Daniel bolted upright in bed and looked around trying to remember where he was. He was panting heavily at the nightmare he'd been having and seeing no one in the room meant he hadn't screamed. He sighed with relief and then looked around the room again and realized he was at Jack's. He groaned softly when he realized he had fallen asleep in the corner. Daniel hoped Jack wasn't angry with him. He decided to get up, find him and apologize. He inspected his foot first, prodding at the bandaged area and then testing it on the floor. When he found he could walk on it without pain he put socks on first and then went to find Jack.

He padded quietly out into the living room and when he didn't spy Jack there, he headed for the kitchen. Daniel saw Jack and plopped down in a chair near him. "Hi," he said his eyes downcast.

Jack nodded and smiled over his coffee mug, "Mornin'. Coffee?"

Daniel looked up at Jack with shock. "You aren't angry?" he asked confused about Jack's demeanor.

Jack had happily gotten up to fetch Daniel a mug of coffee, but stopped at the question. Turning, he looked at Daniel with complete confusion, "Angry?"

"I-I fell asleep in the corner," he said as he stared down at the floor again his shoulders hunching up expecting something to happen.

"Yea," Jack said, turning back and getting the coffee for Daniel. Coming back to the table, he set down the coffee and sat back down. "So? You were tired. ...you like eggs and bacon?"

"But I was being punished and I fell asleep during it," Daniel said as he straightened up slowly and eyed Jack warily. He immediately pulled the mug of coffee close to him and breathed in the warmth of it. Daniel looked up slowly at Jack as he bit at his bottom lip wondering what response that would bring.

"...because you were tired, Daniel," Jack replied as though this were very obvious. Going to the fridge, Jack pulled out a carton of eggs, a bottle of Guinness and some cheese, "I'm thinkin' my world famous omelets."

Daniel sat there a little stunned. Jack was truly not angry with him. He looked over at Jack and smiled a little at the mention of omelets. "Sounds good," he said. It still confused him that he wasn't in trouble. Not that he minded, but he was still confused. He decided not to say anything else about it and just observe Jack the rest of the day and try to figure him out.

Jack looked back and nodded happily at Daniel's answer. Getting everything ready, he hummed as he cooked his omelets, the secret ingredient of which was the Guinness, and also made an impressive pile of bacon before he divided the food onto two plates. Grabbing a couple forks out of a drawer he said, "Come and get it."

Daniel jumped up and walked over to the counter. He grabbed a plate and stared at the impressive pile of food on his plate. He had thought Jack wouldn't give him as much for falling asleep, but he had given Daniel as much as he'd given himself. Daniel took his food back to the table and sat there as he ate trying to figure Jack out. He stared at the man for a few minutes, trying not to be obvious but unable to help himself at spots.

Jack noticed that Daniel was staring, and figured it had something to do with confusions over past abuse, so he just went about eating his own food, smiling at him here and there. The staring didn't bother him at all and his mind went to various things that needed to get done at work. Finishing his food, Jack got up and began cleaning up as he said over his shoulder, "I'll get these today. Usually you'll do'em when I cook. Sound good?"

Daniel concentrated after a bit on his own food and when he was done, he stood to take his plate to the sink. When Jack bustled by taking the plate from him and telling him he'd be doing the dishes instead, Daniel stood there dumbfounded. "Uhm, I can do them Jack it's no problem," he said unsure why Jack would change things now.

"I know," Jack said while keeping the plate. "I just need to get in early today," he said, motioning to Daniel's pajamas and smiling. "Cool?"

Daniel looked at Jack a minute. "We have to go on base today?" he asked a little disappointed. He was kinda hoping to hang around and do something fun. "Yeah it's no problem, I'll uh…I'll go get changed," Daniel said as he got up and began heading for his room.

Jack nodded, turning at the sad voice to study Daniel. "Yea, I wanted to talk to ol' Georgey for ya, remember?" he called after him with a smile.

That froze Daniel on the steps. He'd forgotten about that. "Uhm…you don't have to say anything really. I can wait a week. It's no big deal," Daniel called back before quickly getting up the stairs and into his room.

Jack didn't answer. He was too confused by then, and so he helped himself to another cup of coffee. Waiting for Daniel to get ready, he thought over what just happened, thinking that either Daniel was liking the idea of being a teenager or he learned one too many foreign words and – that combined with the double brain waves - was finally losing his mind.

