Okay – my muse took a different turn today, thanks to an idea thrown at me by the lovely Hotshow! This one is for you, my friend!
This is a long chapter – hope you enjoy it!
No beta and just borrowing as normal.
Fevered Memories of Christmas Past.
Daniel sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands.
So much for feeling better.
It had been such a wonderful, fun filled day yesterday. Daniel had felt so much better, tired, but better. Unfortunately, his sense of wellbeing disappeared around three o'clock this morning when nausea pulled him from his sleep. The migraine that always came hand in hand with the nausea kicked in at four o'clock and since then he'd either been holed up in the bathroom or buried under his quilts. After a fifth trip to the bathroom to empty his stomach, Jack had woken Janet who had instantly put her 'Doctors' hat back on and medicated her patient. Not that it had done much good. Daniel still felt extremely nauseous and a climbing temperature now added to his misery.
Janet had told him that his symptoms would linger for a while, meningitis was like that, but Daniel had really hoped that he would feel well enough to help out on Christmas Eve, as he knew that Jack had a lot planned today.
As it was though, he felt too ill to do anything other than sleep.
The cabin was lonely quiet at the moment. The others had left to do a final food shop. Jack had offered to stay but Daniel had insisted that all he wanted to do was sleep and was adamant that he'd be just fine on his own. But, when the room began to loop around him, he began to wish he hadn't taken Jack up on his offer. Misery loved company and he actually felt miserable enough to be mother henned at the moment
Deciding that perhaps a change of scenery would do him good and remembering that Jack had said that he'd lit the fire, Daniel grabbed the bucket that Janet had kindly left him 'just in case' and his quilt and staggered into the lounge.
The drapes were wide open and the sun that poured through the window was too bright, so Daniel deposited the bucket and quilt by the sofa and, with his head down and his eyes tightly closed, crossed to close them. He then made his way back to the sofa, flopped down and reached for his quilt. He was absolutely freezing.
Curling up into a ball, he buried his head under his covers and lay there shivering and longing for the warmth of the fire to warm him up.
It seemed like an eternity to him but the fire quickly did the trick and he finally began to relax. As he drifted in to a feverish sleep, his mind took him back to his last Christmas...
Xxx
The storm that raged beyond the safe thick walls of the pyramid showed no signs of receding.
The sand storms that ravaged the plains of Abydos were a common occurrence but Daniel hadn't known one as harsh as this one.
The storm siren had sounded late one evening and Kasuf had led his people in his usual calm and collected style. The camp had been stuck with the normal efficiency, everyone had a job and knew exactly what to do – they'd had enough practice over the years. Within an hour, Daniel's Good father had led the caravan of equipment and personel to the pyramid and to shelter.
That was four days ago now and Daniel was beginning to feel claustrophobic. He wasn't used to being coped up like this. To the people of Abydos, this was a normality that happened frequently. To them the pyramid was a home from home and they had all they needed to carry on with their lives with just a few adjustments. To him it was almost a prison and he was starting to go a little stir crazy.
xxx
The pyramid was made up of long passages leading to chambers, which were used as sleeping and living areas for the families. Tent canvases were used to provide privacy and really make themselves a home from home.
The base room of the pyramid, which housed the Stargate, was used as a large communal area where families took it in turn to cook for each other and where they ate, learnt and worked as a community. There was still much work to do as the storm raged, the animals needed tending to and the children needed schooling. Actually, the people of Abydos would use the time spent sheltering wisely. It was a time of regrouping and sharing life skills. Carpenters and stonemasons would give classes to others. Cooks and farmers would all pitch in together to ensure the stored food was plentiful to all and the healers would share their knowledge to all who showed willing – it was how they all survived as a community and Daniel was always struck with awe at their ability to adapt to their surroundings without barely a thought.
Like everyone else, Daniel had found a place and purpose within the community. The classes he taught carried on in the pyramid – infact the children were much more willing to learn as their concentration improved without the diversions of wanting to play in the dunes.
Sha're had been eager to learn from the healers on this stay so she had been occupied while Daniel taught but they always made an effort to spend quality time together whenever they could. Infact, they would spend hours in each other's company, away from any distractions, just getting to know each other even better. The problem with the tented community was that they were always accessible to everyone – here they could shut themselves away in their quarters and just relax and talk, amongst other things. Daniel had never felt so close to his wife before.
