A/N: Krys, "killing you with short chapters" about Daniel. Hum, death by Daniel. Ooooh, I couldn't post what I'd like to write about that. I'm a kindergarten teacher - my kids' parents would freak if they knew my libidinous thoughts!

Day 4

They slept most of the day. AJ woke first and looked over to see Daniel curled up like a little boy. He was turned to face her and she watched and wondered who this man was who was so intelligent, morally and physically strong, but could make women want to mother him. A handsome man who is unsure of himself appeals not only to the sensuality in a woman, but also to her mothering instinct. God, he's hot! Oh, man, I'm stuck here alone with him for who knows how long. It's a good thing I can't move.

As if he heard her, Daniel's eyes opened and met her's. AJ blushed and cleared her throat. "Morning, DJ."

He closed his eyes briefly and gave her a half smile. "Coffee ready yet?"

"If only!" AJ grinned, relieved that he couldn't read her mind. "DJ, could you help me up? I need to go to the bathroom again."

"Sure, but don't take too long. I'm right after you."

After that was taken care of, Daniel made AJ go back into the hut. It was still very hot outside and he didn't want her outside any longer than she needed to be. Daniel opened a cheese omelet, hash browns and bacon MRE and they split it.

"I'd like to figure out a way to rig a shower down near the oasis. Washing in a pot just isn't the same. I also need to find a way for us to do some laundry. Can you think of anything else we need?"

"Electricity, TV, radio, a space ship? How about a stargate?" AJ immediately regretted what she said when she saw his face. He is trying so hard to make me comfortable and I just stepped on his ego. I am such a jerk.

"DJ, I'm so sorry I said that. I'm always saying what pops into my head without thinking. You have done so much to make this work. Please, just forget I ever said that." AJ looked up from her plate into Daniel's eyes.

Daniel blinked several times, ducked his head and then looked back up to meet AJ's eyes. "It's OK."

"DJ, how long do you think I'll need to keep my ribs wrapped?"

"Getting uncomfortable?"

"Yeah, it's really hard to breathe and it's hot."

"I can unwrap them and see how you feel. I'll warn you though, it'll probably take anywhere from a month to three months to really feel better."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Oh, yeah!" His eyes twinkled in sympathy and she relaxed, hoping that he'd forgiven her for insulting his abilities earlier.

He moved behind her, untied the strips and unwrapped her ribs. She breathed in deeply. Her eyes widened in surprise then slammed shut as she tried vainly to hold back the tears of pain.

"OK, that was a mistake," she gasped.

"Do you want me to wrap them up again?"

"No, I just need to remember not to breathe while I'm conscious." AJ's face was pasty, her breath rapid and shallow as she struggled to control the pain.

Daniel stayed behind her and allowed her to slump against him for support. He ran his hand over her hair, soothing her and muttering quietly in her ear. After a few minutes her breathing became steadier and she relaxed against him.

"God, DJ, how is it with your talents that you never married? Any woman would kill to have you."

Daniel froze momentarily and then continued to soothe her.

"What did I say this time? It seems every time I open my mouth I'm insulting or hurting you somehow." AJ had caught the change in his body, even though he tried to cover it quickly.

"I was married. She died several years ago." Daniel hoped that some day it would get easier to say that.

AJ pulled herself away from Daniel and turned to look at him. "Daniel, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I haven't been on base long and I ignore gossip, so if someone told me, I didn't pay much attention."

He smiled at her, trying to make her feel comfortable.

She looked at him, seeing that brilliant smile with a tinge of sadness and an uncertain little boy peeking out of his blue eyes. Oh, god, I'm done for! My ribs better heal in record time, because I'm going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself.

"If you're OK, I'm going to take care of the dishes. I'll be right back. The sun's still up and I don't want to be outside for very long."

"Before you go, could you hand me one of my journals and a pen? I'd like to write for a while."

Daniel burrowed through their pile of stuff and came up with what she wanted. He helped her sit against a backpack and made sure she was settled before he gathered their dishes and left the hut.