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A/N:Sorry about the last chapter. Ch6 is somewhat redone but basically the same. I just went back to fix any punctuation I may have missed and slightly twisted around some of the wording to give it less of a rushed feeling as much possible (last time I try to write & upload something with a hangover... I hate how it turned out. I replaced the original one with the fixed one about an hour or two after the initial upload). No need to really reread it to continue but feel free if you'd like.

CHAPTER SEVEN: Tired

-Daniel's POV-

What just happened? I can't believe I did that. Why did I make a big deal out of this in the first place?

It was what I decided from the beginning. We can't be together. It doesn't matter if we both want it or not. I know I want nothing more. He's the first person in a long time, since I was a kid really, where I felt safe around. That's one of the things I love about him I suppose.

He doesn't need or deserve me…

All I do is make things worse.

I punched him! Well he did call me a middle aged woman that was going through what their bodies are meant to do… so I suppose I did have the right to punch him but still!

"You never what?"

"Huh?" I look up at Jack. His expression is soft, almost sad. It's like he's longing for something…

"Before you punched me – and don't say you're sorry, you had every reason to! Before that, you started to say something. 'I never...'"

"I never..." I have let out a heavy breath before going on, "said I didn't want you."

"Danny?"

I start to stand up to put some distance between us but I'm suddenly being pulled down by Jack so I can sit next to him.

What do I do? Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought it would be. Why bother fighting something we both want?

I can't though. It's obvious I have some serious bad luck when it comes to relationships. We'd have to hide it too. Damn DADT! Who's the fucken idiotic genius that thought that up!

He has his hand in my hair to move it so he can see my face.

I want this so badly…

He has his arm around me now. I really like this. Maybe this won't be a bad thing.

Without thinking, I bury my nose in the nook of his neck to take in his scent. He smells nice; obviously he's showered before coming here. There's still a small hint of the beer's smell on him but I like it. I'm not much for beer myself but it feels right to smell it on him. Coming from him, I love it. It's very… Jack.

Oh god... The embarrassment of what I just did makes me groan and bury my face in his shoulder. I'm a little surprised he doesn't laugh at or question the fact that I just sniffed him. Instead he gives me a small squeeze of comfort and kissing me on the top of my head.

I really like this... a lot. I know there can be nothing between us and that we have to break apart soon but right now, I just want to sit here.

-Jack's POV-

Okay so he does want me. What's he afraid of? Having a relationship? That must be the reason. I don't know too much of his dating history but I wouldn't be surprised if they ended horribly if he had any at all. Too many horrible things happened to him, that's for sure. None of them he deserved. Who could blame him for having all those barriers and being resistant to doing anything that leads to his own happiness? I swear Danny, I'll kill them. I'm going to find the bastards who hurt you and kill them myself.

I won't take no for an answer now. Hopefully I won't make things worse. I'll wait until you're ready. I don't care how long it takes. I need you in my life. It's obvious I can't stay away from you in any shape or form, I think I proved it by the fact that I came to your empty office since I knew I couldn't be with you directly. I'll be happy to be around as a friend if that's what it takes but I'm not willing to accept that now.

Once relaxed in my arm, Danny moves his head to bury his face in my neck and inhales deeply. Well that's... different. He's suddenly groaning and leans deeper into my shoulder. I fight the laugh that wants to come out from Daniel's embarrassment. I want to tell him how adorable he is but I keep my mouth shut. Better let him take the lead on this one. I don't want to screw this up and end up hurting him again. Besides, I'm enjoying having him here like this.

I opt to give a quick squeeze in the arm and kiss that hair of his. Thankfully, that seems to be the right thing to do, and I find myself smiling as he snuggles himself further into my hold to get more comfortable.

All of the sudden there's a stomach growling and Daniel's going stiff beside me. This time I don't bother hiding my laugh.

"When's the last time you actually ate something? Wait, don't answer that..." It was last night's pizza we had no doubt. I get up, and pulling Daniel with me. "C'mon, we're going to O'Malley's, my treat." I give him a smile that I haven't used since before Sara and I married. That's when the gorgeous, hopefully soon to be mine, archaeologist coughs and looks down at his shoes, trying to hide the blush that's forming on his cheeks. This time I can't help but say it. "You're so...adorable, you know that?"

His ears are suddenly starting to go red as well which just makes me laugh again. With that, I open the door for him and lead him out the mountain.

-Daniel's POV-

Jack suggests we go to O'Malley's for dinner, which I just go along with. He pretty much orders most of the food for me. I try to tell him he doesn't need to but I end up caving. How can I not when he flashes the hottest smile that'll melt anyone's heart? God damn it! That's the second time tonight that he's made me feel like just passing out at the sight of him. Why does he have to do that?

I'm trying NOT to get into anything romantic with you, O'Neill, and you throw this at me!

Okay, better tell him off now before he starts getting the idea that we're dating all of the sudden.

"This isn't a date or anything if that's what you're thinking you know?"

He gives me a smirk. "I know."

"Good."

"So we're just friends?"

"Yes."

"We're putting this under the rug than?"

Oh jeez… I got angry with him of just ignoring things that should be talked about earlier and here I am doing the same thing myself.

Exhaling heavily, I start to explain. "Look, I meant what I said earlier. You had a right to know, and I'm pretty much here to find Sha're to go back with her. I want this…" I lower my voice a little and move closer to make sure he's the only one to hear me. "I want us. I've wanted it since we came back from you know where with Ernest. But it can't happen."

"Well why not? Can you honestly go to bed tonight and wake up tomorrow only to act like we don't have anything going on between us? Like you said, we have enough to hide and lie about. Why should this be one of those?"

I wait for the waitress to drop off the food and leave before answering.

"Jack, all we'll be doing is trading in one thing to lie about for another. We can't do this, not with your career."

"I'll retire. I've done it before."

"I don't want to you to retire just because of me."

We sit in silence for a while as I start to eat. Jack's ordered a lot of food for one person but surprisingly enough, once started, I've manage to finish most of it. Apparently I was hungrier than I thought I was.

I look up at Jack to see him watching me. He's got a small frown on etched on his forehead.

"I don't think I could do it."

"Do what?"

"Just let the things stay the way they were. I won't retire if you don't want me to, but don't ask me to pretend that this isn't going on." He lets out a small chuckle. "You've turned me around you know? I need you. I'm dependent on you, and yeah it scares the shit out of me. Look, I'll do whatever you want, and I know staying friends isn't what you want. If this is about Sha're or if you're not ready, it's fine. I'm not going anywhere. Can we just not hide this from each other?"

All I could do is look down, not knowing what to say. What is there to say?

The truth is, it isn't just because of his career or Sha're that I'm so resistant on this. I don't have the best record for things like this.

"I'm… scared…"

"I figured."

"Look can we just get out of here?"

"Sure."

After he pays for the food, we awkwardly stand by our cars. I watch as Jack shifts uncomfortably.

Maybe he's right… I have to ask myself though, what I'm really afraid of. Jack wouldn't leave me would he? Screw it… I should know better than anyone that life is short. I'm tired of running from things.


A/N: I should be done with this in the next chapter. Thanks for the reading, and I appreicate the subscriptions/feedbacks.