…Has Changed

Author: Midnyteblue
Pairing: Jack/Daniel friendship (Almost Slash)
Rating: PG13
Spoilers: Hathor (Minor)
Summary: Jack try's to deal with his feelings for Daniel, but is he trying too hard?
Disclaimer: Not mine never have been or will be. Fic inspired by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran 'Everything Has Changed'
AN: This is the 2nd part of this particular chapter. I hope you enjoy it


Jack opened his eyes; it was very bright in his bedroom.

*Light…why is there light? Too light for 0600.*

Jack rolled over and opened his eyes enough to squint at the clock radio next to his bed,

*1236. That's the afternoon. I haven't slept in till the afternoon since…I actually don't know. Why is it afternoon.*

Jack rolled himself into a sitting position and groaned as his head spun a little.

*Head spinning, not fun. Why is my head spinning?*

Jack got up and made his way toward the bathroom, as he was coming back he noticed the door to the spare room was slightly ajar. He walked over and pushed it open. Daniel was lying sprawled out, face down on the bed, his shirt was off but his jeans were still in place.

*He's gorgeous.* Jack blinked as the thought ran over his mind, all at once his memory of the previous night came back, *Well that explains the afternoon wakeup call.*

Jack smiled as Daniel rolled over, his face coming into contact with the sunlight shining in, He grumbled a little and pulled a pillow over his face to block it out. Jack chuckled and crept over to shut the curtains essentially turning day into night. He left as quietly as he came, once again closing the door behind him.

Jack went downstairs and rolled himself onto his couch. He had drunk a fair amount the previous night but he wasn't really feeling the effects of it, his brain however was feeling a little fried. It had been a very long yet enlightening evening, one where he had dug deep into his subconscious, the result being his confession of love for his best friend, His male best friend.

Jack closed his eyes. This time yesterday he was happily sitting in a briefing room, his life was simple, well as simple as it could get when you travelled to other planets on a daily basis. Then he decided to try and figure out his feelings. Now his life was as un-simple as you could get.

Admitting he was in love with Daniel was the easy part, now he had to live with it. How did you live knowing you had feelings you could never act on, how could you go every day loving someone who would never love you back. He actually felt worse knowing the truth.

"Ignorance is bliss."

Jack got up and grabbed a glass of water and some Tylenol. He picked up the phone and dialled while he took the painkillers,

"Elaine Carrey."
"Ellie…"
"Jack! How are you…what's wrong?"
"Oh you know, life."
"Jack…"
"Ellie I know its late notice but are you free tomorrow?"
"I'm catching up with a friend for coffee but I'm free in the morning. Can you make it to Denver by 10?"
"Sure."
"Jack what's wrong? You sound…I'm not sure really."
"Big night last night. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay Jack. Drink water!"
"I am, see you tomorrow."

Jack hung up the phone; he had no idea why he had called the older woman. Dr Elaine Carrey had been his son's paediatrician. In the twelve years he had known her, Elaine or Ellie as Jack called her had become a good friend of the O'Neill's, and Jack in particular had used her specialties on more than one occasion. It was helpful to have a doctor that didn't report everything back to the Air Force.

Ellie also knew Daniel. She had helped the young man with an incident a few months before and Jack knew she had developed a soft spot for the younger man,

*Everyone develops a soft spot for him*

Jack had no idea how to deal with his revelation. All he knew was that the world had changed, and yet it was still the same.

*Just act like you always have done. Nothing has changed really. So you love him, how is that different from yesterday? You loved him then and everything was fine. Why should today be any different?*

Jack pulled out the coffee pot and went about to make some coffee. As it lay brewing Jack caught the scent of the beans and inwardly winced,

*If I can smell it that means…*
"What time is it?"

Jack chuckled as Daniel came towards the bench.

"Coffee goes on and he appears."
"Coffee is good."
"A few more minutes Danny."
"Ok'y"

Daniel went and collapsed on the lounge in the same spot Jack had vacated not too long before,

"How are you feeling?"
"Stop speaking so loud." Daniel mumbled into the cushions
"A quiet afternoon it is."
"Afternoon?"
"Yeah, it's after 1300."
"Oh, okay. Goodnight."

Jack laughed as he went about making Daniel a strong cup of coffee.

It took more than an hour for Daniel to sit upright and another hour after that for him to form some sort of coherent thought. All things considering Jack was pretty impressed at how well Daniel was holding up. He was also happy Daniel hadn't tried to re-hash their conversation from the previous night.

Jack had been angry before but last night was different. He was so angry he felt sick.

Jack knew a fair amount about Daniel's past, he had found some out himself and Daniel had dropped a few tid-bits of information as well but last night Daniel had dropped a bombshell, one Jack was still reeling from. Daniel hadn't actually admitted to the event but his silence had been all Jack needed to figure out the truth.

He knew Daniel had been shunted through the foster system and he had thus far been unable to figure out why. He only hoped last night's confession was one of the reasons. If he found out Daniel had been made to stay after that incident he hoped the person who had made that decision was in a very faraway place. One where Jack would never find them.

"You okay?"

Jack unclenched his fists and straightened his scowl,

"Yeah, sorry. Lost in my thoughts."

Daniel nodded and stood up slowly,

"I'm going to head home."
"I'll grab my keys."
"No, you stay. I want to walk, I need to walk."
"It's over an hour Daniel."
"I've walked it before, as have you. I need to clear my head."

Jack conceded with a nod. Although he didn't want to let Daniel out of his sight he knew that saying something might start something he wasn't prepared for.

"I'll see you Monday."

Jack walked him to the door and stood on his porch,

"Thanks for last night Jack."
"I didn't do anything."
"You didn't run."

Daniel gave him a small smile and headed off down the path. Jack watched him walk to the end of the street before heading back inside. The first thing he noticed was the quiet.

*Great, You didn't want to be apart from him before, this is so much better.*

Jack sighed and went about starting to figure out what living was supposed to look like.

All I knew this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before.


Daniel was glad Jack hadn't followed him. He needed his space today. Ordinarily he was content to stay anywhere Jack was but it had been a long few days and he had to clear his head.

Last night had been insane for him. He hadn't drunk that much since Amy had left him and that was ten years before, even then he was pretty sure he hadn't gone as far as he had last night.

He had almost admitted to Jack about…He was sober now so there was no need to bring that up. Let Jack assume, it was probably safer for Jack to think what he did then to admit the truth.

Daniel had been so scared Jack would run after figuring out even the small amount of what he did, but he hadn't and that scared him even more. He knew Jack was special, someone kind and understanding, it was one of the reasons Daniel loved him but no one was that understanding, not in his experience.

Daniel was so mad at himself. Not only had he let the events of his latest Goul'd encounter get so out of hand but then he'd subjected Jack and Sam and even Janet to his bad mood. They didn't deserve it. It was all his fault and he would have to fix it.

Daniel stopped in a park that was halfway between his home and Jack's and lay down on the grass. Summer was on its way and the sun was warming up.

*Why is everything so hard to figure out?*

Daniel prided himself on being able to understand things but since coming back from Abydos his life had become so complicated he was having trouble keeping himself straight.

He had a job he loved, friends, a family if Catherine was to be believed and a man who he loved more than anyone else in his life. And that's where it got complicated.

Daniel sighed and closed his eyes,

*This is why I like Archaeology; the past is so much easier to understand than the present. Okay, you have a day to get over yourself Jackson. Monday morning you will be back to your usual self, no dramas. You'll apologise to everyone and we will all move on. No need to ever bring up this weekend again.*

Daniel lay on the ground for a while longer before getting up and continuing home.


