Okay folks. Here's the next chapter. Thanks to all who reviewed. Enjoy.

Vala awoke the next morning to find that Daniel was gone. In the kitchen was a note from him which read: "Gone for supplies. Don't leave the house. Don't touch anything." That made her smile. She could picture Daniel saying that, the way his eyes would get the intense look and his finger would point expressively at her. She loved that look.

Daniel was, at that exact moment, thinking about Vala. The reason was, very simply, that he was shopping for her birthday present. He knew exactly what to get her. Now it was only a matter of finding it. At last, on one of the many shelves, he spotted it. Eagerly, he snatched it away and headed towards the register.

Vala was eating a bowl of cereal when Daniel came in the door. She heard him move into one of the other rooms and then he appeared in the kitchen door.

"Morning," he greeted. "Sleep well?"

Vala nodded. "Your bed is very comfortable."

"That's, uh, good. That's good." There was silence for a moment as Daniel grabbed a bowl and poured himself some cereal. Vala at last broke the silence.

"Daniel." The archeologist looked up. "I wanted to thank you again. I really enjoyed watching that movie with you last night."

The gentle smile returned to his eyes. "Actually, I should be the one thanking you. I had fun last night too - more fun than I've had in a while." The two smiled at each other. Each of them wanted to say something else, but uncertainty held them both back. At last, they looked away and continued eating, each now wishing they had spoken.

When breakfast was finished and the dishes put in the dishwasher, Vala curled up on the couch and turned on the TV. She'd only been watching a few minutes when Daniel came it.

"I need to run by the base a few minutes," he said. "Do you want me to pick anything up for you?"

"A change of clothes would be nice," Vala said with a smile. Daniel nodded and handed her the note he had written that morning. Vala took it, read it, and grinned. The archeologist gave her a look and then headed towards his car for the second time that day.

The rest of the day, after Daniel got back, went very quickly. The ex-con alternated between watching TV to annoying the hapless archeologist who was attempting to get some work done. Finally she subside with a grin, but only after Daniel had threatened to take her back to the base. That evening, Vala again slept in the bed. She awoke early the next morning to find Daniel fast asleep on the couch. She stood for several minutes just gazing at him. After a while, warned no doubt by some sixth sense, the archeologist opened his eyes and blinked sleepily at her.

"Morning, sleepy head," Vala greeted gently. Daniel stretched, yawned, and fumbled for his glasses.

"Happy Birthday," he said upon finding them and putting them on.

Vala smiled. "You remembered." Daniel mirrored her smile and headed into the kitchen to cook breakfast.

The next couple of hours went by in much the same way as the previous day. Around six o'clock, however, Daniel told Vala to put on something nice and not to ask any questions. The black haired ex-thief complied with both orders. Next, Daniel herded her into the car and began to drive.

"Daniel, where are we going?" Vala asked.

"You'll see," was all he would say. At last, he pulled into the parking lot of an elegant - and expensive - restaurant.

"You're taking me to dinner?!" Vala exclaimed.

Daniel smiled at her surprised look. "It is your birthday after all."

"True," and Vala smiled. The two got out of the car and headed inside.

Next chapter up very soon. Review please. It really does make my day brighter. LOL.