ANOTHER WORLD – I. The Director's World by Betty Bokor
Sam/Daniel. Daniel wakes up in the wrong place.
Spoilers: All seasons, including 9 and 10.
Disclaimer: The Stargate original characters belong to MGM/Showtime, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Film Corp. This was written strictly for the purpose of entertainment. No attempt at copyright infringement has been made.

The Director's World

Chapter 4

Daniel woke up and felt the unfamiliar presence of another person in the bed. He slowly realized that it was Vala. He suddenly remembered the last time he had been so close to her hair, the day she had been burned to death in Ver Ager and he shuddered. He could not stop himself from getting closer to her and deeply inhaling the apple scent emanating from the soft hair. It was so different than the burnt-flesh smell that has assaulted him as he approached her immobile figure that day. He inhaled again and tried to erase the memories.

"You're thinking of Sallis," Vala whispered from the other side.

Daniel was stunned and hesitated for a second; then decided to ask, "Why did you think that?"

"It was the only time when Dan was so close to me and he didn't mind holding me, until the Ori got us. I'm glad you didn't have to go through that one, at least."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that in any reality," Daniel replied.

"Well, nothing we can do about it now." She turned and lay on her back by his side.

Daniel suddenly felt again all the contradictory sensations that had plagued him since he had met Vala. She exasperated him so deeply, but he could not keep himself from recognizing her beauty and her intelligence. She certainly had gone through many rough times in her life, just as he had. He had chosen to hide his pain behind his books; she had chosen a very different path. He felt the vulnerability behind all the belligerence. He lifted one hand and softly caressed her cheek. She moved gently and kissed his hand. He could have stopped himself then, but he did not. He did not want to have to stop. Even if she was not his Vala, there was something there he had to let out, and his Vala was now out of reach. He knew that whatever happened that night would be all that could ever happen, because then he would be back fighting to find a way to his reality and this Vala would be left behind forever. They both knew it and it did not matter.