They arrived to the restaurant where Daniel had made a reservation. They hadn't really said much in the car and Daniel felt that he should say something, but where was he supposed to start? Although, as long as he occasionally interjected yes, no, ah, I see, in seemingly the right places, Vala didn't seem to mind that he was silent.

Vala prattled on about the latest Pippi adventure she had been reading. "I really think that Samantha and Colonel Mitchell show similarities with Tommy and Annika." Daniel was miles away, as his inner thoughts kept debating the saneness of being here.

"…Teal'c would be the spotted horse…"

A debate that included very vivid images of what he actually fantasised doing to Vala. Something he was very unwilling to acknowledge and suppressed as fast as he could when it surfaced.

"...I suppose you would be Mr Nilsson…"

That made him react, "I'm the monkey?"

"Well, yes, I don't see you as Mr Settergren, that would be General Landry and you're not a Tommy person."

"Remind me, exactly why are we having this conversation?"

"You asked me what I've been doing."

"How does that translate to me being likened to a monkey?"

"We can change the subject." She smiled serenely. "What have you been doing this week Daniel?"

"That's not really why we're here."

Vala sighed. "Not according to Landry. Please Daniel; couldn't we just have a nice time? Or at least try. Could you just try?!"

"Landry said…."

"I know perfectly well what Landry. I was there as you seem to forget. So, let's talk then. Let's resolve this once and for all." She put pushed her plate to the side and leaned closer.

Daniel kept didn't really meet her eyes. "There's nothing to resolve."

"Nothing? Ok, then let's talk about that then."

"I'm sorry. You're right. Let's try to have a nice evening out." Daniel reached for his water glass, but Vala placed her hand over his.

"You're avoiding the subject! You wanted to talk. I'm talking! The one NOT talking is you, and you're the one with all the unresolved feelings!"

"I don't have unresolved feelings!"

Yes I do.

"Why does everything have to be so difficult with you?" I don't know. "We both know that you're lying!"

Daniel was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable. "This is not…we're not... It doesn't make sense. You know that!"

"All I know is that you don't want to be here with me tonight." She leaned back.

"No, yes, no…It doesn't matter what I want. Landry…"

"Of course it matters what you want? And will you shut up about Landry!"

"I'm here because Landry ordered me."

"Doesn't that make a girl feel all tingly and special?!" He could hear that she was starting to become more and more irritated. "I feel quite offended Daniel, we're finally on a proper date, a real date this time according to everyone including you, and you're treating me like homework."

"I'm sorry. But you have to admit that this situation is somewhat orthodox. I don't want to offend anyone's feelings, but I don't have any…unresolved ones."

"I'm starting to think that you have none at all, period."

"Vala, I, uhm, respect you, we're colleagues. I do care for you, like I do for Sam, but we work together."

She leaned closer again and ran on of her fingers along his forearm. "I don't want you to uhm, respect me…I want you to…"

"Something like this is not something that we can just…casually…We WORK together!" He brushed her hand aside.

She folded her arms and gazed at him sternly. "There comes a point when the fat Viking under the bridge sings too many protests."

"What?"

"Ok. You don't have any unresolved feelings for me. Sure. "Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "So, that's not the reason why you haven't done you job properly these last few weeks?"

He starred back, heated by their argument and delivered the final blow.

"The reason why I haven't done a good job is because you keep pestering me with all you little questions and annoy the hell out of me. No wonder I can't find any piece and quiet at the SGC." He eyed her intently. "Even Landry said you weren't qualified to help so why do you insist on still it?! Stop messing with me and grow up!"

"So that's what's wrong, is it?! Me!

"YES!"

No!

"This is the outside of enough Daniel." She spoke in a low tone. He had been expecting her to yell, this was far more discomposing. She rose from the table and threw the napkin on the table. "If that's how you want it. Fine. Message received." With that she stormed out. Daniel got up quickly and ran after her and caught up with her in the entrance where she was talking on the phone. "Vala, I' didn't mean to…If you just wait, I'll drive you back to the base."

She didn't even turn around. "Don't bother. Samantha is picking me up." Then she left.

Shit.