By Laura
See header from part 1
A/N: Thank you all for giving some great reviews.
When Jack was finally able to enter the room, he was shocked at what he saw. Danny, sitting on the floor sobbing, calling for him, with blood trickling down the side of his face and dripping onto the floor. It was a gory sight, one from his nightmares.
"Oh... my God, Danny." Jack rushed to his side and knelt down next to him, taking the fumbling bloodstained hands into his own larger ones as he inspected the wound closely. Siler was already on the phone calling for Dr. Fraiser. He was thankful for the Sergeant's quick thinking.
Jack pressed his hand firmly to the wound. Daniel let out a small yelp and tried to turn away but he held fast. "Hold still, Danny. That's still bleeding…" a lot, he added to himself as he looked in horror at the blood still oozing from the wound, seeping through his fingers, and streaming down Danny's face.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a wadded cloth being handed to him. He nodded his thanks to Siler and pressed it to Danny's head.
Danny whimpered softly and held on tighter to Jack's shirt. Jack pressed him closer to his chest trying to ease the tremors coursing through his body, while making soft shushing sounds in an effort to soothe the still weeping and obviously frightened child.
"I-- I'm s-sorry J-Jack. I— " Daniel hiccupped.
"Shhh... It's okay, Danny. Don't worry about it." Jack rocked him back and forth slightly while keeping a firm hold on the now bloodied cloth. He chanced a look beneath it at the open wound. Thank God, the bleeding was slowing. He placed the cloth back into position as Dr. Fraiser ran into the room, a gurney and two nurses in tow.
He felt an immense relief wash over him as Janet took over, inspecting the wound, and barking out orders. No sooner had one of the nurses reached down to put Danny on the stretcher than the little guy latched onto Jack like a koala. Jack nodded at her and secured his arms protectively around him.
"It's all right, I'll carry him," Jack said.
The nurse looked unconvincedly at Janet who nodded her acceptance and the gurney was wheeled away. Jack carefully got to his feet, mindful not to jostle his precious burden and followed Janet out of the room.
Once in the infirmary, Janet checked Danny's vitals, stitched the wound closed, and gently covered the sutures on Daniel's left temple with some gauze. Daniel was very clingy during the whole procedure, only letting go of Jack's hand after much prompting from Jack and Janet so they could take an X-ray of his head. When the X-ray was completed he was wheeled back to an infirmary bed, and Jack brought a chair right up next to it.
Noticing Danny fiddling with a loose thread on the bedsheet and staring intently at his hands, Jack reached out one of his much bigger ones to still the incessant fidgeting.
Danny gave him a sidelong glance.
"Hey, sport. How are you feeling?" Jack asked in a gentle voice that held neither anger nor reprimand, only concern.
Daniel guiltily shifted his gaze back to the white sheets he still held in his hands. He looked as if he knew he was the one who'd put that worry on Jack's face. His eyes were bright with unshed tears, and he swallowed convulsively as if to keep rising bile at bay.
Jack saw his discomfort, the unshed tears shining beneath his lowered lashes. Worried that he might be in pain, he took Danny's small chin in his strong fingers and gently forced the round face up to meet his gaze. "Hey, sport. What's wrong? Are you hurting? Do you want me to call Janet?"
Danny sniffed.
"I'm sorry, Jack," Daniel choked out "I disobeyed you and—"
"Hey... I told you. Don't worry about it. Your main concern right now is getting better, you hear? We will talk about this, trust me. But not right now, okay?"
"Okay," Danny agreed in an almost inaudible whisper.
Any further discussion was interrupted as Dr. Fraiser arrived with the X-ray films in one hand and a lollipop in the other. She neared the bed and bent down to Danny. "You were very brave today, Daniel," she announced as she offered the candy to him.
"I'm not a kid," he grumbled, taking the candy anyway. Ripping the wrapping off, he popped the lollipop into his mouth sucking on it noisily, a large scowl still gracing his features.
"What do you say?" Jack prompted Danny gently.
"Fank you," Danny replied around the candy sticking out of his mouth.
Janet smiled fondly down at him. "You're welcome, sweetie."
Danny's frown deepened slightly at the pet name, but he didn't comment.
"So, how's the head?" Jack queried the doctor.