Jack pulled up opposite a little coffee shop in Denver. He'd been there before with Daniel and it seemed that Ellie was a bit of a fan. He got out and walked across the road to where his friend was sitting at a park table,

"I took the liberty of getting you a latte." Ellie greeted him,
"Thank you. My coffee intake has increased since meeting Daniel, I even think I'm starting to like it."
"Only the good stuff." Ellie raised her paper cup which featured the label of the bean used by that particular shop.
"Yeah, I'm starting to tell the difference. I need to get some more for Daniel."

Ellie took a sip from her cup giving her time to study the man in front of her. She had been looking after Jack for nearly twelve years, ever since a nasty incident that should have landed him in the ER and possibly ended his career, Ellie had pulled a small miracle and four days later Jack was back to work with a headache and no one but a few close friends were any the wiser. Even then she had never seen Jack look so…she didn't have a word…tired maybe? He looked tired, like something was dragging him down and it was taking all his energy to stay upright.

"So what's going on Jack?"
"Straight to the point then. Okay…Ellie, I need your advice."
"Sure, on what."
"Well it's delicate…"
"It usually is with you, I assume you mean delicate as in this conversation never existed?"
"Not quite that bad…or maybe it is. Damn it, I don't know."
"Alright, Jack you know I won't say anything if you don't want me to."
"You never do. I'm sorry, it's nothing serious really but I'm so confused. Ellie, I like someone."
"Well thank heavens for that. I've been hoping for that for a long time Jack."
"You have?"
"Of course! Jack it's been a year since your initial split with Sara but you had separated from her long before that. I know you loved her and that after Charlie you had some very understandable issues but you're a good man Jack, I want to see you happy."
"Thanks."

Jack drunk some of his coffee not quite sure how to take the conversation where he needed it to,

"So, who is the lucky girl?"
"Um, well it's complicated."
"In your line of work I bet it is. Hang on, why are you talking to me about this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, what does our lovely Dr Jackson have to say about this?"
"Daniel?"
"I would assume you've spoken to him about this, you two are almost inseparable. Why are you talking to me and not him?"

Ellie had a slight gleam in her eye as she spoke but Jack was too absorbed to notice,

"I um…I can't talk to him about this Ellie."
"Oh, got the hots for the same girl huh, I can see how that gets touchy."
"It's not that. It's Daniel."
"What's wrong with Daniel?"
"No, it's Daniel. Ellie the person I like is Daniel."

Jack put his head into his hands waiting for Ellie to say something. After a few moments of silence Jack glanced up and saw Ellie had a huge smile on her face,

"What. What are you smiling about?"
"It's about time!"

Elle got up and ran around the table to hug him. Jack was so surprised he did the only thing he could think to do, he hugged her back.

"Well that wasn't the reaction I was expecting." Jack exclaimed,
"I'm sorry, It's just, I knew it!"
"What are you talking about?" If Jack thought he had been confused before it was nothing to how he was feeling now, "And please calm down! You're scaring me."
"I'm sorry Jack." She responded in a tone that suggested she wasn't all that sorry; she did manage to mellow her voice a little though, "So you like Daniel. That's new."
"Yeah, what do you mean you knew?"

Ellie smiled and took Jack's hand. She knew what Jack was going through was tough on him but she also knew he would be okay. In her eyes it was a perfect match.

"Jack, the first time you brought Daniel to see me you were so protective. You cared for him and I could tell even then that there was more to it. Now I've seen you together many times since and I can tell you, I've seen this coming for a while."
"You have?" Jack asked softly.
"Yes. I can understand why you're confused Jack, and I understand that you're trying to deal with this on a practical level as well as an emotional one. It's a toughie but I think you'll be okay."
"Right."

Jack took a deep breath and decided to lay it all out for her,

"Ellie, I don't what to do or say or think. I mean this goes well beyond anything I've ever dealt with in the past."

Elaine remained silent, choosing to let Jack sort it out himself,

"I mean, I like Daniel. It's Daniel, apart from the geek thing and the smart thing, he's a guy! How does this happen? I was with Sara for so long, and I love her. I do, It's not like I never loved her and I was just covering something up. I love her, I appreciate her, I love women! But Daniel, Daniel is the opposite of all that!"
"That doesn't mean you can't love him."
"I know that. I'm just so confused. How are you so okay with this? You spent over ten years looking after my family, looking after me. Is it a doctor thing?"

Ellie patted his arm and decided to take pity on him,

"Jack, haven't you ever wondered why you've never met my husband?"
"I just assumed you kept work and private life separate, and that's another thing!"
"You're doing well Jack, and no, I actually met my partner at work."
"Oh, well that's nice for you guys."
"It is, the work place can be a fantastic place to meet your partner, you have the same things to talk and complain about, and you understand each other's schedules. It worked well. Mel and I have been together for almost 22 years."
"Impressive by today's standards, you trying to make me jealous?"
"Not at all, but I'm saying that on some level I have been through what you're going through, not exactly but I can identify with certain aspects."
"You're talking like a doctor. Stop it."

Ellie laughed and nodded,

"Sorry, Mel complains about the same thing. She says she isn't smart enough to talk to me sometimes."
"I feel the same way about Daniel when he…she?"
"Finally caught on."
"She!?"
"Yes Jack, she. My partner's name is Melanie-Rose, Mel for short."
"Didn't see that coming."
"So I do know a little of what you're talking about. Now I was never interested in men so I can't come at it from that angle but I can tell you what it was like growing up in a time where being Gay was considered evil, if it was known I wouldn't have been allowed to practice medicine let alone work with children. I can tell you that forming a relationship with my best friend was both the easiest and hardest thing I have ever done but If I had to do it again I would."
"Wow, Ell I never knew."
"I know, we don't go around being gay rights activists but I can tell you now, If it ever becomes legal here in Colorado I will be first in line to marry the woman I love. Jack, what do you feel when Daniel is around?"

Jack looked around at the park he was in taking in the atmosphere. He loved the outdoors; it always gave him a sense of where he stood in the grand scheme of things.

"I don't know; a whole range of things, I feel more alive, and something about him makes me feel younger, like I could do anything. We were even talking about skiing, Ellie, I haven't Skid since…forever!"
"With good reason." Ellie looked pointedly at Jack's knee,
"Don't worry I'll stick to a board."
"Not much better."
"The point is, I want to do more with him, and I feel like I can be a better person! Ellie he brings out the best in almost everyone and he doesn't even realise how special he is. Daniel is amazing!"
"Oh dear."

Ellie was grinning again,

"What?"
"You've got it bad."
"I know." Jack confessed, "Ellie what do I do? How do I go on like this? There's no earthly reason he would ever feel the same and even if he did I'm military!"
"Don't ask don't tell."
"Exactly! It will never be accepted, I'd be kicked out of the Air Force and poor Daniel would be humiliated beyond anything he's been through."
"I don't think you would allow that to happen Jack."

Jack just sat nursing his cold cup of coffee. He hadn't expected to feel any of what he was feeling right now. It sucked!

"Jack, the don't ask don't tell part is easy, you don't tell and no one will ask!"
"You mean hide."
"Essentially, Jack this may be 1997 but like it or not, you being with Daniel will be difficult, even if you aren't military. Yes world perspective has shifted and people are a lot more tolerant but it's not going to be sunshine and roses all the time. But you will have Daniel, you would be amazed how open you can be whilst still be hiding, you just need to find the balance. You're a smart guy, I'm sure you can make it work."
"That doesn't solve any of my problems Ellie, namely the main one, how do I go living day to day acting like my best friend isn't the man I'm crazy about?"
"Exactly the same way you dealt with it yesterday, and the day before, and the day before. Look Jack, there are thousands of people walking around every day, millions even that love someone they shouldn't. You just do it. It isn't fun but if nothing else, you can be the best friend Daniel has ever had."
"I think I already am."
"Then go with it, don't act any differently, stop second guessing every move you make because the second you change your behaviour he will know something is up."
"Okay, this is so frustrating."
"Yeah, I'm proud of you Jack."
"Me? Why?"
"It takes a lot of courage to admit you're in love with someone, it takes a whole lot more to admit you love someone of the same sex."
"I don't want to be labelled, I'm not…"
"Gay? I know that, you can't help who you love and in this case, it's a guy. But Jack, most people in your position wouldn't have come out and said it. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks Ellie."

