Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play with SG-1 once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise. (And if I owned it, Stargate SG-1 would run forever.)
Beta Reader: (Original): Pollyanna
Beta Reader(2013): Edited by Jon from stargatetwins dot com (Typo's are all mine.)
Reviews: ccdsah: just a follow up on the reply I sent, in an interview Carmen Argenziano (Jacob Carter) gave, he said when asked about Sam's romantic storylines with Jack, 'I simply think that Sam would have been happier with Daniel as far as being a better father and a better husband than, Jack.' So I took that idea and kind of ran with it, along with the idea I'd been given before. So I'm not the only one who thinks Daniel and Sam make a cute couple. Winjan: glad you liked it; the parallel universe was fun to do, so many Daniels – so little time. Nighshae: It did kind of make sense that if other universes were popping in, then why not theirs, so it was kind of fun to write my SG-1 into the storyline. Glad you liked it. Scottiedog: There's more Daniel in this chapter, as well as more Margo, I hope you enjoy it. I'm writing as fast as I can. Siochan Peace: Hi Katie, I'm glad you like it so far. Cameron and Kayla are a cute couple. Oops did I say couple?
Author's Note: Firstly, I'd like to say a big thank you to Pollyanna for beta reading and putting up with me. Thank you, so much. And once more thank you to everyone who is reading this story, I hope you're all enjoying it and I guess by now you can see I don't follow the norm. But hey, it's just a story.
DF
Chapter Four: Family
Dr. Daniel Jackson waited nervously next to the Atlantis civilian leader, Dr. Elizabeth Weir. The Stargate was active before them, and the SGC had made contact. Doctor Beckett and his medical team were standing by. Just knowing his daughter was injured made Daniel more than nervous, it made him feel sick.
"Relax, doc," Lt. Colonel John Sheppard advised, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Not an easy thing to do. It's not your daughter whose arriving injured, that you haven't even met." Daniel grumbled.
John chuckled softly. "Daniel, you've faced down Jaffa, System Lords, and Wraith, all without blinking an eye. Having a daughter will be a breeze, so don't worry. Besides, Beckett will take good care of her."
"I am sure everything will be fine, Daniel," Teyla Emmagan said calmly. "Kayla sounds like a wonderful young woman."
"She's supposed to be incredibly hot," Rodney McKay declared, tactlessly as usual.
Daniel glared at him, hissing. "Go anywhere near my daughter McKay, and I'll shoot you."
Judging by the look on the archaeologist face, and knowing his background and history, Rodney knew he'd do it.
"I'll help him load the shotgun," John added, threatening him without hesitation.
Rodney gulped and shut his mouth, especially when Ronon Dex nodded in agreement, making him step back a little.
Elizabeth hid her smile, clearing her throat. She'd had a job of it, telling Daniel his daughter had been injured. "All right, let's keep a little decorum."
The Stargate event horizon rippled as the FRED came through the puddle, and was quickly guided out of the way by Atlantis personnel. The puddle rippled again and Colonel Mitchell and Major Michaels came through, behind them came Teal'c, who carried the injured archaeologist. The medical team hurried over to the Jaffa. General O'Neill and Lt. Colonel Carter came through last, and the Stargate closed down. Sam handed Beckett the medical file and containment bag. The Doctor took both, and then ushered the Jaffa, who wasn't relinquishing his charge, and his team out of the Gate Room.
Daniel was torn; he didn't know whether to head for the infirmary or greet his friends.
Elizabeth gave his arm a squeeze. "Say hello, and then go to the infirmary."
He nodded and hurried over to Jack and Sam. "Hey guys."
Sam handed her weapon to the waiting Marine and then hugged Daniel. "Hi," she lingered in his arms, feeling he needed the contact. "She's going to be fine, Daniel," she whispered, knowing he was worried about Kayla.
He pulled back at little. "Thanks, Sam." He looked to his friend, who was also handing over his weapon. "Jack."
"Daniel."
He moved out of Sam's embrace and was drawn into a hug by Jack; the two had been friends for a long time. Not even death had ended their friendship.
Jack released him and gave him a small smile. "You're looking good, this place must agree with you."
"It does," he agreed, nodding.
"Well, you'd better go and see your daughter," Jack suggested. "Lam gave her a sedative, but I'm sure she'd like you to be there when she wakes up."
"Thanks, Jack, for everything," he said as he hurried away.
Sam watched him leave. It had felt good, being in his arms, being able to comfort him for a short time. She felt a hand on her arm and looked, seeing the General was waiting for her. She followed him over to Dr. Weir.
Elizabeth smiled. "Welcome to Atlantis, General O'Neill, Colonel Carter."
"Nice to finally see the place," Jack remarked, glancing around. "Not bad."
"Thank you."
"We just repainted," John said with a grin. He'd lightened up his attitude significantly since the last time he'd seen the General.
"Colonel Sheppard," Jack addressed him. "Are you looking after my Archaeologist?"
John found that amusing. "Actually, General, he's my archaeologist now," he said proudly. "And despite the fact that he's a pain in the ass at times, he's good at what he does, and we're getting along just fine, thank you."
"Sounds like we can compare notes," Cameron remarked, and held out his hand. "Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell, SG-1."
John shook his hand. "Lt. Colonel John Sheppard," he introduced himself. "You're Jackson is a pain in the ass too?"
"Oh yeah, but I won't have it any other way," Cameron smirked.
"So true, they're a rare breed," John agreed.
Standing next to Sheppard, McKay groaned. "Oh, please."
Jack shook his head. "McKay, in case you haven't noticed, Mitchell still happens to have his weapon. Don't make him shot you; he's just dying to shoot something."
For his part, Cameron smiled smugly, making Rodney back off. "I think I left something on in my lab," he mumbled and hurried away.
