Ten Months

by Orrymain

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!

10. Chapter Ten

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-- Chapter Ten: The Jackson-O'Neills Come Home!

====

The babies had been home for two days, and Jack and Daniel were in a state of total and utter confusion. All three infants were crying at the top of their lungs. Daniel was downstairs, hurrying to get more formula prepared, having underestimated the needs of the newest additions to their family. The triplets seemed to be much hungrier than Daniel had assumed they'd be.

They're so little. How can they drink this much?

While Jack and Daniel had purchased an initial supply of everything from food to baby powder, they had seriously underestimated the demands of three healthy, thriving and very active babies! And unfortunately, neither had yet thought to call to activate their gift of a free diaper service.

"DANIEL? WHERE ARE THE BLASTED PAMPERS? ALL I SEE IS AN EMPTY BOX!"

"Pampers? Oh gawd. I forgot. I didn't have time to go to the store, Jack."

"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET ANY?"

Daniel winced at the emergence of the grizzly bear in his husband.

"Be quiet, Jack. You're going to terrorize our children!"

Ignoring Daniel, Jack bellowed, "WHAT IN NETU ARE WE GOING TO USE?"

"Shhh, Jack, I'm right here. I just had to get the form...." and at that moment, Daniel, with his arms full of baby nourishment, tripped over the plastic case of Wet Ones that Jack had accidentally pushed off the changing table earlier.

"...u....laaaaaaaaa. Oh fuuuuuuuu...sh..... I mean, oh crap," Daniel exclaimed, as the formula fell to the ground.

"You okay?"

"Me? Oh, I'm just swell, but you aren't going to be once I have time to think about why that was on the floor."

Jack gulped, not liking the intense glare in Daniel's eyes. Their almost-bickering session was interrupted by more baby sobs.

"We don't have Pampers or anything."

"What do you want me to do about it?" Daniel asked tersely.

"You're the genius, Love."

"SO ARE YOU!"

Jack flinched, and then defended himself -- "Only on paper. It's not the same."

Daniel didn't have time to get into the who is and isn't a genius discussion. They had little ones to think about.

"FINE! SURE! ANYTHING YOU SAY."

Daniel turned in a huff, grabbed the first thing he saw, and used it to tend to Jonny.

Jack's veins bulged.

"DANNY, THATS MY SILK SHIRT! DANIELLLLLL!

====

"Danny," Jack gently touched his lover's shoulder. "Hey, Angel," he whispered, gently trying to rouse his husband.

Daniel was sitting against the wall on the three-quarter-size bed in the nursery. His head was tilted down, his chin resting on his chest, bobbing up and down slightly in what looked to be an uncomfortable state. The young man had been awakened by the triplets in the middle of the night. He had rocked Jonny for quite a while and right after he had settled back to sleep, Aislinn had awoken, and so he spent the next hour with her. He'd been sure that Michael would wake up next, so in anticipation of this, he sat on the bed ... just waiting.

That had been two hours ago, and Jack had come looking for his missing spouse. He checked the triplets and saw that they were all resting peacefully. He considered leaving Daniel where he was, but the archaeologist looked uncomfortable and restless in his current position.

"Angel, come on. Go back to bed."

"Bed?" Daniel said, still half asleep.

"Yes, come on. I'll make sure you get there."

"Michael ... he'll wake up soon."

Daniel yawned as Jack led him back to their bedroom.

"Don't worry, Love. I'll look after the Munchkins."

"Munchkins?" Daniel yawned again. "Too much Oz. Babies ... not Munccccccc..."

Jack chuckled, placing a kiss on Daniel's forehead and pulling the covers up.

"I love all my Munchkins," Jack said softly before he walked out and back to the nursery to check on the babies one more time.

====

A while later, Jack took an inventory in the kitchen.

"We need to get organized," he said aloud, the General in him beginning to take control. "We're just not handling this right."

They had supplies scattered about everywhere, not yet having had time to figure out where to put everything. They had only planned on having one baby at this point in time, but suddenly, they had three. Three beautiful healthy babies. Jack smiled thinking about the wonderful problems those little lives were causing.

He prepared some formula, stocking up for later, and put on Daniel's coffee. He ate some Froot Loops and was scarfing down the last bite when he heard Michael's cry.

Jack rushed upstairs and held the little one in his arms.

"It's okay, Little Danny. Dad's here."

"Michael, not Danny," Daniel insisted from the doorway.

"Michael," Jack repeated. "Danny, you should go back to bed. You're exhausted."

"So are you, and we have too much to do."

"Okay ... well, I made your coffee, and you need to eat something."

"Hmmm-mmm," Daniel said as he turned.

"Danny, eat something."

"Yes, Dad."

"Okay, Little Danny. I'm going to have to go check on your daddy. I don't suppose you can curtail this little crying thing for awhile? Yeah? Really? Thank you. Daddy has a miserable habit of taking care of everyone but himself so if I don't get down there and make sure he actually eats something ... well, it won't be pretty. Love you, Danny."

Jack put the little baby back in his crib, and with a final check on the other two, he went downstairs. As predicted, Daniel was sitting at the counter, inhaling his coffee. His definition of food was apparently a piece of chocolate. Jack shook his head.

"Oh, no you don't," Jack said, grabbing the chocolate from Daniel's hand.

"What?" Daniel asked, looking like the child who'd just lost his Christmas.

"Breakfast. Real food, Daniel."

"Oh," he said disappointedly.

Jack put the chocolate truffle away and fixed his lover a proper meal -- two scrambled eggs, two sausages, a piece of toast, and a glass of orange juice.

"Now, if you're a good boy and eat it alllllll up, you can have your chocolate later."

"Very funny," Daniel said sarcastically as he begrudgingly took a bite of eggs.

"Need to keep you healthy. It's not just us now."

The little reminder totally depleted the young man's hostility. He smiled, the happy expression growing in scope with each passing second. In fact, the smile became a grin, and it was so contagious that within seconds, Jack was grinning, too.

"We have ... Munchkins," Daniel laughed loudly.

"That we do, Love." Jack kissed Daniel, surprising him. As a result, they ended up sharing a bite of egg. "Hmm ... needs more pepper," Jack said with a chuckle.

"Gawd, I love you. I'm sorry I was grouchy."

"You're tired, Daniel. We have to remember that we need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of the triplets. Oh, by the way, the feeling is so mutual. Now eat up."

Jack turned to start the dishwasher, already full of bottles and dishes.

"Jack, we didn't plan on this ... I mean, financially."

"No, but ... we're doing okay. We should take another look at things, maybe shift around some funds in our accounts."

"Good thing you're a stock market whiz!"

"Good thing you made that crazy salary for all those years."

"Your salary wasn't that bad, Jack. In fact, it was pretty darn good, especially after your promotion to General. We've never owed anything either. The thing is we're used to a certain lifestyle, and ... well, we're very spoiled." Daniel paused, eating some of his sausage. After a minute, he said, "Jack, we need J-O to work."

"It will. We've made a good start."

"Yeah, but ... three babies. It's going to make it more difficult ... I mean, gawd, one of us taking care of one baby, and later ... that was one thing, but we can't even breathe right now."

"We're adjusting. They've only been home a few days. We'll be okay. Better than okay, even."

Jack smiled, filling a glass with some orange juice for himself.

"We haven't even had time to go see Kayla."

"Danny, right now 'we' can't go anywhere. We need ... I don't know what we need. Yes, I do ... babysitters."

"Oh no, not yet."

"Danny."

"No, Jack. They just came home. They're too young. One of us always has to be here."

"Okay. It's my turn to go shopping so ... I'll stock up."

"We need a warehouse."

Daniel chuckled, looking around at the mess that was once their kitchen and living room.

"Yeah, isn't it great?"

Daniel smiled seeing Jack's grin. They'd survive. Both were happier than ever. They only needed time to adjust and make a plan for the future. Daniel finished the last of his breakfast just as the sound of crying came over the monitor.

"I'll take care of the ... Munchkins," Daniel said, placing a quick kiss on Jack's lips and then going upstairs.

Jack smiled, pleased Daniel was getting with the nickname program.

Munchkins worked out well. Okay, Little Danny. It may take a little while, but don't worry, Dad's got a plan!

====

"How's it going, Sir?"

"How does it look like it's going, Carter?" Jack barked, his arms holding a stack of freshly laundered towels.

Jack had been on the way upstairs from the pantry when Sam had knocked on the door.

Sam laughed, never thinking she'd live to see the day when Jack O'Neill was truly flustered, but seeing him now, she knew she had.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"No, just ... hold on a second. I'll tell Daniel you're here."

Jack quickly headed upstairs, returning a couple of minutes later, with a yawning Daniel in tow.

"Hey, Sam."

Daniel hugged their friend.

"You look ... good," Sam said, generously.

"Yeah, well, haven't had much sleep since the babies came ... yawn home."

"Daniel, you weren't asleep?"

"Sleep? What is that? Jack, do you know what sleep is?"

"Never heard of it," he smiled in response.

