Cassie was giggling helplessly as Colonel Mitchell whirled her around on the ice. Vala couldn't help grinning at the sight. She could see Sam grinning as well from her position on the other side of the ice, General O'Neill smiling as he skated ahead of her.

There was a lot of smiling today. SG-1, plus the "honorary" and "inactive" members, Cassie and the General, had all gotten together at a local ice skating rink. Cassie was enjoying the activity and the teasing from both Colonel Mitchell and General O'Neill. Sam was glowing with happiness at having her family around her. Cam, Teal'c, and Daniel all appeared to be enjoying it, and Vala - she was happy to see them happy.

She had never gone ice skating before, and had insisted on watching a bit before braving the ice herself. Daniel allowed it, taking a turn skating by himself. He seemed so much... lighter today. Maybe it's all this exercise. Then again, it could simply be the joy of just playing around with the convoluted family that was SG-1.

Teal'c, who surprisingly wasn't the most graceful skater, made his way over to Vala. "Vala Mal Doran. Will you attempt to ice skate now?" he asked kindly.

Vala's smile wobbled a bit. Skating looked like it would be fun, but she was worried about falling flat on her face out there. Embarrassment and pain did not make for a pleasant combination. Still, "Sure. I'll give it a go."

She began to put on the skates as she stood by the entrance, and Teal'c called out to Daniel. Vala wasn't sure why he called for Daniel if he was going to be helping her - but apparently, Daniel was quite keen on being the one to teach her to skate. Vala got the last skate on and clung to the wall, hesitant to step out on the ice.

Daniel stopped right in front of her. His blue eyes somehow looked bluer in the skating rink, and he smiled so warmly and softly that Vala could feel herself growing very warm. I may not have needed all of these layers after all.

"Ready to step out?" he asked invitingly. He held out his arms for her to step into.

Vala couldn't help but answer his smile and, carefully, take one step at a time into his embrace. She almost slipped when touching down the second skate, but he quickly pulled her into him and held her up.

Oh my gosh. She definitely didn't need all of the layers. The man felt like a furnace, and the warmth in his face lit her own.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded. I've got to kiss this man later. "I'm fine."

Daniel braced her up as he slowly moved back a little. "We'll take this nice and easy, then."

He explained the basic moves to her as they remained still, studying her eyes to make sure she understood. Vala took the instructions in, still feeling quite nervous.

He smiled encouragingly once again. "Ready to start moving?"

She looked at his eyes, so full of care. He'll hold me up out there. "Yes."

He moved into a position right by her side, carefully supporting her waist to keep her steady. Then, they slowly began to skate, Vala mimicking the moves she had seen the others make out on the ice. It was a lot harder than she had expected. She rather wished the blades she was currently trying to balance on were wider. She almost slipped again, but Daniel's grip tightened. Never wearing layers again.

"You're doing well," he said, as Vala slowly began to skate more gracefully.

She was surprised when Cassie briefly skated by her side, having forgotten there was anyone on the ice other than her and Daniel. "You really are!" the young woman encouraged with a smile.

Vala looked up at her. "Thanks!" she called out as Cassie skated on ahead. Unfortunately, the split attention caused Vala to slip again. But, as always, Daniel caught her. Vala felt she could get used to this - and that thought frightened her a bit.

I don't normally depend on men, she realized. In her experience, people of that persuasion weren't people she could trust. They always let her down.

But then she met SG-1. They were always there for each other - women and men alike. They'd disagree and screw up, of course, but at the end of the day, they all cared about each other. Vala was still scared of trusting people, but she thought trusting her Earth friends was worth the risk.

Like a flash of lightning, it suddenly hit her - Daniel was afraid to trust her. She paused in her skating, and Daniel paused with her, looking down at her face in concern. She looked up at him, mind whirling.

"It's scary to be out on the ice," she began, studying his face intently. "But I know you'll catch me if I fall."

Daniel nodded.His blue eyes were somehow an even deeper blue now, his gaze more intense. "I will."

She stuttered a bit as she made her next statement, big and bold. "I'll do that for you, too."

His eyebrows wrinkled a bit, clearly thinking she meant on the ice, even though it was clear she couldn't skate that well.

"I mean, whenever," she continued. "I'll be here, always. Through good and bad. I'm with you." Please understand, she pleaded internally, hoping her eyes would convey her sincerity.

Something seemed to awaken in his expression. He studied her, and his gaze softened. A boyish smile she very rarely saw lit his eyes. "Thank you, Vala," he replied in a low voice.

She sucked in a breath. Daniel's face was so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. "Daniel?" she whispered, not really knowing what she was asking.

"Are you alright?" he echoed his earlier question in a whisper.

She nodded. Definitely.

"Don't worry," he assured her. "I'll hold you as long as you need me."

Vala didn't want to tell him that if he were to do that, he'd never let go.

For those reading in real time - Happy New Year!