"And after a few more evacuation groups, word reached us that the Stargate wouldn't engage again," Nicola explained to Lorne as they stood alone in the elevator. She was finally dry and yet she was still heading off for a swimming session with Lorne. Remembering Daniel's earlier words, Nicola decided that she really probably was crazy. "It wasn't until General Hammond contacted us that he explained."
"I'm still glad we weren't assigned to help you two."
"Thanks! There was nothing anyone could do. By the point that the Stargate stopped working, the rain was too hard and water levels were too high. All we could do was stand on the highest point of ground, attempting to see through the terrible rain for the Stargate to activate, hoping it was news that it was working. It was really looking like the Stargate was going to be submerged."
"Close call," he commented as they exited the elevator and began a walk towards his car. "Are you sure you want to go swimming?"
She considered the question, finally answering, "Part of me never wants to get wet ever again, but part of me wants to go swimming and beat the water, to say ha, you haven't defeated me." He looked at her with a look that said she was crazy. "I have only just got all the water of my ears though."
"Dinner?" Usually after a swimming session, the pair of them would grab something to eat from somewhere, but it was never really dressed up as dinner. Something about his question made Nicola panic ever so slightly. Not that she would ever admit it out loud, but Nicola could now admit to herself that since joining SG-1 she had had a crush on Daniel Jackson. It was fading now, but she was still reluctant to attempt any kind of relationship other than friendship with anyone, Nicola was still in the first steps of friendship after years of none. Even someone from the SGC was incapable of dealing with her night-terrors.
"As friends?" she found herself embarrassingly asking and then, mortifyingly her mouth continued without her brain's control. "Because, I'm enjoying forming friendships with people recently. And that includes you. I find it hard to make attachments and really don't want to rush things. I mean, friends are good, right?"
"Nicola," he stopped her verbally. "Yes, as friends. Now, shut up and get in the car."
"Yeah, right." Of course he meant as friends, why on Earth would he be interested in me? Fearing the worst as she got in Lorne's car, Nicola was pleased when their usual random conversations started up once they were on the road with no weird tension. There was no way that she was ready for anything more complicated than friendships with anyone.
AFTER MT CHAPTER 13