Sam looked around. Her friend's house was usually impeccably clean, but now there were clothes tossed around, newspapers on chairs, Pampers and formula boxes near the kitchen counter, magazines open on the coffee table, and snack food all over the place.

She also noticed the baby monitors. There was one on the counter near the kitchen, one on the bookshelf in the living room, and one on the entranceway table. Her instincts told her she'd find units in the study and pantry as well. It wouldn't be so funny if she hadn't also installed a speaker and monitoring system throughout the house. Her friends were definitely going a bit overboard, but who was she to point out their paranoia? In truth, she figured she'd probably do the same thing.

"You want to see them?"

"Oh, yeah," Sam answered without hesitation.

She grinned as she followed Jack and Daniel upstairs where, yes, she saw another baby monitor sitting affixed to the railing.

"You sure you two have enough baby monitors?" she finally had to ask.

"Probably not. We may have missed a spot," Jack innocently smiled.

"Just as long as you don't think you're overdoing it, Sir."

"Well, maybe we are, especially with the system you built in for us, but geez, I don't remember this baby business being so nerve-wracking when Charlie was born."

"That's because after the first week, you were in Pakistan, Jack."

"I was? No, I wasn't."

"Call Sara and ask her."

Daniel stared his lover down.

"Oh, yeah, maybe I was," Jack remembered a bit sadly, suddenly feeling a ton of remorse.

Daniel immediately picked up on the change in his lover's emotions.

"Jack, you didn't have a choice, especially back then. You had a job to do."

"I missed so much, Danny, so dang much."

Daniel reached over and took his partner's hand. He spoke reassuringly, "Sara told me that, all things considered, you were there more than any of the other Air Force husbands who, well, did what you did. Charlie knew his father. He loved you."

"Yeah. We had a lot of good times." All of a sudden, Jack became aware of his melancholy state, and the presence of his 2IC. He quickly regrouped, speaking enthusiastically, "Oh ... hey, Sara! Babysitter!"

"Jack, she's your ex-wife, not our babysitter."

"She's a lot of things, and she'd be a great babysitter."

"I know, but they're too young, so don't even think about it!"

Sam laughed quietly at the two lovebirds as she watched the sleeping triplets.

"They are so adorable! I do get to babysit, don't I?"

"Carter, you're at the top of list."

"Top? I was hoping to just to be in the middle, Sir," Sam said, seeing her social life coming to an instant halt, not that it was all that great anyway except for the times when Pete was in town.

Jack winked, and the three continued their visit until feeding time.

"I should go. I just wanted to come by and ..."

"Oh no, Carter. Stick around. You'll need to know how to do this when you babysit."

Sam gulped!

"He's kidding. AREN'T YOU, Jack?" Daniel warned.

Jack sighed. Daniel obviously had no intention of leaving their children for quite a while. It's not that Jack wanted to either, not really, but he was already missing those little moments when he and Daniel could hold each other without falling asleep sixty seconds later.

"Yeah, I was just joking. Thanks for dropping by."

Sam left, and Jack and Daniel tended to their family.

====

It was a couple of days later, and Jack was on "baby watch" while Daniel slept. Hearing faint noises that weren't yet cries, Jack entered the nursery.

"Hey, what's wrong, little guy? Monsters keeping you awake? Don't worry, Dad's on the case."

Jack picked up Daniel Michael and took him to the rocking chair where he slowly began to rock.

"Those monsters will never beat you, Son, not ever. You have your Daddy and I, and your siblings, and Sam, and Sara and Mark. You have a long list of people who will always keep you safe. And your guardian angel, our Charlie, he's looking out for you, too, so see, nothing will ever beat you, not ever."

The baby stopped fidgeting, his cries lessening.

"Hush, little Danny. You're so beautiful. Shhhh."

Jack leaned his chin against the small infant and whispered a lullaby in his ears, changing the lyrics slightly.

"Over in Killarney,
Many years ago,
Me mither sang a song to me In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In her good ould Irish way,
And I'd give the world if she could sing That song to you this day.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Hush, now don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
That's an Irish lullaby.

Oft, in dreams I wander To that cot again,
I feel her arms a huggin' me As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a hummin'
To me as in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep Outside the cabin door.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Hush, now don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
That's an Irish lullaby."

--

"I love you, Little Danny. You have his eyes. I know it's too early, but I can see them, riggggggght ... there," Jack said, smiling and using his fingers to gently dab over the baby's eyebrows.

The baby quieted and just as Jack thought he might fall sound asleep, little Daniel Michael let out a big cry.

"Oops, I smell that one," Jack laughed. "Shhh, you'll wake up your siblings. Come on. Dad can handle this."

Jack took the baby to the changing table and cocked his head, closing his eyes for a second as he got a whiff of the unpleasant nasty in the diapers.

"You just had to do that now, didn't ya? You're testing me, just like your Daddy used to do. Well, as you can see, little one, I'm still here. Not going anywhere. It took me years to get your daddy to believe me. Every time we had a fight, he thought we were through."

Jack shook his head as he remembered. He cleaned the baby, applying just the right amount of powder, little Daniel Michael cooing at the soft dryness of the new diaper Jack was affixing.

"Finally, your daddy believed me. I love your daddy. Geez, more than life, I love that man. You're going to be just like him. I can tell. No, I know, I don't know how. It's ... just a feeling, in my gut."

The baby was focused on the soft steady tone of his father's voice. His little legs and hands were moving all around, but he wasn't crying any more. He was listening, hearing the sound of love. Jack concentrated on disposing of the old diaper and making sure everything was put away and before he was able to pick up the baby, Daniel Michael began to cry a little.

"Hey, I'm right here. Told ya, not going anywhere, not ever."

Daniel Michael settled for a minute, until Jack bent over to pick up a towel that had fallen to the floor. Hearing the baby begin to cry, Jack heard himself singing again, again changing the lyrics a tad.

"Hush Little Danny, don't say a word,
Dad's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird don't sing,
Dad's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Dad's gonna buy you a looking glass."

As Jack sang, he picked up the baby boy and moved to the rocking chair, gently rocking back and forth.

Daniel, wearing his blue pajamas, and barefoot, stood watching at the doorway as Jack settled into the rocker with their baby. He slid down to the floor, his heart swelling with love as Jack soothed their middle child with soft musical sounds and words.

"Hush Little Danny, don't be blue,
I'm your Dad and I love you.
You and your brother, your sister, too,
You are your daddy's and my dream come true.
We love you, and Charlie, too,
You're the shining stars of our hearts and souls.
Hush Little Danny, don't you weep,
Daddy and I will protect you for all eternity."

As Jack continued to hum, Little Daniel fell fast asleep in his arms. Jack looked up and saw his husband and smiled. He saw the tear rolling down his lover's cheek.

"Looks like I finally found a way to get you to sing again," Daniel whispered.

"Well, Little Danny just needed some reassurance that he was safe, that's all."

"Michael."

"Michael," Jack said softly, still rocking back and forth in the chair.

"Do you believe it, yet?"

Jack considered the question as he held Daniel Michael in his arms. He shook his head.

"It feels like I'm daydreaming, and I'm scared to death I'll wake up and our precious angels won't be here."

"Me, too." Daniel yawned. "Ash is so tiny. I know Sylvia says she's okay, but ... she's just so tiny."

"Ash?"

Jack looked up, his eyes big with surprise. Daniel shrugged.

"Daniel Jackson-O'Neill, did you just give our youngest child a nickname?"

"I guess your bad influence has finally taken its toll," Daniel answered, a shy smile gracing his weary face.

"Ash. I like that, Danny. Jonny, Danny, and Ash."

"Jack," Daniel said with a warning in his voice.

Jack coughed softly, saying, "Jonny, Michael, and Ash."

Daniel yawned again, and rubbed his eyes, while for a moment, Jack got lost in his lover's wiggling toes.

"Geez, your sexy."

"Jaaaack, the children." Jack laughed. "Jaaaaack!"

"Sorry."

Daniel shook his head, a motion that seemed to express the idea of "What am I going to do with you?"

"You should be asleep, Angel."

"Miss my pillow," Daniel whined.

Jack kissed the baby and stood up.

"Hey, little one. Daddy and I are right here. You just holler if you get scared again, but remember, you have Jonny and ... Ash to help keep you safe, too." The baby made a gurgling, giggly sound, but was still asleep. "You're safe, Little Danny."

Jack could hear Daniel taking a deep breath of frustration and smiled, making sure Daniel couldn't see his expression.

"Night, Son."

Jack walked over to Daniel and with both hands, pulled him up and into his arms.

"I'm so tired, Jack."

"I know. It's been quite a week. Let's go to bed."

"Jack?"

"Hmm?"

"His name is Michael. You make him sound like ... like a Cartwright with that Little Danny business. It's Michael. We agreed."

"Anything you say ... Danny."

"Oh gawd," Daniel crawled under the covers, his hand reaching up for Jack who climbed in next to him, taking his hand and bringing Daniel to his usual spot.