Daniel took his time getting ready. He had forgotten he had asked Jack to talk to the General this morning. While part of him couldn't wait to be an adult again, another part of him kind of liked being a kid, and still another part didn't want to rock the boat. If the General said a week it was most likely he wouldn't change his mind and talking about it might make him angry. He sat on his bed when he was done and sighed.

"Yo, Danny," Jack called from the bottom of the stairs, "let's get moving!"

Jumping at the sound of Jack's voice, Daniel grabbed up his satchel and remembered that he wanted to go by his apartment today. He came thundering down the stairs like any normal teen without realizing what he was doing. "Ok let's go. Can we go by my apartment later too?" he asked.

Jack raised his eyebrows, impressed by the hurry and noise that Daniel typically never portrayed. "Yea, sure we can," Jack smiled as they walked through the front door, shutting it and – as usual – not bothering to lock it. "Meant to take ya last night...be kind now, no comments about memory being the first thing to go," Jack laughed as he walked to the truck.

Daniel was quiet for a minute and then said, "Well, it could be your memory is going, but I think it got up and went years ago because you still don't lock the front door. Geez Jack, you want someone to rob you don't you?"

Jack stopped dead in his tracks and turned towards Daniel, a fit of laughter threatening to break through. "Daniel?" he asked, trying to give a disapproving look before he finally lost out to the laughs. "I'm perfectly aware that I leave the door unlocked. I like to think of it as a waiting adventure," he shrugged and got into the truck. "I never know who will be waiting for me when I get home."

Daniel stared at Jack a moment, shook his head and mumbled something about neurotic Colonels. "Well let's get going," he said out loud.

Jack smirked and started the engine. After a few minutes Jack asked, "So, you really don't want me to talk to the General for ya then? I'm fine either way." The SGC was in sight, and Jack wanted to know for certain what Daniel's wishes were.

"Well, I mean it would be nice if you did, but really I don't want him to get upset with you for mentioning it again," Daniel said pretending concern for Jack was why he really didn't want Jack to talk to the general. He didn't really need to rock the boat and get the general angry with him either.

"Ah, don't worry about me," Jack said, pulling into the parking lot. "I have my charms."

Daniel bit at his bottom lip and cast a sideways glance at Jack. "R-really Jack, it's not a big deal. He-he did say a week and a week's not so bad right?" Daniel stammered. He wanted Jack to do both. Tell and not tell the general.

"Not bad at all - I certainly wouldn't mind," Jack agreed as he parked his truck. "How about this, we'll give it another day and see how you feel then."

Daniel gave a mental sigh of relief. Jack wasn't going to ask and he was in no mood to share. He nodded at Jack. "Ok that sounds good, so it's okay if I go to my office while we're here?"

"Sure, but first can you do me a favor?"

Daniel nodded slowly as he stared warily at Jack. "I guess so."

"Good. Let's go get those peepers checked out," Jack said cheerily, beckoning Daniel to follow him with his finger. "Frasier'd have my head if I didn't get your prescription updated."

Daniel sighed heavily. He didn't see the point but he wasn't going to argue. Arguing with Jack never ended well for him. "Fine," Daniel stated reluctantly as he followed Jack.

"It shouldn't take long, and I'll leave you to your rocks and translations til lunch," Jack said trying to sweeten the deal.

Daniel sighed. He just nodded and followed along behind. He knew he had no reason to fear Jack if he argued, but he just couldn't bring himself to.

Jack bounded into the infirmary and quickly set to playing with the shiny instruments sitting out on a counter, waiting for Dr. Frasier to happen by. Picking up a rather nasty looking one, Jack made a disgusted face and looked at Daniel, "Whaddya think they use this for?"

Daniel cocked his head as he watched Jack. He stared at the instrument and was about to make a comment when he happened to see Janet creeping up behind Jack. She made a shushing motion towards Daniel. He sighed and said, "Well maybe it could be for…"

Before he could say anything Janet said from behind Jack, "It's for the removal of a certain part of anatomy of a certain nosey Colonel, who can't keep his mitts off my equipment."

Daniel sat on one of the cots hiding his face as he silently shook with laughter.

