Chapter 7: Morning After...Sort Of...
Daniel awoke, feeling warm and content. He was not ready to leave this cocoon, but his traitorous brain kept telling him it was a work day so after a few long moments, he reluctantly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. He realised he was in his living room and only half-wondered why before feeling the heavy weight on his chest. Looking downward, he saw a mass of ebony locks splayed across him. Vala, he thought with a smile. She'd fallen asleep on his shoulder last night during the movie and he hadn't wanted to wake her up so he'd stayed put. At least, that's what he'd told himself when he'd settled them both into the sofa, taking great pains not to wake her. In truth, he'd felt way too at ease with her in his arms and he hadn't wanted to let the feeling go, to let her go. He was finally coming to terms with his feelings for this woman and now he had to figure out hers for him. Oh, he knew she was attracted to him, she'd never been shy of letting him, and everyone else, know that. But did she care for him? Could she love him? Despite the façade she wore, he knew she was indeed capable of feeling very deeply. Her emotions were in everything she did, good and bad, no matter how much she tried to conceal them. He'd decided to take small steps, to let her come to him in her own time. He was in no rush as he planned to spend the rest of his life with her. With a satisfied smile, he set his thoughts aside as he felt her stir. Time for reality to set in, but there was no reason he couldn't have fun with it. Grinning wickedly, he nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling deeply. He chuckled when she mumbled incoherently and snuggled deeper into his embrace.
"Time to wake up, Vala." he said softly. He felt her stiffen a little at his voice then watched as her eyes slowly rose to meet his.
"Daniel?" she asked in a husky voice that nearly made him groan. "What time is it?"
"Time to get up."
"It's morning?" She sat up quickly and he felt suddenly bereft as her warmth left him. "I...we...slept here all night?"
"Yeah and now my back is killing me." He stood and stretched, trying to look as nonchalant as he possibly could. He now understood why Vala always seemed to have so much fun messing with him.
"Well, why didn't you wake me and send me home?" she asked as she too stood, facing him with a confused look.
"Because I fell asleep, too." He looked at his watch, ignoring her. "C'mon, it's still early enough we can go out for breakfast before work if we hurry getting ready."
"What?"
"Vala, go get ready for work so we can eat. I need coffee." With that, he walked away, trying hard not to laugh until he was out of sight. Yup, he totally understood now.
Meanwhile, Vala stood staring at Daniel's retreating backside...er, back, wondering what the hell had just happened. Two days ago they were fighting, yesterday they were friends and this morning she woke up in his arms. And he acted as if it was a normal occurrence! What was going on? Why was he being so...so...whatever the hell he was being?! As if the man didn't already confuse her enough, he had to go and change the dynamics in their relationship. But to what end? What was he playing at? Maybe she could drag it out of him at breakfast, she thought and made her way out the door. She was too distracted to notice someone else was in the hallway until they spoke.
"Good morning, Vala."
"Oh, good morning, Hanna." she greeted the older woman with a sheepish smile. Daniel was going to kill her. Hanna was wearing a smirk that Vala would have thought amusing had it not been aimed her way. She decided to talk her way out of the situation, hoping if Daniel found out she could at least say she tried. "Daniel and I returned from our mission very late and we were both tired so we decided to have pizza and beer and watch a movie but I fell asleep, then he fell asleep and we didn't wake up until a few minutes ago and now it's time to go to work so I have to go get ready."
"That's nice, dear." Hanna replied with a barely suppressed chuckle before continuing. "I hope you had fun."
"Oh, yes...I mean...that is...we..."
"It's all right, dear, no need to explain to me. Dr. Jackson is a very handsome man and if I were just a bit younger, I'd give you a run for your money."
"But we..."
"As I said, no need to explain. Just enjoy it and be happy. I'll see you later, Vala." Hanna smiled as she walked off.
Yup, Daniel was definitely going to kill her, she thought morosely as she made her way to her apartment.
()()()()
Vala stared across the table at Daniel, trying to decide whether or not to tell him about running into Hanna. She really didn't want him to find out from the older woman but feared what his reaction would be. He wouldn't kill her in a public place...would he? The idea gave her pause, especially given Daniel's odd behaviour over the last few days. He used to be so predictable but something had changed. She just wished she could figure out what. Taking a deep breath, she decided it was best to broach the subject, no matter the consequences.
"So, I, uh...ran into...someone when I left your apartment this morning." she said, sending him a sheepish smile and studying his reaction carefully. He didn't look angry. In fact, he looked curious and...amused?
"Yeah? Who would that be?"
"Um, Hanna. She was leaving her apartment at the same time and we...she...we chatted for a few moments." Was he laughing at her?
"I bet she had a lot to say."
"Yes, a bit. She thought we had...you know..." Vala trailed off, waiting for his outburst but it never came.
"I can imagine." he chuckled. Chuckled? What the hell was going on? "What did you tell her?"
"The truth!" Vala said quickly. "I told her we were watching a movie and fell asleep. I promise I did not encourage her."
"Hey, don't worry about it. I believe you." Daniel said with a gentle smile as he took her hand in his and squeezed it. "But knowing Hanna, your early morning exit will likely be all over the building by noon."
"I'm sorry, I tried to tell her differently but I don't think she believed me." When Daniel just continued to smile at her, still holding onto her hand, her brow creased in frustration. "You're not angry?"
"Why would I be angry? It's not your fault. We both know Hanna is going to believe what she wants and there's nothing that will change her mind." He paused for a moment before his own brow furrowed. "Is it so bad having people think that you and I...uh...you know..."
"What? No! I mean...I just thought...you always get so angry whenever I make references to such things. I really don't care what other people think."
"Good." Daniel said with finality but didn't elaborate. He squeezed her hand one more time before looking at his watch "We'd better go or we're going to be late for work."
Vala simply stared at him for a few more moments, utterly confused by his conduct. Why wasn't he angry? He should be angry. He should be yelling at her. And what did he mean by 'good'? As Vala stood, she rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. She didn't notice Daniel grinning at her as they left the café, too caught up in her own thoughts.
