Perversely, one of the first things Shawn usually did every morning was go for a jog. Not that he needed the exercise, and not because he particularly liked to run, but jogging was a good way to get the body stretched out and ready to start the day, and it was also a good time to be alone to think. River and Ian never jogged with him – in the morning – so he didn't have the distraction of their normal banter to break into his thoughts.
That morning, however, he didn't jog. For one thing, he wasn't sure if he was still confined to quarters – as unofficial as that order had been – and for another, he didn't want Jaffer to get wound up and tackle him again. It hadn't hurt, and he trusted the lab not to hurt him, but he didn't want to get all grass-stained again, even if it was just his sweats he was wearing.
When Jaffer woke him up – with a cold nose against his neck, and then licking his cheek and face until he was forced out of bed to get away from it – Shawn slipped into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt (both Academy labeled) and pulled on his sneakers and headed for the door, the big lab following close behind, more than ready to go out.
"You know... following you with a plastic bag in my hand is not my ideal way to start the morning," he complained sleepily.
Jaffer looked up at him, wagging his tail cheerfully, and trotted out into the parade grounds, taking a minute to have a morning run of his own.
A moment later, though, he'd changed direction completely, taking off like a shot across the grounds and towards the parking lot.
"Jaff-"Shawn had started to panic, thinking he was running off, and wishing he'd bothered to bring out the lab's leash, when he realized that the dog was running towards a lone figure who'd just gotten out of a big back truck. It was Jack.
Shawn trotted over as Jack knelt down to meet Jaffer's charge, wrapping his arms around the lab, who looked just as happy to see O'Neill as Jack looked to see him. Shawn wondered if Jaffer had somehow known Jack was coming, and had pulled him out of bed to go meet him.
"Morning, Jack."
Jack looked up at Shawn, smiling. It was a good morning when you could see your son and your dog.
"Hey, Shawn. Anything happen last night?"
"Nope. How about you?"
Oh yeah, but nothing he was going to share with Shawn.
"Not a whole lot. Was he good?"
"Sure."
"Didn't keep you awake?"
"Nope."
"Slept with you?"
"Yup."
"Nothing happened? No weird... anything?"
Shawn shook his head. He knew Jack was trying to figure out Jaffer's odd behavior, but he didn't have an explanation for it, either.
"Nothing."
"Huh..."
"Want to see if he wants to go?"
"He'd better," Jack said, standing up. "I couldn't sleep at all last night without him."
Shawn smiled, because he knew it wasn't something Jack would have admitted to anyone. It made him feel good that he was willing to tell him something like that.
They walked over to the truck, and Jack opened the passenger door, looking down at Jaffer.
"Well?"
The black lab wagged his tail and jumped right in, landing neatly in his customary spot.
"Crazy dog..."
Jack nodded his agreement, and closed the door before Jaffer could change his mind. Leaning against the truck, he studied Shawn for a moment.
"How are you doing?" He wasn't above using coming to get Jaffer as a chance to have a stolen moment with the boy.
Shawn smiled.
"I'm great, Jack."
"You sure?" He looked great, that was certain, but Jack was going to make sure. "No problems with any of the instructors?"
Shawn shook his head.
"Nope."
"Any of the other students?"
"Nope."
"You're keeping up with the classes? It's not too hard?"
"I'm doing good, Jack," Shawn assured him, feeling warm and gooey inside at the constant questioning. This was how Jack showed he cared. Shawn knew if he said he was having a problem with something, Jack wouldn't eave until he was sure it was fixed, and if he was having trouble with one of the instructors, Jack would probably go track that person down and find out what was going on. Most likely with a threat thrown in somewhere. Was there any wonder Shawn loved him so much? "I'm exactly where I want to be, you know?"
Jack nodded. He knew.
"If you need anything, you call me, okay?"
"I will."
"If that Captain gives you any trouble about Jaffer, you let me know, and I'll set him straight."
Shawn grinned.
"I'll be okay."
"Yeah, I know."
Jaffer leaned out the window and whuffled O'Neill's cheek.
"He hasn't had breakfast," Shawn told him.
"I'll feed him when we get home..." Jack looked over at the lab, looking for some sign that something was wrong, but Jaffer looked more than ready to leave, even though he was watching Shawn cheerfully. "You sure everything's okay?"
Shawn nodded.
"He was probably just being difficult, Jack," Shawn said, reaching out and scratching Jaffer's ear. "Nothing weird happened last night. Everyone's fine."
Jack sighed, but he nodded. Whatever it was, it wasn't like the dog was going to just up and tell him, right?
"Okay, kiddo. I'd better get home and get ready for work." He pulled his keys out of his pocket and gave Shawn another look, and this one was just a little stern. "You need anything..."
"I'll call."
"Good."
"Tell Sam good morning for me, and tell her River suggested 'Justin'."
"Justin?"
"Just tell her, Jack. She'll understand."
Jack understood, too, then. He smiled.
"It's going to be a girl, you know? And Justine isn't too bad. I'll let her know."
He went around and got into the truck.
"Go get some clothes on before you catch a cold." He called as the engine roared to life.
"Okay, mom."
"Smart ass."
With a smile, Shawn turned and headed back to the dorm, even as Jack back the truck out of the parking spot and headed for home. Life was good. Crazy dogs, trouble causing roommates, and nagging Colonels and all. He couldn't imagine it being any other way.
The End.
Author's Note: So! A Shawn, River and Ian story, with a lot of weird mysticism thrown in for good measure. This story was never intended to be long, but it was definitely necessary in the whole scheme of things. Besides, I like River and Ian, and I wanted to write some more about them and their relationship with Shawn and each other. Tell me what you liked and what you didn't like, if you would, and what you want to see next... still no birth of the baby, so don't request that – we're a ways off from that. (Lots to do before then, you'll see!)