Standing Next to You
Blood may be thicker than water, but unconditional love doesn't need DNA.
.
Mitchell
"Why are you hiding in here?" He found her against the wall, just inside the door to one of the small basketball courts of the SGC. He nearly walked right past her.
Vala jumped a little at Mitchell's voice. "I'm not hiding."
Mitchell knew better. "Bull."
She sighed to herself quietly. Vala made a move to exit, but he blocked her path with an arm on the doorframe. She didn't have it in her to flirt her way out of being trapped between the wall and his body.
"I have orders from the General to bring you back downstairs. And to make sure you are okay." Vala raised an eyebrow at this, unamused. "Out with it. Tell me what's wrong." It was a command, but one with little bite.
Vala stared down at the buttons of his uniform. She absent-mindedly reached up to play with one, hands always needing to be busy. He tried to give her a few moments to work up the will to speak. But eventually he tipped her chin gently with his hand to make her meet his eyes. Her hands stilled on his uniform. He saw a glimmer of anxiety there. It was unusual to him. She usually exuded an overabundance of confidence instead.
"Princess," he coaxed gently.
She sighed. "They're a reminder."
"Of?"
"Of… of… how much the SGC doesn't really need a Vala Mal Doran. You all get along just fine without me…" Mitchell could read between the lines. He was no dim lightbulb. Vala was referring to the SGC aloud, but she really meant Jackson. For the sake of her pride, he could pretend he didn't already know.
"Hey," he interrupted, before she could fall into a rabbit hole of despair. "I will not have someone on my team doubting themselves." He placed a hand on her shoulder and locked eyes with her to make sure that she gave him her full attention. He needed her to understand that he meant what he would say next. "You have earned the right to be here. Ten times over. We need you, Vala. No qualms about it. You belong here with us."
Her eyes shined. He only ever called her Vala when he was serious. But that was usually in the context of giving orders out in the field. Here in the SGC, without any immediate danger to prompt it, his use of her given name only made his words carry more weight. She knew he believed what he was saying to be the Gods-honest truth.
She could be certain of Mitchell's faith in her. She could appreciate the same sentiment from Teal'c or Sam, too. But there was another person who she would like to hear it from, over and over, if only to maintain the absence of doubt. And perhaps he would remind her now and then of his pride in her. But Vala never let go of the small fear that Daniel's confidence was misplaced. That somehow, she was just his little project to distract himself from the thing he was missing most and could never get back.
And now that something was downstairs.
Mitchell could guess what was eating at her. Vala was no fool. He knew she didn't want to be some sort of replacement, or a rebound, for that matter. But there wasn't a whole lot he could do about it. What he could do was stand with her while she tried to face the most direct competition she would ever have when it came to Daniel Jackson. Boy, he didn't envy her one bit. Mitchell patted her arm tenderly and grabbed her hand. "Come on," he said, leading her out. "We shouldn't keep the VIPs waiting. They're here to see you."
Vala let out a sigh in defeat as she let him pull her along.
.
The Visit
They saw Daniel approaching from the other end of the hallway. Everyone paused and stared at each other outside of the designated meeting room. Vala was unsurprised to see excitement and anticipation in Daniel's eyes. She tilted her head to wave him ahead of her, showing deference to him out of respect for who was waiting in that room.
Without hesitation his hand grabbed the doorknob and turned. She watched his eyes as he swung the door open. They grew wide, lighting up, while his cheeks rose into a smile that she had only recently begun to have the pleasure of seeing.
"Sha're," he intoned delicately. Daniel disappeared into the room.
Vala stood frozen in place. Mitchell glanced at her in concern.
Voices drifted out into the hallway. They could hear Teal'c acknowledging Daniel's presence. The sound of two Daniels greeting each other hesitantly. Vala imagined the awkward handshake. She closed her eyes and breathed out when Sha're's musical voice invoked his name in a loving Abydonian accent.
"What brings you here?" Daniel asked.
"We have come to give our thanks to your friend. Your Vala," the woman said smoothly.
Mitchell brushed his hand along Vala's, catching her attention. He nodded at her encouragingly, eyes expressing his support. Then he unceremoniously shoved her in the direction of the door.