"Better?"

"Yes, much. Need my pillow ... always," Daniel said, happy to be on his Jack pillow, hearing the healthy beating of Jack's strong heart.

"Go to sleep, Love. That's an order."

"Orddddddddddddddd..."

Jack smiled, caressing Daniel's back. His husband was exhausted, and so was Jack who fell asleep himself just seconds later.

====

The next few days were equally taxing on the couple, as they learned to adjust to their new life, trying to figure out the ins and outs of baby supplies, feeding times, and laundry necessities.

They had survived another day and night, and for the first time, all three of the Jackson-O'Neill off-spring were asleep at the same time, but that hadn't happened until 1 a.m.

Jack and Daniel were too tired to do anything but collapse next to each other on the sofa, their heads leaning against the other's. They knew they should be in bed, but right now, they weren't sure they had the strength to go back up the stairs.

Suddenly, Daniel shot up from his restful state, his head turned to face Jack.

"You have to go to the store."

"No way. I'm going to enjoy this all-too-brief break while I can, and geez, it's the middle of the night. Whatever it is you want, can wait."

"We need Pampers, unless you aren't fond of your green silk shirt! I used the last one on Ash before she went to sleep."

Jack sprang up off the couch, feeling totally frustrated. Hadn't they already gone through this?

"Daniel, we've gone through HOW many Pampers today? We had two packs left yesterday! TWO packs!"

"It's not my fault. They're babies, and right now they basically cry, eat and ... you know. We should have started the diaper service immediately instead of waiting for the first of the month."

"Yeah, that was not one of your best ideas."

Daniel glared, but decided to ignore Jack's little dig, deciding to get back to the actual problem of the moment.

"Besides, it was your turn to ..."

"Yes, I know it was my turn to get more today! So, sue me. It was shopping or feeding, and I figured you'd rather have Jonny eating than crying!"

Daniel stared at Jack, not an angry gaze, but another of his favorite looks.

"Oh, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! Do NOT start on me with the eyelashes and the big blue eyes! Geez, we don't even have the energy to do anything about ... what it is ... I ... want to do to you when you look at me like that."

Daniel smiled seductively, stretching his body as his arms reached high into the air. He brought his hands down in front of him as he leaned down and bobbed up and down a bit, as if exercising, and then with his hands on his waist, he leaned to his left, then to his right, then forward, and then he leaned back ... way back, his body arching, allowing certain body parts to be accentuated in a manner that definitely got Jack's attention.

"Daniel, you know what that does to me. Okay, okay, you can stop now. Where are the keys to the truck?"

"Right here, Love."

Daniel picked up the keys from the entranceway table, and walked to his husband, smiling in victory. Jack scooped Daniel into his arms and kissed him.

"Geez, what you do to me. I take out Apophis, Hathor, Sokar, Anubis. I save the Earth again and again, and I'm driving to the friggin' supermarket at two in the morning for Pampers."

"Um, Jack, while you're there, we're out of coffee, and ..." Daniel's fingers slid inside of Jack's shirt, running playfully in Jack's chest hairs, "... I'm in the mood for something, hmmm, succulent."

"Succulent?"

"Rich and dark," Daniel's lips met Jack's, "and yummy," Daniel's tongue awakened Jack's, the two waltzing in a needful dance, "to the tummy." Jack was silly putty in Daniel's hands, their kisses the most they'd had time for since the babies had been brought home. "Hurry, Jack."

"Like we have a prayer of doing something about this?"

"Miracles happen."

"Yes, you do."

Jack kissed Daniel and headed for the door.

"Jack?"

"Yes, Love, I'll get your favorite coffee, and no, I won't forget the chocolate, either!"

Jack got into the truck and smiled at the interplay.

"I know what's going to happen," he said to the truck, "I'm going to come home and either the babies are going to be wide awake, or Daniel's going to be sound asleep. When's the last time we ... oh crap, that long."

Jack turned the radio volume up high, trying not to think too much about how long it had been since he and Daniel had made love. It wasn't a safe topic for a man to be thinking about while going to a grocery store in the wee hours of the morning!

====

"Jack, Jonny is just fine."

"But he was blue!"

"Jack, you gave him blueberries. What color did you expect him to be?"

"Well, we were ... playing."

"With blueberries?"

"I like blueberries, Syl. What are you, prejudiced or something?"

"Jack, if I were you, I'd just be glad Daniel wasn't home to see this."

"Good point, except for one thing."

"What's that?"

"I'll tell him."

"You might want to rethink that. The only parent I know right now who's more paranoid than you, is Daniel."

"True."

"Well, I'm not one to condone little lies, but really, there's no fallout. Just don't feed the babies blueberries, Jack. They aren't ready."

"I wasn't trying to feed him. We were playing."

Sylvia chuckled as she held the oldest human child in her arms.

"Don't worry, Jonny, Daddy should be home soon to protect you from Dad."

Jack laughed in acknowledgement of the Daddy and Dad names.

"I guess you picked up on that."

"I'm a sharp cookie for a doctor my age," the woman retorted. "You've been very consistent."

"That's the plan. It was Danny's idea, and like most of Danny's ideas, it was a good one."

The physician detected a note of dissatisfaction in Jack's voice, "Is there something wrong?"

"Of course not. We're as happy as those clams everyone keeps talking about."

"Are you now?"

"Yes, we are." Jack took Jonny from Sylvia and walked over to a chair and sat down, staring into the baby's now-clean face. "It's just ... Daddy and Dad haven't had much time together in the last few weeks. I miss him. That's all."

Sylvia sat at the edge of the three-quarter-size bed that had been placed in the children's room, and sat, crossing her legs. She leaned forward, her hands moving as she spoke, but often holding on to the other.

"Jack, you can't lose sight of the reason you have these babies. You and Daniel have something very rare, and certainly, something more intense than I've seen in a long time. I know it's hard, but you need to make time for each other, and that's a pattern you had better set into motion now, before you both get so entrenched in ignoring your marriage that it's too late to salvage it."

Jack's head bobbed up in total panic, totally unprepared for Sylvia's frankness.

Seeing the alarm, Sylvia added, "Jack, don't over-react here, but you have people you trust. These children are going to be front and center for the rest of your lives. They are healthy and happy. Just make a point of making sure that you and Daniel stay that way, too."

"How? Laundry, formula, crying ... blueberries. We're both too exhausted to do anything these days. The military was nothing compared to this."

"Make time, Jack. Isn't he worth it?"

"Syl, he's worth everything, but how? Tell me how?"

"You have friends. Use them."

"Babysitters? I'm surprised Daniel agreed to go to the Mountain today. If it hadn't been a major crisis, I don't think he would have budged."

"When's the last time you two did anything for just yourselves, or for you as a couple?"

"The day before the babies came into our lives."

"Make time, Jack. If you don't, you'll regret it. You already resent it. You may be happy, still in that beautiful euphoria of new parenthood, but you're not as happy as you are pretending to be."

"You're not?"

Jack's head shot up at the sound of his lover's voice, and he grunted, "Sylvia, you have no idea what you just started."

"And on that note, I'm going."

The doctor walked over to Jack and Jonny and kissed the baby, and then picked up her bag and walked towards Daniel as he stood in the doorway.

"Nice to see you, Daniel. Bye, Jack."

"Bye, Sylvia," Daniel said, focused on Jack, until suddenly, he called out, "WAIT" and ran to the stairs.

Sylvia was half-way down and turned, laughing, "Blueberries. They were playing. Jonny's fine. Jack's the basket case. Goodbye, Daniel."

"Blueberries?"

Daniel walked back into the nursery where Jack was still sitting and holding Jonny. He reached for the baby, insisting, "Let me take him," and pulled the child from Jack's hold.

"Hey, Jonny. What happened to you? Are you okay? I love you so much." Daniel bounced the baby up and down as he walked over to the bed. As he sat down, he asked softly, "What did Dad do to you, huh?"

"Dad," Jack spoke up, "was playing with his son and ..." Jack stopped.
He was about to come out with something sarcastic when he realized that what he really wanted to do was kiss Daniel, not argue with him, and if he said much more, arguing would be exactly what they'd be doing. "Danny, we need to talk."

Daniel let out a cross between a sigh and a laugh.

"Sure? When do the clones arrive?"

"Exactly."

"What?"

"Nothing, but we're going to talk tonight if it kills us."

"Jack, what ..."

Daniel's question was interrupted by two cries.

"Duty calls," Jack said, walking to the crib and tending to both Michael and Aislinn.

====

In spite of Jack's best attempts, he and Daniel hadn't had their talk, and three days had passed. Then, holding two of the babies and rocking them, watching the TV Jack saw a commercial that said "Having a baby changes everything."

"I'll say, and I don't regret it at all ... except," he sighed, not finishing his sentence.

When the doorbell rang, Jack listened to make sure Daniel was getting it, and hearing movement downstairs, he knew Daniel had. Jack continued to rock Jonny and Aislinn in his arms. With his attention focused on the babies, he didn't hear the footsteps on the stairs.