"That wasn't nice, General," Elizabeth remarked, even though she found it amusing, which showed on her face.
"I know," Jack said complacently, smiling right back.
She shook her head. "Let me introduce the rest of the Colonel's team to you; Teyla Emmagan and Ronon Dex."
"Hi," he greeted, and gestured to Michaels. "Mitchell's 2IC here is Major Ryan Michaels, and here we have Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter, head of R&D at Area 51."
Teyla gave Sam a warm smile. "Dr. Jackson has spoken about you often, Colonel Carter."
"Please, call me Sam," she insisted.
"Very well," Teyla agreed.
"Well, let's get you all settled," Elizabeth suggested. "Then we'll give you a tour of our fair city."
"Lead on, Doc," Jack insisted.
Mitchell and Michaels handed over their weapons to the Marines standing guard, and followed the group away from the Gate Room.
DF
Doctor Carson Beckett looked over the medical records, silently wondering just how much Kayla Jackson was like her father – Daniel wasn't the best of patients, so Carson expected the man's daughter would be just as bad.
He saw the person in question stirring as she started to come out of the sedation. "Looks like your daughter is coming around, Dr. Jackson," he said in his thick Scottish accent.
Daniel had told Carson a number of times to call him by his first name, and in the end he gave up. He smiled nervously, and gave his daughter's hand a gentle squeeze. "Kayla?"
She groaned, putting her other hand to her forehead, being careful of the bandages. She dropped her hand, and turned to the voice, "Dad?"
"Hey kiddo," he said cheerfully, hearing her call him dad was for him exhilarating. Until he'd known about Kayla, Daniel never thought those words would be directed at him.
"Where am I?" She asked him, a bit disorientated.
"You're at Atlantis, Dr. Jackson," Carson informed her before Daniel could. The Scotsman chuckled. "Two Dr. Jackson's, now that's going to make life interesting for a while."
"Which means you're going to have to start calling me Daniel," the elder Dr. Jackson retorted, amused by it.
Kayla smiled at their bantering. "Um, I hate to interrupt here, but could one of you help me up."
Daniel got quickly to his feet. "Sorry honey," he helped her to sit up, seeing her smile as she swung her legs off the bed. "What?"
"Jack's usually the only one who calls me honey," she said softly.
He cupped her face in his hand, being careful of the flash burns that were showing through the bandaging. "I'm glad he was there for you."
"Me too," she agreed.
Carson cleared his throat, getting their attention. "Sorry," he apologized. "Dr. Jackson, you're free to go, luv, but I'd like to see you this evening to change the bandages and to apply more of the healing gel, and then again tomorrow afternoon. Try and keep the bandages from getting wet if you can, lass."
Kayla turned to where she heard his voice. "Um, no problem, and its Kayla," she told him with a smile.
Carson actually blushed. "Well, then, I'll see you later, Kayla."
Daniel chuckled softly as he helped his daughter off the bed, guiding her out of the infirmary. "I have a feeling Carson is going to blush a lot around you."
She felt her cheeks go flushed. "I get that a lot," she admitted, embarrassed. "Jack is always telling me I'm oblivious to a lot of attention I get."
"Funny, he said the same thing to me," Daniel announced and hesitated a moment. "You know, you're handling this better than I am."
"Oh?"
"I was nervous about meeting you," he confessed. He saw her shy away from him by just turning her head, they stopped in the corridor. "Kayla?"
She reached out, fumbled around a bit, and managed to take both his hands in hers, "I was so nervous last night that I couldn't sleep, and Cameron told me something that made me feel a lot better. He said that he met you, after he was shot down over Antarctica, and that even though he was in and out of consciousness, the one thing he remembered clearly was that you cared. You cared who he was and what had happened to him. And he told me I was the same. That I care, sometimes a little more than I should."
Daniel drew her into his arms, feeling hers snake round him, her hands gripping his shirt. He had a feeling he owed Colonel Mitchell a thank you. "If I'd known your mom was pregnant, I would have gone after her. I would have been there for both of you," he said sincerely. "I didn't know though. She left me a note. She said she needed to go home, and that she would always remember me."
Kayla felt tears well in her eyes under the bandagers. "She never stopped loving you," she whispered. "She just didn't want you to throw away your dreams."
He felt tears well in his own eyes. "I would have taken you in, Kayla, when your mom was killed. Nothing would have stopped me."
She sniffled and pulled back, wishing she could see his face. "I know."
Daniel kissed her forehead and then straightened. "We've got a lot to catch up on, good daughter," he said, trying to be cheerful.
Nodding, Kayla smiled at the Abydonian reference. "Yes, we have, good father."
"Come on, I'll take you to your quarters," he said happily, and linked arms with her again, guiding her.
Behind them, Cameron Mitchell stood quietly, having ducked out of sight when father and daughter had embraced.
His 2IC came up to him. "Everything all right, Colonel?"
"Yeah, father and daughter are getting along fine," he reported, pleased.
Ryan had a feeling there was more too it, but didn't comment. "Colonel Sheppard inquired whether you were inclined to go up in one of the puddle jumpers."
That caught Mitchell's interest. "Nice, let's go Major."
"Yes, sir," Ryan said with a smirk.
DF
Daniel walked out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing, looking out at the city and ocean. He'd left Kayla in her quarters with Teal'c, who had offered to stay with her, as they were going to Kel'no'reem together. Teal'c had asked him to join them, but Daniel had declined, needing a moment alone. He'd promised to meet up with them later in the mess hall.
