Teal'c had finally revealed his true feelings for Vala and she reciprocated his offer. Col Mitchell, Sam and Daniel were still off world and were not due to return until the next day. Vala had cried herself to sleep that evening after Teal'c had stayed to take a nap with her. Teal'c rested his head on her forehead as he held Vala close to him as if she was the most precious thing in his life. He had no doubt that she would say yes, only by his observation that she needed more from life than just traveling from galaxy to galaxy or missions that were unending. He knew Vala often gave subtle hints on some of the horrific life she had been through, because of Quetesh, but even more important, he felt a bond with Vala that most did not realize. Both had been host for the Gou'ald, both had been tortured for their disbelief in their Gods. But Teal'c believed that Vala had been tortured more than she let on. A lost soul seeking redemption for acts of atrocities that she dare not speak of. No one had really asked Vala what her life was like before or after Quetesh took over her life and body, but Teal'c could see the pain, and the anguish behind her smile and laughter, and it seemed all a joke for his friend Daniel Jackson. His friend had been through so much death in his life and had forgiven him for killing his wife Shar'e, should had made his friend more sympathetic to other cultures and those around him. But Teal'c was disappointed that Daniel would forgive him for such an act to save his life, but not see how Vala needed that same trust and understanding. Vala had moaned slightly and increased her closeness to Teal'c. Teal'c gathered her closer waiting for her to awaken.
"Teal'c? Vala whispered.
"Yes." Teal'c whispered back.
"How did you know I would say yes or not?"
Teal'c smiled to himself, knowing Vala was always one step ahead in any situation. "I know your heart Vala Mol Doran. I see life in your eyes and it was diminishing each day. I could not stand by and see such spirit be extinguished."
"You could see that I was dying inside?"
"Yes Vala. It broke my heart to see you painfully waste away. I was afraid that you may run, if Daniel continued to push you away. I could not bear the thought of loosing you because your love was not returned."
Vala was beginning to tear up. She realized that someone actually understood her. "I …… I tried so hard Teal'c to be what he wanted me to be. I've never done that for anyone. I wanted so much to fit in and I wanted to repay Daniel for vouching for me on this team and stay on earth. I like it here."
Teal'c had to smile once again for Vala's innocent truths. "I like it here also. The Taur'i have several customs I enjoy and I want to celebrate these customs with you."
Vala propped herself up slightly, with her hand pressed to Teal'c chest. "I tried so hard and everyone seems to except me being a part of this little club we're in, but I sometimes get the distinct feeling that I was just a joke around here. I wanted to be friendly to everyone, so I could stay here on earth, and I've been accepted because I honestly like everyone; well there is that lunch lady that gives me the eye everytime I ask for Jell-O, but I think I'm softening her up. But I want to………………….
Vala lowered her head trying to draw strength from Teal'c.
"What is it that you need Vala?" Teal'c spoke tenderly to Vala, without insulting her emotions.
"I ………….after Adria was born, I never realized how much I wanted a family or to hold a child. I being a child once couldn't have been that great, but at least I know my mother and brother liked me a lot. But my point muscles is that I want to have lots of friends and I want to have a family, and I want to explore the galaxy with SG1 fighting the Ori and know that someone cares about what I do and think."
"I have always cared about what you think Vala. I have cared that you felt such pain that no one was there to comfort you. I've cared that you cared about others that have no fight left in them, because their spirit has been crushed and they don't know what their future holds. I care that you are alone at night, when everyone else is sleeping in their own home and you are reduced to staying on base with only the walls and bed for your only comfort. I care when you want to save the world, even if it means to sacrifice your life and not give in to evil when all else seems to be hopeless. I care that you love life itself and no one can see the beauty it beholds in your eyes. I care because I have seen the debts of your soul and how you think you will die alone, not ever knowing if someone truly will love you. I want only to diminish such thoughts, and embrace who you truly are. You have so much to give and so much to offer others in return for your love. You are love, Vala. I have seen it many times in your smile, your walk and in your tears. I cannot bear to see such love wasted on those who do not wish to have it. I will cherish all your accomplishments Vala Mol Doran and support and protect you as husband, friend and Jaffa. Can you bear this love, and accept what we will be for all eternity?
Vala looked deep into Teal'c's piercing brown eyes for a long time, and looked into the layered debts of his soul and saw everything she needed to know, that this was real, that Teal'c was real and her life was not being wasted on pining for Daniel day to day. For a lifetime, this was all Vala really wanted. Someone who cared. Tenderly, Vala bent down to kiss him on the lips. Teal'c had his answer.
A/N: This will be in short spurts for now, but the best is yet to come. Reviews and feedback are most welcomed.