Xxx
Daniel closed his dairy. He'd just finished writing his daily account of his life – something he'd been doing since he'd decided to stay on Abydos. He used the diary to keep count of the days and months he'd been here as the lack of seasonal changes made it hard for him to keep track of time. He had considered not trying to keep track but found that he needed to ground himself in some way and it helped him to know what Earth day it was. It was his way of keeping in touch with his old life.
He also used the Earth calendar as a teaching aid. The people of Abydos were eager to learn about the cultures and religions of Earth and Daniel was happy to teach them.
Sha're in particular soaked up the information like a sponge. Daniel had been amazed at how quickly she learnt. Her English, although far from perfect, was now understandable and most of the conversations they had between each other was in Daniel's tongue – Sha're had insisted on this. As it was her greatest wish to return to Earth with Daniel one day, Daniel had spent hours with her, tutoring her in his ways. The seasons had been explained, spring had turned to summer, summer to autumn and now, because according to Daniel's dairy, it was December back on Earth, winter and Christmas had come to Abydos.
"So," Sha're inched forward to get a look at what Daniel was drawing. "The Kings bought gifts to the baby?"
Daniel turned his head and smiled. "Yes, they bought their most precious gifts for the baby."
"And the star showed them the way?"
"Yes."
Sha're peered closer at the drawing. "That does not look like a star, Danyel," she sighed and grabbed his pencil. "There," she sat back and grinned after she'd drawn her own star. "That is much better."
Daniel chuckled. "Yes, it is," he agreed.
"And, I have never seen such a beast before," Sha're pointed at the drawing again. "What did you say they were?"
"Camels," Daniel started to explain again. "They are very much like..." His explanation was then cut short by the sounding of the morning gong. He gathered his drawings together and placed them carefully in his diary. "We will have more time later," he smiled and stood. "Come," he held his hand out and helped his wife to her feet. "We both have a long day ahead of us."
"We do indeed," Sha're agreed and grabbed her robe. "I will meet you for supper in the great hall. Do not work too hard, good husband." She leant in a kissed him passionately.
When he managed to break the kiss, Daniel took her in his arms. "You too," he sighed and kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
"And I love you," Sha're replied and then pushed out of his arms. "It is time to go, Danyel. Do not forget to eat today."
"I won't," Daniel sighed, knowing that once he became engrossed in his teaching that any thought of eating would slip his mind. "Have a good day," he gave Sha're another kiss, grabbed his bag and left for his day of work.
All he really wanted to do was curl up with his wife and hideaway but duty called.
Xxx
In the end, Daniel had made it to the main hall after breakfast had been served. Being a new member of the community and from another planet had its drawbacks, mainly where time keeping was concerned. Daniel found that he was greeted by everyone he passed and, not wanting to appear rude, would stop and talk to most people. Consequently, he was always running late.
He waved at Carletta, the main cook in the pyramid. "Good Moring Carletta," he called in greeting.
"Good morning, Danyel," Carletta looked up from her food preparation and smiled. "You have missed the meal again, Danyel," she sighed and wiped her hands on her apron. "Your wife urged me to save something for you. I will not be long." She disappeared behind her storage area and Daniel waited patiently. He'd promised Sha're that he'd eat today.
"Here you are." Carletta reappeared with a bowl. "I saved you some broth." She handed Daniel the bowl. "Sha're would like me to stand over you while you eat," she smiled sweetly and indicated that Daniel should sit.
Daniel rolled his eyes in mock frustration but did as he was told. Carletta kept her word and stood over him until his bowl was empty. "That was delicious," he then smiled and handed back his now empty bowl. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure," Carletta bowed. "Now, here," she reached behind her. "I have prepare you some lentils and bread for later," she handed him a small sack containing the food, "and I expect to see you back here a supper time. You are far too skinny, Danyel," she added with a tut.
Daniel took the proffered food and nipped in to kiss the elderly woman's cheek, causing her to blush furiously. "Thank you," he repeated with a smile, placed his lunch in his bag and turned to make his way over to the makeshift classroom tucked away in the far corner of the pyramid.
The children were eagerly waiting for their tutor.
xxx
"Morning, Aaron," Daniel smiled sheepishly at his young protégé who was struggling to control the class. "Sorry I'm late."