"Extremely hard, I must say," Janet assured him, sparing a small smile for Daniel.
"Amen to that." Relief washed over Jack at Janet's words. "I never thought I'd say this, but, thank God for your hard head, Danny." Jack turned to Danny and ruffled his hair, which got an annoyed grunt in response from the injured archeologist.
Janet smiled at the pair and continued her medical report. "There's no internal injury and his skull is fine, not even a hairline crack so he should make a full recovery."
"Should?" Jack asked warily.
"Well, he's lost quite a lot of blood and the wound did need five stitches to close properly; he was unconscious for at least a few minutes, was clearly very sick and—"
There was a groan from the bed. Jack and Janet turned concerned eyes on Danny.
He looked up at them and seeing the anxiety written all over their faces, he elaborated, "I ruined my book," he grumbled sullenly, then rested his elbows on his knees, legs crossed over one another, and head resting on his open palms while still sucking on the lollipop. He was the picture of dejection.
Jack tried unsuccessfully to keep a straight face. It was so like Daniel to smash his head open and then be more worried about some old book he'd spewed on instead of the head he'd just cracked open.
Jack turned back to Fraiser as she went on with her speech. "Head injuries are not to be taken lightly, not even a mild concussion." Now she turned to speak directly to Daniel, "so I would like to keep you here for observation, Daniel." Daniel opened his mouth to object but a raised hand and a hard glare from the diminutive doctor quickly silenced any upcoming protests. "For at least the next 24 hours."
"What? No!" he wailed in a shrill voice that made Daniel himself wince.
"Just to be on the safe side, Daniel. I don't want any more surprises," Janet tried to explain calmly.
"But—"
"Enough, Daniel," Jack stepped in sternly.
Daniel looked from one to the other imploringly, but seeing their resolute faces it was obvious Daniel knew he was fighting a losing battle.
"Fine!" he spat angrily and flopped down on the bed, heedless of the pain the movement must have caused him. He rolled onto his side and away from them.
Jack took a deep, calming breath, restraining himself from inflicting severe bodily harm on the kid. After all, they were already in the infirmary. Thankfully, Janet pushed him away from his dark thoughts.
"I don't foresee any complications. Like I said, it's just a precaution. So I'm pretty sure he'll be able to go home right after lunch tomorrow. But I don't want him working for at least a few more days. Rest is the best recovery technique, and some Baby Tylenol should help with the headaches."
Jack nodded his understanding. "Thank you, Janet."
When Janet left, Jack turned back towards his wayward archeologist, who was still lying on his side, uncharacteristically quiet and still. Jack shook his head. "You can quit sulking, Daniel. You're staying here. Period." When he rounded the bed, he noticed Daniel was already fast asleep, the half-eaten Tootsie Roll slowly slipping out of his mouth. Jack smiled in spite of himself, then gently took the candy out of Daniel's mouth and placed it on a nearby table.
"Sir?"
He turned around to find Carter and Teal'c standing a few steps behind him, having obviously heard about the little incident. Seems bad news spread fast around here, thought Jack. He made a shushing motion with his fingers, cocking his head in Daniel's direction to show them the kid was already asleep, then motioned them forward.
"What is the condition of DanielJackson, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked in a hushed voice, so as not to disturb the sleeping child.
"Not as bad as it could've been. Thank God for that. The little scoundrel could've broken his neck!" Jack answered in an equally hushed voice. He raked an aggravated hand through his hair, noting vaguely that he seemed to need a haircut. He shook his head as if to clear it. "I tell you that kid is going to have his meals standing up for the next two weeks once I'm done with him!" He punctuated each word with his index finger pointed forward, the anxiety and worry from the last few hours transmuting into rage and exasperation at Daniel's reckless behavior, as the knowledge that he would indeed be okay finally sunk into Jack's fuzzy brain.
"Why would you seek to inflict harm on DanielJackson after he has had an accident, O'Neill?" asked an obviously confused Jaffa, an almost imperceptible frown creasing his usually impassive expression, as he stood straight and tall before the Colonel in a most threatening way.
"My thoughts exactly. Sir," Carter agreed glaring murderously at Jack.