Jack hugged the older woman; he felt a weight had been lifted off his shoulders now that he had talked to someone. Elaine Carrey was a very special person.

"Hey, would you and Mel like to come over for dinner next week? I'll get Daniel to cook, I promise!"
"I'm sure your cooking isn't that bad Jack. I'll talk with Mel and see what our week looks like."
"Awesome. Oh do you mind if I tell Daniel about you and Mel?"
"No that's fine, might make things a little less awkward when we come over."

Jack smiled and Elaine got up to go,

"Ellie, I know you can't tell me, legally but…"
"I thought Daniel asked you not to look into his background anymore."

Jack looked at Ellie in surprise,

"I know all Colonel O'Neill."
"Creepy, anyway Daniel mentioned something the other night and, Ell I got worried."
"What did he say?"
"Well, I can't tell you the whole story but whilst under the influence of a few alcoholic beverages, Daniel mentioned something that happened some time ago, while he was in foster care."
"A lot of things happened Jack, some good, most bad."
"Well, this one was bad, very bad. I don't want details, I know you can't give them and you're right, I promised him. I just want to know if what happened was the worst of it because I honestly don't know if I can handle anything worse."
"You don't need to handle it Jack."
"That came out wrong, I want to support him. I want to be there for him when he needs me to be but I need to be prepared. The other night he threw this curve ball and honestly Ell my only response was that I wanted to find the person and make sure they never saw the light of day."
"Jack, you can't make threats like that."
"It wasn't a threat. I need to know Ell, has anything worse happened to him than…rape?"

Elaine's' eyes welled up with tears but she looked straight at Jack,

"Did he tell you?"
"Not details and he only mentioned it indirectly. I figured it out from what he didn't tell me."
"I don't know details, only that an exam was done."
"Is that the worst of it?"
"Apart from his parents being killed in front of him, yes."
"Okay."

Jack got up and walked away. He stood alone for quite a while; occasionally he would kick the ground in front of him. Eventually he walked back to the table.

"You okay?"
"Yeah, as you said, I don't have to handle it."
"I know you Jack, you'll take care of him."
"Damn right I will."

Ellie once again wrapped her arms around Jack. It had been a very interesting morning for her.

"I love you Jack, and I love Daniel, please take care of him."
"I promise. Thankyou Ellie, I knew calling you was a good idea."
"I'm always around to talk Jack. Don't give up okay, you never know what could happen."
"I won't count on it."
"I don't like that defeatist attitude. More positivity please!"
"Sure thing. Remember, dinner!"
"I'll give you a call this afternoon."

Jack watched Elaine walk away and smiled.

*Well, support wasn't something I was necessarily expecting but it sure helps.*

Jack thought over what Ellie had said, it all made sense. Sitting in the park he looked around, his life had changed overnight and as hard as it was going to be Jack really did feel it would be okay.

He kept smiling as he thought about his best friend. Daniel really did mean so much to him, it was crazy how much. He wished he knew a bit more about him though; it would be nice to share someone's life again. But Daniel wanted to keep it private and he had to respect that. He just had to keep working on building the younger man's trust and maybe one day Daniel would be able to talk to him a bit more freely. For now, what he could do was buy him coffee.

Jack made his purchase and headed back to Colorado Springs, his heart happy to be heading closer to the man he loved.

And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
is green eyes and freckles in your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel right


Daniel looked around, he hadn't spent much time in Denver but he figured he was in the right place,

"Thank you."

Daniel looked at the latte that was placed in front of him and smiled, it wasn't Allpress but Elaine had said it wasn't too bad and the café served homemade scones that more than made up for it.

"Sorry I'm late Danny."
"Oh it's no problem at all."

Daniel got up and gave Elaine Carrey a kiss on the cheek,

"I ordered for you, a skinny cappuccino and a not so skinny Scone with Jam and Cream."
"You're an Angel. Find this place okay?"
"Yeah it was easy. Thanks for meeting me today Ellie, I know it's a Sunday and you probably have better things to do."
"Better than having afternoon tea with a friend in this gorgeous spring weather! Not likely."

Daniel chuckled and sipped his coffee,

"Well when you put it like that."
"How have you been Daniel?"
"I've been okay, things at work have been crazy but…you get that."
"You do! Especially when working with one Jack O'Neill. I still can't believe you two work together, there must be some crazy stuff happening in that mountain."
"You have no idea!"
"So what's up Danny? When you called me a few days ago you sounded…sad. Everything okay?"
"Yeah, I mean I'd had a rough day at work and I was pretty messed up."
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, nothing that a few bottles of alcohol and a Deep and Meaningful with Jack couldn't fix."

Elaine shook her head but smiled without comment,

*I know all about that one Daniel, what are the chances both you and Jack would want to talk with me on the same day.*

"But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. I have a, well a secret and I've tried writing it out in my Journal but it hasn't helped much and I figured that you were a doctor so you wouldn't judge me, I mean you've seen my medical file so you know more about me than most anyhow and I didn't know who else I could talk to because I couldn't talk to Jack and now I'm babbling. I'm sorry."
"Daniel sweetie, what's going on?"

Daniel looked around and lowered his voice. He was pretty sure no one would recognise him but they were still close enough to Cheyenne Mountain for it to be possible,

"Ellie, I'm…I'm in love with Jack."
"Oh my God."

Elaine couldn't believe what she was hearing. Only five hours before she had been sitting with Jack hearing him confess his love for Daniel and now here was Daniel doing the same for Jack.

"I know, I'm stupid and I know he's your friend and I know he's a he and…"
"Daniel, shh. It's okay."

Elaine grabbed his hand to stop him rambling,

"I was just a little surprised, you aren't stupid. Far from it Dr"

Daniel smiled shyly and took a deep breath,

"I've known for ages, months…maybe longer if I'm completely honest. I'm not expecting you to cure me of anything I just needed to talk to someone. I've been writing everything down in my Journal and that usually works but this time, I don't know what to do Ellie. I mean he's an Air Force Colonel, a Black Ops trained, Don't Ask Don't Tell high ranking military officer and to top it all off, He's a guy! How can you say I'm not stupid?"

Elaine shook her head and smiled softly. It was almost an accurate re-enactment of the conversation she'd had with Jack. She still couldn't believe what she was hearing. Jack and Daniel loved each other, it was fantastic! She knew eventually it would come out but until then these two were going to put themselves through so much unnecessary drama!

"Daniel, you aren't stupid. Believe me! You like someone, that's fantastic. It's Jack, your best friend who you trust, excellent! A lot of people fall for their best friends, it's natural. You spend so much time together and you both love the same things…"
"He's a guy. Ellie I can't…"

Daniel looked down at his coffee. This was what he'd been having trouble with. Loving someone was easy, even Jack. He didn't even necessarily care that it was a guy. His mum had once told him that you should love everyone, no matter what Gender they were or what race, but that didn't stop him being scared. What if it turned out like…He couldn't think about it. Elaine looked at the vulnerability in Daniel's features. She understood where it came from and she didn't know how to re-assure him. Jack was nothing like the people Daniel had known in the past and she knew Daniel believed that too but a part of him was still a scared eleven year old that feared the worst.

"Daniel, I don't know what's going to happen between you and Jack, I think you'll be okay, In fact I'm positive you'll be okay. I don't believe the past will repeat itself on you, not this time. You have to believe it will be different."
"I can't. I don't know how."
"I know sweetie. My advice, believe in Jack. Trust him to do the right thing."
"It's not so easy to do in practice."
"You obviously trust him enough to love him. I know you can't act on that right now but maybe that's for the best. Get to know him even more than you do now, the better you know him the more you will trust him. Maybe open up a bit more to him too."
"You make it sound so easy."
"For an old girl like me, it is."