Jack jumped, if only slightly, at Janet's voice. Turning to her coolly and calmly he said, "Oh? ...and what part might that be, Doc?" before smirking impishly at her from under his lashes as he picked up another shiny instrument and made to juggle them.

Daniel was making squeaking noises of laughter still doubled over on the cot. He couldn't help it. It had been the best thing to see Jack jump. After a moment he looked up his eyes wet with tears of laughter as he waited to see what Janet's response would be.

Mischief gleamed in Janet's eyes as she responded. "The one that will be useless in fathering anymore children if you do not stop touching my equipment. I'm going to make you re-sterilize each and every instrument and surface in the infirmary if you touch just one more thing Jack," she said her tone a little sharper than she meant it to be.

Daniel doubled over with laughter again this time louder than before.

Jack's face took on an unsure look as to whether the good doctor was teasing about what the instrument did, and he quickly tossed it back onto the counter with a clang and a grimace. It was at this time that Jack noticed that Daniel was laughing hysterically at him, and he was just about to put him in his place when he heard Janet's threat. Huffing dramatically, he set the other instrument down and made a show of rolling his eyes petulantly. To get the attention off of himself Jack responded, "Daniel needs new glasses, he can't see."

Janet broke into a smile at the sight of Daniel laughing himself silly. She smirked at Jack when he rolled his eyes at her and put the instrument down. She knew what he was doing when he suddenly said something about Daniel. "Really Jack? He can't see one little bit? Hmm interesting well then I guess glasses wouldn't help him then would they? I mean if he can't see," she said teasingly.

Daniel had looked up laughter still in his eyes. When Janet started on her spiel, he started chuckling. "Yeah Janet, I can't see a thing. I especially couldn't see a single constellation last night on Jack's roof. But for a blind kid I've been getting around pretty good," he said with a wink.

"Is there a gas leak in here?" Jack asked, eyeing them both. "Could ya give'em an eye exam, doc? He needs to be able to see."

"No, why did you fart?" Daniel asked chuckling unable to help himself.

Janet chuckled at that as well, and then sobered slightly. "Sure I can, come on Daniel let's leave the grouch here," she said motioning towards Daniel.

Daniel got up wiping the tears away from his eyes still chuckling softly as he passed Jack.

Jack, using his special ops training, promptly and silently touched a few more of the medical instruments on the counter to make himself feel better while making a face at the back of their heads. "Right, well I'll be off then," he said as he slunk towards the door.

"After you sterilize the instruments and surfaces right?" Janet asked not even turning around.

Daniel looked over his shoulder at Jack. "Never try to sneak around a mother, Jack," he said snickering softly.

Jack's eyes nearly popped out of his head and his mouth fell open before he locked eyes with Daniel, giving him a 'did that just happen?' look. Deciding this situation called for all of his leadership skills, Jack turned on his heel and silently jogged out of the room. Knowing when to act dumb and busy was a skill learned early on, and Jack had perfected it. 'I think it's time to pay Carter a visit,' he thought as he rounded the corner.

Daniel nodded and grinned at the look on Jack's face. He then turned and followed Janet into the other room.

Carter was busy in the tech lab. Writing down what she could remember about the sphere on the other planet and how they would be able to reverse the effects.

Jack slunk in silently behind Carter, looking over her shoulder. "Whatcha doin' Carter?" he asked, curious if he could get her to jump like he had recently done.

"Trying to figure out a way to age Daniel again sir. Why?" she asked barely looking up from her writings.

Jack sighed at failing to surprise her but almost instantly brightened by what she'd said. "Oh?" Jack prompted, raising his eyebrows and resting his hip on the desk – purposely getting in her way - to beckon more information from her.

"Uh huh." Sam answered as she went back to the papers not at all effected by Jack.

"Carter," Jack couldn't help but exclaim, "report!"

Sam jumped slightly at the exclamation and glared at Jack. "Sir, I'm kinda busy. Could you come back later when I actually have something useful?" she asked a little irritated with Jack.

"No! I can't – what are you working on here, Carter? ...any news from the Gantha?" Jack asked, desperate for any tidbit of information, but trying to keep any bite out of his voice for her.

Carter huffed and looked up. There was no way she was going to get any work done with Jack in here making a nuisance of himself. "I haven't heard anything from the Gantha nor from the General. I just thought I'd try out a few ideas on what may be done to reverse the effects on Daniel. This is just theory stuff Jack, I don't even know what the symbols were around the sphere. They could be the clue to unlocking this," she said hoping to get rid of him soon.

