TITLE: "A Day Behind"
AUTHOR: Verb
RATING: T, I would think.
CATEGORY: Humor, Daniel/Janet, shameless Asgard jokes.
SUMMARY: Timing Is Everything
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable Stargate SG-1 characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment only and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. This story and other publicly unrecognized events or characters therein are copyrighted to the author and may not be used or reproduced in entirety or in parts without express permission of the author.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I always have problems with naming my stories. This one owes its title to a Bowling For Soup song, entitled "Belgium". It is, quite possibly, the funniest parody of a love song I've ever heard. This song made me think, write, and laugh so hard that people on the bus gave me funny looks. This is the result. Please enjoy!
DEDICATION: Again, to Dessert Blossom-by-the-Sea, for encouragement and kick ass beta'ing. Also? To everyone who reads this little story. Yes, you! You're brilliant. What do you mean, 'Why?' Because I wrote the story, and I said so!
Let's get this party started.
Chapter 7 – Birthday Wish
As they pulled up to the restaurant, Janet tried to ignore the butterflies that had suddenly been let loose somewhere in the general area of her stomach. She had a strange feeling that she already knew the person Sam had been hinting at, but her logical mind wouldn't let her emotions make the jump.
"Well, here we are," Jack announced as he threw the truck into park. He turned to face his passengers. "Hey, Janet, why don't you head on in and sit down. It'll probably take us a few minutes to get Carter out of the truck here."
"Ok," Janet agreed. "Reservations under your name, sir?" At Jack's affirmative nod, she gathered her purse, exited the truck and made her way over to O'Malley's front doors.
The blast of warm air that hit as she entered was more than welcome. Janet approached the hostess station. "Hi. Reservation under Jack O'Neill."
"Janet!" She turned to the sound of Tom calling her name. "Hi, Tom!"
"You guys are set up in the back room. Here, I'll show you the way." Janet followed the bartender as he navigated his way through the restaurant to the private rooms. "Here you are. Enjoy." Tom winked, then made his way back to the main dining area.
Janet tried to calm herself down, wiping her suddenly sweaty palms on her skirt. Now or never, I suppose. She reached out for the door handle, turned it, and opened the door.
The vision that greeted her was a shock. The small room was covered in decorations, looking like something from a page in a party-planning magazine, the message of "Happy Birthday" everywhere she looked. But none of it could compare to the person standing in the middle of the room. She smiled, a slight look of confusion visible on her face. "Hi, Daniel."
Daniel made several attempts to say something in response, but the ability to speak had somehow left him. All he could see was Janet, looking absolutely radiant, a slightly bemused on her face. "Hi," he finally managed to say, his voice a little lower then normal.
Janet's eyes were focused on the man in front of her. Daniel must have gone home to change, since he was no longer wearing his military issue BDU's. He was dressed in a dark, well-cut suit, with a soft blue shirt that was open at the collar. "What's going on here?" she asked is a somewhat amused voice.
"What does it look like?" Daniel questioned, still unsure if Janet's look of surprise was a good thing or not.
"Looks suspiciously like a birthday party to me." Janet stepped towards the table, touching the small vase of flowers that rested on the table. "Did you plan all of this?"
"I wish I could claim credit, but most of this was Jack's doing."
Janet nodded. "That was nice of him." She turned back to Daniel. "But I have to ask. When did he do all of this?"
Daniel's eyes went immediately to the floor, not wanting Janet to see the guilt he knew was visible. "Today. About two hours ago."
"Really." Janet was torn. She still felt anger towards Daniel for forgetting her birthday. For as long as she had known him, every year without fail Janet would walk into her office on her birthday and find a card from Daniel. And with each passing year, she had looked forward to those cards more and more, realizing only how much she missed them when there was no card to greet her the year that Daniel had ascended. The reminder of the loss of such a close friend, or something else entirely, had been almost too much, and she had ended up here, at O'Malley's, trying desperately to forget those feelings of more than friendship. She had brought Daniel's card from the year before, remembering how touched she had been with its inscription. Janet had hoped that her card was a sign that Daniel might hold some of the same feelings she did, but never got the chance to find out. She was angry at him for that, knowing deep down that she had no right to be.