He straightened and removed his glasses, hooking them to his shirt. When Jack had first revealed he had a daughter, he'd been terrified and excited at the same time. The messages he'd received from her hadn't prepared him for meeting her, Kayla was so much like him it was scary. He just wished he knew why Emily hadn't told him, he knew Kayla had said her mother didn't want him to give up his dreams, but he could've done both. He could have. And he could have been there when Emily had been killed, he could have taken care of his daughter, been a part of her life, instead of having her shuffled through the system like he'd been.
"Daniel?"
He jumped as the hand touched his shoulder. "Sam, hey," said with a half-smile.
She rubbed his back gently as she stood beside him. "Are you okay?"
Daniel wrapped his arms around himself, looking over the city and ocean again as his eyes watered. "Why did she do it, Sam? How could she take our daughter away from me?"
Slipping her arm around him, Sam wished she had the answers. "Maybe she was scared Daniel, you were both so young."
"I would have been there for her, I could have done both, I could have gone to college and been there for her," he said, his voice full of anguish. "She knew about my childhood, she knew how I'd lost my parents. How could she do it?"
Sam drew him into her arms and held him, everyone had their breaking point, even Daniel, and he'd had the time to reflect on it, more time then he should have had. She continued to rub his back. Usually it was Jack that Daniel went to in times like this. When he'd returned after Sha're had been taken, Jack had helped him get through it. When he'd been addicted to the sarcophagus, Jack had gotten him through that too. He'd held him in his arms and let him cry. He'd also been there when Sha're had died. Jack had taken Daniel to his place and sometime during the night had sat holding his best friend while he'd grieved for his wife.
Each time she'd wanted to be there; she'd wished he had come to her. However, looking back, she realized she hadn't exactly been there for him. She'd been so busy hiding her feelings and emotions, so busy thinking her and Jack had something, that she hadn't seen what was right in front of her. Then he was taken from them, ascended. That had been the longest year of her life. She'd missed him so much that her heart ached. Walking into his office to talk to Jonas had been so hard, each time she expected Daniel to be there. To look up from whatever translation he was working on and give her that boyish smile of his she loved so much. He hadn't though, and for a while, she actually thought they might never see him again. Then he was back, alive and well. Oh, he'd had to regain his memories of his life before he'd died and ascended, but he'd been back.
Everything started to get back to normal, and then Janet had died. Daniel had grieved again, and once again Jack had been there to get his friend through it. Jack had been there for her, Teal'c and Cassie too, they'd all been there for Cassie. However, Daniel – Daniel had shouldered the pain, buried it and kept it hidden until one day it had all come to the surface and Jack had been there to catch him.
They'd survived and they'd gone on with their lives, changes had happened, but they'd continued to fight. They'd brought down Anubis, and the Jaffa had won their freedom. The Goa'uld were no longer a threat to Earth, at least until Ba'al had returned, but by then they'd gone on with their lives once more. They'd moved on.
Sam concluded she was done with moving on; she was where she wanted to be. She just had tell the man she loved she was there.
Daniel pulled back and wiped his eyes. "Sorry Sam."
"For what, for being human? I've seen you at your worse Daniel, just as you've seen me."
"Yeah, I guess you have," he chuckled, still a little embarrassed about breaking down in front of her, and feeling so relieved that she'd been holding him.
"Hey." She cupped his cheek in her hand; his blue eyes were a well of swirling emotions. It made her heart ache to see him in turmoil. "It's going to be all right, Daniel. I promise."
He put his hand over hers, there was so much he wanted to say, but he couldn't find the words. He spoke over thirty damn languages and now he couldn't say anything he wanted to in any of them. He wanted so badly to tell her he loved her; that he'd loved her for a long time, that he'd always loved her. He drew her hand down and licked his lips as he leant closer to her, making a choice. Talking was so overrated, he decided. He did something he should have done years ago. He kissed her, not a brother-sister type of kiss, but one that she would feel all the way down to her toes. His lips parted hers and he deepened the kiss, pulling her into his arms, putting everything he had into it.
Sam felt like she was going to faint. Daniel was kissing her. God, he was kissing her. Wow, this man could kiss. Not too hard, not too soft, not too much tongue. He kissed like he hugged, strong, confident and with every emotion he felt at the time. When they parted, she caught her breath, totally stunned by her own physical reaction, she wanted him so badly her whole body felt like it was burning up, starving for release.
Daniel panicked, she was staring at him with a shocked expression on her face, and her cheeks were flush. "Oh God, Sam, I'm so sorry," he said backing away.
She grabbed his hand, stopping him, coming to her senses. "No, Daniel," she pulled him back into her arms and kissed him, just as he'd kissed her; well, nearly as good. Damn the man could kiss. She pulled back, seeing the stunned look on his face. "I've waited so long to do that," she whispered. "I think I've been in love with you the moment I saw you on Abydos."
He was confused. "What?"
Sam giggled. "Oh Daniel, you always were oblivious to what was going on around you. I love you."
"You love me?" He asked for clarification.
She nodded. "I was so afraid to admit it to myself. I kept burying it, telling myself I loved you like a brother. I did it for so long, that when I finally woke up to myself, I realized I was alone, very alone, and I didn't want to be. I want to be with the man I love."
"But," he was totally confused. "I thought you and Jack?"
"No," she shook her head. "We tried, but we couldn't get past the Sir and Carter thing, we would have killed each other in a matter of weeks. I love Jack, but as a friend."
"I told Jack, I told him I loved you, before I left," he confessed.
"I know, he told me," she revealed and blushed a little. "He also said that you would make a far better father and husband then he would."
Daniel was embarrassed again, and gently commented, "Jack said that?"
Sam nodded slightly and smiled, it wasn't often she could knock Daniel off track. "He did."
"Why didn't you say anything, I always thought you and him…"
"I guess I was scared," she told him. "Why didn't you?"
"Same reason; that, and I thought you were in love with Jack."