Meanwhile Daniel was on his way back to his office. Having finished with Janet he was pleased to know that he would have a new pair in a day or so. It seemed his eye sight was better than it was when he was an adult. Finally reaching his office, he closed the door behind him and sighed. He went over to his desk and began to jot down from memory the symbols from the sphere and began to try to decipher them.

Jack quirked his mouth in amusement at Carter's annoyance with him, his mood instantly improved. "Well, carry on then. Daniel's in his office if you want help, I'll ask the General about getting you another look at the symbols," Jack said as he sidled towards the door with his hands in his pockets.

Daniel sat there trying to recall what language these symbols closely resembled but couldn't think of it at the moment. He decided to walk around the base and maybe go check on Sam. He got up and headed over to the door. He paused with his hand on the handle. Daniel remembered that she had been in the hall when Jack had… he just hoped she didn't say anything about it. He left his office and went down to look for Sam in the lab.

Jack sauntered down the hallways, looking for anything that needed his attention. He'd already taken care of the two things he wanted to get in early for, and seeing as how Daniel didn't want him to talk to Hammond about hurrying things up just yet, all that was left was writing up some reports. Jack hated paperwork. But, bugging Hammond about sending Carter back to look at those symbols without also bringing the reports he'd already been asked twice for by Hammond didn't seem like the best plan. Deciding he'd wasted enough time on his little walk, Jack soon found himself at his rarely used office and eyed the pile of folders on his dust covered desk with dismay before finally taking his seat and getting started.

Sam had given Jack's retreating form a quick irritated smirk before she once again became completely absorbed in her work. She knew it was a long shot, and may altogether prove unfruitful, but she had to do something to help her friend and this was the only thing she could currently think of.

Daniel hesitated outside the lab as he snuck a peek inside and saw Sam. She looked rather busy. He started to go, and then turned back and decided it was worth a shot. "Hey Sam, you busy?" he asked as he peeked in ready to leave if she was.

Sam's eyes brightened as she looked up from her work to see Daniel sheepishly and unsuredly peeking in at her from the hall. Smiling warmly, "Daniel, I was just going to go looking for you. What's up?"

Daniel walked into the lab with a smile on his face. Seeing Sam looking happily at him made him feel better about interrupting her. "You were gonna look for me? Why?" he asked a little suspicious now.

Sam looked back down at her notepad, arching her eyebrows as he continued smiling. "Well, I was trying to work on reversing the effects of the tablet and I wanted your help with the symbols. I've written down what I remembered," she said as she handed him the notepad.

"Oh well I can write down the symbols for you. I remember those easily, but I can't remember where I've seen them before," Daniel said and began to sketch the symbols down for Sam.

"Thanks," Sam replied as she looked at what he was sketching, their heads close together as they bent over the table. Sam was actually shocked, this was the first time that Daniel had ever been stumped. It was just the poor thing's luck that it happened to be when he needed to understand it so badly! "Well, if you don't remember where you've seen them, I'm sure you can find something in one of your books," she said encouragingly.

"No, No it's not in a book," Daniel said slowly, as he bit the inside of his lip and closed his eyes trying to think. "I know I've seen it on…maybe a paper, or maybe…another planet? I can't remember. Wait! I think I know…I'll be back in like…half an hour Sam," he said with a large grin plastered on his face. He knew exactly where he'd seen the symbols now. They were in a sketch book of his back at his apartment. Daniel just needed to get the keys for Jack's truck and he could go get it plus the other thing he wanted from there. Jack wasn't just going to hand them over, so how to go about getting them without rousing Jack's suspicion? Daniel pondered this as he began his search for Jack.

Sam shook her head at Daniel, grinning at his enthusiasm as he bolted out the door. Looking down at his writings, she sighed and realized there wasn't much she could do with it. Instead, she went back to attempting to reverse engineer a piece of alien technology while she awaited his return.

Jack had made good head way in the tall pile of reports sitting on his desk. He sat with elbow on table and cheekbone resting on raised fist as he glared down at the hated paperwork while he scribbled quickly. He really wasn't sure why he wasn't allowed to push this task off on Carter or Daniel – they'd do a much better job than he would, and they'd probably even enjoy doing the task. God, he hated doing this. 'Worst part of the job,' he thought, 'even worse than being tortured by the Goa'uld.'