"Janet?" Daniel asked softly. He had looked up to find Janet's eyes glossed with unshed tears. "Tell me what's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Janet exploded. "I'll tell you what's wrong. You forgot my birthday. All of you did! You're here, you're back, and you still forgot!"
"Back? Back from where?" Daniel's voice sounded confused, a fact that only seemed to fuel Janet's anger.
"In all the years I've known you, not once have you forgotten. And then, last year, you were gone. And I . . ." her voice trailed off, the sudden realization of the reason for all of her hurt and anger taking her mind by storm.
Daniel took a step towards her and reached out for her hand, using the other to tilt her chin so she was looking right at him. "Please. Tell me."
Her eyes focused on Daniel. "I missed you," she admitted.
Daniel's eyes grew impossibly large as he fit all the pieces together. "That's why you were . . . you were mad that I was here, but I didn't remember . . ." his voice got quieter as the full range of emotions hit him. Anger that he had made her feel forgotten, guilt that he had hurt her and made her doubt that he cared, and determination, ready to do anything and everything to make it up to her. "Oh, Janet, I'm so sorry. Please. I don't . . . I never wanted you to think I didn't care about your birthday."
Janet was sniffling, unable to ignore the obvious emotions flickering behind Daniel's eyes. "I know, it's a little silly. I'm a grown woman, and I've been acting like a four year old who didn't get to stay up late and watch TV." She smiled a little, feeling some of her anger dissipate. "I'm sorry."
"No, Janet, don't apologize. You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about." Daniel pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her and holding her against him. "I'm the one apologizing. With all of the things going on at the SGC and with Sam being in the infirmary, I barely even remembered to feed my fish."
Janet leaned into his embrace, letting loose a slight chuckle at the mention of Daniel's fish. "I know, and it's ok-"
Daniel pulled Janet away from him to look her in the eye, determined to make her understand. "No. It's not ok, Janet. When I realized that we had let your birthday slip by, I felt horrible. I must have looked it, because Jack immediately suggested that we take you out for an 'I'm sorry, we're idiots, Happy Birthday' dinner." He gave her a small smile. "His words."
Janet smiled back and stared at the floor, unable to keep his gaze for fear that she might start crying at the sincerity of his words.
"I felt like I had let you down, and it was the worst feeling I've had in a very long time."
The serious tone of Daniel's voice made her look back up. He couldn't mean . . . But one look told Janet all she needed to know.
Daniel gazed into Janet's eyes, reading the emotions crossing her face and knew that she had understood. He knew that Janet would always understand, a thought that gave him to courage to go forward. He reached around Janet, keeping her enclosed in his arms. His hands delved into the pocket of his jacket that he had draped over one of the chairs, and pulled out a cream coloured envelope.
He presented the envelope to Janet with a small smile. "Happy Birthday."
Janet couldn't help but grin as she took the envelope. She pulled out a beautiful card, engraved with the words Birthday Wishes for a Special Someone. Opening the card, she read the message that Daniel had written.
Janet,
My mother loved birthdays; the few I shared with her are fond memories. I always knew that, every year, the morning of my birthday, there would be a card waiting for me, regardless of what part of the world we found ourselves in. She always said that birthdays were a special day, a day to let the special people in your life know how much you care. Her words have let me express my care for you in the simple gesture of a birthday card.
But this year, I hope that this card serves another purpose. Janet, over the years you have always been there for me – taking care of me as I recovered from physical injuries, and always there to sooth away the troubled parts of my mind. So, this card is my way of saying that I do care. More than a patient should care for his doctor. It is my humble way of asking if you feel the same. Our friendship means the world to me, and I would never want to jeopardize it. But, if you feel that you could care for me as well, then all you need to do is ask. I'll be here.
