Ten Months
Author: Orrymain
Author Email: (Feedback welcome)
Author Website: Category: Slash, Angst, Humor, H/C, Drama, Romance, Established Relationship Pairing: Jack/Daniel ... and it's all J/D Rating: NC-17 Season: Beyond the Series -- February 16, 2006 - December 15, 2006 Spoilers: Hathor, The Serpent's Lair, Need, Message in a Bottle, One False Step, The Other Side, Shades of Grey, Upgrades, New Order Size: 763kb total --Chapter One: 43kb --Chapter Two: 43kb --Chapter Three: 41kb --Chapter Four: 106kb --Chapter Five: 43kb --Chapter Six: 73kb --Chapter Seven: 119kb -- Tweaked August 21, 2004 --Chapter Eight: 152kb --Chapter Nine: 52kb --Chapter Ten: 91kb Written: December 11-15,20-21,23-25, 2003, January 8-9,28-31, February 1-10,13-14,18,20-21,27-29, April 7, July 13-18,20,22,24-25,27-30, August 3,5-6, 2004 Tweaked: See Above.
Summary: It's that time! Jack and Daniel start their family! Witness it all, from the insemination through those first crazy weeks when they come home from the hospital!
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers -- not mine, wish they were, especially Daniel, and Jack, too, but they aren't. A gal can dream though!
Notes: 1) Due to spoiler potential, most notes are at the conclusion of this piece.
2) Hanky warning for Chapters Four and Nine (to say more would give it away.
3) The story stands on its own, but has references to several of my prior fics including "Dangerous Interludes," "Stay Awake," "Because You Loved Me," "Delusions of Love," "The Last Mission," "Black and White," "Brothers," "Just When You Thought You Knew Jack ...," "Flying High," "Heart and Soul" 4) Thanks to my betas who always make my fics better: Charlotte, Suzanna, Drdjlover, Claudia, QuinGem! A nod to Dianna as well for some tips on the delivery.
Ten Months by Orrymain
-- Chapter One: Planting the Seed
"Welcome back, Kayla," Jack greeted Janet's niece enthusiastically, giving her a big hug.
"Sorry, couldn't get Teal'c off the phone," Daniel said, running into the living room from the study.
"Book of the month time?"
"Yeah. He's fascinated by Oprah's selections."
"Teal'c is your friend from overseas, right?"
"Sort of." Daniel smiled as he and Kayla hugged. "Nice to see you."
"Let's sit down," Jack said, adding, "Would you like something to drink?"
"Lemonade or juice would be nice, if you have it."
"Sure, be right back," Jack said as he headed for the kitchen.
"Where are the girls?"
Daniel smiled, touched that Kayla would inquire about the two beagles, Bijou and Katie.
"Well, when I looked outside a minute ago, Katie was sunning herself, and Bijou was chasing a squirrel."
"I'd love to see them."
Gawd, I like her. "You sure?"
Seeing Kayla's nod, Daniel stood and went to the patio door. He called the two dogs, watching as they sprinted inside and ran straight to their guest.
"Hey, girls!"
Jack listened from the kitchen as he prepared their drinks. He, too, had a smile on his face, pleased that the dogs had taken to Kayla.
It's a plus. Definitely a plus.
"Did you enjoy Yellowstone?" Daniel asked the brunette, smiling at the way the beagles lay down by her feet as she continued to pet them for another minute.
"Definitely. You know me by now. I love everywhere I go. Seeing the world, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people. I just thrive on that, Daniel."
"You'd make a great anthropologist."
"I considered that for a while, but it's a bit too limiting."
"Here we go, lemonade for all!"
Jack put a small tray on the coffee table. There was a pitcher of pink lemonade, a small bucket of tiny ice cubes, and three glasses, along with some napkins. He also brought in a bowl of Chex Mix.
"Thank you, Jack," Kayla said as she reached down to grab a glass.
"Daniel made notes from the last time you were here," Jack said, pouring glasses of the fizzy drink for both himself and Daniel.
"Thank you, Daniel." Kayla smiled.
Holding his glass in his hand as he sat on the arm of Jack's favorite chair, Daniel looked at Jack and then back at the young woman who could see the men's nervousness shining through.
"You're welcome." Daniel returned her smile. "Besides, I like lemonade, too. It's ..." Daniel had stretched out his hand over Jack absentmindedly, as if to motion "it was nothing," but he had forgotten he had a drink in his hand, and so when he turned over his hand, the drink spilled onto Jack's lap.
"Oh, gawd! Jack, I'm sorry."
Daniel jumped up, almost spilling the rest of the drink onto the floor before he thought to put the glass down.
"For crying out loud, Daniel," Jack bellowed as he reached for a napkin to try and dry his damp pants.
"Oh, gawd," Daniel repeated, on the verge of hyperventilating.
Jack suddenly heard the panic in Daniel's voice, and just as suddenly, his damp pants meant nothing. He stood and took Daniel in his arms.
"It's okay, Love. You didn't mean to. You're just nervous."
Jack felt the tension in his lover and gently caressed Daniel's back.
"Breathe, Danny. It's okay. Breathe. That's it."
Daniel had closed his eyes. He felt anxious, and now he feared everything was going wrong. His right hand clung to his husband's shirt as he felt a deep remorse for having ruined their plans.
"Gawd, I'm sorry."
Jack pulled back and gazed into Daniel's eyes.
"I love you." He placed a tender kiss on Daniel's lips. "It's fine, Danny. I'm going to go upstairs and change. Are you okay?"
Daniel was still breathing rapidly, but he nodded. Jack considered going upstairs alone, but then decided against it.
"Kayla, will you excuse us a moment?"
"Sure, go ahead. I'll enjoy my drink here with the girls," she said, reaching down to the floor to massage the middle of Katie's back.
"Come on, Love."
"I should stay ..."
"Come on."
Jack tugged on Daniel's hand, pulling him into motion and up the stairs to their bedroom, closing the door after they walked in.
Before Daniel could speak, Jack kissed him passionately as he held his heart close.
"Listen to me. It's okay. Stuff like that happens all the time."
"I'm a clumsy geek," Daniel lamented.
"No, you're not, and you never were. You were just ... nervous sometimes, and that's okay, Danny."
"Jack, maybe I'm ... I mean ... gawd ..."
"Daniel, it was a drink, not our baby."
"Our baby."
Daniel suddenly grinned.
"Yeah ... sounds good, doesn't it?" Daniel nodded and seemed more steady again, so Jack finally removed his soggy pants and put on a new pair. "You okay now?"
"Thanks, Jack ... but if I were Kayla, I'd run."
"Don't over think. Let's get back down there."
"What if she says no?"
"Then we'll deal with it. Danny," Jack cupped his lover's face gently in his hands. "We've taken a lot of time to think about this, and so has Kayla. She's been all over the world in the last year or two, but doesn't it seem like fate that at the same time she wrote that she was ready to settle down again for a while that we had just decided that we were definitely going to retire and have our family?"
"It does seem like destiny, doesn't it?"
"Geez, Love, we had just had the conversation, and ten minutes later, her email comes through. 'Hey, guys, I'm tired of traveling. I think I'll come home for a year or more. Maybe the Springs even.' Danny, that was a message. I'm sure of it."
"I want it to be, Jack. I ... I want Kayla to have our babies."
"Me, too," Jack said with a nod. Then he kissed his husband. "Come on. We'd better corral her before she runs for the hills."
"That was bad, Jack."
"Can't come up with a winner all the time," the older man said as he headed for the hallway.
"I did. I have you."
Jack turned, love blooming in his eyes. He reached out and took Daniel's hand in his, squeezing tightly. His voice was tender and full of emotion as he spoke, "Geez, what you do to me; how you make me feel. Love you, Angel."
"I love you, too." Going quickly down the stairs, Jack faced their guest, a hopeful grin on his face as he apologized. Daniel followed.
"Sorry about that."
"Not a problem," Kayla said with a laugh. "I've done a lot worse in my time. Do you know that I once dropped an ice cream cone on Tom Cruise?"
"You're making that up," Daniel said, confident Kayla was only trying to make him feel better.
"No, I'm not. He was making a film, and I bumped into him ... literally. Boy, was I embarrassed."
