A/N: Meant to get this up yesterday, sorry. Also, I'm not used to writing Dan/Jan, so please let me know if they're OOC.

CHAPTER 26

Ordinarily, at times of excitement like this Janet Fraiser would call her best friend to be at her side. Ordinarily, they would go through a painstaking ritual in which Sam would pick out various items of acceptable clothing only to have Janet adamantly reject them on the grounds of making her look 'fat' or 'too flashy'. Sometimes the word 'matronly' would even come up. Ordinarily, Sam would tease the nervous doctor with horror stories of dates gone wrong, while Janet chewed her manicured nails and reminded her friend that her comments were not encouraging. Frequently, the fact that Sam had already found a catch and that some of them still hadn't, making it necessary for occasions like this, came up.

This was not an ordinary situation. Jack had gone missing three weeks and five days ago. Keshlaiv had been on the planet some time and was serving as a sort of fatherly-brotherly figure to Sam from what Janet had observed. Her best friend no longer had 'the catch' from what Janet could tell, but had not pressed Sam to talk about it, though the intuitive woman knew something had transpired. Janet still had not directly talked to the astrophysicist after her episode with the puzzling bruises on her stomach and was uncertain of what it meant to their friendship. The doctor knew her friend well, and right now they were both too emotionally drained to have a long conversation to talk it out.

Cassie was also not here to join in on the fun with Sam (usually much to her mother's annoyance), because she had decided to spend her fall break up in the mountains with a friend's family. This left Janet feeling more alone than when she had left her cheating bastard of a husband.

In fact, Janet was not completely sure that this was a date per se. What made this even more bizarre was that she was going out to dinner with a man that had been her comrade for years, and prior to that disastrous mission, Sam had been making hints for the two to get together. Now that they might be, she could not possibly include the matchmaker in this event without the ultimate feelings of guilt and boasting that would result after the Major's recent losses. How could she girl talk and pretend this would not be an emotional blow for Sam after knowing what she went through?

She couldn't. This was why when she normally would be alleviating her nerves listening to her friend's jokes; she was sitting on her living room couch completely physically ready by herself reflecting on better times, yet she could not keep certain thoughts from floating to the surface of her mind.

What could have happened to make those marks on Sam's abdomen? Why was she so secretive? Do I look okay? Will Daniel like the strappy red dress look or think it's too overdone? Where is Jack? Is he alive? What if Daniel thought we were just going out as friends or worse, as doctor and patient to discuss his medical condition, which is improving at a much faster rate than anyone anticipated? Thank the Lord his other ankle hadn't turned out to be sprained, only twisted. Am I the delusional one, and this really was just a friendly outing? What if he brings Teal'c? Will Cassie approve? Should I go change into some jeans and a shirt before he gets here?

The worrisome woman's thoughts were cut short as the doorbell rang. Too late now, Major. Suck it up and go answer the door. She mentally heard her father's voice telling her to gather courage and face the unknown.

She rose from her upholstered resting place and took the short essential steps to answer the door. Hesitating only briefly before opening the white wood, she did a once-over of herself in a nearby mirror. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a cool breeze and a crutch-dependent Daniel holding something out for her to take.

"Oh, Daniel, lilies. They're beautiful; thank you." Maybe I wasn't too far off base.

"I uh, wasn't sure what you liked. They're to thank you for letting me out of that dreadful place you call an infirmary." Janet studied him head to toe before replying. He wore simple but fit jeans with a navy blue T-shirt that off-set his eyes and emphasized his muscular figure.
Taking the offered flowers she teased, "Careful Dr. Jackson, you have to go back to that 'dreadful place' tonight and I can determine how pleasant or torturous your stay is."

"Ugh, don't remind me. It's not so bad when you're there talking with me, but I'm getting as restless as Jack is after one day." She ushered him inside to put the white lilies in a vase.

"Try an hour. You forget, I'm often the one he chooses to annoy. Thank God you're not like that; I don't know what I'd do with two of you." They shared a soft chuckle and headed for the door.