She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling his arms around her, holding her tight. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up. "After you left, I felt like I'd lost a piece of my heart, it was like when you ascended. I knew you weren't gone, but I couldn't see you, talk to you. I wanted to tell you so badly that I loved you and I couldn't. When you came and told me you were coming here, I was so stunned that I couldn't do it, I couldn't just blurt out that I loved you. I wanted you to see this place, to be a part of it; you'd worked so hard to be here."
Daniel kissed the top of her head. God, they'd been so foolish, both of them scared to let the other know what they were feeling. "It doesn't matter anymore, Sam, you're here. We're here together, that's all that matters." He cupped her face in his hands, tilting her head a little so she looked into his eyes. "We've had a helluva courtship, Sam."
She smiled, tears in her eyes. "I guess we have," she rose up onto her toes, her lips inches from his, admitting in a low sultry voice. "You know, I've always found single father's sexy."
"Really; even geeky, single fathers?" He asked teasing.
She chuckled. "There is nothing geeky about you, Daniel," she whispered. "There is sexy," she kissed his lips, "gorgeous," she kissed him again, "and handsome; but definitely not geeky."
Daniel swallowed hard, and that wasn't the only thing hard. "We should discuss this elsewhere; my quarters have a really good view of the ocean and the city."
Sam didn't care about the scenery, not at the moment. "How is the bed?"
He gulped. "Large," he stammered, breathing hard. "I like to stretch out."
"Show me."
Daniel didn't comment, he just took Sam's hand and pulled her along with him, she giggled at his enthusiasm, following willingly.
Standing just out of sight, watching the encounter, were Weir and O'Neill. "I feel like a peeping tom," she whispered as the couple hurried away.
He chuckled. "Yeah, but I just wanted to make sure he didn't stuff it up."
That made Elizabeth laugh, though she was happy for both Sam and Daniel. "Yee of little faith."
"Yeah, I know."
"So General, is there someone back on Earth pining away for Jack O'Neill?" She asked as they left their hiding space, heading down the corridor.
He smiled warmly. "There's someone, 2 someone's actually."
"Oh, do tell?" she urged, teasing.
"Her name is Margo; she has a ten year old son. She's a widow, her husband was killed several years back," he shrugged. "I delivered the news."
Elizabeth was stunned. "He worked at the SGC?"
"Yeah," Jack shivered and stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. "I kept in touch. Drew is a good kid, we get along, and Margo understands I can't talk about work. So it's nice to be able to just talk about other things."
Smiling warmly, Elizabeth understood. She linked arms with the General. "So, is there a wedding in the future? Because I'd like plenty of warning so I can shop for a dress. Not much around here in that department."
Jack laughed. "I'll remember that, though you'll probably be attending Danny-boys before you attend mine."
"We'll see," she mused and changed the subject. "Tell me about Kayla? Is she like Daniel?"
"Oh yeah, she's his kid through and through," he chuckled. "Her first mission through the Gate, she ends up at the bottom of a hole with Mitchell pinned on top of her by an obelisk. Not only does she crack her head open, but she finds a room full of artifacts and other things. And she found a best friend and a family."
Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Colonel Mitchell cares a lot for her."
"Yeah," Jack nodded. "Sometimes, I think more then he should."
"Why, she's not military, she's a civilian."
"But they're still on the same team and I don't want to split them up. They're damn good together, and besides, I could be seeing it all wrong," he remarked.
"And you might not be," she concluded.
"Maybe," he agreed.
They stopped as Elizabeth released his arm and faced him. "General. Jack. Whatever happens, let them work it out, don't let rules and regulations stand in their way. Life is too short. You should know that better than anyone."
Jack nodded his head slowly. He did know it. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see. At the moment, he's her best friend, and I think that's all she wants, for now anyway."
Smiling, Elizabeth nodded agreement, and they continued walking. Like Jack, she understood the value of friendship, especially in their line of work.
"So, doc, think the kids have finished skylarking in that puddle jumper yet?" He asked her flippantly.
She laughed. "I guess it's time to bring them home, General."
DF
Jack sat back in his chair and watched his friend frown for the hundredth time, chuckling softly to himself. Daniel really needed to lighten up when it came to his daughter; it wasn't as if she was a hormonal teenager or anything. She was a grown woman.
It was their second night at Atlantis; they were in the mess having dinner. That afternoon, Dr. Beckett had removed the bandaging from Kayla's eyes, the swelling had gone down and her temporary blindness had been just that, temporary. She was still going to have the healing gel applied to the burns, but she'd left the infirmary smiling. Her glasses on, listening to her father talk about the Ancients and the city they were in, being totally enthralled by it all and everything around her, taking it all in. Of course, five hours later SG-1 had gone looking for its missing team member, along with Sheppard's team, who'd gone to search for their missing geek. Dragging both out of Daniel's lab to have dinner, now the two teams were seated at a table together, minus Daniel, who was seated with Jack, Elizabeth, and Sam.
Sam sighed at her new lover, gently squeezing his thigh. "They're almost as bad as we were."
"What?" Daniel looked back, startled.
Jack sat forward. "Sam said they're almost as bad as we were," he repeated, explaining. "Mitchell looks after Kayla, Michaels baffles them with techno babble and Teal'c protects and guides them all."
"They've been through a lot in a short time, Daniel," Sam said sincerely, seeing how hard this was for him. "And it's made them strong and given them a binding friendship."
Daniel looked back over to the other table and saw Cameron laugh at something Michaels had said, and then lean closer to Kayla to steal something off her plate, she slapped his hand away and he laughed and ruffled her hair, moving his hand away after a gentle caress; it had her smiling a little bashfully at him.
That made Daniel bristle; Mitchell was being overly friendly with his daughter.