"I know how you feel," Daniel said, folding his arms across his chest as he again sat on the arm of Jack's chair.
"Guys, what do you say we skip the travel updates, put the lemonade and ice cream cones behind us, and get to the real topic of the night?"
"Good idea," Jack said, leaning forward in his chair, his hands rubbing together. "We've made our decision," Jack reached over and took Daniel's hand, forcing him to stop the self-hug. "We've decided on what we hope our family will be and how we want to get there. Have you made your decision?"
"As a matter of fact, I have, and just so you know, I'm very secure in it. I'm positive that my decision is in the best interests of all concerned."
"Who goes first?" Daniel asked timidly.
"We should. After all, we started it, Danny. Uh, Kayla, Daniel and I do want to start our family, and we're ready to do it. I'll be retiring next month. It's been in the works for a while. They keep asking us to stay, and we keep doing it, but the time's right, so next month, I'm out. So, we want to proceed."
Daniel jumped in, talking rapidly, almost in lecture mode.
"We've studied all the alternatives, which you know, and we've talked to a lot of people. We like you, Kayla. From the very first moment at Janet's lawn party when you started talking about being a surrogate someday, I knew. I can't explain how, but I did."
"You are probably aware," Jack continued, "that we checked you out thoroughly."
"Oh, yes, and I did the same with you."
"We know," Jack laughed, "but more important than background checks and resumes was the rapport that we believe we've built over the last year or so. I know I haven't been good at staying in touch. Words aren't my thing."
"Oh, yes, they are," Daniel stated confidently.
Jack flinched a little, but continued without missing a beat, "... but I've seen and been a part of all the emails and communications you've had with Daniel, and every one showed you in nothing but a good light."
"Kayla, Jack and I would very much like for you to be the mother of our children. Preferably of both, but if it's too much, we'll understand and find someone else for the other, but you're our first choice. Will you ... will you carry our children for us?"
The twenty-six-year-old leaned forward, and looked at Jack, then over to Daniel. They watched her closely for a sign, any sign. Daniel felt his heart in his throat, and Jack thought living through his prison nightmare in Iraq had been easier than waiting for the woman's response now.
Kayla smiled as she revealed her answer.
"Yes. I would be honored to bring your children, both of them, into this crazy world. I can't wait. Yes."
"Oh, gawd!"
Jack jumped up and turned to face Daniel who was stunned speechless. The young man had just been overwhelmed. It was the answer he wanted, but when Kayla spoke the words, it was almost too much for him to process.
Jack took Daniel's hands in his, rubbing them as if to prevent his lover from going into shock. Then Jack cupped his husband's face.
"Breathe, Danny. She's going to have our baby. Come on, Love. In ... out ... in ... out. There you go," Jack spoke softly, calming his very jittery husband.
"Yes? She said yes, Jack!" Turning to Kayla, Daniel needed verification that he wasn't hearing things. "You did say yes?"
"Yes," Kayla said as she sat, a bit weepy-eyed at Daniel's reaction.
"We're ... going to have a baby ... I mean, two of them."
"How about that?" Jack gazed into Daniel's eyes. "Geez, what you do to me."
He caressed Daniel's left cheek, and then kissed him. The two embraced, Daniel's eyes closing as he tried to soak it all in.
He whispered, "She said yes. Our dreams, Jack. They're finally going to come true."
"Yes, they are, Angel, thanks to Kayla."
Jack kissed Daniel again, and then turned to the caring female.
"Thank you, from both of us."
The young woman stood, and hugged the couple.
"We have a lot to talk about," Daniel said, "but you've made us both so happy. We can never thank you enough."
"Yes, you can. Raise them well, and be good parents. That's the only thing I ask."
"Jack, are you okay?"
Daniel had climbed the ladder to the roof deck, knowing Jack would be there. It was almost 4 a.m. the next morning when Daniel had awakened to a lonely bed.
"Danny. I've wanted this for so long." Jack paused. His hands were latched tight to the top of the railing. He bowed his head, shaking it for a second. "You. Me. Family. All because ... because of a falling star."
Jack looked up towards the night sky, a bit in awe of the twinkling lights he saw. Daniel smiled, remembering the night they had both admitted their love after watching a falling star flash through the sky.
"It's because you loved me, and never gave up on me."
Jack turned his face to look at his lover. He spoke softly.
"I think that's the other way around. You knew how I felt a long time before that night. You could have left me high and dry."
"No, I couldn't. I loved you, Jack."
"You didn't know that then."
Daniel moved to Jack's side, putting his arms around his lover's. He leaned his head on Jack's shoulder.
"We're having a family. We've made through all the nightmares, all the doubts and insecurities. It's a wonderful feeling to finally know what ... what family is."
"We made the right choice," Jack said.
"Yes, we did. Kayla is perfect. The girls love her."
Jack laughed, nodding his head.
"I think ... that when Bij and Katie met her that first time, it sealed the deal for me. Our girls are great judges of character."
"That was important. Jack, let's go back to bed."
"Tired?"
"Nervous, and I have a hunch the next several months are going to ... be nerve-wracking. I want to sleep while I still can."
"I love you, Danny."
"You know what's nice, Jack?"
"What?"
"Ten years ago, I couldn't even conceptualize being loved like this. Now ... now I depend on it ... rely on it ... believe in it. Gawd, I believe it. It's such a part of me. Thank you for giving me that ... for showing me what love is."
"Angel," Jack whispered before kissing his husband with a deep, passionate, needy kiss, one that led to more ... and more.
Daniel never did get to sleep again that night ... but he had no complaints, either.
"Jack, we should make her the offer."
"She'll refuse. She's made that clear before, and Danny, I don't want her to think we're trying to ... I don't know, coerce her or something."
"I know. I don't either."
Daniel sat on the edge of their bed, petting Bijou's tummy as she rolled over on her back.
"Hey, Bij, where's that pup of yours?"
"Woof!"
The mama beagle turned back over and looked over to the closet.
"Uh oh," Daniel said.
"I'll get her," Jack said, walking to the closet. "Aha -- there you are, you little thief. You cannot have my slippers. Don't look at me like that, you little runt. Ya want Danny's slippers?"
"Jaaaack!"
"Just kidding, Angel. Katie darlin'," Jack spoke in his Irish brogue. "Are you tryin' to hint for some new toys, lass?"
"Woof! Woof!"
Daniel laughed as he stood up.
"Let's go."
"Just like that?" Jack asked.
"Jack, look at her. How long are you going to be able to ignore that look?"
"What can I say, Love? She does the pout almost as good as you."
"Jack!"
The older man pulled Daniel into his arms and kissed him on the nose.
"Let's go," he said cheerfully.
With their beagles in tow, Jack and Daniel headed for the local pet store, where Bijou selected a new bone, sweater, and squeaky ball, while Katie insisted on no less than eight new toys, including a chew toy and some rubber treasures for her play yard.
"Are you really going to get all of that?" Daniel asked.
"She wants them; needs them for her archaeology studies."
"She has you wrapped around her little paw, Jack."
"Well, why shouldn't she? She is, after all, just like you."
Jack laughed as he headed for the counter with a very perky beagle on his heels.
"I wasn't expecting to see you two tonight," Kayla said, letting Jack and Daniel into her just-rented apartment.
It was four days after the shopping event with the beagles, and the couple had spent most of their free time debating over the offer they wanted to make to the young woman. It had been difficult, but in the end, they decided they had to give her this opportunity, because what she was giving to them was a blessing of a life time!
"I'm sorry. We should have called. We'll go," Daniel said as he tugged on Jack's arm, but Jack didn't budge.
"He's right. We should have phoned, but we wanted to talk about something. Do you want us to go?"
"No, of course not. Have a seat," Kayla moved over towards her new sofa, "I was just reading. So what's up? Have you changed your minds?"
"Oh, no," Daniel said anxiously, "but ... can we sit down?"
"Sure. Care for something to drink?"
"No, we just came from dinner," Jack answered. "Kayla, Danny and I have gone round and round about this for a while, but the last few days, it's been very difficult because, well, to be honest, there's a part of us that's afraid you might misunderstand what we ..." Jack paused, looking at his lover, "... would like to offer you."
"I don't want your money."
"No, that's not what we're offering ... exactly."
"Daniel, I told you both from the beginning ..."
