This is so not how I imagined spending New Year, Jack grouched sipping his water. The planned party had had to be abandoned as most of the proposed guests were still recovering from the virus that had swept through the base. In fact he'd not even taken a step out of the house and Daniel had barely left his bed for nearly a week and both men were still exhausted and nowhere near up to par. Teal'c had been the go-between for all of them, doing shopping, odd jobs and making sure each affected household had plenty of chicken soup!
"Can't wait for next year... This year has been kind of a bust eh, Danny?"
Daniel looked up from the book he was attempting to read but failing miserably as his concentration was shot. The illness had taken a real toll on him and he was still struggling with a low grade fever and stomach cramps and if you added in Jack's inability to sit still and recover like any normal human being then... well, put it this way - midnight could not come soon enough; the new year couldn't come soon enough. He sighed, marked his place in the book and placed it on the coffee table. He stretched his legs out on the sofa, winced and rubbed at the dull ache that had now taken up permanent residence in his abdomen. This action was not lost on Jack.
"You need me to get your TENS machine thingy?"
"Na," Daniel sadly smiled. "Just needed to stretch out - just pulled it a bit," he admitted wiggling his sock covered toes.
"What did Doc Aston say?"
Jack knew that Daniel had had a letter from the consultant that morning, briefly outlining Daniel's last consultation.
Daniel leant his head back with a sigh. "Multiple adhesions and illio-inguinal nerve damage," he admitted.
"And ... they are gonna do what?" Jack asked crossing the room to put another log on the fire.
"Don't know yet. Gotta have a review next week..."
Jack stoked the fire and watched as the flames rose and flickered. "More surgery?"
"Don't know. Hope not," Daniel turned on his side and watched the flames with Jack.
"You gonna be fit enough for our trip?"
"God I hope so."
Jack moved away from the fire and sat on the arm of the sofa at Daniel's head. "I'm sure we will work something out," he soothed, his hand in Daniel's hair.
Daniel nodded.
They sat in silence both watching the fire dance in the fireplace. Eventually Jack coughed. "Come on Doctor Jackson. This is New Year's Eve - enough maudlin talk - let's make the most of it," he ordered with a pat to Daniel's shoulders. "I'm gonna get us another refreshing cold glass of water, pop a CD on and you can break out the chess set. We've gotta at least stay awake for another hour - we are so not that old yet."
Daniel laughed and struggled up as Jack made his way to the kitchen.
"You want anything to eat?" Jack called.
Daniel swallowed hard; even though the awful vomiting was over he and his stomach weren't on the best of terms just yet. "Just water," he called back setting the chess set on the coffee table. "You wanna be black or white this time?" He asked, setting out the pieces.
"Black," Jack stated offering him the glass of water before pulling up the armchair and settling in for the evening.
"Heads or tails..?" Daniel asked, flicking a coin.
"Heads."
xxxxx
"How long is it to your proposed trip, Daniel?" Doctor Sebastian Aston asked as he gently palpated Daniel's abdomen.
Daniel lay flat on the observation table staring up at the ceiling of the infirmary, desperately trying not to groan out loud as the physician's fingers pressed down on the sore part of his stomach.
"Six weeks," he mumbled through gritted teeth.
Seb made a mental note of Daniel's obvious discomfort. When he finished his examination he sat back and snapped off his plastic gloves. "Okay - All over. Let's go into my office for a chat."
Daniel pulled down his T-shirt and allowed Seb to help him off the table and followed him into his office.
"Take a seat, Daniel."
Daniel eased himself into the offered seat with a sad sigh. He was fed up with all the prodding, poking and medical jargon. He wanted to be normal again and he wanted to be back at work. He didn't want to be 'recovering' anymore. He wanted this nightmare to be over.
"Right..." Sebastian looked up from adding his findings to Daniel's files and took in the slumped posture of the struggling man. "Had enough?" He asked gently.
Daniel looked up in surprise - he wasn't expecting that. He thought he was in for a lecture. "Yes," he admitted with a sad smile.
"I bet. Okay. Right - let's cut to the chase, eh?" Seb closed the file and leant forward. "You have dropped 10 pounds since our last consultation but Doctor Fraiser tells me you picked up that nasty stomach virus ..."
Daniel nodded.
"Okay, so that explains that. Your appetite back now?"
Daniel shrugged his shoulders. "Sort off. On and off."
"Right, we can do something about that. Get you back onto some supplements to give you a kick start. Give it a couple of weeks, then get back in the swimming pool and gentle exercise. Are you still taking the Amitriptyline at night? "
"Yes."
"Is it helping?" Seb looked up from the notes he was making.
"Think so."
"I want you to increase it - get yourself over this little blip. You look bushed."
Daniel straightened in the chair and shook his head adamantly. "No. I'm getting a handle on my moods. This bug has just knocked me back a bit."
"It's bound to have done, Daniel. If you change your mind ..."
Daniel shook his head again.
"Okay. Now, the pain you are still experiencing ..."
"More like a nagging ache," Daniel interrupted.
"Pain is pain, Doctor Jackson, no matter how you coat it. Pain is your body's way of letting you know that something is wrong. Your body is constantly fighting against this pain and that is very draining."