Ever yours,
Daniel
Daniel held his breath as she read the card. He watched her reaction, pleased at the emotions her face portrayed. He knew that she was pleased when she finished reading and looked up at him with tears in her eyes.
"Daniel, I-"
He held a finger up to her lips. "Wait. Look at the date on the card."
She glanced down. What does the date have to do with . . . Her thoughts stopped. "This is dated last year. You mean you wrote this before you ascended?"
He nodded and smiled. "I had planned to give this to you on your birthday last year. I wrote it the week before the mission to Kelowna."
Janet allowed a little bit of hope surface. "So that means . . ."
Daniel tool Janet's hand and place in over his heart, keeping his hand over hers. "That I cared about you then, Janet, and I still care about you now." He smiled softly. "I don't think I ever stopped." He drew in a shaky breath and went for broke. "I love you. And I want to know if you could ever love me back."
The most beautiful smiled Daniel had ever seen blossomed on Janet's face. She squeeze his hand. "Yes."
Daniel's face broke out into a grin as he pulled her aginst him, trying to put all of the joy and happiness he felt into his embrace.
Janet sighed, content to stay in Daniel's arms, letting go of the last of her anger. She nuzzeled her cheek against his chest, surprised when he let out a low chuckle. She tilted her head up, a questiong look in her eyes.
"We could have avoided a lot of this if we had just talked to each other." Daniel rested his chin on the top on Janet's head.
"We seem to like doing things the hard way, don't we?" She looked up at him, tracing the oulines of his face with her fingertips. "Why is that?"
Daniel was having difficutly focusing with Janet running her hands over his face. "I don't know. But it's a habit I'm hoping we can break out of."
He leaned closer until he was so close to Janet, she could feel his breath on her lips. "I hope so," she murmered before Daniel captured her lips with his own. He gently nipped at her bottom lip, running his hands up and down her back, enjoying the soft material of her sweater, the feeling making him extremely aware of his body's reaction to holding Janet so close.
Janet had been kissed a few times in her life, but nothing could compare to the feel of Daniel's lips on hers. A slow warmpth encompassed her entire body, sending her into slight shivers as she reached her arms around his neck and wove her fingers into his hair, pulling him impossibly closer.
The need for oxygen eventurally forced Daniel to pull away, breathing heavily as he took in the sight of the woman he loved standing before him. "Happy Birthday, Janet."
"Sir, you can't just barge right in there!" Sam's incredulous voice could be heard from down the hall.
Daniel smiled and placed a kiss on Janet's forhead. "I think they found us."
Janet laughed and grabbed Daniel's shirt with both hands, burying her face against his chest. "As much as I love them, do you think I could use my birthday wish to make them go away?"
"I very seriously doubt you would want that, Doc," Jack annoucned from the doorway. "We have your presents."
Teal'c entered the room, escorting Sam to a seat at the table. Sam stole a look at Daniel and Janet, who were still locked in each other's arms. "I think she may have already gotten her present, sir."
Janet grined at her friend, trying to fight the redness that had appeared on her face.
"Right you are, Carter." Jack in turn smirked at Daniel, who had already given up the fight and had allowed a deep blush to take over. "Why don't we get these ladies some drinks and food and start this party?"
"An excellent idea, O'Neill." Teal'c turned to Janet. "I wish you a most joyous birthday, DoctorFraiser. May your life be productive and be blessed with many enjoyable years."
"Thank you , Teal'c." She pulled away from Daniel and gave the Jaffa a quick hug. "That means a lot to me." She turned to Jack. "And thank you for setting this up for me, sir. It's beautiful."
Jack shrugged. "Hey, you know me. It was either this or listen to Daniel moan about forgetting and then him going on about how hot you look in that sweater- Hey!"
Daniel pushed Jack out towards the door. "Come on Jack, the quicker we eat, the quicker we can bring out the cake."
Jack rubbed his hands together. "Excellent. Let's get moving, Teal'c." The three men headed for the door. Daniel paused on his way out, stopping to give Sam a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. For everything."
"Can I have one of the icing roses?" Jack asked as they walked down the hall.