'Kayla, um, will you hear us out ... please?" "Of course. I'm sorry, go ahead."
Kayla listened in silence as Daniel made their proposal. She was totally surprised by the offer. Standing, Kayla walked around her place, looking at some of her collected treasures from various trips throughout the world.
"You're right. I've felt this desire to write my novel for some time. The passion is there. I can't describe it. It's like a song ... music, that plays in my head over and over. All these ideas demanding to find their place on paper. I need to do it. I HAVE to do it. I just never imagined I would have the opportunity to ... to make my dream come true."
"Kayla," Daniel stood and walked to her. "We ... you're giving us such a wonderful gift, and Jack and I ... well, we're a believer in making dreams come true. What we're offering benefits all of us. It helps Jack and I because our babies will have just one birth mother and legally, they'll truly be siblings, and with the laws how they are, that will be a big plus for us. I mean, uh, it'll just make it that much easier."
"I know what you mean, Daniel."
Kayla smiled, taking another look at Jack.
"I don't want to owe you. I ... like you said, this is my dream, and I don't want it handed to me on a silver platter. I want to work for it. When I get it, I want to know that's an achievement that I made happen. Does that make sense?"
"Yes," Daniel said a bit sadly, returning to sofa to sit back by his husband again.
"Listen, Kayla, I'm all for independence and all of that, but we are asking you to essentially give up two years, maybe more of your life; to push back a couple of those trips, so why shouldn't you get something from it, too? What's the harm in all of us winning?"
Kayla rubbed her hands together as she considered the proposal. Jack's words had been logical. She was giving up something, and what they were offering wasn't a handout.
"It is my one opportunity, and I have to admit, I may not get another."
"And don't you see, Kayla? You're giving Jack and I our one big opportunity to have our children raised together the way we want. Please, let us help you with your opportunity, like you're helping us."
Kayla turned her head and released a breath. It sounded almost too good to be true, and yet, looking at her new friends, she could taste the dream she had coveted in her heart for so long.
"Okay, but, guys, it has to be on my terms."
"Which would be?" Jack asked.
"It's a straight loan, with interest, and we keep solid records. I will work part-time because I'd feel inadequate if I didn't, but the rest of the time, I would write."
"We have no problem with that."
"So just to be clear. What you're proposing is that we do the first insemination with Daniel's sperm, and after that baby is born, a few months later, we go right ahead with yours, Jack? Correct?"
"That's affirmative."
"Jack, you're retiring."
"Sorry ... habit. That's correct, Kayla. That way, our children are only separated by a year or so, and that's pretty much what we want."
"You pay only what I absolutely need. No frills."
"Agreed," Jack said.
"And I pay you back, with interest. No hedging, guys."
"Agreed," Daniel confirmed solidly.
"Deal! This is so exciting! I'm going to write my novel!" the young woman gushed.
"And we can't wait to read it, Kayla," Daniel said enthusiastically.
"You two are awesome!"
The couple looked embarrassed, evading Kayla's glances. The trio spent another hour talking about Kayla's book and the baby plans. They would be introducing her to Sylvia Preston in a few days, so they spent some time making the arrangements for that all-important visit. A week after that, if all went well, Jack and Daniel would be moving another step forward towards becoming parents.
"Okay, kids, let's move out," Jack ordered his team onto the rugged terrain of PX0-399.
SG-1 was on a standard recon mission, a trek to check for mineral deposits and possibly to make contact with the locals. Three hours into the mission, however, the team hadn't seen anything but large stones and desert.
"Carter, are you sure there is something worthwhile on this planet?"
"I can't be positive, Sir, but the UAV picked some signs of rare minerals that could be useful to us, and there were images nearby of what appeared to be dwellings."
"Appeared to be?"
"They were pretty primitive, Sir."
"How primitive?"
"Huts and something that resembled Indian teepees."
"Swell. Where, Colonel?"
"Should be up ahead."
"Colonel?" Jack asked sharply, wanting a clearly indication of where the dwellings were.
"A...about another two miles according to the data," Sam hedged, knowing what Jack's reaction would be.
"Two more miles in this heat. That's just ... peachy, Carter."
"Who knows, Jack? Maybe we'll find some ruins."
Jack stared at his lover, then twisted his face as he sarcastically spoke, "Very funny, Daniel. Let's get going."
Finally, they reached the desired area.
"I don't see anyone," Daniel said curiously as he stared at the community of small structures in front of them.
"It looks deserted," Sam commented.
"I don't like it. Heads up," Jack warned.
He led his team from the hill overlooking the small valley down to the vicinity of the huts. They still didn't see anyone, but the huts were full of signs of life -- cots, cooking utensils, clothes.
"These ... dwellings seem to be made out of ... canvas and some kind of mortar," Sam observed.
"There are bricks used on some of these. Well, they look like bricks, but ... they're softer," Daniel said, reaching out to touch one and observing that the brick-like material was sturdy but also flexible.
"Do you suppose the inhabitants are in hiding, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.
"From what?" Daniel asked. "They couldn't know we were coming."
Jack responded, "Well, something's not right. Maybe we should ..."
"Jack," Daniel interrupted, looking off to the northeast. "Do you hear that?"
The team stood still, listening to the noise seemingly being carried by the wind.
"Laughter?" Sam commented.
"And lots of it," Daniel added.
"Let's check it out," Jack said as he began to move toward the noise.
As they followed the noise, the gravel road turned, circling around a large group of the huts.
"I don't believe it," Jack said.
"Wow!" Sam exclaimed.
Daniel stood, his mouth open as he took in the sight. In front of them were approximately one hundred people, most of which were wading in a large opening in the ground.
"Is that a pool?" Jack asked.
"It looks like a hole in the ground, O'Neill."
Indeed, there wasn't any cement or fiberglass, or any other substance the team recognized to make up the pool, but it did look like a large hole, and it was full of a liquid.
"Is that ... water?" Daniel asked as he looked at the light pink liquid the people were wading in.
"I don't know," Sam answered.
"We have visitors," a man called out, causing the inhabitants to turn and face SG-1.
"Welcome," one of the females said, elevating herself out of the liquid.
"Holy levitation," Jack said, stepping back a foot. Daniel stared at his lover. "What?"
Daniel sighed and moved towards the inhabitants. He motioned to himself with his right hand as he spoke, "Hello. I'm Daniel Jackson, and this is Colonel Carter, that's Teal'c, and this is, uh, Jack."
Jack looked at his lover incredulously.
Jack? Carter's a Colonel and I'm just ... Jack?
Be quiet ... General.
"I am Moxlan," the man said. "She is my mate, Rogian."
Daniel nodded towards the woman, and then continued, "We're peaceful explorers from the planet Earth. We came through the Stargate."
"Stargate?"
"The, uh, circle ... chappai'ai?"
"Big round thing, makes a lot of noise, blue shimmering water," Jack tried to explain.
"Oh, they mean the Sphere of Light, Moxlan," Rogian said.
"Yes ... the, uh ... sphere," Daniel responded.
"We don't get many visitors through the Sphere," Moxlan said, adding, "We are having one of our Days of Celebration. You are welcome to join us."
"Cool. We like to celebrate," Jack said, moving forward to stand beside Daniel. "What are we celebrating?"
Rogian answered, "This is our day of the family. We celebrate it every five cycles of our sun."
"That would be about once every three months, Sir," Sam explained.
SG-1 spent the next three hours talking with the people who called themselves the Filatios. The inhabitants valued home life, purity of the land, and simplicity. Their huts had been deceiving as it became clear during their discussions that they had both intelligence and the ability to be technologically advanced, but they had chosen this basic way of living.
They enjoyed many special days of celebration and remembrance, but none was more special to them than those devoted to the family. On these days, the entire community without exception would spend the day together, relaxing and participating in various types of recreation. At the center of the attention were the children who were encouraged to express their wants and desires during the celebrations, and many of whom were honored for their achievements since the last Day of Celebration.
Daniel had been fascinated by the type of honors given. While some were recognized for their intelligence and contributions that bettered the community, many were acknowledged for more simple things, like doing a kindness for a neighbor, helping a sibling with a chore, or having learned a valuable lesson related to character and morality.
Just before leaving, Daniel stood off to the side, sitting on a rock a few feet from the pool, or what the people called the water glade. Jack walked up quietly.