Sam put her hand over his, silently amused. "Daniel relax, he'd never hurt Kayla."
"And he's not doing anything inappropriate," Jack assured him, casually, as Elizabeth smothered an amused smile beside him. "Mitchell found out that having Kayla as a best friend is worth all the hassle she gives him."
"Hassle?" Daniel questioned with a curious frown.
"Yes, Daniel, hassle. You're daughter is as bad as you are for getting herself into trouble, for being a pain in the ass, and for being damn good at what she does."
Daniel grinned cheekily. "Well, as you said, Jack, she is my daughter."
"God, don't I know it, you may have given me gray hair, but Kayla," he sighed. "She is going to turn my hair white, I'm damn sure of it."
Daniel laughed. He'd missed this more than he realized. "I guess I've got to get use to being a father."
"Kayla is a wonderful young woman, Daniel," Elizabeth declared. "You've got nothing to worry about."
"Won't stop him worrying though," Jack mused, and saw his friend roll his eyes at him. "So, you settling in here all right?"
Daniel nodded. "Yeah, this place is amazing, Jack. I could spend the rest of my life exploring the city. Elizabeth feels the same way," he exclaimed. "You've only seen a third of Atlantis, there's so much more."
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Daniel is a driving force when it comes to exploring."
"Well, he has to have a hobby," Jack taunted lightly.
"Funny, Jack, real funny," Daniel grumbled, and Jack laughed along with Sam and Elizabeth.
"So how's Sheppard treating you?" Jack queried after they settled down.
"John?" Daniel asked rhetorically, and chuckled. "I barely stepped foot in the Gate Room when he was slapping an Atlantis badge on my sleeve and welcoming me to the team. I think he did it to give Rodney a hard time, but I enjoy being a part of the team. We work well together."
"As long as he looks after you," Jack stated strongly.
Daniel smiled at that. "I can look after myself just fine, Jack."
"Sure Daniel, and you just keep telling yourself that," his friend said trying not to laugh.
He was going to comment, when the laughter from the other table drew his attention again, the two teams were getting along well.
Sam followed his gaze, a part of her wished she was a part of it, and the other part was happy to be where she was. She slipped her arm around Daniel's waist and rested her chin on his shoulder, whispering. "Stop worrying."
He turned his head and kissed her lips gently. "I'm allowed, besides I have 23 years to make up for," he kissed her again and then pushed his chair back, a teasing smirk on his lips as he stood and went over to his team, pulling a chair over to join them, being drawn into the conversation.
Sam glanced across the table to Jack. "Should we keep an eye on him?"
"Nar," Jack remarked. "Mitchell is a big boy, he can handle Daniel."
Elizabeth chuckled at that. "You're kids and mine are getting rowdy, Jack."
"They're just getting started," he mused. "I know my kids."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Come on General, I think we need to leave the kids to play."
"Oh yeah," he stood, and being a gentlemen, helped Elizabeth to her feet. "Come on, doc, I happen to know where there is a good bottle of scotch. As Carter said, let's leave the kids to play."
"Is it safe?" she joked.
"Yeah, they won't kill each other," he remarked as they left. "Well maybe Daniel will kill Mitchell if the Colonel touches his daughter too much, but other than that they'll be fine."
"If someone doesn't string McKay up first," Sam snorted, and they laughed with her.
"They've tried, Sam, they've tried." Elizabeth jeered. "John even carries a lemon with him, just to keep Rodney in line."
"I knew I liked Sheppard," Jack said grinning.
Sam playfully thumped his arm. "Be nice Jack."
"I am being nice," he defended himself, and both women giggled.
DF
SG-1 and Sheppard's team ended up in one of the common rooms, along with a cooler of cold beer that had been smuggled through the Stargate, and a couple of bowls of chips and popcorn. Stories of first missions and amusing things that had happened to them had caused laughter and comments from both teams. Overall though, there was more laughter than anything else; even Teal'c had relaxed a little, as had Ronon, the two men were getting along.
As well as the smuggled beer, Mitchell had arranged for a box full of DVD's, all new titles. Sam, Jack, and Elizabeth were asked to join them, and the movies were started. As the night progressed, laughter was heard coming from the common room, as well as the occasional rude comment about some of the films. Around 0200, the last movie finished.
Daniel glanced over at his daughter. Kayla was asleep next to Cameron on the sofa, and the two of them spooned together, the Colonel's arm thrown over his archaeologist, preventing her from falling off. Daniel realized he hadn't even noticed them lying down together, but then again, he'd been otherwise distracted by the beautiful woman in his arms.
Sam saw where he was looking; she stood and helped him to his feet. "Leave them be, Daniel," she whispered.
Jack patted him on the back. "Let's go, Danny-boy, they're fine here for the night."
Daniel was going to protest, but held back, John and Elizabeth were in a similar position on the other sofa, so he gave in. "Alright," he said quietly. He went over to his daughter and eased her glasses off her face, being careful of the still healing flash burns. He folded them and put them on the low table before following everyone still awake out of the common room, dimming the lights.
"Not bad, Danny," Jack said with a smirk. "Not bad at all," he remarked and walked away smiling.
Teal'c smiled proudly; he bowed his head and followed, with Major Michaels, McKay, Teyla and Ronon not far behind them.
Sam took Daniel's hand and guided him down the corridor. They took the stairs instead of using the transport lifts. Arriving at his quarters, Daniel walked over to the windows, looking out at the moonlight ocean. "Why do I feel like I'm going to lose her, even though I've just meet her?" he asked in a whisper.
Sam came up behind him. She put her arms around him and rested her head against his back. "You're not going to lose her Daniel; she's a grown woman, one who has been alone for a long time. Cameron and the rest of the team broke through her shell and made her a part of their family, making sure she knew she wasn't alone."