Elaine grinned and Daniel couldn't help but grin back.

"Now help me eat this scone will you! Friends don't let friends get fat alone."

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you


On Monday morning Jack walked into the briefing room and found Carter and Teal'c already sitting down chatting.

"Morning everyone."
"Good morning Sir, how was your weekend?"
"Fine thanks Carter, yours?"
"Uneventful, I liked it."
"How you doing Teal'c?"
"I am well O'Neill. And you?"
"Peachy."

Jack went to pour himself a cup of coffee and found he automatically poured two cups. He smiled but hesitated about making the second cup. He went about adding the milk just as Daniel walked through the door,

"Hey everyone."
"Daniel, how are you today?"

Sam was wearing a slightly concerned expression but relaxed when she saw Daniel smile.

"A lot better today, thanks Sam."
"Were you not well DanielJackson?"
"I'd been better."
"I'll say!" Jack joked as he put a cup in front of him.
"Thanks." Daniel muttered as he went to take a sip.
"How's the head?"
"Much better, sleep helped."
"I'm sure it did. I'm rather impressed at how well you can handle yourself Danny. Not too bad at all."
"Thanks, I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon."

Jack snickered and sat opposite, as General Hammond walked into the room.

"Good morning SG1, I'm hoping today's mission will be an easy one, Captain Carter, can you begin the briefing?"
"Yes Sir. P8C-212 is actually a …"

*Babble, babble, I need to talk to Hammond about not doing Science missions on a Monday. They're more of a Wednesday thing. Danny looks particularly yummy this morning, Yummy! What the! I don't use the word yummy, how did I not realise any of this sooner? Okay, best friend, not yummy, science. Must listen to Carter…Meh, Daniel can explain it to me later.*

*I'm still not feeling particularly well, I should go and get some aspirin from Janet, and then I can apologise at the same time. Good Plan. Jack made me coffee, that makes me feel a bit better, I wish he made me coffee every day. Always tastes better when someone else makes it. Especially if that someone is Jack. Hmm Jack, okay stop it and focus, I need to listen, Jack's zoned out already, he'll want me to explain it later on. Ok, focus on Sam.*

*ColonelO'Neill and DanielJackson keep looking at each other when they should be watching CaptainCarter. They often exhibit unusual behaviour. It is very strange. They are close friends who watch out for each other which is very admirable. The Tau'ri are a good people, I am glad to be here among them.*

Thirty minutes later SG1 left the briefing room to go and get ready for their mission. Jack met Daniel in his office and together they walked toward the Gate Room,

"So Teal'c and I will basically just be there to look pretty?"
"Pretty much. But you do it so well."
"Funny! So Ellie is coming for dinner on Thursday night, you free?"
"Sure, what am I cooking?"
"See, this is a great partnership. I host, you cook it's a win win."
"I'm not just invited so I can cook am I?"
"Of course not! Daniel, I don't want you to think I'm taking adva…you're making fun of me aren't you."
"It was too easy. So Thursday, sounds like a plan. As long as we don't die in the meantime."
"That would cause some problems."
"A few."

Jack stopped by the dialling computer to talk to Walter and Daniel continued down into the gate room.

"Everything okay Sir?"
"Yeah Walter, It's fine. Just making sure everything's good to go."
"No problem's at all Sir."

Jack looked down at his friend who was chatting with Teal'c. He was smiling and looked comfortable which pleased Jack greatly. This morning had been easier than he suspected. Sure his heart rate had increased when Daniel walked into the room and he had kept looking at him through the briefing but he was sure no one had noticed. He couldn't keep his eyes off him.

*Maybe this won't be so bad!*

"Sir?"
"You're right, No problems."

'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed


"That was a bit of a problem." Sam remarked

SG1 returned through the gate sixteen hour later. Hammond was waiting anxiously for them; they should have only been gone for seven.

"What happened?"
"A bit of dirt, nothing too dramatic." Jack exclaimed
"I believe it was quite a substantial amount of…dirt O'Neill."
"I'd even say mud! A substantial amount of mud General." Daniel noted
"It's all in the detail." Jack waved his hand flippantly causing a few drops of mud to land on Hammond's jacket. "Sorry Sir."

"Go and get cleaned up, de-briefing in thirty minutes."

Hammond shook his head as the flagship team dripped mud through the gate room. He was always impressed at their ability to joke, even if they were covered head to toe in mud. Even Daniel had joined in.

Since the BBQ a few months before, Daniel had been laughing a bit more and joking with the staff, not just his own team. As he got comfortable he opened up more, and even after the issues of the previous weeks Daniel had bounced back in spectacular style. He knew it had more to do with his friendship with his team, together he truly believed they could make it through almost anything.

The General went back to his office to prepare for the de-brief, once again pleased with how his command was functioning


"So all the tests were completed?"
"Yes Sir, we may need to go back again but for now we have what we need." Sam nodded
"Excellent. It's late and I wouldn't mind some sleep. Take tomorrow…Today off and then you can spend Thursday and Friday catching up on things around here. Good Night everyone, Dismissed!"

Sam yawned in response and Daniel waved goodbye without looking up from his position of having his head lying on his arms.

"I think I'm just going to crash here for the night." Daniel mumbled
"I agree." Sam added.
"You guys will be more comfortable at home. Come on, I'll get an Airman to drive you Sam, Danny you can crash at mine if you like."
"Whatever."

Daniel was in no mood to argue and Sam hadn't responded because she was yawning again. Twenty minutes later the three of them were headed up the elevator with two Airmen, one to drive Sam's car and the other to drive him back again.

Jack and Daniel both got into Jack's truck and Jack drove them home.


When Daniel woke up the next day it was mid-morning. He was still quite tired but he knew if he didn't get up he wouldn't get back into a regular sleep routine.

He stretched and took comfort in the pale blue walls that surrounded him.

*Hmm, love this bed. Bed is good. Lots of blue, nice. Suits me, I'm blue. Not always anymore I guess. Was blue. I'm tired. Need coffee!*

Daniel wandered downstairs, realising Jack was still asleep he made himself a cup of coffee and sat on the couch. It was raining outside so he couldn't sit on the deck but he was content to watch the water fall down the glass from the comfort of the living area.

*Damn I'm tired, must stay awake. Been a long few weeks, glad to have a comfy day. Maybe I should talk to Jack today about something, anything. Let's see if I can open up more. Jack won't judge, I don't think. Okay, time to move love into trust. Do it for Ellie.*

Daniel reclined back a little and watched the rain fall down, Rain always made him a little sad. As the morning played on he became lost in his thoughts, so much so he didn't notice Jack come down and join him.

"Hey, how you doing?"
"Oh, Jack! Sorry I was in my own world. What time is it?"
"Almost twelve. Been up long?"
"A few hours. I figured I had to get up so I'll sleep tonight."
"Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem."

Jack went and grabbed some water, and joined his Daniel on the couch,

"I think I'm going to feel crappie all day."
"I was hoping coffee would help but…Maybe an early night."
"Sounds like a plan."

Jack put his feet up on the coffee table and closed his eyes,

"Hey did I mention Ellie was bringing her partner on Thursday?"
"Nope, what's his name?"
"Her name is Melanie, Mel."
"Oh. That's nice. The more the merrier."
"You're taking it better than I did. You know I've known Elaine for such a long time and I never knew she had a partner, let alone a female one."

Daniel opened his eyes and looked at Jack trying to decided what Jack meant by the statement,

"I'm going to assume you don't have a problem because they're coming to dinner."
"Oh, no problem at all. That type of thing doesn't faze me. You can't help who you love."
"Tell me about it." Daniel mumbled quietly as he once again closed his eyes.
"Danny, Is there something you need to tell me?"