"Oh!" Daniel responded enthusiastically. "Right, because she…" He reappeared in the doorway looking for her. Too excited by this meeting to be aware of her discomfort, he grabbed both of Vala's hands and gently guided her into the room. She could see his smile hadn't faltered. In fact, it was wider and brighter even now. He placed her at his side with a hand tenderly resting on the small of her back. Daniel did this without any thought, clearly unashamed to show Vala such affection in front of Sha're. Mitchell meandered into the room and positioned himself next to Teal'c off to the side. He nodded politely and wordlessly to the others, having already been introduced upon their earlier arrival.
And now Vala was once again face-to-face with the Daniel and Sha're from the other side. A couple she had been desperately trying to forget. The other him sat at a table off to the side with her Teal'c. His hair was still long with a part in the center. Large-rimmed glasses framed his eyes. She didn't recognize the pair he had on. The one she had broken long ago, on this side of reality, had since been replaced numerous times.
She met Sha're's eyes bravely. Only warmth and gentleness rested there. The woman was the holy epitome of benevolence. And Vala would have been remiss to ignore her grace.
"Vala," she greeted happily, her voice almost singing in a beautiful sonnet. "I am glad that you returned home safely." Tongue-tied, Vala could only nod. Daniel remained oblivious, his heart pounding in excitement at this rare chance to see Sha're again. The tan-skinned woman looked over to the Daniel who was her husband.
He stuttered a bit as he spoke. Vala was again reminded of this endearing difference between him and the Daniel here that she knew, the one who spoke confidently a mile a minute. "We came to bring you some things," he sputtered as he dug behind him distractedly, looking for a bag.
He handed a tan leather bag to his wife. Teal'c and Mitchell watched with curiosity. She carefully opened the flap and pulled out a neatly folded, light-colored fabric. After Sha're returned the bag to her husband, she stepped forward with the item.
"I am grateful to have met you, Vala," she stated with genuine kindness. She presented the fabric to Vala with two arms. "I made this traditional Abydonian shawl for you with our finest threads, in honor of what you have done for me." Vala allowed herself a small gasp. She never would have expected such a gift, nor their insistence at finding a way to bring it to her personally. And of course this woman would have such admirable talent. Daniel's eyes shone with pride, both at Sha're's creation and the actions of Vala that inspired it. Vala accepted the shawl carefully with two tremulous hands.
"You made this?" Daniel asked, impressed. He reached over to finger the delicate lace edging of the shawl. He recognized the Abydonian ornamentation reserved for items of reverence and prestige. Vala wouldn't know the significance of the designs. Of course, he'd explain it all to her in great detail later. It would have taken Sha're weeks to produce this project properly, putting great care and thought into the motif, arranging the symbols and the colors in such a way that it would tell a story. The story of a hero.
His hand was still resting on her back. He unconsciously pressed into her more as he leaned in to examine the shawl. The touch was enough to remind Vala to speak. "Thank you," she croaked out awkwardly. Vala blinked furiously as she stared down at her beautiful present, tears threatening to form.
Sha're smiled gracefully at her. She placed her hands atop Vala's and softly bowed her head to her in gratitude. As if floating, Sha're stepped back into her previous place, skirt twirling about her like a dance. The other Daniel stood now and approached Vala.
"Yes, thank you," he said meaningfully, "for saving her life. We could not be more indebted to you." He laid his hands atop hers and also bowed his head. Then he stepped backward to be with his wife.
Mitchell and Teal'c smiled at the exchange. They watched Vala carefully smooth her hand over the lace in awe. She met the visitors' eyes. "It's beautiful," she said with emotion. Her Daniel beamed with delight, consciously rubbing her back now. His hand traveled to her shoulder and squeezed. Vala gritted her teeth, trying not to outwardly grimace about the sore spot he forgot about from her recent injury. Any discomfort she had now was of little importance. If she bothered to remind him, it would only distract him from this rare opportunity to see his wife again. She wanted to shrink away and not steal any more of his attention. It was unfair for this pair of visitors to give her any consideration at all.
The other Daniel reached into the pack he brought. "Uhh, we also brought back these." He pulled out some standard-issue SGC gear and laid them on the table. "This device here," he explained, gesturing to a tablet, "seemed to be your logs… thought you might want to get this back."
"Well, hello," Mitchell said with interest. He picked up the tablet, clicked the power button, and noted the memory was nearly full with log entries. Teal'c observed that her missing vest and sidearm had been included in the return. The Jaffa also didn't fail to notice Vala's eyes widening as their CO started to click around in the tablet.
"Colonel Mitchell, perhaps we can allow Daniel Jackson an opportunity to speak privately with Sha're and her husband. I am sure there are many words to be exchanged. We can review the logs with Vala Mal Doran together."