"That doesn't make me feel any better, Sam," he groaned.
She chuckled lightly, and moved to stand before him. "That's what being a father is all about, Daniel," she said, slightly amused. She began undoing his shirt. "Enough talk, Dr. Jackson."
"Have something else in mind, Dr. Colonel Carter?" he asked as she maneuvered him back towards the bed while she unbuttoned his shirt.
"I do," she said with a sexy purr.
He stopped when he hit the bed. "I guess I'll just let you get on with it," he told her calmly, even though he was anything but calm on the inside, every touch caused a reaction, and he wanted her even more.
Sam smiled and pushed the shirt from his shoulders, throwing it over her shoulder, she grabbed his t-shirt and it followed. "I believe you were the one who said talking was over rated."
"So I did," he agreed and pulled her down onto the bed with him. "So let's stop talking."
"Let's," she said, and kissed him, talking forgotten.
DF
The sun broke over the horizon, bringing a new morning as John walked out onto the balcony, to the young woman who was leaning against the railing. "Hey."
"Hey," Kayla greeted, straightening. "I didn't expect anyone else to be awake."
He shrugged casually. "I heard you and Cameron talking after the nightmare," he admitted, concerned. "Are you alright?"
She wrapped her arms around her middle, the nightmare had been worse than usual; and had shaken her up more than she was going to reveal. "Yeah, I just needed some air."
"And Mitchell is smart enough to give you a few minutes alone before coming back and dragging you to your quarters." Suddenly he felt stupid, "Sorry Kayla."
She smiled, "It's okay. You used to be better at reading me, John."
He chuckled, drawing her into his arms, hugging her, feeling her arms go round him. "It's been a while squirt."
"Yes it has," she mused, feeling safe in his arms. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, kiddo. Mom and dad were worried, you just disappeared."
"I was sent to the Alpha Site, and then I joined SG-1," she looked up at him. "You disappeared too."
"True, but I've kept in touch since. You didn't tell them."
"No," she stepped back. "I was going to, but I never seemed to find the right time. You didn't say anything."
She had him there, but John had a reason for that. "I don't think Daniel really needed to hear that you were my foster sister, not after finding out you were his daughter."
She smiled sheepishly. "I guess not."
"Nope, not a good idea."
"So, we keep this to ourselves?" she suggested.
"Yeah, might be an idea."
"Okay," she stepped closer and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you later, John Sheppard."
"See you later, Kayla Jackson."
She smiled again, and walked back inside.
John sighed and gripped the railing. He didn't flinch when he felt the arms go round him, he merely smiled. "I'm all right, Elizabeth"
She rested her head against his back. "I know."
Releasing the railing, he drew her into his arms. "We should get some sleep."
"Yes, we should," she said with a sexy purr that she knew would have his pulse racing.
"Not sleepy huh?" he guessed.
"No."
"Well, then," he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "My quarters?"
"They are the closest."
"Yes, they are," he took her hand and hurried her off the balcony. "As I keep telling Daniel, talking is so overrated sometimes."
Elizabeth chuckled softly, "He told Sam the same thing."
"He did?" John smiled. "I'm so proud," he smirked, and they laughed together.
DF
It was late, but that didn't bother Jack as he wandered the city. It was peaceful, so different from the SGC. He knew Margo would love this place; here at Atlantis she could paint for hours. There was so much to see; so much beauty to capture the imagination. Drew would be in heaven. The two of them could go fishing right off one of the piers, or take a Puddle jumper to the mainland.
Stepping out onto one of the balconies, he gripped the railing and silently wondered when he started thinking of Margo and Drew as a part of his family. They'd been a part of his life, but the last few months things had changed, he'd changed. He took the photo from his pocket he brought with him. Leaning on the railing, he looked at it.
Margo and Drew were in it, his arms wrapped around both of them. His other family – SG-1 was standing behind them – Teal'c; who Drew had been fascinated with, asking if he could touch the gold symbol on his forehead. The former first prime had knelt down and let the boy run his fingers over it. Drew didn't know what it really represented, but he'd accepted it anyway, hugging Teal'c. The big guy had been taken back for a moment, but eventually hugged the boy back.
Next to Teal'c was Ryan Michaels, his arm around Kayla's shoulders, hers was around Cameron Mitchell's waist, they were smiling happily.
They were his family. There were missing members, Daniel wasn't there and neither was Sam, but they were family.
He heard footsteps and saw Daniel lean against the railing out of the corner of his eye. Daniel had changed from the geek he'd been, into the confident man who stood beside him.
Jack was proud of him. "You're up late?"
"So are you."
"Yes, but I don't have a hot blonde waiting for me," the older smirked.
Daniel chuckled. "Sam's working on some amazing theory with McKay."
"How many times has he hit on her since she's been here?" Jack asked out of curiosity.
"Only the once, and he won't be doing it again."
"Aha."
Daniel looked at the photo in Jack's hand. "Thanksgiving?"
"Yeah," he answered. "I had it taken before they all took off. Teal'c went to Dakara to see Bra'tac, the old coot said to say hello, by the way," he chuckled as Daniel snorted. "Michaels went home to see his parents and his sister, and Mitchell took Kayla home with him to meet his folks and little brother. He told me his mom gushed over her; he said it was embarrassing."
Daniel chuckled. "I bet she found it just as hard."
"She did," Jack agreed. He put the photo away. "She's a good kid, Daniel."
"I know, Jack," he stared out at the city and the ocean. "What did the investigation turn up?"