Daniel's head dropped again.
"Do you want to try a different painkiller, Daniel?" Sebastian offered.
"No - everything makes me murky. I can't function," he wrapped his arms around his stomach. "I feel like I'm not in control when I take anything."
"Okay- That's fine..."
"Really?" Daniel's head shot up again.
"Of course it is. We're not your enemy, Daniel - honest." Sebastian held his hands up in surrender. "We just want to help you feel better. Now, if it were up to me I'd have you back in hospital for a laparoscopy ..."
"But ..." Daniel interrupted.
"But ..." Sebastian continued with a gentle smile, "I think it would be more beneficial for your welfare at this stage to build up some strength so you can go on your trip. The operation can wait."
Daniel could feel the grin breaking out on his face. "Thanks..."
"One thing that might help, Daniel, would be a nerve block into your ilio-inguinal nerve. Give you some respite from the pain until after your trip. If it needs topping up while you are away I have spoken to Doctor Fraiser and she will set you up with a friend of hers in London who will help. This does not alter the fact that I would like to have a look see what is going on inside you and I know Janet is keen for you to see a Gastroenterologist to check out your bowels. But, we are all agreed you need a break. You need to kick back - have a change of scenery then we will have a look see. Okay?"
Daniel was now beaming, "Fine with me doc."
"Good." Sebastian clicked his pen shut and leant back. "Go. Eat. Exercise- Rest. I'll arrange your nerve block injection for four weeks time - see how it goes," he stood and held out his hand. "Keep well, Daniel."
Daniel shook Sebastian's offered hand, "Thanks, doc." He couldn't wait to go and tell Jack the good news.
"My pleasure Daniel, don't go overdoing it," he added with a curt nod of the head.
"I won't," Daniel promised matching the nod.
"See you in four."
Doctor Carter opened the door, smiled and shook his head as Daniel left the room. He was so pleased to see the improvement in the younger man's mood. Yes - the right decision had been made, he mused pouring a cup of coffee. The guy needed a break.
xxxxx
Daniel looked at the recipe book, flicking away a smudge of flour. "That can't be right," he mumbled re-checking the instructions. "Okay." He cracked an egg and added it to his flour mixture and began to whisk. "Ow!" He moaned as the movement pulled on his stomach. He altered his stance and carried on until the mixture sort of looked like the illustration in the book. "Now," he mused, reaching for the oven mitts and opening the oven. He swiped at the smoke and swore as the heat fogged up his glasses. He pulled out the baking tin and poured the mixture in and quickly shut the door. He ran his fingers through his hair, plucked off his glasses and gave them a quick clean on his T-shirt.
He went over to the kitchen table and arranged the roses and sweet peas that Sam had bought over for him in a vase. Nodding his head in contentment, a grin on his face as the little touch made all the difference. He placed two china teacups and saucers at each place setting and went to 'warm the pot' so it was ready for the English Tea.
"Honey, I'm home," Jack's cheery voice called from the hall.
"In the kitchen," Daniel called back.
"Um - Something smells good." Jack enthused, hanging up his jacket, "You been busy Martha Stewart?" He teased entering the kitchen and smiling at Daniel's withering look. "What we got?" He asked, peering into the oven.
Daniel was over in a flash, steering him over to the table. "Would you like a Gin and Tonic?" He asked, flicking out a napkin and draping it over Jack's lap.
"A what?" Jack asked clinking the teacups with a spoon, a spoon that Daniel plucked from his fingers in annoyance.
"Try one." Daniel then proceeded to add a splash of gin to a glass - Sam had had a bottle hidden away in the back of a cupboard, a gift from her brother's trip to the UK a few years ago. He poured a liberal amount of tonic water over the gin and finished with 'ice and a slice'. "There. See what you think."
Jack looked at him. "Cheers, old bean," he stated with a very dodgy English accent and a chuckle. "Down the hatch," he took a gulp and soon spat it out. "God - Daniel. That's disgusting," he picked up the napkin and scrubbed his tongue with it.
"Oh," Daniel stated, disappointed. He picked up his own glass, and took a tentative sip. His face scrunched up at the taste. "Yuk," he agreed and poured the liquor down the sink. "Acquired taste I guess." He started dishing out dinner.
"So, Daniel - What's going on?" Jack asked picking petals off the roses on the table.
"I wanted to surprise you," Daniel told him, placing a plate full of roast beef, carrots, roast potatoes, cauliflower, peas and the hugest kind of "batter pudding" in front of Jack. He sat down opposite, his plate had considerably less on it.
"What the hell is that?" Jack asked, poking his knife at the monument on his plate.
"It's a Yorkshire pudding - don't play with your food," Daniel scolded. "Try it." Daniel leaned over and poured a liberal amount of gravy into the hollow pudding.
Jack looked at him and scrunched up his nose.
Daniel raised his eyebrows at him in encouragement. "You'll like it."
Jack cut into it and took a bite - he smiled. "It's good," he agreed digging in with gusto. "So?" He asked between bites, "what's with all this?" He gestured at the flowers with his knife. "Something you wanna tell me?"
