Vala had been released from the infirmary and was touched that Teal'c had stayed to watch over her. SG1 was off world on a routine check up for an allied planet against the Ori, so Teal'c was not needed and Vala was on medical leave for a few days. Teal'c has assisted her to her quarters and made it a point to have a special meal prepared in her room.

"Oh Muscles my favorite, Salmon and potatoes with garlic butter, oh, and my favorite blue Jell-O. What's the occasion?" Vala was completly overjoyed that Teal'c remembered.

"It is simply to say thank you for saving a friend."

"That friend would not be one Dr. Daniel Jackson, would it?"

"Indeed. But Vala Mold Doran, this is something more than just a thank you. It is a proposal."

Vala had to stop eating, just to do a double take of what she thought she heard. "What did you say muscles?"

"A proposal Vala Mol Doran for marriage."

"Muscles I think the wall fell on you. A proposal of marriage for whom?"

"You Vala Mol Doran. I wish to propose marriage to you."

Vala? Muscle has never called me by my first name, unless I was in trouble.

"Oh muscles, your sense of humor is improving. Get up."

"No Vala, I am being quite honorable on this matter. I wish to propose marriage to you."

Vala could say nothing for several moments. At first she didn't know what to think and just sat there starring at Teal'c face and then she recovered.

"Now Teal'c; why would you want to marry me? I would just break your heart." Vala was nervous and half being serious.

"Vala Mol Doran. Do you not believe that someone could love you for what you are and not how you should be?"

"I…..I don't understand muscles."

"Yes you do. I have observed you for quite some time and only wish to make you happy as you have made the rest of us. I know that you have wished to be with Daniel Jackson and he has ignored your pleas to be together."

"Oh, muscles, even I know that Daniel will probably end up with one of those intellectual types. I mean women, that is. I have heard rumors. But, I'm just not that kind of girl or what he wants me to be."

"That is where you are wrong Vala. You are exactly what he needs, but he does not see. I am sorry that he feels this way, and I care for my friend Daniel Jackson, but he can be rather stubborn at times."

"You're telling me. But muscles, you can't be serious. Do you honestly think I'm the marrying kind? Daniel is always saying; I'm too complicated, or not serious enough."

"Daniel Jackson is not the equation here; I am. This does not concern Daniel, just you. I have always admired your resourcefulness, your intellect and rare beauty."

"Beauty muscles?"

"Yes Vala, your beauty from inside as well as out. I have much to say and I wish to say them to you. So please listen carefully, for this is most difficult to convey."

He's serious. I must have taken a harder hit on my head than they said.

Vala listened as Teal'c pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. He took her hands and held them with such strength and gentleness at the same time.

"Vala Mol Doran, I have watched from a distance your beauty, grace and charm. You have become more than a valuable member of SG1, but apart of my heart. I have watched you throw yourself at my friend Daniel Jackson and though he may have meant well, I have seen how hurtful his words are toward you and it has bothered me for some time."

"But muscles, really those words didn't………………..

"Please Vala, allow me to continue."

"Ok."

"They hurt me to hear such words from my friend. You are a good woman Vala and you should not be insulted for being yourself and honest about who you are. Daniel Jackson is wrong to try and change you or make you feel less that you really are. You have Kalish, my soul. My heart has been most dormant and silent since my wife had died several years ago. But when you arrived on base Vala Mol Doran, my heart had hoped to reveal itself to you. But your eyes were cast elsewhere. Now I wish to correct what has been done to you and that is make you happy beyond what is possible. You are my equal, in heart and soul and I wish to see you sore to new heights that you have been denied. Quetesh could steal your body, but not steal your spirit, not your soul, nor your courage. That is why you have survived for so long Vala Mol Doran. You were already destined to be who you are and no one has the right to change such inner strength and beauty. I promise Vala, that I will never hurt you, I will soar with you, I will seek your wisdom, your laughter and your smile. I will love you as if there is no breathe to take without you. I will never take you for granted and forget that we are one in life and spirit. I give you my hear Vala Mol Doran and only ask that you take precious care of it as I will of yours. I only ask that you Vala Mol Doran would consent to be my precious wife."

Vala was trying to take in every word Teal'c was conveying. Never had someone offered to let her make a decision to be herself or be an equal without something in it for them. She realized that she had allowed Daniel to push her into being less than she really was to compete for his attention and feelings. She wanted so desperately to be accepted and loved by Daniel; she felt is if Quetesh was the only one who knew how she felt in her own twisted way. Now Teal'c, her friend had opened his heart without any strings attached, no changes, no insults and only wanted to make her happy for the rest of her life.

Silent tears where streaming down her face. Her face was flushed from seeing Teal'c so open and kind. She felt weak in the head for not only hearing his words, but feeling them. Teal'c slightly tilted his head and waited for Vala to answer.

"Tal-mal'tiak mal we'ia." Vala Answered in Gou'ald, meaning I am Honored.

"Ti'u Vala?" Teal'c answered back in Gou'ald also, meaning yes.

"Yes Teal'c, yes I want to marry you and be your wife, forever." They both kissed and Teal'c kneeled on one knee and took Vala's hand and tied a ceremonial bracelet to her wrist. They embraced, and as Vala fell into Teal'c arms, she had never felt so safe and loved in a long, long time.


A/N: I wanted to continue anyway. The muse won't let this alone. Review and feedback are welcomed.