Daniel stopped outside Jack's office. He had an inkling of how to get Jack's keys and hopefully the small white lie would work. He knocked on Jack's door and waited. He didn't want to interrupt him if he was busy especially if there was someone else in there.

"Yes! Come in – please," Jack yelled, the joy at being interrupted clearly showing in his voice.

Daniel walked in, but when he saw the pile of reports on Jack's desk he said, "Oh you've got a lot to do, it-it can wait."

Jack's eyes took on a frantic look as he sputtered, "No! No it can't, Daniel. I'm at your beck and call – what did you need?"

Daniel looked at Jack wide eyed a moment and took a couple of steps back. When he realized Jack wanted a break from the paper work, he wondered if his plan would work at all. "I just wanted to borrow the truck keys a moment, I forgot something," Daniel said, and then decided to try a different tactic. "It's ok if you don't trust me, I'm used to it." Yeah it was manipulative and the fifteen year old and the thirty year old Daniel both knew this. The fifteen year old Daniel wasn't concerned at all what would happen when Jack found out, he just needed those keys.

Jack had excitedly jumped up, intent on joining Daniel in order to get away from the paperwork and to have some fun, but he quickly stopped in his tracks bent over his desk and looking a little heartbroken. "I trust you, Danny." Jack sullenly dug the keys out of his desk, holding them out and asking a little pitifully, "You sure you couldn't use some company?"

Daniel bit at his bottom lip at the look on Jack's face. He had been so determined to be sneaky about something that it didn't occur to ask Jack outright if they could slip off for a minute to get what he needed. His cheeks colored considerably as he hung his head. "You can come Jack, I-I…" he couldn't force himself to tell Jack he had actually lied to him.

"Then let's go," Jack said excitedly as he rounded the desk. He was so happy to be getting away from the paperwork that he really didn't notice that Daniel was acting oddly.

Daniel looked up a little shocked that he hadn't been caught out. He cocked his head slightly. "You know Jack, I just remembered I didn't bring anything with me, but could we sneak away for a few minutes? I was helping Sam and I know there's this book at my apartment that would help us read the symbols from the Gantha device," Daniel said giving Jack a curious look hoping it was a go and that he hadn't given himself away.

Jack came to a stop, turning suspicious eyes at the little linguist and instantly saw what he'd missed. "Daniel," he warned, "care to explain what you were up to?"

Daniel doubted that Jack would take no for an answer. A small fib wouldn't hurt though…would it? "Like I said Jack I was going to the truck to get something, but I forgot that I hadn't brought anything with me. Old age you know?" he said and smirked a little.

Jack raised his eyebrows, considering that but smelling a lie. Smirking himself he asked, "What exactly did you think you'd left in the truck, Danny boy?"

*Crap* Daniel thought. He grinned suddenly at Jack and said, "Well I thought I had brought a book with me. You know I bring books home with me and I thought I had brought one with me yesterday, so I figured I'd go look in the truck and see if I had one there because I couldn't find it at the house or in my office."

Jack looked from the keys in his hands back to Daniel's face, figuring it out. "Uh huh," Jack gave him a discerning look. "Daniel, remind me to let you in to my poker circle when you're grown again."

"Huh?" Daniel questioned as he looked at Jack with confusion written on his face. *What the heck did that mean?* Daniel thought.

"You're terrible at bluffing, Daniel," Jack said conspiratorially. "It'd be nice to actually win at cards for a change."

Daniel had the feeling he'd been found out but wasn't willing to go without a fight. "Sooo, are we gonna go get that book? I left Sam in the lab trying to decipher the symbols I gave her, but the book will definitely be helpful and we can get me back to my rightful age before the week is up," Daniel said trying to get Jack's mind on a different path.

Jack smiled warmly and wrapped his arm around him. "Daniel, what were you gonna do with those keys before you said I could come along? You see, I'd hate to think you were gonna take my truck, being that you can't see and it isn't yours."

Daniel relaxed against Jack until he started to speak. "Oh no Jack I would never do that, even though I can see better than when I was an adult, Janet said so. Like I said I thought I had brought a book with me is all," Daniel said smiling back.