Daniel attempted to help Janet into her jacket gentlemanly, but failed miserably when he lost his balance and Janet had to catch him before he fell and created more injuries for her to fix. She almost reprimanded him, but when he turned a sheepishly boyish smile toward her she couldn't help but smile good-naturedly back.

Steadying himself, he watched the graceful movement of her curves contained in that delicious scarlet dress that would have him drooling under other circumstances as she put on her jacket.

"Who drove you?" She led the way down her front path after locking the door.

"An SGC sergeant. He already left."

"Guess that means we're taking my car." They reached the vehicle, "Hop in."

Daniel only slightly resented the fact that he couldn't open the door for Janet and drive, when instead she helped him in the car and climbed into the driver's seat.

Janet pulled out of the driveway and then realized she didn't know where they were headed. "Where to?"

"Uh, I was thinking O'Malley's if that's okay."Daniel had considered carefully the place they'd go to eat, and while O'Malley's would undoubtedly bring back memories better forgotten now, it was comfortable and familiar.

"Sounds great." Thank God I've seen girls wearing much worse than this dress there. "I could do with a nice steak about now."

"After weeks of Base food, anything sounds good to me."

"I know what you mean. If I have to eat one more macaroni or meat surprise, I think I'll hurl." Janet told him with in an overdramatic voice. Both laughed and Janet reached to turn on the radio.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget myself. Is it okay if I…" she gestured to the knob.

"Oh, sure, that's fine."

"Usually Cassie has the volume turned up full blast singing to some song or another I don't understand. It's a treat when I can finally listen to some of the good old stuff."

He smiled at her, "What?"

"Ah, nothing. Just you. 'The good old stuff'. I bet it hasn't been that long since you were the one annoying your parents with 'outlandish noise'. You're such a good Mom."

"Well I try…Have you talked to Cass lately?"

"Not since before the mission…" I couldn't stand to be the one to tell her about Jack. I couldn't even comfort her, I was so busy trying to help get him back and find out what was going on with Sam. Does Cass even know?

"Well, she went up to the mountains with some friends and their families. She couldn't stop raving about this one boy in particular…Justin I think his name was. She thinks he's quite the cutie, but he's too old for her. Heaven forbid I told her that though and ruined her dreams of becoming Mrs. Justin." Janet shook her head and had to smile at her young daughter.

"As soon as this leg heals up, just say the word and I'll teach this 'Justin' a lesson about messing with our Cassie." Daniel pounded a fist into his other hand jokingly. He's so cute when he tries to act tough. Stop that, Janet. You don't even know if this is a date yet.

They pulled into O'Malley's parking lot and Janet once again helped him out of the car.

After ambling to the door and getting seated, a dark thought swept over Janet. I still haven't told Cassie. The longer I wait, the worse it'll be when I tell her. I just couldn't bear to ruin that hopeful look on her face when she asked to go away for the weekend with Jack's terrible news. I chickened out. I just hope she can forgive me.

"Uh, Earth to Janet. Are you there?"

"What? Oh, sorry." She realized Daniel had been rambling on about something or other while she was lost in thought and now the waiter was here.

The waiter, his name tag said 'Dave', smiled impatiently and repeated his question, "What will you be drinking tonight, Ma'am?"

"A dry martini." She'd need it tonight.

At Fan: Thanks for the suggestion! I really liked the idea and in fact changed the story around a little so that may happen.

Jacklover101: I hope this J/D lives up to your expectations. Thank you!

urgirlie13: I think I like the 'get Jack home' part lol! Glad you liked the chapter. Keshlaiv creepy, huh?

PatriciaS: I didn't even think about Ba'al finding out, but thanks because you just gave me a great plot twist!

Stargatefan1123: It is a little creepy, but he's supposed to be a good guy. Thank you for reviewing!

PoPCoRn: You flattered me into blushing! Thanks so much!

Please review!