Lifetime Part 11

Daniel ran into his bedroom as soon as Jack opened the front door. He hadn't spoken a word on the way home. There was definitely something wrong. Jack went to the door and knocked," Danny, I can't help you if you won't talk to me. Can I come in?" He heard a soft no but continued to talk to Daniel," Please Danny."

"Come in then."

Jack opened the door, Daniel was lying across the bed. He sat down beside him and ran his fingers through his hair. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," he cried even harder.

Jack lifted him up into his arms," What are you sorry about?"

"I lied."

"About?" Jack was not going to let him off easily.

"I didn't get lost. I just didn't want to leave the Museum. I hid from the security guards."

"Oh Danny. You're going to have to accept that at the moment you're a child and that I have to look after you. I know you hate taking orders but you're going to have to learn. You just can't behave as if you're an adult. It's not safe for you to run off." This set him off crying even more.

"I hate this." He pointed at his small body. "General Hammond sm...smacked me. Just as if I was a naughty little kid."

"He did?" Daniel nodded. Jack was glad he didn't have to, he didn't think he'd ever be able to smack Daniel. The young Daniel had not had an easy life in foster care and he wanted to make this experience as enjoyable as he could. "Then I hope you won't do something like that again."

Daniel shook his head. "Do you hate me?"

"NO! I could never hate you."

"I love you," Daniel said softly.

Jack hadn't expected that. He looked down at the small boy curled up on his lap and said, "I love you too, Buddy." He held onto him until he fell asleep.

He put Daniel to bed then he picked up the phone and dialled Fraiser's number. "Hi, Janet. I just need to ask you something."

"Go ahead Colonel."

"It's Danny. He acts like a little kid some times and others he's like he used to be. It's very confusing for him."

"I think it's his brain's way of coping with what's happened to him. If you're at all worried bring him in and I'll have a look at him."

"Thanks doc. It's just I worry about him." He set the phone down.

Early the next morning Daniel woke up after having a horrible dream. He hadn't told anyone about them. Lots of his memories came back to him in his sleep and sometimes they frightened him. He got up and went to Jack's door. He felt such a baby coming through but Jack didn't seem to mind. Jack 's cover lifted and he ran over and got under. The next thing he knew the bright light was shining through the window and Jack was already up having a shower. He snuggled under the covers.

He heard Jack go through to the kitchen. Soon after he could smell pancakes and he couldn't stay in bed any longer. "Thought that would get you up," Jack said as he went through.

"Coffee?" he asked hopefully.

"Okay but a milky one." Daniel pouted.

"I can just as easily give you milk."

"No, milky is fine."

"I thought we could go visit Catherine and Ernest today."

"But.."

"It's okay they already know about you."

"Can Freya come?"

"I'm sure they won't mind. Let's get a bath ready for you. You were too tired last night."

Jack put plenty of bubbles in it for Daniel. He also set in a rubber duck and a couple of boats. "Where'd you get these Jack?"

"I found them," he said going a bit red.

"You play with these in your bath. Sam's right about you, you are a big kid."

"I think I need to have words with Carter about respect for a senior officer." Daniel giggled. Jack loved the sound. It didn't take long to get him ready. Now remember no more adventures. I've got enough grey hairs as it is."

TBC