Jack eyed him, "Ok Daniel. It's good to know that we can be honest with each other – honesty and trust being the foundations of friendships and families and all that. Let's go get that book then...wouldn't want to keep Carter waiting."

Daniel's heart sunk at the words. That had hurt and he guessed it was aimed to. "No we wouldn't want to do that," Daniel muttered softly. He followed Jack quietly to his truck unable to say much of anything.

Jack let the silence hang in the air, wanting Daniel to consider his actions as they walked to the truck. Climbing in, he shots his eyes over to his linguist, heart softening at the sad little face. Pursing his lips, he realized going soft on Daniel would be the worst thing he could do, and so instead he raised an eyebrow in a meaningful way and began the drive to Daniel's apartment.

Daniel barely looked at Jack and once in the truck he avoided looking at him all together. He stared miserably out the window, missing the look Jack gave him. The more he thought about it the more he worked himself up and the more miserable he became, by the time they reached his apartment, he was close to bawling. He got out of the truck and led the way up to his apartment and pulled the keys from his pocket. Right now he was ready to lock himself in his room, throw himself on his bed and bawl miserably until he had nothing more to cry out. He stood there in the middle of the living room staring at the floor.

Well that was all Jack could take. Once he saw Daniel ready to sob and staring at the floor like an abandoned child, Jack snatched him up in a fierce hug. "Ok Danny, ok, I think you've been punished enough." That was only partly true, considering what Daniel had considered doing, but Jack was only human, gosh darn it, he had a heart! "But don't you ever try anything like that again or you'll be sorry! Got it, buddy?"

Jack wrapping him in a hug so suddenly startled Daniel a bit, but once he realized what was going on he wrapped his arms around Jack and sobbed quietly against him. He nodded at Jack's question. He felt miserable at what he'd thought of doing. "I'm sorry D-Jack," he said quietly hoping Jack didn't hear the almost slip up.

Jack smiled into Daniel's hair, hugging him harder at the near slip. "Ok," he answered happily, intent to keep Daniel in the hug until the boy pulled away himself.

Daniel shuddered and sobbed against Jack. How could he easily forgive him like that? He had lied to him and would've done something illegal had Jack let him. This realization made him cry harder. Finally Daniel was just sniffling, still clinging to Jack. He made no move to leave Jack's arms, instead he seemed to draw closer to him. His head lay on Jack's shoulder.

Resting his chin on Daniel's head and slightly rocking him as he continued to hold onto him, Jack wondered if anyone other than Daniel's parents had shown him any affection at all. If not, that was around twenty years without a hug! Hugging him tighter, Jack simply couldn't imagine how anyone hadn't bothered to take an interest, care for and love this little guy. Daniel certainly made it easy to do, even with the trouble he often found himself in.

Daniel began to pull away after about ten minutes, but he couldn't look at Jack as he was still ashamed of himself. "I'll go find my book," Daniel said solemnly and slunk away from Jack. He made off to his room and found his duffle bag. He grabbed up the book that had the symbols he wanted and shoved it in the bag. Daniel then spied the other thing he wanted half hidden under his bed. He grabbed it up and quickly shoved it in his bag. He picked up a couple of more things and shoved them in effectively hiding the one item completely and then sat on his bed. Jack was being too good to him and he felt like he didn't deserve it.

By this time, Jack had wandered into the room after Daniel to see what he was up to. Seeing the kid still looking upset was unsettling, and so Jack grabbed up a chunk of carved rock that was sitting on the dresser and plopped down next to him on the bed, tracing a finger over the carvings. "So, did you find the book?"

"Yeah, it's in my bag," Daniel said quietly as he flicked a quick glance up. When he saw Jack with the rock, he stiffened slightly. He tried to relax not wanting Jack to know that it bothered him to see him with one of his favorite things. If Jack knew, he might hurl it down and break it. He shook his head slightly. No, Jack wouldn't do that. He could though, for punishment. The fifteen-year- old and the thirty-year- old were at war again inside his mind.

Jack caught the dirty look Daniel had given him when he saw the rock. Jack knew he had busy hands, always had, and had often been reprimanded because of it in his youth. The lesson just never took. "Sorry," he muttered, putting the rock back. "I'm not setting a very good example for minding other people's things, am I?" He smirked down at Daniel mischievously.