Jack had been dreading this since he'd read the report; he hated what he'd found out. He gripped the railing tight enough to make his knuckles whiten. "Apparently Emily Marshall told only one person who Kayla's father was – the family lawyer. She didn't want you to find out and ruin your life, so she had him organize a birth certificate for her that said you were dead. The real one was put away, in case anything happened to Emily. The lawyer died a month before the accident that killed Emily, murdered, and his office was sealed. By the time it was unsealed and his records had been released back to the firm, Kayla was in foster care. The guy's son took over his practice; apparently it was a bit of a mess." He paused. "September of '96 he found an envelope containing Kayla's correct birth certificate, he made some inquiries and found out where Kayla was, after contacting the right people. They put a search out for you."
Daniel squeezed his eyes shut. Kayla would have been fourteen, he was on Abydos at that time and Jack had told them he was dead. He opened his eyes, there was pain in them. "I did this."
"No, Daniel," Jack gripped his arm. "I was the one who reported you dead."
He sighed. "We could spend all night blaming each other, Jack, but the truth is Emily should have told me; she should have let me know she was pregnant. She knew about my childhood, about losing my parents."
"Maybe she was scared, you were both kids yourself when Kayla was born."
"I was 17, Emily would have been 18. We were young adults, Jack."
"Daniel, Emily's parents were rich, and I don't mean comfortable rich, I mean rich, rich," Jack informed. "I'm guessing, but I'd say Emily was more scared of them finding out who you were then anything." He could see Daniel was starting to understand. "They could have made life hell for you, she knew that." He released his friends arm. "I'm not saying what she did was right, but I think she just wanted you to be safe."
"Kayla told me her grandparents died when she was eight. Why didn't Emily contact me then?" Daniel asked him a little bitter.
"I don't know, Danny, I really don't."
There was a moment of silence between them. "Kayla gave me her mother's journals to read. She followed my life, my academic career, right up until she died."
Jack knew that. "Did you know your daughter studied your theories on the Pyramids of Giza being landing pads for alien spaceships?"
"Oh god, she didn't?"
"She did, and she also had a paper published on cross-pollination of languages, using some of your theories as references."
Daniel was surprised and proud. "It's a wonder they published it with my name in her references."
"Well, she thought you were brilliant," Jack smirked, and they both laughed.
"Thanks Jack."
"You're welcome." He saw Cameron and Kayla walk out onto the balcony below and to the left of them, "Looks like we're not the only ones up late."
Daniel looked too. "They were going jogging; the last time I spoke to the two of them. That would have been two, maybe three hours ago. And I think Ronon and Teyla invited them to spar with them in the gym." Cameron and Kayla were in workout clothes, standing close together. "You know they remind me of us."
"Us?"
"Well, you're the one who said Cameron looks after Kayla," Daniel pointed out. "You use to do that for me when we first started."
Jack nodded slowly. "She considers him her best friend, and I know for a fact he thinks the same way about her," he told him and smiled warmly. "He knows how to handle her when she gets excited over some rock or passage of text. He's the one who looks after her when she's been hurt, when she has a nightmare. She's there for him when he's hurt or nightmares are keeping him awake. They're good together."
Daniel knew by the tone of Jack's voice, there was more though. "Does he have feelings for Kayla?" He saw Jack tense up. "He does, doesn't he?"
"I don't know, Daniel," he admitted, "and to be quite honest..." he stopped; thinking hard about how he was going to say it, "…I think the regulations are wrong, at least within the SGC. If they can keep it away from work and still do their jobs, then I can't see a problem with them being together."
Daniel was a little shocked. "You really believe that?"
He nodded. "Doing what we do, seeing what we've seen? Life is too short, we need to live it, not let it pass us by."
That was profound, especially for Jack, but he made sense. "You're right, Jack," he decided, thinking it through. "You're right." He turned and started to leave.
Jack was stunned; he turned too. "Hey, where are you going?"
"To get Sam, make love to her and then ask her to be my wife." Daniel revealed as he walked away.
Chuckling, Jack leaned against the railing. "Go get 'em, Danny-boy."
DF
On the balcony below, Cameron stared out over the city. He had to admit, at night, with the lights on, it was astonishing.
Kayla smiled and rested her head against his shoulder. Being at Atlantis had given her time to get to know her father, to see her foster brother again. She'd been given the chance to sit in the control chair, to fly a puddle jumper, to use the equipment left by the ancients; it had been incredible.
"Going home is going to be hard after all this," he said softly.
"A little," she agreed. "But, they have their war to win, just as we have ours."
"True, but with the extra ZPM's, they're making headway with the Wraith." Cameron told her, "If we could get a handle on Ba'al..."
"We will," she assured him. "It'll take time, but we'll do it." She straightened. "Walk me back to my quarters?"
"Sure." The two of them had held their own against Ronon and Teyla, having kept up with their Sodan training. Cameron had been proud of her and the rest of his team since their arrival, they'd shown they were just as good as the SG-1 of the past.
Coming to her quarters, Kayla invited him in. "I finished that book you lent me," she went over to the bed and picked it up off the side table. Turning, she handed it back.
"What did you think?"
"It was good, a little slow in places."
"Oh yeah, well, I didn't think so."
She smiled at that. "I bet it took you to the end of the book to figure out the ending, too?" She smirked.
He knew she was teasing him. "You figured it out before the end?"
"Oh yeah."
Shaking his head, he realized he shouldn't have been surprised. Not after this afternoon's conversation in McKay's lab. "So, did you really take the Mensa exam?"
Kayla nodded, shrugging. "I've never made a big deal out of it."
"McKay was a little taken back, especially after he found out your dad had too, as well as Sam and Michaels."
"He's still smarting over finding out John has too. Apparently they have a Mensa group here on Atlantis and he refused to join."
"Oh."
She chuckled, "Yeah."
"Well, I'd better get going." Cameron decided after a moment.
