Pretense: Reunited

Daniel sat in the infirmary quietly. His blue eyes were locked on his former brother-in-law who was resting comfortably on one of the hospital beds.

The young man fell deeply into sleep as soon as he had gotten to Earth, the symbiote extraction process exhausting him. Skaara had not been able to go back to Abydos because of a huge sand storm, and had decided to spend the night on Earth.

Daniel twisted the fabric of his suit in his fingers and closed his eyes, guild consuming him. He was ecstatic that Skaara was free of the gou'ald but every time he turned to look at the young man, Sha're's face came to his mind. Another wave of hot shame colored his cheeks as he felt bitter towards Skaara.

It was not fair that they could only save one of them.

It was not fair that Daniel had to tell Skaara that he had failed in saving his sister.

It was not fair that the light in the vibrant young man's eyes had dulled.

It was not fair that it was not Sha're.

Daniel let out a harsh breath and leaned his head back until it hit with a sharp "thunk" on the wall. He stared intently at the ceiling until he heard his name being called.

"Danyel?" A weary voice came from the bed and Skaara blinked bleary brown eyes at him.

iSo much like Sha're's/i

"Hey Skaara, how are you feeling?" Daniel asked with a tight smile.

"Tired," The Abydonian yawned. "Thank you Danyel. I can not express how much better it is to see the world through my eyes."

"I'll bet," A more genuine smile touched Daniel's lips for a moment.

"My sister loved you," Skaara's voice broke and instantly brought tears to the archeologist's eyes. "Danyel she loved you so much. Sha're came alive when she met you and the time she was with both you and Ryan was the happiest time of her life."

Daniel quickly glanced away to avoid letting the tears run down his face. He could hear Skaara's harsh sobs next to him and felt his own chest hitch.

"Do you want to see him?" Daniel asked, voice thick.

"I would like that very much," Skaara nodded, large brown eyes glistening with tears. "He must to have grown so much!"

"He has," Daniel gave another watery smile before leaving the room. He quickly swept the back of his hand across the tear tracks on his cheeks and made his way to the daycare center.

"Hey Ryan," The archeologist picked up his son and quickly signed him out. "Let's go meet your Uncle Skaara."

Ryan was quiet, wrapping his short arms around his father's neck and remained still.

Skaara's eyes completely lit up when he saw the preschooler and he grinned. Ryan smiled faintly back at his uncle but still hung back with his father, grasping his hand tightly.

"Hello Ryan," Skaara said gently, reaching a hand out. "I'm Uncle Skaara."

Ryan nodded slightly, wringing his t-shirt in his hands. Daniel gave the three-year-old a small push and he went to his uncle. Skaara's eyes shone with unshed tears and he pulled his nephew into a hug.

"He looks so much like her," He muttered into Ryan's soft hair. Usually the preschooler would have squirmed but he remained still and let the grieving young man hold him. "She should be here."

"Yes she should," Daniel whispered back.

"Tell you what," Skaara leaned back, smiling. "When I get married and have children you are welcome any time to come play with your cousins!"

"Awesome!" Ryan laughed, hugging his uncle around the neck.

"So Ryan" Skaara said, seeming to want to make up for lost time. "What do you like to do?"

"Have you seen the Wizard of Oz?" Ryan asked excitedly, grinning up at Skaara.