Daniel looked at Jack and while his tone was light and playful Daniel detected something in Jack's eyes, what it was he couldn't say.

"Nope, nothing to tell here."
"Yeah, sure, okay." Jack smiled and closed his eyes again,
"There's not!"
"I believe you!"

Daniel got up and re-filled his coffee cup.

"Please tell me you aren't drinking cold coffee?"
"Well there aren't any beans left, I need to re-stock here."
"Top of the pantry."

Daniel opened the pantry and found the fresh bag nestled nest to Jack's cereal.

"When did you get these?"
"The other day. Couldn't have you going without caffeine."
"Thanks Jack."

Jack opened his eyes and saw the smile on Daniel's face as he went about preparing the pot,

*Worth it!*
"Want one?"
"Sure."

Daniel placed the cup in front of Jack and they sat in comfortable silence and listened to the rain fall.

"I love the rain. I used to play around in it with Charlie. So much fun."
"Didn't you catch a cold?"
"Sometimes, but it didn't stop us doing it again the next time."
"I never did that. I was never allowed."
"Really?"
"Well before mum and dad died I pretty much lived in Egypt and then as a foster kid, I had enough medical problems without adding a cold into the mix. I was happy in doors anyway. A good book was all I needed."
"Well you were missing out my friend. So many things are better in the rain."
"Add it to the list." Daniel smiled.

Jack's eyes lit up and Daniel groaned,

"You can't be serious!"
"Let's go."

Jack got up in a sudden burst of energy and grabbed Daniel's hand,

"Seriously!" Daniel was torn between wanting to stay curled up on the couch and not wanting Jack to let go of his hand,
"Yes, let's go!"

Jack pulled him up and out the door. They stood together on Jack's front lawn letting the rain pour down on them. It wasn't too heavy but it was enough that the pair were soon soaked through.

"How is this fun?" Daniel queried?
"Because it is! Hang on."

Jack ran inside but quickly returned, locking the door behind him.

"Going somewhere?"
"Let's go for a walk."
"What? Jack we have no shoes, we're barely dressed, I'm not going anywhere!"
"Come on Danny, it's fine. Trust me."

Daniel looked at his friend, he was worried about all the stuff that could happen but Jack had used the two words Daniel had been debating about all morning.

*Trust him, Okay, you can do this.*

Daniel took one step towards his friend and then another, his pace quickening till he reached the side walk. Jack grinned and together they walked down the street.

And all my walls stood tall painted blue
And I'll take them down, take them down
And open up the door for you


"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."

Ten minutes later Daniel was silently cursing Jack and his insane idea when they stopped in front of a park. It held a swing set, monkey bars and a slide. Jack walked over to the swings and jumped on,

"Come on!"

Daniel rolled his eyes and followed Jack's lead. He got on and pushed himself off the ground, pumping his legs to gain momentum. It didn't take long for a smile to appear on his face.

"See! It's fun!"

Daniel looked at Jack and laughed, he looked at the ground in front of him and on the next surge forward he pushed himself off the seat and into a puddle causing muddy water to splash out around him. Some caught Jack on his swing but he got his revenge when he landed in the puddle next to him covering Daniel in brown spray.

"I used to love doing that!"
"Me too, haven't done it in ages. Let's go again."

The pair swung their way back into childhood memories, jumping off into the puddles, challenging each other on who could go higher, Jack had never seen Daniel look so happy – so free. Next came the monkey bars and then the slide. For nearly two hours they played in the park. Occasionally a car would drive by but they were largely uninterrupted. Eventually Daniel sat down on the grass and let the rain clean some of the mud from his face. Jack joined him and the pair sat catching their breath,

"So maybe playing in the rain is fun."
"Every time. Next time we should head up near the Mountain, there's a track that pretty much turns into a mud slide. It's great."
"Sound's fun."
"So is this better than a good book?"
"I wouldn't go that far. It's not better, it's different. Jack books are comforting to me. They are predictable…mostly. They have a beginning, middle and an end. It's rare that a book can throw you off track although in saying that I've just finished this one where the main character has been killed and…never mind. I like them. Playing in the rain was ridiculous, some would say stupid and knowing my luck fatal, but I had an amazing time."
"You looked like you were having fun. You need to trust yourself more Danny. Rules are great but sometimes breaking the rules is so much better."

*I have broken the rules, I fell in love with you!*

Daniel nodded in agreement and got up,

"So now I'm starving. Lunch, dinner, I don't know."
"Lunner."
"Sure." Daniel laughed.

He helped Jack up and they walked back to Jack's home. Jack couldn't remember a day being more fun since Charlie had died. He'd had some great moments with Daniel in the past but today definitely topped them. He'd known Daniel was taking a huge step by following him to the park and an even bigger step by enjoying himself but he had done it. He had trusted Jack and Jack felt sure he hadn't let him down. That was something he never wanted to do.

And all I feel in my stomach is butterflies
The beautiful kind, making up for lost time,
Taking flight, making me feel right


That night Jack and Daniel sat watching a movie. They were both wrapped up in blankets to stop any potential chill from the day's adventures; Jack was cradling a hot chocolate and Daniel, his precious coffee.

"This was our favourite." Daniel told Jack as they watched the pictures move across the screen,
"It's a Connery thing."

They were watching the next in their James Bond marathon but they had spent more time talking than actually watching.

"Dad used to do the worst Sean Connery impressions. But I could have sworn they were the best thing ever."
"How old were you?"
"Four."
"Well that explains it, at four I could do no wrong in Charlies eyes."
"I'd love to have that innocence again, even for a moment."
"I think you did today. You looked like you were having the time of your life."
"I was. I never even considered doing that. After our last mission I'm surprised you haven't had enough of mud."
"That was pretty messy. But in the end, what's a little mud going to do?"
"Well there are mudslides, floods, volcanic flow, all of which are fairly deadly."
"I figured we'd be okay."
"You just wanted an excuse to get dirty."
"After today can you blame me?"
"I guess not. I think I may have done things like that if Mum and Dad hadn't died. I don't remember everything about them but I do remember laughing a lot."
"I'm glad. From what you've told me they sounded fun."
"They were. Even that last day, I think we were going somewhere after they had finished working. Dad had been really excited about something and he kept grinning at me. But they had to finish at the museum first."

Jack didn't want Daniel going to an unhappy place but he was genuinely curious about Daniel's parents and Daniel had been quite chatty all afternoon,

"Have you, been back? To New York?"
"Once. I was due to go on a Field Trip about a year after it happened but I pretended to be sick so I wouldn't have to go. Then when I graduated I went back but I couldn't go into the exhibit. I stood as far back as I could because I couldn't face it. I haven't been back since."
"Would you want to?"
"I, Yes…no. There's a thing on in October there and I've said I'd go but…well there's more than one reason for me not to go but, I don't know."

Jack weighed the information in his mind,

"Is there anything there, like a memorial?"
"I'm not sure. If there is I've never been told and I've never been back to enquire."
"I'm sure there is."
"Yeah."

They sat in silence for a while before Daniel let out a small laugh,

"Sharing is caring."
"I was just remembering, Mum, she was such a happy person, really softly spoken but no matter how softly she spoke she could silence a room. Dad was a people person, he loved books but he loved to talk."
"Like father, like son."
"Funny, but mum, she was the opposite; she was quiet but could always make people listen. Everyone loved her."
"Daniel, I think your parents were amazing people, and from the sound of it they gave you their best qualities. How you describe them is how I would describe you."
"I don't know about that."
"I do, everything you just said about them is you, and I know quite a few people who would agree."

