Daniel crossed to draw the drapes and then gingerly climbed into bed, his muscle strain still bothering him. He reached for his blister pack of pain pills, pressed two out and swallowed them down with a glass of water. He then grabbed his heat pad, lifted his sweat top and placed it on his stomach, hoping that that and the medication combined would ease the ache for him.

He then scooted up in bed a little, grabbed Nick's book and reached to turn the bedside light on. Although it wasn't quite dark, as he'd decided to go to bed early, the evening dusk light wasn't quite bright enough to read by.

After dropping the old clothes off at a charity shop, Daniel had returned home, sorted through Nick's papers and heated up some soup. By the time he'd finished clearing away he was totally exhausted and more than ready to have a soak in the bath and go to bed.

It had been a tiring, stressful day and as he settled down to read, he hoped that tomorrow would be the enjoyable, relaxing day Jack had promised.

Xxx

The turkey was cooking, the table laid and veg prepared. All that was missing were his guests.

Jack had been up with the dawn to put the bird in the oven and after his normal morning jog, he'd prepared all the trimmings and readied his house for the occasion.

Cooking was something that Jack enjoyed, cooking for others actually made him very happy whether it was MRE's in the field or cranking up the grill for a good old-fashioned O'Neill barbeque.

Thanksgiving was a special occasion though and this being the first one SG1 had gather together for he was really making every effort to impress. He wanted it to be an event they would all remember for a long time.

The doorbell pulled him away from his stuffing preparation and after wiping his hands, he jogged down the hallway to greet his first guest.

"Carter," he grinned. "Welcome, welcome."

"Good morning, sir," Sam grinned back and handed him her basket full of corn fritters and pecan pie. "Am I the first to arrive?" She asked as they made their way into the living room.

"Yup," Jack nodded and headed to the kitchen to continue with his preparation. "Teal'cs on his way and I've just called and woke Daniel up."

Sam followed him into the kitchen. "Good job you called him, he'd have missed out on all the fun," she grinned as she watched Jack stir the onions on the stove.

"Yes he would," Jack grinned back, spooned the onions into some breadcrumbs, gave it a quick stir, transferred them into an ovenproof tin and then popped them into the oven. "Glass of wine?" He offered Sam as he crossed to the refrigerator.

"Don't mind if I do," Sam answered as she perched on a kitchen stool.

Jack poured her a glass of white wine. "Here ya go."

"Thank you, sir. Cheers." Sam held her glass up and then took a sip.

"Cheers," Jack took a slug of his beer and was just about to clear away his mess when the doorbell rang again.

"Make yourself at home," he told Sam before leaving to let his next guest in.

Everything was ready and going to plan.

It was going to be a great day.

xxx

Daniel pulled up to Jack's house, turned off his ignition and rested his head back against the headrest for a moment.

He had expected to sleep heavily last night but strange dreams and the dull ache in his side kept pulling him from his slumber. Infact it wasn't until the sun started to rise that he actually achieved deep sleep and he would have probably slept the rest of the day if Jack hadn't have rung him. The ache was still there alongside a dull headache so he'd been glad that he'd had enough time to grab a cup of coffee and swallow down a couple of Tylenol before leaving.

After taking a deep breath in preparation for the day ahead, Daniel climbed out of the car, made away round to the trunk and opened it. He was just about to reach in for the crate of beers and wine when Teal'c appeared at his side.

"Allow me, Daniel Jackson," the Jaffa bowed and lifted the crate.

"Thanks," Daniel smiled, grateful that his friend had offered to help as he wasn't sure that lifting such a heavy crate would do his muscle strain any good. "Am I the last one here?" He asked as they walked down the path leading to Jack's house.

"Indeed," Teal'c replied as he nudged the door open with his foot. "Major Carter is on her second glass of alcoholic beverage," he informed and they made their way into the kitchen where Jack and Sam were waiting.

"Morning, Daniel," Sam greeted, raising her glass in his direction.

Daniel crossed and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Morning, Sam," he retorted. "Morning, Jack. Sorry I'm late."

"Not a problem," Jack assured as he crossed over to the refrigerator. "Glass of wine, Daniel?" He offered.

"I'd rather have a cup of coffee, if that's okay. It's a bit early for me," Daniel answered as he took a seat.

