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Past, Present & Future

By LetitiaRichards.

Previously:

The youngster was contentedly curled up on Samantha Carter's lap.

Chapter 12 – Anger Management?

Daniel had gathered as much information together as he could; taking only the things he would need during their confinement at home with Jack. Sam had taken the boy's measurements and had gone shopping with Janet and Cassie.

Teal'c had been charged with keeping Jack out of trouble. He had ordered Jack to sit on one of the chairs and then stood sentinel over him, daring him to move – much to Jack's displeasure.

Jack still treated the huge Jaffa warrior with something like reserve, even though he knew that Teal'c would not harm him. It was just that he was so big and strong and didn't smile much and when he did, well... it might have been better if he hadn't done so. All in all, the guy was just a bit scary.

Having been told by the big guy to stay put, he wasn't going to risk his health by trying to escape. Besides which Daniel would probably tear him off a strip too if he so much as moved. So he sat there, in mute defiance, arms folded across his chest and wearing a scowl on his normally angelic face.

He could see Daniel rushing around in the background though he had no idea why he was getting all those papers and cramming them into an already overstuffed briefcase. There were piles of books too. Dusty old things that looked as if they weighed a ton. That was okay just so long as Daniel didn't expect him to carry any of them.

They were going off to live in a house somewhere, where he was supposed to be safe but Jack wasn't really sure what that was supposed to mean. He'd been woken up from a wonderful dream of fighting the baddies, in which he was winning, only to be faced with several peculiar looks, especially from General Hammond. Gee, anybody would think it was a crime to fall asleep in Sam's lap by the way he'd reacted. He was still tired and Daniel seemed to have forgotten all about that extra piece of cake he'd promised him, so now he felt grumpy too.

He slipped from the chair and glared up at Teal'c whose scowl deepened. He wasn't going to be intimidated by the tall guy anymore. His own scowl grew darker as Teal'c made a move to restrain him.

"What?" Jack challenged, feeling miffed. Couldn't he do anything?

"You were requested to remain in your seat young O'Neill," Teal'c rumbled in that deep voice of his.

"You want me to pee in my pants?" Jack queried, looking up, eye to eye in defiance, causing Teal'c to raise one eyebrow in censure.

"Indeed not. I shall accompany you to the men's room down the hallway," Teal'c replied smoothly, completely unruffled by Jack's obvious dare.

Jack stood with his hands on his hips, pouting in frustration.

"I know where the bathroom is. I don't need you to hold my hand."

"Nevertheless, I shall escort you there."

Jack blew out a frustrated breath and flapped his hands against his thighs in annoyance.

"Okay. Fine!" He turned on his heel and headed for the door not wanting to see if Teal'c was following or not. He knew he would be, of course, but he tried his best to ignore the 'jolly giant' as he called the big guy in his mind. He wished Sam would hurry up with whatever she was doing. He'd much rather spend time with her. She'd felt warm and comfortable just like his Mom had.

Thinking of his Mom and comfort suddenly made his throat hurt and then his eyes burned and before he'd reached the bathroom he'd found himself holding back the tears. He tried to hide it from Teal'c, keeping his head down, and that's when it came to him that he really missed his Mom and Dad and that was why he was feeling miserable and angry and upset because it hurt. They hadn't come to see him, and nobody, including Daniel, had said that he could go see them. Where were they? Didn't they love him any more?

He rubbed his eyes, his lip quivered and he sniffed back the mucus in his nose, quickly disappearing into the cubicle before the jolly giant could call him a baby for crying.

He heard him talking to someone outside but he was too upset to take any real notice of what it was about. He relieved himself, flushed the toilet and then sat on the lid with his chin in his hands whilst trying to control his feelings.

A few moments later he heard the door open and footsteps coming towards the cubicle he was hiding in.

"Jack?"

It was Daniel. Jack wanted to run to him and be hugged but hard as it was to believe it, Daniel was keeping him away from his parents too.

Daniel's only response to his call was more sniffing from the other side of the stall door.

"What is it Jack? What's wrong? Won't you tell me? I thought I was your friend," he asked the youngster.

"Go 'way," Jack ordered with a choked sob.

Daniel exchanged looks with Teal'c who looked almost as upset as Jack was to Daniel's eyes. He felt bad enough as it was. Something had obviously upset the boy but he seemed loath to discuss it, even with him.

"Teal'c, could you go see if Sam's back yet. I think she may be able to get to the root of the problem. He's been in a bad mood ever since he was woken up from sleeping on her lap during the debriefing."

Teal'c turned the thought over in his mind and came to the same conclusion.

"It would appear so. I shall make enquiries as to Major Carter's whereabouts."