"Surprise!"

"Sara! What the ...? Um ..."

Sara chuckled and went to her ex-husband, "Can I hold him, or her?"

"Sure."

Sara took Jonny into her hold.

"Oh, Jack, he's beautiful. They all are, and they've grown so much since we saw them at the hospital."

"Yes, they have."

"I wish we'd been there for the birth."

"Mickey and Minnie versus hours of waiting in a hospital room?"

"Angela might have objected. Still, I wish." Sara exchanged a glance with Jack, a remembrance of a time years earlier. Quietly, she asked, "Was he there, Jack?"

"Danny and I think so. You know, Sara, the triplets were all born naturally, no C-sections, and it was quick. Kayla was only in labor a few hours. The only complication was when Little Danny was born. He had to be difficult, came out feet first. Yeah, I think Charlie was there to ... help."

"And to see the latest additions to our growing family," Sara smiled. "Oh, and Little Danny? Does Big Danny know about this?"

Jack coughed, "I'm working on it!"

"Jack, you'll never change. He told me he only relented on the name because of Jonny, and he's determined that ... Little Danny," Sara chuckled, "will be known as Michael."

"I'm working on it," Jack repeated with a smirk. "How about a bet?"

Sara looked towards the door, and then at the babies. She shook her head, laughing. She knew Jack would be relentless in his pursuit. Daniel would cave ... eventually.

"No, I don't think so."

The two talked for another ten or fifteen minutes, and then Sara prepared to leave.

"I only stopped by to ... well, actually, I just wanted to see them."

"You should bring Angela by sometime."

"I did. She's downstairs with Daniel and Michael."

"You left your daughter with Daniel?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"

Jack shook his head.

"Nothing. Forget it. I'm just in a funky mood."

"Nothing funky about it, Jack. You aren't getting any, as they say, and you're sulking."

Jack looked at his ex-wife in total shock of her bluntness.

"And what would you know about it?"

"Silly question, Jack!"

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just ..."

"... frustrated? Sulking?"

"You can stop. You're as bad as Daniel."

"Good. I'm in great company then!" Sara paused, and looked at Jonny. "He has your brow."

"He has Danny's chin."

"Jack, who's the problem ... you or Daniel?"

"Both. He's paranoid about leaving them for more than ten minutes, and I'm ... getting an attitude."

"Because you aren't getting any."

"Sara, will you stop that? We're beginning to take this ex-spouse thing to a level that is totally unheard of."

Sara snickered. It felt good teasing and laughing with Jack. He was a good man, and their marriage had been solid until Charlie's death. She was very happy now, but that didn't mean she couldn't miss the humor Jack had always brought into their lives.

"Old habits, Jack, and sometimes ... old habits are good things."

"Okay, Mrs. Wilson, what is going through your crazed brain?"

"Jack, I was paranoid once, and when Angela came along, I had to work three times as hard not to become totally irrational where her safety was concerned. I'm guessing you've had a time of it, too."

"Oh, yeah. Memories I don't really want to remember."

"Mark took me, by force actually, to a survivor's therapy group, and before you get your shackles up, that's not what I'm suggesting. What I'm saying is that Mark knows me well enough to know that the way to get through to me is logic. You know how I am, the educator always needing to be educated. Give me facts, Jack. So that's what Mark did. He made me deal with the facts of my own paranoia, and my fears."

"I'm glad, but I don't see the connection."

"Sweetie, you and Daniel have been together for years. What does he need when he loses sight of logic or reason? In all the years that you've been together, what have you done to pull him through those times? Old habits, Jack. Old habits."

Jack took in Sara's words. He nodded his head as he played with his daughter's tiny fingers. After a moment, he looked up at his ex-wife.

"Never let it be said that you aren't a smart woman, Sara."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Jack laughed as he began to formulate a plan.

"I don't suppose you and Mark would be interested in babysitting? I might succeed for a half hour before he screams bloody murder and makes me bring him home."

"How about Saturday night? In fact, maybe we could ask Sam to come over. It would give us time to get to know each other a bit better. What do you think?"

"I think you shouldn't say anything when you go downstairs."

"Jack, you are going to tell him?" Jack grinned. "Jack, you're positively wicked."

"Yeah, but you said old habits, and Sara, when times were the roughest, that's what I did, forced the issue. It's the answer, if there's going to be one."

"Let me know what time. I'll warn Mark."

"Better make sure he's ready to buy that house."

"Why?"

"Danny might just murder me."

"I doubt that. He's head over heels for you, Jack."

Jack nodded, knowing and yet hoping, that Sara was right. Sara stood and put Jonny in the crib. The infant was asleep. She walked to Jack and knelt down, playing with the blanket that was wrapped around Aislinn.

"Aislinn, your daddies are wonderful men. You're very lucky. I have to go, Jack, but ... remember, we had some of those jealousy moments with Charlie. That might happen here, too, so, try to use your experience to get beyond it. You know he loves you, and I know you love him. Call me."

Sara leaned forward and kissed Jack on the cheek, and placed two fingers on Aislinn's cheek as a parting gesture before going downstairs.

====

"Jack, what are you doing?"

"I'm making sure your blue silk shirt hasn't been used as a diaper," Jack laughed.

"Why?" Daniel asked nervously, arms folded as he stood by the dresser.

Jack took a deep breath. War was about to break out at the Jackson-O'Neill homestead. He braced himself.

"Keep one thing in mind, Danny."

"What would that be?"

"The triplets are asleep, and if you make a fuss, they'll all wake up, and they'll cry and be miserable. So, no matter what, you need to be," Jack approached Daniel who refused to unfold his arms, "very, very quiet."

Jack placed a quick kiss on Daniel's lips, his closed lips. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Jack hurried to answer it, hoping the kids wouldn't wake up.

"Good evening, Sir."

"Carter," Jack opened the door for Sam to enter, whispering, "Be prepared. It's about to get very stormy. Use the kids. It's the only thing that might divert the thunder."

Sam nodded in understanding, having been "briefed" by both Jack and Sara prior to arriving.

"When are Sara and Mark due?"

"When are Sara and Mark due to do what, and hi, Sam, what are you doing here?"

Daniel's arms were folded, and he had on that defensive skeptical stare that would have frightened even the staunchest of the Goa'uld.

Sam looked at Jack, who cleared his throat and walked towards his husband, extending his arm out to turn Daniel towards the living room, and urging him to walk towards the stairs.

"Uh, Daniel, there's something I think you should know."

"And that would be what exactly ... Jack?"

"Danny, Angel ..."

Daniel stopped walking, and turned to face Jack. They were close together, Jack's arm still on Daniel's shoulder, but there was more distance between them than met the eye.

"Right now, I don't want to be your angel, Jack. What I do want is to know why Sam is here, why she was asking about Sara and Mark, why my blue shirt is out, why your burgundy silk shirt is out, and why you have on your best after shave, the one that ..." Daniel looked at Sam, about to cave without realizing it, but then regaining his resolve, "you know. That's what I want to know ... General."

"I'm retired."

"I seem to recall that, but that's beside the point. Answer me, Jack."

"I will ... upstairs."

"Jack!"

"Up...stairs ... Daniel," Jack said forcefully, "and before you start yelling, remember the children."

Jack smiled and walked up the stairs casually. Daniel closed his eyes, ready to boil over in frustration. He glanced at Sam and then marched up the stairs to their bedroom, and though he wanted to slam the door, he gently closed it.

"Put it on," Jack said, holding out Daniel's shirt.

"Why?"

"You know why."

"No, I don't."

"We're going out, Angel. You and me -- the two of us for ... at least an hour."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Jack said nothing but as Daniel stared, he changed clothes, taking off the old ratty jeans he had been wearing and the white tee shirt, and slipping on the burgundy shirt, purposely not fastening half the buttons, something he knew drove his husband wild ... or at least it used to, Jack thought silently, temporarily losing his focus.

Then, he put on a nice pair of black pants, and the appropriate accessories. When he was dressed, he looked positively scrumptious according to Daniel's thoughts, though no one would have had a clue what Daniel was thinking since at the moment he was motionless, looking and acting pretty much like a cold and heartless statue.

Jack sighed and picked up the blue shirt and got into Daniel's personal space.

"Daniel, listen to me. I think I could probably talk you into this, or maybe blackmail you into it, without causing a scene or waking the kids, but it would probably take three or four hours, and then what would the point be? I could probably get Carter or Sara to cajole you into it, but it would take them at least two hours, and then they would have used so much of their energy that they'd be too exhausted to babysit."

Seeing Daniel's mouth about to kick in gear, Jack put his hand up to cover it. Daniel's eyes grew wide. He wanted to yell at Jack, until Jack said calmly, "You'll wake the kids."

Daniel closed his eyes and counted to ten in at least five of his forty-plus languages, and then he took a calming breath, and Jack knew he was safe ... temporarily.