"Coffee it is." Jack reached for a mug. "I've got some of that special Columbian stuff you keep raving about," he told him as he poured him a cup. "Only the best for Thanksgiving," he grinned as he passed it to Daniel.

"I'm impressed," Daniel grinned back and then took in the familiar aroma. "You've really thought of everything," he added and took a sip.

"I've tried," Jack shrugged and then turned to the oven. "Right," he reached down to open the oven door. "I think this bird is about ready so if you'll take your drinks into the dining area, lunch will be served."

Sam grabbed her glass and the now near empty bottle of wine, hopped off her stool and then led Daniel and Teal'c out of the kitchen. "I'm starving," she said as she looked for her place setting card. When she found it, she patted the chair next to hers. "You're next to me, Daniel," she told Daniel as she sat down. "And you're opposite Daniel," she told Teal'c.

They all took a seat.

"Do you need a hand in there?" Daniel asked when a clatter then came from the kitchen. It took Jack a moment of two to answer and Sam was just about to get to her feet when the Colonel walked proudly in with the Turkey.

"Would you like to do the honours, Teal'c," he offered Teal'c as he placed the Turkey in front of the Jaffa.

Teal'c stood, nodded and then reached for the carving knife.

The turkey was quickly carved and vegetables served.

SG1 then relaxed and enjoyed the special meal together, giving thanks for not only the food but also the special bond they had that had kept them all safe this year.

Xxx

The meal had been a very relaxing affair – good food shared by good friends and this and many worlds had been put to right. After clearing away, they gathered round the fire in the lounge.

"I'm stuffed," Sam sighed, resting back on the sofa and undoing her skirt button. "That was a wonderful meal, sir."

"Indeed it was, O'Neill," Teal'c agreed with a curt bow.

"Couldn't eat another thing," Daniel added as he sat back with his coffee.

Jack picked up his glass and swirled his brandy round. "Glad you enjoyed it guys," he smiled. "Mind you, you hardly touched yours, Danny boy," he scowled at his youngest teammate.

Daniel just shrugged in reply and then took a sip of coffee. Truth to be known, he was beginning to feel really out of sorts. His muscle strain was bothering him and his stomach felt unsettled, the addition of a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings was not sitting well. He had managed to sneak a couple of antacids though so hopefully it would settle soon as he was really enjoying his day.

"The turkey was especially moist," Sam continued as Jack reached and put another log on the fire. "What's your secret?"

"Ah," Jack grinned and returned to his armchair. "Not my secret, Carter. Granny O'Neill's."

Sam chuckled. "Well, Granny O'Neill was a very good cook."

"That she was," Jack nodded and picked up his drink again. "I think my favourite Thanksgiving was the last one the whole family were together, the one before she passed away. I'd never seen such a feast before. All the women of the family had pitched in and I swear we were still eating left over's at Christmas." He took a sip of brandy and sighed. "Good times."

Sam nodded and curled her legs up on the sofa. "I know what you mean," she agreed. "We had wonderful Thanksgivings on Grandpa Carter's ranch. We'd spend the morning horse riding and after lunch, Grandma would always get the Monopoly out. The game would go on for hours."

"We'd always get the cards out," Jack chuckled. "My dad sure knew how to play poker." He smiled softly at the memory and then turned to Daniel who was curled up on the other end of the sofa. "Okay, Daniel – what are your best Thanksgiving memories?"

Daniel shrugged and stared into his coffee cup. "I'd actually count this one as the best, actually," he admitted sadly.

"What? Really?" Jack frowned.

Daniel continued to stare into his drink. "Well, we were off world last year, the year before that I was in the infirmary, the one before that I was on Abydos and the years before those don't really count."

Sam reached over and placed a comforting hand on his knee. "Surely you had some good times?"

"Not really, Sam," Daniel shrugged again, giving her a sad smile. "When my parents were alive we spent most of the time living out of suitcases on digs. From what I can remember, my mom did always try to make the day special but had limited produce available. After they died, I was in and out of foster families, not really putting any roots down so to speak. I never felt I fitted in anywhere. Don't get me wrong, most families tried to make me feel welcome and part of the family but my heart was never there, if that makes any sense?"

"Yes is does," Sam smiled softly and gave his knee a squeeze.

