Daniel walked quietly out of the bedroom of the woman he'd just seduced who was now fast asleep, the information he'd stolen safely in the USB stick he held in his hand.

It was something he'd been doing since he turned eighteen, meeting women the Agency told him to, being whoever they wanted him to be and then having sex with them. Sometimes so he could steal something from their home/hotel room, or so the Agency could get photographs for blackmail.

From the moment Smith learned he had a week off from the SGC, he decided Daniel could do a quick mission. Assuring him that he would be back in time to spend the day with Sha're.

For their day out, she'd suggested the zoo, which seemed odd at first, but the more Daniel thought about it the zoo made sense. Sha're had never seen anything like some of the animals that would be kept there, so Daniel agreed.

He'd never felt guilty after a mission the way he did just now, and it wasn't guilt that he'd seduced then stolen from the woman sleeping in the house he was leaving. It was guilt that he'd done it when he was meant to be focussing on Sha're.

Shaking his head, Daniel tried to push that thought away.

He never forced the women he was sent to seduce to do anything, he was just there to be whoever they desired. They always invited him into their bed, and he gave them what they wanted.

He was the best at it because after losing his parents at the age of eight he'd learned to be a chameleon, to be whatever people wanted him to be. When the Agency had taken him in, they'd trained him ensuring he honed that skill especially.

x

"Well?"

Daniel handed the drive to Owens, his handler for the mission, "Here it is. Everything you wanted."

"And Dr Markson?"

"I left her sleeping," Daniel replied, annoyed he had to say this every time, "And ensured there was no trace of me, as per usual."

Owens nodded, handing Daniel a small pack, "Your plane ticket, passport and receipts from your trip to LA to meet up with a former colleague. You have enough time to shower and change before your flight. Smith wants to see you when you get back, you'll receive details of where once you land."

Daniel took the envelope before heading into the hotel, up to the room set aside and stripped before getting into the shower. He closed his eyes as the water battered down on him, washing away the personality he'd adopted for the past few hours, he'd been hoping that he might actually get to have his break from work.

What was strange was Daniel had never been someone who wanted to take a break. He worked and stayed busy because he had nothing in his life other than working for the Agency.

However, being in the SGC was fulfilling in a way he'd never felt before and the people he was getting to know, even if he'd been directed to, he liked them.

Turning off the water, he pushed the thoughts out his mind. He had no other choice, he'd pledged his life to the Agency, they owned him, and he had to do what they wanted.

No matter how he felt about it.

Sha're checked herself in the mirror, for about the hundredth time that day. Her long hair was pulled back loosely so that it was out her face but still framed it. She was looking forward to going with Daniel to the zoo and had taken a long time choosing her outfit so that it looked casual and comfortable, but also that she looked nice.

"You know he's not picking you up for at least another hour," Sara's amused voice made her turn to see her friend standing with Jack, both grinning at her.

"I just want to make sure I'm ready when he gets here," Sha're defended herself.

Laughing Sara hugged her, "Of course you do."

Jack grinned, "Looking forward to the zoo then."

"I am," Sha're frowned at him before she asked softly, "It is not bad I'm spending the day with Dan'iel, is it?"

"Of course not," Jack and Sara assured her in unison.

Jack wrapped his arm around her giving her a soft squeeze, "It's nice you're making friends. Jackson's a good guy. And I've spent enough time around him now that I trust he will take care of you properly."

Sha're smiled sweetly.

"Okay," Sara said, "Come and have some tea. You've got time."

Agreeing Sha're sat with her friends, nervously waiting for Daniel to pick her up.

x

Daniel wished he was getting to spend time with Sha're because he wanted to. Smith had been happy to learn of their 'date' at the zoo assuming this was Daniel about to move forward with the ordered seduction.

He squirmed slightly, scratching at his shoulder where he'd been implanted when he reported in yesterday. This was their new tech that was being put into all those who were working for the Agency in the SGC to record everything they did and said when in the base or offworld.

It was an even shorter leash than before and Daniel hated it, but it had given him a glimpse of who some of the others the Agency had managed to plant within the SGC were.

Parking at Jack's house, he smiled to see Sha're appear, dressed in comfortable jeans and a red blouse.

"Morning," he smiled holding the car door open for her, "Are you ready?"

She nodded, "I am."

"Have fun," Jack called from the doorway, his wife joined him and waved at them.

Sha're rolled her eyes at him before sliding into the passenger seat, Daniel closed the door and got in the driver's side. As he started driving, he glanced at Sha're and decided just to enjoy spending time with her.

x

"That was so much fun," Sha're laughed as they left the zoo, "I have looked at animals on the television and in pictures but seeing them in real life was incredible."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Daniel told her.

"Did you?"

At her big brown eyes watching him worriedly, he smiled telling her sincerely because it was true, "I did. I really enjoyed today."