Vala offered Teal'c a small smile of relief and appreciation. He had just given her an out. This was why he was her very favorite Jaffa.
"Good thinking, Big Guy. Come on, Princess, let's go read your diary," Mitchell teased playfully.
Vala huffed and rolled her eyes. The Daniel from the other side watched them with interest. He was curious about how this stranger had so artfully inserted herself into their hearts. Clearly they all had a special affection for her, including his doppelganger. He had never tried to consider what would happen without Sha're constantly at his side. It was reassuring in a way to watch these others together.
As if to drive the point home further, he watched his counterpart, who seemed so different than himself, whisper softly to Vala, "So proud of you." The departing trio exchanged polite goodbyes with the visitors. Daniel let the unfamiliar Colonel and this other Teal'c lead Vala out. The Colonel wrapped an arm around her shoulder fondly as they left.
Sha're smiled. "They love her," she noted.
"We all do," Daniel responded without reluctance.
She hummed in amusement, eyes sparkling and recognizing that this Daniel meant it more than his friends. "Cherish her, Daniel."
He smiled softly in response. "Already do." He could sense her genuine approval and was glad for it.
.
Team
Daniel found them in the main briefing room adjacent to the General's office. Mitchell and Vala were bickering while Teal'c watched in amusement. He was adding his two cents and egging them on with his dry humor. The tablet sat on the table between them.
"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c greeted. "Have our visitors departed?"
"Almost. They're speaking with Jack right now."
"General O'Neill is here?" Mitchell asked in surprise.
"Yep, the minute he found out they were here, he couldn't help himself. Got one of the ships to beam him over from Washington." Daniel shook his head.
"Okay. Well, Jackson, you gotta see some of this," Mitchell said while pointing at the tablet. He grinned mischievously.
"No, Daniel, don't. Don't listen to a word this childish man says," Vala warned.
Daniel grinned. "Now I gotta see it." He stepped closer to the table. Vala tried to stand and block his view, pushing him back.
Behind her, Mitchell pressed play on one of the log entries. Vala tried to spin around to stop the tablet, but Daniel caught her arms behind her, laughing. She half-heartedly tried to break free while Mitchell shushed them both. He adjusted the tablet so Daniel could see better.
On the screen was a dejected looking Vala in plain green BDUs, sans patches. "If I ever get back, I swear I will give Teal'c the biggest hug a Jaffa would ever know, and I might even… hell… give Mitchell a kiss on the… cheek." She said that last word hesitantly with a look of disgust. Daniel laughed loudly. Mitchell laughed heartily with him. "I bet they'll never see this." The Vala in the video sighed loudly. "I really do miss them."
"Aww, Princess, I didn't know you cared," Mitchell teased boisterously. Daniel released her so she could try to attack him in her embarrassment.
As he watched them play-fight like a pair of siblings he shared a knowing look with Teal'c. "And she did do those things," he reminded.
"Indeed."
"With feeling and emotion," he added, loud enough for Vala to notice his provocation.
Teal'c smiled when Vala redirected her attention to Daniel for his contribution to her humiliation.
Before long an airmen interrupted them. He stood there awkwardly, frightful of interrupting the famous SG-1 from, well, whatever it was that they were doing. He had come to inform them that the visitors were finally leaving. Soon the gate began to sound off as it spun.
Vala's playful grin slowly gave way to a more somber expression. "Did you want to…" Vala began.
"I'm good," Daniel said. His eyes smiled warmly at her. "We already said goodbye." He gestured for the team to follow him to the observation window overlooking the gate.
They watched quietly as the other Daniel Jackson and Sha're entered the gate room. They waited patiently for a device to activate, directing a beam of energy toward the active wormhole. Without much fanfare, the two departed and the wormhole shut down.
Mitchell sensed the change in Vala's emotional state. She was reverting back to the way she was when he found her. He thus wasn't surprised when she was the first to step away from the glass. She began heading toward the exit.
Daniel turned at the movement and Mitchell caught his eyes. "Get out of the mountain, Jackson." He cocked his head in Vala's direction, silently encouraging him to bring her with him. He seemed to understand. Daniel followed after her.
"Hey!" he called to her in the hall. She didn't stop walking but spun around to acknowledge him. He sensed the smile she gave him was fake. He fell into step with her once she had turned back around. It took him a moment to think back and realize that she wasn't as enthusiastic about their visitors' presence as he had been. He never expected her to be. But it dawned on him that perhaps something about it made her uncomfortable. Hence, Mitchell's unspoken suggestion to attend to her. "Let's get out of here, huh?"