"Dollar for your thoughts."
Daniel chuckled.
"A dollar? Luxury."
"What you think is important, worth far more than a penny."
Daniel smiled shyly, then answered his lover's question.
"I was just thinking about the Filatios. In Latin, filiatio is like a relationship between a father and a son. Family, I guess, with all the rights and obligations that makes a family that way. Jack, look at these people. I've been watching the parents with their children; they're all so happy."
"Children are a great source of happiness. Trust me, I know."
"It's kinda weird to think about, Jack. A year from now we could be like those people right there."
Jack looked at a couple off in the distance. They were talking to an infant child, the mother's singing barely audible from the distance.
"I hope so," Jack said, observing the smiles on their faces.
"Jack, when next month comes, I don't want us to talk about a ... a last mission. I mean ... the last time ... I just don't want to jinx us."
The last time the lovers had actually said the words 'we're retiring', Daniel had almost been killed. His recovery had taken months. This time, Daniel didn't want to speak the words; he just wanted it to happen.
"Danny, we'll be fine."
Daniel bowed his head and folded his arms across his chest.
"I just want us to go ... and come back. Please, Jack. When it's time, let's not talk about it. We'll both know, but let's just ... agree not to say the words."
I love you, Angel.
I love you. Gawd, Jack, a family. We're going to have a family of our own. I guess I'm just a little scared.
Jack wished he could hold his husband, but all he could do was smile, and silently reassure him as best he could.
It's okay, Love. You'll see. When it comes times for us to walk through the Stargate for the last ... for the final time, it'll be a piece of cake.
"I hope so."
"Trust me."
"I always do." They watched the celebration a while longer, soaking in the happiness they observed. "I can't wait to see you holding our baby," Daniel spoke softly, the sweetest smile warming his face.
"That's how I feel."
"Sir, the tests are complete," Sam called out, having completed the mineral testing she was charged with doing on the recon.
"Thanks, Colonel. Let's go home."
SG-1 thanked their hosts for their hospitality, and then they returned to Earth. For Jack and Daniel, the mission had turned out to be a welcome retreat, a reminder of the joy they were about to share together.
"Are you nervous?"
"Me? I'm a General in the United States Air Force, at least for a few more days. This isn't exactly something new, you know."
"Right, Jack. I'm petrified."
Jack drew Daniel into his arms and kissed him, passing on his strength and calm.
"Just think of me because I'll be thinking of you."
"I love you so much, Jack. Today, it's not just another day. It's the most important time we've ever ... you know."
"Geez, Daniel, don't ever change. You're priceless, a gem, and I love you just the way you are ... practically perfect in every way."
"Gawd, you're quoting Mary Poppins again."
"You'd prefer Tinkerbell?" Daniel walked to the phone and picked it up. "Hey, who are you calling?"
"The clinic," Daniel answered.
"Why? We'll be there in an hour."
"To tell them to switch the sperm. They need to lose yours and replace it with ... the Scarecrow."
Jack laughed at his soulmate, and right now, they needed some humor to help them relax. He had to admit that while he wasn't as anxiety-ridden as Daniel, he still was a bit nervous.
"Love you, Space Monkey."
Putting the phone down, Daniel chuckled before responding, "Love you too, My Silver Fox. Gawd, I'm so nervous."
"We've only done this how many times?"
"Too many to count," Daniel answered shyly.
"This time, we're creating a baby."
"Two babies."
Jack leaned forward and kissed his husband again.
"Just remember, we can't get carried away."
"Jack, I'm too nervous to get carried away. I can't breathe."
"Angel, look at me. Just ... look at me. This is the closest we'll ever be to creating our children together. It's something we'll always remember. So, just take a breath, try to relax, and think about the baby we're helping to create right now."
"I love you." Daniel leaned over and cupped Jack's face and kissed him mightily. "Love you so much."
"Let's create a baby or two. Ready?"
"Ready!"
Never losing eye contact, Jack and Daniel then produced the sperm samples needed for the insemination, each working the other to completion in a loving caress of creation.
They followed the instructions Sylvia had given them to protect the samples and quickly washed up. Then, they headed for the clinic. As long as they made it there within the hour, they'd be okay.
"Do you want me to drive?" Jack asked with a grin.
"No, I think I can handle it," Daniel said, rolling his eyes.
"And boy do you know how to handle it!"
"Jaaaack."
Daniel blushed, getting into the car. He made good time driving his sporty Silver Fox, the 1999 Shelby-American Jack had gifted him with years before. He loved the racing car because it reminded him of his own silver-haired human fox, his Jack!
"Hello, Jack, Daniel. How are you guys feeling?"
"Great! Raring to go." Jack grinned, holding a bag up. "Or maybe I should say we were, and here's the proof."
"Don't buy it, Sylvia. He's as scared as I am about the whole thing."
"Men! You all get so uptight when it's time to produce the goods. You make a big fuss when there's nothing to it."
"That's what every woman thinks," Daniel snorted.
Doctor Sylvia Preston, a long time friend of Jack's and now one of Daniel's, too, had been assisting the couple as they prepared for the artificial insemination. She was a consultant for one of the leading clinics in Denver and was overseeing their "case."
"Okay, fellas. You remember Nancy?" Jack and Daniel nodded hellos to one of the nurses. "Nancy will process the samples, so if you'll hand them over, she can begin. Do you two have any questions?"
"Yeah, do you have anything for hyperventilation?" Daniel asked anxiously.
"Ah, Danny."
Jack leaned over and kissed his husband. He loved that he could do this openly. Their hiding was coming to an end, and for Jack, it wasn't ending soon enough.
"Sorry, I'm still nervous."
"Relax, Daniel. There's no need to be nervous," Sylvia said reassuringly. "Kayla's the one who should be nervous today."
"Where is she anyway?" Jack asked.
"How IS Kayla?" Daniel corrected sternly.
"She's in another room, and she's just fine. The gonadotropin injections seem to have worked as expected, and she's ... raring to go, as you say, Jack." Sylvia smiled at the two men. "Jack? Daniel? Um," the doctor pointed at the brown bags they were carrying, "We can't proceed without your ... contributions. Hand over the goods!"
"Right!" both said as unison, handing the "goods" as Sylvia had called them over to the nurse.
"Now, I want to verify this. You want me to keep both of these fresh ... why?"
"Because of a lifetime in the military, Syl," Jack said, "We've learned the hard way ... never go in without backup."
"That ... makes ... sense, I guess."
"We've ... seen things, Sylvia," Daniel spoke sincerely. "You just never know what tomorrow might bring, so Jack and I are just covering our bases ... in case something ... um, something unforeseen happens."
"I could freeze this. It would last longer, Jack."
"No, we just want this to last for the duration of what we're doing now ... in case something crazy happens." Sylvia looked at her friends in confusion. "Look, Syl, we just like to have a backup plan for everything we do."
"There's always an 'or'," Daniel said, "... which doesn't make sense to you, does it?"
"But it does to you two?" Jack and Daniel both smiled and nodded. "Okay, not a problem. Nancy will process both per our normal procedures."
"So, Syl, you inseminate Kayla today, and then what?"
"We'll do a follow-up in a week or so, inducing ovulation again. It simply increases the chance of Kayla becoming pregnant right away. If she doesn't conceive this month, we'll continue the cycle twice a month for the next two months, and if nothing happens, we'll discuss alternatives, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?"
"Okay," Daniel exhaled and spoke at the same time.
Jack tugged the younger man to him, his arm wrapping around him protectively from behind. Looking at Sylvia and Nancy, Jack mouthed silently, "First time father jitters."
"Jack, I love you, but stop speaking behind my back."
"And I love you, even if you do have eyes in the back of your head."
"I do not!"
"Do, too!"
"Stop it, Jack. We're not at home."
"We will be soon enough."
"Jack!"
"Daniel!"
Daniel rolled his eyes.
"Gawd, why are we doing this? You're just a big child yourself."
Jack laughed loudly. His husband was right, but Jack was just glad he also knew Daniel wouldn't want him any other way, nor could Jack live any other way.
"Come on ... Daddy ... let's go see Kayla before the procedure."
"How they kept their relationship a secret for all those years, I'll never know," Sylvia whispered to Nancy as she watched the couple walk out.