"I'm glad," she said, "It was nice to spend time outside the base. I enjoy our work, but it is…" she trailed off and blushed.

Daniel nodded, "I know what you mean. How about we get some dinner and watch a movie before I drop you off at Jack's?"

Sha're nodded.

They stopped off at the Greek restaurant he'd found during one of his walks around the neighbourhood he was living in, and they ordered take-out, before heading back to his apartment. He knew what his bosses expected to happen, but Daniel felt it wasn't the right time. She wouldn't be comfortable around him afterwards and he had to keep his position within the SGC. He'd never really done a slow seduction before, the slowest he'd ever taken was two days. But he knew that Sha're was different, both in her upbringing and the fact he wouldn't be able to disappear from her life after sleeping with her.

And Daniel was finding that he was distracted by her in a way he'd never been before.

x

Reaching his apartment, Daniel felt a prickle along his neck as they walked towards the front door from the car. He pulled Sha're to him, as two men with balaclavas covering their faces attacked them.

She let out a cry but moved without question when Daniel pushed her towards the door. He grimaced as one of the men tried to punch him, dodging easily he saw the second man making another grab at Sha're, this time getting a hold of her arm. He pushed her against the wall and Daniel could see the man groping her. Punching the man attacking him, Daniel went to help Sha're, stopping in surprise when she slammed her knee up into his groin before punching her attacker in the nose.

The two men ran away, and Daniel moved to Sha're worriedly. She let out a sigh and wrapped her arms around Daniel's waist leaning against his chest, he could feel her shaking slightly as he gently rubbed her back consolingly.

"I'll take you home," he whispered.

"No," Sha're pulled back, "I want to have dinner and watch the movie with you."

"Sha're…"

"I will not let them ruin our night," she told him stubbornly.

Smiling, Daniel retrieved the bag with their dinner he'd dropped when attacked before escorting her up to his apartment. Getting her comfortable on the couch, Daniel plated up their meal and poured them both a drink.

He placed their plates and drinks on the coffee table, then put the first Indiana Jones on for them to watch. Sitting at Sha're's side, he started the movie.

x

"What the hell were you thinking?" Daniel snapped at Smith over the phone after dropping Sha're home, "Sending two idiots to attack us?"

"Agent Jackson," Smith stated cooly, "Since you have not taken the steps expected I thought a little push would help seal the deal."

Daniel let out an annoyed sigh, "I told you that Sha're's culture does not work that way. And since I'm meant to stay within the SGC I need her to be talking to me. Not to mention O'Neill is very protective of her and I need to stay on his team."

Smith was silent for several moments before replying, "Are you disobeying orders?"

"I'm following them," Daniel replied, "All of them. But you have to let me do this my way so that I don't end up getting discovered or losing the access you want me to have."

He could hear the annoyance in Smith's voice as he replied, "Fine."

The dialling tone made Daniel smile slightly, it was the first time he'd ever won. He then frowned wondering if he had and what the punishment would be for questioning the man in charge.

Daniel felt pain explode in his back as hot metal pierced his shoulder and he fell to the ground.

"Colonel," he heard Carter call.

"I've got him," O'Neill's voice came, and Daniel felt a hand on his arm, "Jackson, open your eyes and look at me."

Open his eyes? Daniel frowned; he was sure his eyes were open.

"Jackson," O'Neill called again before saying softer, "Daniel, I know you're in pain, but I need you to look at me."

Forcing his eyes open, Daniel saw concern on the older man's face.

"Carter is getting the Gate open," O'Neill told him, "This will hurt but I'm going to get you through the Gate. Can you hold on for me?"

Daniel nodded, he felt the Colonel pull him up and Daniel wrapped his uninjured arm around the other man's shoulders letting out a cry of pain as he was pulled to his feet. Every step was agonising, as it jerked his injury while O'Neill half-carried him to the Gate and relief filled him when he felt the ramp beneath his feet.

"Medic," O'Neill's voice sounded as Daniel felt himself being lowered down onto the ramp, "You're okay, kid. The doc is going to put you back together."

When Dr Fraiser appeared in his view, Daniel gave in and allowed the darkness to take him.

x

Sha're slipped into the room where Daniel had been given in the infirmary, relieved to see him sleeping peacefully, his left shoulder and chest covered in a clean white bandage.

"You can sit with him," Janet's voice came making her jump, "It'll be good that he doesn't wake alone."

Sha're nodded before asking, "He will be okay?"

"He will," Janet said, "The wound wasn't as serious as it looked at first."

"That is a relief," Sha're smiled.

Janet squeezed her hand, "You really care for him, don't you?"

Ducking her eyes, Sha're gave a slight shrug.

"It's allowed you know," Janet told her, "You're both single."

Sha're grimaced, "It is not how it is done."

"Maybe on Abydos it's not," Janet mused, "But you're not on Abydos and you can choose whoever you want to love."