"Where do you want to go?"
"Home." Sensing her hesitation, which was opposite of her normal response, he reminded her, "You still have a bag there. You'll be fine."
"What about the others?"
He placed a hand on the small of her back again, turning her away from the accommodation block where her quarters were. He moved them both toward the elevators that led topside instead. "Forget them." He didn't let her argue as they followed the normal routine to sign out and leave.
Daniel
Daniel led her to the swinging bench on his back patio and prompted her to sit. He pushed a beer bottle into her hand, naturally choosing the brand she insisted he keep in his house for her. He plopped down onto the seat with a bottle of his own to join her. The sun was beginning to set, casting a red and orange glow all over the sky.
They sat wordlessly for a while as they watched the colors dance over the clouds.
"They were happy, right?" Daniel finally broke the silence.
"I already told you they were," Vala said with a quiet voice. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
He looked at her. She kept her eyes on the sky. "What is it?" he prodded gently.
She glanced at him briefly then returned her attention to a plane passing by. She tried taking a small sip of her beer, which she still had barely touched, to avoid answering. This quietness was uncharacteristic of her. His mind drifted back to what she said when she was still in a state of shock, having just returned from the other reality. He chalked it up to her being in disbelief that she was back. The experience had clearly been distressing for her.
"Why did you say you don't deserve us? Back on the ship."
Vala sighed. "Oh Daniel, you know I wasn't in my right mind." She looked at him in exasperation.
He decided to let it go. He could circle back to that curiosity later, if she was ever ready to admit what that was about.
"I'm sure you were elated to see her again after so many years," she surmised, finally offering to participate in conversation. Vala hoped to shift the focus to him and away from her confused state of mind.
"Like you wouldn't believe. But then again, you know me pretty well by now. I guess you would know," he rambled on. He cracked a smile in her direction. "I have you to thank for this."
She stared at him now. Her half-baked plan immediately backfired as he steered the focus of conversation back to her. This was supposed to be about him and Sha're. "What are you talking about? I didn't do anything."
Daniel looked at her incredulously. "You kidding? You saved her life! That's important."
Vala sighed and turned back to the sky. "I would have done it for anyone in that situation, Daniel."
"I know. But this wasn't just anyone."
She didn't try to respond to that. It was painfully clear to her that Sha're wasn't just anyone to Daniel. That was part of the reason she risked what she risked when pushing her out of the way of that staff blast. Her hand unconsciously rubbed at her sore shoulder. Dr. Lam warned her it would be a while before it felt back to normal.
Daniel went on, trying to fill the silence. "They made the effort to come here, to thank you. And if not for that, I would have never had this opportunity to see Sha're." He scooted closer to her on the bench. "She's been gone a long time. I always wondered if there was an alternate universe where she survived. And now I have my answer. And I'm glad." He laid a hand on her shoulder, gently this time, remembering her physical discomfort.
Vala looked back at him because of his touch. "Well then I am happy that you are happy."
"Thank you, Vala. Honestly, thank you."
She sensed genuine gratitude in his voice. She smiled back at him gently. "You're welcome."
He could see that it wasn't really reaching her eyes. Something was bothering her, but he wasn't sure how to get it out of her. He nudged his shoulder against hers carefully, trying to bring her out of whatever mood this was.
"You kissed Mitchell," he pivoted.
Her face soured. "Barely," she spit back.
"Oh it was a big smooch you laid on him."
Vala scoffed.
"A wet one, right on the cheek. Just like you were promising in that video," he exaggerated.
Vala hit him on the arm, sloshing her barely drunk beer onto the patio.
"The look on his face, Vala. It was golden," Daniel remembered, laughing.
She sighed loudly, but was smiling more fully now. "Like I said, I was still suffering from the travel. Was still a little wonko."
"You're always a little…"
Vala tried to slap him on the arm again to stop him. But he blocked her strike, pushing her back lightheartedly. "Oh just shut up."
Daniel chuckled. "Come here," he said, grabbing her far shoulder and making her cuddle into the crook of his arm.
Vala always enjoyed it when the boys would do this, especially Daniel. But today, it felt less gratifying. She didn't feel deserving of the affection she'd worked so very hard to earn from them.
He sensed her stiffness. She wasn't melting into his arms like she usually would. And then it clicked. Boy was he slow. "You know," he said, absent-mindedly rubbing her arm, "I think she really likes you."