She nodded and walked with him to the door. "I'll see you for breakfast tomorrow."
"You bet," he said, and without thinking about what he was doing, he brushed her hair back behind her ear. "You need a haircut."
"I guess after having it so short, I don't want to cut it," she admitted shyly.
"No one took any notice, Kayla," his hand slipped round to the back of her head, where he gently caressed her.
The incident of 9987 had drawn them together, bound them in a way. She trusted him with not only her life, but also her heart and soul. She knew it, deep in her heart, but mostly she could feel it from him. Taking a small step forward, she placed a hand on his chest, bracing herself as she rose up on her toes and shyly brushed her lips over his. For a brief moment she thought she'd read the moment all wrong, until he responded and pulling her against him, dropping the book, holding her there as he kissed her back, parting her lips to deepen the kiss.
It was wrong, Cameron knew it was wrong, she was a part of his team, but he didn't want to stop. Her lips were soft, her mouth inviting. Her body felt good, pressed against his; it always did. However, at this moment, it wasn't for comfort or warmth or protection. It was because he cared for her, a lot more then he should.
The need to breathe bought them a part. Kayla licked her swollen lips, seeing in his eyes the same desire she felt. "We shouldn't have done that," she whispered.
"But we did," he said and kissed her forehead. "I don't regret it, Kayla, we're two consenting adults." He held her as she rested her head against his chest. His body ached in a good way; it would feel better if he followed through, but he didn't think that was going to happen. "I'd better go."
She looked up, wondering if she wanted him to go; did she want to put her career on the line. Did she want to risk his? "Cam, I…"
"Tell me to go, and I'll walk out the door," he said, a part of him pleading for her to do it, the other pleading for her to let him stay.
"And if I ask you to stay?"
God he wanted to stay. "I'll stay."
DF
John glanced over at his archaeologist, his friend, and chuckled softly to himself; Daniel stood hand in hand with Sam, the two with silly grins on their faces. They'd been like that since Daniel had proposed, and she'd accepted. McKay was sulking; they all knew he'd a thing for Sam; but that was well and truly over now. Elizabeth had agreed to Sam's request for permanent assignment to Atlantis. Jack had the paperwork; he was going to submit it as soon as they returned.
Teal'c was standing with Ronon and Teyla, he'd found both to be formidable warriors. Ryan Michaels had enjoyed his time at Atlantis, and amazingly, he and Rodney had gotten along. The two were still discussing a theory while they waited.
As for Cameron Mitchell and Kayla Jackson, they stood together, more relaxed than when they'd arrived; their time at Atlantis had been good for the both of them.
Jack came down the stairs into the Gate Room with Elizabeth; the General was eager to get home, for his own personal reasons. SG-1 was geared up, their vests and weapons having been returned to them, their duffle bags on the partly empty FRED.
"Elizabeth, it's been fun," Jack told the civilian commander.
"It certainly has, Jack," she said with a smile. "Please come and visit again."
"I intend to. Carter will need someone to find her dad and drag him here, and Daniel will need a best man. So, one way or another, I'll be here."
She chuckled. "I'm looking forward to it."
Teal'c said his goodbyes, and joined the General, as did Michaels and Mitchell.
Kayla went over to her dad and Sam, her P-90 hooked to her belt so it hung at her thigh. She gave Sam a hug and then hugged her dad.
Daniel held her close. "Be careful out there. I know you won't, but I'm telling you anyway."
"I will," she promised as she smiled.
He kissed her forehead; the flash burns were nearly faded. "Thank you for the journals."
She smiled. "They belong to you as much as they do to me," she said and then hugged him again. "Don't do anything stupid, I expect a baby brother or sister, and soon."
He coughed to cover his embarrassment, taking a deep breath. "Working on it."
She laughed and stepped back. "I bet," she mused and went to say goodbye to Teyla and Ronon.
Daniel gestured Mitchell over; the Colonel didn't hesitate. "Colonel."
Cameron smirked. He could play this game too. "Dr. Jackson."
"Take care of my daughter."
He nodded. "I always do, Daniel," he assured him, and then turned and gave Sam a quick hug. "Make sure you keep this man happy, okay."
"I will," she said blushing.
He smiled, shook Daniel's hand, and then returned to stand with the General, Michaels, and Teal'c, seeing Kayla giving John Sheppard a hug and then whisper something to him before she joined them.
"SG-1, are we ready?" Jack inquired.
"Yes, sir," three chorused, and one, "Indeed."
Jack shouted up to operations, "Dial it up, Walter!"
Amelia rose out of her chair and yelled down at the General, "Very funny, sir."
The Stargate activated as Jack laughed, and the FRED was sent through first. SG-1 and Jack approached the Stargate, and with one more look back, Jack stepped through, along with Michaels and Teal'c, leaving only Mitchell and Kayla. They were about to step through when she stopped, as did Cam, waiting for her. She turned and looked back to her father. "Dad, before I go. Don't give John too much of a hard time."
"Why is that?" Daniel asked, seeing Sheppard fidgeting.
"Because, he was the best foster brother I ever had," she smirked and turned, walking through the wormhole with Cameron beside her.
Daniel turned to his friend as the Gate shut down. "Foster brother?"
John suddenly found that he was the center of attention. "Well," he shrugged, "my parents were good with kids; they fostered a lot of them. Kayla was one of the last they brought home."
The archaeologist realized it all made sense. His daughter did seem to know John pretty well, more than someone who'd only been with them a week should. He smiled and gave Sam's hand a gentle squeeze to let her know it was all right. "Next time we're on Earth, I'd like to thank them."
John let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "I think they'd like that."
"So would I."
Elizabeth smiled, "All right, let's get back to work, shall we."
DF
To be continued…