Daniel finished his coffee and they kept watching the movie. When it was finished it was still quite early but both men were drained so when Daniel said he was going to bed Jack agreed,

"Night Daniel, Sleep well." *Wish I could join you, no, stop thinking like that. Bad Jack!*
"Night, at least we'll have an easy few days." *A hug would make me feel so much better, you can't ask for a hug. You're a guy, suck it up Daniel.*
"Maybe, Feretti is off world, who knows what trouble we'll have to dig him out of." *Even just falling asleep with him would be amazing, hmm sleeping with Daniel. Bad Jack!*
"Don't say that, I need to get some work done! Translations don't do themselves." *Hugging Jack while you fall asleep. Oh that's not going to help at all!*
"True, okay night." *I love you.*
"Night." *I love you.*

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you


Jack opened the door of his home to find Ellie standing with a woman who looked to be the same age, maybe slightly younger.

"Hey guys, come on in!"

Ellie and Mel walked in and Jack took their coats before giving them both a kiss on the cheek,

"Jack this is Mel, Mel meet Colonel Jack O'Neill."
"Colonel, I've heard so much about you!"

Jack found himself pulled into a big hug; he was surprised at Mel's outgoing nature but went with the flow,

"Jack is fine. It's great to finally meet you!" He gave Elaine a mock glare but she only grinned in response,
"Seemed appropriate. Now where's that gorgeous Doctor of yours!" Elaine had kept her voice low but it didn't stop Jack staring wide eyed,
"Ellie!"
"Don't worry, Doctor – Patient confidentiality. This house smells amazing so I'm guessing the kitchen?"
"Follow your nose."

Ellie took Mel's hand and led them into the kitchen area; Daniel was standing over the stove top stirring a large pot. He turned at the sound of voices and smiled warmly,

"Hey Ellie, how are you?"
"I'm doing well, and you?" Daniel saw the hidden look in her eyes and nodded,
"Yeah, everything's okay. Good even."
"I'm glad, Daniel this is Mel. Don't be too scared, she has a little bit more personality than me."
"A little! That's an understatement. Daniel it's so good to meet you, Ell was right, your eyes…damn!"

Daniel blushed and turned back towards the stove.

"Oh he's so cute when he blushes!"

Jack silently agreed, Daniel was so unused to positive praise that it often caused him to blush, He loved it.

"Poor boy, Come on Colonel let's get me a drink!"

Jack grinned and happily took her arm. He'd taken an immediate liking to Mel, she seemed fun and something about her reminded him of Chelsea his sister. Elaine stayed behind and started to chop a lettuce from the salad preparation on the bench,

"Oh, you don't have to do that."
"I know, I want to. So what are we having?"
"Chicken Risotto."
"Oh yum, it smells amazing."

Daniel blushed again and Ellie smiled kindly,

"Sorry about Mel, she can come on a little strong but…"
"No no, Ellie she seems great. Opposite of you which is…encouraging."
"Yes, the complete opposite really, but I love her for it."
"As I said, encouraging."

The pair continued to prepare the meal in silence while Jack and Mel continued to acquaint themselves in the other room. When Daniel announced the food was ready he found himself being ushered out of the kitchen by Mel,

"You cooked! Go and relax, I can take care of this one."
"Oh, okay."

Daniel sat himself down next to Jack as Mel and Elaine brought everything to the table.

"Daniel, this is ridiculous! Seriously, you should have been a chef."
"I'm happy being an archaeologist. Being a Chef seems stressful, long hours for grumpy customers, no thanks."
"Well you could do it if you wanted, this is great!"
"Thanks."
"Told you it was a good idea that he cooks." Jack grinned,
"Well its usually a good idea if you want to have your guests come out alive at the end." Daniel quipped before taking a bite. Elaine and Mel laughed while Jack pretended to look offended,
"It's not that bad Daniel."
"You're right I apologise. Charcoal is great for your stomach."

Mel laughed so loud Jack was afraid the neighbours would call the police,

"Oh that's priceless! You're great Daniel!"
"It's uh, it's Danny."

Mel glanced at Ellie and nodded,

"Well Danny then. You have a great sense of humour. It's always the quiet ones that surprise you, take this one for example,"

Mel grabbed Elaine's hand and for all her boisterous behaviour, Daniel could see the care she took when dealing with Ellie.

*Yep, you can stay.* Daniel decided.

"Yes, how did you two meet?" Jack asked, "Garlic bread?"
"No thanks, your turn Ellie, her version is better." Mel exclaimed,
"Well we both worked at the hospital, Mel is a scrub nurse. We'd seen each other around the place a few time and one day she was scheduled on my surgery."
"That wasn't an accident by the way."
"I wasn't a big fan when we first met to be perfectly honest. Melanie was loud, boisterous, yes she made people laugh but I was a bit worried the kids wouldn't like her. Most of them are scared to death of surgery so to have a crazy woman around them wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
"So much for love at first sight hey."
"I was waiting in theatre for the patient and in came Mel, she was wearing custom made scrubs, multi-coloured and her scrub cap was covered in animals. She was speaking quite softly and the next thing I knew the little girl was laughing. It was the sweetest little laugh and Mel looked up at me grinning, she said 'We're good to go here doc' and she came around next to me, ready to do her job. In my opinion her job had already been done. From then on I made sure we were scheduled on together, now nearly thirty years later If I have to operate she's next to me."
"That's really nice" Daniel smiled
"Yes, So sweet! My version is so much better!"
"Please, do tell." Jack grinned.
"Oh it's simple really, she just couldn't resist my charms."
"Yes, I was helpless once I met you."
"Sure were, no one can resist my amazing personality and good looks."

Jack snorted into his glass while Elaine rolled her eyes,

"Yes, that's it exactly. Anyway, we've had our ups and downs, we've seen a lot and I wouldn't change any of it for the world."
"So what about you two? How does an Archaeologist and an Air Force Colonel end up becoming friends? I mean it sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, all you need is a rocket scientist."
"Well Sam's an Astrophysicist." Jack supplied helpfully,
"Sam is another member of our team. It does sometimes feel like a joke. I…don't know to be honest. I think I ask myself that every day." Daniel admitted
"It just works." Jack bumped his shoulder lightly against Daniel's and Daniel glanced shyly at him, "I'm sure Ellie told you our work is classified so we can't tell you what we do but Daniel is contracted to the military as an expert consultant."
"Very cool."
"It is, so we work crazy hours doing insane things and at the end of the day your team is your family, the person beside you is all you have. I'm not sure how we became friends but we are, it works."

*Wow, these two are so obviously into each other! How are they not seeing it!*

Mel had laughed when Ellie had first told her that Jack O'Neill was in love with his best friend. Although Mel had never met the man she knew of him, Jack was like the son that Ellie had never had. She'd heard some of the stories of things Charlie had done, stories of things Jack had done, over the years Mel had been able to form a picture in her mind of what Jack was like and she was happy to realise she hadn't been wrong.

Daniel was nothing like she imagined. She had never met an archaeologist before but in her head they were all old people who couldn't talk to you unless you were over a thousand years old. The young man was not what she had in mind, yes he was shy but she had a feeling that if she got him going on a topic he was passionate about you wouldn't be able to shut him up.

She still couldn't believe the two were friends but throughout the evening, seeing them interact she knew Jack was right, It worked!

The evening continued nicely, Mel even insisted on helping to clean up. When they were leaving Daniel picked up his jacket which surprised Jack slightly,

"Headed home?"
"I probably should. I think I've spent more time here in the past few weeks than at home. Don't want to wear out my welcome."
"I don't mind, but sure. Well I'll walk you all out then."
"Danny, feel free to cook for me any time! I haven't eaten that well in ages." Mel spoke as they headed out,
"Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. We should do this again soon."
"At our place next time." Ellie agreed
"I'm in!" Jack kissed Ellie on the cheek, "Thanks for coming over Elle."
"Any time Jack, you're doing well you know. Just…have patience. You never know remember."
"Sure, I'm not a patient guy though."
"Don't I know it!"