"It is no trouble," the young scholar replied and stood to one side to allow Daniel to address the children.
"Quiet please," Daniel placed his finger on his lips to indicate that he wanted the children to stop talking. The children responded immediately and Daniel took a seat and opened his book. He reverted to Abydonian and instructed his class to open their books too.
His long day of teaching had begun.
xxx
Daniel took his glasses off and rubbed his tired eyes. He had no idea what the time was but hoped that it was nearly the end of the day. It had indeed been a long day, which had been hampered by the fact that he was beginning to feel increasingly unwell.
His breakfast hadn't sat well and he'd felt too nauseous to eat his lunch either. The draw to just rest his aching head on the table was growing as the afternoon progressed. Luckily the children had been well occupied today which meant that he'd been able to hide his illness from them although he'd had to rush out a couple of times when he thought he was actually going to be sick. As it was, his stomach had settled both times and he'd been sipping at water ever since in an endeavour to keep his nausea at bay.
Finally, and not before time, the gong sounded to mark the end of the working day.
Daniel gingerly stood. "Thank you, children," he bowed. "You may leave now." He stood, swaying slightly as the children put their work away and smiled as best as he could as they exited the room.
As soon as he was alone he sank back down onto his chair again, placed his head in his hands and groaned. His head ached, his stomach cramped painfully and he was beginning to feel really hot. Resisting the urge to just lay his head and sleep though, he finally pushed up and stood on shaking legs, grabbed his pack and staggered out of the room.
The main area of the great hall wavered in and out as he slowly made his way to the eating area, the smoky kitchen area adding to his foggy vision. His stomach decided to cramp again as he approached the table that Sha're, Kasuf and Skaara were gathered round. After managing to force a smile and wave of greeting he quickly had to divert his path to the cornered off toilet areas.
Makeshift toilets were mere holes in the ground and Daniel dropped heavily to his knees in front of one and proceeded to finally loose the contents of his stomach with a pitiful groan.
Xxx
Sha're looked around her. "Where did Danyel go?" She turned and asked her father.
"I believe he went to relieve himself," Kasuf patted her arm.
"Ah," Sha're nodded and continued with her meal, glancing round for her husband's return as she ate.
Xxx
Daniel pushed away from the hole, and sat and rested his back against the wonderfully cool stone of the pyramid wall. Although he felt slightly better for emptying his stomach, he still felt shaky and weak.
Mindful that he'd promised to join his family for supper, he did however, manage to stand and splash some water on his face. The feeling of the cold water on his hot skin was wonderful but it caused him to start shivering. Wrapping his robes tighter round him to ward off the chill, he made his way out of the cubicles, feeling thankful that he hadn't had an audience to his illness.
By the time he'd made it to the table, he'd stopped shivering but the smell of the food quickly turned his stomach again. After taking a few deep breaths in an attempt to ward off his growing nausea, he took a seat next to his wife.
"Sorry I'm late," he managed to nod and smile at his father and brother in law.
"It is no trouble, Good son," Kasuf returned the smile. "We have saved you some supper." He pushed a dish full of hearty stew and a chunk of bread towards Daniel.
"I... Um..." Daniel stuttered, licking his lips and trying desperately not to vomit. "Actually," he cleared his throat when he had his nausea under control slightly. "I'm not feeling too well," he smiled sadly at Sha're and patted her hand. "Would you be offended if I went to bed?"
"No, of course not," Kasuf assured. "You must rest."
"What is wrong, my husband?" Sha're asked, concern lacing her words.
"My stomach is a little unsettled," Daniel admitted. "I'm sure," he patted her hand again, "after a good night's sleep I will feel better."
"I will come with you..." Sha're started to stand but Daniel held his hand up to stop her.
"No, it's okay. Stay and finish your meal with your family." He stood and kissed the top of her head. "I will be fine." He then looked up and smiled at Kasuf and Skaara. "Goodnight Good father, Skaara," he bowed.
"Sleep well, Good son," Kasuf nodded.
"Be well, Danyel," Skaara smiled.
Daniel returned the smile and, after kissing Sha're's cheek, gathered his things together and went in search of his bed.
xxx
Thankful that he still had a small supply of Tylenol, Daniel pressed two out of a blister pack and dry swallowed them. Having emptying his stomach again on his way to their quarters, he felt safe that if he didn't drink anything they would stay down. He knew he needed something for his growing fever.