====On to Chapter Two...
Author Website: Category: Slash, Angst, Humor, H/C, Drama, Romance, Established Relationship Pairing: Jack/Daniel ... and it's all J/D Rating: NC-17 Season: Beyond the Series -- February 16, 2006 - December 15, 2006 Spoilers: Hathor, The Serpent's Lair, Need, Message in a Bottle, One False Step, The Other Side, Shades of Grey, Upgrades, New Order Size: 763kb total --Chapter One: 43kb --Chapter Two: 43kb --Chapter Three: 41kb --Chapter Four: 106kb --Chapter Five: 43kb --Chapter Six: 73kb --Chapter Seven: 119kb -- Tweaked August 21, 2004 --Chapter Eight: 152kb --Chapter Nine: 52kb --Chapter Ten: 91kb Written: December 11-15,20-21,23-25, 2003, January 8-9,28-31, February 1-10,13-14,18,20-21,27-29, April 7, July 13-18,20,22,24-25,27-30, August 3,5-6, 2004 Tweaked: See Above.
Summary: It's that time! Jack and Daniel start their family! Witness it all, from the insemination through those first crazy weeks when they come home from the hospital!
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers -- not mine, wish they were, especially Daniel, and Jack, too, but they aren't. A gal can dream though!
Notes: 1) Due to spoiler potential, most notes are at the conclusion of this piece.
2) Hanky warning for Chapters Four and Nine (to say more would give it away.
3) The story stands on its own, but has references to several of my prior fics including "Dangerous Interludes," "Stay Awake," "Because You Loved Me," "Delusions of Love," "The Last Mission," "Black and White," "Brothers," "Just When You Thought You Knew Jack ...," "Flying High," "Heart and Soul" 4) Thanks to my betas who always make my fics better: Charlotte, Suzanna, Drdjlover, Claudia, QuinGem! A nod to Dianna as well for some tips on the delivery.
Ten Months by Orrymain
-- Chapter One: Planting the Seed
"Welcome back, Kayla," Jack greeted Janet's niece enthusiastically, giving her a big hug.
"Sorry, couldn't get Teal'c off the phone," Daniel said, running into the living room from the study.
"Book of the month time?"
"Yeah. He's fascinated by Oprah's selections."
"Teal'c is your friend from overseas, right?"
"Sort of." Daniel smiled as he and Kayla hugged. "Nice to see you."
"Let's sit down," Jack said, adding, "Would you like something to drink?"
"Lemonade or juice would be nice, if you have it."
"Sure, be right back," Jack said as he headed for the kitchen.
"Where are the girls?"
Daniel smiled, touched that Kayla would inquire about the two beagles, Bijou and Katie.
"Well, when I looked outside a minute ago, Katie was sunning herself, and Bijou was chasing a squirrel."
"I'd love to see them."
Gawd, I like her. "You sure?"
Seeing Kayla's nod, Daniel stood and went to the patio door. He called the two dogs, watching as they sprinted inside and ran straight to their guest.
"Hey, girls!"
Jack listened from the kitchen as he prepared their drinks. He, too, had a smile on his face, pleased that the dogs had taken to Kayla.
It's a plus. Definitely a plus.
"Did you enjoy Yellowstone?" Daniel asked the brunette, smiling at the way the beagles lay down by her feet as she continued to pet them for another minute.
"Definitely. You know me by now. I love everywhere I go. Seeing the world, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people. I just thrive on that, Daniel."
"You'd make a great anthropologist."
"I considered that for a while, but it's a bit too limiting."
"Here we go, lemonade for all!"
Jack put a small tray on the coffee table. There was a pitcher of pink lemonade, a small bucket of tiny ice cubes, and three glasses, along with some napkins. He also brought in a bowl of Chex Mix.
"Thank you, Jack," Kayla said as she reached down to grab a glass.
"Daniel made notes from the last time you were here," Jack said, pouring glasses of the fizzy drink for both himself and Daniel.
"Thank you, Daniel." Kayla smiled.
Holding his glass in his hand as he sat on the arm of Jack's favorite chair, Daniel looked at Jack and then back at the young woman who could see the men's nervousness shining through.
"You're welcome." Daniel returned her smile. "Besides, I like lemonade, too. It's ..." Daniel had stretched out his hand over Jack absentmindedly, as if to motion "it was nothing," but he had forgotten he had a drink in his hand, and so when he turned over his hand, the drink spilled onto Jack's lap.
"Oh, gawd! Jack, I'm sorry."
Daniel jumped up, almost spilling the rest of the drink onto the floor before he thought to put the glass down.
"For crying out loud, Daniel," Jack bellowed as he reached for a napkin to try and dry his damp pants.
"Oh, gawd," Daniel repeated, on the verge of hyperventilating.
Jack suddenly heard the panic in Daniel's voice, and just as suddenly, his damp pants meant nothing. He stood and took Daniel in his arms.
"It's okay, Love. You didn't mean to. You're just nervous."
Jack felt the tension in his lover and gently caressed Daniel's back.
"Breathe, Danny. It's okay. Breathe. That's it."
Daniel had closed his eyes. He felt anxious, and now he feared everything was going wrong. His right hand clung to his husband's shirt as he felt a deep remorse for having ruined their plans.
"Gawd, I'm sorry."
Jack pulled back and gazed into Daniel's eyes.
"I love you." He placed a tender kiss on Daniel's lips. "It's fine, Danny. I'm going to go upstairs and change. Are you okay?"
Daniel was still breathing rapidly, but he nodded. Jack considered going upstairs alone, but then decided against it.
"Kayla, will you excuse us a moment?"
"Sure, go ahead. I'll enjoy my drink here with the girls," she said, reaching down to the floor to massage the middle of Katie's back.
"Come on, Love."
"I should stay ..."
"Come on."
Jack tugged on Daniel's hand, pulling him into motion and up the stairs to their bedroom, closing the door after they walked in.
Before Daniel could speak, Jack kissed him passionately as he held his heart close.
"Listen to me. It's okay. Stuff like that happens all the time."
"I'm a clumsy geek," Daniel lamented.
"No, you're not, and you never were. You were just ... nervous sometimes, and that's okay, Danny."
"Jack, maybe I'm ... I mean ... gawd ..."
"Daniel, it was a drink, not our baby."
"Our baby."
Daniel suddenly grinned.
"Yeah ... sounds good, doesn't it?" Daniel nodded and seemed more steady again, so Jack finally removed his soggy pants and put on a new pair. "You okay now?"
"Thanks, Jack ... but if I were Kayla, I'd run."
"Don't over think. Let's get back down there."
"What if she says no?"
"Then we'll deal with it. Danny," Jack cupped his lover's face gently in his hands. "We've taken a lot of time to think about this, and so has Kayla. She's been all over the world in the last year or two, but doesn't it seem like fate that at the same time she wrote that she was ready to settle down again for a while that we had just decided that we were definitely going to retire and have our family?"
"It does seem like destiny, doesn't it?"
"Geez, Love, we had just had the conversation, and ten minutes later, her email comes through. 'Hey, guys, I'm tired of traveling. I think I'll come home for a year or more. Maybe the Springs even.' Danny, that was a message. I'm sure of it."
"I want it to be, Jack. I ... I want Kayla to have our babies."
"Me, too," Jack said with a nod. Then he kissed his husband. "Come on. We'd better corral her before she runs for the hills."
"That was bad, Jack."
"Can't come up with a winner all the time," the older man said as he headed for the hallway.
"I did. I have you."
Jack turned, love blooming in his eyes. He reached out and took Daniel's hand in his, squeezing tightly. His voice was tender and full of emotion as he spoke, "Geez, what you do to me; how you make me feel. Love you, Angel."
"I love you, too." Going quickly down the stairs, Jack faced their guest, a hopeful grin on his face as he apologized. Daniel followed.
"Sorry about that."
"Not a problem," Kayla said with a laugh. "I've done a lot worse in my time. Do you know that I once dropped an ice cream cone on Tom Cruise?"
"You're making that up," Daniel said, confident Kayla was only trying to make him feel better.
"No, I'm not. He was making a film, and I bumped into him ... literally. Boy, was I embarrassed."
"I know how you feel," Daniel said, folding his arms across his chest as he again sat on the arm of Jack's chair.
