentangled himself and jumped up. He pulled her up and with a blinding smile led her to the bedroom.

"Hey," Cameron greeted stepping into Sam's lab. "How was your girly night with the princess?"

"Good," Sam smiled as she looked up from her computer screen, "we had fun."

"I bet," Cam grinned leaning against her desk and folding his arms casually, "maybe a little too much fun? Front desk reported she hasn't signed back in yet."

"Oh."

"Oh?" He repeated, "care to elaborate at all?" Sam pulled a face, which made him raise an eyebrow. "Sam?"

"We may have bumped into Daniel," she winced.

"No no no," Cameron groaned running a hand over his face, "please tell me this isn't going where I think it is."

"I may have left early and left her in Daniel's care."

He groaned again.

"Maybe she slept on his couch," she offered innocently.

"Do you know how much paperwork this is going to cause me? This is your fault," he accused scowling, "you left them alone."

"Let me call Daniel."

Cam continued to glare at her as she picked up the phone and dialed Daniel's home line.

"Oh hi…Vala," Sam glanced to see Cameron shaking his head in despair. "Uh huh, right, I really didn't need to know that...how many times?" she gasped, starting to blush, "ok, bye Vala, bye, bye," she slammed the phone down quickly as if burned.

"Do I even want to know?"

"No," Sam shook her head quickly, "she, ah, she had to go…something about round seven starting."

"No! Damn it Sam! That is not an image I wanted to start my day with."

"Sorry," she shrugged, unsuccessfully trying to hide her grin but she wasn't fast enough and Cam spotted it. He raised a challenging eyebrow. "Can't you at least be a little bit happy for them?" she asked.

He stared at her.

"Come on," she laughed standing up, "how about I buy you breakfast to make up for it?"

"Breakfast?" Cam challenged not moving from his perch, "you think you can fix this with some bacon and eggs?"

"I'll throw in some hash browns?" she tried.

With a heavy sigh he reluctantly followed her. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad? Maybe it wasn't serious? Maybe they would have an argument and break up before noon…

"Who knows," Sam interrupted his thoughts as they left the lab, "maybe I'll get to be maid of honor at their wedding."

****The End****