Jack walked over to Mel while Daniel said goodbye to Elaine.

"Everything will be okay Danny, I'm positive. More so after tonight."
"You really think so?"
"Yes. Don't push it, just keep being your beautiful self and you'll be fine."
"Thanks Ellie."
"Rockies vs. Cubs in a few weeks?" Mel asked as she got in the car,
"Alien invasion pending, sounds good!" Jack confirmed

Ellie and Daniel looked at each other,

"Baseball." They said together
"I'll bring a book." Daniel continued
"Or, we can go out for coffee and leave these two very strange people to their sport."
"Much better idea." Daniel agreed
"Boring!" Jack looked outraged but Daniel only shrugged.
"Alright well we'll talk soon then." Mel acknowledged
"Drive safe!" Jack called as the pair backed down the drive. When they had gone Daniel walked to his car and unlocked the door,
"You sure you want to go?"
*No, I really don't!* "It's still early by our standards, I can get a good night sleep."
"Okay, no problems. For the record I don't mind you staying you know."
"I know, you've said."
"Alright, well drive safe and I'll see you in the morning. Dinner really was awesome by the way."
"Thanks. Sleep well okay."
"I'll try."

Daniel pulled out of the drive and headed home. Jack walked inside and locked up for the night, He wasn't that tired so he decided to sit in front of the TV for a while. He wasn't in the mood to concentrate and before too long he found his eyes flicking around the room. They landed on a book sitting on the said table,

*Daniel's Journal, I hope he doesn't go looking for it tonight. I'll have to take it in the morning. Wow I'm bored, how the heck did I go for a whole year without him around? Without anyone around? He's been gone for ten minutes and I'm going nuts. Well I guess this is all part of it. You can't spend every second of your life with him, friends don't do that. You have to act normal, act like you do with Feretti, or Teal'c! Act normal!

I just have to keep going like I have been, don't try and escalate or de-escalate things. I'd lose him forever. Thin line, I can't fall either way. Maybe I should be treating this like a special ops mission, can't let anything show, I can think all I want but on the outside…nothing. Yes, I'll call it Operation…Space Monkey! Yes, Operation Space Monkey, that'll work. Okay from 0900 Operation Space Monkey will commence, till then…*

Jack switched off the TV and wandered upstairs; He took a shower then headed to bed. Lying there with the lights out he allowed himself drift off to sleep, the night filled with dreams of a world where he and Daniel were happy together.

'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
And you'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed


Daniel looked into his rear view mirror as he drove down the street. Jack's yard was still visible reminding him of the fact he was moving away from the man he loved. He'd had to fight with everything he had not to cave and spend the night, it would have been convenient but he had meant what he said, he didn't want to wear out his invitation. If he had any hope at all in the future of being with Jack, as remote as it was he didn't want to ruin it by taking advantage of his hospitality.

He hated leaving Jack's home, he hated leaving Jack. Actually he may have really liked his apartment if Jack was there. In a way the apartment was useful, it did provide a space he could escape to whether it be from want or need but on nights like tonight when he was going there just so it didn't look suspicious, it sucked!

He'd had a great evening with Ellie and Mel. They had helped him feel better about his feeling for Jack, like it was okay. He hadn't had overly negative thoughts on that front; in fact his main problem was that he would lose his best friend over it. But Elaine and Mel were obviously best friends, that's how all the best relationships worked, but his best friend was obviously straight. Ellie and Mel never had that problem.

There were times he had thought that maybe, just maybe there was something more between them, like a touch that went a fraction too long or a quick look, but he knew he was searching for something that wasn't there. His mind was playing tricks on him.

He got home and automatically reached for his journal. When it wasn't on his bedside table he did a quick search of the apartment before remembering he had taken it to Jack's the week before, after he'd "died" jack had seemed to want him around a lot, Daniel assumed it was to keep his mind at peace with the knowledge he wasn't actually dead. So Daniel had obliged and spent a few days there. He almost got straight back in his car to go and get it but stopped himself as he picked up his keys.

He couldn't go back, not tonight. He'd made a point of not staying; going back for a book would look pretty weak, even for him. He'd have to get it tomorrow.

Not having anything else to do Daniel decided to turn in. Lying in bed he began his nightly ritual of remembering his parents, Sha'ra had now made her way into the sequence as had Ska'ra. He felt a little guilty for wanting to pursue another relationship while they were still missing but he never allowed himself to dwell on it too much, he would just have to jump off that cliff later. As always right before his mind closed his thoughts veered to Jack. He didn't mind, it usually allowed him to have pleasant dreams. He drifted off to sleep smiling, at least for those eight hours; he could allow himself to be happy

Come back and tell me why
I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time, oh, oh, oh.
And meet me there tonight
And let me know that it's not all in my mind.


Friday morning rolled around the way Friday's always tend to do, slow and lazy with the knowledge that in roughly eight to nine hours the work day would end and the weekend would begin.

*Thank God it's Friday!* Sam thought as she pulled up in the car park for the SGC. She saw Daniel's car was already in the parking lot and as she got out Jack pulled up next to her.

"Nice bike Carter!" He called as he stepped out of his car
"Yes Sir. She's great."

She watched his gaze go past her towards Daniel's car and she saw his expression change, it was momentary and she didn't know what it meant but it was there. Something was going on with her CO and Daniel and she had no idea what it was. It wasn't in her training to ask questions but as a woman she wanted to know what was going on.

"Got plans for the weekend Sir?"
"None at this stage, I think I need to catch up around the house though. Yard work doesn't do itself."
"That's why I hire someone to do mine for me, makes my life a little easier."
"I might have to look into that. For now I just need to suck it up and do it. Not my favorite past time."
"Mine neither."

The pair entered the Mountain and entered their levels. Sam noticed Jack's hand hesitated slightly over the button for Level 18 but instead pressed for Level 27. Sam kept her thoughts to herself and smiled brightly as she exited on 19.

"See you later Sir."
"Have a good day!"

Sam waited for the elevator to close before she walked in the opposite direction to her lab, taking the stairs she walked up a level and knocked on the door of Daniel's office.

"Hey Daniel, how are you?"
"Hey Sam, I'm fine. How are you?"
"I'm good, glad it's Friday."
"Me too, not that I have a big weekend planned or anything but still."
"I know you're going to be busy but did you want to have lunch today?"
"Sure, if I don't make myself stop I probably will forget."
"Okay, well I'll come by around twelve."
"Okay, see you then."

Sam grinned and went back down to her lab. She pushed the button on the elevator and was surprised to find Jack standing in the elevator when it opened,

"Sir! Hi again, I thought you were going to see the General?"
"Yeah…I am."

Sam got in, something was definitely off with him, and it was driving her crazy. He wasn't sad or upset or angry just…off. She really had no idea. Jack almost seemed to want an excuse to see Daniel which was strange; he had never needed an excuse before.

"So I'm having lunch with Daniel, want to join us?"
"Oh, I don't want to intrude."
"Never Sir."
"Sure, count me in."

There had been no hesitation which made Sam realise she was right. She got off again on 19 and called out a time as the door was closing. Walking into her lab she thought about the men in her life and how complicated they made things. Her dad and brother aside Jack and Daniel brought more drama than a soap opera. It certainly gave her something else to think about on a daily basis.

She had no idea what was going on but she hoped whatever it was would either escalate or resolve itself soon because she really felt like she was in the middle of something and she wasn't quite sure of the game or whose side she was meant to be on.

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you


At 1215 Sam walked into Daniel's office and smiled as she saw him flicking franticly through multiple volumes. He was obviously on a roll and she also knew that would mean one thing, lunch was not going to happen.