"Thanks Teal'c."

Daniel watched the Jaffa leave and turned his attention back to the child. Jack was still crying and it sounded like it was wracking his body with deep sobs.

"Jack. Please, won't you come out so we can talk about what's wrong?"

"No!"

"Why not?" Daniel was troubled by the terse reaction.

"'Cause you're just like the others."

Daniel's head reeled with the accusation, but that still didn't mean he understood what it meant.

"What? Just like what others? Why?"

"You lied!"

"I did? When? What about Jack? I wouldn't lie to you, you're my friend."

The snivelling had calmed, but was now replaced with what appeared to be unaccountable anger and Daniel still didn't have a clue as to what Jack was referring to.

"You did!"

"Okay. Look Jack, please tell me what I lied about, because I really don't understand what's upsetting you so much."

"No! Nonononono!" Jack shouted, kicking the door with every syllable to vent his anger and to show Daniel he meant every word of it.

Daniel despaired of ever getting anything sensible out of Jack in his present state and was wondering what to do for the best. Should he just get Siler to open the door with his pass key and grab the boy or should he let Teal'c barge in and hope to placate the General and Siler for any damage done in the process. He wrapped his arms around his chest and then scratched his head in concern. The main door opened suddenly, startling him, and he was happy to see Sam enter and Teal'c stand sentinel just inside the door to keep others from entering whilst they endeavoured to coax the boy out of the cubicle.

"Oh Sam. Am I glad to see you. He's upset over something but he won't come out and he won't tell me what's bothering him. Maybe you can get him to open up; all I'm getting is a negative response."

Sam looked doubtful and worried her lip with her teeth, but she'd give it a go. Getting as close to the stall as she could, she tapped gently on the door.

"Jack? It's me, Sam. Are you gonna stay in there all day or are you gonna come out and see what I've bought for you?" she called softly trying to sweet-talk him into opening the door and coming out, even if he said nothing about why he was locked in there in the first place.

"Is Daniel still out there with Teal'c?" Jack's voice was quiet now which gave her hope that he might comply for her.

"They are. Why?" she asked looking over her shoulder at her two team-mates in confusion.

"Tell 'em to go 'way!"

Daniel shrugged and waved his hands uselessly. Okay. He motioned for Teal'c to exit the room and followed, shutting the door behind them.

"Okay, they're gone sweetie. Are you gonna tell me what's wrong?" Sam encouraged.

Her hopes soared when she heard the lock on the door drawn back and she got her first glimpse of the forlorn figure of Jack who stood there looking lost and miserable. His face was red and blotchy with tear stains over his cheeks; his lips were curled downwards highlighting his wretchedness and she noticed the occasional quiver still present. His breathing was hitched and every now and then he hiccupped with a dry sob. Her heart went out to him and her mothering instincts took over without conscious thought.

"Oh Jack. C'mere honey." She opened her arms and he dived into the welcome embrace as fresh sobs wracked through him. She sat down on the floor and held him tight against her, brushing her fingers through his hair and kissing his head as he sought comfort from the storm of emotions running through him.

They stayed like that for some time, with Sam rocking him gently in her lap and whispering reassurances in his ear. Jack had gradually quietened and had now actually fallen asleep, but she was loath to move and disturb him. He still hadn't said a word about why he was so distraught, but she figured it could wait; his need for comfort was obviously far greater than the reasons for now, and she was happy to be there for him. It also pleased her more than she could admit that Jack had turned to her for this rather than Daniel or anyone else. Why that was she had no idea, but it made her feel good.

Of course there was the irony that she had always longed to hold Jack in her arms. She'd often dreamed of doing so, but the reality of it was somewhat different than what she'd hoped for. Still it gave her an insight into the real Jack. The one he'd always been careful not to allow to show through his military bravado. Was the adult Jack a big softie in real life? Would he still love to cuddle up so snugly as an adult? She kinda hoped he would, it would make all her dreams that much sweeter.

Daniel quietly opened the door a little when he could no longer hear any sounds coming from the other side. He poked his head in and smiled at the scene before him. He always figured those two belonged together, and it appeared even in his youth Jack seemed totally comfortable with Sam.

Another head poked round him and released an almost silent gasp, then pulled away, making Daniel close the door for privacy. Janet had the biggest smile on her face that Daniel had ever seen.

For once they were in total agreement. With a silent knowing nod, Daniel disappeared for a moment and then returned. Janet opened the door a little and allowed Daniel limited access.

A flash later and both of them escaped grinning. Adult Jack would never believe this without proof. Daniel was merely providing the evidence; and even Teal'c's eyes were filled with amusement.

TBC