"Guys, what do you say we skip the travel updates, put the lemonade and ice cream cones behind us, and get to the real topic of the night?"
"Good idea," Jack said, leaning forward in his chair, his hands rubbing together. "We've made our decision," Jack reached over and took Daniel's hand, forcing him to stop the self-hug. "We've decided on what we hope our family will be and how we want to get there. Have you made your decision?"
"As a matter of fact, I have, and just so you know, I'm very secure in it. I'm positive that my decision is in the best interests of all concerned."
"Who goes first?" Daniel asked timidly.
"We should. After all, we started it, Danny. Uh, Kayla, Daniel and I do want to start our family, and we're ready to do it. I'll be retiring next month. It's been in the works for a while. They keep asking us to stay, and we keep doing it, but the time's right, so next month, I'm out. So, we want to proceed."
Daniel jumped in, talking rapidly, almost in lecture mode.
"We've studied all the alternatives, which you know, and we've talked to a lot of people. We like you, Kayla. From the very first moment at Janet's lawn party when you started talking about being a surrogate someday, I knew. I can't explain how, but I did."
"You are probably aware," Jack continued, "that we checked you out thoroughly."
"Oh, yes, and I did the same with you."
"We know," Jack laughed, "but more important than background checks and resumes was the rapport that we believe we've built over the last year or so. I know I haven't been good at staying in touch. Words aren't my thing."
"Oh, yes, they are," Daniel stated confidently.
Jack flinched a little, but continued without missing a beat, "... but I've seen and been a part of all the emails and communications you've had with Daniel, and every one showed you in nothing but a good light."
"Kayla, Jack and I would very much like for you to be the mother of our children. Preferably of both, but if it's too much, we'll understand and find someone else for the other, but you're our first choice. Will you ... will you carry our children for us?"
The twenty-six-year-old leaned forward, and looked at Jack, then over to Daniel. They watched her closely for a sign, any sign. Daniel felt his heart in his throat, and Jack thought living through his prison nightmare in Iraq had been easier than waiting for the woman's response now.
Kayla smiled as she revealed her answer.
"Yes. I would be honored to bring your children, both of them, into this crazy world. I can't wait. Yes."
"Oh, gawd!"
Jack jumped up and turned to face Daniel who was stunned speechless. The young man had just been overwhelmed. It was the answer he wanted, but when Kayla spoke the words, it was almost too much for him to process.
Jack took Daniel's hands in his, rubbing them as if to prevent his lover from going into shock. Then Jack cupped his husband's face.
"Breathe, Danny. She's going to have our baby. Come on, Love. In ... out ... in ... out. There you go," Jack spoke softly, calming his very jittery husband.
"Yes? She said yes, Jack!" Turning to Kayla, Daniel needed verification that he wasn't hearing things. "You did say yes?"
"Yes," Kayla said as she sat, a bit weepy-eyed at Daniel's reaction.
"We're ... going to have a baby ... I mean, two of them."
"How about that?" Jack gazed into Daniel's eyes. "Geez, what you do to me."
He caressed Daniel's left cheek, and then kissed him. The two embraced, Daniel's eyes closing as he tried to soak it all in.
He whispered, "She said yes. Our dreams, Jack. They're finally going to come true."
"Yes, they are, Angel, thanks to Kayla."
Jack kissed Daniel again, and then turned to the caring female.
"Thank you, from both of us."
The young woman stood, and hugged the couple.
"We have a lot to talk about," Daniel said, "but you've made us both so happy. We can never thank you enough."
"Yes, you can. Raise them well, and be good parents. That's the only thing I ask."
"Jack, are you okay?"
Daniel had climbed the ladder to the roof deck, knowing Jack would be there. It was almost 4 a.m. the next morning when Daniel had awakened to a lonely bed.
"Danny. I've wanted this for so long." Jack paused. His hands were latched tight to the top of the railing. He bowed his head, shaking it for a second. "You. Me. Family. All because ... because of a falling star."
Jack looked up towards the night sky, a bit in awe of the twinkling lights he saw. Daniel smiled, remembering the night they had both admitted their love after watching a falling star flash through the sky.
"It's because you loved me, and never gave up on me."
Jack turned his face to look at his lover. He spoke softly.
"I think that's the other way around. You knew how I felt a long time before that night. You could have left me high and dry."
"No, I couldn't. I loved you, Jack."
"You didn't know that then."
Daniel moved to Jack's side, putting his arms around his lover's. He leaned his head on Jack's shoulder.
"We're having a family. We've made through all the nightmares, all the doubts and insecurities. It's a wonderful feeling to finally know what ... what family is."
"We made the right choice," Jack said.
"Yes, we did. Kayla is perfect. The girls love her."
Jack laughed, nodding his head.
"I think ... that when Bij and Katie met her that first time, it sealed the deal for me. Our girls are great judges of character."
"That was important. Jack, let's go back to bed."
"Tired?"
"Nervous, and I have a hunch the next several months are going to ... be nerve-wracking. I want to sleep while I still can."
"I love you, Danny."
"You know what's nice, Jack?"
"What?"
"Ten years ago, I couldn't even conceptualize being loved like this. Now ... now I depend on it ... rely on it ... believe in it. Gawd, I believe it. It's such a part of me. Thank you for giving me that ... for showing me what love is."
"Angel," Jack whispered before kissing his husband with a deep, passionate, needy kiss, one that led to more ... and more.
Daniel never did get to sleep again that night ... but he had no complaints, either.
"Jack, we should make her the offer."
"She'll refuse. She's made that clear before, and Danny, I don't want her to think we're trying to ... I don't know, coerce her or something."
"I know. I don't either."
Daniel sat on the edge of their bed, petting Bijou's tummy as she rolled over on her back.
"Hey, Bij, where's that pup of yours?"
"Woof!"
The mama beagle turned back over and looked over to the closet.
"Uh oh," Daniel said.
"I'll get her," Jack said, walking to the closet. "Aha -- there you are, you little thief. You cannot have my slippers. Don't look at me like that, you little runt. Ya want Danny's slippers?"
"Jaaaack!"
"Just kidding, Angel. Katie darlin'," Jack spoke in his Irish brogue. "Are you tryin' to hint for some new toys, lass?"
"Woof! Woof!"
Daniel laughed as he stood up.
"Let's go."
"Just like that?" Jack asked.
"Jack, look at her. How long are you going to be able to ignore that look?"
"What can I say, Love? She does the pout almost as good as you."
"Jack!"
The older man pulled Daniel into his arms and kissed him on the nose.
"Let's go," he said cheerfully.
With their beagles in tow, Jack and Daniel headed for the local pet store, where Bijou selected a new bone, sweater, and squeaky ball, while Katie insisted on no less than eight new toys, including a chew toy and some rubber treasures for her play yard.
"Are you really going to get all of that?" Daniel asked.
"She wants them; needs them for her archaeology studies."
"She has you wrapped around her little paw, Jack."
"Well, why shouldn't she? She is, after all, just like you."
Jack laughed as he headed for the counter with a very perky beagle on his heels.
"I wasn't expecting to see you two tonight," Kayla said, letting Jack and Daniel into her just-rented apartment.
It was four days after the shopping event with the beagles, and the couple had spent most of their free time debating over the offer they wanted to make to the young woman. It had been difficult, but in the end, they decided they had to give her this opportunity, because what she was giving to them was a blessing of a life time!
"I'm sorry. We should have called. We'll go," Daniel said as he tugged on Jack's arm, but Jack didn't budge.
"He's right. We should have phoned, but we wanted to talk about something. Do you want us to go?"
"No, of course not. Have a seat," Kayla moved over towards her new sofa, "I was just reading. So what's up? Have you changed your minds?"
"Oh, no," Daniel said anxiously, "but ... can we sit down?"
"Sure. Care for something to drink?"
"No, we just came from dinner," Jack answered. "Kayla, Danny and I have gone round and round about this for a while, but the last few days, it's been very difficult because, well, to be honest, there's a part of us that's afraid you might misunderstand what we ..." Jack paused, looking at his lover, "... would like to offer you."
"I don't want your money."
"No, that's not what we're offering ... exactly."
"Daniel, I told you both from the beginning ..."
'Kayla, um, will you hear us out ... please?" "Of course. I'm sorry, go ahead."