After quickly stripping down to his boxers, he gingerly laid his aching, hot body down on the welcoming pile of animal skins that made up his and Sha're's bed.
He really didn't feel at all well, his stomach was gurgling uncomfortably, his head was pounding and the room was spinning around him when he dared open his eyes.
He'd never been ill before on Abydos – well, his allergies had played up a few times and he'd had several hangovers due to the moonshine but he'd been lucky not to have fallen sick before now.
If he'd been back on Earth, he'd have dosed himself up with some anti nausea medication, taken a tepid bath for his fever and if necessary, dragged his sorry ass to a Doctors' clinic. As it was, there was no air and he felt uncomfortably hot – the furs were just adding to the heat and he longed to be able to open a window.
He just lay, one arm flung over his eyes, a hand listlessly rubbing his painful stomach, longing for fresh air, some fresh, cold water and maybe a Doctors reassurance.
Xxx
"Danyel?"
Daniel felt Sha're's hand shaking his shoulder but felt too weak to even open his eyes to acknowledge his wife.
Sha're was insistent though. "Danyel, you need to wake up and drink."
Not realising it, he must have drifted off to sleep. All he could recall was time moving slowly as he lay enveloped in suffocating heat.
"Danyel!" Sha're's voice was stern now and Daniel managed to open his eyes slightly.
"Sha're," he managed to smile slightly. "I'm sick."
"Yes you are," Sha're tutted, placed her hand under his head and lifted it up slightly. "You need to drink." She held a cup to his mouth and tipped it. Daniel started to gulp down the cold water greedily but Sha're quickly removed the cup. "You must slow down or the water will make you sick," she scolded and waited a moment before returning the cup to his mouth. "Slowly."
Daniel did as he was told and after managing a few more sips, Sha're slowly lowered his head again.
"How do you feel?" She asked as she wiped away the water that had trickled down his neck.
"Hot, headache...Sick," Daniel smiled sadly.
"Have you been sick?"
"Yeah."
"One, two, three times?"
"Two."
"And do you still feel sick?"
"A little."
"Well," Sha're reached for the thinnest sheet and pulled it up to his chest. "There is little I can do, you must drink and rest. Your body will cleanse you of your illness in time."
"I know," Daniel sighed. "I just want to sleep."
Sha're leant forward and kissed his forehead. "Then sleep," she smiled warmly. "I will be at your side."
"Thank you," Daniel mumbled and was then powerless to stop his eyes from closing again as sleep dragged him down once more.
Xxx
Sha're sat at her husband's side and watched him restlessly sleep, his body in constant movement as he fought his fevered demons.
She was so scared – she'd never seen him like this before. Her Danyel was always strong.
She had contemplated calling for her healer but Daniel had continually cried out in his sleep for her and she felt loathed to leave him.
After dipping her cloth in the bowl of water her father had bought her on discovering how unwell his son in law was, she gently dabbed his burning forehead. "Hush, my husband," she soothed. "All will be well."
Daniel just groaned in response, turned onto his side and bought his legs up into his stomach. "Hurt's," he moaned and Sha're inched closer and lifted his head and lowered it onto her lap. "I know it does," she continued to sooth as she ran her hands through his sweat soaked hair. "It will pass."
When Daniel then mewed pitifully, she quickly recognised the signs again, grabbed another container and held it under his mouth. After rocking for a while, Daniel clawed at the bowl and vomited once more before flopping back down on her lap.
Sha're had lost all sense of time as she nursed her sick husband. All she knew was that it must be nearly morning now and she felt so helpless.
Bending down, she kissed the top of his head. "Just try and rest, my Danyel," she urged softly. "All will be we soon."
Xxx
Sha're had been wrong – all had not been well soon.
Night turned to day and then to night again and Daniel still lay, gript by fever with no signs of his vomiting lessoning although now he could do no more than dry heave painfully as his empty stomach tried to turn itself inside out.
Kasuf had ordered a healer when he'd checked on his family in the morning but the healer had said there was little they could do other than keep Daniel cool and try to get him to drink. He had told Sha're that several people had come down with the same illness which they had put it down to some tainted food and reassured her that her husband should be well when his body cleansed itself. Until then, there was little she could do but tend him and pray.