"Hey Daniel, ready to eat?"
"Oh, Sam…yes Lunch. Um…I really need to keep going, I finally figured this out, I think and I need to just find this one reference and I'll be able to translate these markings and…"
"It's okay! Another time, I'll let you keep working."
"Okay, thanks."

Sam shook her head and walked out of the room. It wasn't unusual for Daniel to work through the whole day but she also knew he barely ate when he did and knowing him he would work well into the night if he wasn't finished which would mean his daily diet would only include coffee and chocolate.

She figured she could at least make him a sandwich, at least then if he didn't eat it she would have tried. She walked into the Commissary and saw Jack sitting at 'their' table. He nodded and again Sam noticed his gaze shift slightly, waiting for the person he figured would be with her,

"Hey Sir, Daniel's little tied up."
"Caught a break?"
"He thinks he has, you know he gets."
"Which means he won't eat."

Sam watched with interest as Jack shrugged and pretended to be more interested with his own food. In the past four months Sam had come to know the Colonel fairly well, more than she had ever known any other CO she'd had. If she didn't know him she would have thought nothing of his reaction. But she did know him, and she did know Daniel, Jack was trying awfully hard to act like he didn't care. Something was definitely going on with him.

Jack was Daniel's best friend but ever since the incident with Hathor He had been acting strange. Sam knew she was pressing the boundaries but she had to figure out what was going on before someone else started asking questions

"Sir, I don't mean to pry but is everything okay between you and Daniel?"
"Of course, what do you mean?" Jack looked sharply at Sam but she noted it wasn't in anger, He was intrigued! Like he was trying to figure something out, Sam was a bit thrown
"Well, You're just not acting…yourself, in regards to Daniel I mean."
"How so?" Jack was genuinely curious.

He had been trying to act casual in regards to Daniel, "Operation Space Monkey", acting like his friend and nothing more, exactly as he had always done. Now here was Sam asking questions. He wanted to know why.

"Well you're acting…I don't know but different, like you're trying to distance yourself maybe? I can't explain it. I noticed it on Monday morning and it's been getting worse all week. Did something happen after we left the restaurant on Friday night?"
"No, nothing out of the ordinary." *Except I came to the realisation I love my best friend.* "I took Daniel home, he passed out, woke up, we talked then he passed out again. Woke up and he went home. I don't think anything's different."
"Okay, see that just then. It's different. I've seen you interact with Daniel from day one and I've never seen you act so…indifferent. You could have been talking about anyone on this base, you could have been talking about a leaf! Daniel is your best friend. Usually when I bring up even the slightest concern regarding him you're all over it, protection mode is what Janet calls it. How your acting now is not how you usually act. I'm sorry for overstepping here Sir it's just Daniel is my friend too and I may not be as close as you but if something's wrong I want to know that he's okay."

Jack sighed and Sam watched him sink a little in his chair. It wasn't in defeat but he was definitely struggling with something.

"It's not Daniel, It's me. I'm making a specific effort to act normal with him, like I would with any of my friends but at the same time it doesn't feel right. Maybe I'm trying too hard."
"Do you not want to be friends with Daniel?" Sam was very confused. The Colonel was making no sense what so ever.
"Of course I do, you don't just stop being friends with someone for no reason Carter. I'm acting the same with Daniel as I do all my other friends, Lou, Teal'c, even you and Janet."
"But Sir, that's the problem. Daniel isn't just another friend. You have never treated Daniel the same as everyone else and that's why this all seems so strange now!"
"Is it really that obvious?"
"Maybe not to everyone else Sir, at least not yet. But I bet someone will start asking questions soon enough. You know how this rumour mill works, it's insane!"
"It a work place, they're all like it."
"Maybe. I'm not sure why you've suddenly decided that you and Daniel being friends is bad but unless you're actually planning to distance yourself completely, stop trying to pretend you don't care."
"I thought it would be a good idea."
"For who?"

Jack stared at Sam for a few moments. In the past five minutes she had broken all the rules in regards to seniority, chain of command and she had done it in the middle of the Mountain at the busiest time of day. But Jack was glad she had. He had thought he was doing well but the whole situation felt strange, even to him.

He thought back over the last week and realised the most normal he felt about the whole thing was when they had been playing in the park. Even the previous night with Ellie and Mel he felt he'd been putting on a certain kind of act.

"So, I start treating Daniel like everyone else and that's raising questions, that right?"
"Pretty much."

Jack nodded and let the information sink in.

"Daniel's in book mode."
"Completely."
"Coffee and chocolate?"
"A Twinkie if we're lucky."
"See you later Carter."

Jack jumped up and Sam watched him make up a meal which he then left with. No one even blinked.

"That's more like it."

All I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed


Jack nodded to a few people as he passed. He realised quickly that no one cared what he was doing of where he was going. He was stopped by one civilian who simply wanted to know if he was going to see Dr Jackson and when Jack said yes he asked him to give Daniel a report he was waiting on.

Jack was surprised at how natural it felt to be making sure Daniel consumed something. He had figured it was a reaction to the emotions he now realised were running through him but in reality it was just how it was.

How he treated Daniel came from how he felt. He had loved him before only he hadn't realised it. Now that he had he just had to make sure that nothing changed. He didn't have to act differently he just had to not act differently.

With that confusing thought running through his head Jack knocked on Daniel's door,

"Yeah?"

Jack opened the door and promptly sat the tray down in front of him covering his books.

"Hi, what are you doing?"
"Hi, making sure you eat."
"Okay, why?"
"Because it's a good idea."
"Right."

Daniel shook his head but obliged, picking up the sandwich and taking a bite.

"Happy?"
"Yeahsureyoubetcha."

Daniel rolled his eyes but smiled anyway.

"Oh, I was told you needed this?" Jack handed over the file he'd been given
"Oh, thank you. Hey, did I leave my Journal at your place?"
""Yeah, I meant to bring it but I forgot."
"That's okay, I'll stop by on the way home."
"Thai?"
"Sure, sound's good."

Jack smiled and stood up,

"Eat all that! I don't need you starving to death."
"I doubt that's going to happen Jack."
"Not as long as I'm around."

Jack waved casually as he left, shutting the door behind him. He felt better after seeing Daniel. He'd had to fight himself all morning not to go and see him which was something he never would have done before. He'd have to thank Sam one day, if he could figure out how to do that without losing his wings.

Ellie had told him that everything would be okay, and for the first time he felt she was right. The past week had been a real trip, full of every emotion he knew but he wouldn't change any of it. Daniel was his future, whether it be friendship or…well it could never be more but Daniel was definitely worth the effort of friendship.

"Nothing has changed." Jack said aloud to the empty hallway as he walked back to his office, "Nothing at all."

All I know is we said, "Hello."
So dust off your highest hopes
all I know is pouring rain and everything has changed


Daniel finished his sandwich. He was glad Jack had stopped by; for one thing he had been hungry. No matter how much he denied it he was glad someone kept an eye on his food intake. He just couldn't see the point sometimes in stopping to eat. He could eat when he was done.

For another thing he was glad to see Jack just for the sake of seeing him. Working together and spending as much time together as they did it was rare to not see each other so when they didn't it felt…wrong somehow.

Even in the midst of the chaos going on in his mind and heart Daniel knew everything would be okay. It had been a strange week. Jack had been acting a little unusual but that was to be expected considering what Daniel had told him about his past, but things seemed to be back to normal. Well as normal as their lives ever got.

Daniel put aside the tray Jack had placed on his table and reached for his coffee. He took a sip and kept working, his mind already racing through what still needed to be done so he would be at Jack's on time for dinner.

He reached out absently and played with the quartz sphere on his desk, taking comfort in its warmth before picking up his pen to continue his work.

*I wonder if things will ever change?* He mused as his thoughts switched languages, *Probably not.*

All I know is a new found grace
All my days I'll know your face
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

THE END (For Now)