"So, here's what's gonna happen. You're going to put this on, and the rest of those clothes sitting there, and we're going to go into the nursery and tell our children how much we love them, and that we'll be back very soon, and then, Daniel, we are going downstairs, and for two minutes we're going to exchange pleasantries with Carter and the Wilsons."

Again, Jack put his hand over Daniel's mouth.

"Don't start. Sara's motherhood skills are beyond question. She knows all she needs to know, and I've written, in detail, every place we're going, phone numbers, route, everything. I lectured Carter for two hours, Daniel ... two friggin' hours on how to make Ash's formula just right, and then I lectured her for an hour about how to rock Jonny to sleep when he wakes up and does that little squealing noise, and not to be left out, I rambled on for yet another hour about not leaving little Da... Michael alone because he doesn't like the dark when he's alone, that he's afraid of monsters. I wrote a book, Love."

Jack exhaled and extended his arms, his hands rubbing Daniel's arms gently.

"It's time, Angel. Our babies are safe and healthy, and we need to make sure we are, too. We can't be with them every second of every day, and ... I miss you."

"I miss you, too, but it's too soon."

"No, it's not."

"I won't go."

"Yes, you will. Danny, you can change in peace, or I swear, I'll put these clothes on you myself. Do you want that?"

"Fine."

Daniel changed without saying a word, and then walked into the nursery. Jack watched his husband fussing over the sleeping children and then joined him.

"We'll be back. We won't be long."

"You can count on that," Daniel said harshly, turning and walking away.

"Behave. Don't scare, Sam. We love you."

"Hi ... Daniel." Sara saw the tenseness in Daniel's demeanor, and then the look on Jack's face as he walked down the stairs. Her cheery greeting had gone from exuberance to monotone. She smiled at Jack in moral encouragement and mouthed, "Good luck."

"He'll need it," Daniel said coldly, heading for the door without saying another word, having totally ignored Sam and Mark.

Jack cleared his throat again, and smiled sadly.

"It's ... very cold around here these days. I have a hunch we won't be gone long."

Jack walked to the door like a man walking to the gallows.

"Jack," Sara called out. "He's scared. It's that simple. Don't make the mistake of making it personal, no matter what he says or does. You know how he feels. We all do. We were there, Jack. Remember the vows."

Jack looked at Mark and back at Sara.

"Thanks."

Then he headed outside to the chilly night air and the cold body waiting in the truck.

====

The ride had been made in silence. Daniel's arms folded as he stared out the window. Jack had tried small talk, but Daniel refused to acknowledge him. Out of desperation, Jack tried to explain his reasons for doing what he had, even telling him about the conversations with Sylvia and Sara. Still, his husband remained icy cold to his presence.

Jack turned off the truck, and looked at Daniel, hoping to see some sign that they might at least be civil. Daniel gave him a quick glance after realizing where they were, and Jack saw that his husband's breathing had become more rapid.

Jack got out of the truck and went to the passenger side and opened the door.

"Come on, Danny. Let's have a nice dinner, okay?"

Daniel glared at him, but got out of the truck and walked inside the building. He swallowed hard when they entered, the place not having changed much at all. Before Jack's retirement, they had come here often. It held a special place in their hearts, a place where they could be free, at least to an extent.

Daniel hesitated when Jack led him to their favorite table, the one they had sat at the first time they had come to this safe haven.

Jack ordered dinner, and still, they ate in silence, Daniel glancing at his watch frequently, and also trying hard not to succumb to this place of emotional blackmail. Eventually, Jack stood, and as he had done years ago, he reached out his hand, love in his eyes, and asked, "Can I have this dance?"

Daniel almost hyperventilated, his head swimming in conflicting emotions. He still wanted to scream, to be angry, and yet, there was Jack, beautiful and caring, trying to love him.

Slowly, at a snail's pace, Daniel's hand reached out to Jack's. Daniel looked at their joined hands, and then looked up, and saw Jack's best Irish smile, the one that always melted Daniel's heart. He nodded as he stood, and Jack walked backwards a few feet to the dance floor, and then embraced his husband.

Their first dance steps were cautious, tentative as they made their way back to each other. Jack's head nuzzled into Daniel's neck, and Daniel felt the tear running down the cheek, and could no longer hold back a couple of his own.

"I love you, Danny," Jack whispered, stopping briefly, his hands cupping Daniel's face, and suddenly, they were locked in a long, passionate kiss.

It didn't matter any longer if people saw them, especially not in this place, the tiny Denver supper club where Jack and Daniel had danced together publicly for the first time. It had been a simple thing, to dance together, but it had turned out to be a very important moment in the evolution of their love affair, a love affair that continued to grow, in spite of occasional setbacks, like unexpected triplets demanding diaper changes at the same time.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I love you so much."

"And I love you. Love you, Angel. I love you," Jack chanted, kissing his husband again.

They danced a few more dances, still not saying much, but touching and holding each other close.

"Time to go," Jack whispered.

"Home?"

"If ... that's where you want to go."

"You have an 'or'?"

"I always have an 'or' and this one is a pretty nice 'or', but we aren't going unless you want to."

Daniel turned and walked out to the truck, and Jack figured they were headed back to the Springs. He paid their bill and walked out. Daniel was leaning against the truck, arms folded once again.

"Did you bring the cell?" Daniel asked.

"Glove compartment."

"Not quite so tough, are you?"

"They're my kids, too, you know. I'm not quite as calm as I seem. It's just ... Danny, if we don't fix this, what's it all for?"

Jack sighed, unlocked the truck, and walked to his side of the vehicle. Daniel hesitated, but then got in. He immediately pulled out the cell phone, hitting the code for their house. Jack started the truck, and began the drive back, glad they'd made a tiny amount of progress, but filled with sorrow that it wouldn't be enough to help them solve their dilemma.

"Jackson-O'Neill residence."

The words were like a dagger, a sharp blunt reminder of the stakes.

"Hi, Sara. It's Daniel."

"I'm impressed. Two whole hours. How'd he do it?"

"I was stubborn."

Sara heard the strain in the young man's voice.

"Daniel, I'm about to butt in. I did it with Jack, and since we're sort of related now, I figure that gives me a right to do it to you, too."

Daniel glanced at his husband.

"Yeah, you can do it to me."

Jack hit the brakes, exclaiming loudly, "Oh, no she can't!"

Daniel shook his head, and could hear Sara chuckling as Jack hit the accelerator.

"Some things will never change, Daniel."

"I know. How are they?"

"They're fine, and nice try. Daniel, you have a choice to make. You and Jack made a commitment to raise these children, to love them. You promised them a family, a loving family, Daniel. The kids will survive if you and Jack stay out for a few hours. In fact, it's better for children to have some time away from their parents. Check it out, but then I have a hunch you already know that."

"It's not easy."

"No, it's not, but if you love that ex-husband of mine, as I know you do, then it's time for you to remember that he needs some of your time and attention, too, and I'll tell you something else, you need him as well, and you know it."

"What makes you think that?"

"Two hours. Two hours and the fact that the first thing out of your mouth when you finally did call wasn't to check up on the triplets. You know what you need to do. The babies are fine. Sam and Mark are upstairs with them. They've all cried and fussed, and now they're back in happy slumber land. They'll survive, Daniel, if you and Jack decide to stay out, say, another couple of hours, and so will we."

After a minute of silence, Sara said, "Daniel? Let Jack help. One step at a time, huh? See you soon ... but remember, soon could be a few hours from now, and that would be okay. Bye, Daniel."

Daniel hung up the phone.

"Sounds like that was pretty much a one-sided conversation."

"Lecture."

Jack had to laugh at his buttinsky ex-wife.

"Welcome to my world that was."

"She's smart."

"Yes, she is."

"Turn around, Jack. Let's go wherever ... wherever you were planning to go."

"You sure?"

"No, and I think you should take advantage of my momentary weakness and turn the freakin' truck around."

Jack slowed, and surprising Daniel, he stopped the truck.

"No, Danny. I don't want to take advantage of a weakness. I don't want half of you. I want all of you. I want you to want me, as much as I want you. Maybe that's not tonight, but I hope it's soon because I'm going out of my mind with this separation. So, we'll go home."

Jack started to put the truck in gear, but Daniel reached out and stopped him.

"I ... I want to be with you. Gawd, Jack, please."

"Angel, this wasn't an all or nothing. I'm not going anywhere."

"I want you, Jack. My body hungers for you. I need you."

Jack looked into the eyes he adored. There was want and need in those eyes, and more importantly, there was love. He nodded, and headed for the hotel just this side of Denver where he had made reservations. It was a small place, but nice. They had stayed there once when a winter blizzard had prevented their return to Colorado Springs.

"I remember this place," Daniel spoke as Jack locked the door.

"I love you, Angel."

"You know what, Jack?"

"What?"

"You talk too darn much."

Daniel grabbed his husband, eager for their bodies to connect.

"Too long, Danny. It's been too long," Jack gasped as they fell to the bed.

"Want you. Gawd, want you," Daniel demanded, flipping Jack so he could top him.