Daniel's eyes went wide. He didn't know what to say. "What are you going to do?" Daniel asked finally, knowing there had to be some sort of punishment. He needed to know what to expect.

"I'm gonna try and not fiddle with your stuff so much," Jack said both gently and carefully, seeing the fear on Daniel's face. "...we both have a problem with that, don't we?" Jack smiled.

"I-I didn't mean that, I meant what are you going to do to m-me?" Daniel stuttered a bit. "It's it's ok if you want to look at it, just-just don't break it, please," Daniel said softly as he began to chew on his bottom lip.

"Daniel, I'd never do anything like that. Gah – you know me! When have I ever done anything like that?" Jack waved his hands at the question, realizing Daniel was acting on learned behaviours rather than on his actual intellect. "...Listen Danny, it's ok. You'll see. Maybe it's good this happened," Jack motioned to indicate he meant the de-aging. "Now you'll get to learn how childhoods are supposed to go. They're supposed to be great, wonderful things – and I'm gonna show you that."

Daniel cringed slightly at Jack when he shouted. "So, you don't want me to get older yet?" he asked. He realized Jack hadn't answered his other question yet and decided he wasn't going to ask again. Maybe Jack hadn't heard him, or maybe he'd forgotten about punishing him. He looked at Jack and waited.

"Only if that's what you want...I just want what's best for you." Jack sat back down on the bed, a little lost. He was beginning to wonder if he was doing any good at all.

Daniel made a noise of frustration. He wanted to know exactly what Jack wanted. "Jack, what do you want from me? I mean I've been living with you for barely a day and I don't know what exactly it is I need to do," Daniel said sounding lost and confused.

Jack looked at him for a long moment, thinking about what was said and how he should answer. Finally he said quietly, "Danny, I know you're confused. That's ok. I want you to relax, to learn to trust, to have some fun and to follow the few rules I set for you. I also want you to tell me what you need, what you want and to be honest with me. I need to know what's going on in that head of yours, even if you think you shouldn't tell me. That's it. Ok?"

Daniel relaxed slightly. "That's what I want to know, the rules. I-I think you said something about rules yesterday, but you never gave me any. What you want from me? Are-Are those the rules?" he asked still slightly confused as he buried his head against Jack.

Jack's eyes widened, 'D'oh. I forget to set the rules. Way to go, O'Neill.' Clearing his voice, he thought over what the rules should be. "Yea. I also want you to do what I tell you. You know I'm not going to demand anything unreasonable. ...and if you've forgotten that, you'll learn. As far as actual set rules go: no running off, no lies or sneakiness, nothing dangerous and no touching or using things you shouldn't. Is that clear enough? ...anything I'm missing or that you don't understand?"

Daniel all but melted against Jack's side. He now had what he needed; something most foster homes failed to provide, clear cut rules. He could live with the rules Jack set forth. "Thanks Jack," he said softly. He had said that he wasn't going to bring it up again, but it was bothering him. "Jack, am I in trouble?" he asked keeping his head against Jack not wanting to look at him.

"Not for anything I know about. Not anymore," Jack said plainly. "I think you punished yourself enough on the way over, and I want you to let it go. But like I said, you ever try to pull a stunt like that again, and I'm going to spank you and then ground you. Got it?" Jack ruffled his hair playfully.

"I'll try," Daniel said at the first part of what Jack said, at the second half he just nodded. He laid there against Jack wishing he had found Jack first. Life would've been so much easier with somebody who actually liked him. Finally he pulled away. "I guess we'd better go before we're missed," he said as he stood up and grabbed his duffle bag.

"If you're ready, we can go," Jack answered. He was surprised at how easily Daniel had accepted being told the rules. Suddenly everything seemed much better and more hopeful.

"Yeah, I mean I don't want you to get in trouble with the general for being off base," Daniel answered. He stood there a minute and then walked over to his dresser and fingered the photograph there. It was a picture of his parents and him in the desert. He picked it up and blinked back the tears that were starting to form in his eyes. He laid the picture carefully in his bag. He wanted it to go to Jack's with him. "I'm ready," he said.

"Oh, you let me worry about ol' Georgey ok?" Jack joked as he began walking out of the apartment.

Daniel snickered at that as he followed Jack. "Good thing he can't hear you say that," Daniel said and laughed again.

Jack just smirked mischievously.