Daniel reached and patted her hand and returned her smile. "After that," he continued, "I pretty much spent Thanksgiving and Christmas on my own. While I was at college, everyone else would go home but I didn't actually have a home to go to anymore. One year, the janitor bought me a Turkey dinner that his wife had prepared especially for me and, before today, that was my fondest memory."

"Oh, Daniel," Sam scooted over and put her arm round him. "I'm so very sorry."

"Don't be," Daniel patted her knee. "What I didn't know, I didn't miss," he smiled.

"But even so..."

"Hey, guys" Jack interrupted, quickly putting a stop the maudlin conversation. "We've wiped the slate clean today. Your Thanksgivings start from now, Danny boy!"

Daniel nodded. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "That means alot."

"Ah, don't sweat it," Jack shrugged. "We're family now." He lifted his glass. "To family."

Daniel held his coffee mug up, Sam grabbed her wine glass off the coffee table and Teal'c reached for his glass of water.

"To family," they replied in unison.

Jack grinned and took a sip of brandy.

Yes indeed, they were family now and he was going to make sure that Daniel made some new, wonderful memories.

Xxx

The short nap Daniel had taken hadn't made any difference to how he was felling. Infact, if anything he felt worse. A pounding headache had joined his churning stomach and he was glad that he hadn't felt up to drinking any alcohol as at least he could drive himself home without disturbing the others.

Glancing round the room, he smiled at the sight of Sam who was curled up snoring softly and of Teal'c sitting bolt upright in the corner of the room, obviously deep in Kelno'reem.

Jack was the only one awake and he was sat flicking through a newspaper.

"Hey," Daniel uncurled from his cramped position, rubbing his side when his muscle strain objected.

"Hey," Jack smiled back and folded his newspaper away. "Good nap?"

"Yeah, sort of," Daniel shrugged.

"Sort of?"

"Actually," Daniel cleared his throat. "I'm not actually feeling the best," he admitted with a shrug. "Do you mind if I get going?"

"What's up?"

"Just a bit of a headache and upset stomach. I think I need a good night's sleep."

"Yeah, you've had a rough few weeks," Jack sympathised. "Why don't you stay here tonight though? There's a room with your name on down the corridor."

"If you don't mind, I'd rather just curl up in my own bed."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. I'd be better off at home."

Jack stood and reached for the empty glasses and mugs that were scattered all over the coffee table. "You want me to call you a cab?" He offered as he walked over to the kitchen.

"Nah," Daniel pushed up off the sofa. "I haven't drunk anything so I'll be fine to drive." He grabbed his coat off the back of a chair and followed Jack into the kitchen.

"I'll get you a food parcel to take home with you." Jack routed through his refrigerator and pulled out plates of leftovers.

"It's okay," Daniel swallowed hard when the smell of the food turned his stomach. "I'm fine."

"Don't be ridiculous," Jack tutted and grabbed a couple of plastic containers. "I know for a fact there is nothing of any substance in your cupboards, Daniel. At least I'll know you'll be eating healthily for the next couple of days." He spooned some mash potato into a container, added a generous helping of Turkey and topped the meal off with two pieces of corn bread. He then reached for the next container and filled it with sweet corn and greens. "Here you go," he handed them over with smile. "Put them in your cooler when you get home."

"Yes, mom," Daniel sighed as he took the offerings off his friend. Jack was right, he really didn't have much in his cupboard and, if this illness did happen to progress, at least he wouldn't have to worry about staggering down to the shops. "Thank you."

"No sweat," Jack shrugged as he wiped his hands on a cloth. "You sure you don't want to stay?" He added as Daniel failed to hide a grimace of pain as he juggled the containers. "You don't look too good."

"No, I'm fine," Daniel reassured when the pain died down. "Just gonna take a couple of Tylenol and crash for the rest of the night. Tell Sam and Teal'c I said bye."

"Yeah, I will." Jack promised and then followed Daniel down the hall. "Drive carefully," he said as he opened the door for his friend.

"I will," Daniel smiled. "Thank you for a wonderful day; I've had a great time."

"You're more than welcome. Give me a ring when you're home."

"Okay."

Jack watched Daniel slowly make his way to his car and frowned when the archaeologist struggled to get in. He was in two minds whether to insist that Daniel stayed but when he turned and gave him a cheery wave, he was happy that his friend wasn't that bad off.

He stood and returned the wave until the car disappeared into the distance and then turned to join the others.

It was time to get the poker out!