Daniel looked at him with a shy smile. "Doc Aston Okay'd the trip."
Jack reached over, took Daniel's hand and gave it a squeeze. "That's great, Danny," he smiled.
"Gotta take it easy; get exercising again. He's gonna organise a nerve block which should make things easier. But ... he was happy to give me the go ahead," he beamed and tucked into his own meal with more relish than he had for a long time.
"I'm so pleased, Daniel."
"Ah," Daniel continued, his mouth full off roast beef, "he did say I gotta have a laparoscopy when we come back."
"Well. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Jack stated with a nod of his head, spearing a flower of cauliflower. "This is good," he smiled catching a dribble of gravy before it made its way down his chin.
Daniel nodded and agreed. "Good."
They both chuckled. Neither of them had felt this good for a long time. They would savour this feeling and move forwards - together.
xxxxx
It had been a long, hard six weeks for Daniel. There were days when he thought he would never be fit enough. However, slowly but surely his appetite and strength returned.
Having a goal – a carrot dangling – made him push himself, made the early morning swims, the long walks and gentle exercise in the gym something he HAD to do.
The nerve block – while being quite painful at the time – had made a difference. Funny though, he had no feeling in the tops of his thighs which was an odd sensation but it was sure going to make the 10-hour journey across the Atlantic easier for him.
Now, he was packed and ready to go. He had just changed his T-shirt and was transfixed by the reflection of his acquired battle scar in the mirror.
"Hey."
Daniel turned and smiled softly as Jack entered the bedroom.
"Ready?"
Daniel nodded.
Jack put his arms around Daniel and let his fingers trace the scar. He looked at Daniel in the mirror and rested his chin on Daniel's shoulders.
"Does this bother you?" Daniel asked - his hand over Jack's fingers.
"Nope- Does it bother you?" Jack replied with a smile.
"Um - It looks odd," he admitted with a wry shrug. "Always had a smooth, flat stomach - Now... now it's – I dunno, odd."
"Hey?" Jack pulled down Daniel's T-shirt for him, gently turning the willing body to face him and cupped his cheek. "I love you" he poked Daniel in the chest with his other hand. "That scar is part of you – so – in turn, that means – I love it."
He pulled Daniel in and kissed him tenderly. He finally stood back and chuckled as Daniel stood before him, eyes closed and lips still puckered.
"You ready to go, Doctor Jackson?" He enquired as he ruffled his hair.
"Uh huh," Daniel replied, eyes still closed. He finally prised one open and looked at Jack with a grin on his face.
"You sure we haven't got time for... you know what?" He asked cocking his head towards the bed.
"You have a one track mind young man," Jack teased snapping shut Daniel's suitcase. He lifted it off the bed. "Good God, Daniel – this weighs a ton. You do know there's a baggage allowance?"
Daniel grabbed his coat and followed Jack out of the bedroom.
"I weighed it - It's fine," he stated opening the front door.
"Let me take that O'Neill," Teal'c pulled the case out of Jack's hands and made his way to the car.
"Right you are, Daniel," Janet pulled him in for a hug, taking his breath away with the force of it!
"Ow, he stuttered.
"Oh – gosh – sorry," she apologised, pulling away and then brushed his hair off his forehead in a gesture that reminded him of his mother's touch.
"You got everything - Doctor Edwards' number - Your medication?"
Daniel nodded and kissed her on the top of her head. "Yes mom," he replied.
She cleared her throat. "Good."
He pulled her in for a gentle hug. "Thank you," he whispered into her hair.
"You're very welcome," she quietly replied into his shoulder. "Just take things easy Okay?"
"Okay," he promised and kissed her forehead.
"Come here, colonel," Janet turned to Jack and hugged him. "Take care of him," she ordered.
"I will," he assured her adding his own thanks. He turned to Daniel who was now hugging Sam. He tapped him on the shoulder. "We gotta go, Danny," he urged. "That plane aint gonna wait for us."
"Have a wonderful time, guys," Sam gushed – giving them both a quick hug.
"We will," Daniel called as he climbed into the waiting car as Teal'c started the motor. They both grinned and waved as the girls followed them down the street for a short while.
Jack turned and placed his hand on Daniel's knee. "You okay?" He asked noticing that emotion in Daniel's eyes.
Daniel looked at him and smiled. "Yes. I just didn't think this day would ever come," he admitted and let a single tear fall.
Jack caught it and wiped it away with his thumb. "Yeah - It's been a long, dark winter," he smiled sadly.
"The longest," Daniel admitted, "but now there is light at the end of the tunnel at last." He sat back with a smile on his face. Yes, he knew things were not over just yet; he knew that he had more hurdles to jump but now – in this frozen moment of his life – now – things were great - Just great.
He reached for Jack's hand and squeezed hard.
Jack rubbed his thigh.
"Thank you, Jack, for everything. I love you."
Jack turned Daniel's face to his. "Ditto, Doctor Jackson- Ditto."
THE END
There you go! I really hope you enjoyed it and I so appreciate the reviews that were given.
This was a real labour of love for me and it was nice to see 'my baby' fly!
Ann-Marie