LIBERTINES AND LIBERATION

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any Stargate characters, ideas or themes. As a matter of fact, Stargate can have my ideas if they want them (wouldn't that be great). All standard applicable disclaimers apply to this piece. I have tried to source any materials quoted in furtherance of this story.

Spoilers: Probably some for Season 10 and beyond

Summary: Vala and Daniel centered storyline adventure (hopefully); relationship (okay yes); angst (yup); comfort; etc.

Rating: R to NC-17 in some parts.

Author's Note: This is my first Stargate fiction. I have no betas – not even a beta fish – not even sure what a beta is in fact.

This story will have multiple chapters.

I took inspiration from Milena D's Misappropriation of Lives and a short story called Believe by Random. I really wish those two authors would write more on those two story lines.

I hope for a few comments.

Clearing the Air

Daniel had made almost no progress on any of his work in the last three days. He was restless and out of sorts. He couldn't explain why he wasn't enjoying the peace and quiet – not used to it he had concluded. Vala was due back later today, and Daniel intended to clear the air between them before any more time passed.

Vala and Teal'c returned to the SGC as scheduled. Vala was dirty and exhausted, but she was content too. Her last day with Ishta's people had been peaceful, if exhausting; they had taken her to the top of the local cliffs to show her the valley and settlement. She had laid down tensions on the top of those cliffs that she didn't even know she had. Teal'c and Ishta had been so kind and hospitable.

Vala felt her gut clench as she walked through the Stargate, the majority of her renewed tension was an excitement and anticipation over seeing Daniel – Vala recognized that. But there was a less pleasant aspect that she'd been avoiding while a guest of Ishta. What had led Daniel to accuse her of needing restraint lest SGC suffer another incident to rival the scams of Jacek? Vala drew a rush of breath in just thinking of Daniel's low opinion of her. It hurt her spirit and soul to think of it, though she would never admit it.

Teal'c looked at Vala as they parted from the gate room, "Vala Mal Doran, in my time among the Tau'ri I have sometimes found that the Tau'ri can be confused about the meaning of their words. I would not evaluate Daniel Jackson's words too soon."

Vala smiled at Teal'c, he seemed to read her like a transparent book. "Good advice Muscles; thank you for inviting me, it was wonderful. Your woman is strong and true." Vala bumped her hip into his and moved off towards her quarters.

Vala was heading into her quarters when she heard, "Vala!" and recognized the voice as Daniel's. She took in a big breath and turned with a large smile.

"Hello darling! I was going to come see you in a bit." Looking down at herself, Vala said, "I'm a bit dirty. Ishta's people are fascinating – great warriors. I've had a great time. Has SG-1 had any missions, well I guess not or we would have been contacted. Anyway, look at me, I really need a shower don't I? See you in a bit then?" Vala said as she slid her access card and entered her quarters.

Until he heard the door click shut, Daniel hadn't even realized he was in the hallway and had only managed to utter Vala's name. "Not this time Vala," Daniel said.

Daniel knocked on the Vala's door; it took a couple of minutes before Vala answered. Daniel raised an eyebrow as he heard Vala's shower running and saw she was already undressed and came to the door tying the belt on her robe.

"Can I come in?" Daniel asked, looking at her bare legs in the white robe.

Vala's eyes were guarded, "Look Daniel I really want a shower can it wait?"

Daniel pushed passed her into the room, "No, it's waited long enough."

Vala shut the door and looked up at him. "Okay."

As Vala waited, Daniel hesitated. She started to jump in, "Look, I've been thinking about what you said about Jacek . . ."

Daniel's heart had caved with guilt as Vala had started speaking. This time it was Daniel who held up a hand for Vala to stop.

"Vala, I'm so sorry. I'm an ass. I tried to tell you the other night, but you wouldn't listen, not that it's an excuse. Look, I've told you how well you're doing. I MEANT IT. I don't believe you're at risk of becoming Jacek. And, I don't believe the other thing either." Daniel said looking at her dirty face.

Vala's voice was low and confused, "So you lied the other night?"

"I'm not sure I would say that." Daniel said looking a bit flustered.

"So you believed those things when you said them." Vala asked.

"No!" Daniel exclaimed.

Vala exhaled loudly, "So you said them, as a joke?"

"No!" Daniel said.

"Why then?" Vala asked trying to control her emotions.

"Vala I was upset at the drink, finding you where I found you . . . I don't know why I did it. I'm telling you I'm sorry. I'M SORRY. I've been waiting four days to tell you that. Forgive me Vala." Daniel looked at her with his own confusion, guilt and pain clear in his eyes.

Vala made an almost imperceptible nod, then she smiled at him, "Darling, I told you the other night we're fine; and, of course I forgive you, of course."

"You told me that, and then you disappeared for three days." Daniel said looking at her with concern.

"Darling, I don't think it's doing either of us any good to pick this apart any further do you?" Vala said softly, knowingly. She patted his hand as she led him to her door, "now darling, I really need a shower, you're welcome to join me of course." She gave him a wink, and without waiting for his reply, Vala opened the door to her quarters and escorted him out.

Only after he had exited the quarters did he realize that Vala had once again forgiven him, without really forgiving him. Why should she, he couldn't explain why he'd said it. But she was clearly willing to move forward, so he would take her at face value. All was forgiven.