Kayla listened in silence as Daniel made their proposal. She was totally surprised by the offer. Standing, Kayla walked around her place, looking at some of her collected treasures from various trips throughout the world.
"You're right. I've felt this desire to write my novel for some time. The passion is there. I can't describe it. It's like a song ... music, that plays in my head over and over. All these ideas demanding to find their place on paper. I need to do it. I HAVE to do it. I just never imagined I would have the opportunity to ... to make my dream come true."
"Kayla," Daniel stood and walked to her. "We ... you're giving us such a wonderful gift, and Jack and I ... well, we're a believer in making dreams come true. What we're offering benefits all of us. It helps Jack and I because our babies will have just one birth mother and legally, they'll truly be siblings, and with the laws how they are, that will be a big plus for us. I mean, uh, it'll just make it that much easier."
"I know what you mean, Daniel."
Kayla smiled, taking another look at Jack.
"I don't want to owe you. I ... like you said, this is my dream, and I don't want it handed to me on a silver platter. I want to work for it. When I get it, I want to know that's an achievement that I made happen. Does that make sense?"
"Yes," Daniel said a bit sadly, returning to sofa to sit back by his husband again.
"Listen, Kayla, I'm all for independence and all of that, but we are asking you to essentially give up two years, maybe more of your life; to push back a couple of those trips, so why shouldn't you get something from it, too? What's the harm in all of us winning?"
Kayla rubbed her hands together as she considered the proposal. Jack's words had been logical. She was giving up something, and what they were offering wasn't a handout.
"It is my one opportunity, and I have to admit, I may not get another."
"And don't you see, Kayla? You're giving Jack and I our one big opportunity to have our children raised together the way we want. Please, let us help you with your opportunity, like you're helping us."
Kayla turned her head and released a breath. It sounded almost too good to be true, and yet, looking at her new friends, she could taste the dream she had coveted in her heart for so long.
"Okay, but, guys, it has to be on my terms."
"Which would be?" Jack asked.
"It's a straight loan, with interest, and we keep solid records. I will work part-time because I'd feel inadequate if I didn't, but the rest of the time, I would write."
"We have no problem with that."
"So just to be clear. What you're proposing is that we do the first insemination with Daniel's sperm, and after that baby is born, a few months later, we go right ahead with yours, Jack? Correct?"
"That's affirmative."
"Jack, you're retiring."
"Sorry ... habit. That's correct, Kayla. That way, our children are only separated by a year or so, and that's pretty much what we want."
"You pay only what I absolutely need. No frills."
"Agreed," Jack said.
"And I pay you back, with interest. No hedging, guys."
"Agreed," Daniel confirmed solidly.
"Deal! This is so exciting! I'm going to write my novel!" the young woman gushed.
"And we can't wait to read it, Kayla," Daniel said enthusiastically.
"You two are awesome!"
The couple looked embarrassed, evading Kayla's glances. The trio spent another hour talking about Kayla's book and the baby plans. They would be introducing her to Sylvia Preston in a few days, so they spent some time making the arrangements for that all-important visit. A week after that, if all went well, Jack and Daniel would be moving another step forward towards becoming parents.
"Okay, kids, let's move out," Jack ordered his team onto the rugged terrain of PX0-399.
SG-1 was on a standard recon mission, a trek to check for mineral deposits and possibly to make contact with the locals. Three hours into the mission, however, the team hadn't seen anything but large stones and desert.
"Carter, are you sure there is something worthwhile on this planet?"
"I can't be positive, Sir, but the UAV picked some signs of rare minerals that could be useful to us, and there were images nearby of what appeared to be dwellings."
"Appeared to be?"
"They were pretty primitive, Sir."
"How primitive?"
"Huts and something that resembled Indian teepees."
"Swell. Where, Colonel?"
"Should be up ahead."
"Colonel?" Jack asked sharply, wanting a clearly indication of where the dwellings were.
"A...about another two miles according to the data," Sam hedged, knowing what Jack's reaction would be.
"Two more miles in this heat. That's just ... peachy, Carter."
"Who knows, Jack? Maybe we'll find some ruins."
Jack stared at his lover, then twisted his face as he sarcastically spoke, "Very funny, Daniel. Let's get going."
Finally, they reached the desired area.
"I don't see anyone," Daniel said curiously as he stared at the community of small structures in front of them.
"It looks deserted," Sam commented.
"I don't like it. Heads up," Jack warned.
He led his team from the hill overlooking the small valley down to the vicinity of the huts. They still didn't see anyone, but the huts were full of signs of life -- cots, cooking utensils, clothes.
"These ... dwellings seem to be made out of ... canvas and some kind of mortar," Sam observed.
"There are bricks used on some of these. Well, they look like bricks, but ... they're softer," Daniel said, reaching out to touch one and observing that the brick-like material was sturdy but also flexible.
"Do you suppose the inhabitants are in hiding, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.
"From what?" Daniel asked. "They couldn't know we were coming."
Jack responded, "Well, something's not right. Maybe we should ..."
"Jack," Daniel interrupted, looking off to the northeast. "Do you hear that?"
The team stood still, listening to the noise seemingly being carried by the wind.
"Laughter?" Sam commented.
"And lots of it," Daniel added.
"Let's check it out," Jack said as he began to move toward the noise.
As they followed the noise, the gravel road turned, circling around a large group of the huts.
"I don't believe it," Jack said.
"Wow!" Sam exclaimed.
Daniel stood, his mouth open as he took in the sight. In front of them were approximately one hundred people, most of which were wading in a large opening in the ground.
"Is that a pool?" Jack asked.
"It looks like a hole in the ground, O'Neill."
Indeed, there wasn't any cement or fiberglass, or any other substance the team recognized to make up the pool, but it did look like a large hole, and it was full of a liquid.
"Is that ... water?" Daniel asked as he looked at the light pink liquid the people were wading in.
"I don't know," Sam answered.
"We have visitors," a man called out, causing the inhabitants to turn and face SG-1.
"Welcome," one of the females said, elevating herself out of the liquid.
"Holy levitation," Jack said, stepping back a foot. Daniel stared at his lover. "What?"
Daniel sighed and moved towards the inhabitants. He motioned to himself with his right hand as he spoke, "Hello. I'm Daniel Jackson, and this is Colonel Carter, that's Teal'c, and this is, uh, Jack."
Jack looked at his lover incredulously.
Jack? Carter's a Colonel and I'm just ... Jack?
Be quiet ... General.
"I am Moxlan," the man said. "She is my mate, Rogian."
Daniel nodded towards the woman, and then continued, "We're peaceful explorers from the planet Earth. We came through the Stargate."
"Stargate?"
"The, uh, circle ... chappai'ai?"
"Big round thing, makes a lot of noise, blue shimmering water," Jack tried to explain.
"Oh, they mean the Sphere of Light, Moxlan," Rogian said.
"Yes ... the, uh ... sphere," Daniel responded.
"We don't get many visitors through the Sphere," Moxlan said, adding, "We are having one of our Days of Celebration. You are welcome to join us."
"Cool. We like to celebrate," Jack said, moving forward to stand beside Daniel. "What are we celebrating?"
Rogian answered, "This is our day of the family. We celebrate it every five cycles of our sun."
"That would be about once every three months, Sir," Sam explained.
SG-1 spent the next three hours talking with the people who called themselves the Filatios. The inhabitants valued home life, purity of the land, and simplicity. Their huts had been deceiving as it became clear during their discussions that they had both intelligence and the ability to be technologically advanced, but they had chosen this basic way of living.
They enjoyed many special days of celebration and remembrance, but none was more special to them than those devoted to the family. On these days, the entire community without exception would spend the day together, relaxing and participating in various types of recreation. At the center of the attention were the children who were encouraged to express their wants and desires during the celebrations, and many of whom were honored for their achievements since the last Day of Celebration.
Daniel had been fascinated by the type of honors given. While some were recognized for their intelligence and contributions that bettered the community, many were acknowledged for more simple things, like doing a kindness for a neighbor, helping a sibling with a chore, or having learned a valuable lesson related to character and morality.
Just before leaving, Daniel stood off to the side, sitting on a rock a few feet from the pool, or what the people called the water glade. Jack walked up quietly.