While her husband slept in her arms again, she reached for his diary and flicked through it. Thanks to Daniel's teaching, she recognised most of his words and had decided to fill in the blank pages for him so he would be able to look back on this time. She reached for one of his pencils, took a deep breath, and started to write...
Danyel has fallen sick. He groans in fever. For 2 days now. I am praying to my god.
Turning through next few pages, she noticed that Daniel had circled one of them and had written 'Christmas day.' Her husband's special day was only three days away.
She closed the book, rested her head back and closed her eyes. Daniel had spoken so fondly about the day and she had planned to make it as wonderful as possible for him. She had hoped that he would explain all the traditions to her but that obviously would happen now.
She would just have to try to remember what he'd told her and put all her effort into trying to make it a day to remember.
Xxx
Daniel's existence was reduced to the rocky, burning world he found himself adrift on... Time had no meaning. He had never felt so ill in his life.
His surroundings swam in and out of focus, the tenting undulated and span nauseously around him on the few occasions he managed to prise his heavy eyes open. His body alternated between being bathed in sweat or covered in Goosebumps as his body temperature fluctuated. Chills shook his thin frame when his fever soared and listless tossing of his head from side to side replaced the chills when heat enveloped his body and stole his breath once more.
The only things he was aware of was his wife's arms as she cradled him and her soothing voice as she reassured him that everything would be all right – everything else became meaningless as his illness continued relentlessly.
Xxx
Sha're shifted slightly so Daniel was more comfortable in her arms. He groaned, turned his head into her shoulder and settled down again. For four days now, he had lain limply in her arms, his body only weakly responding to the urge to vomit or shiver when chills hit. The healer had told Sha're that two people had passed on due to the illness and she was so frightened as she held the most important person in her world in her arms. She wished they were on Earth – the Earth healers would know what to do to help her husband.
She had spent the long, long hours at her husband's side learning all she could about Christmas from his notes and planning for the day for him. She spoke to him constantly, hoping that he would find some reassurance from her words but he showed little signs of understanding.
All she knew was that he was very ill and showing little signs of improving.
When his hand weakly reached out in search of a blanket, she grabbed one, tucked it round his shoulders and slowly began to rock him when the uncontrollable shivers started again.
"Hush, my Danyel. I have you," she reassured softly, gently kissing his head. "Please be well. I miss you so much."
"Sha're?"
She stared down at her husband when he weakly called her name. "Yes, my husband?" She frowned when she saw a slither of recognition in her husband's fever bright eyes.
"N...need t...tablets. I...in m...my p...pack," Daniel managed to stutter before closing his eyes and burying his head in her bosom once more.
Sha're quickly grabbed his pack emptied the contents onto the bedding and searched through them. She came across two packs of Earth medication and shook her shivering husband.
"Which one?" She asked urgently, holding them up for him.
Daniel managed to stick his hand out of his covers and he pointed a shaking finger at the Tylenol. "T...those. T..two," he stuttered. "N...no w...water, b...be s...sick a...again." He pulled his hand back under his covers and curled up tighter.
With one hand, Sha're quickly pressed two out, tipped Daniel's chin up with her other hand and urged him to swallow.
After a few dry heaves, Daniel managed to get them down and, thankfully, kept them down.
Within half an hour, his shivering lessoned and he finally drifted off into normal sleep.
Realising that his temperature had finally dropped, Sha're eased out from behind him, gently laid him down and covered him with furs. She bent down, kissed his now cooler forehead before sitting and carding her fingers through his fine hair.
"Sleep well, my Danyel," she soothed, allowing the tears that she'd struggle to keep at bay to tumble down her cheeks unchecked. "I love you so."
Xxx
Throughout the night that followed, Sha're had been guided by Daniel's request for medication. She'd even managed to get word to the healer about the tablets and had provided him with a blister pack for the use of others.
By dawn, Daniel's condition was much improved.
"Good morning, my husband," Sha're smiled and placed her book down when she realised that Daniel was watching her.
Daniel cleared his throat. "Morning."
"How are you feeling, my love?" She reached and placed her hand on his forehead, as she had done so many times the past few days.
"Better," Daniel nodded. "Thirsty."
Sha're turned and poured him a cup of water. "Do you think you could sit up?"
"Maybe," Daniel inched back and tried to push up but his arms weren't strong enough to hold him so Sha're placed the cup down and helped him.
