A/N: This isn't in the 'Shy' universe. In fact, it may manifest itself as something more. Its own little world - not any time soon, though, so please don't count on it. I got bored and haven't got a reply on the poll on my profile. So I decided on writing for Sam and Daniel at New Year. I own nothing and this doesn't count towards the challenge I'm currently taking part in. Favouritism? I don't know what you mean... ;D
The wind in her hair was something she never thought she'd have to savour one last time. The glare of the sunset on her eyes was something she never wanted to have to burn into her memory. The countdown to New Year's Day was something she never wished to say goodbye to. But the universe didn't seem to care what she thought, or wanted or wished. Her fingers clamped around the gold-sprayed mesh of the balcony - the hotel room, if anything, had a decent view.
Even better now that there's a party to drag everyone else away from it, Sam mused. music was coming from the other side of the grounds, yet the part she could see was as tranquil as she'd have liked her mind to be. I doubt I'll ever think of 'Colonel Carter, I need a word' the same way again...
"Should've known..." she mumbled to herself, shaking her head. Before she had time to bury herself in her woes, there was a click and the door was opened.
"Hey, Sam. Err... What should you have known?" Daniel was standing just in front of the door, as he closed it gently behind him. He wasn't wearing anything particularly special and there wasn't a trace of silly string on him.
"That I wouldn't get a decent New Year. This morning. And," Sam paused, "why aren't you at the party?"
Daniel shrugged, moving to join her in the open air. His expression, unguarded yet exhausted, told her that he wasn't in the same mood as those yelling in the distance. Somehow, it was almost blasphemy that they behaved that way when two people in the building felt so crushed. Their gazed met before Sam stared down at the rippling water of the outdoor pool again. She noted the dolphin at the bottom. It seemed to move freely, independent of the liquid around it.
"It doesn't seem fair, you know. You do so much for these people and they send you off to the biggest unknown we've ever known." It was like the very concept scarred him.
"We can't complain. It's what we signed up for, Daniel," she conceded.
"It shouldn't be, though. We signed up for discovery with the chance of death, not the other way around-" his words drew to an end as she shook her head.
"That's not the point. I have to go," she conceded, bowing her head to block the sight down on the ground. People were filing, stumbling, dancing in. "Why do we even celebrate? It's just another year."
The archaeologist shrugged, "People like partying, it makes them forget what they're worrying about and makes them more worried about how long it is before they get blind-drunk. I guess it just depends on who you are, if you feel like partying..." A gentle hand enveloped hers. Sam stared up into his eyes, looking as though she'd melt with the misery nestled in the tired lines of her face. He took that as a cue, lifted one hand and let the thumb trace the contours of her cheek. The ghosting touch was soothing; it drowned out the sickeningly merry mood outside.
"I don't feel like partying," was her empty reply. They shared a look of understanding. "Because, if I go down there, I won't be the so-strong one who's taking the hit for everyone else. I'll be the sulk who ruined the party."
"Not to me." Daniel offered her a warm smile. "If you ever need anything, I'm here."
"All I need right now is a hug." And, mere seconds after she'd said it, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tender embrace. It was ridiculous. Cliché. But it'd get them past another year.
A/N: Thanks for reading - I know it's horribly short. But, if there's at least one person interested (and I hate putting these kinds of requirements up), I may make a second shot. And there may, quite possibly, be a full-blown story from this seed. But not yet. Again, thank you for reading and Happy New Year!