Chapter 10: Final Move

Vala watched Daniel from across the table, completely confused by his behaviour. Earlier he had been almost flirty and now he seemed pissed. She had no idea what she could have done to cause such a reaction, especially since she hadn't seen him since this morning. She'd even taken a seat between Cam and Teal'c just so she wouldn't upset him with her presence. Why was he looking at her as if she'd betrayed him? Sam had to be wrong, there was something seriously amiss with her Daniel. But what could it be? When she'd brought up her theory to Caro, the doctor had only smirked and told her there was nothing medically wrong with him. What the hell did that even mean? It was moments like this when she wished she could get drunk. Damn Qetesh. Vala huffed in annoyance and stood. She'd had enough of Daniel's mercurial behaviour, she needed some air. She walked quickly out of the bar and leant against the wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Vala?"

"What do you want, Daniel?" She knew her voice was somewhere between a whine and an irritated sigh but she really didn't care. She'd just wanted a few moments to herself to figure things out.

"You okay?"

Vala opened her eyes slowly at the obvious concern in his voice and smiled sadly. "I just needed some air, darling. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"I'll wait with you."

"Why?" she asked, her voice full of irritation now.

"What?" Daniel was clearly confused by her anger and she felt a small bit of petty satisfaction at that. It was only right, considering he'd been doing it to her for the last week or so.

"Daniel, I came out here to be alone. I'll be fine for a few minutes, I don't need you watching over me!"

"That's not why I followed you."

"The why? What the hell do you want from me?"

"Just you." he said softly.

Vala stared at Daniel, at the determination in his eyes. She didn't know what to do or say, which Daniel seemed to take as a sign to move closer to her. Her breath hitched when he trapped her between himself and the wall, his arms going to either side of her head.

"Daniel, you're drunk...or sick...or-or something..." she mumbled, finally getting her voice back.

"I'm not drunk." Daniel laughed and placed a hand on her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. "And I did not pick up some disease on out last mission. I just want to be with you."

"So, you're what? Horny?" she asked in anger. "If you wanted sex, all you had to do was ask."

"I don't want sex, Vala." he said in a tone matching her own exasperation before softening it. "Well, I do, but that's not all I want. Vala, I want you, all of you."

"What are you asking for, exactly?" she asked, afraid to hope but needing to know.

"Everything." he told her with a smile, making her breath hitch again. "I want dinners out and quiet nights in front of the television. I want to wake up with you in my arms. I want to be the reason you smile. I want to be the one you turn to before all others. I want to be the first thing you think of when you wake every morning and the last thing when you go to bed. I want to take away your fears and share in your joys. I want the good moments and the bad. But most importantly, I want your heart. You've already got mine. I love you, Vala."

"Oh, Daniel." Vala said in a watery voice, tears streaming down her cheeks. She placed her hands on his face and smiled. "My heart was yours a long time ago. I love you, too."

Vala saw Daniel's grin for only a second before his lips came crashing down on hers. She could feel all of his pent-up emotions going into the kiss and she answered with her own. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and felt him moan against her lips. She'd kissed him before, knew what he tasted like, but this was different. This was love and she wanted to hold onto it forever. Eventually, though, they had to breath and Vala wanted to cry in frustration as they broke contact. Daniel rested his forehead on hers and smiled as he kissed her chastely once more before pulling back.

"What do you say we get out of here?" he asked, taking her hand in his and squeezing.

"What about the team? Shouldn't we tell them we're leaving?"

"I'm sure they'll figure it out." he laughed and tugged her toward the parking lot.

Vala looked back at the bar for a second, only then noticing two figures staring at them from the door. Vala laughed and waved, realising that their friends had figured it out a long time ago.

()()()()

"So?" Cam asked as Jack and Sam sat back down.

"I win." Jack told the team with a grin, taking a quick swig of his beer.

Everyone looked to Sam for confirmation.

"He's telling the truth." she grumbled in distaste.

The table's occupants, save Jack, groaned and pulled out their wallets.

"I love being right." Jack commented as he raked in the pile of money.

Three sets of eyes rolled in unison which only caused the general's grin to widen.

A/N: Yeah, it's obscenely fluffy but I'm not going to apologise. In fact, you'll be thanking me for this after you see what I'm working on next. And, before you ask, NO SPOILERS!