Jack looked from one to the other in amazement. Most of the times, Jack admired how they protected and looked out for the boy. Most of the times, but this was not one of those times. Daniel had royally screwed up this time, that was all there was to it, and he had to face the consequences of his actions. He would face the consequences. Jack would make sure Daniel didn't pull a stunt like this again any time soon.
"That was NO accident, kids. That boy deliberately did something unbelievably stupid I specifically forbade him to do, so that THIS wouldn't happen!" Jack said forcefully in a still hushed voice.
Carter blinked several times as if to bring her jumbled thoughts into focus, both of them were obviously confused by this new revelation. "I don't understand, sir. What happened? We thought he'd had an accident in his office."
"And how do you think this ''accident'' happened, Carter?" At their blank stares he added, "If I've told him once I've told him a dozen times, that if he needed something from his bookcase that was out of his reach he was to ask for help, especially if it was a ridiculously thick volume heavier than the stargate."
"Oh," answered Carter in a meek voice.
A raised eyebrow was Teal'c's only response.
"Yes. Oh."
oOo
The night passed uneventfully, with Daniel sleeping undisturbed and Jack dozing off on the uncomfortable infirmary chair, keeping vigil next to Daniel. When morning came, Daniel woke up with a much clearer head, the mind-splitting headache only slightly noticeable now. Feeling decidedly more human today, Daniel yawned and stretched then he tried opening one eye a slit, not wanting to risk the headache returning, and found to his relief that the bright infirmary lights overhead no longer hurt his eyes.
He heard a very distinctive snoring, and turned around to find Jack slumped on the chair at his bedside. He took a look around; they were apparently alone for the moment. He gingerly sat up and slid out of the bed and tip toed away. But he only managed two short steps before he felt himself being raised in the air by the armpits. He let out a heavy rush of air through his nostrils in frustration. This was sure getting old. He just wished Jack would stop doing that! Besides, wasn't he dead to the world a few minutes ago? "Jaaaaack!! I have to gooo!!" Daniel whined, exasperated.
"You don't have to go anywhere but back to bed, young man!" Jack reprimanded, depositing him back on the bed and making him lie back down on the mattress with a strong hand firmly pressed on his chest.
Daniel shot daggers up at him, enunciating meaningfully as if talking to a small child with learning difficulties. "No, Jack! I really have to go. BAD!"
Understanding finally registered on Jack's face.
"Oh. Okay." Jack set him back down on his feet and watched him stomp his way to the restroom. "Oh... And Danny! If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seetie. Okay?"
Daniel made a face "Eeew!"
"What? My momma used to tell me that!" Jack said in mock indignation. "She'd say," Jack cleared his throat and continued in a high-pitched voice, "Jack, if you sprinkle when you tinkle make sure..."
" Shut up, Jack!" Danny hollered, his face scrunched up in disgust.
Jack couldn't help snickering at Danny's shock-stricken face.
Danny realized he was being teased and turned smartly on his heels, striding purposefully from the room. He shot the occasional glare back at Jack, who was laughing heartily by now, until he disappeared behind the closed bathroom door.
After Jack managed to control himself, he started to have second thoughts about Danny going to the bathroom alone. He didn't like the idea of him being left to his own devices for even that short period of time, and the closed door was grating on his nerves even now. But he didn't think Danny would agree to keep the door open so he could make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Jack snorted and sat down on the chair, waiting for the little squirt to come out. What could possibly happen to him in a restroom?
Ten minutes later, Jack was getting a little impatient. How much time could it take the kid to pee, for crying out loud? Okay, five minutes, he'd give the kid five more minutes. If he wasn't out by then, he'd barge in and see what the hell was keeping him.
oOo
Daniel stretched both hands out trying to take hold of the tap knobs, but he was too short now. Too short to do the simplest things. He gritted his teeth and looked around, there had to be something he could step on. To his delight, he found a basin propped up in a corner. He ran for it and placed it upside down in front of the sink but still couldn't reach the knobs, only grazing the sleek cold surface with his fingertips. He pushed himself up, using the border of the sink as a lever and was just about to make it when the door burst open and he jumped, startled, falling backwards as the basin beneath his feet slipped on the smooth tile floor. He would've smashed his head once again if it weren't for the strong calloused hands that grabbed him just in time.