She quickly had him settled back against recently 'fluffed' furs. "Take small sips," she advised him as she passed him the drink.
Shaking hands took the cup and Daniel gingerly took a sip. When he was sure he was not going to bring it back again, he took another few sips until his thirst was slated and then passed the cup back to Sha're. "What day is it?" He asked, resting his head back again.
Sha're reached for his dairy. "According to your writing," she looked up and smiled. "It is 2 and 4 of Dec..."
"December," Daniel finished the word when she struggled. "How long have I been ill?"
Sha're flicked back a few pages. "You fell ill on the... 1 and 8 of De...cem...ber." She traced the word with her fingers and then looked at Daniel with a look of triumph on her face.
"Well done," Daniel smiled softly at his wife's enthusiasm. She was learning fast. Then, after fidgeting to try to get some weight of his aching hips, he settled back down and closed his eyes. "I've been sick for six days?" He frowned when he worked it out. "Wow!"
"There were times when I thought you may not recover," Sha're said softly. "Three people lost their l...lives."
Releasing that his wife was getting upset, Daniel opened his eyes and reached for her hand. "I will be fine, thanks to you," he gave it a comforting squeeze and managed to smile.
Sha're scrubbed at the tears that had fallen. "Thanks be to Earth's medicine," she corrected.
"Well," Daniel rested his head back again. "Either way, I'm just glad I feel better," he sighed and closed his eyes again. As he drifted off to sleep again, he felt Sha're squeezing his hand.
"Sleep my husband, all will be well now," she promised.
Xxx
Daniel had slept fitfully for the rest of the day, only rousing to Sha're's insistence that she should bathe him. He had argued against it, wanting no more than to carry on sleeping but, Sha're had been right, the bed bath and hair wash she'd given him made him feel so much better.
Exhausted by so much activity he had been then content to lie in his wife's arms and drift off to sleep lulled by her gentle lullaby for the rest of the night.
The morning gong woke him from his deep slumber and he was surprised to find that he'd slept through the night and even more surprised to find Sha're still sleeping at his side.
Turning on to his side, he reached and brushed the curls out of her eyes, allowing his hand to sweep her forehead to check that she had not succomed to any illness. When she sighed and batted his hand away, he smiled and started to gently tweak her nose.
"Danyel," Sha're huffed eventually and opened her eyes.
"Good morning," Daniel greeted cheerfully. "I think we have overslept."
Sha're stretched and yawned. "Has the morning gong sounded?" She asked as she sat up and ran her fingers through her hair to tame her unruly curls.
"Uh huh," Daniel mumbled sleepily and turned back onto his back and pulled the covers back up to his shoulders. He was more than happy to continue to sleep the rest of the day again but Sha're was having none of that though
"No," she reached and pulled the covers down again. "Today you move, Danyel," she told him almost sternly.
"I'm still tired," Daniel yawned. Although he felt much better, she still felt weak and washed out, the continual low-grade fever not helping also.
"No," Sha're persisted. "Today is a special day."
Daniel frowned and started to inch upright. "Why is today as special day?" He asked, allowing Sha're to help him sit.
"Today," Sha're smiled and straightened his covers when he was finally comfortable. "Today," she repeated as she then reached for something on the bottom of the bed. "Is the 2 and 5 of Dec...em...ber!" With a flourish, she dropped a stuffed sock on Daniel's lap. "It is you Chrit...s...mas day!"
Daniel stared at her opened mouth and then looked down at the sock. "It's Christmas day," he nodded slowly as he began to remember. He picked the sock up and rolled it in his hand. "What's this?" He turned and asked Sha're.
"Well." Sha're climbed out of bed and then sat crossed legged on top of the covers. "You said that on Earth on the 2 and 5 of Dec...em...ber the people give gifts to remember the new born King. I have bought you gifts – open them!" She grinned, bobbing up and down in her excitement.
Daniel stared at the sock. "I...I..." he stuttered. "I don't know what to say." He lifted his head and looked at Sha're with tears brimming in his eyes. "When did you do all this?"
"While you slept," Sha're continued to grin. "Open them! Oh, I think you need to open the top one first though."
Daniel wiped a hand over his face and then smiled. "I don't believe you did all this – for me," he gushed as he reached into the sock and pulled out the first roughly wrapped gift.
"It is your glasses!" Sha're quickly told him, finding it very hard to contain her excitement anymore.