"I imagine she was very thankful, Daniel," Vala countered.
"Yes. But she told me something."
"Oh?"
"To cherish you."
Vala didn't leave his arm but twisted to look at him. "What?"
"And of course I agreed."
Vala stared for a moment, dumbfounded. Daniel had not shown one ounce of shame about her since Sha're arrived. She expected him to refrain from touching her in front of the angel that was his wife. To stand at least a meter away. These days the last thing she wanted was to be known as some village harlot. And yet Daniel couldn't keep away from her. He stood close. He whispered in her ear. Even now he was holding her, while happily committing to memory a visit from his long, dead wife!
Vala put a cool hand to his forehead. "Are you sick?"
He laughed merrily.
"Daniel," she tried to get him to stop.
"Vala." He set his beer down and cupped her face with his free hand. "Sha're is someone I will never stop loving. That's the truth. But it doesn't mean I can't care about someone else, now that she's gone. Life is too damn short for that." His forehead touched hers.
Vala shook her head negatively, too afraid to believe what he was implying. It still wasn't right. How could it be? "I could never compare…"
"It was never a competition," he cut her off.
Vala blinked. Oh, but wasn't it always? Ever since she had learned who Sha're was, back on that Ori ship, there was this ever-creeping doubt that maybe she'd never be good enough. He'd already known true happiness. What more could she really offer him by this point?
But he kept smiling at her, in that way she had been convincing herself was only for her. Vala tried to rid herself of such a ridiculous notion now. He was no more affectionate toward her than Mitchell or Teal'c, she told herself. It was simply the natural closeness of teammates going through harrowing experiences. That must be it.
So she repeated it again, the dreaded statement that made her hairs stand on end and her feet itch to run. "I don't deserve you." She looked away. "You don't deserve me," she said in a self-deprecating tone. Her throat began to tingle. Vala scolded herself for it. Her emotions were getting the best of her against her will.
He brought his hand to her chin, much like Mitchell did earlier on the basketball court, to make her face him. Damn these boys of hers, demanding her attention like this. And damn herself for going soft enough to let them. All she wanted was to hide. "Hey," he said softly. "I'm not messing with you." He touched his forehead to hers again. "You make me live, Vala. You crashed into my life and forced me into the present."
A tear escaped from her eye and slid down her face. She shut her eyes to prevent more from falling. She shook her head, not daring to believe anything he said now. Vala reasoned with herself that his additional affection must have something to do with the emotional high of seeing Sha're.
"You are your own person. You were already insanely impressive by the time I met you. And I could not have been more honored to watch you grow further into this amazing, capable woman you are." He used his thumb to gently wipe away the tear sliding along her cheek. Vala's breath shuddered as she desperately tried to maintain control while he spoke. "You stole the damn Prometheus in under 20 minutes," he recalled. "How could you not get my attention?" He couldn't resist poking at one of her prouder moments as bait.
She let out a small laugh at this reminder, with eyes still shut.
Encouraged by her reaction, he went on. "I'm not asking you to do or say anything you don't want to do. I just want you to know, that yes, I do deserve you, and yes, you do deserve me. After everything that we've both been through, we need each other. My past is the past. You are the present."
She looked at him now. Eyes shining.
"I couldn't ask for someone better to stand at my side right here, right now." Daniel's smile was soft and genuine. He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
She leaned into his chest immediately, and he wrapped both arms around her naturally. She savored the feel of his protective embrace, still stunned that he was willing to regard her so lovingly after seeing his wife again. She couldn't reconcile that conflict, but maybe she didn't need to. Perhaps she shouldn't have been trying to compare herself to a ghost. Vala found herself reassured by his words and believed them for the moment. No doubt the worry would creep back in later.
She sucked in a calming breath, trying to still her shuddering nerves. He rubbed her back patiently. "Thank you, Darling," she whispered into his chest.
"Any time," he responded automatically.
Vala cursed silently. She'd definitely gone soft if all she wanted was this single man's comfort. What was that first tenant of her previous profession? Oh right, never fall for the mark. She wondered idly if she was in that part of her monthly cycle that always made her a tad more emotional. Maybe she could blame that for her unchecked anxiety and inability to hold it together. She used to be so much better at this. "Dammit," she now swore aloud.
"What?" Daniel looked down, but only saw her ebony hair as she leaned into him.
"Nothing," she said lightly. Vala chided herself again for letting that slip.
