Disclaimer: Not mine.

That night SG-1 took their guests to O'Malley's. Their usual waitress came to greet them, and they introduced Dani as Daniel's twin sister and Sha're as a friend visiting from the Middle East. Jack seemed to find this morbidly amusing.

Several times during dinner Daniel and Dani would interject with the same thing at the same time, causing the whole table to break into laughter. Sha're, in particular, seemed to be enjoying herself immensely. When Jack called her on it, she explained in a hushed voice that only recently had she been allowed to spend time outside the base in her reality, that not being surrounded by a cold, military atmosphere was something she had sorely missed. Jack made some crack about the atmosphere on Abydos being a little too warm and Sha're lobbed a roll at his nose. Daniel and Dani had to hold each other up, they we laughing so hard.

After they had finished their meals and Sam and Daniel were working on their desert and coffee, Dani challenged Jack to a game of pool. He quirked an eyebrow at Daniel, who simply shrugged. Jack accepted and they went over to the tables.

Soon after Daniel pleaded a need to visit the men's room, leaving Sha're with Sam and Teal'c. As soon as he was out of sight, Sam reached over and placed her hand on Sha're's.

"I know you didn't really mean to do this, but I need to tell you how glad I am you're here. I haven't seen Daniel so happy in a very, very long time."

Sha're had the good grace to blush. "I do not think it is only my presence that pleases him, Sam. Dani has often told me that for many years before joining the SGC she felt alone in the world – no family, few friends, only her research and her teaching. Now, I see she feels as though she has gained a brother. I expect Dan'yel feels this way as well."

Sam smiled ruefully, squeezing Sha're's hand before returning to her cheesecake. After taking a few bites, she spoke again.

"When I met my other self – Dr. Carter – both of us were struck with jealousy and inadequacy issues. We got over them out of necessity, but Daniel doesn't seem to have any problems like that."

"Daniel Jackson is both intelligent and kind." Teal'c said quietly. "I have never yet met anyone of worth who did not like him. Two such likable people are unlikely to dislike each other."

Sha're nodded, but Sam looked as though she was trying to decide whether to be offended by the convoluted statement, and its implications about herself. She was saved by Daniel's return.

"Sha're, I have to ask you," he said as he sat down. "What is Dani's relationship with Jack in your world?"

Sha're cocked her head. "They used to date."

Daniel blinked.

"Really." Sam joined in with him as he said it. Even Teal'c looked surprised – his eyebrow threatened to jump off his face. Sha're regarded them quizzically.

"This is a surprise?"

"Well, yeah." Sam said. "I guess not." Daniel said at the same time. Sam looked at him in amazement.

"Something you want to tell us, Daniel?" she asked, half amused and half appalled. Daniel rolled his eyes.

"Sam, I fell in love with her best friend." Sha're blushed again. "Is it so much of a stretch to think she might be at least attracted to mine?"

Sam thought this over. "Well...I guess not. But Sha're, you said 'used to'?"

She nodded. "He broke it off more than a year ago. I don't know why, it's the one thing she won't tell me. But I know that she was very hurt by it, and it took a long time for him to regain her trust. The fact that she is so at ease with your Jack speaks much to its recovery."

Sam nodded, slowly. "I see. And now?"

"She is casually seeing Major Davis. And Jack is...Jack."

Sam nodded again, understanding, but Daniel spluttered into his coffee.

"Major Paul fucking Davis?" he asked when he recovered. Sha're laughed.

"It is a very casual relationship."

"I would hope so!"

Daniel calmed himself as Sha're laughed more. She stopped abruptly when she saw the look on his face.

"Dan'yel?"

He sighed. "I know it's not my place to ask, but...What about you, Sha're?"

She looked quizzically at him. Teal'c saw him floundering for words and intervened.

"I believe Daniel Jackson wishes to know if you are in a 'relationship'."

"Oh." She blushed. "I was asked a few times, but I refused them. On Abydos one mates for life, and I am not yet comfortable enough with the custom of 'dating' to follow it."

He nodded, ears red. "I'm sorry, I should have known better – " She cut him off.

"That was not the only reason. None of them felt right, Dan'yel. If my father had commanded me to marry one, I would have done as he asked, and been content – but not happy." She smiled to herself. "Besides, I have been told that many suitors were frightened away by Dani. She has always been protective of me."

Daniel nodded. "Good."

Sha're raised an amused eyebrow at him, and he turned red again.

Wheee, look at how long this was!

This is actually the first part of Chapter 2. See, those first five parts were just one chapter – which goes a long way to explaining the shortness.

From here on out I really have no idea what I'm doing. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, anything you'd like to see, message me and pitch the idea.

Later.

Aura