Sha're looked at Janet with wide eyes, "I do not…"

"Well," Janet said when the young woman trailed off, "He needs a friend right now. And I know he will be grateful to see you there when he wakens."

x

Daniel felt consciousness returning and wondered for a moment where he was.

"Dan'iel?" Sha're's gentle voice called to him, "Dan'iel, open your eyes."

Forcing himself to follow her order, Daniel's vision was filled with the beautiful face that filled his dreams most nights.

"What…" he forced out, his throat dry.

Sha're turned away and he heard her say something. She turned back to him and spooned some ice chips into his mouth.

"Thanks," he sighed.

"Dr Jackson," the familiar voice of Dr Fraiser said just before she appeared in his vision, "It's good to see you awake. Now just relax and let me check how you are."

Daniel did as he was told, he could see Sha're standing in the corner keeping out of the way and focussed on her, warmth filling him that she'd been with him while he was injured.

"You're very lucky," Frasier's voice pulled his attention back to her.

"I am?"

She smiled, "Two inches to the left and the projectile would have hit you in the heart."

"What heart?" Daniel murmured to himself.

"What?" Fraiser asked.

Daniel shook his head, "Nothing. How long do I have to stay here?"

Fraiser grimaced, "At least a week before you will need another two at least before you can get back to work. But I'm not going to release you when you live alone with no one to watch over you."

"I can look after myself," Daniel argued, exhaustion filling his voice.

"Of course you can," Fraiser blithely, "Now, rest and if you try to move before I've agreed you're ready, Sha're will tell me." He watched her turn to Sha're and say, "I'll be back later."

As the doctor left, Sha're moved to his side once more.

"Thanks for sticking around," Daniel murmured softly.

Sha're squeezed his hand, "I did not want you to wake up alone."

He gave her a smile, his eyes closed for a moment, and he fell asleep without realising it.

"Report."

Daniel sighed, "I'm still on medical leave."

The man on the other side of the phone was silent for a moment before he demanded, "When are you due to return?"

"Dr Fraiser has said it will be another week at least," Daniel replied before adding, "I'm currently in the O'Neill's spare room as it was the only way I was allowed out the infirmary."

"Then you have ingratiated yourselves with them," approval sounded in Smith's voice.

"Sha're insisted," Daniel told him, there was no point trying to pretend otherwise since one of the others would report it, "Since Dr Frasier wouldn't let me leave the infirmary as I live alone."

"That's excellent news," Smith told him,

Daniel grimaced at the delight in the other man's voice, it wasn't often Smith was happy with anything – even when a mission was flawless.

"While you have the time," Smith stated, "Ensure that you get close to O'Neill and Cheri."

Daniel winced at the butchering of Sha're's name, but replied, "Yes, sir."

Hanging up, Daniel leaned back against the pillows staring out the window at the world. It reminded him of several places he'd lived as he was moved around during his time in foster care.

A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts, "Come in."

Sara appeared carrying a tray, "I brought you some lunch."

"You don't have to wait on me," Daniel told her, "I could have come downstairs for something to eat."

"Janet has ordered that you stay in bed for at least the next few days," Sara told him, "So, just let us look after you."

Daniel gave a slight smile, "Thank you."

He hated feeling like this, hated that these people were being so nice to him while he was lying and spying on them. Sara set the tray across his lap, placed a mug of tea on the table beside him before leaving him alone.

It had been a huge surprise when Jack had appeared the day before and handed him some clothes.

"What are these for?" Daniel asked, "Dr Fraiser stated I'm not able to leave until next week."

"Well, Sha're pointed out that spending all that time underground wouldn't be good for your recovery," Jack told him, "So, you're coming home with us to recuperate."

Daniel tried to argue, but Jack pulled out the big guns bringing Sha're to look at him with those big brown eyes filled with concern and Daniel gave in. It surprised him how much power Sha're had over him, how all she had to do was ask him for something and he almost always folded.

Shaking himself, Daniel ate his lunch appreciating Sara's cooking. It was so much better than his and it was nice to be looked after. But he was self-sufficient and had been since he'd been fourteen that he felt a little twitchy letting them care for him.

However, it was just another thing he had no choice in.

x

Sha're rested the blanket over Daniel's lap as he sat in the O'Neill's back garden. He'd been here for two days and was finally allowed out of bed. Although he was being watched over by Sha're as though he was about to expire any moment.

It felt nice, and was something Daniel hadn't had in a very long time, not since his parents had died, someone who cared about him.

The problem was, the nicer she was to him the more guilty he felt about why he was in the SGC. He knew though that he had no way out, the Agency had him under their thumb, they could get to him at any time and nothing he did could change that.

When Sha're handed him his mug of tea, he was still not allowed coffee, and sat across from him so they could talk, Daniel mused that until he was pulled out at least he got to spend time with her.

And he would enjoy every moment of it.