He wasn't about to let it go. "Dammit, my beer is getting warm? Or dammit, I like this too much?"
She sat back up to find him donning a teasing look. Vala's eye crinkled in annoyance. How in the hell did he read her so easily? "If you must know," Vala began. She briefly considered being completely truthful, but her pride would not allow it. "I think I left my curling iron on."
He rolled his eyes, smile never leaving his lips. This was the Vala he was used to.
"It would be a shame if the SGC burned down," she continued nonchalantly. "And just when I was starting to think those drab gray walls were beginning to look appealing." Vala smoothed out the fabric of her pants.
"Oh yes, the ever-fashionable paint color of concrete," Daniel deadpanned.
She stood up. "Perhaps I should make an emergency call. Get an airmen to knock down the door and get in there with a fire extinguisher…" Daniel pulled her right back down into the seat.
"You're not getting away that easy," he explained, tone still playful.
"But Darling, it is easy," she lied. "Prometheus, remember?"
"Nope. Got you right where I want you. Not letting you go anymore." Daniel's eyes were still sparkling with mischief, but his words held an underlying truth to them.
Vala's expression softened. She stared at him again, incredulous that her heart had jumped so high that it was now in her throat. She hated that he had this effect on her, but loved it all the same. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep untimely words of emotion from flowing out of her mouth.
Daniel saved her from having to struggle. "Come on, let's get you a new beer. That one is probably warm by now."
Vala glanced distastefully at the bottle she had set down, helpless but to agree. "I'm sorry I wasted it."
"It's okay, wasn't my money that bought it."
She narrowed her eyes at him as they both got up together this time.
"I used your credit card," Daniel confessed with a smug look.
"What!" She pushed him lightly into the house. "What have I done to you."
"Consider it a compliment that you're rubbing off on me."
"Not fun when it's at my expense, both literally and financially," she complained.
Daniel just laughed.
.
Teal'c
"Vala Mal Doran," Teal'c greeted her back at the SGC.
Vala grinned at him. "Muscles."
They fell into step together, heading for the commisary. The pair had a lunch date and the mess was serving pie for dessert. It was their mission to never miss the pie.
Upon arrival they grabbed trays and got into line. "I trust you are well?" he pondered aloud.
She made eye contact with him and sensed his concern for her. Vala smiled easily to reassure him and to express her appreciation. "I am, Teal'c," she said simply.
That seemed to satisfy him. The Jaffa bowed his head.
Vala glanced at the white streak of hair he now carried. Ever since he came back from the time dilation field she found his presence more comforting than before. Her curiosity ran wild about what happened in there. Out of all their quiet conversations, that was one story she could never get out of him. Vala swore she'd break him one day.
In the meantime, she enjoyed his company over lunch and pie. Not even Mitchell nor Daniel would interrupt their quality Vala-and-Teal'c time. Vala appreciated Teal'c more knowing that he had died in the other reality, the one with Sha're. She briefly reached over to pat his hand as she droned on about the lastest base gossip. He smiled warmly in her direction with his subtle Jaffa manner.
Teal'c likewise sensed a change in Vala after she returned from her own strange experience. She sidestepped the question about his absence from the other side. Pain was evident in her eyes over it. That was enough for him to refrain from requesting more detail, if only to spare her from remembering. Ultimately, he didn't need to know.
He inwardly marveled at the dramatic difference between his first impression of her in the Avalon cave and his regard for her now. He didn't mind when she laid her head on his shoulder. Or when she would fuss over him if he had even the slightest injury offworld. His Jaffa pride was always set aside for her, his valued teammate and friend. Teal'c had long ago vowed to stand with Vala Mal Doran through whatever trials and tribulations she next faced. Friends like her were rare and worthy of being cherished.
Standing next to you
Standing in the fire next to you
You know it's deeper than the rain
It's deeper than the pain
Deep like DNA
Something they can't take away
Take off
Standing next to you
Know that I'm right here
Standing next to you
No, I ain't goin' nowhere
Standing next to you
-Jungkook and Usher
A/N: I had this one sitting around for a while. I took a step back from another piece to polish this up, then realized it fit the song that's been in my head perfectly. Would love to hear your thoughts. I know Teal'c's bit is somewhat short but I wonder if that's appropriate considering his stoic nature. He doesn't need as many words as Daniel to get his point across. Anyhoo... I offer this up, as is, for now. Sharing is caring, right? Thanks for stopping by. Feedback is appreciated.