Daniel's gaze followed the big hands up to robust biceps on a set of broad shoulders then up to Jack's angry face staring down at him. "Hi, Jack." He smiled his most innocent little boy smile, but it didn't seem to be having the desired effect as it only served to deepen Jack's frown, if that was even possible.
Danny swallowed hard, swiftly averting his gaze to the floor. Jack set him down on his feet unceremoniously. Daniel steeled himself for the lecture he knew was coming in full force. He waited, and waited... but nothing happened. Just when he was about to look up at Jack to find out what was keeping him, Daniel felt himself being lifted from the floor again and carried to the sink.
Jack turned on the water, rubbed a good amount of soap on Danny's hands and washed them vigorously in brisk, controlled movements, rinsed them and, without saying a word, put Daniel down, took some paper towels and dried his hands in the same vigorous manner.
Daniel didn't dare look up, and when Jack took him by the hand and walked him out of the room, he walked by his side in meek silence.
"A nurse came a few moments ago and brought you some breakfast." Jack broke the silence courteously.
Danny jumped at the suddenness of Jack's voice , looked wide-eyed up at Jack, then at the tray placed next to his bed. "I'm not hungry," he mumbled.
"Tough." Jack lifted him up and put him down on the bed, then placed the tray on the bed table before him. "Eat up," Jack instructed in a clipped tone.
Danny stared down at the food, wrinkled his brow and looked up at Jack expectantly. Jack pointed down at his plate with his index finger, the look on his face alone left no room for argument. Daniel sighed and picked up the spoon lying next to his plate, slowly lifting a spoonful of cereal to his mouth.
Jack seemed content with this and picked up the cup of coffee the nurse had left for him.
After a few quiet minutes Janet entered the room holding what most likely was Daniel's medical chart. "Good morning, Daniel."
"Morning," Daniel answered unenthusiastically.
"How's your breakfast?" Janet asked conversationally.
Daniel shrugged, keeping his eyes fixed on the tray.
Janet eyed the Colonel questioningly.
Jack shrugged. "He loves it, Janet. Thank you." He answered in a gruff tone, then glared at Danny meaningfully.
Danny glanced up at Jack from beneath his lowered lashes and squirmed under the hard glare.
Janet could obviously feel the tension in the air. She looked from Daniel, sitting quietly with his half-eaten breakfast, to Jack, who was staring daggers at the squirming boy. Janet cleared her throat, and they looked at her. Directing her attention to Daniel, she asked, "So, Daniel. How are you feeling today? Any headaches?"
"I'm fine."
"Daniel," Jack prompted.
"What? It's true! I'm fine!" he hollered.
"Hey! Watch the attitude, young man," Jack chided.
Daniel blushed beet-red and slumped as far down as he could, wanting to curl up in a hole somewhere and just disappear. "Well, okay," Daniel conceded, "I do have a little headache. But it's hardly there, honest. Can I go now?" he whined, very much like the four-year-old he looked to be.
Janet smiled warmly. "Not yet, Daniel. First I would like to examine you, and wait and see if your breakfast stays down. Then maybe at around noon I'll clear you to go home," she explained.
"Home? No, no way. I have a lot of work to do." Daniel's serious tone and child-like voice didn't exactly sound right together and the two adults couldn't help but look slightly amused. Daniel eyed them suspiciously, sensing their amusement and not the least bit happy at not being taken seriously.
"I'm sorry, Daniel. But what you need right now is rest. I don't want you working for at least a few days, all right?"
"No! It's not all right! Why does everybody else seem to think they know what's best for me better than I do?" Daniel's irritation was palpable now, "Can't I choose anything for myself anymore?"
"I happen to be a doctor, Daniel. And I know what's the best treatment for a concussion, and that's rest. As your doctor, I can't in good conscience clear you for duty after a head injury, however mild. It has nothing to do with you being a child. If you were still an adult, my orders would still be the same. You needed stitches, you were unconscious, and sick. So that's all there is to it, no work for at least a few days. Doctor's orders, understood?" Janet said in her stern no-nonsense tone.
Daniel pouted and crossed his arms over his chest, but didn't say anything.
Jack rolled his eyes and answered for him. "He understands, Janet. Don't worry." Jack grinned sweetly up at her, vowing to kill Daniel once he was better. Or maybe sooner.
TBC ;)