It didn't take long for the two to shed their clothes, and soon, Daniel was inside his husband, thrusting powerfully, both proclaiming their want for the other, both shouting their love. It ended with both being spent to numbness, their sweat-soaked bodies linked together like a chain-link fence, their legs, arms, fingers entwined as they lay together.

"Gawd, I almost forgot what this felt like. I'm sorry, Jack. I was an idiot."

"No, Love. We just need to remember that we have our children because we love each other, and we want to be a family."

"We have to make time for us, Jack, but I don't know how."

"Yes, you do. Carter, Sara and Mark, Cassie, even Teal'c once we get him trained. We trust them, Angel."

They snuggled together in silence for a long time, but this was a companionable silence, their hearts and souls speaking. They had a lot to say, things that had been suppressed for weeks, almost from the day their children had been born.

"Jack, I think we should go out on dates."

"Works for me. I like dating you."

"You just think I'm easy."

"Oh no, nothing about you is easy."

"Jack!"

"You're my heart, Danny, and lately, my heart's been aching."

"I know. I'm scared."

"Sara said you were scared, but I'm not sure what you're afraid of. Do you know?"

"I'm not sure."

"You're a linguist. You can figure it out."

Jack placed a kiss on Daniel's head. Daniel relaxed as he enjoyed their closeness. His brain searched for his fear, and when he looked in his heart, he realized the truth.

"It's too perfect, Jack. I have it all. Gawd, I finally have it all. What if something happens? I mean, not just to us, but to them, or the girls?" Daniel's head shot up like a cannonball that had just been fired. "Oh, gawd, I've even ignored the girls! Jack, our girls. We've ... I've ..."

"I know. We'll fix it."

Daniel settled atop his lover again.

"I've been so afraid, Jack. Like ... like Little Danny is afraid of the dark."

Jack smiled. It was the first time that Daniel had called their middle child 'Danny' and to Jack, that was precious.

"Jack ..."

The voice was frailer than before. Jack's soul cried. There was a pain there, inside his lover, and Jack knew it was up to him to heal it.

"Tell me, Danny."

"You'd never leave me?"

"Not ever." Silence filled the room. "Danny? Is that what this is about?"

"I think ... maybe, a little. It's ... I went from nothing to everything, and I know we've been together a long time, but ..."

"But still, Nick, Sarah, and a long line of families ... never truly forgotten, are they?"

"They should be."

"Oh, Angel, I could kill them all for what they've done to you."

"It's not necessarily their fault, not, uh, all of them anyway."

"That's my Danny -- always the defender of the defenseless."

Daniel sighed. He couldn't help it. To Daniel, people were being the best they could be, and maybe ... maybe they had their own stories that explained who they were and how they lived their lives.

"Okay, Love. Come on. We've been together too long for you to be worrying about being honest with me. Trust me."

Daniel again raised his head to look into Jack's eyes.

"You know me so well."

"We're one, Danny. You know that," Jack said, wiping the single tear that had begun to fall down Daniel's left cheek.

The young man had needed that moment, that connection. They could always see the truth by gazing into each other's eyes. Having seen it, Daniel lay his head back down on Jack's chest.

"It's, uh, like Pandora's box, Jack. If I open it, just a little, it just all floods out."

"What does?"

"Fear."

"Fear of what?"

"That one day, you'll wake up and wonder why you've wasted all these years with a ... a geek, and, um, that you'll just ... you'll ... take them, our children, and the girls, too, and ... gawd, I'd be alone again ... alone in that ... that dark place where all I did was read and study; where the only thing I felt where the hugs I gave myself. It's like ... like being in the dark all day, every day, knowing light is out there, but never being able to find it."

Now that Daniel was letting out his innermost fears, the words tumbled out of him in rapid succession. Jack let him continue, knowing it was important for Daniel to empty his system of all that had been buried inside.

"And I guess I ... I opened that box recently. I didn't mean to, Jack. I saw something on TV I think. It was just a news story about an orphanage somewhere, and I saw this boy. His eyes reminded me of me I guess. I didn't know I'd ... I'd opened the box, but I did, and it was so dark and devoid of life ... I had to protect myself because if I don't, no one else will, and ... they'll ... the creatures of the dark ... they'll get me, swallow me up, and then ... I'll be nothing. Alone, and I can't do that again, Jack. I just can't."

Daniel cried as Jack tightened his hold.

"I'll keep the monsters away. You're never alone. Your husband will always take care of you because I love you more than life, more than anything."

Daniel tensed, but Jack gave him time. Something told him to be patient. There was still another piece of the puzzle to put in place.

"Do you?"

"Do I what, Angel?"

"Lll...love me ...?"

"Danny, you know ..."

"No, I mean ... more ... mo ... oh gawd, I feel so ..."

Light dawned for the General as he held his archaeologist.

"Shh, Angel, it's okay. I understand now. I love you so much, so friggin' much, Danny, that I'm nothing without you. I love our kids. They're beautiful. They are just like you, all of them. They fill me up with their trust. But I love you, Danny, and NOTHING compares to that. I'll die for our kids. I love them so much that sometimes I think I'm going to explode from the goodness of it all. But you, you are my angel, my heart and soul. I can't breathe without you."

Jack shifted, turning them over so that Daniel was on his back. His hand caressed Daniel's tear-stained cheeks.

"More than life, more than existence of any kind, more than forever ... you, Angel, only you, forever. I ... love ... you."

Timidly, fear in his tone, Daniel asked, "Am I jealous of our kids?"

"Might as well be. I am."

The response surprised Daniel. He blinked a few times, then asked, "You are?"

"It's natural, Danny, to a point. All these years, it's just been us, and then the girls, and let's face it, there's a huge honkin' difference between three sensational human kids and two wonderful beagles. I see how you look at Jonny sometimes. I hear you whispering little secrets to Ash, and I see you trying to encourage Michael to be brave and strong, to scare off the monsters. You bet I'm jealous, especially when lately we've been lucky to find five minutes to ... kiss goodnight."

"Song."

"What?"

"You sang to him, Jack. Gawd, I ... I can't help it. When you sang to me during our reception, I was floored. You don't know how that felt, to have you hold me, singing to me like that. And then, the CD. I can feel you when I listen to it, but I could never get you to do it again ... until we got married again. All you do is ... tease, use that silly voice. Jack, we can't get married every time I want to hear you sing to me ... oh gawd, I am such a whiny, selfish brat."

"No, you're not, Love. You're my husband, and the daddy of my kids. You're my soulmate, and I adore you beyond anything. You're also human. We make mistakes, but the good news is that we can fix it."

"How?"

"You said it a while ago. Dates. Daniel, once a week, no matter what, we get a night out. Once a week, we rely on our friends to help us. I need you, Love. It'll get easier."

"You're such a liar."

"Trying to make you feel better."

"You're good at that."

"Motivation. Besides, I made you a promise ... to keep you happy."

"Jack, I am happy. We have everything. Aren't you afraid we'll mess it up?"

"Heck, yes, which is why we're here. I had to risk it. I had to gamble that you'd see it, too."

Jack kissed his husband tenderly.

"Jack, do you think maybe Michael is afraid of the dark because ..."

"... because sometimes you are?" Daniel nodded. "I think children are very perceptive, and I think Little Danny is just like his father."

"He's always reaching for Jonny."

"Because Jonny will keep him safe. Close that box, Love, and throw away the key. I'll bet Little Danny does, too."

"Michael," Daniel insisted.

"You just called him Danny."

"It was a ... slip of the tongue."

Jack leered.

"Speaking of tongues ..."

Jack slipped his tongue inside Daniel's mouth for a hungry kiss that filled Daniel with desire of his own.

"Want you. Want you inside me ... now. Now, Jack."

With as much passion as earlier, Jack and Daniel reunited their nation of two, knowing that it was as important to keep their private universe strong as it was to keep their family healthy. Another pact was made, by mutual agreement, as they fused their bodies together one more time.

====

"Thank you, Love. I had a marvelous time," Jack said, having shut off the truck and reaching over to hold Daniel's hand as he kissed him.

"I did, too, and next Friday, I get to surprise you, okay?"

"Okay, now how about we go surprise Carter with the news that she's booked for every Friday for the next ten or fifteen years?"

"I love you, Jack. Thank you so much for not letting us make a really stupid mistake."

"Ah, Angel. Love you."

They walked towards the door, and Daniel unlocked it.

"Danny, wait a second."

Innocently, Daniel turned, never suspecting what was about to happen. As he had done upon their honeymoon homecoming, Jack picked Daniel up in his arms.

"JACK! Your back! And your knees! You might fall! Put me down."

"Don't worry, Love. Everything will heal!"

"But what if you fall and injure your ... gawd, what would we do next Friday? I need ... that ... it's ... mine!"

Jack burst out laughing, and then Daniel suddenly realized the door had opened.

"Which one is at the door?" Daniel asked without looking.

"Actually, Danny. All of them."

"Oh, gawd!" the young man cried, burying his head into Jack's neck, his right hand reaching around to hold on to his husband.