"Dollar for your thoughts."
Daniel chuckled.
"A dollar? Luxury."
"What you think is important, worth far more than a penny."
Daniel smiled shyly, then answered his lover's question.
"I was just thinking about the Filatios. In Latin, filiatio is like a relationship between a father and a son. Family, I guess, with all the rights and obligations that makes a family that way. Jack, look at these people. I've been watching the parents with their children; they're all so happy."
"Children are a great source of happiness. Trust me, I know."
"It's kinda weird to think about, Jack. A year from now we could be like those people right there."
Jack looked at a couple off in the distance. They were talking to an infant child, the mother's singing barely audible from the distance.
"I hope so," Jack said, observing the smiles on their faces.
"Jack, when next month comes, I don't want us to talk about a ... a last mission. I mean ... the last time ... I just don't want to jinx us."
The last time the lovers had actually said the words 'we're retiring', Daniel had almost been killed. His recovery had taken months. This time, Daniel didn't want to speak the words; he just wanted it to happen.
"Danny, we'll be fine."
Daniel bowed his head and folded his arms across his chest.
"I just want us to go ... and come back. Please, Jack. When it's time, let's not talk about it. We'll both know, but let's just ... agree not to say the words."
I love you, Angel.
I love you. Gawd, Jack, a family. We're going to have a family of our own. I guess I'm just a little scared.
Jack wished he could hold his husband, but all he could do was smile, and silently reassure him as best he could.
It's okay, Love. You'll see. When it comes times for us to walk through the Stargate for the last ... for the final time, it'll be a piece of cake.
"I hope so."
"Trust me."
"I always do." They watched the celebration a while longer, soaking in the happiness they observed. "I can't wait to see you holding our baby," Daniel spoke softly, the sweetest smile warming his face.
"That's how I feel."
"Sir, the tests are complete," Sam called out, having completed the mineral testing she was charged with doing on the recon.
"Thanks, Colonel. Let's go home."
SG-1 thanked their hosts for their hospitality, and then they returned to Earth. For Jack and Daniel, the mission had turned out to be a welcome retreat, a reminder of the joy they were about to share together.
"Are you nervous?"
"Me? I'm a General in the United States Air Force, at least for a few more days. This isn't exactly something new, you know."
"Right, Jack. I'm petrified."
Jack drew Daniel into his arms and kissed him, passing on his strength and calm.
"Just think of me because I'll be thinking of you."
"I love you so much, Jack. Today, it's not just another day. It's the most important time we've ever ... you know."
"Geez, Daniel, don't ever change. You're priceless, a gem, and I love you just the way you are ... practically perfect in every way."
"Gawd, you're quoting Mary Poppins again."
"You'd prefer Tinkerbell?" Daniel walked to the phone and picked it up. "Hey, who are you calling?"
"The clinic," Daniel answered.
"Why? We'll be there in an hour."
"To tell them to switch the sperm. They need to lose yours and replace it with ... the Scarecrow."
Jack laughed at his soulmate, and right now, they needed some humor to help them relax. He had to admit that while he wasn't as anxiety-ridden as Daniel, he still was a bit nervous.
"Love you, Space Monkey."
Putting the phone down, Daniel chuckled before responding, "Love you too, My Silver Fox. Gawd, I'm so nervous."
"We've only done this how many times?"
"Too many to count," Daniel answered shyly.
"This time, we're creating a baby."
"Two babies."
Jack leaned forward and kissed his husband again.
"Just remember, we can't get carried away."
"Jack, I'm too nervous to get carried away. I can't breathe."
"Angel, look at me. Just ... look at me. This is the closest we'll ever be to creating our children together. It's something we'll always remember. So, just take a breath, try to relax, and think about the baby we're helping to create right now."
"I love you." Daniel leaned over and cupped Jack's face and kissed him mightily. "Love you so much."
"Let's create a baby or two. Ready?"
"Ready!"
Never losing eye contact, Jack and Daniel then produced the sperm samples needed for the insemination, each working the other to completion in a loving caress of creation.
They followed the instructions Sylvia had given them to protect the samples and quickly washed up. Then, they headed for the clinic. As long as they made it there within the hour, they'd be okay.
"Do you want me to drive?" Jack asked with a grin.
"No, I think I can handle it," Daniel said, rolling his eyes.
"And boy do you know how to handle it!"
"Jaaaack."
Daniel blushed, getting into the car. He made good time driving his sporty Silver Fox, the 1999 Shelby-American Jack had gifted him with years before. He loved the racing car because it reminded him of his own silver-haired human fox, his Jack!
"Hello, Jack, Daniel. How are you guys feeling?"
"Great! Raring to go." Jack grinned, holding a bag up. "Or maybe I should say we were, and here's the proof."
"Don't buy it, Sylvia. He's as scared as I am about the whole thing."
"Men! You all get so uptight when it's time to produce the goods. You make a big fuss when there's nothing to it."
"That's what every woman thinks," Daniel snorted.
Doctor Sylvia Preston, a long time friend of Jack's and now one of Daniel's, too, had been assisting the couple as they prepared for the artificial insemination. She was a consultant for one of the leading clinics in Denver and was overseeing their "case."
"Okay, fellas. You remember Nancy?" Jack and Daniel nodded hellos to one of the nurses. "Nancy will process the samples, so if you'll hand them over, she can begin. Do you two have any questions?"
"Yeah, do you have anything for hyperventilation?" Daniel asked anxiously.
"Ah, Danny."
Jack leaned over and kissed his husband. He loved that he could do this openly. Their hiding was coming to an end, and for Jack, it wasn't ending soon enough.
"Sorry, I'm still nervous."
"Relax, Daniel. There's no need to be nervous," Sylvia said reassuringly. "Kayla's the one who should be nervous today."
"Where is she anyway?" Jack asked.
"How IS Kayla?" Daniel corrected sternly.
"She's in another room, and she's just fine. The gonadotropin injections seem to have worked as expected, and she's ... raring to go, as you say, Jack." Sylvia smiled at the two men. "Jack? Daniel? Um," the doctor pointed at the brown bags they were carrying, "We can't proceed without your ... contributions. Hand over the goods!"
"Right!" both said as unison, handing the "goods" as Sylvia had called them over to the nurse.
"Now, I want to verify this. You want me to keep both of these fresh ... why?"
"Because of a lifetime in the military, Syl," Jack said, "We've learned the hard way ... never go in without backup."
"That ... makes ... sense, I guess."
"We've ... seen things, Sylvia," Daniel spoke sincerely. "You just never know what tomorrow might bring, so Jack and I are just covering our bases ... in case something ... um, something unforeseen happens."
"I could freeze this. It would last longer, Jack."
"No, we just want this to last for the duration of what we're doing now ... in case something crazy happens." Sylvia looked at her friends in confusion. "Look, Syl, we just like to have a backup plan for everything we do."
"There's always an 'or'," Daniel said, "... which doesn't make sense to you, does it?"
"But it does to you two?" Jack and Daniel both smiled and nodded. "Okay, not a problem. Nancy will process both per our normal procedures."
"So, Syl, you inseminate Kayla today, and then what?"
"We'll do a follow-up in a week or so, inducing ovulation again. It simply increases the chance of Kayla becoming pregnant right away. If she doesn't conceive this month, we'll continue the cycle twice a month for the next two months, and if nothing happens, we'll discuss alternatives, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?"
"Okay," Daniel exhaled and spoke at the same time.
Jack tugged the younger man to him, his arm wrapping around him protectively from behind. Looking at Sylvia and Nancy, Jack mouthed silently, "First time father jitters."
"Jack, I love you, but stop speaking behind my back."
"And I love you, even if you do have eyes in the back of your head."
"I do not!"
"Do, too!"
"Stop it, Jack. We're not at home."
"We will be soon enough."
"Jack!"
"Daniel!"
Daniel rolled his eyes.
"Gawd, why are we doing this? You're just a big child yourself."
Jack laughed loudly. His husband was right, but Jack was just glad he also knew Daniel wouldn't want him any other way, nor could Jack live any other way.
"Come on ... Daddy ... let's go see Kayla before the procedure."
"How they kept their relationship a secret for all those years, I'll never know," Sylvia whispered to Nancy as she watched the couple walk out.
====On to Chapter Two...