Janet shook her head and as the guys left the room. "They never grow up, do they?"
"Nope," Sam said as she shifted in her chair. "I'm convinced that the Colonel reverts back to childhood every time someone mentions cake." She glanced at her best friend. "So."
"So what?"
"Details, Janet!"
Janet laughed, not at all surprised at her friend's question. "I think I need a few details first. What was that kiss for?"
Sam stared at her. "What?"
"The kiss Daniel just planted on you before he left the room?" Janet clarified.
Realization took over. "Oh, that. You know," Sam waved her arms around the room. "The party, the sweater, you wearing the sweater, everything." She smiled slyly at her friend. "Speaking of which, did he give you the card?"
Janet shot Sam a puzzeled look. "How did you know about the card?"
"He showed it to me before we left for P2S-4C3. He wanted to talk with me before he gave it to you." She smiled. "He was more nervous about giving you that card that I had ever seen him – and I was there when he faced Anubis!"
Janet could not hide her disbelieve. "Really, he said that?"
"Yup. How else do you think I got it out if him that he liked that sweater of yours?" Sam couldn't keep the mischevious look off of her face.
"Well, I'm glad you did." The slow smile that crept across Janet's face was all the confirmation Sam needed. She was glad her friends had finally come to their senses.
"What?" Janet asked.
Sam shook her head and smiled. "I'm just so glad something good came out of this. We're really sorry that we missed your birthday."
"Sam, you were in a coma, I think I can forgive you," Janet reassured.
"Yes, well, I'm still sorry."
"As am I, DoctorFraiser." Teal'c intoned from the doorway. He, Jack, and Daniel had made it back to the room with a round of drinks. "We have ordered a wide assortment of items for your birthday celebration. Please accept this as a token of my deep sorrorw over having forgotten the passing of the day of your birth."
Janet smiled at the Jaffa. "Thanks, Teal'c. That was very sweet of you."
Jack placed a drink beside Sam, then tuned to face Janet. "Well, why don't we have a seat and start with those presents!"
Janet laughed. "I think that's a good idea, sir."
Daniel quickly made his way over to Janet, pulling out her chair for her, running his hand down her back as he guided her to her seat. Janet had to fight the shivers that threatened to take over her body. Daniel smiled and whispered in her ear. "Have I ever told you that I love that sweater you're wearing?"
"So I've been told, " she teased him gently. "We'll have to talk about your attachment to my clothing later." She shot him a sexy smile. "Preferably when no one else is around."
Daniel barely managed to hold in a small moan at Janet's words. "I'm going to hold you to that." As Daniel setteled into his chair and watched Janet open her gifts, he couldn't help but feel as if he was the luckiest man alive. He had just told Janet that he loved her. He hadn't even realized he meant it until he said it. And she didn't laugh at him. Doctor Janet Fraiser, Air Force Major, CMO of the United State's most secret military complex, a great mother, and possibly the most compassionate woman he'd ever known, loved him back. Had, in fact, loved him for some time, but he had been just to afriad to recognize it. Daniel smiled to himself, unable to supress the joy and excitement he felt. The thought that Janet's real birthday had been yesterday was actually a small blessing, because it had given him the time to come to terms with his own emotions. Daniel couldn't help but wonder if his forgetting her birthday had been what had set everything in motion. After all, he thought, I was only a day behind.
.: The End :.
A/N: The end, people! Thanks so much for taking the ride with me and following along to my little story. Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to review! I really appreciate it, because there is nothing quite like the feeling of receiving those little "New Review" emails I've become addicted to. Thanks so much you guys Will the following people stand up and give themselves a round of applause: TVsweetheart2, scottiedog, Ilovessg1, DeniseM, Romulus Magnus, sg1 huge fan, jiltf, alexceasar, Spamurai, kahless21, Stoko, Ginalynn71, katejones2005, Charming-Storm, and Desert Blossom-by-the Sea! You guys rock harder than the entire Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame!
Thanks again and Good Writing Wishes to All!
Verb