"It's okay. I think they know what we were doing tonight and planning to do again at the earliest opportunity."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Daniel sighed, not making an effort to move.

"Jack?" Daniel spoke softly.

"Yes, Love?"

"Hurry up and carry me over the threshold because so help me you break anything, and I'm gonna be so unhappy."

"Anything you say."

Sam, Sara and Mark, all laughing, moved to allow Jack to carry his husband through the doorway.

"I'm so embarrassed," Daniel said, still in Jack's arms.

"It's okay. I'll protect you."

"I know."

"You know, I think it's time for us to leave," Mark said, grinning.

Sara quickly rattled off a few things about the evening and the children, and gathered Angela into her arms. As Sam was walking out the door, Jack called, "Carter ... next Friday?"

Sam looked back at Daniel, still in Jack's arms, and smiled, "Yes, Sir. Most definitely, Sir."

Sam shut the door, using her key to lock it. Jack could hear the tumble of the dead bolt.

"We need to check on the babies."

"Hey, how come you didn't bolt when they opened the door?"

"We're married, Jack. I don't care what anyone thinks anymore about our love ... even if you do embarrass me all the time."

"Good embarrass, right?"

"The bestest kind, Jack."

"Let's go see the babies."

Jack put Daniel down, then they kissed, and hand in hand walked to the nursery. They stood there for a few minutes, hands never parting except to make sure their children were tucked in safely.

"We love you, all of you, so much," Daniel whispered.

"What he said," Jack teased, just as softly.

They kissed and walked out, making sure all the baby monitors were on.

"Jack?"

"I know. Let's go."

Jack and Daniel walked outside to the backyard and over to the doghouse Jack had built a couple of years earlier for Bijou and Katie. The two beagles were awake, and looked up at the couple when they pulled open the little door to the house.

"Hey, Bij."

Jack reached in to pet the mama dog.

"Hey, Katie."

Daniel leaned over to pick up the younger dog, no longer a puppy, but still their baby.

"We need to talk, girls," Jack said.

"But not out here"

Daniel placed a kiss on Katie's head. She seemed to smile at him for a second. The lovers exchanged a look, and picking up Bijou, Jack stood, and each took their precious beagles into the house, up the stairs, to their bedroom. They put the dogs on the bed as they changed out of their clothes into their flannel pajamas. Then, Jack and Daniel sat next to each other, their backs against the headboard.

Bijou and Katie were at their feet watching. They hadn't been in the master bedroom since the babies had come home.

"Okay, girls," Jack spoke, "It's like this. We messed up. Badly."

"Very badly," Daniel repeated.

"We ... well, we went a little overboard when we brought the kids home. You know ... those things that cry all the time and keep us running around like you've never seen us do before."

"And we sort of forgot that we needed to make time for each other, and once we remembered that, we realized we'd ... sort of forgotten to make sure you two knew that we ..." Daniel couldn't hold back the tears, "gawd, we've been horrible."

Jack quickly put his arm around Daniel and reassured him, "It'll be okay."

"Look at them, Jack. They didn't even run to us ... or kiss us ... or ... anything. They're sitting down like ... like we were ... just anybody. Gawd."

"Come on, girls. We learned a lot tonight. We're sorry." Jack kissed Daniel's head, the younger man crying in his arms. "They'll forgive us, Danny. We're family. Shhh, Love. We just need to prove ourselves again. That's all."

Jack looked at the two beagles and smiled, "It's okay, girls. We've hurt you. We downright ignored you for a solid month. We brought home our human children and treated you both like you didn't matter anymore, but you do. You're our children, too, and we're going to fix it. Just ... give us a chance, okay?"

Jack coughed, suppressing his own emotion, not feeling the least bit funny about the deep emotion running through him and his husband while talking to two dogs, dogs they truly felt were ... children. It was crazy, but Jack didn't care. Bijou and Katie were special, and neither Jack nor Daniel would ever deny that.

"Starting tomorrow," Daniel sniffled, "we integrate our family. The girls have to know our babies because they're our babies, too."

"I agree. You know, girls, the babies need a protector. You know what it's been like in the past. You never know if one of those psychos will come back. Yeah, I know, we have all this fancy dancy stuff now. Carter has more doohickeys in this house than I want to think about, but how many times in the past have you two saved our skins, huh? Alot ... so, we're counting on you. Speech over. Think about it, and remember, it's okay to stay angry a while longer. We'll prove ourselves to you again. You need time? Well, we have all the time in the world."

"We love you, so much," Daniel said, leaning forward to pet the two beagles, his heart aching as he realized just how much they had neglected the cherished dogs they adored.

Taking a deep breath, both Jack and Daniel lay down to sleep, in each other's arms.

====

"Jack?"

"Shhh. Go back to sleep."

"Jack, it's 6 a.m. The babies."

Jack shot up. Their triplets hadn't slept through a night since the Jackson-O'Neills had brought them home. With Daniel right behind him, Jack ran to the nursery ... and smiled.

"Wow. Oh, Jack," Daniel said, leaning his head against Jack's shoulder.

Jack reached over and took his husband's hand as they took in the most beautiful sight they'd ever seen.

"Now that's beautiful," Jack spoke softly.

Jonny, Michael and Aislinn were all quiet in their crib. Michael, who usually woke up hating the dark, was cooing as Katie rested quietly at the edge of the crib, her nose tickling the baby's feet occasionally.

Jonny and Aislinn seemed to be focused on her, too, looking at the dog peripherally, from the corners of their eyes. At the edge of the three-quarter-size bed, Bijou sat, keeping watch, as she had done so often for Daniel during various times of crisis.

Daniel walked over to Bijou, and held her close.

"Thank you," he whispered, unable to hold back more tears.

The beagle gave out the quietest small "woof" as if knowing a louder sound might frighten the newest members of their family.

"I wonder how she got in there," Jack said about Katie, nodding towards the young dog lying peacefully in the crib.

"I don't even care, Jack. Never look a miracle in the mouth, not even the smallest ones."

"Danny, we've been winging this. We're used to being independent, tough macho idiots. We're not anymore. We're parents. We need help, and we'd be pretty ignorant not to admit that and not to go get it."

"And you said I was the genius."

Jack smiled, but continued the conversation. He was more motivated than ever to get their family back on track, and quickly.

"We need a routine. We need to figure out how to take care of these three, and those two, and the fish, and each other."

"Big order, Jack."

"Yes, it is, but worth it, don't you think?"

"Oh yes," Daniel said. He looked at the mama beagle and placed a kiss her nose, "definitely worth it."

====

"Be careful, Bij. She doesn't quite understand yet."

"Woof!" the beagle acknowledged, as baby Aislinn thrashed her hands around, not meaning to make as much contact as she was with the dog as the entire Jackson-O'Neill clan played on the living room floor.

It wasn't so much playing as it was just getting used to each other. The infants were putting on weight, getting used to the various sensations of life, but basically, they were normal babies, not moving around much yet, except for Jonny who seemed destined to be the trouble maker. Even at one month, he seemed to be the one managing to reach things he shouldn't be touching.

"He's definitely got your genes, Jack," Daniel had a few days earlier.

Jonny had accidentally knocked over a new box of Froot Loops, causing it to empty onto the floor. Daniel had been holding the infant who seemed to reach out for the box, his tiny hand tapping the open box causing it to fall.

"You know this is fun," Jack commented, as the babies and dogs interacted for what was essentially the first time.

"Yeah, why didn't we do it sooner?"

"Because we were afraid carpet fuzz would be lethal or something."

"Or something," Daniel said regretfully, looking at the beagles, knowing he had been afraid to let the dogs play with the babies.

"Dogs are great protectors, Love."

"I know. I was being dumb. We just need to supervise them until they're older. We were so wrong, Jack."

"We're fixing it. Just like you, the girls always give us another chance."

"Wooooof"

"Whoa. Jonny, where do you think you're going?" Jack started to put Michael down but Daniel shook his head, holding his hand out to stop his spouse from moving forward.

Hesitantly, Jack picked Michael back up, watching Jonny with Katie.

"Wooooof," she repeated, gently nudging the rolling baby closer to Daniel.

Jonny had somehow managed to scoot just far enough away from his parents that he was closer to the end table than to the protective reach of Jack and Daniel. Katie had gotten between the infant and the potentially dangerous table.

"Thank you, Katie. They're too young to be out there like that. Good girl," Daniel reached out, petting her gently.

"Woof!" Katie stood proudly, sitting down, ready to assist again if necessary.

"See!"

"Jack, babies shouldn't have this much motor skill yet. How's he doing that?"

"Must be the Wheaties!"

"Or something."

====

"Okay, guys, do you think you could behave this time around?"

"Like we don't normally behave?" Jack asked, a twisted smile on his face.

"Jack, the Munchkins are behaving. I really want this to ... to be ..."

The older man smiled as he paused to caress his husband's cheek. He knew how much Daniel had cherished their first family photo, the one with just them and their girls. Jack wouldn't mess this up.