Daniel sighed as he unwrapped his glasses. "You're not supposed to tell me before I open them," he told her with a chuckle.
"Oh, sorry," Sha're laughed.
Daniel put his glasses on and then stretched over and kissed his wife's cheek. "Thank you. They're wonderful."
"There is more, there is more," Sha're bounced and Daniel grinned as he reached for the next parcel.
"Ah," he nodded when he unwrapped it. "My diary, that's great."
"I know that that is what is most precious to you."
"After you, my love."
Sha're blushed and ducked her head at the compliment. "There are more," she whispered.
Daniel shook his head and chuckled as he tipped out the contents of the sock. "You've put so much thought into all these," he praised as he first unwrapped one of his pencils followed by his photo of his parents.
"You said that the Kings bought the new baby King their most precious gifts." Sha're rested her head on his shoulder. "I hope that I have given you the same," she smiled as she gently stroked his bare chest.
Daniel turned his head and kissed her forehead. "I love you so much," he sighed.
"And I love you," Sha're replied softly and then picked up the three rolls of paper that were Daniel's final gifts. "These," she passed him the papers, "are from my heart." She returned to her comfortable position and watched as Daniel carefully unrolled each piece of paper.
"Oh, Sha're," he sighed as he smoothed out the pictures of a Christmas tree, a star and her attempt at a camel. "I just, I just don't know what to say. They are perfect." He turned his body into hers, tipped her chin and kissed her passionately.
Actions spoke more than words in this occasion.
Daniel and Sha're then spent the rest of the day curled up in each other's arms, sleeping, talking – just being together.
It was the best Christmas Daniel Jackson had ever known.
Xxx
Daniel woke up, crying – the fading memories of his vivid dream still gripping his heart.
When he heard the back door shutting and the sounds of his friend's laughter coming from the kitchen, he quickly scrubbed at his tears though.
"Daniel?"
"In here, Janet." He called back and smiled at his friend when she poked her head round the door.
"How you feeling?" Janet returned his smile.
Daniel assessed his body. His headache was down to a dull throb, his stomach seemed settled and, although he knew he still had a slight fever, he actually felt reasonably good. "Better," he nodded.
"Hang on a sec," Janet then told him and disappeared back into the kitchen.
Daniel grabbed his quilt and pulled it up to his shoulders, rueing the fact that he hadn't yet dressed and when Janet reappeared with her med bag, and pulled it tighter around him.
"Oh, Doctor Jackson," Janet grinned as she perched at his side. "Don't be modest. I've seen it all before you know," she waggled her eyebrows and then reached into her bag for her thermometer.
"Where are the others?" Daniel asked as she placed it into his ear.
"They're un packing the truck. You should see how much food the Colonel has brought. You'd think he was feeding a whole battalion."
"How long were you gone?"
The thermometer bleep and Janet removed it. "About an hour," she told him as she read the reading.
"Oh," Daniel sighed as he inched down on the sofa again.
"Oh?"
"Seemed like longer," he shrugged.
Janet re set the thermometer, placed the cap back on and put it in her bag. "Well, your temperature is now low grade," she told him with a smile. "How's your headache?"
"Dull."
"Nausea?"
"Gone."
"Good. Right," Janet reached and pulled down his covers. "Let's have a feel of your tummy." She quickly warmed her hands and began palpating his abdomen. When it gurgled in response, she began to chuckle. "I think you may be hungry," she stated and pulled the quilt back up to his chest.
"You know what? I think I maybe," Daniel grinned.
"Okay." Janet grabbed her bag, placed it on her lap and snapped it shut. "How about a nice soak in the bath followed by a late breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Right – I'll run you a bath then." Janet smiled. "I'll call you when it's ready."
Daniel stretched out and watched her almost skip out of the room.
Now he was feeling better – again, he was beginning to feel excited about Christmas. He just wished Sha're was at his side.
He stared up at the ceiling. "Merry Christmas my darling. I love you with all my heart and miss you with all my being," he whispered softly.
Christmas without Sha're was going to be very difficult this year but he knew that his friends were going to try their hardest to make it equally as memorable and for that, he would be eternally grateful.
"Daniel! Your bath is ready..."
xxx
There you go. I think there maybe just one more chapter to finish this monster that is, unless you lot want me to carry on until New Year...
Hugs x