"Let's get the show on the road," Jack said tenderly.

Kayla placed them into position, one specifically requested by the younger man.

Jack sat in his favorite chair, and carefully, Daniel placed Jonny in Jack's left arm and Michael in his right. He put Bijou over Jack's right shoulder and Katie over the left, the girls lying down partially on Jack's shoulder and partially on the chair back. Then Daniel stood behind his husband holding Aislinn.

"Okay, say, 'We are family' on three. One ... Two ... Three." Kayla snapped the photo. "Perfect, but let me try something. Everyone stay where you are." Kayla walked to Jack. "The babies are being so well behaved. Daniel, can I have Ash, please?"

"Um, okay," he said, handing over the youngest of the triplets.

"Okay, Jack. I know you can do this. There's lots of room here."

Kayla very carefully placed Aislinn next to Jonny.

"Are they secure?" she asked before backing away.

"Yeah. How about that?" Jack beamed, holding all three of his children at the same time.

"Good. Bijou, Katie. You two stay ... no, wait. Katie, you have to be perfectly still now." She put Katie and then Bijou on Jack's lap, right smack dab in between the babies. She chuckled. "Jack, you so cannot move one inch." She stood back and smiled widely. "Yes. Daniel, lean over and put your arms around Jack's neck, and lean your cheek against his."

Kayla moved back to where the tripod was.

"This will be golden, guys." She snapped a few photos. "That's it. All done."

"Don't move, Babe," Daniel said, moving quickly around to make sure the family didn't have any accidents. "Bij, Katie, you two were great," Daniel said, giving both a quick rub on their ears before telling them to get down, which they gently did. Then he took Aislinn back into his arms.

"Was that fun, Ash?" He looked at Jack. "Are you okay with those two. I think, uh, she needs to be changed."

"I noticed, Daniel," Jack said, sniffing the air. "I've got Jonny and Little Danny."

"Michael."

"Yeah, him, too," Jack teased.

Daniel turned to Kayla, a big smile on his face.

"Thanks. That last photo ... wow. Thank you."

"Next year we do another one."

"They'll be too big!" Jack said a bit boisterously.

They all laughed, and then Daniel went upstairs to tend to Aislinn.

"That really was a terrific idea, Kayla. What made you think of it?"

"Daniel loves you. I don't know. I just thought he'd like a photo that showed his biggest love holding all of his loves ... and then he could hold you, kinda like holding on to happiness. I guess it's a bit of a stretch."

"Symbolic stuff," Jack said as he carefully stood.

He walked to Kayla and made a little motion, so she took Michael into her arms. Jack then walked to the downstairs crib and placed Jonny in it.

"He waited so long, Jack, to be able to hold happiness in the palm of his hand. I don't know half the story, I'm sure, but ... what little he's told me ... well, I don't know ..."

"Thank you, Kayla," Jack said softly as he took Michael back. "... for everything."

"I'd better get going. I have a follow-up appointment with Sylvia."

"Everything's okay?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just routine." She saw Jack's look. "I'll have her call you."

Jack smiled as he placed a kiss on the middle triplet's forehead.

====

"Gawd, Jack. Don't you think this is going overboard? I mean, look at all this stuff! Honestly, are you sure we got everything?"

Jack looked at the two very full shopping carts. He inventoried the selection: a deluxe beanbag, two sweaters, four blankets, two travel beds that looked like miniature sleeping bags for trips to the cabin, six boxes of various dog treats, a large container of dog biscuits, several rawhide bones and chew toys, a hardwood dog massager that would be placed in the beagle's large doghouse, one hockey puck toy (mint flavored) for each dog, four frisbees of different sizes, a flying squirrel toy, five new balls (each a different size and material), some rope tugs of varying lengths and thickness, a small wading pool with a few toys designed just for the water, and too many to count small toys (squeaking and non-squeaking) to be buried in Katie's play yard.

The retired General panicked.

"You're right. Be right back," Jack said, darting off towards one of the center aisles.

Daniel laughed as he bent down to pet Bijou and Katie.

"You know that he's not trying to buy your love, don't you? I mean, he just feels guilty, like I do." The two beagles sat calmly, smiling at Daniel as they listened to his words. "We will never neglect you two again, not ever. So ... forgive us for ... overindulging, okay? And just ... know we love you so much, and this is just something Jack is doing because he wants to, not because he has to. Okay?"

Two joyful "Woofs!" rang out in the large store, wagging tails accentuating the barks. Both dogs gave Daniel several kisses while he petted them and waited for Jack's return.

"Almost forgot this," Jack said, adding the deluxe brushes to the cart. "I think they'll like these better. They're softer."

"You're such a softie, Jack," Daniel said, standing up. "A pool? Jack, you realize that you're buying our dogs a pool?"

"They'll love it!"

"Don't you think the babies might get jealous?"

"If Bij and Katie want to share, it's up to them. We'll get the Munchkins their own pool if they want one."

"Big spender," Daniel said softly, his heart full of love.

Jack was grinning, proud of his selections. He really didn't care that he had gone ridiculously overboard. Their precious beagles had forgiven them for being ignored, and Jack felt very grateful for that. He wanted to pamper them, so he was.

And you're not exactly fighting me on this, Dannyboy. You can't fool me.

====

It was two weeks after the Jackson-O'Neills had enjoyed their first playtime on the living room carpet, and Jack and Daniel had been on their third straight date night. It had been a rousing success. They'd eaten dinner at O'Malley's and then gone dancing, something they loved to do together, and they'd made love, an essential must of their one free night a week.

For the first time, Cassie had babysat for them, along with Sam's assurance she'd be near by. Cassie was no longer a little girl, but it was still her first night alone with triplets. Sam had promised to drop by unexpectedly just to make sure everything was okay. Of course, Cassie had been expecting her!

Jack and Daniel were gradually finding their way, settling into a routine. Every day they had a playtime, with all five of their children. It wasn't easy, and sometimes it only lasted five or ten minutes, but they refused to miss a day. Things were working out, and they knew now that they'd be okay.

Daniel was snuggled into his usual position, his head resting warmly on Jack's left shoulder, his leg hooked between Jack's and his left hand fussing with his husband's chest hair. The babies were asleep, and they were resting quietly together, hoping for a couple of hours of sleep before one of them had to get up to tend to the children.

Suddenly, Daniel heard Jack humming. It was nice, and then, his husband began to sing, modifying the lyrics to a popular Irish song, "Danny Boy." As he listened, Daniel's love for Jack grew even more. Daniel had no idea one person could hold so much love for another. Jack's song bore deep into Daniel's soul.

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying 'Tis you, I love with all my heart and soul.
And we'll never be parted, not in all of time.
Nor when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you stay with me forever and always And are my beloved, through eternity and beyond,
I'll promise to love you with all I have to give and try to be my best, to be the man you need,
that you've loved and trusted with your heart of gold.
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me.
I'll sleep in peace until you come to me, Danny.
I love you so, my falling star, I love you so much!"

"So much, Danny, so friggin' much!" Jack spoke softly, kissing the top of Daniel's head.

He knew Daniel was awake, but his lover hadn't said anything. Jack could feel the shivers of Daniel's body.

"Danny?" When Daniel only sniffled, Jack scooted down and saw the tears. "I love you, Angel. I'll sing for you forever if that's what you want. I love you."

With tears seeping from his eyes, Daniel leaned up and kissed his husband.

"Make love to me, Jack."

"The babies."

"They'll get used to it. Make love to me."

Jack dried Daniel's tears, and then, for the first time since their children had come home, Jack and Daniel made tender love in their own bed. There would still be months of adjustments for them. Life would never be as free as it once was, but now, Jack and Daniel had rediscovered not just their nation of two, but the magic of their love, that indescribable emotion that bonded them together as few had been before.

A new norm was being established for the very outside-the-norm Jackson-O'Neill family, and they were truly loving every minute of it. The last ten months had brought a world of change for them, and the future? The future was full of transitions from the old to the new, and it would bring about even more dreams and hopes, and Jack and Daniel knew that somehow, they'd make them all come true!

Finis - Finished - Done - The End - But is it ever Really?

Notes: 1) I have to give a nod to Ximeria's super story, "Tales To Tell Your Grandchildren..." because that's where I first heard the name Aislinn. I've since seen it in other places and fics, but hers was the one that engraved the name on my mind, and after talking with several others about it, I just couldn't ignore it as being the perfect name for Jack's and Daniel's baby girl. The story is located at 2) Once again, I reference Devra's lovely piece "The Last Dance" which has become part of my fanon for Jack and Daniel.
3) The poem "Question Not" is by Christopher Sampson.
4) "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral" lyrics by James Royce Shannon, 1913. 5) "Hush Little Baby" author unknown, modified here by Jack O'Neill!
6) "Danny Boy" core lyrics by Frederick Edward Weatherly. 1913, modified again by Jack O'Neill, of course!
7) The Jackson-O'Neill Family Portrait manip is by QuinGem and can be found on my website. Thanks!!